Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 577 - 413 Shameless

Upon hearing this, Min Feng felt a sudden jolt in his heart. Since he entered the Imperial Study Room and the Emperor summoned him, they only exchanged a few indifferent words without mentioning the index. He was unsure of the Emperor’s intentions; could it be that the Emperor truly harbored suspicions?

This index was created by Gu Chengyu. As soon as Gu Chengyu saw it, he would know something was amiss. Sweat began to form on Min Feng’s forehead. Although he had prepared for this, if Gu Chengyu exposed him in person and kept pressing the issue, not to mention whether the Emperor would believe it, their risky endeavor would bear no fruit.

Since ancient times, what emperor has not been suspicious? It seemed he still had to follow his teacher’s second strategy; they were too greedy for quick success and hadn’t anticipated the Emperor valuing Gu Chengyu so highly.

Upon hearing these words, Gu Chengyu immediately understood. Were they really planning to steal his credit? Initially, he thought Min Feng had the scholarly pride of a learned man and conducted his affairs with integrity, surely disdainful of such actions. But he hadn’t expected Min Feng to follow the same path in the face of power.

De An took the booklet and approached Gu Chengyu, handing it to him.

Min Feng was in a fierce internal struggle, and sweat droplets on his forehead gathered more and more. Even Zhang Hai couldn’t help but feel anxious, hoping Min Feng could withstand it!

Gu Chengyu looked at the booklet in front of him and reached out to take it. This was not his booklet; he was uncertain if its contents were his work.

Watching Gu Chengyu open the booklet, Min Feng panicked.

"Your Majesty, there seems to be some misunderstanding here. I am truly unworthy of Your Majesty’s praise!" Min Feng hurried forward, bowed, and addressed the Emperor.

Gu Chengyu was also taken aback by these words. What was Min Feng up to? He quickly flipped through the booklet in his hand; indeed, it matched his work, only the handwriting was different!

The Emperor was also quite surprised, "Oh? A misunderstanding? What do you mean by that, Min Bianxiu?"

The Emperor glanced at Gu Chengyu, finding his expression somewhat intriguing. First understanding, then confusion — the Emperor’s heart was filled with questions.

"Your Majesty! This booklet was indeed written by Mr. Gu. Previously, Mr. Gu consulted with me about the index, and I had just recently thoroughly read most of the relevant Dianji. Hence, I discussed it with Mr. Gu for two days. In the end, Mr. Gu penned the index."

Min Feng smiled, pretending to be embarrassed at the Emperor having praised the wrong person.

Listening to Min Feng, Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but curse the old fox. No doubt these brazen words were Xia Qing’s doing. How could someone who became the Grand Secretary act with such imprudence?

Min Feng’s words implied that even if Gu Chengyu stated they hadn’t discussed it previously, others would think he was merely unwilling to share the credit, wanting to stand out alone, leaving an impression of narrow-mindedness.

Moreover, these words effectively shifted the blame, as if accusing Gu Chengyu of stealing a subordinate’s credit.

The Emperor summoned him to the Imperial Study Room. Seeing that things might unravel, Min Feng opted to concede partially, only wanting to share some credit, as Xia Qing merely intended to lend a name!

Indeed, as expected of the Grand Secretary, retreating to advance, no matter how Gu Chengyu argued, it cast him as petty and greedy for honor.

Gu Chengyu almost laughed out of exasperation. Such shamelessness opened his eyes.

Zhang Hai’s eyelids twitched, Xia Qing sure knew how to play his cards. But hadn’t the Emperor previously said it was Min Feng’s work? Min Feng’s actions seemed to slap him in the face!

Afraid the Emperor might blame him, Zhang Hai hurriedly said, "So Gu Xiu wrote it. My mistake for hearing it wrong. Gu Xiu, not seeking fame or gain, left the index on the table and left while I was away, causing my misunderstanding. It seems hearsay is most unreliable."

The Emperor turned his gaze towards Zhang Hai, making him sweat on his back. He too played the petty role today, one mistake leading to another. The Emperor surely wouldn’t forgive him; damn Xia Qing for not informing him of such plans.

He was merely a scapegoat, a usual tactic of Xia Qing. While contemplating countermeasures, he knew punishment was inevitable.

Hearing this, Gu Chengyu glanced at Zhang Hai. Although he was prepared for this before entering the Imperial Study Room, hearing Zhang Hai declare it personally was hard to accept.

Was this the so-called righteous Mr. Zhang people spoke of? He had previously assured him not to embezzle his credit, only to sell him out at the drop of a hat.

Gu Chengyu sneered, of course! In officialdom, being too upright would’ve long devoured someone. Whether Zhang Hai was threatened by Xia Qing or promised benefits, Zhang Hai clearly couldn’t be called upright anymore.

Previously, he naively believed Zhang Hai disdained such actions. Now, he knew he must tread more cautiously in the future.

"Oh! So that’s how it is. Was this index a collaboration between you and Gu Xiu?" The Emperor withdrew his gaze from Zhang Hai. Did Zhang Hai take him for a fool with such excuses? He’d deal with him later.

Though the question was directed at Min Feng, the Emperor’s eyes were on Gu Chengyu.

"Ah?"

Gu Chengyu’s face showed surprise, a trace of shock flashed in his eyes as he looked at Min Feng. The Emperor observed Gu Chengyu’s expression thoroughly; hearing his surprised query, he began to speculate.

Min Feng smiled, "Exactly!"

Gu Chengyu just wanted to laugh – reclaiming his previous words, as Min Feng could also maintain a straight face, his face hardened as the city wall!

Feigning surprise, Gu Chengyu ensured the Emperor would suspect. Weren’t everyone present astute? Especially a suspicious Emperor, how could he not catch on?

"Then you must have studied many texts. You should know something about ’Da Yan Law.’ How should military officers and soldiers be dealt with according to the law when committing crimes?"

The Emperor seemed intrigued, asking about the laws concerning the Ministry of Justice within the Canon.

Gu Chengyu thought to himself, just in time! He could recite ’Da Yan Law’ by heart, and he’d handle any question the Emperor asked with confidence.

Min Feng, however, felt uneasy. Although he had skimmed many related texts days before, mostly regarding the compilation of the Canon, he couldn’t thoroughly digest it all. Besides, he hadn’t memorized them, forgetting without revisiting was inevitable.

Previously, he’d merely skimmed through; naturally, he couldn’t recall everything. Asked about the index, he might elaborate a bit, but not the entire contents.