This incident happened to give the Emperor an opportunity, and as for the outco, it was within his expectations.
After all, considering the matter where Gu Chengyu previously requested a title for his mother, Gu Chengyu should be seen as a filial person.
De’an glanced at the Emperor furtively, for he too had witnessed the recent events. In fact, he felt that Mr. Gu was unjustly trapped, caught between two sides with no way to win.
The matters in Hejian Prefecture, whether they involved the treasure map or corruption and bribery cases, were all credited to Mr. Gu’s achievents.
If other officials had such accomplishnts, they would have long been promoted.
Yet the Emperor deliberately suppressed it, not allowing Mr. Gu to advance in rank.
If he were Mr. Gu, he might have already been disheartened by now. Would Mr. Gu be willing to diligently serve the Emperor in the future?
De’an was puzzled. Since the Emperor wanted to support Mr. Gu, why was he so harsh on him?
All of De’an’s confusion was written on his face. Having accompanied the Emperor for many years, he naturally understood De’an’s thoughts.
Indeed, anyone would be puzzled by this matter, but why should the Emperor explain his actions to others? He had his reasons.
Nevertheless, he was in a good mood now, so he didn’t mind joking with De’an a bit.
"Do you think my actions today were improper? You surely believe that Gu Chengyu has been wronged this ti and might not serve wholeheartedly in the future?"
The Emperor smiled faintly and picked up the morials on the table, beginning to read.
De’an was startled inside, but his expression remained unchanged, and he even nodded repeatedly.
"Your Majesty! You truly have divine foresight! Indeed, that’s what I was thinking. But you are the supre ruler, and no matter how you treat him, he has to endure it. I just fear that he might hold a grudge and procrastinate in his duties, unwilling to give his best for you."
De’an frowned and expressed his concerns.
"Haha! If he can’t let even this go or figure it out, then I don’t need such a fool," the Emperor suddenly laughed, startling De’an.
However, upon hearing the Emperor’s words, De’an grew more puzzled.
He said with a bitter face, "Your Majesty! You know I’m dull-witted. If you only say half, how can I guess the rest?"
"Hmph! I had previously reviewed Gu Chengyu’s records. He started his education at five and at eight beca the top student, a top-ranking graduate."
"Later, at eleven, he topped the Provincial Examination and the Imperial Examination, becoming the Champion Scholar with unquestionable success. Now, in just a few months, he is already an official of Standard Sixth Rank, not only full of talent but also of exceptional strategy. Undeniably, he is a prodigy. Aside from his humble origins, he is flawless."
The Emperor paused his writing, looked at De’an, and sighed softly.
De’an nodded in agreent, for he couldn’t in good conscience deny it, as those in the Dayan Dynasty possibly thought the sa.
"Whenever we see him, he exudes confidence; when have we seen him doubt himself?" The Emperor recalled the ti he sent Gu Chengyu to Hejian Prefecture to seize the treasure map.
Back then, Gu Chengyu verbally expressed difficulty and doubts about accomplishing the task. But the Emperor saw little hesitation on Gu Chengyu’s face; his reluctance was rely a negotiation tactic to seek more benefits.
So by denying him the promotion this ti, it was undoubtedly a harsh blow to Gu Chengyu.
"He is talented, always confident in his tasks, but I don’t think that’s necessarily a good thing."
In the past, the Emperor wouldn’t have minded these things, though Gu Chengyu was enigmatic, but he believed he could manage him.
However, he was now aging, and the Immortality Elixir had yet to be successfully developed.
If he were to pass away one day, could his son maintain his reign?
If Gu Chengyu is well-utilized, he’s a formidable tool, and the Zhao family’s dynasty could continue.
But the Emperor couldn’t let Gu Chengyu believe that confronting Xia Qing was solely dependent on him, that he could lead him to the top of the court.
Just the sa, he could let him fall into the mud. What of the promised promotion? Gone ans gone; that is imperial power.
De’an seed to have gained so understanding, blinking his dry, aging eyes at the Emperor, awaiting further explanation.
Yet the Emperor rely chuckled lightly and returned to his morials. De’an felt a bit disappointed, knowing that the Emperor no longer wished to elaborate.
After his duties, Gu Chengyu went directly to the Liang Mansion, which had already prepared a al.
Liang Zhirui poured a cup of wine for Gu Chengyu, then lifted his own cup for a hearty drink.
"Jinyu! What happened today is my fault, in the end, it’s I who implicated you."
Overwheld with guilt, Liang Zhirui had been deeply remorseful since his return. He even regretted bringing up the matter and detested his own incompetence.
"Teacher, you need not bla yourself, you understand my temperant. If I truly didn’t want sothing, who could force ? Today in the Imperial Study Room, the Emperor seed to offer two choices, but in reality, there was only one. Had I truly chosen to accept the promotion, betraying my previous promises, what kind of person would I be? The Emperor wouldn’t be pleased either."
Gu Chengyu was indeed sowhat disheartened after returning to the Hanlin Academy, but he later carefully contemplated the Emperor’s intent and thought it more likely an assessnt.
"I understand what you an, you’re saying the Emperor is testing you. But whether it’s a test or an obstacle, your promotion is off the table! That’s indeed a tangible loss."
Liang Zhirui waved his hand, letting out a sigh.
Gu Chengyu smiled, "Teacher, life is full of setbacks, few things go perfectly. If I can’t endure even this setback, how can I hold my ground in the court in the future? The days ahead are long; will such matters be scarce?"
Liang Zhirui was montarily stunned, and he looked at Gu Chengyu with slightly moist eyes.
"I didn’t expect the old to be less open-minded than you; you truly are unfettered. You’re right, you are still young, and the future is long. Who always sails through smoothly?"
Liang Zhirui felt a warm delight, for indeed he had not misjudged him.
"Therefore, teacher, there’s no need to bla yourself. Delaying the promotion can also be favorable. I’ve advanced quite swiftly; if I continued climbing without pause, wouldn’t the courtiers have objections? Envious eyes are plenty in the court!"
Gu Chengyu personally refilled Liang Zhirui’s cup, his heart at peace.
To thrive in the officialdom, if such challenges can’t be withstood, one won’t go far, so cultivating patience is essential.
His temperant was yet unrefined, fretting over a re rank advancent.
As the teacher and student exchanged private words, Liang Zhirui brought up the matter of marriage.
"A Holy Decree might arrive in the next couple of days, be prepared." Though it ca at a cost, it was finally settled.
"Yes!" Gu Chengyu nodded.
When the al was over, Gu Chengyu stepped outside and noticed to his surprise that it had started to snow.
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