Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 571 - 407: Only This Once

He looked at the index in his hand and suddenly thought of an idea.

"Mr. Zhang, you say this was done by Gu Chengyu alone. Please forgive me, but I cannot agree. Gu Chengyu is just a compiler, having only just entered the Hanlin Academy for a few days. How could he know so much about other government offices? In my opinion, someone must have helped him."

How could Xia Qing let Gu Chengyu have all the glory? According to his intention, if this credit could be given to Min Feng, he would speak well of him before the Emperor and certainly secure the position of Imperial Academy Attendant for him.

Unfortunately, Zhang Hai was not someone he could command, making this matter rather troublesome.

The last time he sent a message to the Ministry of Personnel, hoping to reserve the position of Imperial Academy Attendant for Min Feng. But yesterday, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Zhong Shize, told him that the Emperor had reserved that position.

He pondered over it all day yesterday and realized that the Emperor must want to give that position to Gu Chengyu.

He could naturally guess the Emperor’s purpose for doing so. It was nothing more than trying to support Gu Chengyu to restrain him.

The Emperor had grown wary of him. In the past two years, his favor with the Emperor had diminished compared to previous years, and the Emperor had become more guarded against him.

Nowadays, the Emperor even paid attention to reviewing memorials because he did not trust him anymore. It seemed he needed to plan early, to avoid losing the Emperor’s favor in the future and becoming a target.

In his years as Grand Secretary, he had truly offended many officials, and he needed to keep more options open for himself.

As for Gu Chengyu, he couldn’t wait for him to grow in power; he needed to have someone trip him up.

The Emperor valued Gu Chengyu certainly because of his literary talent, but he valued even more whether Gu Chengyu had real capabilities. If Gu Chengyu were incompetent, the Emperor would surely abandon him.

However, since Gu Chengyu had not yet undertaken any significant assignments, pushing obstacles in his way couldn’t be done hastily. Didn’t the Emperor allow him to participate in compiling the Great Code? There would be plenty of opportunities then.

"This humble officer cannot say for sure. However, I heard Gu Chengyu say that his knowledge of books is extensive and that he had already read the needed books before."

Zhang Hai had certainly been diligent in his efforts for Gu Chengyu. He knew that Xia Qing probably had some ulterior motives. Xia Qing’s young disciple had also entered the Hanlin Academy. With Xia Qing’s influence, if Min Feng further distinguished himself with achievements, he would appear favorably before the Emperor.

If Xia Qing seized the opportunity to speak in his favor a few more times, would the Emperor really ignore Xia Qing’s face?

"Mr. Zhang, I heard your eldest grandson has been diagnosed with a debilitating disease. Have you found a famous doctor to treat him?"

Xia Qing did not continue discussing whether the index was written by Gu Chengyu, but rather asked about Zhang Hai’s youngest son.

Zhang Hai never spoke of his eldest grandson’s condition to others. His eldest grandson, six years old this year, appeared fine at birth. But when he turned one, he had a high fever accompanied by limb pain and eventually became paralyzed.

By the time he turned six, he could barely drag one leg to walk, while the other leg had withered and appeared extremely thin.

During this time, they sought many famous doctors who all said he had a debilitating disease. Many prescriptions were given, yet none had little effect.

In recent years, the grandson’s leg had become increasingly difficult to walk on, worrying him deeply, but all the renowned doctors in the Capital had been consulted. Even those further away had been invited for a diagnosis, but all were helpless.

Because of this, he had completely given up hope these past two years.

Hearing Xia Qing mention this matter, his face turned grim. It was like hitting him where it hurts, talking about this matter in front of him, where is the dignity?

Xia Qing saw Zhang Hai’s face darken, and immediately knew what Zhang Hai was thinking.

In fact, he wanted to say that he knew a miracle doctor from a hidden family. If Zhang Hai agreed to give credit to Min Feng, he could invite that doctor to treat his eldest grandson.

"Does the Prime Minister have any further instructions? If not, then I will take my leave. There are still many matters at the Hanlin Academy that require my attention."

Zhang Hai felt that Xia Qing wouldn’t mock him for this matter; there must be another purpose. But he wasn’t in the mood to spar with Xia Qing.

No matter Xia Qing’s purpose, he would not play along.

"Mr. Zhang, no need to rush. By chance, I happened to know a hidden miracle doctor. If Mr. Zhang is willing, I can make an introduction for you. Your grandson’s condition cannot afford to be delayed. You know this better than me."

The miracle doctor owed Xia Qing a favor, so he was confident he could invite him out. However, once such a favor was used, it would be gone.

Such a cost was significant, and he did this not only for Min Feng but also for himself.

Previously, he hadn’t paid attention to Gu Chengyu, but now it was clear the Emperor had other plans for Gu Chengyu. In addition, Gu Chengyu was quite capable—better to remove him sooner rather than later.

Zhang Hai originally wanted to leave, but after hearing Xia Qing’s words, he was stunned in place. Xia Qing wouldn’t deceive him with the mention of a miracle doctor. So could that doctor really cure his grandson’s illness?

Moreover, Xia Qing surely wouldn’t offer such a great benefit for nothing. Something would be required in exchange.

It wasn’t difficult for Zhang Hai to deduce what Xia Qing’s current aim was—it related to the index. For a moment, he hesitated.

Seeing Zhang Hai with furrowed brows and a troubled face, Xia Qing knew he was wrestling with himself. He didn’t urge him, just quietly sipped his tea.

Indeed, as Xia Qing assumed, Zhang Hai’s mind was in turmoil.

If he agreed to Xia Qing’s offer, it would betray his principles, and earlier, he had firmly assured Gu Chengyu that he wouldn’t take away his credit. Wouldn’t that be slapping himself in the face?

But if he didn’t agree, his grandson’s only hope would be lost at his own hand. That was his grandson—how could he bear it?

Watching Zhang Hai waver, Xia Qing remained confident. He understood Zhang Hai’s character, but who doesn’t have moments of desperation?

Zhang Hai’s grandson was his weak spot; Xia Qing wasn’t afraid that Zhang Hai wouldn’t agree.

After waiting a few moments, Zhang Hai still deliberated, and Xia Qing grew a bit impatient.

"Mr. Zhang, you must know your grandson still has a chance for recovery. Your hesitation is truly unfounded."

Gu Chengyu was nothing to Zhang Hai. Was there any need to sacrifice his grandson’s life for Gu Chengyu’s interests?

Even if that miracle doctor couldn’t completely cure Zhang Hai’s grandson, there was still hope, wasn’t there? It depended on Zhang Hai’s choice. He didn’t believe Zhang Hai would forsake his grandson for Gu Chengyu.

"Thank you, Prime Minister, for the introduction!" Zhang Hai said this, feeling as though all the strength had left his body, and his straight back hunched a little.

He knew that agreeing to Xia Qing today meant that in the future, he would no longer be able to hold his head high in front of Xia Qing.

His mouth was somewhat dry, "Just this once!"