Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 829 - 665: Lend You a Helping Hand

"Return to the Emperor! If the treasure map cannot be seized, it must be destroyed. I have little foundation, and this journey to Hejian Prefecture is a life-and-death gamble, all I can do is try my best."

Gu Chengyu’s words were not exaggerated; the trip to Hejian Prefecture was indeed a narrow escape.

Even if those people knew he was the imperial envoy sent by the Emperor, they would still rush forward as moths to a flame.

Of course, Gu Chengyu’s martial arts skills were strong; this was one of his means of self-preservation. However, he would not tell the Emperor.

Sure enough, after hearing this, the Emperor’s face was somewhat unnatural.

He knew that the journey to Hejian Prefecture was extremely dangerous; even the eldest son, accompanied by expert Hidden Guards, almost met his end.

Moreover, Gu Chengyu was a weak scholar; if he cherished his life, he wouldn’t agree so readily.

In such a view, exchanging one’s life for a promotion indeed wasn’t worthwhile.

"I send the Second Young Master from Marquis Zhan’s Mansion, Lu Chen, to aid you. He has been an Associate Commander at the Capital Guard Commander’s Department for several months now. With his assistance, you should be reassured, right? Remember, even if the treasure map cannot be recovered, you must destroy it. This is My final concession!"

The Emperor stared intently at Gu Chengyu, his expression unusually grave.

Gu Chengyu knew the Emperor had made up his mind for him to go, even arranging someone to monitor him.

He couldn’t push the Emperor’s limits further; he must understand the principle of knowing when to stop.

Yet Lu Chen had actually become an Associate Commander at the Capital Guard Commander’s Department?

Duke Qin Mansion’s Young Master, Qin Hui, had just plotted for this position, claiming it was hard to wait for an opening, but unexpectedly Lu Chen easily secured it?

This position required a total of only four people, with the two of them occupying half of it. Inevitably, Gu Chengyu felt sour.

This is an aristocratic family, able to easily secure a Standard Fourth Rank official position upon arrival.

Unlike me, who must risk my life for even a minor promotion.

"The Emperor worries for the country and its people, exhausting himself for the lives of all. Although I am weak and incapable, I also hope to help the Emperor solve his worries and do my best for all lives. Rest assured, Emperor; I will certainly do my utmost to complete the tasks you have assigned."

Gu Chengyu kneeled on the ground, his mood considerably stirred, pledging to the Emperor.

The Emperor scoffed, "Do my utmost?" This Gu Chengyu is sly, speaking nicely but really just that!

Duke An also shook his head with a smile; Mr. Gu was indeed good with words.

These sweet words are like a revolving wheel, never-ending. He wouldn’t agree before!

Now it sounds like for a righteous cause; how this thick face was honed remains unknown.

"However, I have a request and hope the Emperor can grant it."

The Emperor pondered, is Gu Chengyu still dissatisfied with the benefits given?

Seeing the Emperor’s displeased face, Gu Chengyu knew the Emperor was again speculating groundlessly.

"In order to secure the treasure map, I request that the Emperor keep my journey to Hejian Prefecture a secret. At least until the treasure map is obtained, please do not disclose this matter."

If I haven’t reached Hejian Prefecture and other Princes get the news, wouldn’t my trip there become a live target?

I fear assassinations will come endlessly along the way, and I want to avoid too much trouble.

"I grant it! Claim illness during this period! Recover once you return!"

The Emperor agreed without hesitation; this obviously cannot be publicized.

However, once the treasure map is obtained, everyone will know, and no further concealment will be necessary.

Though Gu Chengyu thought this excuse wasn’t good at all, he couldn’t think of a better way for now.

His position usually doesn’t grant opportunities for official missions; of course, except this time, so claiming illness is a good excuse.

But he must tell his family and friends to avoid their worries.

Once Gu Chengyu left the Imperial Study Room, he looked at the bright sun outside, feeling its warmth on his body, and his heart was just as fiery.

He understood the Emperor sent him to Hejian Prefecture to test him! Of course, the treasure map was crucial too.

Though this journey was indeed perilous, what of it? Waiting years for a promotion like others following routine, how long would that take?

He said so much earlier just to get the Emperor to promise a promotion!

Having achieved his goal, he was naturally willing to try.

Gu Chengyu took a deep breath, glanced at Xiao Quanzi beside him, and with a bit of a smile chatted with him.

Xiao Quanzi followed him to Hanlin Academy to explain to Zhang Hai. After all, he would leave the Academy for some time and had to ask leave from his superior.

"Congratulations in advance, Mr. Gu! May your promotions come soon!"

Seeing no others around, Xiao Quanzi grinned and slightly bowed.

"Thank you, Eunuch Quan, haha!"

Xiao Quanzi wasn’t surprised at the matter; he had been guarding the door and heard bits of conversation.

The Emperor commanded his departure the next day. Time was pressing. He was thorough in his work, wanting to complete his tasks before leaving.

Fortunately, with only a little remaining work, he wouldn’t need a day. Earlier he faked reading relevant books to match everyone’s pace.

Within less than two hours, he could finish compiling! The earlier content had already been verified, found error-free.

Lu Chen’s matters required no concern, for the Emperor would inform him.

But with Lu Chen’s close ties to Prince Jing, the Emperor’s assignment to him surely wouldn’t keep from Prince Jing.

Gu Chengyu felt a headache; couldn’t the Emperor choose someone else? Why fixate on Lu Chen.

Even if Prince Jing knew his whereabouts, Gu Chengyu wasn’t afraid. While at Prince Jing Mansion, Prince Jing failed to capture him. Going to Hejian Prefecture, Prince Jing could do nothing.

However, with Lu Chen beside monitoring, his actions felt limited.

Gu Chengyu pondered slightly, even if finding Lu Chen a nuisance, he couldn’t often act alone, lest intrigue upon return to the Capital arises.

Gu Chengyu’s thoughts settled on taking things step by step.

"Jinyu! Your talent is appreciated by the Emperor. You’ve just returned to the Capital for half a month, and the Emperor anxiously summons you, envy others!"

Upon entering, Chou Yifan greeted Gu Chengyu with a smile.

They’d grown more familiar working together these days.

Chou Yifan’s face shone with a smile, speaking envy, yet bore no hint of jealousy.

Gu Chengyu lightly smiled; Chou Yifan indeed had deeper mindsets than earlier with Jiang Kenan.

"The Emperor is curious about Jingyuan Prefecture, calling to hear about my hometown."

"I see!" Chou Yifan wanted to probe more, yet seeing Gu Chengyu already absorbed in writing, kept silent.

He pursed his lips in disbelief at such talk.

Returning home after work, Gu Chengyu quickly wrote a letter, "Ming Yan! Deliver this letter to Second Young Master Lu at Marquis Zhan’s Mansion immediately!"