Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World

The future, which had always been somewhat uncertain, suddenly became much clearer.

I still need to study, but it's for the purpose of better honing my military skills.

As the only military man among the elite circle of intellectuals, his advantages would be very obvious if he joined the army.

This has a much brighter future than scientific expeditions.

After all, even if a military officer were to pass the imperial examination and achieve the title of Jinshi, he would still be looked down upon by scholars, and his career ceiling would be essentially fixed.

Originally, he studied in order to find a way out.

Nowadays, studying to join the army is not a bad thing!

As a result, the pure desire to study for the imperial examinations and gain fame was transformed into studying to hone strategic skills and military abilities.

These ideas change very quickly, yet they are real.

"Have you decided where you're going to study?" Zhang Heng asked, tossing a pot into the water.

"It hasn't been decided yet." Gu Tingye shook his head.

Zhang Heng pondered for a moment and said, "There is an academy in Jianzhou called Jian'an Academy. If Zhong Huai is interested in going there, I can write a letter to recommend him."

“There is a Yunzhuang Academy in Meizhou, which is also quite good,” Su Zhe, who was usually taciturn, interjected.

“And there’s Beiyuan Academy,” Su Shi added.

Zeng Bu nodded and said, "Nanfeng Academy is alright."

Military generals and nobles rarely possess both martial prowess and scholarly talent.

Gu Tingye was skilled in martial arts and was also a cultured man.

Since he had the desire to study, the group naturally didn't mind helping him out.

After all, Gu Tingye was destined to become a scholar-general!

“Yangzhou is a city with a thriving academic tradition, with Plum Blossom Academy being the most prominent.” Jiang Zhao offered another option.

The academies they mentioned may not have attended themselves, but that doesn't diminish their prestige in the local area; a single letter is enough to recommend Gu Tingye for admission.

“These academies are all renowned throughout the land, and the differences between them are not that great. If Zhong Huai is interested, he might as well give Plum Blossom Academy a try,” Jiang Zhao added.

He didn't really want Gu Tingye to study at Bailudong Academy.

Zhu Manniang is truly frail and unable to take care of herself!

After a moment's thought, Gu Tingye made his decision.

He looked at the others and said, "I am truly grateful for your kindness, gentlemen."

"However, I have never been anywhere other than Yangzhou. Therefore, I would like to trouble Zichuan to write a letter of recommendation for me to study at Plum Blossom Academy."

He spent more than a month in Yangzhou last time, during which he also visited the Plum Blossom Academy.

Yangzhou is a city with a thriving academic tradition, and the Plum Blossom Academy has produced many scholars who passed the imperial examinations. It is indeed a good place to study.

"Haha!" Jiang Zhao laughed heartily, then waved his hand dismissively. "No trouble at all. Once I've written the letter of recommendation, I'll have someone send it to the Gu family."

"Thank you." Gu Tingye bowed respectfully.

Just then, a woman walked over and smiled with delight: "What's wrong, Erlang? You've taken up studying?"

A relieved smile appeared on Xiao Qin's face, but her heart sank suddenly.

This unfilial son has been spoiled by her and has become arrogant. How can he possibly settle down and study?

"Mother?" Gu Tingye saw Madam Qin and quickly went to greet her.

Gu Tingye deeply loved his stepmother, who cared for him greatly and treated him like her own son.

"This is my mother, Madam Qin," Gu Tingye introduced.

“Madam Qin.” Jiang Zhao and the others nodded in succession.

When it comes to officials' families, it's best to say as little as possible.

Madam Qin was not surprised. She looked at Gu Tingye beside her with a kind expression and said, "My son is unruly and has a reputation for being a spoiled brat. If he has offended you in any way, please forgive him."

In a single sentence, Gu Tingye's bad reputation was revealed.

Of course, these words can have different meanings depending on who you are.

In Gu Tingye's eyes, the emphasis was naturally on the words "I hope you will forgive me," which he considered to be his mother's concern.

“Zhonghuai is a brave and valiant man. As a military man, it doesn’t matter if his reputation is a little tarnished,” Jiang Zhao said.

Within this small circle, almost everyone is a household name.

Gu Tingye's reputation as a playboy was so low that it couldn't even spread in Bianjing, so it was no longer likely to affect their reputation.

Moreover, just as Jiang Zhao said.

Isn't it common for military officers to have a less-than-stellar reputation?

To put it bluntly, there are countless ways to improve Gu Tingye's reputation.

If Gu Tingye were sent to the battlefield, each of them would present him with a poem, praising his righteousness. Who could possibly criticize him then?

It's all about making a name for oneself; that's what writers are best at!

Seeing that none of them cared about Gu Tingye's reputation, Madam Qin's kind smile became much more strained.

She waved her hand, and a maidservant brought out pastries, fruits, and wine.

"In that case, I will not trouble you any further." Madam Qin gave a deep bow and headed back towards the pavilion.

Gu Tingye stepped forward a few paces.

Jiang Zhao shook his head and sighed, saying in a strange tone, "Everyone in Bianjing says that Madam Qin is virtuous!"

Gu Tingye walked back, not quite hearing clearly: "My mother is of course virtuous."

As he spoke, he walked toward the wine container, picked up a glass, and poured himself a drink.

It didn't matter that Gu Tingye didn't realize it, but the others who were good at playing mind games all noticed something was wrong and exchanged glances.

Generally speaking, civil officials don't pay much attention to the affairs of noble sons who are dissolute.

However, Gu Tingye's reputation was too great; his name as a playboy had spread throughout Bianjing, and the group had naturally heard of him.

However, after spending time together several times, the group noticed some differences.

At least, with Gu Tingye's abilities and eloquence, even if he were a playboy, he probably wouldn't have such a great "reputation," right?

Is there an explanation for this?

"Or perhaps he was secretly executed."

The last word was left unsaid, but all of them were well-versed in the classics.

颂！

Hidden in praise!

Commonly known as "praise to death"!

Several people understood.

The stepmother has her own children and is kind-hearted.

The stepson was known as a spoiled and incompetent young man, but he possessed exceptional martial skills.

Once you give me some pointers, it all becomes clear.

However, none of them made a fuss.

Such a scheme is almost imperceptible to those caught in it unless they are aware of it themselves.

"Come on, let's continue with the pitch-pot game!"

Hehe! Thanks to everyone's support, we've already reached our goal of 1,000 monthly votes for this double monthly vote event. So, there will be three extra chapters.

However, since it's currently the new book release period, I can't add more chapters. So, these three extra chapters will be added after the book is officially released, and I will mark each extra chapter accordingly.

Thank you everyone for your support, mua!

Chapter 53: Advice on Establishing an Heir! (4k)

Regular gatherings are destined to be nothing more than icing on the cake.

After the Jinmingchi Polo Tournament, Gu Tingye used a letter of recommendation to go to Plum Blossom Academy to study.

Jiang Zhao, Zhang Heng, Su Shi, Su Zhe, Zeng Bu, and others, who were either appointed officials of the imperial court or Hanlin scholars, were all busy with their own affairs.

Ordinary days passed by, one after another.

Throughout history, numerous facts have proven that the concept of "the chosen ones" also exists in officialdom.

Emperor Taizong governed with the ambition of launching a northern expedition.

The famous prime minister Kou Zhun achieved early success, passing the imperial examination at the age of nineteen (by the traditional Chinese age reckoning) and becoming famous for his "unconventional promotion." He became prime minister at the age of forty-three and served as prime minister for more than twenty years.

Grand Chancellor Lü Mengzheng passed the imperial examination at the age of thirty-three with top honors and became prime minister at the age of thirty-nine, a position he held for six years.

Emperor Zhenzong governed the country by performing the Fengshan ceremony and promoting Taoism.

Li Hang, known as the "Holy Minister," passed the imperial examination at the age of thirty-three and became prime minister at the age of fifty, a tenure that lasted seventeen years.

Ding Wei, the Grand Chancellor, became famous throughout the land with his essay "Ode to Great Words". He passed the imperial examination at the age of twenty-six and became a minister of six ministries at the age of thirty-eight. In just twelve years, he rose to the rank of second grade official.

In recent years, the government has governed the country with benevolence as its primary principle, and there have been quite a few people who have risen rapidly in rank.

Han Zhang, a Grand Secretary of the Zizheng Hall, became the second-highest scorer in the imperial examination at the age of nineteen and entered the cabinet at the age of thirty-seven. In just eighteen years, he became one of the most influential figures among the civil officials.

Grand Chancellor Fu Bi was an even more important figure. He passed the imperial examination at the age of 26 and entered the cabinet at the age of 41, serving for only 15 years.

The existence of these figures proves that there is no shortage of "chosen ones" in officialdom.

Today, Jiang Zhao is undoubtedly a rising star in the political arena.

He was famous throughout the world from a young age, and his debate in the Wende Hall resounded far and wide, shaking the world.

Even the government officials began to appreciate his talent.

A political struggle led to his promotion to the rank of Crown Prince's Attendant, a sixth-rank official, and concurrently to Hanlin Academician.

In February of the following year, he was promoted to the rank of Hanlin Academician of the fifth grade, concurrently holding the position of Hanlin Imperial Edict Drafter. From then on, he wore the red robe and was responsible for explaining classics and history to the emperor, serving as an academic advisor, political consultant, and drafting imperial edicts.

He had been an official for less than a year, yet he had already risen to the rank of fifth grade.

The extent of the emperor's favor and honor is evident.

The name of the "Young Grand Secretary" is spreading far and wide!

Spring has passed and autumn has come; it is now the third year of the Jiayou era, on the third day of the fourth month.

Jiang Mansion, Study.

Noon.

[His Majesty's intentions have been fickle lately. I believe I still have a role to play and wish to seek an opportunity to serve in the capital. This would allow me to serve the court and also be closer to my children. My son-in-law has extensive connections and is highly regarded by His Majesty.]

Jiang Zhao stared at the letter in his hand, his eyes narrowing slightly.

This is a letter from Huaizuo, written by his father-in-law, Sheng Hong.

The letter, neither too short nor too long, mainly records three points:

First, a greeting.

Secondly, he praised his son-in-law.

Thirdly, Sheng Hong had an excellent track record of political achievements for several consecutive years and intended to take up an official post in the capital.

Jiang Zhao stood up and pondered for a moment.

In fact, Sheng Hong is a very capable person.

Both his official abilities and his network of connections are excellent.

Looking at Sheng Hong's career path, it is clear that his promotion has almost never stopped.

Starting as a ninth-rank official, he rose to the position of Vice Prefect of Yangzhou, a sixth-rank official, through at least six or seven promotions. Even if it was once every three years, it would still take nearly twenty years.

Given Sheng Hong's age, he has never experienced a period of stagnation and has always been in a state of promotion.