My Professions Have Too Much Personality - Chapter 145 - 110: Influence of the Power of the Faceless Ghost, Inner Courtyard Reform (Part 3)

Chapter 145: Chapter 110: Influence of the Power of the Faceless Ghost, Inner Courtyard Reform (Part 3)

“If you have an idea, speak up. Now is the time to brainstorm,” Chu Yunze said reassuringly.

Meng Qi said cautiously, “Brother Chu and Su… Su Chen…”

At the mention of this name, the expressions of everyone present turned unnatural, but no one took Meng Qi to task over it.

“…were both exceptionally recruited by the Chief Judge. The commotion from the other Core Seeds is, in essence, all due to their dissatisfaction with the Chief Judge. Yet, the Chief Judge has made no move so far. I feel like he’s letting it happen…” The more Meng Qi spoke, the more smoothly the words came, and the faster he talked:

“Besides, Ming Lin, as the only Ink Jade Level Core Seed, has also been quiet. He hasn’t joined in the attacks against us either…”

Zhu Xuan’s expression shifted slightly. “Are you saying the Chief Judge has another move up his sleeve?”

Meng Qi whispered, “It’s just a guess… a guess…”

Zhu Xuan fell into thought before giving his final order. “In that case, let’s lay low for now. Let them clamor all they want. We can even afford to take a small loss if necessary.”

…

“So this is it…” Su Chen stepped out of a custom-built hovercar and gazed at the small manor before him. It wasn’t located in the heart of Ying Feng, but it was still enough to bespeak the Gu Family’s former glory.

“Grandfather said we should avoid those noisy places this time,” Gu Bing said from his side, her voice cautious and tense. She seemed to have dressed up for the occasion, her black hair draped over her shoulders and her lips, coated in a pale lipstick, pursed slightly.

The Su Chen standing before her was no longer that young kid from Southwind.

He was a Core Seed of the Judicial Court, the Chief Judge’s student, and someone who had just participated in the extermination of the Pang Family.

And the Pang Family had been far more glorious and prosperous than the declining Gu Family.

“A family banquet is nice too.” Su Chen had barely taken two steps when the manor’s main gate swung open, revealing a large family waiting just inside.

At their head was an old man with a white beard and hair, his face covered in age spots. He walked forward unsteadily, appearing as if he intended to bow. “Gu Zhengyang of the Gu Family welcomes Your Excellency, Su Chen.”

“Elder Gu, you do me too much honor.” Su Chen quickly grabbed the old man’s arm, stopping him from actually bowing.

“It is only right…” Gu Zhengyang grasped Su Chen’s hand in return and said with deep emotion, “It is the Gu Family’s honor to have you here…”

He led Su Chen at the very front while the other members of the Gu Family followed behind. There were old and young among them, all of their gazes falling curiously upon Su Chen.

The banquet was already prepared. Su Chen was seated to Elder Gu’s right, while Gu Bing sat to his left. She appeared restless and ill at ease.

“Try this…” Elder Gu pointed to a platter in the center of the table, on which rested a small, crimson suckling pig.

Su Chen took a bite. The flavor was indeed excellent. A warmth bloomed in his stomach, gradually spreading throughout his entire body.

It was truly a family banquet. Gu Zhengyang simply introduced the main members of the Gu Family to him, encouraged him to eat, and chatted about some amusing anecdotes. As for vulgar matters like protection or deals, he didn’t mention a single word.

Xia Hanshi had just annihilated the Pang Family. Su Chen’s mere presence here was a statement. Those other families, who were eyeing them like hungry tigers, would probably have to think twice now.

After a few rounds of drinks, many people had already taken their leave. But Elder Gu suddenly brought something up. “A major upheaval is coming to the Inner Courtyard.”

“Oh?” Su Chen looked over in surprise.

“I am, after all, from the same generation as the Chief Judge. I still have some connections,” Gu Zhengyang said, his murky eyes clearing considerably.

“Compared to decades ago, when even a single Red Gold Seed was treated like a precious treasure, there are relatively too many Red Gold Seeds now. But no matter how outstanding they are, upon entering the Inner Courtyard, they still have to pick a side.”

“The Inner Courtyard’s four-core structure can no longer keep up with the times. However, the forces surrounding those Core Seeds are tangled and complex, so even the Chief Judge has to be careful. You, Your Excellency, and that Zhu Xuan… you are the spear he has been waiting for to break the stalemate.”

Su Chen grew pensive. ’Ming Lin mentioned this as well. It seems Gu Zhengyang has seen it too.’

Gu Zhengyang added, “Your Excellency should also be prepared. The position of Core Seed won’t be so secure from now on.”

“But no matter what, my Gu Family will assist you with all our might.”

He had said so much to express his sincerity. Even if Su Chen met with some accident in the future and was no longer a Core Seed, the Gu Family would not make any petty moves against him.

…

「The next morning.」

Su Chen woke up in a large bed, rubbing his temples, which were throbbing with a dull ache. He glanced at the time—it was already nine. He couldn’t help but complain, “What kind of alcohol was that? It made me all dizzy.”

No. Zero had already fetched a hangover remedy that the cafeteria had prepared in advance. It was a shimmering green liquid and didn’t look very appealing.

After he downed it, Su Chen quickly felt his head clear up considerably.

“Whew…” Su Chen put down the bowl and looked at No. Zero, who was standing to the side. “I don’t think I asked you to prepare this last night, did I?”

“That is correct.” No. Zero nodded, her hands folded gracefully over her abdomen. “This was the optimal choice I deduced based on available data.”

“What’s the highest level of authority you have over my life?” Su Chen’s expression shifted.

“According to my protocols, my authority is limited to food, clothing, housing, and transportation. Furthermore, I only make optimal deductions based on data when you have not issued a specific command.” No. Zero thoughtfully provided an example:

“If you had issued a specific command last night, I would have acted according to your request.”

“Pretty intelligent,” Su Chen nodded and continued listening to No. Zero’s information summary.

“…At six o’clock this morning, the Chief Judge released the latest announcement regarding adjustments to the Core Seeds. It states that due to recent internal public opinion, a decision has been made to adjust the Core Seed system. The six Core Seed positions will no longer be fixed. A challenge system is being implemented…”

No. Zero’s voice was gentle and pleasant, making one want to keep listening. But for that very reason, it carried no emotional fluctuation.

She herself probably couldn’t comprehend just how impactful this news was.

Su Chen was stunned for several seconds. He had No. Zero project the full text. The announcement was long, and as he read it word by word, a very strange expression came over his face.

Most of it was fluff. The general gist was, ’Since you’re all dissatisfied with me making an exception to recruit two new Core Seeds, I’ll give you a chance to drag them down.’

’But don’t think you’ll have an easy time of it either.’

He activated his wristband and pulled up a virtual screen. Just as he expected, he had been flooded with background notifications while he was asleep.

It wasn’t just the contacts he had added in the Inner Courtyard; even Du Yu was asking about the situation.

The Core Seeds were one of the foundational systems of the Judicial Court. There was no telling how many people’s interests this adjustment would affect, and its repercussions would radiate through every corner of Ying Feng.