The Prodigal Son

The sudden imperial edict startled both father and son.

Why the sudden visit to deliver an imperial decree to the Gao family?

Could it be something to do with Yu Jing?

Damn!

Could something have gone wrong with Yu Jing?

Is His Majesty's decree here to rebuke them?

I hope not!

Filled with doubt and unease, the father and son hurried towards the front hall.

Just as the father and son arrived at the front hall, Ruan Zhi walked in with the imperial edict.

Gao Yi quickly straightened his clothes and was about to kneel to receive the imperial edict when Ruan Zhi stepped forward and said, "His Majesty said that Prime Minister Gao is old and need not kneel to receive the edict!"

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Gao Yi cried out, "This old minister thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

This put Gao Yi's mind at ease.

It was definitely not a reprimanding imperial edict!

It shouldn't be a bad thing!

Ruan Zhi nodded slightly, then unfolded the imperial edict and read it aloud:

"His Majesty has decreed: Prime Minister Gao Yi, having served for many years, has devised strategies for national security and possesses far-sighted vision! Since his reinstatement as Prime Minister, he has assisted me in governing the country, working diligently day and night without complaint, earning him widespread praise for his virtue and wisdom..."

Zhao Luan first praised Gao Yi extensively in the imperial edict.

They practically attributed all of Qin Yu's achievements to Gao Yi.

"His son, Gao Dan, was imbued with virtue and talent, and had a good reputation."

"In accordance with the established practice of rewarding merit and encouraging virtuous individuals, I hereby exceptionally promote Sheng Dan to the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and bestow upon him official robes!"

"Gao Dan has inherited his father's teachings and received the Emperor's favor. He should be diligent and respectful in his duties, uphold justice and fairness, and rectify official corruption, so as not to fail the court's appointment and his father's teachings..."

As Ruan Zhinian revealed the following content, Gao Yi and his son were both startled.

Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel?

Although Gao Dan had been granted an official position, it was only a fifth-rank official position.

Although a fifth-rank official isn't exactly low-ranking, it's not enough in the capital city.

Those of the lowest rank, the fifth grade, are not even qualified to stand in the court and participate in court assemblies!

And now, Zhao Luan has surprisingly promoted Sheng Dan to the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, breaking with precedent.

First grade, third tier!

From the fifth rank to the third rank, that's a full eight levels!

He was promoted eight ranks in one day!

Moreover, he was promoted to the Ministry of Personnel, which was in charge of evaluating and promoting officials throughout the country!

Even after Ruan Zhi finished reading the imperial edict, the Gao family father and son had not yet recovered from their immense joy.

"Prime Minister Gao, Your Excellency Gao, it's time to receive the decree."

It wasn't until Ruan Zhi reminded them that the father and son realized what was happening.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Gao Dan kowtowed abruptly and shouted, "Your subject Gao Dan receives the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!"

Ruan Zhi delivered the imperial edict to Gao Dan.

After Gao Dan received the decree and stood up, he smiled and congratulated him, "Congratulations, Lord Gao."

"Thank you very much, Lord Ruan!"

Gao Dan, beaming with joy, quickly pulled a silver note from his sleeve and stuffed it into Ruan Zhi's hand. "Thank you for making this trip, Lord Ruan. This is just a small token of my appreciation. Please don't refuse it."

"Thank you, Lord Gao."

Ruan Zhi smiled and accepted the silver note.

Gao Dan was overjoyed to see Ruan Zhi accept the silver notes.

Although Ruan Zhi's status was not as high as Shangguan Youyi's, he was still someone close to Zhao Luan!

Ruan Zhi's willingness to accept his silver notes, to some extent, represents Zhao Luan's attitude towards the Gao family!

After exchanging a few brief pleasantries with the Gao family father and son, Ruan Zhi took his leave.

As Ruan Zhi left, the father and son could no longer contain themselves and burst into laughter.

"Father, you're amazing!"

Gao Dan looked at his father with admiration, "You just said His Majesty wanted to support us, and the imperial decree is here soon!"

Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel!

Clearly, Zhao Luan is trying to check and balance Du Zhiwen's power!

From now on, he can stand in the imperial court!

Looking at the imperial edict in his hand, Gao Dan felt an urge to hug and kiss it.

His father is the current prime minister!

He had always held a fifth-rank official position, which was somewhat reminiscent of a tiger father and a dog son.

This location is quite suitable!

"The Qin faction's power is growing stronger, so placing you in the Ministry of Personnel to check and balance their influence is indeed quite appropriate!"

Gao Yi revealed a shrewd smile, "However, there's probably another layer of meaning behind this!"

"Um?"

Gao Dan asked, puzzled, "What do you mean?"

"Yu Jing!"

Gao Yi said in a deep voice, "His Majesty's exceptional promotion of you is putting pressure on Yu Jing!"

"what?"

Gao Dan looked at his father with a blank expression. "How did this become putting pressure on Yu Jing?"

"Use your brain!" Gao Yi glared at his son, annoyed. "I ask you, now that Yu Jing has successfully opened up the salt route in Min, how should His Majesty reward him?"

"this……"

Gao Dan frowned.

This question really stumped him.

Yu Jing is already a prince!

How can we bestow rewards upon them?

Surely we can't bestow upon him the title of Prince?

If Yu Jing were to be granted the title of Prince, not only would the court officials oppose it, but even he and his father would object!

For Yu Jing, being a prince was the end of his career!

We can't close it off anymore!

After pondering silently for a while, Gao Dan suddenly realized: "You mean, His Majesty can no longer bestow rewards upon Yu Jing, so the rewards have fallen on me?"

"Oh, right!"

Gao Yi nodded slightly. "Think about it again. The matter with Yu Jing hasn't even been settled yet, so why is His Majesty in such a hurry to bestow the title upon you?"

Gao Dan's heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly realized, "Is His Majesty using this to urge Yu Jing to speed up the process?"

"That's one thing!"

Gao Yi looked intently at his son. "How much merit do you think Yu Jing needs to achieve to get you promoted eight ranks in one go?"

"His Majesty not only wants Yu Jing to speed up the process, but also wants him to do it even better!"

Gao Dan finally realized what was happening.

How could the merit of opening up the salt route possibly lead to a promotion of eight ranks?

Yu Jing must handle things perfectly to be worthy of Zhao Luan's favor!

"Yes!"

Gao Yi withdrew his gaze and said quietly, "If Yu Jing's handling of the matter displeases His Majesty, he will probably find a reason to demote you immediately! He might even banish you directly from the capital!"

Upon hearing Gao Yi's words, Gao Dan immediately felt flustered.

He had just been promoted eight ranks and then demoted; wouldn't that be incredibly humiliating?

Moreover, once it goes down, it will be very difficult to go up again!

Realizing the seriousness of the matter, Gao Dan immediately said, "I'll write a letter to Yu Jing and have someone send it over as quickly as possible."

Gao Yi shook his head slightly and said with a wry smile, "I'll write it myself!"

He even suspected that Zhao Luan wanted to force Yu Jing to take drastic measures in Minxia, ​​and that she would stop at nothing to achieve her goal!

The purpose was to reduce the prestige of Yu Jing, the former crown prince of Min, in the hearts of the people of Min, so that the people of Min would be completely disappointed with the Min royal family, completely lose their desire to restore the country, and become obedient subjects of Da Ning!

Even though they knew this was a trap set by Zhao Luan, they still had to jump in!

Whether for the Gao family or for Yu Jing, this is the only way!

Yu Jing will only be safe if the people of Min lose their will to restore their kingdom!

With Yu Jing safe, the Gao family will not be implicated in the future!

Zhao Luan is too young to think of these things.

It was probably that old dog Song Zhuo who gave Zhao Luan the idea!

This is an open conspiracy!

Even though he saw through everything, he still had to help them put pressure on Yu Jing!

Before long, Gao Yi finished writing a letter and ordered someone to deliver it to Yu Jing as quickly as possible.

"call……"

After letting out a sigh of relief, Gao Yi instructed Gao Dan, "Once you enter the Ministry of Personnel, focus on doing your job well. Don't think about immediately restraining Du Zhiwen. First, figure out the factions within the Ministry of Personnel!"

"My son understands!"

Gao Dan nodded quickly.

"besides!"

Gao Yi looked at his son solemnly, "In court, don't speak carelessly about matters that don't concern you. First, learn to read between the lines! When you're unsure, pay close attention to my expressions! When you encounter problems, don't foolishly rush forward..."

The imperial court is a vortex of power, a place where people are devoured without spitting out their bones!

Sometimes, you can criticize the emperor in court and it won't bother you.

But sometimes, saying the wrong thing can cost you your life!

Standing in the imperial court, anyone could be swallowed up by this vortex.

Gao Dan will be standing in the imperial court tomorrow.

As a father, Gao Yi still had to give some advice.

Gao Yi gave Gao Dan his earnest instructions, and Gao Dan listened attentively, unable to contain his excitement...