But Gu Huaiyu’s return this time was different.
This was not the Chancellor of a single Emperor, but the “unanimous choice” elevated by the people of the realm.
The very texture of his power had changed; the shackles of the Chancellery had been shattered.
Pure Stream, Gu Faction, civil or military, imperial kin—at this moment, those were merely empty names.
In the end, which official currently standing in court was not a subordinate under the Chancellor’s shadow?
As Gu Huaiyu’s carriage came to a halt, a thunderous roar echoed through the morning light: “We welcome the Lord Chancellor’s return to court!”
The area before the Chancellery was filled with kneeling officials in vermilion and purple robes. Not a single member of the civil or military officialdom was missing—even the old ministers who usually feigned illness or “played dead” to avoid trouble had been carried here on stretchers.
Today was the Chancellor’s first day back in power. Failing to show one’s loyalty now was asking for a miserable career in officialdom.
Gu Huaiyu had no interest in these empty pleasantries.
He walked straight through the forest of kneeling officials. His red python-patterned robes brushed past the low-hanging caps of the court, looking like a beam of celestial light sweeping over the prostrate masses.
“Ministry of War,” he said, looking straight ahead as he walked. “What is the status of the military reports regarding the deployment to Eastern Liao? Has the Provincial Army finished congregating?”
The Minister of War hurriedly looked up. “Reporting to the Chancellor, the detailed records have been presented to your desk in the Chancellery. We were only waiting for—”
Before he could finish, Gu Huaiyu had already passed him. “Ministry of Revenue?”
Wei Qingya straightened his back and looked up at him, flashing a brilliant smile. “As it happens, this official was just about to seek the Chancellor’s instructions.”
Gu Huaiyu nodded and continued forward. Beside him, eunuchs, palace maids, and low-level clerks bowed their heads as if they were part of the dirt.
He alone walked with his head held high in the sunlight, his silhouette strikingly upright.
As he reached a figure in black official robes—the color of the Court of Judicial Review—his footsteps paused.
Nie Jin remained prostrate, but his back was stiff and straight. Even though he knew Gu Huaiyu was standing beside him, he did not look up or utter a word.
Gu Huaiyu had finally cracked this “iron lump.” Naturally, he felt quite pleased.
Nie Jin heard a soft, light chuckle from above, one that radiated an indescribable joy. The hem of the vermilion robes brushed past his ear, as gentle as a lover’s touch.
Gu Huaiyu continued toward the military officers. He didn’t even need to look to know which one was Pei Jingyi.
That degenerate stood half a head taller than the others even while kneeling. His broad back strained against his official robes. He had no sense of restraint, tilting his face up with hawk-like eyes fixed burningly upon Gu Huaiyu.
This morning, Gu Huaiyu had specifically ordered that Pei Jingyi was not allowed into the estate to serve him.
Gu Huaiyu didn’t even grant him a direct glance. He walked straight past him, his official boot “accidentally” stepping on Pei Jingyi’s thigh.
Pei Jingyi, quick as a flash and bold as a lion, gave Gu Huaiyu’s calf a light squeeze.
This exchange happened in the blink of an eye. With the entire court bowing their heads, no one saw the secret undercurrent between them.
Gu Huaiyu couldn’t very well kick him in front of everyone. With a faint expression, he entered the Chancellery, slowly sipped a cup of tea, and flipped through several reports on his desk.
Not long after, Wei Qingya hurried in. He bowed at the doorway and knelt obediently. “This official greets the Lord Chancellor.”
Gu Huaiyu gave a soft “mm” and tapped a finger on a scroll. “Qingya, stand and speak.”
Wei Qingya remained kneeling, his ears turning slightly red at being called “Qingya.” “This official has crimes upon his head. I do not dare stand.”
Gu Huaiyu naturally knew what “crimes” he meant. He thought to himself: At least you know. Privately showing the state treasury ledgers to others is a capital offense. But then again, you are my god of wealth…
He picked up a scroll and held it before his face, partially obscuring it and leaving only the elegant curve of his jaw visible. “Considering your intent was to seek justice for me, and you have rendered great service, I shall spare your life this once.”
The subtext was clear: your merits offset your faults. Just don’t mention the two million, eight hundred thousand taels of silver I took from you ever again.
Wei Qingya understood perfectly, but he still didn’t rise. His voice dropped lower. “This official has another crime.”
Gu Huaiyu arched an eyebrow. “What crime now?”
Wei Qingya said, “This official took the liberty of misappropriating the Ministry of Revenue’s funds to conduct a few business transactions.”
Gu Huaiyu was about to scold him, but Wei Qingya continued, “During the days the Chancellor was away, the capital lacked grain. Grain merchants inflated prices, and many waterborne merchants from other provinces heard the news and wanted to make a quick profit.”
