Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 893 - 729: A Word of Advice

"Alas! His brother-in-law often corresponds with him, and they have a good relationship. Originally, the brother-in-law’s mistake wasn’t an unforgivable crime, so there was no need to implicate Scholar Fang. It’s just a pity that the business under Scholar Fang’s wife’s dowry shop is entangled with Mrs. Huang Yu."

At this point, Zhang Hai’s words made Gu Chengyu understand.

The two families have business dealings, but it’s certainly not legitimate business, or at least the means are improper.

In any case, Fang Huai is definitely implicated by his wife.

Perhaps Fang Huai was aware, then it’s not an injustice. Let’s say he was completely unaware; that’s certainly impossible.

Fang Huai comes from a family engaged in farming and studying, relatively well-off but far from luxury; it’s quite likely he was tempted by profits.

Although Fang Huai’s appearance seems upright, and his temperament seems honest. But as the saying goes, you can know a person’s face but not their heart.

Isn’t the Magistrate of Hejian Prefecture, Liao Cheng, the same kind of seemingly honest person? But inwardly?

Isn’t he full of schemes? His desire for power isn’t small at all.

Moreover, after a long time in the officialdom, where can one not be tempted by power and profit? People change!

After analyzing this matter, Gu Chengyu felt a bit puzzled.

His relationship with Zhang Hai wasn’t so good to casually talk about the rights and wrongs between colleagues and superiors, especially since Fang Huai hasn’t been dismissed yet!

"I know Mr. Fang fairly well; previously, he was my Master of the Provincial Examination. Mr. Fang seemed straightforward; this matter is likely also due to his brother-in-law’s entanglement."

Gu Chengyu picked some pleasant words to say a few things. The person must already be in a desperate state; he has no need to add insult to injury behind their back, carelessly spreading rumors.

"Yes, serving with Scholar Fang in the Hanlin Academy for many years, I know his character. But since he’s implicated, it’s not easy to extricate himself. Judging by the Emperor’s anger this time, he might be truly angry. Today in court, he was furious and insisted on severely punishing officials related to the Hejian Prefecture case."

Zhang Hai glanced at Gu Chengyu, his expression solemn.

Gu Chengyu knowingly nodded, isn’t it so? The Emperor needs to use the Hejian Prefecture case to clear obstacles for the Crown Prince!

Otherwise, how would the Emperor find such a good reason to straighten out those tangled factions?

"It depends on how deep Mr. Fang’s wife is entangled with the Huang family’s issues. Hopefully, Mr. Fang can navigate through safely!"

Though Gu Chengyu said this, in his heart, he was sure that if the Emperor was taking such big actions, even a minor mistake wouldn’t save you from losing your official’s hat.

Then, he thought about the Emperor’s previous promise of promotion. If Fang Huai indeed loses his position, won’t there be a vacancy in the Hanlin Academy?

What a coincidence to find the pillow when you’re drowsy!

Ahem! Thinking like this, it seems not quite right.

Initially, Fang Huai left a good impression on Gu Chengyu, and now he feels rather guilty. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Gu Chengyu sighed, appearing to express regret for Mr. Fang in Zhang Hai’s eyes.

However, Gu Chengyu wondered if he should find a chance to remind the Emperor not to forget his promotion matter.

"If Scholar Fang doesn’t overcome this hurdle, then the position of Assistant Lecturer will be vacant."

Zhang Hai gazed steadily at Gu Chengyu, speaking leisurely.

"It shouldn’t come to that, should it? Maybe Mr. Fang’s situation is just a false alarm. Considering Mr. Fang’s daily diligence, perhaps the Emperor might be lenient."

Although Gu Chengyu already had his eye on the position of Assistant Lecturer, he couldn’t say so aloud.

Mr. Fang is still holding the position! If he said something behind their back, it might get back to them.

What did Zhang Hai mean by bringing this up now? Is he optimistic about me, giving me a heads up in advance?

Coming out from Zhang Hai, just returning to the office, Chou Yifan mysteriously approached Gu Chengyu.

"Jinyu! I heard Mr. Fang has been taken into custody at Dali Temple, and the government officer of the Military Department has already gone to raid his residence."

This had just happened, and it was already widely known in the Hanlin Academy.

"What? So quickly?"

Gu Chengyu didn’t pretend ignorance; since everyone knew about it, acting clueless would make him seem uninformed and ignorant.

Chou Yifan nodded deeply, "Yes! Didn’t expect Mr. Fang to truly be implicated this time, alas! It’s a pity Mr. Fang worked hard for so long in the Hanlin Academy, and he might have been promoted in a couple of years, maybe even transferred to the Cabinet."

Chou Yifan lifted his teacup, his gaze complex toward Gu Chengyu.

Fang Huai was indeed part of the Northern Faction officials, always at odds with Chief Minister Xia’s Southern Faction.

With his fall, the Southern Faction officials will surely add fuel to the fire, making it hard for Fang Huai to recover.

With Fang Huai gone, the position of Assistant Lecturer becomes vacant.

Gu Chengyu and Chou Yifan are both Imperial Academy Attendants, with two other Assistants as candidates for Assistant Lecturer.

The tenure of Chou Yifan and the two other Assistants speaks for itself; after so many years, even if there were no merits, there’d be hard work, right?

And how long has Gu Chengyu been promoted? Surely he couldn’t be promoted again, right?

So Chou Yifan was quite keen on the position of Assistant Lecturer, almost determined to get it.

His father-in-law is Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Bian Shengrong, with backing from the Eldest Prince.

The Emperor cares deeply about the Eldest Prince, especially with the upcoming Crown Prince selection; he’s among the top candidates.

Thinking this way, he indeed has a great chance at the position of Assistant Lecturer!

No way, after work, he must consult with his father-in-law to prevent Gu Chengyu from seizing the opportunity.

The two talked eagerly, both with their own thoughts, testing each other.

In the carriage, Gu Chengyu rubbed his aching temple, instructing: "Go to Yuanxiang Tea House, enter through the corner back door."

After sparring with Chou Yifan until work ended, he had to admit Chou Yifan was indeed conniving.

Among every three sentences, two were probing or persuasive, such complicated tactics!

"Yes, sir!"

Yuanxiang Tea House belonged to Gu Chengyu; he had plenty of tea trees within his space, with the tea being the tea house’s signature.

Gu Chengyu also had a secret elegant room in the tea house with a concealed passage. It was something he built specifically during renovations.

...

"So, you’re saying that Mr. Gu agreed?" Yao Mengxian seemed astonished.

"Indeed! Now it’s just up to you. Xian, Jinyu’s temperament is steady, his abilities needless to say, and he’s principled yet adaptable. Most importantly, he’s loyal; if you marry him, I won’t worry about your future wellbeing."