Rebirth: So what if my husband is a little crazy? He loves me.

Chapter 82 The Emperor's Wrath

Shen Li thought she would have to wait a while, but unexpectedly, as soon as Shadow left with Doctor Zou, servants rushed back.

"My lord sent me to inform you that my lord is injured and will not be returning tonight. He will stay at the Dali Temple to recuperate." The servant continued with his head down, "The doctor examined him and said it was just a superficial injury, without any damage to the bones or tendons. He will be fine after a few days of rest."

Forsythia and peony exchanged surprised glances. Were they really injured?

How could that be? Weren't the assassins already captured?

Shen Li closed her eyes again, and after a long while said, "Take good care of the master, and tell him to come back early when he's done with his work."

After the servant left, Peony voiced her question: "Miss, where did this assassin come from? Was his sword poisoned?"

"No." Shen Li only answered the second question. She actually guessed that it was a minor injury, but even so she was still worried, which is why she asked Old Man Zou to come.

This injury is minor for him, but it's a major earthquake for the surrounding areas, giving him a reason to do whatever he wants in the future.

But is it worth it?

She sighed deeply. "That fool."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Outrageous! How dare they openly assassinate the Vice Minister of Revenue in the capital! Do these people even respect the court? Do they even respect me?" Emperor Cheng slammed his fist on the dragon table during the morning court session.

The patrol battalion commander knelt on the ground and repeatedly begged for forgiveness, but Emperor Cheng did not even look at him, his anger still not subsided: "This morning the imperial physician reported that the sword wound was only an inch away from the heart. If it weren't for Minister Gu's good fortune, those thieves would have been triumphant today."

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger and take care of your health," Shen Zizai said, stepping forward.

He was the only one in the area who had the authority to offer advice, since Gu Chang'an was practically his son.

"How can I calm down, Minister Shen?" Emperor Cheng stood up and looked at his ministers: "I only sent people to rectify the tax collection for a little over a month and such a thing has happened. It is simply outrageous."

"Your Majesty, since Vice Minister Gu is seriously injured, why not select someone else to take over as Minister of Revenue?" Minister Zheng of the Ministry of Personnel stepped forward and proposed.

He had always harbored resentment over the mistreatment Zheng Yanran had suffered at the hands of the Gu family couple, and he was determined to avenge his granddaughter when the opportunity presented itself.

Shen Zizai was displeased. Although he disapproved of Gu Chang'an's actions when he took over the Dali Temple, Gu Chang'an, since taking office in the Ministry of Revenue, had reminded him of the spirited young man he once was, the top scholar with lofty ambitions.

He did everything for the people and for the court, and he understood this clearly.

His methods were swift and decisive, yet selfless; no one was more suitable to head the Ministry of Revenue than Gu Chang'an.

However, although he thought this in his heart, he couldn't say it. Firstly, because of their close relationship, and secondly, because Minister Zheng, that old fox, did not suggest replacing Gu Chang'an, but rather wanted to choose a minister.

When it comes to selecting a new Minister, whether it's someone from the Crown Prince's or Prince Yi's side, the first thing they'll do upon taking office is to suppress Gu Chang'an, because Gu Chang'an is capable and letting him develop will only steal the limelight from the new Minister.

Shen Zizai looked at Zhou Zhen ahead. At this moment, it would be most appropriate for the Grand Secretary to step forward.

However, Zhou Zhen did not move; he was observing the emperor's reaction.

"Is Minister Zheng senile?" Before the other ministers could speak, Emperor Cheng flicked his sleeves and looked down at them with a deep and unfathomable gaze: "Since those people attempted assassination, it means that Gu Chang'an did a good job. I will not only let him continue to manage the Ministry of Revenue, but I will also promote him to Minister."

"Your Majesty..." Minister Zheng's cloudy pupils trembled, and even his gray beard shook.

He is now in his sixties, and has only been a minister for a little over ten years!

How old is Gu Chang'an? It's already unprecedented for someone in his early twenties to be a third-rank official with real power in two places. Now they want to make him a minister?

Zhou Zhen appeared calm on the surface, but his inner shock was no less than that of the others.

Gu Chang'an is gaining too much influence, and if this continues, it may even threaten his influence in the court.

“Your Majesty, you mustn’t.” It was Shen Zizai who spoke up. He stepped forward and said, “Gu Chang’an is still young. Your Majesty’s favor is too great and the people of the world may have objections. Your Majesty’s decision to appoint him as a vice minister is already a great favor.”

"I see that the people of the world have a lot of criticism of the Vice Minister. This is not just opposing Vice Minister Gu, but opposing me." Emperor Cheng seemed determined: "I will show the world my determination to reform the tax system."

Shen Zizai still helped Gu Chang'an decline the offer. Having been in politics for many years, he knew that the deal was unlikely to succeed, and since Gu Chang'an wasn't around, he needed to be humble.

Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger; today's favor may turn into tomorrow's wrath. His attitude is not only for the Emperor's benefit but also for the benefit of the people.

As expected, the censors and officials stepped forward one after another to argue that this was contrary to the established rites. More than a dozen people took turns speaking, and the arguments became more and more heated. In the end, it sounded as if the world would descend into chaos if the emperor insisted on bestowing a title upon Gu Chang'an.

Emperor Cheng was not angry with the censors this time. He was satisfied with Shen Zizai's attitude, so he looked at Zhou Zhen, who was standing at the front.

"Your Excellency, what is your opinion?"

“Your Majesty, what the court officials say makes sense. Lord Gu is indeed shrewd and capable, but such a rapid promotion is unheard of and I’m afraid it’s inappropriate,” Zhou Zhen said calmly.

Emperor Cheng seemed to have thought it over carefully before saying, "Alright, then I will not promote him. I will grant Gu Chang'an a hundred members of the Royal Guard to protect him on his travels."

The ministers were quite surprised to hear this. Such an honor was unprecedented. Not to mention a third-rank official, even a prince was not worthy of such a privilege.

They had already rejected the emperor's proposal once, so they couldn't bring themselves to speak up now.

The cunning and shrewd court officials all understood that this was His Majesty's true intention: to promote Gu Chang'an, firstly, to show his regard for Gu Chang'an, and secondly, to silence the censors.

After the court session, Emperor Cheng sent the chief eunuch Wang Ru to visit Gu Chang'an on his behalf. Naturally, he bestowed upon him rewards and encouragement, and also granted him the privilege of not having to attend court early until his injury healed, allowing him to recuperate at home.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"His Majesty is so kind to our lord. We received word from the Dali Temple that he will be back this afternoon," Peony happily told Shen Li.

Shen Li didn't eat much for breakfast, and by noon she didn't have much of an appetite either. She ate a little and then put down her chopsticks.

“Miss, everyone says it’s just a superficial injury, you don’t need to worry too much,” Lian Qiao advised.

“That’s not all I’m worried about,” Shen Li said, narrowing her eyes. “It’s the impending storm.”

This is not the end, but the beginning, the brewing of an even bigger storm.

The same thing happened in my previous life. Although it occurred three years later, I was still assassinated on my twenty-third day in office, and after being seriously wounded, I received commendation and rewards.

From then on, Gu Chang'an began a career as a Ministry of Revenue official that lasted for more than a decade. He dealt with local officials, reformed the tax system, and promoted trade, which can be described as a painstaking and dedicated effort.

The emperor's so-called favoritism was nothing more than valuing Gu Chang'an's ability to make money. He pushed Gu Chang'an to the forefront to attract hatred while he hid behind to refine elixirs and count his money.

Their emperor doesn't put effort into improving governance, but he's mastered the art of imperial manipulation.

In this life, she cannot let her husband suffer such a loss again.