Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

Gao Zhao left the Ministry of Personnel with a dark face, feeling somewhat displeased and as if he had been bullied!

After taking a few steps, he glanced sideways at the old steward and cursed inwardly, "What use is this old man if he won't stand up for me?"

Once I'm in power, I'll definitely teach him a lesson.

The old steward, leading the horse, trotted a few steps to catch up with Gao Zhao and said with a smile, "Young Master, you were neither servile nor arrogant today, but polite and measured. You neither let anger cause any trouble nor failed to save face for the Palace Commander's Mansion. You are truly wise and courageous!"

Gao Zhao paused, not turning his head, and said calmly, "What you said is wrong. I came to the Ministry of Personnel to handle some business. It was supposed to be a happy occasion, but they made things difficult for me. I got angry and hit them, but that was just to reclaim the rights that were rightfully mine!"

He paused, turned to the old steward, and said seriously, "But I didn't have to do that!"

"Young Master's insight is brilliant!" The old steward bowed respectfully and said, "In this day and age, morals are declining. Even lowly officials who can't be trusted will try to bully others if they have power!"

"And the world has become accustomed to this, either swallowing their anger or accepting their fate, only seeking to get things done. Those who can uphold justice like the young master, refusing to bow down for a pittance, are few and far between!"

"Really?" Gao Zhao couldn't help but smile. He felt that although the old man hadn't helped him fight, he had a good eye and could see his character at a glance.

Hmm, when you deal with him in the future, go easy on him!

That's how magnanimous the young master is; he doesn't hold grudges!

The old steward chimed in with a forced smile, "Of course it's true. Especially considering how you, young master, endured humiliation and hardship for the greater good today, I have even more respect for you!"

"The big picture?" Gao Zhao was a little confused. He hadn't thought about the big picture at all. He just felt that the official was too low-ranking and he couldn't extort anything from him.

I'm too lazy to make a big fuss, lest people think I'm aggressive and that I have bad character!

"If the young master insists on pressing this point, he can certainly make that official pay the price, but that would be detrimental to the young master's career!"

The old steward raised his head to look at Gao Zhao and exclaimed, "Young Master, today's punishment was only slight, not a complete annihilation. It was truly a perfect balance of leniency and severity!"

"This tactic of focusing on the big picture while neglecting the small details is something even a prime minister wouldn't employ!"

"Haha..." Gao Zhao laughed heartily, finding the old man quite a character. It seemed he had misunderstood him before. He raised his hand and pointed, saying, "The way you talk makes it sound like you once served as prime minister!"

The old steward chuckled twice and said, "Young Master is naturally intelligent. He swept aside all rivals in the imperial debate and was personally appointed by the Emperor. His knowledge and vision are first-rate. It is not impossible for him to become the Prime Minister of the Song Dynasty in the future, surpassing all other officials!"

"Hahaha... You're flattering me, that's not good!" Gao Zhao laughed loudly, feeling as if the gloom in his heart had been swept away. He reached into his pocket, took out a pawn ticket, stuffed it into the old steward's hand, and patted him heavily on the shoulder.

The old steward took the money, smiled and thanked him, then handed over the horse reins and instructed, "In two or three days, after the Ministry of Personnel sends the young master's record to the Imperial Palace for filing, the young master can choose an auspicious day to take up his post."

Upon hearing this topic, Gao Zhao became somewhat unhappy again. He was invincible with spear and staff, and possessed both wisdom and courage, yet he could only work as a servant in the palace!

How is this any different from Gao Yi? It's really frustrating to think about!

Seeing his expression, the old steward thought for a moment and added, "Young master is still young; going to the Imperial Guard is merely a training exercise for him!"

Gao Zhao nodded, but then suddenly felt that there seemed to be a deeper meaning in his words, so he turned his head and looked at him questioningly.

The old steward chuckled and said, "Since this is for training and development, then he won't hold any real positions. If there are any oversights or mistakes in his duties, you won't be held responsible!"

Gao Zhao's eyes immediately lit up!

That's great!

He is introverted and shy, and not good at dealing with people. If he goes to the Gemensi, he will inevitably be bullied by that group of old hands.

Since receiving the imperial edict, he has felt fear and unease whenever he thinks about the bullying he is about to face!

Now that I know this news, things are much easier. I have no more worries. If anyone dares to mess with me, I'll drag them down with me and then defeat them with my invincible spirit of not taking responsibility!

Oh dear, the government is so considerate! Now this introverted little boy won't be afraid of workplace bullying anymore!

……

Back home, Gao Zhao told Feng San Niang the news of his new official position. Feng San Niang was overjoyed and cheered as she tried to pounce on Gao Zhao.

Gao Yi was also very happy and jumped up to Gao Zhao, only to be kicked away. He got up and continued cheering, waving his hands as he walked out, closing the door behind him...

In the afternoon, others came to offer their congratulations. Gao Zhao specially stole a large bag of copper coins from Gao Qiu and distributed them to everyone he met, bringing joy to the entire household.

Only Guo, who lived in the backyard, remained silent, her face ashen.

After working for most of the day, Gao Zhao was still excited. That night, he asked Feng San Niang to add another hour, and he was so happy that he didn't fall into a deep sleep until midnight!

The next morning, Feng San Niang woke up and looked back with a resentful gaze. This young man was full of energy, like an animal. He had been up all night and still had energy!

Upon closer inspection, I realized I wasn't losing out; I could just consider it a freebie!

With this in mind, Feng San Niang was in a great mood and cooperated without any qualms!

After his morning exercise, Gao Zhao was full of energy and swaggered out again.

Now that he had good news, he naturally wanted to share it with his brothers. He immediately went to the Great Xiangguo Temple, and when he arrived at the vegetable garden, he found Lu Zhishen drinking and chatting with Lin Chong...

Damn it, when did Lin Chong get back?!

You've only been gone a few days, how come you're back already!

Oh dear, if I had known he was coming, I wouldn't have come!

He was wondering whether he should take this opportunity to visit his sister-in-law when Lin Chong looked up and saw him.

"Young Master!" Lin Chong hurriedly stood up and bowed. Ever since Gao Zhao had reprimanded him at the military camp, he had become much more polite.

Seeing that he had been discovered, Gao Zhao knew he couldn't leave, so he could only walk over while smiling and saying, "When did Instructor Lin return? Did this official business end so quickly?"

Lin Chong cupped his hands and replied, "I've only returned to deliver official documents; I'll be going out again in a day or two! I've taken advantage of some free time today to visit my senior brother!"

Lu Zhishen looked up at Gao Zhao and asked, "Is there a result regarding that matter you mentioned last time?"

Gao Zhao paused for a moment, then realized he was referring to the payment, and shook his head, saying, "It's still a long way off! Let's wait for the right opportunity!"

Lu Zhishen disliked his dawdling and mysterious manner the most, and immediately said unhappily, "If you have nothing to do, then what are you doing here?"

"Alas!" Gao Zhao, unperturbed by his rudeness, sighed and sat down beside him, saying softly, "I came today to bid you farewell. In a few days, I fear it will be difficult to see you again!"

Lu Zhishen's eyes lit up, and he said happily, "What? You've been caught, and you're running away?"

Gao Zhao: "..."