Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 573 - 409: Compromise

When the Emperor asked this question, Zhang Hai grew even more hesitant.

The Emperor was highly satisfied with the catalog, but if he credited it to Xia Qing’s lineage, could his heart truly be content?

Gu Chengyu had great talent, yet he had offended Xia Qing and obstructed Xia Qing’s disciple on his path to promotion. Xia Qing was ruthless, and it’s likely that someday he would act against Gu Chengyu.

Though Zhang Hai was upright, he was not obstinate. Due to Xia Qing’s targeting, Gu Chengyu’s future career path would undoubtedly be fraught with difficulties. After today, Zhang Hai planned to compensate Gu Chengyu in the future, clearing obstacles for him.

This was the debt he owed Gu Chengyu, and he would repay it doubly in the future. Having understood these, he felt no more apprehensions.

"Reporting to the Emperor, I’ve heard from officials that this was composed by Min Feng, the new compiler at Hanlin Academy. I find this catalog quite detailed, and as neither the officials from the Six Ministries nor the Prime Minister have any objections, I’ve presented it for Your Majesty’s review."

As he spoke these words, Zhang Hai felt a great relief.

"Oh? Min Feng? Is he the closed-door disciple of Chief Minister Xia?"

The Emperor squinted slightly upon hearing the name. He had some impression of Min Feng, the third-place scholar. Initially, his knowledge had surpassed that of Fu Yanshan, the second-place scholar, yet he was selected as the third-place scholar instead.

Because of this, the Cabinet had been slack in their duties, leaving the Emperor helpless.

"Indeed, Your Majesty! It is said he burned the midnight oil and completed it in a day."

Having made the first step, Zhang Hai, with thoughts of future compensation to Gu Chengyu, spoke the subsequent words seamlessly and naturally.

Moreover, he hadn’t given a definitive answer, only claiming to hear it from subordinate officials. Even if the Emperor learned the truth, he could always brush it off as a misunderstanding.

He was a man of integrity, yet also a politician. In the convoluted maze of officialdom, he was no less adept than those cunning old officials; he simply chose not to engage in such calculations regularly!

Self-preservation is an essential skill for survival in officialdom; otherwise, he could never have held his position at Hanlin Academy. Xia Qing had long wished to insert his faction into the agency and seize the position of Grand Scholar from him.

If it weren’t for his wary nature and thorough work leaving no traces, how could he maintain his seat firmly? Despite the position of Grand Scholar at Hanlin Academy being a mere Standard Fifth Rank, without holding other posts concurrently, it was still an Imperial Minister, with considerable authority and frequent summons from the Emperor.

"Oh? By your account, this person is indeed quite capable." The Emperor scrutinized Zhang Hai for a moment before placing the booklet on the Imperial Desk. Min Feng being Xia Qing’s disciple made him suspicious.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hai was startled. He cautiously looked up at the Emperor only to find him squinting at him. Zhang Hai’s heart skipped; could the Emperor have discerned the truth? Otherwise, why such an attitude?

"He has only been at Hanlin Academy for a few days, thus I am unclear of his abilities. If Your Majesty has no objections, Hanlin Academy will proceed with compiling the canon based on the catalog."

Though the Emperor did not display displeasure, Zhang Hai felt it through his tone. He did not mention the matter any further, instead directly discussing the compilation of the canon. He had done what he needed; the rest was up to Chief Minister Xia.

"Oh? Since you claim he composed it, I should summon him for proper commendation. Attendant, go to Hanlin Academy and invite Min Bianxiu over!"

The sudden request to see Min Feng by the Emperor startled Zhang Hai. He was unsure if Chief Minister Xia had briefed Min Feng on the catalog; if not, the summons would reveal the truth.

Min Feng stood, his face ashen, opposite Xia Qing. At this moment, his hands clenched into fists, revealing an unwillingness in his eyes as he looked at Xia Qing.

"Do not bear burdens in your heart; know that this is quite common in officialdom. This is a good opportunity for you to become an Assistant Reader. If you lack achievements, it would be inappropriate for me to approach the Emperor." Xia Qing, sitting across from Min Feng, saw his dark expression and patiently advised.

"But this was done by Gu Chengyu, how can I claim someone else’s merit? It would be disgraceful if discovered." Min Feng had been called over by Xia Qing, thinking it was regarding his promotion, yet he didn’t expect to hear such news.

He indeed often vied against Gu Chengyu, but regardless of the outcome, it was based on their own abilities. Now, having apprenticed under Chief Minister Xia, with support in officialdom, he was confident he could surpass Gu Chengyu. But upon hearing the catalog matter from his teacher, he felt a surge of anger.

Being a scholar, he harbored the inherent pride and loftiness of a literary man. To claim another’s accomplishments, he found deeply shameful.

Xia Qing realized Min Feng was being stubborn. Having just entered officialdom, Min Feng was unaware of its treacherousness. Xia Qing did not blame him. Over the years, Min Feng would learn that such occurrences are commonplace in officialdom. Without connections, who would stand up for you if your accomplishments were taken?

Faced with such situations, it was akin to swallowing bitterness, unable to voice it—one could only accept bad luck.

When Xia Qing first entered officialdom, hadn’t he, too, been as proud and lofty as Min Feng? Yet it took only a few years to suffer greatly from it. At that time, lacking a high-ranking mentor for support, he was trampled on by others.

Ultimately, he realized that pride and loftiness were less valuable than power. Min Feng was luckier, having accepted him as a teacher, avoiding many detours. Yet simultaneously, Min Feng was unfortunate, for back then he had the Emperor’s favor.

Now, before the Emperor truly trusts him, he likely holds little regard for Min Feng. Yet as long as Xia Qing was around, not wanting Min Feng to suffer, he would not fail his disciple.

"You are too young and have just entered officialdom; you don’t realize such things are common. I advise you to put aside the pride and loftiness of scholars. You think that being discovered would shame you, but others do not see it that way."

Having sipped his tea, Xia Qing noticed Min Feng’s gloomy expression had slightly lifted, and continued, "If you can seize merit from others, it is your ability. Once you ascend to high ranks, you’ll have flatterers aplenty; who will remember your past?"

Even if remembered, they wouldn’t dare speak it before you. Xia Qing didn’t bother adding this, believing he had spoken enough. If Min Feng still could not understand, he wouldn’t place high hopes on him.

He sought a pupil quick to learn, wise, and insightful. If stubborn and difficult, he had no interest in trying to change their disposition.

Min Feng wanted to say more, but upon looking up, saw Xia Qing’s face had turned solemn. He recognized his teacher’s actions were for his sake, knowing it would be discordant not to appreciate it. Moreover, the situation was settled, beyond his influence.

With a forced smile, he said, "Then I shall follow your instructions! Thank you, Teacher, for considering this student; it was my misunderstanding earlier."