Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity

Chapter 917 - 753: Utter Confusion

Gu Chengyu nodded, not showing too much surprise.It was unexpected, yet reasonable. The Third Prince and Prince Jing had never been the Emperor’s choice for Crown Prince, so only the Eldest Prince and Second Prince were left.

The Second Prince was born of the Empress, who is still alive, so the Emperor choosing the Second Prince is indeed reasonable.

As for why the Emperor valued the Eldest Prince so much before but did not choose him now, Gu Chengyu was too lazy to guess.

Who cares if the Emperor was diverting attention or had reached some agreement with the Empress in the end? It has nothing to do with a petty official like him.

Who becomes Emperor doesn’t make much difference to him; it’s unnecessary for him to worry needlessly about it now. Doing his own duties is his main responsibility.

Seeing Gu Chengyu not at all surprised, Zhang Hai squinted slightly.

Could it be that Gu Chengyu had known the inside story earlier? Zhang Hai recalled the Emperor had summoned Gu Chengyu once before; could that be when the Emperor revealed things to Gu Chengyu?

It seems the Emperor still values Gu Chengyu. So maybe the position of Assistant Lecturer is indeed Gu Chengyu’s prized possession.

Gu Chengyu didn’t know Zhang Hai’s thoughts; he understood why Zhang Hai called him over, likely regarding the Holy Edict matter.

"The other Hanlin Academy members are busy; you are only tasked with compiling the partial edition. The Holy Edict will be left to you, and by tomorrow I must present it to the Emperor for review."

Gu Chengyu frowned; it’s almost noon, and he only had the afternoon.

However, when sorting books at Wenhua Pavilion earlier, he had seen Holy Edicts of previous dynasties.

When the late Emperor was in power, there was a Holy Edict for establishing the Crown Prince. Gu Chengyu only needed to follow that model and make amendments.

"Though time is tight, I’ll do my best to finish the Holy Edict before the court meeting tomorrow for your review!"

Seeing Gu Chengyu not declining, Zhang Hai felt relieved.

"You should check the records from the late Emperor’s times, but only for reference, no copying."

When Gu Chengyu returned, Chou Yifan was nowhere to be found.

He thought about Zhang Hai telling him about the Crown Prince matter, perhaps Chou Yifan already got first-hand news.

Connections at court make it easier to climb the ranks; someone must have passed news.

Sure enough, shortly after Gu Chengyu sat down, Chou Yifan entered the room.

"Jinyu! Did Mr. Zhang give you another task?" Chou Yifan glanced at Gu Chengyu, his expression somewhat grim.

Chou Yifan’s father-in-law Bian Shengrong belongs to the Eldest Prince’s faction; the news of the Second Prince as Crown Prince is certainly not good for someone like Chou Yifan.

"Indeed, the Emperor has decreed the Second Prince as Crown Prince, and Mr. Zhang called me over for writing the Holy Edict."

Chou Yifan’s expression stiffened upon hearing Gu Chengyu’s words.

"Mr. Zhang values you, giving you such an important task; you mustn’t disappoint him! If you need help, just ask."

Chou Yifan’s eyes shifted and his face filled with a smile, his tone more enthusiastic than before.

Gu Chengyu smiled, "I can manage for now; if I encounter any difficulties, I’ll be sure to ask for your guidance."

He politely declined after some cordial words.

If it were about compiling the partial edition, Chou Yifan’s help could be justified.

But for something as critical as writing the Holy Edict, Gu Chengyu wouldn’t dare entrust it to others. He wouldn’t even feel comfortable letting him search for related books.

"It seems I saw some related records at Wenhua Pavilion before, so I plan to check there first."

Gu Chengyu stood up, telling Chou Yifan briefly before leaving the room.

Chou Yifan watched Gu Chengyu’s back, his face suddenly turning grim.

With the Second Prince becoming Crown Prince, after the enthronement ceremony, the Emperor will soon confer the prince titles and send them back to their territories.

The Eldest Prince has lost favor, so what will happen to officials of the Eldest Prince’s faction like us?

His father-in-law might be worrying himself gray-headed, but he felt even more anxious than his father-in-law.

Without a chance at the Crown Prince position, does he still have hopes for the Assistant Lecturer position?

Chou Yifan couldn’t stop feeling anxious, pacing back and forth in the room.

He’s not worried about the other Assistant Lecturers, none have his seniority. And though the Eldest Prince lost favor, his father-in-law is still the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, surely the Ministry of Personnel gives him some face.

The other day, he had his wife send a pair of Mutton Fat Jade Pi Xiu to Chen Saimiao’s mansion. Chen Saimiao has a vast network in the Ministry of Personnel, and they both belong to the Eldest Prince’s faction.

Originally with Chen Saimiao managing things at the Ministry, securing a promotion was not guaranteed but highly possible.

Who knew today’s news about the Emperor designating the Second Prince as Crown Prince would come, those Ministry officials are always opportunistic, one wonders if Chen Saimiao can still handle it.

Regarding Gu Chengyu, Chou Yifan frowned.

Mr. Zhang seems to especially care for Gu Chengyu, even entrusting him with writing the Holy Edict, evidencing his value of Gu Chengyu.

If Mr. Zhang seizes this opportunity to commend Gu Chengyu to the Emperor, won’t he be left with nothing?

Thinking thus, Chou Yifan felt restless.

Whether it’s the previous tea tax, salt tax, or the current Hejian Prefecture case, it’s clear this person is a capable minister.

This Hejian Prefecture case is implicated with so many officials, Gu Chengyu’s contributions are significant. Perhaps not having indicated a decision suggests the Emperor is considering a promotion for Gu Chengyu!

Now unable to rely on the Eldest Prince, Chou Yifan felt increasingly anxious and lacked composure.

He set his sights on Gu Chengyu’s position, and suddenly a bold idea sprouted in his mind.

"Gan Dianji!" As soon as Gu Chengyu entered Wenhua Pavilion, he saw Gan Dianji busy with his writing.

Taking off the tooth card from his belt, he placed it on the table.

"Ah! So it’s Mr. Gu!" Gan Dianji looked up to see Gu Chengyu, full of joy.

Gu Chengyu hadn’t visited Wenhua Pavilion much recently, and since he wasn’t on duty every day, it was natural they didn’t often meet.

"Haven’t seen you in several days, hope all is well!" Gan Dianji put down his brush and greeted Gu Chengyu.

"Indeed, haven’t seen each other in a while. When free, let’s have a drink together." Gu Chengyu pointed at the tooth card on the table, indicating they should handle the task first.

Gan Dianji chuckled embarrassedly, took the tooth card, and prepared to register it.

"Better sooner than later, how about I host tonight, inviting you and Lord Ye to dine at Zhijie House."

Gan Dianji hadn’t found the opportunity to host; being a lower-ranking official, he couldn’t keep imposing on higher-ups.

Social exchanges ought to be reciprocal, otherwise, it’s meaningless.

"Today’s difficult, maybe another time!" Gu Chengyu hoped to visit his senior brother’s residence soon after finishing work to learn more about the Crown Prince affair.