northernbook Chapter 1789 The Fourth Prince's Junior Tutor
Chapter 1789 The Fourth Prince's Junior Tutor
Later, his daughter entered the palace and gradually rose to the position of Imperial Noble Consort.
Consort Zhuang remains a major concern for the Imperial Noble Consort.
That woman comes from a good family, has a good background, and a kind face that can deceive anyone.
Countless open and covert attacks were aimed at the Imperial Noble Consort.
Shen Maoxue was not unaware of these things.
But he couldn't help the palace, so he could only do his own thing outside the palace, not causing trouble for the Imperial Noble Consort, and not letting the Shen family become a burden to her.
They did their best to support the Imperial Noble Consort.
But today, Zhuang Shouzhen has been demoted.
The most unruly protégés and former subordinates of the Zhuang family were either demoted or transferred.
Although Grand Tutor Zhuang and Zhuang Shouzhou are still alive, this incident is undoubtedly a resounding slap in the face to the Zhuang family!
Shen Maoxue took a deep breath and forcefully suppressed the smile that was about to spill out.
Can't laugh!
A colleague passed by and said in a low voice, "Lord Shen, about today's matter..."
Shen Maoxue waved his hand: "I dare not discuss matters of the court."
His colleague was taken aback for a moment, then immediately showed an expression of admiration.
No wonder he is the father of the Imperial Noble Consort; his prudence and composure are why he has come this far.
At the same time, everyone was speculating that Zhuang Shouzhen had been demoted, and who would take the vacant position of Minister of Rites.
This is one of the six ministerial positions, a truly powerful official post!
The Imperial Study.
Several close advisors were waiting here.
Nangong Xuanyu sat behind his desk, his gaze falling on Gu Jinxiao below.
Gu Jinxiao, dressed in a neat purple official robe with a jade belt around his waist, stood there like a pine tree unmoved by wind and rain.
A hint of satisfaction flashed in Nangong Xuanyu's eyes: "Minister Gu."
Gu Jinxiao stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your subject is here."
"The position of Minister of Rites is vacant. After much consideration, I believe the most suitable candidate is you."
The ministers' brows twitched slightly.
The transition from a second-rank Vice Minister of Rites to a first-rank Minister is a threshold that many people cannot cross in their entire lives.
Nangong Xuanyu continued, "You are upright and prudent, and rigorous in your studies. You have gained enough experience in your position as a Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet over the years."
"The Ministry of Rites is in charge of all matters of etiquette and education in the country, and it needs talents like you."
"Furthermore, the fourth prince is getting older, and his education is of utmost urgency."
"I discussed the position of Junior Tutor with you ministers some time ago, and today I will finalize it."
"Minister Gu, I hereby appoint you as the Junior Tutor to the Fourth Prince, to be his tutor."
Everyone's breath hitched slightly!
Minister of Rites, concurrently serving as Junior Tutor to the Fourth Prince. They knew all too well the weight of this appointment!
The fourth prince was born to the Imperial Noble Consort. He was intelligent, healthy, and deeply loved by the Emperor.
The Imperial Noble Consort holds a position equivalent to the Empress Dowager and will eventually become the Empress, making the Fourth Prince the legitimate heir!
What does it mean to become the tutor of the fourth prince?
His Majesty entrusted his future legitimate son to Gu Jinxiao.
His Majesty trusts him, values him highly, and regards him as someone who can be entrusted to the eldest son.
Gu Jinxiao lowered his eyes, suppressing his surging emotions: "Your Majesty, I am terrified."
Nangong Xuanyu looked at him, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes: "What are you afraid of? I trust you."
Upon hearing this, Gu Jinxiao no longer declined. He took a deep breath, lifted his robe, and knelt down: "Your Majesty's trust is immense, and I have no way to repay it. I will certainly do my utmost, fulfill my duties, and diligently teach the Fourth Prince, so as not to fail Your Majesty's great favor!"
Nangong Xuanyu nodded: "Get up."
Gu Jinxiao stood up and stepped aside.
The remaining close advisors all cast envious, admiring, or awe-inspiring glances at him.
Gu Jinxiao is so young, yet he is already the Minister of Rites and the Junior Tutor to the Fourth Prince.
His future is limitless!
After the news spread, a wave of undercurrents swept through the court once again.
"Vice Minister Gu has been promoted to Minister of Rites?"
"He also serves as the Junior Tutor to the Fourth Prince!"
"This is Jane in the Emperor's heart..."
"Who can argue with that?"
"The Imperial Noble Consort enjoys the Emperor's favor, and the Fourth Prince is deeply loved by the Emperor. To become the Fourth Prince's Junior Tutor would be a very promising prospect in the future..."
The man stopped speaking before he could finish.
But who can't hear the unspoken meaning?
If the fourth prince were to become the crown prince in the future, his tutor would be the future imperial tutor!
Just look at how much respect the Emperor has for Grand Tutor Zhuang now, and you'll know how promising Minister Gu's future is!
Minister Gu has taken too far a step!
Some people are envious, and some are jealous.
Some people were secretly relieved that they had not offended the newly appointed Minister of Rites.
……
The news reached the inner palace in the afternoon.
There was much discussion in all the palaces.
"Have you heard? Zhuang Shouzhen has been demoted to the position of magistrate in Ronghua!"
"Ronghua? What kind of place is that?"
"It's a small county, and I heard it's terribly plagued by miasma; once you go there, you never come back."
"Tsk tsk, from Minister to County Magistrate, that's quite something..."
"Shh, keep your voice down. Didn't you hear His Majesty say? Anyone who continues to discuss this will be punished as an accomplice."
"That's right, that's right, let's not talk about this anymore."
"I heard that His Majesty appointed Lord Gu to succeed Zhuang Shouzhen and also appointed him as the Junior Tutor of the Fourth Prince."
"So, the Imperial Noble Consort has gained another great ally?"
"..."
The murmurs gradually subsided, and among the exchanged glances were gloating, sighs of regret, and lingering fear.
Chuxiu Palace.
Consort Kang sat by the window, listening to the news Caiju had gathered, and remained silent for a long time.
Caiju cautiously observed her expression: "Your Majesty, although we failed to bring down Consort Zhuang this time, we did cripple her, and the Zhuang family suffered a great loss of strength."
"You've avenged part of your grudge, so please try to let it go."
Consort Kang remained silent.
Zhuang Shouzhen was demoted, the Zhuang family faction was purged, and Consort Zhuang's power was greatly weakened.
For her, this was certainly a partial victory.
But Consort Kang still felt something stuck in her chest...
Zhuang Yumin was still safely in Changchun Palace.
It's just a lockdown; they'll be released eventually.
As long as she remains a Noble Consort and Grand Tutor Zhuang is alive, the Zhuang family will not fall.
……
Yongshou Palace.
Shen Zhinian leaned against the soft couch, listening to Xiao Mingzi report in detail what had happened outside.
"...Your Majesty, Zhuang Shouzhen and many members of the Zhuang family have been demoted. As a result of this incident, the Zhuang family's influence in the court has been severely weakened!"
Shen Zhinian listened and gently shook her head: "It's just pruning a few branches."
Xiao Mingzi was taken aback: "Your Majesty means..."
Shen Zhinian's eyes narrowed slightly: "Grand Tutor Zhuang is still here."
"As long as he is alive, His Majesty's affection for the Zhuang family will remain, and the Zhuang family will not collapse."
Han Dan blinked, the joy on her face fading slightly: "Then... what should we do?"
Shen Zhinian said calmly, "It's alright."
"Zhuang Shouzheng is Zhuang Yurou's father. He was demoted and the Zhuang family faction was purged. This is for the world to see."
"Tell everyone what the consequences are for plotting against the imperial heir. From now on, Lady Zhuang's reputation in the harem is completely ruined."