Chapter 32 Chapter 32 "Is Ayu going to be distant from me...
==Chapter 32==
Before Feng Wenyu even walked down the corridor, he met Yan Yunhe, who was supposed to go find Feng Wenzhou. He was leaning against the pavilion, casually throwing fishing bait into the lake.
Feng Wenyu saw the person and was not surprised at all.
This guy has always been like this. Asking him to settle down is like asking him to die.
Xie Zhujing's words finally left some traces in her heart. Feng Wenyu felt a little complicated. Was she really partial to Yan Yunhe?
The two of them always disliked and argued with each other when they were together, so much so that when Xie Zhujing pointed out that she was favoring Yan Yunhe, she couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.
Someone noticed her gaze, tilted their head to look over, and raised their chin nonchalantly:
"What are you standing there for?"
His sword-like eyebrows were like stars, and his eyes seemed to contain a smile, yet also seemed to be suppressing anguish, which made Feng Wenyu feel a little depressed.
She walked into the pavilion, sat down on a stone pier, raised her hand to support her chin, and her almond-shaped eyes fell on Yan Yunhe without fail. She subconsciously complained:
"Why are you always like this?"
Yan Yunhe was also used to hearing her complaints, and he spoke up for himself: "What's wrong with me?"
Seeing him pretending to be stupid, Feng Wenyu couldn't help but purse his lower lip and said indignantly:
"I finally figured out how to return the gift, and even made a special trip to Qingning Temple for it. But with you making such a scene, the return gift isn't perfect at all."
After what happened with Yan Yunhe, when Xie Zhujing sees that purse, what will he think of is her feelings for him, or her favoritism towards Yan Yunhe?
Yan Yunhe didn't like what he heard, so he sat down and poured a cup of tea for him and Feng Wenyu:
"He should be grateful if you can return the favor. Why is he still being picky? You and I have known each other for so long. If he can't tolerate it, then it's not your fault at all. It's just that he's petty."
Yan Yunhe didn't hesitate to single out Feng Wenzhou as a pretext: "Did he say something to you? He's so fussy about it. If you give Ah Zhou a peace amulet today, will he start to worry about not being the only one?"
He was not polite at all in trying to sow discord. As for Feng Wenyu, he just wished she could be more arrogant and have a stronger sense of entitlement.
It was difficult for him to explain how he felt, and he even felt a little disappointed.
Who was she? And what kind of person was Xie Zhujing? She and the Feng family allowed Xie Zhujing to get close to her. Xie Zhujing should have gone home to see if his ancestors were still alive. Yet, she still cared about Xie Zhujing's feelings.
People will always push for more.
Especially people like Xie Zhujing who have climbed up from humble backgrounds are the best at seizing opportunities to change the relationship between the primary and the secondary.
No matter how much Yan Yunhe dislikes Xie Zhujing, he will never look down on him. In his eyes, Feng Wenyu should not let Xie Zhujing take the dominant position in this relationship.
As for whether Xie Zhujing likes her? Does it matter?
Xie Zhujing has been able to reach his current position thanks to the Feng family. As long as he does not reach the highest position in the country, it is impossible for him to change his attitude towards Feng Wenyu.
Yan Yunhe is a young man from an aristocratic family who was raised under a system of power and hierarchy. His basic temperament is indifferent and arrogant. To put it bluntly, there are only a few people in the world who can be taken seriously by him. And because Xie Zhujing came from such a background and walked right in front of him, he reluctantly treated him as a human being.
A big part of this was due to Xie Zhujing's joining the Feng family.
Otherwise, wouldn't there be a small number of people who pass the imperial examinations and become Jinshi (Jinshi) every year? Is it that rare?
A hint of indifferent sarcasm flashed across Yan Yunhe's lips.
As for Feng Wenyu, she was completely overwhelmed by these remarks. She held her forehead and said, "You are just being unreasonable."
Yan Yunhe did not refute, he just raised his eyebrows:
"Ayu, do you think what I said makes no sense at all?"
He raised his hand and knocked on her head, speaking in a matter-of-fact tone, "It's a blessing for Xie Zhujing that you like him. If you don't, there are plenty of unmarried men in the capital. Do you think you are worthy of being asked to reflect on yourself here?"
Less self-reflection, less reflection, more blaming others.
If Xie Zhujing has any opinion about her because of this, then Xie Zhujing is blind. What does it have to do with her?
What he wanted to say the most was - is Xie Zhujing, a person she just met, worthy of her blaming him?
Feng Wenyu was speechless. She said angrily, "Yan Yunhe."
Yan Yunhe responded, and he chuckled and asked:
"Is that wrong? I just asked you for a peace charm, what's wrong with that?"
He said slowly, "It's always been like this, isn't it? I can't expect everything to change just because he comes."
He raised his eyes and met her gaze, as if joking, but also as if asking seriously:
"Is Ah Yu going to distance herself from me just because of Xie Zhujing?"
Feng Wenyu was speechless.
She was a little confused for a moment. She suddenly realized that no matter what she did, it seemed to be wrong. She clearly wanted to blame Yan Yunhe, but ended up being blamed instead.
Distancing herself from Yan Yunhe? She had indeed never thought of doing so, so for a moment she couldn't find the words to refute Yan Yunhe.
Yan Yunhe concealed the emotions in his eyes.
He is indeed confusing concepts.
Asking for a peace talisman is one thing, and asking for it in front of Xie Zhujing is another thing. He was deliberately targeting Xie Zhujing.
So what?
He and Xie Zhujing both knew that whoever did not fight for it at this time would have to be prepared for the consequences!
*******
The Hanlin Academy is a general term for central departments directly under the emperor. The internal personnel and positions are actually extremely complex. Simply put, it can also be divided into two parts, internal and external.
Internally, there have always been only the top three in the palace examination and a few second-class Jinshi. These people are directly under the emperor and have access to the center of power. Basically, as long as they don't make big mistakes, they don't need to go to the grassroots level for training.
Gu Yushi and Xie Zhujing both belong to this category.
This position is not static. After rotating through various central agencies, they are very likely to enter the cabinet in the future.
Their starting point is the end point that many people will never reach in their lifetime. It can also be said that from the moment the imperial examination ended, the official career of some people was already determined.
Otherwise, why would everyone want to get the top three places in the exam? It is not an exaggeration to say that it is a road to success.
Gu Yushi and Xie Zhujing held the same official position, except that the former had the additional title of earl, while the latter had the backing of the Feng family. For a moment, no one could tell who was superior between the two.
The atmosphere in the Hanlin Academy during this period was actually a bit subtle.
Mainly from the time Xie Zhujing and the little granddaughter of Lord Feng approached, the eyes of everyone in the Hanlin Academy looked at them with something strange.
The woman the latter was seeing was the former's ex-fiancée.
No one believed that Gu Yushi would not have any doubts in his heart, especially since the two of them worked together in front of the emperor all day long and saw each other every day.
Everyone guessed correctly.
Gu Yushi did have some resentment in his heart. He now disliked Xie Zhujing extremely. Before, the two of them could still talk happily, but after the hairpin flower banquet, the two of them had not spoken a word except about official business, and they were almost fed up with each other.
Wu Ping'an, the head of the Hanlin Academy, was extremely worried when he saw this.
It is true that he is a fourth-rank official and the immediate superior of the two, but people are different. He is fifty-two years old this year and still sits in this position. It is impossible for him to move up further. However, Gu Yushi and Xie Zhujing are both ministers that Emperor Wenyuan values very much.
Needless to say, the former Gu Yushi had won the trust of the emperor within less than a year of entering the court. He was appointed as an imperial envoy and was promoted to a higher position.
The latter is the third-generation disciple of the Feng family. Seeing that Lord Feng has a good chance of becoming the Prime Minister, who would dare to show any displeasure to Xie Zhujing?
Both of them were his beloved children, and he did not want to offend either of them. He had always been a kind person, and now he could not see their subtle pretense. Anyway, it was impossible for the two of them to make a scene in public.
Emperor Wenyuan was also on leave today, so Gu Yushi was on duty for half a day before he realized that Xie Zhujing was not there.
He was upset after meeting Feng Wenyu yesterday, and because he had to be on duty today, he rushed back to the capital overnight. He looked a little tired, but Gu Yushi glanced around, lowered his eyes, and asked casually:
"Is Minister Xie not here today?"
Wu Ping'an touched the black hat on his head, then looked down at the file to be processed, pretended to pick up the teacup and take a sip of tea, pretending not to hear the question.
But he could pretend, but others couldn't. Someone held the file, coughed lightly, and said unclearly, "It seems so."
Gu Yushi nodded in response, and before the man lowered his head to reorganize the files, he asked again:
"Is he taking a day off?"
Now, everyone in the hall heard something subtle. The editor who had responded earlier was in a panic. He didn't dare to offend Gu Yushi, but he also didn't dare to offend Xie Zhujing. He glanced at Wu Ping'an and felt regretful in his heart. He should have responded earlier.
The main thing is that it would be fine if Xie Zhujing really was on his day off today, but Xie Zhujing was not.
He did change the day of his rest, which was just a small matter. Not to mention that the emperor was also resting today, so Wu Ping'an certainly had no objection.
Wu Ping'an couldn't pretend he didn't hear, so he smiled amiably and said, "But there's no need to discuss this with him. Just take a day off. Xie Shijiang will be back tomorrow, so it won't hurt to put it aside for now."
The implication is that it's just one day, so don't make a fuss about it.
He was his superior, so Gu Yushi naturally had to give him some face. So, he replied in a deep voice, "I understand."
Having said that, Gu Yushi's eyes inevitably darkened.
The Xie and Feng families were about to get married, so what would Xie Zhujing Mu do after his absence? He didn't need anyone to tell him the answer.
The imperial city is also divided into two parts, the front and the back. The back is where the concubines and princesses live, the middle is where the Imperial Medical Bureau and other places are located, and further forward are the various central agencies, also commonly known as the front court.
The place where the Hanlin Academy rotated its duties was in the outer study room behind the main hall where Emperor Wenyuan usually held meetings.
In other words, if there was a quarrel in the Hanlin Academy, it would reach the ears of Emperor Wenyuan if it was a little louder.
Just when the atmosphere in the hall was tense, someone stepped into the hall. It was the eunuch Li in front of the emperor. When the eunuch Li saw Gu Yu, his eyes lit up and he bowed, "Master Gu, the emperor is calling you over."
At this point in time...
Gu Yushi's eyes narrowed, and he stood up immediately: "Thank you, eunuch."
He and Wu Ping'an nodded, turned around and followed Eunuch Li into the imperial study.
As he left, someone in the hall finally dared to speak. Someone sneered, "Gu Shidu and Xie Shijiang..."
Before he could finish his words, he saw that everyone around him was looking at him, so he quickly shut up and didn't dare to speak anymore.
Wu Ping'an glanced at him and shook his head in his heart.
Talking behind their backs? Who were they talking about? When talking about Gu Yu, it was still Xie Zhujing. When talking about these two, one person had to be mentioned: the second Miss Feng.
The cabinet and the six ministries are not far away. Who can guarantee that there are no eavesdroppers?
Once these words reach the ears of Lord Feng or Minister Feng, they will really feel that their positions are secure, right?
Wu Pingan knocked on the table, telling everyone not to be impatient, and said:
"It's almost the end of the year. If we can finish compiling these files sooner, we can have a lighter heart at the end of the year."
Everyone raised their hands and bowed, saying in unison, "Yes."
When Gu Yushi entered the imperial study, he found that Lord Jiang, the Minister of the Dali Temple, was also there. His guess came true. He was led by Eunuch Li to the side of Emperor Wenyuan, who nodded at him.
"You are the most familiar with the Jiangnan case. You should stay busy with Lord Jiang for a while these days."
Gu Yushi responded to every word: "Your humble servant obeys your order."
The Dali Temple and the Hanlin Academy were right next door, and since he was on duty at the Hanlin Academy, it wouldn't be a big deal for him to just walk a few more steps to the Dali Temple.
Lord Jiang smiled and said, "Lord Gu is very capable. With Lord Gu's help, I think this case will soon have a conclusion."
Gu Yushi didn't say anything, and Emperor Wenyuan started to scold him with a smile:
"He has only been in the court for a short time. Don't flatter him. He has been sent to the Dali Temple, but as soon as the case is concluded, return him to me immediately."
Lord Jiang glanced at Gu Yushi in surprise and asked, "Yes, how long has this person been in the court?"
But from the emperor's words, it is obvious that he relies heavily on him.
Just as Emperor Wenyuan thought, he really wanted the talent of Gu Yushi. Just looking at the Jiangnan case, he knew that this person was ruthless and merciless. How suitable for their Dali Temple?
After Gu Yushi's term in the Hanlin Academy expires, he will have to rotate in various institutions. It would be better for him to come to the Dali Temple some time in advance.
Lord Jiang responded to Emperor Wenyuan's ridicule and scolding with a smile. To be scolded by Emperor Wenyuan, one had to be qualified.
He climbed up the slope:
"Your Majesty, please understand how I feel when I see such a talented person. The Dali Temple is really short of people."
Emperor Wenyuan scolded him: "Get lost!"
Shortage of staff? Which organization doesn’t need staff?
The Three Judicial Departments, namely the Inspectorate, the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court, are indeed intimidating places. Even if people from the Hanlin Academy want to brush up their resumes in central agencies, few people would go to the Three Judicial Departments as their first trip.
Who says that although that place has great power, it is also a place where it is extremely easy to offend people.
Emperor Wenyuan had already made plans for Gu Yushi, so he naturally would not ask him to go to the Dali Temple. It can only be said that Lord Jiang's idea was doomed to fail.
Lord Jiang left, but Gu Yushi stayed.
Emperor Wenyuan was tired of reading memorials, so he asked Gu Yushi to read them to him. After listening to both memorials, Emperor Wenyuan knocked on the desk, and Gu Yushi stopped.
He stood aside with his eyes downcast, showing no emotion at all.
He took on the important responsibilities of the family at a young age, and passed the imperial examination at a young age. Later, he became acquainted with Feng Wenxu, and Feng Ge Lao, who valued his talent, told him implicitly that he was too young. Even if he passed the palace examination, no one would ask him to become an official right away. So, he studied abroad for five years before returning to the capital to take the palace examination again.
He knew what it meant to be named Grand Secretary - he was too young, and even if he entered the court, he would inevitably be looked down upon.
Ability is one thing, but who would dare to entrust such a heavy responsibility to a teenager?
Therefore, even though he was already an adult when he entered the court, he had already gotten used to always keeping the four words "self-discipline and restoration of propriety" in mind, and he had developed a steady character that did not show his emotions.
It's not about starting over again, but it was like this in his previous life.
It can be said that Feng Wenyu is the only exception in his unchanging days.
Emperor Wenyuan saw all of this. Gu Yushi's temper was both good and bad.
He sighed deeply, "Stop regretting."
Gu Yushi stepped forward, he lowered his eyes and responded respectfully:
"I am here."
He didn't have parents like Yan Yunhe to plan for him, nor was he like Xie Zhujing who was alone and could act without scruples. He had been burdened with heavy responsibilities since he was young, and the expectations contained in them were enough to crush a person.
No one knows that his name was chosen for him by Feng Ge Lao. He chose it from Shen Xing and had few regrets.
Lord Feng hopes that he will act with caution and not do anything that will make him regret.
When my mother heard this, she was delighted: "Indeed, you will enter the imperial court in the future, so you should be cautious."
The only person who stood up for him indignantly said:
"How cautious do we have to be?"
"In my opinion, calling her Anlan is the best. It will fulfill your wish and bring you peace and tranquility every year."
She said she hoped he would get what he wanted and that everything would go smoothly for him.
She pursed her lips and seemed to be holding her breath, so he could easily see the pain in her heart. She whimpered and said, "I don't care. I will call you Anlan from now on."
Emperor Wenyuan shook his head. He was in a good mood today and had the leisure to make some jokes with the officials:
"I can't even tell whether you've just come of age or not. You're too calm and composed, and that makes you look old-fashioned. Girls won't like you."
Gu Yushi was silent.
The person he likes is already talking about marriage, so he doesn't need to please anyone else.
"I heard that you and Yu Zhi have had some unpleasantness recently?"
Gu Yushi's heart trembled. He straightened his body calmly and said with his head down, "Your Majesty, please punish me."
He concealed the emotions in his eyes, not daring to be careless in the slightest.
He knew very well that to Emperor Wenyuan, he and Xie Zhujing were both ministers he valued. If they had a disagreement because of a woman, no matter what role Feng Wenyu played, Emperor Wenyuan would be angry with him.
Seeing him like this, Emperor Wenyuan couldn't help but be curious:
"I heard that you came to cancel the engagement in person?"
Since you've called off the engagement, why are you acting like this?
Gu Yushi fell silent again. He really couldn't answer this question.
Seeing this, Emperor Wenyuan pointed at him and scolded him with a smile: "You little bastard, since you've called off the engagement, stop wasting her time. I think she's a good person, so I won't neglect her."
Gu Yushi turned his head away. He did not deny what he said out loud, but everyone could see that he did not agree.
Seeing this, Emperor Wenyuan sighed softly: "If you have any dissatisfaction, please tell me so that I can hear it."
Gu Yushi kept his mouth shut for a long while before uttering in a deep voice:
“They’re not suitable.”
Emperor Wenyuan almost laughed in anger: "How could the person personally selected by the Feng family be unsuitable? Could it be that Lord Feng is not as good at judging people as you are?"
Although Lord Feng had said that his granddaughter was willful, how could Emperor Wenyuan not see that the matter between Xie Zhujing and Feng Wenyu was instigated by the Feng family?
Gu Yushi had no way to refute it, but he knew that he was not entirely selfish.
He could only lower his eyes and say:
"Lord Feng is indeed a man of discerning eyes. Your Majesty, please consider this as my stubborn and foolish opinion."
Emperor Wenyuan threw a memorial directly at him. This man was so stubborn that it was annoying. Emperor Wenyuan waved his hand and said, "I don't see it, I don't feel annoyed."
"Get out, and don't make your affairs known to everyone."
Hearing this, Gu Yushi was surprised for a moment before he lowered his eyes and said, "...Thank you, Your Majesty."
He could tell that the emperor's implication was that he would not care about the matter, but these matters must not be made a big deal or brought to the surface.
To some extent, the Hanlin Academy is the emperor's private minister. If they quarrel over his daughter's love affair and the news gets out, the emperor will feel ashamed.
Gu Yushi left, but Emperor Wenyuan was still angry. He sneered and cursed:
"I don't know where this brat learned his temper. I want to see what kind of energy he can muster."
Eunuch Xu hurriedly served tea and said with a smile:
"Your Majesty has a sharp tongue but a soft heart. He clearly feels sorry for Master Gu."
Emperor Wenyuan glanced at him and asked, "Do I feel sorry for him?"
Eunuch Xu did not dare to speak carelessly:
"If he hadn't treated Lord Gu as his own son or nephew, how could he have paid attention to such a small matter? Your Majesty loves his subjects, and Lord Gu is also respectful to His Majesty. It is truly a good story of a wise ruler and a good minister."
Emperor Wenyuan ignored Eunuch Xu's flattery. He smiled meaningfully and looked towards the palace entrance with gloomy eyes.
If he had to choose between the two, Emperor Wenyuan would undoubtedly give up Xie Zhujing.
Gu Yushi is a man of foresight and is the team he left for the future crown prince.
Therefore, he would not allow Gu Yushi to go astray.
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