Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 527 - 363: Stealing the Spotlight

"Ah? I didn’t know there were so many rules!" Gu Wan’s enthusiasm was doused with cold water, but then she thought her mother was still young, so that day might not be far off.

"Chengyu! Come out, give me back my Jade Pendant." After Gu Chengyu and the others left, he had just changed out of his champion’s robe when he heard Zhu Pang shouting.

"Master! Mr. Zhu is here." Ming Mo immediately reported upon entering. This Mr. Zhu has a quick temper; if we don’t inform early, he’s likely to barge in forcefully.

Gu Chengyu nodded, "Let him come in!"

Lichun swiftly hung up Gu Chengyu’s champion’s robe and then hung a pocket at his waist. Originally, Gu Chengyu did all this himself, but Lichun served him more meticulously after arriving.

Although Gu Chengyu was not used to it, he also knew it was part of Lichun’s job. If he entirely refused to let Lichun help, it would surely make Lichun feel worried and uneasy.

Gu Chengyu tidied up and went to the front room, seeing Zhu Pang sitting with crossed legs eating pastries from his table.

Seeing Gu Chengyu come out, Zhu Pang sized him up and chuckled. Gu Chengyu was puzzled about what he was laughing at but guessed it was nothing good, so he didn’t ask and directly went to the table to pour himself a bowl of tea.

Zhu Pang leaned over mischievously, "Hey? Today you really stole the spotlight! The crowd was overwhelming, especially ladies, and the noble sons I went with were quite envious!"

Thinking about this, Gu Chengyu felt a bit annoyed and said, "Why don’t you try it? Do you realize how painful it is when those things hit you?"

If it were only pockets or handkerchiefs, it wouldn’t be so heavy. But since pockets and handkerchiefs are light, they don’t throw far, and no one knows what’s inside them. Anyway, they hurt Gu Chengyu a bit when they hit him, almost knocking off his champion’s hat. You can imagine how much force was used.

Initially, Zhu Pang hadn’t thought about this, but after Gu Chengyu mentioned it, he found it quite true. He had been envious of Gu Chengyu becoming the champion, draped with flowers and riding a tall horse, as the people cheered and shouted. How majestic was that?

Now, he couldn’t help but empathize with Gu Chengyu, for he saw how many pockets were thrown at Gu Chengyu, which surely meant he suffered quite a bit.

"Bah! Your skin is thick; a pocket hitting you is no big deal. Those ladies aimed specifically at you, I saw, while those behind you had considerably fewer."

Actually, Zhu Pang secretly enjoyed the attention; Min Feng didn’t expect to become the third-place scholar, his father even thought Gu Chengyu’s chances of being third-place were high. Because Gu Chengyu is handsome, historically, the third-place scholar is always dashing and elegant.

Typically, the younger ones are chosen as the third place, and the older ones as the champion. Nobody expected his father’s guess to be wrong, and Gu Chengyu achieved the rare Triple Champion. While Min Feng’s talent surpassed Fu Yanshan’s and, with Xia Qing’s help, being top-ranked was guaranteed.

But things often turn out unexpected; his father analyzed, perhaps the Emperor was dissatisfied with Xia Qing. After all, the Emperor was approaching sixty years old, having previously left court matters to the Cabinet, only reviewing key memorials.

Now, not even engaging in Alchemy, he began handling the mountain-like pile of memorials. Quite meticulously, too, which shocked all civil and military officials, followed by great joy.

Xia Qing, as the leader of the Cabinet, nearly monopolized power; likely, the Emperor feared indulging in Alchemy, allowing Xia Qing to control the court. Hence, was he now weakening Xia Qing’s power?

The Emperor previously feared aristocratic families, concerned their complex relations posed a threat, reluctant to be constantly constrained by them, thus supporting Xia Qing.

Former Grand Secretary Liang Zhirui, Gu Chengyu’s mentor, candidly disliked the Emperor’s Alchemy practice and proactively resigned, surprisingly approved by the Emperor, suggesting he’d had enough of it. Xia Qing used his sweet words to please and amuse the Emperor, leading to favoritism.

Liang Zhirui couldn’t stand this unfairness and retreated to his ancestral land to educate, aiming to become a Great Scholar.

"Let me tell you, Min Feng must be furious." A once-in-a-lifetime honor snatched by Gu Chengyu, leaving him in third place. If it were Zhu Pang, he’d surely cry his heart out.

"Is it so bad to be the third-place scholar?" Gu Chengyu pondered this too; this Imperial Examination’s scores surely reflected the Emperor’s personal will, and they were all the Emperor’s chosen top three. As for Xia Qing’s submission, clearly, Gu Chengyu wouldn’t be first.

Was the Emperor dissatisfied with Xia Qing? Gu Chengyu was unsure. Xia Qing had spent decades in office, with well-established court relations, certainly provoking the Emperor’s desire to weaken his influence at court. This time, the First Class results could test Xia Qing, sending a warning.

Next, what? Perhaps a Prince will emerge, or select one or two from aristocratic families to counterbalance Xia Qing. As his mentor once noted, Minister of Revenue Shen Shikang showed considerable ability, likely to be the prime choice.

"Min Feng’s tutor is Chief Minister Xia; once you enter the court in a few days, be careful to avoid falling into traps." Zhu Pang only hinted, not daring to speak plainly. His father instructed him to remind Gu Chengyu, saying a brief mention was enough, and Gu Chengyu would understand.

Seeing Zhu Pang’s rare solemn expression, Gu Chengyu realized Zhu Pang’s father sent this message.

"Thanks, I’ll be exceedingly careful!" Gu Chengyu didn’t reveal his understanding and pretended not to know.

Min Feng returned to Xia Mansion, face ashen. Xia Qing had returned from the government office early, already in the study.

"Congratulations, Mr. Min, on becoming the third-place scholar!" The steward in the outer courtyard greeted Min Feng as soon as he arrived.

Min Feng nodded, his face momentarily darkening, but soon a smile spread, "Thank you! Has the teacher returned?"

"The master left the office early today and is already in the outer courtyard study." With that, Min Feng hurried away.

Once Min Feng left, the steward in the outer courtyard spat. Internally thinking, truly poor, relying on their mansion for food and lodging, if not for their master, likely he’d have to stay at an inn.

On such a joyful day, he didn’t know to give the servants any red envelopes to spread happiness, truly stingy to the extreme. Even the wedding money thrown out was arranged by the mansion, Min Feng is truly penniless!

Initially, when Min Feng borrowed accommodation at their mansion, he was courteous to the servants. Now, having become the master’s closed-door disciple, he began to show airs of being the master.