Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity

Chapter 1240: Chapter 1076: Requirements for Promotion

The Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Zhong Shize, as the head of the Ministry of Personnel, oversees the promotion of officials below the fourth rank.

From the day Gu Chengyu joined the Hanlin Academy as a compiler of the Secondary Sixth Rank, every step of his promotion was never decided by the Ministry of Personnel but was appointed by the Emperor. This shows how illustrious Gu Chengyu is, and how smooth his path to promotion has been.

Gu Chengyu has set a precedent, becoming a unique presence in the court. But if the court’s promotion system were all like Gu Chengyu’s, wouldn’t it cause chaos? What is the national law for? Is it useless now?

The Ministry of Personnel has had to suppress many low-ranked officials who have become envious because of Gu Chengyu, causing dissatisfaction among many officials.

Now that the Emperor has passed away, they are wondering if the system that was finally about to return to normal must be disrupted once again for Gu Chengyu’s sake?

"This official also agrees with Minister Zhong. As a court official, Gu Shaoqing is duty-bound to serve the court. We can’t possibly promote him every time he handles a task for the court, can we? This is really unfair to other officials in the court."

Gu Chengyu’s promotion has been rapid enough. As a civil servant, his speed of promotion is even faster than that of military officers, truly unprecedented and unparalleled.

Shen Shikang naturally first raised objections. Gu Chengyu’s swift rise is not good news for the aristocratic families in the Capital.

Many officials feel that Gu Chengyu’s rapid promotion makes them worry that they might have to step aside for him. This has given rise to a tremendous sense of crisis among them.

Prince Jing carefully observed the Crown Prince’s expression. Seeing that the Crown Prince did not voice opposition and seemed to be seriously considering his proposal, he felt relieved.

"Second Brother! Gu Shaoqing is a worthy minister. Now that our eldest brother has rebelled, if he takes the opportunity to win over Gu Shaoqing, it would be a loss for our court. Why not promote him and entrust the task of identifying Prince Gong’s whereabouts to Gu Shaoqing? This way, such a situation can be prevented."

Prince Jing knew that the Crown Prince was tempted, but was just constrained by national law and felt some pressure!

"Prince, your words are mistaken. As I said, even without promoting Gu Shaoqing, he still has to work for the court, it is his duty!"

Shen Shikang’s gaze towards Prince Jing was very unfriendly. Was this person conspiring with Gu Chengyu by instigating the Crown Prince in such a manner?

Jin Wang smiled slightly, "To make the horse run, you must give it grass to eat. Does Mr. Shen not even understand this simple principle? In any case, I believe that Gu Shaoqing is extraordinarily capable, and his contributions to the court far outweigh a mere promotion in rank."

"Second Brother! If you also agree with Mr. Shen, why not choose another courtier from the court to handle this matter? In my humble opinion, Mr. Shen seems quite suitable?"

Jin Wang wore a mocking smile, then adopted a stance of detached indifference.

"Absurd! This official is the Minister of Revenue and is not proficient in investigating cases. These tasks are the responsibilities of the Dali Temple and the Inspectorate. Such words from the Prince seem unreasonable."

Being rebutted by Prince Jing, Shen Shikang naturally felt displeased. Now that the Emperor had passed away, Prince Jing no longer had backing. Moreover, he even seemed to oppose the Crown Prince, so why should he be courteous?

"So Gu Shaoqing was born as an official of the Dali Temple? Wasn’t he also transferred from the Hanlin Academy? And didn’t Mr. Shen serve at the Inspectorate before?"

"Enough! This is an extraordinary period. You all need to restrain yourselves. Instead of arguing over trivial matters, why not use your brains and think about how to rescue the Empress Mother?"

At this moment, the Crown Prince was in a foul mood, but these people were utterly clueless. How could he suppress the fire in his heart?

He took a deep breath and looked at Prince Jing with suspicion, "Fourth Brother, since when did you become so talkative? I didn’t realize you had such regard for Gu Shaoqing before."

Prince Jing raised his eyebrows, "Just discussing matters based on their merits! I’m not blind; I acknowledge Gu Shaoqing’s capabilities."

With these words, most of the officials in the hall had darkened expressions.

"Second Brother! I was wounded by a sword earlier, and my body still feels unwell, so I shall take my leave!"

The Crown Prince nodded, "Very well! Didn’t the Imperial Physician say you need more rest? Your body is weak and will require a long time to recover its vitality. Stay composed during this period, understand?"

The Crown Prince emphasized the word ’weak’ heavily. Although the Imperial Physician said that Prince Jing’s body was indeed not fully healed, he remained skeptical.

"Understood!" Prince Jing bowed, then withdrew from the Eastern Palace.

He revealed a slight, secretive smile at the corner of his mouth, "Gu Chengyu, oh, Gu Chengyu! This is a favor I’m giving you!"

With his reminder, the Crown Prince would surely worry about Gu Chengyu colluding with Prince Gong, and he would certainly agree to the promotion.

"Your Highness! Do you really intend to promote Gu Shaoqing?" Qian Licao noticed that the Crown Prince seemed quite tempted by Prince Jing’s proposal. Naturally, he did not want to see such a situation happen either.

"Your Highness! In fact, it is not unfeasible, but in order to convince others, Gu Shaoqing must make some contributions! The Empress is still in Prince Gong’s hands. If Gu Chengyu can rescue the Empress, such a great merit would surely quell the public’s criticism!"

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Yao Qinglan, glanced at Shen Shikang. This old fox, rescuing the Empress is no easy task.

However, if Gu Chengyu manages to accomplish this task well, after his promotion, he would at least be a Secondary Third Rank. Only one rank lower than him, and aside from his lesser background, he could barely be matched with his legitimate daughter.

Not even of age yet, he is already a Standard Fourth Rank, indeed quite accomplished. Promoting another rank would look better for their family.

The Crown Prince was startled by this, thinking it wasn’t a bad idea after all.

The Crown Prince nodded, "As for the ascension, the Astronomical Bureau has calculated an auspicious date, which is five days from now. I have not yet ascended the throne, so naturally, I am not authorized to promote Gu Chengyu’s rank. However, if he manages to rescue the Empress in the coming days, I will certainly reward him."

This was an agreement!

Yao Qinglan couldn’t help but feel moved. This was a good opportunity; hopefully, Gu Chengyu could seize it.

Two days later, Gu Chengyu rubbed his numb body from the carriage ride and sighed deeply.

There was still a long way to the border. Previously, in order to distance from Prince Gong’s army, they delayed their journey. To reach the border earlier, he ordered Ming Mo to speed up their travel today.

Suddenly, there was a rapid sound of hoofbeats from behind, and Ming Mo promptly moved the carriage to the side.

Many people travel this road during the day, with merchants making up most of them. Of course, there are also many lone riders, mostly messengers delivering letters to way stations along the way, who usually pass by in haste.

Thus, hearing hoofbeats, Ming Mo was already accustomed to it.

"Is that Gu Shaoqing’s carriage ahead?"