The Emperor Changwu departed without a trace, but his imperial decree left everyone with no appetite for the feast.
The Dali Temple!
The highest judicial body of the imperial court, with absolute jurisdiction over officials and even imperial relatives who committed offenses. This position had been vacant for a whole month, and several factions in court had fought tooth and nail for it. The result? A greenhorn who had just returned to the capital had picked up the prize.
For a moment, all eyes in the banquet hall were fixed on Gu Yan Chen. Especially those who had vied for the position were already contemplating how to win over this greenhorn. Of course, if he could not be won over, he would have to be destroyed.
In any case, the Dali Temple could never fall into the hands of their rivals.
Marquis Guangling, Gu Rong, had a complex mood. It was so complex that when his colleagues offered him congratulations, he couldn't even snap back to attention.
Instances of fathers and sons serving in the same court were common, but this was the first time in his family that the son's official rank surpassed the father's. Although both were of the third rank, how could the Assistant Minister of Rites compare to the Minister of Dali Temple who presided over the Dali Temple?
Not to mention Madam Fang. Her two sons hadn't even secured minor positions, while he had already become a third-rank official. How would his own sons contend for the noble title with him in the future?
Gu Yan Chen was indifferent to these gazes. When he was in Yangzhou, didn't those Japanese pirates wish they could drink his blood and eat his flesh whenever they saw him? Compared to those fierce and venomous gazes, these subtle glances in the court were a trifle.
He put away the imperial decree and calmly sat back in his chair.
Fortunately, those who could attend the palace banquet were at least officials of the third rank and above. Even if they were shocked, they would not condescend to seek out and befriend a young man. However, Ouyang Wen, uninhibited, took his wine cup and walked across countless low tables, clapping Gu Yan Chen on the shoulder. "Well done, Little Yan Yan. Investigating cases at the Dali Temple, isn't that your old profession? Come, brother, I'll toast you first and wish you a bright future."
Gu Yan Chen naturally clinked glasses with him. "Thanks."
"Trying to dismiss a great occasion like a promotion with just a 'thanks'? Let me tell you, this can't be settled without a big meal."
"Promoted? Aren't I still third rank?" He had been more at ease in Yangzhou, of course, he only dared to say this in his heart. Alas, his wife was right. The capital was nothing compared to Yangzhou, not only was the weather cold, but he didn't even have the freedom to speak.
"Hmph, reaping benefits and then complaining."
In Ouyang Wen's view, the military power in Jiangnan was at most less than forty thousand men. What could such a small force do? It was only for those princes who wanted to put a golden halo on themselves that they would go and snatch this military merit. Gu Yan Chen was not a prince, and military merit was of little use to him. Being able to exchange it for the head of the Dali Temple was definitely a profitable deal.
Gu Yan Chen did not feel he had suffered any loss; on the contrary, he was a little surprised.
He hadn't expected the Emperor to actually grant him the official post he had chosen.
They drank two cups and made plans to meet up with Ji Jin at Zui Xiang Lou on the third day. After drinking, the singing and dancing on the stage had stopped, the palace banquet concluded, and everyone began to leave. The long palace road was brightly lit, illuminating their path and reflecting the snow-white world between heaven and earth.
It had snowed again during the time of a palace banquet.
Gu Yan Chen held Lu Nian Fu's hand. "The snow makes the ground slippery, walk slower."
Ouyang Wen followed behind, tutting, and received a few big eye-rolls from Gu Yan Chen.
Early on the morning of the first day of the first lunar month, Lu Nian Fu was forced to bid farewell to her warm quilt. She had to accompany Gu Yan Chen to pay New Year's respects at Marquis Guangling's mansion.
The new snow covered the streets, and the carriage tires pressed out several deep ruts. Xiao Wuzi drove the carriage very slowly, and by the time they stopped outside the Marquis's mansion, it was already broad daylight. The gatekeeper servant did not dare to mention the side gate today and respectfully invited them in.
A crowd had gathered in Qiu Lan Yuan as usual.
Seeing them enter, Madam Fang said unhappily, "Oh, I thought you two weren't coming today. So you still remember to come and pay New Year's respects."
Gu Yan Chen explained, "The heavy snow blocked the roads, and the carriage truly dared not go fast."
"You just have too many excuses. Why didn't your two brothers arrive late?"
Gu Yan Chen glanced at her. "If Mother had tidied up my courtyard earlier, son could have come sooner."
"You... hah, so this is me blaming me for not being hospitable," Madam Fang turned to Gu Rong. "Sir, look at your good son."
"Enough, both of you, speak less. Yan Chen, you should be more mindful next time and leave earlier. The heavy snow blocked the roads, so couldn't you just set off fifteen minutes earlier? By the way, where is the residence you purchased?"
"Number 133, Hulu Street."
"It's not that far."
In the capital, the east was considered supreme. The east was noble, and the west was wealthy. House prices in the eastern city were the highest. Although Hulu Street was not a main street, it was still within the eastern city. The residence there must have been expensive. Being able to buy a residence there immediately upon arriving in the capital, it seemed his son had made quite a fortune in Jiangnan over the past two years.