Scum Gong Walks the Career Line in the Crematorium

After knowing that Zhao Yuan had gone to see Gu Shi, Lin Hanchuan felt somewhat dissatisfied, but fortunately, Gu Shi didn’t seem to notice anything unusual.

Reflecting on the original owner Qi Changfeng’s behavior and handling style, Lin Hanchuan also realized that Qi Changfeng’s protection was excessive.
He personally handled all the intricate and obscure political affairs, leaving Zhao Yuan with plenty of space for happiness and tranquility.
However, this also suppressed Zhao Yuan’s growth, leading the young emperor to harbor resentment toward him.

Lin Hanchuan learned a lesson from this incident.
When Gu Shi had grasped the basics of theoretical knowledge, he brought a memorial to him and let Gu Shi handle it, exercising his practical skills.

After Gu Shi read the memorial, Lin Hanchuan would review it again and use it as teaching material for real-time explanations.

After some time of learning, Gu Shi had no significant issues with recognizing characters and writing.
However, his handwriting was not particularly beautiful; it looked clumsy and unbalanced, contrasting sharply with the calligraphy of the ministers.

Gu Shi felt a bit embarrassed, especially when he saw the stark contrast and the person before him was Lin Hanchuan.

“How do you view this memorial?” Lin Hanchuan didn’t pay much attention to Gu Shi’s handwriting.
He spread the memorial on the table and asked.

Gu Shi took a closer look and found that it was a memorandum of admonishment, with a long string of verbose and artful parallel prose.
The language was elegant, but the general content was criticizing the Regent King for monopolizing power, having ambitious intentions, and plotting something big.

“He’s scolding you,” Gu Shi said with a touch of anger in his eyes.

On this memorial, Gu Shi had written in bright red ink four large characters: “Nonsense and falsehood.” The handwriting was bold, and the ink was thick, revealing the writer’s anger at that moment.

Lin Hanchuan found it somewhat amusing.
“What else?”

Gu Shi shook his head blankly.

“Imperial tactics are most important for managing people…” Lin Hanchuan explained calmly, “In any court, it’s not good to have one family dominating everything.
There should be checks and balances, ideally with two equally powerful rivals competing and comparing with each other…”

Qi Changfeng, the original owner, didn’t really understand these techniques of managing people.
He was always straightforward and used military force to suppress the ambitious ministers in the court, rarely delving into the hidden currents behind the scenes.

But because he held military power and relied on force to quell the cunning minds.

Although Lin Hanchuan came from a peaceful era and had never been an emperor, as a leader of a multibillion-dollar company, he had a large number of subordinates.
Office politics in modern times was not any less challenging than the political struggles of ancient times.
It was quite similar in many ways.

Lin Hanchuan explained everything in detail, imparting all his experiences.
After finishing, he asked, “Do you understand now?”

“I know,” Gu Shi obediently nodded.
But when he raised his head, his eyes were still firm and bright.
“But you are different from others.”

Lin Hanchuan was taken aback, but after a while, a hint of a smile appeared on his face.
Still, he continued to lecture, “As the emperor, you cannot let anyone surpass your authority…”

After giving Gu Shi a serious admonishment, Lin Hanchuan left another memorial for him to handle.

…

Outside the palace, Su Congyu listened for a while and couldn’t help but smile and sigh, “The little one you picked up has a clear and pure mind, but I wonder how long this clarity will last.”

“After he ascends the throne, I will return military power to him,” Lin Hanchuan said without unnecessary worries.
“Before I leave, I’ll make sure everything is properly handled.”

As they walked and talked, Su Congyu rubbed his forehead.
“Your plan… will surely arouse the discontent of those noble families.
When you give up military power, how will you protect yourself?”

“I have my ways,” Lin Hanchuan said calmly.
“If it doesn’t work out, I can become a general at Tianmeng Pass and guard Sui Kingdom’s territory.
That wouldn’t be bad either.”

“I’m afraid that with your current reputation, once you hand over military power, it will be hard for you to leave,” Su Congyu sighed deeply, worried but knowing that Lin Hanchuan was a decisive person who wouldn’t change his mind easily.
All he could do was sigh.

Su Congyu was still worried about the Regent King’s poor reputation, but he didn’t know that public opinion among the common people was gradually changing.

In the largest teahouse in the capital city, where once were performances of scholar-beauty dramas, the troupe had changed its lineup.
Instead of scholarly roles, they now performed martial roles.

The people in the private rooms on the upper floor absentmindedly cracked melon seeds and gossiped.

“What’s going on with that Highness? Why did he ask us to find these unskilled performers to specially perform a play?”

Only one person wasn’t munching on melon seeds; instead, he was fully engrossed in watching the performance on the stage.
He casually said, “What else could it be? To humiliate the Regent King, of course.”

This person came from a scholarly family, but he had little interest in officialdom and imperial examinations.
He only enjoyed the pleasures of life, spending his days writing love poems for the courtesans in the brothels, earning a reputation for being romantic and passionate.
Unfortunately, his family was ashamed of him and tried to discipline him countless times, but to no avail.
Eventually, they had no choice but to let him go his own way.

After knowing Gu Shi’s true identity, this group of idle and wealthy young men thought that they would no longer have any contact with each other.
However, Gu Shi treated them the same as before, surprising and moving them greatly.
So, when Gu Shi wanted to ask this romantic and passionate young man to write a play, even though they knew such work wasn’t high-quality, he did not refuse.

However, the more he wrote, the more terrified he became.
The protagonist of this unskilled play, apart from having a slightly different name, was almost identical to the Regent King.
When he realized this, his heart skipped a beat, leaving him half-scared to death.

After reluctantly completing the play, Gu Shi asked these idle young men to find a theater troupe to perform it and even hired a storyteller… His intention was to spread this play far and wide.

“If the Regent King finds out about what we’re doing, he might flay us alive.” One person trembled and nervously ate melon seeds.

Although the Regent King in the play was portrayed as a young and handsome general, having these second-rate performers portray him and storytellers narrating his story was an insult to him.
Any person with dignity and status would not tolerate such humiliation.

“Your Highness, he is still not mature enough to deal with the Regent King like this; you are too hasty…” They knew they should be afraid, but after leading dissolute lives for so long, they could only half-heartedly express their fear.
“After all, he is the Crown Prince, and if anything happens, he will bear the brunt of it.”

After a brief silence, the crowd returned to happily munching on melon seeds and watching the play.
Putting other matters aside, this play, revised by His Highness, was indeed excellent and left everyone amazed.
No wonder the teahouse downstairs was packed with customers.

Downstairs, the tea drinkers were also discussing the play loudly.
Unlike the refined people in the private rooms on the second floor, they didn’t control their voices, making their conversations audible to those around them.

“I heard this is a story about the Regent King? How dare someone write a story about the Regent King; is he seeking death?”

“If the Regent King finds out, the person who spread this story will definitely lose his head… It’s truly audacious.”

Amidst the discussions, someone sneered and taunted, “If you’re afraid, then don’t watch it.
Why don’t you give your seat to those standing instead?”

Another person blushed, “Who’s afraid? Even if they want to arrest someone, it would be the actors on the stage, not us spectators.
Why should I be afraid!”

Others were absorbed in discussing the plot.

“That Jade-Faced General is truly impressive.
When the emperor fell into a trap, he bravely led fifty soldiers to infiltrate the enemy’s camp and saved the emperor’s life.
He’s truly mighty.”

“Yes… When the late emperor fell into the trap set by the barbarians and was surrounded by tens of thousands of enemies, his life hung by a thread.
If it weren’t for the Regent King’s rescue, we probably wouldn’t have the prosperity of the kingdom today.”

“In my opinion, this general is indeed valiant, but unfortunately, his appearance is too handsome, almost unreal.
Just think about it, riding horses, fighting battles, enduring wind and rain—how can one still look good? It seems a bit extravagant.”

“You are ignorant of the past.
A few years ago, who didn’t know about the King of Nanshan, handsome as a jade? All the women in the capital were infatuated with him.
When he went out, he was showered with gifts and handkerchiefs filled the streets.
It was only later, after he became the Regent King and exterminated three families in a row, that no one dared to pay attention to his appearance.”

“So, you mean to say that this Regent King, who has a history of evil deeds, was actually a good person before becoming the Regent King, and he drastically changed in just a few years?”

After hearing these discussions, the young master who had written the play scratched his head.
He thought His Highness was trying to humiliate the Regent King, but he felt that something was not right.

A sense of unease flashed through his mind, but he didn’t dwell on it much.
Instead, he began conceiving the next story.
Gu Shi had not only asked him to write one play but also requested him to write several different ones.
This was just the first.

Although these dandies might not be good at other things, they were certainly adept at enjoying themselves.
In just a few days, the story inspired by the Regent King spread throughout the capital and even reached other cities.

By the time Lin Hanchuan knew about it, these plays were already widely known.

Su Congyu furrowed his eyebrows, looking a bit puzzled.
“What is he doing? Is he provoking you?”

Lin Hanchuan was initially puzzled as well until he disguised himself and listened to a storyteller’s narration.
Suddenly, he realized the true meaning behind Gu Shi’s actions, and a myriad of emotions welled up inside him.

It was like a fledgling bird that had been sheltered under his wing, spreading its wings and protecting him.

“Why do you have such an expression?” Su Congyu blurted out as he pondered Gu Shi’s intentions.

Lin Hanchuan composed himself and asked, “What expression?”

“Gooey, a bit disgusting,” Su Congyu replied bluntly.

The two men glanced at each other and averted their gazes in unison, feeling somewhat speechless.

After a while, Su Congyu couldn’t contain his curiosity and spoke first, “If I’m not mistaken, he’s trying to clear your name.
However, his method is quite unconventional, not something an ordinary person would come up with.”

It was like stuffing pieces of paper into a fish’s belly, claiming that a golden dragon flew by when he was born, or burying a stone in his backyard with the mark of destiny.
These tricks might deceive some simple-minded people, but they wouldn’t work on the clever ones.

Moreover, while this method was remarkably effective, having the esteemed Regent King portrayed by actors on stage seemed crude in the eyes of knowledgeable families.

Someone with a bit of education and knowledge of propriety would never resort to such a scheme.

“He’s indeed very clever.” Lin Hanchuan nodded, a faint smile lingering on his lips.

Unlike the people of ancient times, he didn’t care if he was depicted by a third-rate actor.
On the contrary, he felt that Gu Shi possessed the inherent talent of an emperor.
Without being taught the principle of ‘water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it,’ Gu Shi had already understood it on his own.

And this distinctively characteristic approach was something only Gu Shi could come up with.

“I used to worry that he wouldn’t make a good emperor, but now it seems that he’s truly the late emperor’s son.” Su Congyu pondered for a moment and couldn’t help but smile.
“He’s even more intelligent and broad-minded than his elder brother.”

Suddenly, Su Congyu felt somewhat excited, wondering where such an unconventional emperor would lead the kingdom.

The sky was getting late, but Lin Hanchuan did not return to the Regent King’s residence.
Instead, he headed for the imperial palace.

Gu Shi was still engrossed in reading the obscure and complex memorials and didn’t notice Lin Hanchuan’s arrival until he stood beside him.
He was startled, his eyes widening like a frightened little animal.

The gentle light of the lantern softly enveloped them, making Lin Hanchuan’s voice particularly tender.
“Rest early and don’t read for too long to avoid straining your eyes.”

Seeing that it was Lin Hanchuan, Gu Shi’s fluffed-up fur calmed down, and he put down his brush.
“I should learn to handle these memorials myself,” he said, not wanting Lin Hanchuan to read them again.

As the dynasty was about to change, Lin Hanchuan was incredibly busy, his feet barely touching the ground.
Now, he even had to correct “homework,” which was quite demanding.
Gu Shi didn’t expect to become emperor in one step; he only wanted to share some of Lin Hanchuan’s burden, especially the responsibility that should have been his in the first place.

“You’re still young; there’s no need to rush.” Lin Hanchuan ruffled Gu Shi’s hair and picked up the memorials he hadn’t put down.
He thought for a moment and continued, “About those plays outside… Did you ask someone to write them?”

Gu Shi was immediately surprised again.
“Please don’t misunderstand; I didn’t…”

“I know,” Lin Hanchuan interrupted Gu Shi’s explanation.
“I know you just don’t want people to insult me or misunderstand me.”

“You know…” Gu Shi repeated in a daze.
Then he suddenly smiled, his handsome face still carrying a hint of youthfulness due to his tender age.
With his head lowered and smiling, he seemed shy and timid, like a young boy experiencing his first love.
He murmured, “I just don’t like them insulting you that way.”

“Good boy.” Lin Hanchuan’s heart stirred, and he embraced Gu Shi gently, giving him a shallow hug.

The hug was filled with affection but stopped short of crossing any boundaries.
It was so swift that Gu Shi didn’t even have time to react before Lin Hanchuan had already let go.

Lin Hanchuan acted impulsively and immediately felt some regret.
In his heart surged familiar emotions and affections, and he even had the urge to kiss the young man who was putting his whole heart into consideration for him.
However, the other party was too young, devoid of memories from previous worlds, and Lin Hanchuan didn’t want to exploit his advantage as an adult to charm or seduce him.

He restrained his impulse and maintained a delicate balance between rudeness and politeness.
It was the most unconventional behavior for Lin Hanchuan.

“You rest well.” Lin Hanchuan, in an unusual state, concealed his emotions and bid farewell to Gu Shi as usual.
However, upon closer observation, his footsteps seemed faster than usual.

From entering the imperial palace to leaving, in just the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the two of them barely exchanged a few words before Lin Hanchuan disappeared.

Gu Shi stood in place, silent for a long time.
No one dared to disturb him, allowing him to stand still and daze, with only his ears reddening.
The faint red gradually spread to his cheeks and neck.

After that night, the two of them were busy with their own matters.
Perhaps they intentionally distanced themselves, or maybe they genuinely had too much on their plates.
They never had a chance to be alone in the same room again.

Time flew by, and when Gu Shi finally had no more piles of memorials stacked by his side, he suddenly realized that it was the day of his enthronement.

From being designated as emperor to the actual enthronement, it only took a few short months.

“I might be the fastest person to ascend the throne.” Gu Shi touched the exquisite and beautiful dragon robe, silently thinking to himself.

Due to the rushed time, the enthronement ceremony was not extravagant, just a simple affair.
Zhao Yuan, as the former emperor, was present as a spectator.
Over these few months, he had distanced himself from the court’s political affairs, and his complexion had improved significantly compared to the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet when he looked like a walking skeleton.

Gu Shi did not look sideways or downwards but gazed at the ministers standing on both sides and the vast front hall of the imperial palace.
The wind howled around him, and though he had only taken a few steps, it felt like he was standing at a great height.

Holding his jaw firmly, Gu Shi’s throat went dry.
He used to be a lowly and inconspicuous street urchin, but now he stood at the highest point of the entire imperial palace and even the entire kingdom.
At this moment, Gu Shi couldn’t think of what to say.
His heart pounded, and he couldn’t utter a single word.

Until his hesitant gaze met Lin Hanchuan’s, Gu Shi suddenly felt calm.
His eyes settled on something real.

Lin Hanchuan looked at Gu Shi with relief and emotion.
He remembered their first meeting when they were fighting and cursing each other.
His eyes softened, and the two exchanged a smile.

“Your Majesty,” Gu Shi’s voice was clear and firm.
“I hereby appoint the Regent King as a Co-Ruling King.”

The Regent King was only there to assist the young emperor, no matter how powerful he was.
However, if he became a Co-Ruling King, he would have half of the kingdom’s power.

“Your Majesty, you cannot do this!”

“Please think twice, Your Majesty!”

As soon as these words were spoken, all the ministers knelt on the ground, none daring to rise.
Their hearts were in turmoil.

Lin Hanchuan’s pupils constricted.
He had not heard Gu Shi mention this matter before.
He took a step forward, “Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance, and it cannot be taken lightly.
Please reconsider your decision.”

“Am I to be defied by the Regent King on the first day of my ascension, preventing me from taking the throne?” Lin Hanchuan’s head ached.
He had decided to relinquish power to Gu Shi after his enthronement, but he hadn’t expected Gu Shi to come up with this idea.
Now that he had spoken it out, if Lin Hanchuan continued to refuse, it would be like slapping the new emperor’s face, affecting his prestige…

Lin Hanchuan knew that Gu Shi was skilled in manipulating people’s hearts, but he never expected that Gu Shi would use this tactic on him.

Amidst the silence, Lin Hanchuan raised his head and looked at Gu Shi.
He wanted to inquire what was going on and ask him not to be capricious.
However, in the instant he met Gu Shi’s eyes, Lin Hanchuan’s heart softened, and he sighed, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

This remark was practically an agreement to become the Co-Ruling King.

The courtiers around them buzzed with discussion, but facing the young emperor and the Regent King, no one dared to say too much.
Their hearts were full of grief.

The kingdom’s territories were not secure! Shame on the late emperor!

Gu Shi didn’t care about the thoughts of these people.
He only knew that Lin Hanchuan agreed, and his lips curled up with a hint of joy.
“Rise, everyone.”

Finally, Gu Shi could relax after the enthronement ceremony.
He returned to the palace, took off the heavy and ornate imperial robes, and found himself drenched in sweat despite the chilly autumn weather.

Changing into dry clothes, Gu Shi was about to head to the bathhouse when he turned around and was startled three steps back.

“Are you scared now?” Lin Hanchuan, feeling both angry and amused, had been waiting for Gu Shi while he changed clothes for a long time.
Seeing him come out, he couldn’t help but ask, “What’s the matter with you today…”

Just as he was about to adopt his previous teacher-like demeanor, Lin Hanchuan suddenly remembered that this person was now the emperor.
He couldn’t discipline him as he did in the past.

For a moment, all the words were stuck in his throat.

At this moment, Gu Shi, clad only in a white undergarment, walked over slowly.
His feet were bare, and his clothes were disheveled.
Lin Hanchuan wanted to remind him to wear shoes, but he saw Gu Shi kneeling down next to him, hugging his legs, looking gentle and pitiful.
“I know, you want to abandon me.”

Gu Shi affectionately and tenderly leaned against Lin Hanchuan’s knees, his eyes carrying an abnormal stubbornness, which Lin Hanchuan couldn’t see from his angle.