Guo Yunchang can be said to be a new upstart who has been gaining popularity in the capital city recently.

A young man who was barely 25 years old took the position of Shangshu.

It is indeed unprecedented and unparalleled.

However, Guo Yunhang was also very cautious in his words and actions and did not accept anyone's kindness.

For a time, the ministers were even unable to make an appointment with Guo Yunchang. Every time they visited Guo's house, Guo Yunchang's housekeeper would shake his head and sigh, saying that his master was too busy recently and really had no time to receive them.

If you say you are waiting for Guo Yunchang to come back at his house, the housekeeper will only serve you a cup of tea, then shake his head and say to you: "My son hasn't been home for three days. The ministers can still see my son in the council hall, but I haven't seen him for many days. If you see my son, please bring a message!"

"Everything is fine at home, don't worry!"

Now that the steward had said this, the ministers naturally could not continue to visit shamelessly.

For a time, there were rumors in the scriptures that Guo Yunchang was too arrogant and now that he had been promoted, he was even unwilling to associate with his colleagues.

When this news came, Guo Yunchang was having tea with Zhao Ji in a private room of the teahouse.

The private room of this teahouse is very cleverly designed. It is located on the second floor, but the window of the private room happens to overlook the platform on the first floor.

There were singing and dancing performances and storytellers on the stage.

Today, the storyteller was standing in this position, and the person he was talking about was none other than Guo Yunchang.

Before starting to tell a story, the storyteller always tells a few rumors circulating in the market to create the right atmosphere. This makes the story more and more interesting to listen to.

The hot gossip today is about Guo Yunchang.

However, what made this storyteller different from the previous ones was that he could actually tell the story of Guo Yunchang's loyalty to the emperor and his patriotism in the hall. This was new to the audience, mainly because no one had ever talked about this before.

It is estimated that the previous storytellers deliberately wanted to discredit Guo Yunchang.

That's why I didn't talk about Guo Yunchang's things. After listening to a few words, Guo Yunchang poured Zhao Ji a cup of tea.

"If I'm not mistaken, the storyteller below either took your money or was invited by you."

"Otherwise, I don't believe that anyone could remember the scene so clearly and pass it down word for word!"

Zhao Ji neither admitted nor denied: "You are so good-tempered that you just let those people throw dirty water on you outside!"

Guo Yunchang yawned lazily: "Let them talk if they want. I am no exception to this story circulating in the capital."

"Besides, I have this position thanks to Brother Zhao."

Zhao Ji took a close look at Guo Yunchang. This boy had sword-like eyebrows and a straight nose. He could be said to have the face of a military general.

It looks like he knows martial arts.

It turned out that Guo Yunchang was a weakling in combat. He insisted on protecting this and that in the hall. When they were changing direction, it was Zhao Ji who grabbed Guo Yunchang's neck and brought him back.

However, what Zhao Ji liked was Guo Yunchang's exceptionally straightforward character. Zhao Ji believed that under Guo Yunchang's leadership, the Ministry of Rites would definitely be transformed from top to bottom.

"You asked me out today not just to listen to the music, right?"

Zhao Ji looked at the craftsmen below.

Guo Yunchang nodded and said, "You really can't be deceived by anything, Lord Zhao. I do have something to ask you."

"I want to ask you why you had to recommend me before."

This has actually always been a question in Guo Yunchang's mind.

If he wanted to support his own faction, Zhao Ji should choose those who are more capable or experienced.

At least people wouldn't be as scared as Guo Yunchang is now when receiving a gift.

It must be recorded clearly in a book, and the family may even empty its pockets to repay the gift.

Moreover, Guo Yunchang was actually just promoted to the position of Vice Minister last year, and now he has been directly promoted to the position of Shangshu, which can be said to be a rocket-like speed.

Zhao Ji smiled and shook his head: "Don't think too much. I recommended you because you are suitable. You should know that under the threat of the third prince, among all the civil and military officials in the court, except for those hot-blooded generals, you are the only one who has the nerve!"

"People like this should sit in this position."

"I'm not recommending you to do something for me, and I've never thought of turning you into my cronies. You must have known that I never form cliques or factions when I was an official in the court, let alone form cliques."

"So don't worry, you deserve to be promoted to this position!"

After Zhao Ji finished saying this, Guo Yunchang visibly relaxed.

But Guo Yunchang also understood in his heart that although Zhao Ji said so, in reality, among so many people who were still loyal and had not collaborated with the enemy, Zhao Ji still chose him.

I'm afraid there is some intention behind this.

Zhao Ji didn't say anything because he actually didn't want Guo Yunchang to feel that he was being held hostage.

It could even be said that Zhao Ji did not seem prepared to make any demands.

Guo Yun let out a long sigh and returned to the casual self that Zhao Ji knew him as before.

"Your Majesty has arranged for me to set off in three days to the northern grasslands to see how to settle the herdsmen there."

"What's more important is to see what's going on over there, and then record it truthfully and report it to the emperor and all the civil and military officials in the court."

Zhao Ji nodded. This was actually something he had expected.

Even after three days, Zhao Ji felt that the time was too short.

You know, in the eyes of the emperor, he has accomplished the great feat of unifying the northern border, which only an emperor in history could do.

The reason why Guo Yunchang had to wait so many days before setting off was because the emperor was not in good spirits these past two days. Otherwise, Guo Yunchang would have been assigned to do such a great feat long ago.

"Pay attention to safety on your journey." After Zhao Ji finished his tea, he gave one last reminder and turned to leave.

Guo Yunchang was stunned. In fact, today's tea party was meant to be a test. The main purpose was to test what Zhao Ji was thinking. Would he ask Guo Yunchang to make some money along the way and then give it to Zhao Ji?

As a result, the tea was finished and Zhao Ji left without saying a word.

At this moment, Guo Yunchang felt a sense of admiration for Zhao Ji.

Until he set out for the grassland, Guo Yunchang never saw another colleague in the court again.

The people on the Prime Minister's side have now realized that Guo Yunchang is a stubborn person.

So we didn’t send anyone to contact them again.

However, this period of time may be due to too much stimulation.

The emperor suddenly fell ill.

This is different from the last illness.

This time the illness can be said to be even more dangerous. It is now the third day, but the emperor still has a high fever and has even started talking nonsense!