Chapter 1336: Chapter 1172: Thinking Too Highly of Himself?

"The opening of mutual markets has been agreed upon by Da Xing. Once the two countries sign the agreement, we can proceed. However, before that, we must make some preparations. If Prince Gong’s people interfere and obstruct, it could affect diplomacy between the two nations. The opening of mutual markets not only won’t be mutually beneficial but might backfire."

Gu Chengyu didn’t wait for their response and started discussing the mutual markets. Welcoming foreign envoys was originally the responsibility of the Honglu Temple, yet he thought of He Jisheng, who was precisely the Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

The man may not be of good character, but he has abilities. Gu Chengyu was worried he might obstruct, thus remained indecisive about the candidate.

"It has already been several days. I plan to hand over a placard to meet the Emperor. I wonder what your opinion is? Would you be willing to accompany me?" Yu Zheng was determined today; he would not leave the palace without seeing the Emperor.

By himself, the chances of being granted an audience with the Emperor are slim, so he naturally needs to gather multiple officials. If today they still do not see the Emperor, he plans to kneel until he does. Since the beginning of the dynasty, unless the Emperor is gravely ill, it is impossible to go so long without seeing court officials.

"Exactly! The Emperor has not held morning court for many days, causing officials to discuss repeatedly with varying opinions. If we don’t see the Emperor today, we won’t leave the palace." Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Yang Shiqi, shifted his gaze and instantly echoed.

"Seconded!"

"Mr. Gu, by the order of the Emperor, I summon Mr. Gu!" Xiao Quanzi entered the Wenhua Hall, suddenly speaking up to interrupt the crowd.

Gu Chengyu was a bit puzzled; he had seen the Emperor just yesterday and reported recent court dynamics. Why does the Emperor want to see him again today?

"Since the Emperor is able to meet with Gu Siqing, it indicates the Emperor’s current health is fine. Eunuch Quan, please convey a message for us. We haven’t seen the Emperor in several days, and with the complexities in the court today, we rely on Gu Siqing to deliver the Emperor’s directives, which sometimes leaves us perplexed."

Yu Zheng turned his gaze toward Xiao Quanzi; now that they’ve encountered him, they are even less likely to give up.

"The Emperor summoned Mr. Gu because there is important business to communicate. The Emperor’s illness has been somewhat fluctuating recently, and he probably needs a few more days to recuperate." Xiao Quanzi subtly gave Gu Chengyu a wink; Gu Chengyu’s brow furrowed, sensing something amiss.

"Since the Emperor has summoned, then let’s go!" Gu Chengyu turned to walk out of the hall, with Xiao Quanzi immediately following.

"Hmph! Don’t you all think there’s something fishy about this?" Yu Zheng watched Gu Chengyu’s departing figure, squinting slightly as he asked.

"What do you mean by that, Lord Yu?" Tong Shunmin straightened his sleeves, a curious light flickering in his eyes.

The others also turned their gaze to Yu Zheng, each with differing expressions.

"Why pretend to be deaf and mute? It’s only been a few days, and the court is almost becoming Gu Chengyu’s one-man show. Take the matter of the Da Xing envoy— they had already set out, and we only received news after, and it was he who personally informed us. In another instance, the matter of purchasing Ding Yi, the border had already started implementing it, yet we were kept in the dark. Do you think the court still needs us? I feel that everything is decided by him, and we have become mere decorations. Oh! Speaking of this, there’s one more thing I’m puzzled about. Silver was allocated from the Ministry of Revenue, but why didn’t they declare beforehand? Even the Ministry of War was unaware, and purchasing Ding Yi is the Ministry of War’s responsibility."

Yu Zheng sneered, casting his eyes toward Deng Wenshang. Logically, such major matters shouldn’t silently proceed without the Ministry of Revenue disclosing it, especially since it also concerns the Ministry of War.

This Deng Wenshang compared to Shen Shikang beforehand, is far inferior. No, perhaps he has already sided with Gu Chengyu? Yu Zheng suddenly pondered.

"This matter was commanded by the Emperor for me personally to handle. How dare I defy? I only manage the Ministry of Revenue’s affairs; the Ministry of War’s business is none of my concern."

Deng Wenshang noticed everyone focusing their blame on him and felt somewhat displeased. These people, relying on their seniority, subtly slight and exclude him.

He actually thinks these few are the ones who can’t get a clear grasp; the Emperor explicitly intends to heavily use Gu Chengyu, yet these few still go against him— isn’t that seeking their own destruction?

He originally didn’t hope for the Grand Secretary position; having someone bring in funds for the National Treasury makes him glad, so why oppose? Recently, when he got promoted, looking at the account books and empty National Treasury, he was troubled beyond sleep.

A clever wife can’t cook without rice; if someday the court needs silver, where would the National Treasury obtain it? Shen Shikang was scolded miserably by the late Emperor a few years ago, wasn’t he?

Though Shen Shikang is the Imperial Uncle, the late Emperor never truly did anything to him. But being scolded harshly before the civil and military officials was extremely embarrassing.

Every time Shen Shikang was reprimanded by the Emperor, other officials would be rebuked too. Therefore, every time before court, all ministers tightened their necks, fearing being implicated.

He doesn’t wish for such days; even though previously an official of the Ministry of Revenue, receiving scornful glances from all officials, now as Chief, there’s no one ahead to shield him.

Gu Chengyu is able to find ways to earn silver for the court; why would he block it? He’s someone who goes with the flow; if someone takes on the work, wouldn’t he welcome it?

"Mr. Deng, you wouldn’t have formed an intimate connection with Gu Siqing, would you? Otherwise, with you knowing his and the Emperor’s plans, why not disclose to us? This matter concerns the survival of Dayan; if mutual markets are indeed opened, Da Xing will certainly use this to frequently trouble the border, even more brazenly than now. Our grand nation of Dayan, are we actually afraid of his small Da Xing? Mr. Deng, don’t harbor personal interests; the Six Ministries should unite to resist external forces, or else our court will have no place for us to stand."

Yu Zheng looked at Deng Wenshang, sounding earnest; at this point, he can only draw more allies. From the looks of it now, this Deng Wenshang is cozying up to Gu Chengyu? Even if not, he seems set on picking sides.

"Lord Yu’s words are quite right! Gu Siqing merely holds a Standard Third Rank. The Emperor consented to his entry into the Cabinet, and he really thinks highly of himself. When the Emperor takes back his power, I shall see if he can still be so glorious! His actions these days have surely harmed many courtiers’ interests; those people won’t let him off. Let’s wait and see!"

Yang Shiqi seized the moment, quickly echoing. Observing Yu Zheng’s darkened expression, the amusement in his eyes flickered.

Deng Wenshang lightly coughed, then slightly smiled, picking up the memorials on the table to read. These people are smiling tigers; he wishes not to get entangled in disputes but stands aside to watch the play.

Previously, these people ignored him when there was no need, treating him with neglect. Now when needed, they speak of working as one— he can only scoff!

Seeing Deng Wenshang’s lack of response, the few people’s expressions sank. If the Six Ministries were united, Gu Chengyu surely wouldn’t handle them, but now this Deng Wenshang evidently isn’t aligned, making the matter difficult.

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