Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

"Transferring to a higher rank" means that Gao Zhao's official rank has been promoted from Zhongxun Lang to Bingyi Lang, and his monthly salary will increase by two thousand. Why not say two strings of cash?

Because now a string of cash is only a little over 700, which is less than a string of cash!

We, the proper officials of the Song Dynasty and close ministers of the emperor, only count the amount of copper coins when receiving our salaries, and we don't care about the amount of copper coins!

Although the money didn't increase much, only a pittance, Gao Zhao was very happy!

I joined the company in August and got promoted in less than three months. If it were someone like me from my past life, they probably wouldn't have even passed their probation period!

Such achievements are entirely due to his own hard work and upright character!

Of course, this is also thanks to His Majesty the Emperor's wisdom and martial prowess, and his ability to recognize and appoint capable people!

Don't underestimate Emperor Huizong of Song; he was a foolish ruler who was good at everything else, but he was quite good at recognizing talent!

Haha, you have a good eye for talent!

Overjoyed, Gao Zhao returned home and wanted to share the good news with Feng Sanniang!

However, as soon as he entered, he was blocked by the old steward, "Hehe, young master, the Grand Commandant requests your presence!"

When Gao Zhao saw the old man's face, he wanted to punch him a couple of times. Every time the old man came to see him, it was never a good thing!

However, Gao Qiu still had to be given face, so he waved his hand and said, "Lead the way."

Gao Zhao followed behind him, asking seemingly casually, "What brings you here so late, sir?"

The old steward replied casually, "I don't know! The Grand Commandant didn't say, but he didn't look too good!"

"Oh..." Gao Zhao nodded, secretly calculating in his mind. Today, he was interrupted by Gao Qiu when he was only halfway through speaking, but the emperor did not blame him. Instead, he gave him a reward, which showed that he was right in the big picture!

Even if Gao Qiu were to reprimand him, it would only be a minor matter and wouldn't cause any real harm!

With that thought, he felt relieved. Looking up at the old steward's retreating figure, he raised his chin and said, "I've noticed you're not very good at your job! You seem to lack some understanding of the ins and outs!"

The old steward paused, quickly turned around, and asked in confusion, "Young master, what makes you say that?"

Gao Zhao did not answer directly, but instead asked, "Do you know the difference between our East Upper Gate Division and West Upper Gate Division?"

"I know a little!" the old steward said with a fawning smile. "The East Upper Gate Guard Office, where the young master is located, is an auspicious office, while the West Upper Gate Guard Office is an inauspicious one!"

"Hmm!" Gao Zhao put his hands behind his back, walked slowly forward, and nodded slightly, saying, "Then do you think I'm more popular going east, or west?"

The old steward quickly replied with a smile, "Naturally, an official as auspicious as your son is more respected!"

"Indeed!" Gao Zhao smiled slightly, waved his sleeve, and said with emotion, "However, we, the gatekeepers, are all serving the government. The things we do are all official business. Whether they are auspicious or inauspicious is not determined by us. We are just following orders! The so-called auspicious officials and inauspicious officials are just different divisions of labor."

The old steward nodded repeatedly, bowed, and asked, "What does the young master mean?"

Gao Zhao's expression suddenly changed, and he said angrily, "I want to ask you, why is it always bad news whenever I see you! Did you deliberately take on this unlucky job, or are you just my nemesis?!"

"Uh...this..." The old steward's expression froze, he really hadn't expected such a twist in the conversation!

However, he wasn't one to be trifled with. He immediately slapped his forehead, looking annoyed, and said, "Oh dear! Young master, your words have truly awakened me from my dream! I've lived most of my life and yet I never understood this principle. How shameful!"

He then bowed deeply and said, "If it weren't for your guidance today, young master, I'm afraid I would still be living a muddled and ignorant life!"

His excited reaction made Gao Zhao a little embarrassed, and he waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "It's not that bad, it was just a casual remark..."

Before he could finish speaking, the old steward interrupted, praising, "A casual remark has become a guiding light for this old man in his confusion. This shows your extraordinary talent, and your worldly wisdom is truly remarkable! I dare say, it won't be long before you're promoted!"

Gao Zhao looked embarrassed and said modestly, "Hehe... I've already been promoted..."

"What did I tell you!" The old steward slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "What do you call this? This is called talent! To be honest, I knew the young master was exceptionally talented, but I never imagined it would be this high! Looking back now, I realize my praise was too conservative!"

Gao Zhao pursed his lips tightly, suppressing a smile, and put on a serious expression. He said solemnly, "We're all family, no need for flattery. I've never liked sycophancy! Let's go, hurry up and see the magistrate!"

After saying that, Gao Zhao quickly turned his head and strode forward.

The old steward followed behind, constantly explaining, "Young master, you misunderstand. What I said just now came from the bottom of my heart. I know you are humble and open-minded, and you are happy to hear criticism. How could I possibly use flattering words to fawn over you?"

Gao Zhao waved his hand to indicate that there was no need to say more, but in his heart he was thinking to himself that he had indeed misunderstood the old steward. The old steward was just following orders and had no ill intentions. It was indeed a bit unreasonable of him to blame him for this!

Of course, I can't be wrong, so who is wrong?

Ah, Gao Qiu is indeed a treacherous minister!

The two arrived at the study one after the other. Gao Zhao pushed open the door and entered. The old steward smiled and turned to leave.

As soon as he entered, he felt a wave of warmth wash over him. Gao Zhao couldn't help but sigh, Gao Qiu is getting old and so weak. It's not even the coldest time of year yet, and he's already heated the house up so much!

Thinking about it privately, his hiding in the study and not returning to the inner quarters was probably not just because of his discord with Madam Guo!

I do know a legendary healer...

He didn't look at Gao Qiu's gloomy face, but instead opened the window a little to let the air circulate, and then said, "Sir, although this silver charcoal is good, it also contains charcoal poison. It's better to let the air in the room circulate."

Gao Qiu's expression softened slightly as he watched Gao Zhao's busy movements. Gao Zhao glanced at him and sneered inwardly, "Trying to manipulate him!"

"My lord, it's getting cold today, you should take good care of yourself!"

Gao Zhao came closer, took the teapot and added water for him, saying gently, "These days, it's been terribly cold here, but it hasn't snowed yet. And with the suburban festival approaching, you mustn't overwork yourself, sir!"

These words were so heartwarming that Gao Qiu was extremely pleased. His expression softened, he picked up his teacup, took a sip, and nodded slightly. He felt a lingering fragrance on his lips and teeth, and his heart was filled with joy.

Gao Zhao tidied up the paper and pen on his desk, then respectfully took a step back, bowed, and said, "My lord, it's getting late. You should rest early. I'll take my leave now!"

"Hmm!" Gao Qiu nodded, watching Gao Zhao's departing figure, when suddenly he realized something was wrong and slammed his hand on the table, shouting, "Come back! Come back here!"

Gao Zhao paused, staring at the door so close at hand, and grimaced in pain.

So close!