Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 504 - 340: Accepting a Disciple
"The Emperor’s recent actions have become increasingly difficult to understand, as some matters are left entirely to his personal preferences. However, the Third Prince won’t be able to stay in the manor for long; just watch! He’ll be out in a few days. As for Consort Xian, she’ll have to wait a few months, since Wan Xue Nian is her father."
The way of an Emperor lies in balance. Currently, it is only the Second Prince who basks in spring’s favor, and how can the Emperor rest easy with that?
Although the Eldest Prince’s matter left Wan Xue Nian and his cohort as scapegoats, the senior ministers in court understand the inner workings, and the Emperor also fears the courtiers’ discontent. It is necessary to be cool towards the Eldest Prince for a period.
After Qin Mulaio left, Xia Qing thought for a while and decided to call Min Feng to give him some instructions.
Xia Qing stood by the window, watching Min Feng walking towards the study. He couldn’t help but see the reflection of his younger self, full of ambition and hopes for the future.
Now, after several decades in the officialdom, his original intentions had long transformed. Though power resided in his hands, a growing sense of loneliness enveloped him—the proverbial "it’s lonely at the top" rang true in his heart.
The Emperor is getting on in years, and he must plan for himself. Among the princes, apart from the Fourth Prince, each has their own advantages. Yet, the temperament of each prince, when singled out, leaves something to be desired.
The Eldest Prince is exceedingly cunning, ruthless, and overly decisive. Once his interests are violated, he shows no regard for old sentiments. The Second Prince is overly honest, making it difficult for him to command authority.
The Third Prince overestimates his own cleverness, often deceived by his wits. The Fourth Prince is not worth mentioning; regardless of his true character, his physical condition is a hindrance. To ascend to the throne, all the princes would have to perish—which is something the Emperor would never allow.
It is precisely because of this that the Emperor hesitates in naming a Crown Prince.
Nevertheless, the Fourth Prince harbors great ambition. Xia Qing had met him twice, and found that his cunning and strategic prowess were by no means inferior; what a pity his body holds him back.
If he were in good health, even without a strong external family, he wouldn’t be unable to ascend the throne.
"Student Min Feng greets the Prime Minister!" Min Feng did not know what Xia Qing had summoned him for, having a natural wariness towards this powerful Prime Minister who held sway over the court.
He was merely a poor scholar, fortunate that Chief Minister Xia held him in high regard—a stroke of luck in his life.
In the past, he had mistakenly thought that joining a household would lead to being restrained in the officialdom. It was only after aligning with the Xia Mansion that a world of benefits presented themselves.
Not to mention that before joining the Xia Mansion, he was living in the academy dormitory, struggling with basic living expenses.
He was only a scholar, trying to live comfortably in the Capital—a task impossible without plenty of Silver. Now he had moved out of the dorm, residing in the Xia Mansion, truly living a life of luxury.
No wonder the ancients often said: within books there is a house of Gold, within books there is a beauty like Jade. As long as one could advance in the officialdom, how could they lack such worldly possessions?
Xia Qing snapped back to reality upon hearing the words.
"Hmm! Are you accustomed to living in the manor these days? The servants haven’t been neglecting you, have they?"
Min Feng glanced at Xia Qing and saw that he was looking at him with a gentle expression, which eased his mind somewhat.
He was speculating internally about Xia Qing’s sudden summon, unsure if he had erred recently.
"In reply, my lord! The servants are very disciplined, and the student lives comfortably. However, staying at the lord’s residence for long might be a disturbance. I feel somewhat apologetic about it."
Being favored by Xia Qing, Min Feng felt somewhat flattered. He had always been overshadowed by Gu Chengyu, finding it perplexing that Xia Qing would favor him over Gu Chengyu.
"As long as you are comfortable living in the manor, it’s good. I appreciate your literary talent; why would I feel you disturb me? Rest assured and stay in the manor."
Xia Qing was very satisfied with Min Feng’s humble demeanor. Even an erudite scholar should show a humble side.
Xia Qing especially disliked those conceited young talents who were full of themselves, thinking they were too lofty and unstable in character.
Min Feng’s display of humility was to his liking. Little did he know, Min Feng was still inadequate, still recovering from Gu Chengyu’s blow in recent days.
Besides, facing a First-Grade Official in the court, he certainly dared not be presumptuous.
"I heard that two days ago, you went to Tianxiang Pavilion?"
Upon hearing this, Min Feng thought Xia Qing was displeased with him. Visiting a brothel was not a commendable act, and although it was to attend a literary meeting, mentioning such a place indeed lacked elegance.
"The student heard there was a literary meeting at Tianxiang Pavilion and went there with pleasure."
"It is understandable for a young man to attend a literary meeting. However, I’ve heard you lost to Gu Chengyu?"
Xia Qing was not surprised that Min Feng lost to Gu Chengyu. He knew from the start that Min Feng’s literary talent was inferior to Gu Chengyu, and even in scholarly pursuits, he was no match. But these often became insignificant once entering the officialdom.
To quickly secure a foothold and rise in rank in the officialdom is not about talent, but about strategy and networking. Gu Chengyu may be a disciple of Liang Zhirui, but Liang Zhirui had already retired, and the current Prime Minister was himself.
As long as Min Feng was not as incapable as Ah Dou, he could lift him to greater heights. Min Feng had been observed, and aside from a bit of a competitive spirit, there was nothing critically flawed.
Hearing Xia Qing’s words, Min Feng’s ears turned a bit red. His talent being inferior to Gu Chengyu was a thorn in his heart, and now Xia Qing laid it bare, which made him even more ashamed.
"The student’s talent is inferior to others; it is truly embarrassing!"
Without needing to observe Min Feng’s expression, Xia Qing could discern the meaning behind his words. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮
"No, you shouldn’t feel ashamed. A temporary victory or defeat counts for little, but to be defeated for a lifetime is something to be ashamed of. You are still young, and there is a long life ahead. Who can guarantee they will be the last one laughing?"
Xia Qing took a sip of tea from his cup, observing Min Feng’s gradually calming face and continued, "Your vision is too narrow. You must look further ahead. When you enter the court, you will realize those things were mere passing clouds."
Min Feng, hearing these words, also felt he had been overthinking. Had he not repeatedly told himself that political machinations in the court should be his primary focus? Chief Minister Xia was right; he had been too narrow-minded.
"Thank you, my lord, for your guidance. The student was caught up in appearances."
Xia Qing saw that Min Feng had come to terms and nodded in satisfaction. His insight was good, and keeping him close, once his vision broadened, he would not dwell on such matters.
"I hold you in high esteem, and I plan to accept you as my Closed-door Disciple. Would you be willing?"
Hearing Xia Qing’s words, Min Feng was momentarily stunned but quickly came to his senses, elated beyond measure, hardly believing that such fortune could befall him.
Although he had aligned with Xia Qing, who indeed valued him, having stayed in the manor for over a month without Xia Qing paying particular attention to him, he assumed Xia Qing merely saw his literary promise and future potential in becoming an Advanced Scholar, hence extending a hand during his time of need.
