Chapter 1630: Chapter 1630 Suppression
In the blink of an eye, it was the day for the top scorers to begin their positions at the Hanlin Academy. Because Chang Zhi’s daughter was very interested in Gu Sheng, he rarely stood outside watching on the first day of work.
Most of Chang Zhi’s familiar acquaintances had been transferred out of the Hanlin Academy, leaving only him still there. Most of the time, he was busy revising books, so it was rare for him to come out not busy today.
The three top scorers first began their duties. Zhuo Guyu was a slick person, having visited many people before starting his duties and was therefore not unfamiliar with the Hanlin Academy.
The top scorer, being over thirty years old and with a wider range of experience, had gained the Emperor’s favor, greeted everyone with a smile, and received responses in kind.
Lastly, there was Gu Sheng, the Third-rank Scholar from a poor scholar background. Gu Sheng couldn’t compare to the smoothness of the previous two, and due to his background, he didn’t know much about the Hanlin Academy, which became apparent quickly.
Chang Zhi stood and raised an eyebrow. Zhuo Guyu somewhat suppressed Gu Sheng, and the top scorer was overly slick. Zhuo Guyu, born in a Duke’s Residence, was more closely aligned with the top scorer compared to the poor scholar Gu Sheng.
Chang Zhi spoke, "Gu Sheng?"
Gu Sheng looked up blankly, "My lord."
Seeing everyone looking at him, Chang Zhi said, "I’m the fourth in my family, and I’ve heard my younger brother mention you a lot. Just yesterday, I drank the wine you sent, and it was quite good."
Gu Sheng realized who was in front of him, "I have heard Young Master Zhou mention you, my lord."
Chang Zhi said, "Since we will be at the Hanlin Academy together, if there is anything you don’t understand, you can come and ask me."
Originally, Chang Zhi speaking up surprised the colleagues at the Hanlin Academy. Everyone knew Chang Zhi’s temperament. Now hearing that he was showing more interest in the Third-rank Scholar, they wondered if he had caught the eye of Marquis Zhou or if it was because of the young master of the Zhou family.
Gu Sheng felt grateful in his heart. He had just felt Zhuo Guyu’s pressure and didn’t want to be isolated on his first day at the Hanlin Academy.
In the Palace, Zhou Shuren stood silently as the Second Prince stood in front of him. In a few years, the Third Prince would also start working, and time indeed flew by.
The Emperor understood every move of his second son, and the division of the Ministry of Rites was also his approval. This was his first test for his son in handling affairs, and clearly, he was disappointed. He threw the Zhezi in his hand over, "See for yourself."
The Second Prince hurriedly caught the Zhezi. It was a report against him, accusing him of being too selfish. He admitted he had selfish motives, but his father had also agreed, pressing his lips together.
The Emperor’s gaze was deep, "In the future, learn diligently at the Ministry of Rites."
Meaning he was not allowed to continue interfering in the affairs of the Ministry of Rites.
The Second Prince looked up, "Father."
The Emperor softly and coolly said, "Three years, learn diligently for three years."
In three years, he would be assessed along with the batch of officials who joined the Ministry of Rites. If he passed, he could stay; if not, even as his son, he would have to return to the Palace to continue studying. After all, he wasn’t afraid of losing face.
The Second Prince dared not make a sound, still confused.
Zhou Shuren thought to himself, so that’s why the Emperor agreed so easily to split a department from the Ministry of Rites, it was to test the Second Prince!
The Emperor then told the Crown Prince, "You should also visit the Six Ministries more often."
The Crown Prince knew his father frequented the Six Ministries, felt a stir in his heart, and then sighed. He was now very busy and didn’t have the time to spend at each ministry like his father did, "Yes."
Zhou Shuren let out a sigh of relief. He didn’t want to be burdened with the Crown Prince, especially as he was in his busiest time.
The Emperor let the Second Prince leave and began discussing the visits from foreign nations. Over the past two years, the imperial court had been exchanging grain, which, in the eyes of some countries, represented strength and prosperity of the imperial court, leading to more countries visiting the capital this year.
The Emperor had tasted the sweet benefits of exchange of goods, sending people to explore nearby countries through maritime trade, so he valued this year’s visit from foreign nations greatly.
Zhou Shuren uncharacteristically and generously approved funds for the Ministry of Rites.
In the evening, Zhou Shuren spoke of the visits from foreign nations, "I heard from the Emperor that many are bringing substantial gifts this time."
Zhulan turned her gaze, "Do you think they might send beauties?"
Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, "They likely will."
Zhulan gossiped, "If there are beauties, I wonder if they will end up in the harem."
Zhou Shuren shook his head, "They won’t, the Emperor is not a lustful person."
Every year, people suggest expanding the harem, but the Emperor has never conceded. He heard from the Retired Emperor that the Emperor often resided at the government hall, which meant that he seldom visited the harem.
Zhulan asked, "When will the ambassadors from each nation arrive?"
"In half a month."
Zhulan, "I wonder how many female relatives there are from each country."
"We’ll know when the time comes."
Zhulan brought up Song Lan, "Today Song Lan came over, mentioning a letter from Wu Ming’s family, saying that Song Lan should wait a little longer before going to the grasslands."
Zhou Shuren saw his wife’s expression, "Is there anything else?"
Zhulan sighed, "Song Lan jokingly said there was a new concubine in the family."
Zhou Shuren was shocked, "Mingyun’s letter never mentioned this."
"Mingyun wouldn’t be so bold as to speak about someone else’s family matters. If Song Lan hadn’t mentioned it, I wouldn’t have known. I think Song Lan is eager to go to the grasslands."
Zhou Shuren was silent, "That’s why Wu Ming is a true traditionalist."
Though the couple had changed, some things deep down remained the same.
Zhulan, "Yes, I see Song Lan accepts it quite well. I was thinking of advising her."
Zhou Shuren laughed, "As long as Mingyun is upright, it’s fine."
Zhulan also laughed, "Yes."
The weather grew hotter by the day, and there was more rain. In the blink of an eye, it was the Hanlin Academy’s day off. Zhulan wasn’t surprised when Chang Zhi invited Gu Sheng to the residence.
Gu Sheng did not come empty-handed, bringing along two boxes of wine.
Chang Zhi met Gu Sheng in the front yard, "My younger brother went to the Academy today, please have a seat and feel at home."
After many days of interaction, Gu Sheng learned about Zhou Changzhi’s status at the Hanlin Academy. Having been at the Hanlin Academy for many years, and with his father being Marquis Zhou, the officials at Hanlin Academy were very polite to Zhou Changzhi, which also protected him.
Gu Sheng did not sit down and continued standing, respectfully bowing, "I thank my lord for the protection."
Chang Zhi had observed Gu Sheng for many days, and upon closer inspection found many merits, "You are very clever."
At the Hanlin Academy, he hadn’t spoken much to Gu Sheng, but this one knew how to seize opportunities and establish himself well without being utterly suppressed by Zhuo Guyu.
Gu Sheng was truly grateful. He considered himself fortunate and didn’t think about bringing up Magistrate Anhe.
Chang Zhi, seeing Gu Sheng drinking tea, casually said, "I heard from my younger brother that an official seems interested in you."
Gu Sheng hesitated for a moment and replied, "I have already made it clear."
As for how he resolved it completely, Gu Sheng didn’t want to go into detail. It was quite a convoluted process, but at least the outcome was good.
Chang Zhi didn’t delve deeper, instead started discussing literature with Gu Sheng. After a while, Chang Zhi’s expression grew more and more satisfied.
Gu Sheng gained a lot and felt a strange feeling in his heart. Ultimately, he sensed that Master Zhou was observing him more closely, which made him lower his head to check himself to make sure he looked fine before suppressing the strange feeling.
An hour later, Gu Sheng left the Hou Residence, and Guk Yan was waiting outside. Seeing his younger brother come out with a smile on his face, he asked lightly, "Shall we go home?"
Gu Sheng shook his head, "It’s still early. Since I’m taking a rare rest, I’ll accompany you to check out the farmland."
Guk Yan laughed, "I was just afraid you might be tired."
"I’m not tired."