Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 528 Entering the Imperial City Guard
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Looking at the black lacquered gate that symbolized the Imperial City Guard, Gu Qianfan took another deep breath of the air, which seemed to carry an aura of rust and coldness. He forcibly suppressed the trembling in his heart, straightened his back, which was slightly thin from studying hard, and stepped over the extremely high threshold, as if resolutely stepping into another world.

Led by a scout with an expressionless face and sharp, hawk-like eyes, he moved through layers of sentry posts.

All that could be seen along the way were figures in black robes, carrying swords, exuding a cold and aloof aura. An invisible sense of oppression and murderous intent permeated the entire Imperial City Guard, making it seem as if it were separated from the bustling and prosperous Bianjing City outside.

Gu Qianfan's heart pounded like a drum, but he clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms, using the pain to maintain his composure. He kept his eyes fixed straight ahead and tried to walk steadily.

The hall was dimly lit, requiring candlelight even during the day.

The furnishings are simple and austere, with huge maps and various intimidating tokens and symbols hanging on the walls.

Lei Jing, the Imperial City Envoy, dressed in a purple eunuch's robe, with a fair complexion, no beard, and a slightly plump figure, sat behind a large rosewood table, casually playing with a high-quality jade seal.

He looked up and sized up Gu Qianfan, who was standing below him, with his usual seemingly gentle but unpredictable smile on his face, and a sharp glint in his narrow eyes.

"Oh? This must be Gu Qianfan, the young master who passed the imperial examination this year?" Lei Jing's voice was high-pitched with a hint of lazy dragging, his gaze like an invisible probe, scanning back and forth on Gu Qianfan. "I've heard that young master Gu is exceptionally talented and should have a place at the Qionglin Banquet. Why have you abandoned that golden road and instead taken the time to stroll around our Imperial City Division, which is considered a filthy mire by the world?"

Lei Jing's words were full of undisguised probing and sarcasm.

"Junior Gu Qianfan greets Envoy Lei."

Gu Qianfan suppressed his discomfort, stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a clear voice with a deliberate firmness: "Your Excellency flatters me. I am unworthy of such praise. Although I was fortunate enough to pass the imperial examination, I know that theoretical knowledge is ultimately empty and superficial."

"I have long heard that the Imperial City Guard protects the palace, exposes traitors, and eliminates troubles. They are the sharpest sword and shield in Your Majesty's hands, concerning the very foundation of the nation. I am unworthy, but I wish to emulate the ancients who abandoned their studies for the sword, dedicate myself to practical work, share Your Majesty's burdens, and serve the court. I humbly request Your Excellency to accept my services!"

This statement was the result of his repeated consideration; it not only expressed his ambition but also subtly elevated the status of the Imperial City Guard.

Upon hearing this, Lei Jing's smile deepened, yet he appeared even more enigmatic.

He gently placed the jade seal down, making a crisp "click" sound.

"To abandon the pen for the sword? To share the burdens of the ruler?" He repeated slowly, as if savoring the weight of the two words. "Young Master Gu has lofty aspirations, which I admire."

"However, our Imperial City Guard is not as simple as just organizing troops on the battlefield. The waters here are deep and murky, filled with shady dealings that cannot be brought to light. I'm afraid that someone as upright as Young Master Gu will find it difficult to extricate himself from these murky waters once he gets involved."

This was Lei Jing's further test; he wanted to see just how determined Gu Qianfan was.

Gu Qianfan raised his head, his gaze meeting Lei Jing's for a moment before he politely lowered it, trying to make his voice sound fearless: "This junior knows that the road ahead is fraught with danger, perhaps full of thorns, but having made up his mind, he will go without hesitation."

After a pause, Gu Qianfan said resolutely, "As long as Your Excellency commands me, even if it is a trivial matter, I am willing to do my best without any complaints."

Lei Jing stared at him for a moment, then suddenly let out a low, hoarse laugh, which sounded particularly abrupt in the empty and oppressive hall.

"Okay! I have the guts!"

He abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming meaningful: "Speaking of which, it seems that Young Master Gu and Prime Minister Xiao Qinyan, who is currently enjoying great influence in the cabinet, have... quite a history?"

Gu Qianfan was shocked. His most sensitive wound had been suddenly reopened, and his face turned pale instantly. However, he suppressed his humiliation, quickly steadied himself, and said in a deep voice, "Your Excellency is wise. Minister Xiao is an important official of the court. I am but a junior and dare not presume to claim any connection with him. My presence here today represents only my own decision and has nothing to do with anyone else!"

His eagerness to draw a clear line was unusually resolute.

Lei Jing took in his intense reaction and understood what was going on, which confirmed his previous intelligence.

This was an unexpected delight for him.

Xiao Qinyan was newly appointed to the cabinet. Although there was some exclusion, he was still favored by the emperor and his power expanded very quickly. Lei Jing, although a servant of the emperor, was in charge of a key department, but he still needed to find support and a way to maintain balance in the outer court.

Gu Qianfan's appearance was like a rope that was delivered to his door. By controlling Gu Qianfan, he could gain a deeper understanding of Xiao Qinyan's movements.

After all, the bond between father and son is not something that can be easily severed.

Gu Qianfan... may become an important pawn in the future to check and balance Xiao Qinyan, or even to blackmail him.

Thinking of this, Lei Jing's smile grew even more amiable. Therefore, on the surface, he had to take extra care of this "Young Master Xiao".

"Hehe, Young Master Gu, there's no need to be so nervous." Lei Jing put on that formulaic smile again and waved his hand. "I was just asking casually. After all, Prime Minister Xiao is of high rank and great power, so it's only natural for him to show some concern."

“Since Young Master Gu has made up his mind, it would be heartless of us not to take him in. It just so happens that the department is currently very busy and in need of manpower. What we lack is a young man with courage and responsibility like Young Master Gu.”

He pretended to ponder, tapped his fingers lightly on the table a few times, and then said, "How about this, you start as a captain in the police station, start from the basics, and familiarize yourself with the rules and procedures of the department."

"Don't worry, I'll give orders to have someone take good care of you. After all..." He drawled, his gaze sweeping over Gu Qianfan meaningfully, "Your identity is special. If anything happens to you in my Imperial City Guard, I can't very well explain it to... hehe, to the court, to Prime Minister Xiao."

These words, seemingly full of concern, were actually a barb hidden in their gentle tone.

It not only points out Gu Qianfan's "special background" and implies that he will receive "special care," but also cleverly links Gu Qianfan's safety with Xiao Qinyan, thus deepening the bond between them.

How could Gu Qianfan not understand the implied meaning?
A surge of humiliation and anger rushed to his head, but remembering Qi Mu's instructions and his own "grand plan," he could only swallow his anger, bow his head and cup his hands, his voice slightly stiff: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Excellency! I will certainly do my duty and live up to Your Excellency's expectations."

“Yes, go ahead. Yang Zhiguan—” Lei Jing called out loudly.

Soon, a middle-aged man dressed in the attire of a low-ranking official of the Imperial City Guard, with a capable face and lively eyes, entered and bowed respectfully.

"Take Chief Gu to familiarize himself with the surroundings, collect his waist token and clothing, and arrange his quarters."

"Yes, Your Excellency." Yang Zhiguan replied, then gestured to Gu Qianfan, "Chief Gu, please follow me."

Gu Qianfan bowed to Lei Jing again, then followed Yang Zhiguan out of the suffocating hall.

It wasn't until he had walked quite a distance that the piercing gaze behind him seemed to disappear, and he then realized that his inner shirt was soaked with cold sweat and his palms were covered in sticky sweat stains.

He knew that he had embarked on a perilous and unpredictable path of no return.

Watching Gu Qianfan's figure disappear through the door, Lei Jing's fake smile gradually faded, replaced by a hint of amusement and calculation.

He picked up the jade seal again, rubbing it between his fingertips, and muttered to himself, his voice carrying a kind of effeminate sharpness unique to eunuchs: "Xiao Qinyan, you old fox, you probably didn't expect your own backyard to catch fire, did you?"

"Your son is quite interesting... It just so happens that we need your help with that matter right now. We'll take care of your son for now, and in the future... hehe."

He hesitated for a moment, then raised his voice: "Yang Zhiguan, come back."

Yang Zhiguan, who had just seen Gu Qianfan off, returned and stood respectfully with his hands at his sides: "What are your orders, Your Excellency?"

“Go, find a way to pass on a message to the Xiao family,” Lei Jing said in a low voice with a hint of cunning. “No need to say it outright, just let it slip that his ambitious young master is now working under us. Tell him… we’ll take special care of him, so he can rest assured.”

Yang Zhiguan understood immediately and bowed, saying, "Your subordinate understands and will take care of it right away."

Lei Jing waved for him to leave, then sat alone in the dimly lit hall with a mysterious smile on his face.

Although Xiao Qinyan has now entered the cabinet in glory, the emperor's heart is unpredictable and he has many enemies in the court, especially the Qingliu faction and the noble group. How could they sit idly by and watch him grow stronger?

What the future holds remains to be seen.

Gu Qianfan may be just a casual move now, but in the future, he may very well become a brilliant move.

He needs to think carefully about how to play this game well.

At this moment, Sheng Changquan was in the study of Shengfu Zeyutang in Jiying Lane, completely unaware of the distant and secretive power transactions outside the window.

He had just finished an essay, put down his pen, and gently blew the ink off the paper. Outside the window, the moonlight was like water, and the bamboo shadows swayed. Only the sound of turning pages and the rustling of bamboo leaves in the wind accompanied him.

He was completely absorbed in studying the classics and historical texts and pondering the questions for the imperial examination, waiting to stand in the Zichen Hall as a dignified teacher and fight for a bright future.

Two completely different paths in life parted ways completely this spring.