Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 451 - 287 Inspection

"Oh! I remember his essay was brilliant, and his strategy paper was also good, with some plans quite useful for the people’s livelihood. De’an, bring his examination paper for me to see another day."

The Emperor placed the roster on the table and then approved Kuang Zhao Ying’s petition.

Kuang Zhao Ying felt a jolt in his heart. He looked at the list and knew the second place winner had already joined the Grand Secretary Xia Qing. The third was a member of the Fu Family, and the subsequent two were not noble sons, but they also had significant backgrounds.

He had already investigated this top scorer, who was the close disciple of the former Grand Secretary Liang Zhirui. Three senior brothers held not insignificant positions in the court, but his own foundation was shallow, just a farm boy.

Moreover, Yin Kun had previously submitted a report against him, so he intended to start with Gu Chengyu.

The number one cheated, which is even more convincing, right? As for Gu Chengyu’s previous reputation, what does that matter? Who can guarantee the top scorer didn’t cheat?

What exactly does the Emperor mean now? He seems to value Gu Chengyu very much. Could the Emperor be warning him not to target Gu Chengyu? He glanced at the Emperor, feeling uncertain.

Kuang Zhao Ying received the Emperor’s approval, carrying the Emperor’s oral decree and token, preparing to go to the Military Department.

All along the way, he pondered, since the Emperor had already noticed this person, he had better not act for the time being. Gu Chengyu was really lucky, otherwise, he would have a hard time.

Initially, he wanted to harshly interrogate Gu Chengyu, to set an example. It seems he must carefully choose another candidate.

"Can’t you stop fiddling with your painting? Aren’t you really anxious?" Zhu Pang was genuinely worried for Gu Chengyu, surprised at how calm Gu Chengyu remained, as if the unfortunate one wasn’t him.

Gu Chengyu smiled helplessly, "Haven’t I already said it? Being anxious is useless."

Then, Gu Chengyu put down his painting and seriously addressed Zhu Pang, "Brother Zhu, if I get imprisoned, please take care of my family and Ye Zhiqiu."

Zhu Pang quickly lowered the leg he had crossed over and stood up suddenly, "You know you might get imprisoned? Then why aren’t you anxious at all?"

Actually, Zhu Pang knew well that it was difficult for Gu Chengyu to get away this time, so he was very eager when he entered. Seeing Gu Chengyu finally willing to seriously discuss the matter, he wanted to strategize with Gu Chengyu.

Zhu Pang paced back and forth in the study, brows furrowed, seemingly formulating a plan.

He suddenly stopped, "Or maybe you should flee?"

He fixed his gaze on Gu Chengyu, and as soon as he said the words, he slapped his own forehead.

Such a foolish idea, how could he say it? Gu Chengyu wasn’t isolated; he had family and friends, many relatives. If he fled, he’d have to live incognito, and his relatives would pay dearly for his escape.

Gu Chengyu laughed bitterly; Zhu Pang often said foolish things.

"Don’t worry! Don’t you know me? I’ve already figured out the plan. Even if I end up in prison, it’s just a formality. I won’t be there long, so you don’t have to worry."

Gu Chengyu then thought of something, "I’ve left something with Ming Mo. If I’m captured and can’t return in three days, go find Ming Mo. Take that thing to your father, Ming Mo will assist you, and don’t tell anyone about this."

Gu Chengyu prepared two copies of Guo Shi’s testimony, all signed and stamped by Guo Shi.

He would also have Ming Mo and others quietly follow Hu Maoshen, ensuring nothing goes wrong before Hu Maoshen investigates the matter thoroughly.

This was his twofold preparation. As for choosing Zhu Pang, it was because Zhu Pang didn’t participate in the provincial exam and due to his righteousness. Senior Brother Kuang and the others had a close relationship with him, but to avoid suspicion, they couldn’t be involved.

Most importantly, his father was the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War, and he was a legitimate son, making him more suitable than Zheng Lun.

As for Ye Zhiqiu and the others, their foundation was even shallower than his, lacking the ability for this task, and he didn’t want to drag them down.

Zhu Pang wanted to ask what it was, but he thought better of it, refraining from speaking. Gu Chengyu’s solemn expression told him it was important, surely related to the case, possibly Chengyu’s last resort.

He was moved by Gu Chengyu’s trust in him, placing his life and family in his hands.

Zhu Pang stepped forward gravely, slapping Gu Chengyu’s shoulder forcefully, "Rest assured, I’ll handle it for you, keeping you safe."

Gu Chengyu listened, inwardly chuckling. He wouldn’t entrust his life to someone else. Even if he lost everything, he still had a backup plan. What was the plan? Rebellion, of course!

However, he wouldn’t resort to that unless necessary. Without full preparation, with so many friends and family, he couldn’t consider them all.

Besides, he wasn’t an Immortal; everyone has their limits. Even fighting against a thousand enemies, he couldn’t kill them all at once.

The Dayan Dynasty’s army alone numbered millions!

Gu Chengyu sent Zhu Pang away, knowing that in these days, Dali Temple would soon act, so Zhu Pang should visit his manor less during this time.

Indeed, not long after Zhu Pang left, a group of soldiers rushed in from the gatehouse. The gatekeeper couldn’t stop them, and those soldiers dispersed upon entering the residence, beginning their search.

"Young Master, they’re here!" Ming Mo hurried into the study, reporting to the reading Gu Chengyu.

No need for Ming Mo to say it; Gu Chengyu had already heard the commotion.

"You’ve informed the household, right? Tell everyone not to resist; let them search. I’ll go meet them. During my absence, you and Ming Yan must keep the servants in check. If anyone disobeys, kill them."

"Additionally, you and Ming Yan should watch secretly, preventing anyone from sneaking in anything during the chaos. Otherwise, our fate won’t be better than Wan Xue Nian’s."

The master’s arrest often caused chaos among the servants. Unaware of the truth, they might think the master committed a grave mistake, assuming there was no return, as prisons aren’t easy to escape. Some servants might harbor scheming intentions. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Ming Mo agreed, turning to instruct those under him. Gu Chengyu left the study, heading towards the main gate.

The Ding Generation and Li Zhuang stood blocking these people; they were the household’s guards. Though the Young Master had instructed them not to resist,

these people were too blatant. Upon entering the garden, they dispersed, prepared to search.

"Tell your master to come out. I am the Deputy Commander of the South City Military Department, asking your master to go to Dali Temple to assist in the investigation of this exam fraud case."

Jiang Shaohua, Right Temple Minister of Dali Temple, glanced around the courtyard. To buy a three-entry house in South City required quite a bit of Silver. Gu Chengyu’s background was unknown, yet Lord Kuang had advised courtesy.

But Deputy Commander Ying Xuan was reckless, bursting into the courtyard without heeding his warning.

Gu Chengyu quickly made his way to the front courtyard, seeing several people at the entrance, while some soldiers were already heading towards the inner courtyard.