Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

Gao Zhao stormed out of the study, cursing. That old scoundrel Gao Qiu not only refused to let him move out, but even cursed him!

Even if the reason I came up with is a bit far-fetched or arbitrary, at least I came up with a reason!

Can't you see the sincerity in this?

What a crude and rude brute!

"What are you muttering about!"

A reprimand came from behind, and Gao Zhao froze. He quickly turned around, his face beaming, and said, "I was trying to understand your teachings, sir. Several of your sentences were like wise sayings, thought-provoking and very beneficial to me!"

Gao Qiu glanced sideways and sneered, "Is that so? Then tell me, which of those words benefited you the most?"

Gao Zhao's face stiffened. Why was this old fool still pressing for details? Didn't he understand any social etiquette?

But he wasn't afraid. He straightened his back and declared loudly, "Apart from the insults, everything else has benefited me greatly!"

Gao Qiu pressed on relentlessly, "Then tell me, besides cursing you, what else did I say?"

Gao Zhao said weakly, "Then they didn't say anything..."

"Insolence!" Gao Qiu's face darkened, and he shouted angrily, "Stop thinking like that! I already had your calling card sent to the Palace Gate Envoy and Deputy Envoy a few days ago. You should report to the Palace Gate tomorrow!"

"Ah! It's already the eighth day!" Gao Zhao exclaimed in surprise, realizing with a quick mental calculation that it really was!

I haven't had enough fun yet, how come it's already the eighth day of the lunar new year!

Where has all the time gone?

"Get back and prepare immediately! If you are disrespectful when you visit your superior tomorrow, see how I deal with you!" Gao Qiu shouted angrily, flicked his sleeves, and turned to leave.

Gao Zhao walked back with a long face and sighs, kicking the pebbles under the eaves all the way, feeling extremely unhappy!

I'm still a child myself, this is considered an early start for someone so young!

Thinking about my future self, so young yet already reeking of school uniform vibes... Sigh! I just feel like I have no will to live!

Back in the courtyard, I couldn't stand anything I looked at. They wouldn't let me live in the big house, and this cramped and narrow place was suffocating me!

Even the servant looks shifty and weasel-like; I work so hard to earn money, and I still have to support him…

The more Gao Zhao thought about it, the angrier he became. He kicked Gao Yi, who fled in panic!

Back in the room, Gao Zhao saw Feng San Niang bending over, wiping the furniture. A surge of anger rose within him, and he strode forward, barging into her: "All you do is wipe, wipe, wipe! You've rubbed the paint off!"

Feng Sanniang was shocked and turned around, exclaiming, "The door isn't closed yet!"

"Why close the door? I want everyone to know how I disciplined you!"

Gao Zhao was displeased, so he grabbed her vital spot and squeezed it hard. Feng San Niang cried out and went limp.

After giving Feng Sanniang a good scolding, Gao Zhao finally relaxed and fell into a deep sleep.

When he woke up, it was already broad daylight. He figured it was about time, and the head of the Gemensi should be on duty by now. If he stayed any later, it would seem like he wasn't being sincere.

He immediately got up and washed up. Seeing this, Feng Sanniang came forward to help. After they were all ready, Gao Zhao glanced at him sideways and asked, "Who is more handsome, me or Di Yong?"

"Huh?" Feng Sanniang looked bewildered and asked in surprise, "Who is Di Yong?"

"Vulgar!" Gao Zhao snorted coldly, picked up the prepared gift, and left in a huff, leaving Feng San Niang completely bewildered!

Upon arriving at the palace, Gao Zhao dismounted and had his personal identification token and imperial edict verified by the Imperial City Guard. Only after registering the reason for his entry into the palace was he allowed to enter.

Standing before Donghua Gate, Gao Zhao felt a pang of emotion. Han Qi said that only those who could truly be considered good men would have their names called out here. It's a pity I abandoned my studies to join the army, otherwise…

Ugh, being good at both academics and martial arts is such a hassle, no matter what you choose, it's never right!

Gao Zhao sighed for a moment, shook his head, entered through the Donghua Gate, and headed north along the imperial road to the Wende Hall.

Walking along one side of the imperial road, he looked around and, taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, secretly stepped on it, but didn't feel anything special!

These emperors loved to engage in such flashy and impractical formalism!

The headquarters of the Gate Gate Division was located in the side corridors of the Wende Hall, and behind it was the Yanhe Hall.

Ascending the steps to the east corridor, one finds a solemn and quiet atmosphere. Officials and staff members perform their duties without any disturbance.

According to the rules of the Imperial Palace, when a new official reports for duty, the clerk must be given priority over the official, and the clerk must be given priority over the superior.

Gao Zhao put away his carefree demeanor, adopted a serious appearance, entered the duty room to pay his respects to the clerk on duty, and handed over a complete set of documents, including official appointment certificates, three generations of family members' names, past appointment records, and a guarantee of entry into the bureau.

The clerk knew that this was a new official reporting for duty, and seeing how young he was, he knew that he was a person with connections. So he did not dare to be negligent, and took the documents with both hands and carefully filed them.

Then she got up and led him to pay respects to the superior, explaining the rules of the Gatekeeper's Office along the way.

Passing through the connecting corridors, one enters the main hall inside the east upper gate.

The hall was quiet, the desks were neatly arranged, and the ceremonial documents were laid out on both sides. In the center sat two superiors, namely the East Upper Gate Envoy and the East Upper Gate Deputy Envoy.

Before he came, Gao Qiu introduced him to two people, both of whom came from noble families. One was surnamed Cao and the other was surnamed Shi. You can judge for yourself!

At this moment, Gao Zhao kept proper etiquette in mind and dared not show the slightest frivolous attitude. In accordance with the etiquette system of the Song Dynasty court, he straightened his hat and gathered his sleeves, stepped forward, and performed the court bow in a proper manner.

"Newly appointed Palace Attendant Gao Zhao pays respects to the Governor and Deputy Governor! I am deeply grateful for the appointment by the Imperial Court and the acceptance of my two superiors. From now on, I will diligently perform my duties, strictly adhere to the palace gate etiquette, and dare not be negligent or improper in the slightest!"

Her voice was clear and bright, her manners were impeccable, and she handled things with perfect tact; this was something she had rehearsed many times.

It may seem like formalism, but if you're not even willing to go through the motions, then it's a matter of attitude. How can you expect your superiors to entrust you with important responsibilities?

The two superiors were gentle and kind, exuding an air of elegance and nobility that made people feel at ease and reassured their subordinates. They believed that with such leaders, they would not be mistreated!

The Palace Gatekeeper commented with a smile, "His appearance is quite good. And in his work within the palace, he hasn't disgraced the Palace Gatekeeper of the Eastern Upper Pavilion!"

The deputy envoy of the Eastern Palace also nodded with a smile and spoke gently: "You come from a distinguished family, with impeccable lineage and rank. As long as you follow the rules, perform your duties diligently, avoid any misconduct before the Emperor, and maintain perfect order in your duties, your future will be bright!"

"This humble servant will remember your teachings, sir!" Gao Zhao bowed respectfully with his hands at his sides.

Then they presented the gifts they had brought, which were mostly silk and silver items, not particularly valuable, but just a token of their appreciation.

The two superiors accepted the gifts with smiles. They then summoned the Xuanzan Sheren, Tongshi Sheren, and Gemen Zhihou who were still in the office and introduced them to each of them. Gao Zhao greeted them according to etiquette.

Then, officials were summoned to pay their respects to the new official. Dozens of clerks and private scribes lined up and entered, standing neatly below the hall, and bowed down in unison.

Gao Zhao stood upright in the hall and accepted the bow with composure.

Being in officialdom means abiding by its rules; this is not the time to show respect and courtesy to those in power.

After the greetings were completed, the deputy envoy of the palace gates spoke up: "Zhao Dunwen, Gao Zhao is the newly appointed Palace Gate Attendant. You happen to be short-handed, so you will take him under your command!"

"We will obey Your Majesty's decree!" A servant stepped forward, cupped his hands in acceptance, and remained calm.

"Alright, now that we've all gotten to know each other, let's disperse!" The deputy envoy of the gate waved his hand.

The group bowed and took their leave.

"Wait a minute!" the gatekeeper surnamed Cao suddenly spoke up, "Gao Zhao, you will be in charge of guarding the Chongzheng Hall from now on!"

Wow!

The hall erupted in commotion, with all the gatekeepers looking on with envy. Chongzheng Hall was where the Emperor conducted his daily affairs, and they often saw him there. Their future was limitless!

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dunwen's expression darkened even further!