Chapter 324: Potential to Become a Power Minister

These days, the most talked‑about figure in Shang Jing is probably Gu Kang.

He topped the imperial examinations and received a palace‑granted residence from the Emperor.

He was admitted straight into the Wenyuan Pavilion, worked in the Zhengshi Hall, and instantly became Southern Qi's most promising young talent.

When Gu Kang moved, almost half of Shang Jing's aristocracy got involved.

Those aristocratic families that kept a modest profile sent over some valuable gifts.

People from humble backgrounds who empathized with Gu Kang came directly to help, hiring cleaners and arranging the purchase of slaves and maidservants.

Unexpectedly, Gu Kang turned down all these friendly overtures; this time he took over four slaves and a steward from Gu Jiu Ling.

Gu Jiu Ling came to Gu Kang's residence herself to help, but she didn't even have to move; she sat in Zheng Ting, sipping tea.

Jiu Yue and Yun Duo led the servants to move things; the courtyard had already been cleaned.

Gu Kang tried to recruit Mr. Wen from Nan Shan Shu Yuan, but Mr. Wen flatly refused.

Mr. Wen said he lives at Nan Shan Shu Yuan, which is more comfortable.

Gu Kang tried to persuade him, and Mr. Wen laughed, saying there will be plenty of days for him to fulfill filial duties.

Nevertheless, Gu Kang and Mr. Wen agreed that each month Mr. Wen would be brought to Gu Kang's residence for a few days.

Seeing Gu Kang's insistence, Mr. Wen found it hard to refuse and agreed to Gu Kang's request.

At first Gu Kang didn't want to live in Jing Cheng, but the residence was a royal grant, so he couldn't refuse.

He plans to join the Hanlin Academy later, and staying at Nan Shan Shu Yuan would ultimately be Gan Bu Fang Bian.

Gu Jiu Ling also provided him with a carriage and hired a driver, finally settling everything at home.

The sister and brother sat in Zheng Ting talking when the steward hurried in.

Zhang Guanjia was the candidate Gu Jiu Ling had selected for her brother; he is shrewd and loyal, brought from their Du family's hometown in Longzhou countryside.

In plain terms, he's just one of the people who served the late Master Du.

They are more convenient to use; after Gu Kang was once duped by his own servant, Gu Jiu Ling has become extremely cautious in selecting slaves, preferring scarcity over excess.

After all, since her brother has entered this game, he must continuously train in the officialdom and even face more blood‑soaked turmoil.

If those around him are unsuitable, they might even backfire on their master.

After Gu Jiu Ling settled everything, she sent several highly skilled bodyguards to accompany Gu Kang.

The bodyguards around the siblings were all trained by herself. Since Gu Jiu Ling now harbors some resentment toward Xiao Yin, the guards she assigned to her brother did not draw on the guards from Rui Wang Fu.

Instead, they are her own trainees; she always believes one should not rely too heavily on another.

One must always be independent and self‑reliant.

Zhang Guanjia stepped forward, his expression slightly complicated, and looked at Gu Kang: "Sir, someone from the Gu family has arrived."

As Zhang Guanjia finished speaking, Gu Jiu Ling, holding a tea cup, froze, then looked up at her brother beside her.

A mocking smile curled at her lips as she whispered, "It seems dad wants to take you back again; what do you plan to do?"

Gu Kang slightly furrowed his brow: "Who came from outside? Which member of the Gu family?"

Zhang Guanjia's expression turned a bit awkward as he slowly said, "Reporting, sir, the steward from the Prime Minister's residence is here, saying he brings a message from Shangshu."

"Shangshu wishes to invite you back to the Gu household to discuss matters; as for what, the Gu side didn't specify, and this old servant dares not ask."

A colder chill deepened in Gu Kang's eyes as he looked at Gu Jiu Ling.

Gu Jiu Ling took a gentle sip of tea and smiled, "You've grown up now; some matters you decide yourself, and your elder sister will no longer interfere."

Gu Kang nodded, paused briefly, his face bearing an unprecedented solemnity.

He looked at Zhang Guanjia: "Go reply. I, Gu Kang, have been stripped of my crimes from the Gu family, so it's inconvenient to return and disturb them; we won't tarnish Shangshu's residence."

"If Shangshu has anything to say, say it in the waiting hall during the court session."

Gu Kang's stance was clear; he completely severed ties with Shangshu's residence.

Zhang Guanjia nodded and left, then returned a moment later with a box, saying, "This is from Shangshu for you."

"Shangshu says you need some silver to set up your residence; he has prepared it for you."

Gu Jiu Ling couldn't help but mutter in surprise.

Gu Shijie is a classic 'phoenix man': always stingy and harsh, spending money that belongs to his own wife.

Even the expenses for taking a concubine and the series of clothing and food for Lin Qingxue were all paid by his wife.

Now he voluntarily offers money to help Gu Kang set up his household—what a rare sight.

"Hand it over, let me see how much silver our impoverished father prepared for you."

Zhang Guanjia chuckled inwardly; the young lady used the term 'impoverished family' to describe Gu Shangshu, which sounded harsh but was, upon reflection, not entirely unfounded.

Those elder Du family members truly didn't understand how the young lady Du Qingning ever fancied such a thing.

Gu Shijie is merely good‑looking and talented; his character, family background, and outlook are all lacking.

Originally, Master Du almost severed ties with his daughter because she insisted on marrying Gu Shijie.

But later, feeling sorry for him, they began to cultivate this good‑for‑nothing son‑in‑law.

With the Du family's wealth and manpower, they kept promoting Gu Shijie until he reached the Prime Minister position, only for that scoundrel to repay kindness with murder, killing the young lady.

He even treated the young lady's two children as worthless, driving her son out of the Gu household.

If those two children hadn't fought back themselves, they might have been bullied to the point of not even having time to die.

Zhang Guanjia presented the box to Gu Jiu Ling; it was just an ordinary yellow poplar wood box.

Gu Jiu Ling opened the box; it was empty except for a few silver notes.

Gu Jiu Ling raised an eyebrow, a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes, pinched the silver notes, shook them before Gu Kang, and laughed, "This is dad's love for you—five hundred taels."

As soon as Gu Jiu Ling finished speaking, both Gu Kang and the standing Zhang Guanjia silently chuckled.

At least he's a respectable son of Shangshu; yet the gift is only five hundred taels of silver.

In this land‑price‑high Shang Jing, what can one achieve? Nothing can be accomplished.

I don't even know what this is being brought over for; is it to have Second Master accept this favor of being a father?

Gu Kang's brows furrowed tightly, a hint of sadness flickering in his eyes; he actually still held some hope and expectation for his father.

He smiled lightly, took the box from Gu Jiu Ling's hand, then slowly placed the banknotes inside, and also took out a hundred taels from his sleeve, putting them together in the box before handing it to Steward Zhang.

"Return this to the Minister's Residence; the extra hundred taels inside are for Minister Gu to buy some food and drink, after all he's already old and not in good health."

Gu Kang doing this, Gu Jiu Ling practically clapped her hands in approval.

Amazing! This kid really does have the potential to become a powerful minister.