Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 692 - 528: Betrayal After Seduction

Actually, at this hour, even Yao Mengxian doesn’t believe her own words. Ji Yuying must be in trouble, and since the Tang Family hasn’t returned yet, they are probably handling the aftermath for Ji Yuying.

Saying this is just for the sake of the Kong Mansion’s face!

Kong Shuhuan forced a smile at Yao Mengxian, feeling anxious inside. Yet, she couldn’t speak of this to Yao Mengxian, even though they were close sisters.

Gu Chengyu was also sitting idly, waiting. The banquet was nearing its end, but the host hadn’t come over yet, so even if Gu Chengyu wanted to leave, he couldn’t.

Lu Chen’s gaze flickered, then he casually remarked, "I wonder who helped rid the world of harm; who does Jinyu think placed the aphrodisiac?"

Gu Chengyu frowned; what did Lu Chen mean by this? Why does he always act so mysteriously and profound? Isn’t he just trying to insinuate that he did it?

Ever since Lu Chen took him to the Prince Jing Mansion, Gu Chengyu knew his intentions were not pure. But as a mere sixth-rank official, what could be so valuable to attract others’ attention?

That day at the Prince Jing Mansion, he was even subjected to a beauty trap; surely it was Prince Jing’s idea? What exactly did Prince Jing fancy about him?

Gu Chengyu chuckled to himself in self-mockery, could they all have seen his potential? He couldn’t help but think proudly.

"I wouldn’t know, does Brother Lu know?" Gu Chengyu asked indifferently.

Lu Chen smiled, "Jinyu is returning home tomorrow, isn’t it? This time, you truly return home with glory. I just regret that despite living so long, I have never left the Capital!"

Gu Chengyu was startled by the words, surely he wouldn’t want to accompany him, right? That must not happen.

"If Brother Lu wants to experience the cultures outside the Capital, it’s not difficult, right? Getting an appointment outside should not be hard for you?"

This time Lu Chen genuinely grinned, and his smile was so sincere that Gu Chengyu could see the amusement in his eyes.

"Unfortunately, I’ve already secured a job in the Capital, otherwise going outside would indeed be a good choice," Lu Chen’s next words surprised Gu Chengyu.

"Oh? What job did Brother Lu secure? How come I’ve never heard Brother Lu mention it? Let me congratulate Brother Lu in advance."

No wonder people envy the children of noble families; they find jobs even easier than the children of officials. Moreover, they aren’t interested in ordinary positions, how can one not be envious?

Lu Chen smiled mysteriously, "Only a few people know, but I can tell you first that it’s a standard fourth-rank official position."

As Lu Chen spoke, the wine aroma from his breath wafted onto Gu Chengyu’s cheek, carrying a rich, intoxicating scent.

Gu Chengyu quickly turned his head sideways, speaking is speaking, why get so close?

Looking at Lu Chen’s bright eyes, his brow furrowed like a tangled rope. Is he drunk?

"Well, congratulations to Brother Lu, but drinking too much harms the body, Brother Lu should drink less wine!"

Gu Chengyu initially intended to inquire further about Lu Chen’s job, but seeing Lu Chen’s state, fearing he had drunk quite a bit and likely was drunk, he instantly lost interest.

Lu Chen paused at these words and then laughed heartily.

"My alcohol tolerance is perfectly fine! I’m not drunk, do you think I’m talking nonsense because I’m drunk?"

Gu Chengyu was speechless for a moment; had Lu Chen been stimulated by something today? He suddenly recalled Prince Jing; could it be heartlessly abandoned? He maliciously speculated as he looked at Lu Chen with an odd expression.

After laughing, Lu Chen rarely became serious, "Actually, if you could go outside, it would be for the best."

Gu Chengyu was somewhat puzzled, letting him go outside? What does he mean?

Lu Chen continued pouring wine, saying softly, "A Crown Prince is going to be established soon, the Capital is about to become chaotic."

This reminded Gu Chengyu that there was talk of establishing a Crown Prince before, but lately, there’s been no news, and he’d forgotten about it.

Is the news brought by Lu Chen accurate? No! Actually, without Lu Chen’s reminder, Gu Chengyu knew this matter was inevitable.

The current Emperor’s health is deteriorating by the day; sooner or later, he would have to establish a Crown Prince. Plus, with the court officials pressuring, the Emperor couldn’t keep delaying.

So which one would the Emperor choose? The most favored Eldest Prince? Or the legitimate Second Prince?

As for the Third Prince, he felt that in terms of both strategy and character, he was unfit for significant responsibility. Regarding the matter of Wan Xue Nian’s suicide, would the Emperor be ignorant?

The last candidate, Prince Jing, he believed was never considered by the Emperor as a Crown Prince candidate. In other words, Prince Jing had been excluded by the Emperor ahead of time.

But would Prince Jing accept this willingly? No! Prince Jing would not accept, so if the Emperor chose a Crown Prince, would Prince Jing resist? Did Prince Jing have any secret plans? He didn’t know.

And the other Princes wouldn’t willingly accept this either; no wonder Lu Chen said the Capital was about to get chaotic.

Gu Chengyu suddenly thought about what Lu Chen and Qin Min were doing, seeking jobs at such a time. Why didn’t these two choose to avoid it? Why the rush for jobs?

It seems these two have already picked a side; otherwise, they wouldn’t have chosen to pursue appointments at such a juncture.

Realizing this, Gu Chengyu knew he must avoid involvement; otherwise, he might be swept into this, becoming a pawn in the political game.

Which side Lu Chen backed was unknown; possibly Prince Jing? Gu Chengyu shook his head; these have nothing to do with him, for now, he should concentrate on being a Pure Minister.

It seems he needs to maintain some distance from Lu Chen in the future; otherwise, being mistaken for being in a faction would be disastrous.

When Gu Chengyu left the Princess’s Mansion, it had been more than an hour.

Gu Chengyu let out a sigh; why did every banquet he attend end up with some problem? Could it never be smooth?

Receiving the return gift from the Princess’s Mansion, Gu Chengyu opened it for a look. He found it contained luxurious items: a painting, a jade pendant, and a yellow jade chi-pattern paperweight.

Seeing the quality of the paperweight and jade pendant, Gu Chengyu knew these items were costly, very valuable in fact.

He didn’t open the painting; he planned to do so after returning home. The carriage was cramped, opening an expensive painting could easily cause damage.

It was compensation from the Princess’s Mansion, quite valuable.

Moreover, it was a gratitude gift for the painting; when the servant handed these to him, he merely conveyed apologies. But Gu Chengyu knew the painting he made was intended for the Empress. The Princess’s Mansion prides itself on strict rules and wouldn’t take his painting for free.

Although from others’ perspectives, he gained benefits, the Princess’s Mansion wouldn’t exploit him, even less for money matters.

"Jinyu! Why are you running so fast? You go back and wait; I’ll talk to my parents tomorrow and go home with you."

Suddenly, a carriage caught up from behind, Zhu Pang’s voice came from within.

Gu Chengyu shook his head with an amused smile; this guy is simply too playful.