Chapter 242: Teacher and Student
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Evidence regarding Xu Xiang’s actions in the Battle of Ming Shui was increasing.
It’s not just about the Battle of Mingshui; various charges have been presented, ranging from selling official positions, appointing private individuals, deceiving the emperor, accepting bribes, and more….
The Emperor’s change in attitude made the Xu faction realize that the situation was not favorable. The entire court was immersed in a tense atmosphere. Those who initially thought they could quickly rescue Xu Jingfu now realized that it was not a simple matter, or perhaps, it was impossible.
In the residence of Shi Jinbo, servants blocked those trying to enter and apologetically said, “Gentlemen, please leave. The Fourth Young Master is not in the residence.”
“Where did Chu Zilan go!” one person asked anxiously and angrily, speaking in a low voice, “If we don’t see Fourth Young Master Chu soon, Minister Xiang won’t have any time left!”
The servant only wore a bitter expression and said, “Gentlemen, I don’t know. Fourth Young Master Chu hasn’t returned home for a long time.”
Seeing that they couldn’t obtain any useful information after questioning for a long time, the visitors had to leave disappointedly. After they left, the servant closed the door and returned to the courtyard. He knocked on the door of the study and went inside.
Chu Zhao was sitting at the table reading a book.
“Fourth Young Master Chu, all the visitors have been sent away,” the servant said.
Of course, Chu Zhao was in Shi Jinbo’s residence. In fact, he hadn’t left the mansion at all these days, so no one had seen him.
“Well done.”
“But Fourth Young Master Chu…” The servant hesitated for a moment and still asked, “Don’t you want to find a solution?”
Chu Zhao looked up at him. The servant turned pale, and after a while, he heard Chu Zhao say, “You can leave.”
The servant left relievedly.
Chu Zhao’s gaze returned to the table. The inkstone on the table was a gift from Xu Jingfu. Since Xu Jingfu’s imprisonment, people had been trying to find him to help Xu Jingfu, considering that Xu Jingfu treated him like his own son. After all, he would soon become Xu Jingfu’s son-in-law. Both morally and ethically, he should help in this matter.
Chu Zhao’s gaze became distant.
Chu Zhao still remembered the first time he met Xu Jingfu.
At that time, he was still quite young, being bullied severely by Madam Chu and his three elder brothers. He was very handsome, and Chu Linfeng liked to take him along to social events. He appeared extremely amiable, but every time he returned from socializing, he faced numerous and even more severe torments.
Chu Linfeng couldn’t see what happened in the backyard. Even if he did see it, he would only say a few words, and him separating from Madam Chu for him, it wouldn’t be possible.
One winter day, Chu Linfeng had a social event with colleagues and intended to take him along again. This time, it was being a guest at Xu Xiang’s residence. Chu Linfeng specifically instructed Madam Chu to pick out good clothes for Chu Zhao, emphasizing not to embarrass the Chu family.
As a guest at Xu Xiang’s residence, Madam Chu didn’t dare to be negligent. Despite her numerous reluctances, she still prepared a splendid attire for him.
Chu Linfeng was quite satisfied.
However, Chu Zhao’s departure was very difficult.
Because he wasn’t sure whether it was Madam Chu or one of his elder brothers, but someone had embedded a few nails in the soles of his boots. Initially, he didn’t feel anything, but as he walked, the nails gradually worked their way into the boots and eventually pierced the soles of his feet.
However, by that time, Chu Zhao had already arrived at Xu’s residence with Chu Linfeng.
Publicly removing one’s boots was considered very rude, and Chu Linfeng, who was particularly concerned about his reputation, didn’t give him a chance to speak. He flaunted Chu Zhao like showing off a beautiful vase or an exquisite ornament, introducing him to everyone, “This is my third son, Chu Zhao.”
Chu Zhao had to endure the pain and pale-facedly engage in conversation with Chu Linfeng.
In the end, he could hardly bear it.
Chu Linfeng, after having a few more drinks at the banquet and enjoying talking to his colleagues, finally stopped paying attention to Chu Zhao. Chu Zhao wanted to find a secluded corner to take off his boots and remove the nails. However, in the vast Xu residence, he didn’t know the way around and accidentally bumped into someone.
A man wearing a long gown, a somewhat older scholar, was looking down at him.
Chu Zhao was startled and immediately recognized him. This was the protagonist of today’s banquet, Xu Xiang, Xu Jingfu, whom Chu Linfeng wanted to curry favor with. However, he had been following Chu Linfeng all the time and hadn’t even spoken to Xu Jingfu. It seemed that Xu Jingfu might not recognize him.
“I am… the Fourth Young Master of the Shi Jinbo’s residence.” Chu Zhao cautiously spoke, “I… I got lost.”
Xu Jingfu just smiled at him, his gaze paused slightly, and then he suddenly asked, “What happened to your leg?”
Instinctively, Chu Zhao hid his foot behind him.
Xu Jingfu looked around, summoned a servant, and said, “Carry the Fourth Young Master to the room.”
Chu Zhao hurriedly waved his hand, “No need, I…”
“With your leg, you’ll be limping if you continue walking.” Xu Jingfu shook his head and smiled, “I’ll inform your father; don’t worry.”
Chu Zhao was then carried by Xu’s servants to a room. Not only that, they also took off his boots. Once the boots were removed, everyone present gasped. The nails had almost completely entered the soles of his feet. The blood that had flowed out stuck to the white socks, creating a pitiful sight.
Xu Jingfu frowned and said, “Summon the mansion’s doctor.”
There were skilled doctors in the Xu residence. After being called, they removed the nails from Chu Zhao’s feet. The doctor also said, “Young Master, you endured a lot. These nails hurt a lot even if they didn’t go in deep. How did you manage to endure it until now without making a sound? Ah, after you return, don’t walk for these few days. Rest well.”
Chu Zhao pressed his lips and remained silent. Although he was the Fourth Young Master of the Chu family, his life was no different from that of a servant. He had to work every day, so how could he rest without walking?
Xu Jingfu waved his hand, telling them all to leave.
He walked to the other side and casually asked, “What’s your name?”
“I am Chu Zhao, courtesy name Zilan.” He replied cautiously and restrainedly.
“Good name.” Xu Jingfu smiled and placed a pair of brand-new boots in front of him, “These were originally intended for my students, but your boots are no longer usable. This pair should fit.”
Chu Zhao hugged the boots to his chest. Perhaps because the fireplace in front of him was very hot, the cloth boots were warm. He said, “Thank you, Lord Xu.”
Xu Jingfu looked him over. The clothes that Madam Chu gave him were indeed gorgeous and delicate. However, it was midwinter, and the thin brocade clothes lacked cotton padding. They looked good but were not practical. After walking outside for a while, his face had already turned pale from the cold, and his hands and feet were icy.
“Do you have three elder brothers in your house?” Xu Jingfu asked with a smile.
Chu Zhao’s body slightly stiffened, “Exactly.”
Xu Jingfu looked at him thoughtfully, “I haven’t seen your father take them out.”
Chu Linfeng had a good face and always felt that he was the one and only handsome man in Great Wei. His three legitimate sons, however, were ordinary-looking. Afraid of being ridiculed behind his back, he only took Chu Zhao to socialize with colleagues. Chu Zhao kept his head down and remained silent.
“Do you know how to read?” Xu Jingfu asked.
“A little bit.” He replied softly.
“Oh?” Xu Jingfu felt slightly surprised. Perhaps he found it somewhat incredible that Madam Chu would allow someone like Chu Linfeng’s illegitimate son to study. After a moment of thought, Chu Zhao spoke in a low voice, “I learned a little from my Mother before, and after returning to the mansion, I secretly hid some books in my room.”
Xu Jingfu, always fond of talent, looked at the exceptionally beautiful child in front of him and smiled, “In that case, in the future, come to my place to study.”
Chu Zhao was taken aback and instinctively raised his head, murmuring his lips, “I…”
“I have many students, but they are all older. It has been many years since I accepted new students,” the scholar, with a gentle demeanor like a loving elder, said, “I am getting old, and I don’t know how many more years I can teach. If you are willing to learn from me, just call me ‘teacher.'”
Teacher…
A teacher, one who imparts knowledge and helps students understand, unfortunately, in all the years gone by, no one had taught him how to act, or why to do so. And now, this person before him was the Prime Minister, the one with great power and authority in the court.
He lowered his head, ignoring the wound he had just bandaged, stepped down, and respectfully kowtowed to Xu Jingfu, calling out, “Teacher.”
He was sent back by Xu Jingfu’s carriage. Along with him, there were servants from the Xu family, a thick cotton coat, and a pair of new boots on his feet.
Upon learning of this incident after sobering up, Chu Linfeng was also startled, and he quickly apologized to Xu Jingfu, who dismissed the apology. After returning to the mansion, he had his first real argument with Madam Chu over Chu Zhao. Their voices arguing reached Chu Zhao’s ears outside the window in the courtyard.
“That’s Xu Xiang! In the future, Zilan will be Xu Xiang’s student. Can’t you see the significance of what Xu Xiang did? Don’t bully Zilan again in the future!”
“Who is bullying him? If I were really bullying him, how could he become Xu Xiang’s student? It’s all because you’re biased. Why is it him and not my child?”
“If they were not so disappointing themselves, Xu Xiang wouldn’t like Zilan. Be mindful of your own actions and don’t embarrass yourself!”
The arguing voices filled his ears. Chu Zhao looked down at the cloth boot on his foot. The boots fit well, the soles were soft, and it seemed that even the pain of the nails piercing into his flesh had been completely soothed by the softness.
After that, he became Xu Jingfu’s student.
Xu Jingfu treated him very well, and he was unwilling to give up this opportunity. He studied hard, and people said he was exceptionally talented and promising, not knowing how many nights he had spent studying by the lamp to be able to appear nonchalant in front of others.
The bond between teacher and student was not unheard of.
The lamp in the room cast shadows on the wall. He looked at it for a while and stood up.
“Summon someone.”
A servant entered, “What orders does the Fourth Young Master have?”
“Prepare the horse,” he looked ahead, “and go to the Crown Prince’s Mansion.”
…
In the spacious sleeping hall, Emperor Wenxuan leaned against the bed, bowing his head to drink the prepared ginseng soup from the woman’s hands.
Ever since Xu Jingfu’s case was revealed, the emperor, enraged and stressed, had been in declining health. He was already getting old, but his age was not apparent before, thanks to the leisurely life he led. With the sudden changes in the court, matters piled up one after another, and in just over ten days, he seemed to have aged significantly.
After finishing a bowl of ginseng soup, Noble Consort Lan instructed a maid to take away the empty bowl. She spoke softly, “Your Majesty, you must recover quickly.”
“What’s the use of recovering quickly,” Emperor Wenxuan smiled bitterly, “I’m afraid everyone outside is looking forward to me…”
A finger pressed against his lips, silencing the words he was about to say. Noble Consort Lan, shaking her head in disapproval, said, “Your Majesty, such words cannot be spoken casually.”
Emperor Wenxuan looked at the woman before him. Despite her words, her expression remained gentle. She did not react with the fear and anger seen in other palace consorts, nor did she adopt the stern demeanor of Empress Zhang. Among all the consorts in the harem, Noble Consort Lan might not be the most beautiful, but he had cherished this woman for many years because, in her presence, he could be himself—not just an emperor.
Emperor Wenxuan thought that he might be the only one who considered being an emperor exhausting.
After falling ill, Empress Zhang visited only once. Emperor Wenxuan was well aware of the close relationship between Empress Zhang’s family and Xu Jingfu. With Xu Jingfu’s current situation, Empress Zhang’s family dared not openly intercede for him, and the harem could not interfere in political matters. So, during this time, she should be very busy.
Emperor Wenxuan had no intention of worrying about these matters; he turned a blind eye, partly because he could sense that his time might be running out.
It was strange; before the Xu Jingfu incident, he still thought he had vigorous energy and could live longer than his father’s generation. But when the Xu Jingfu case emerged, he realized that he was truly old, perhaps not living to see another winter.
So, in his view, there was another important matter.
“Since I ascended to the throne, Xu Jingfu has rendered great service for many years,” he said slowly. “I treated him leniently, knowing that he had personal motives, but looking at it now, he has betrayed my trust. He even colluded with the enemy…”
“With Xiao Zhongwu dead, these years I believed Xu Jingfu’s words. Now, there are few generals left in Great Wei who can be used. Flying Phoenix General, I’m afraid, is also a fake. The Wutuo people had long planned this. In the future, it is likely to become a major problem. If I hand over this position to the Crown Prince, who has such a character, “Emperor Wenxuan chuckled bitterly,” he is not even comparable to me. Although I am indecisive, I am at least benevolent and love the people. Him… what does he have!”
The last sentence was filled with disappointment and anger.
If Prince Guangshuo had been the heir, how good would that be?
He might have handed over the throne to Guangshuo long ago.
Although the emperor was mediocre, he was not particularly foolish. He deeply knew that his legitimate eldest son, Guangyan, lacked both talent and virtue. For so many years, unwilling to draft an abdication edict, was because he was conflicted. On one hand, he was well aware that if Guangyan ascended to the throne, it would be a disaster for Great Wei. On the other hand, Great Wei had never had a case of deposing the elder and enthroning the younger. He lived his life without seeking merit, only desiring to avoid wrongdoing, unwilling to be the “first person,” and afraid to take on that responsibility. So, he procrastinated and endured, finally bringing things to the irreversible situation today.
“Lan Er,” he looked at Noble Consort Lan, “I regret not making a decision sooner.”
And now, no matter what he did, it would stir up a storm in the court, shed more blood, and cause more deaths. Whether he favored Guangyan or Guangshuo, both were his sons, that was beyond doubt.
Noble Consort Lan gently held his hand and said, “Whatever decision Your Majesty makes, this concubine understands Your Majesty’s difficulties.”
Emperor Wenxuan looked at her, “In this palace, only you are my confidante.”
….
When Noble Consort Lan returned to Qinglan Palace, Guangshuo was already waiting for her in the hall.
Seeing her return, Guangshuo stood up, “Royal Mother.”
Noble Consort Lan asked him to sit down and inquired, “Why do you have time to be here? Shouldn’t you be at the Dali Temple?”
Now that the case involving Xu Jingfu should be settled unless there are unforeseen circumstances. The evidence in Xiao Huaijin’s hands is being revealed one after another. Officials who were suppressed by the Xu faction in the past are seizing this opportunity to escape. This has always been the case throughout history.
Of course, Guangshuo played a part in this.
“I have been there today.” Guangshuo thought for a moment. “These days, I have been working on Xu Jingfu’s case. However, when I saw Commander Xiao in the palace, he did not show any signs of closeness.”
He did not understand whether Xiao Huaijin really accepted his sentiments.
Noble Consort Lan smiled, “It’s right that he didn’t pay attention to you.”
“Royal Mother’s meaning is…”
“You are concerned about Xu Jingfu’s case because, as a prince of Great Wei, you care about state affairs. If you get too close to him, it will seem forced.”
“This child understands,” Guangshuo’s eyes flashed with a hint of anxiety, “but the Crown Prince will definitely not let it go. I have heard that an imperial censor has already submitted a memorial to depose the Crown Prince and establish a new heir. Royal Mother, you know Father’s temperament.” Guangshuo laughed at himself. “If there are no other matters, he will definitely choose the Crown Prince as the heir. Just as Royal Mother often said, once the Crown Prince ascends to the throne, I’m afraid neither Fifth Brother nor I can survive.”
“And…” He looked deeply worried, “now that the Wutuo people’s ambitions are unclear, they could attack Great Wei at any time. If the Crown Prince ascends the throne, does Royal Mother think the Crown Prince will resist the Wutuo people? Even if it’s to bring down Xiao Huaijin, he won’t utter a word of ‘war’.”
Noble Consort Lan waited quietly for him to finish.
Guangshuo looked at her, “Does Royal Mother think I’m wrong?”
“What you said is correct,” Noble Consort Lan smiled, “Today when I saw your Father, he has already hinted at drafting an abdication edict.”
Guangshuo’s heart moved, and he asked stimulated, “What exactly…”
“In fact, your Father’s decision on whom to pass the throne to is not important,” Noble Consort Lan said. “In this world, sometimes a decree cannot decide anything. Guangshuo, public opinion is more important than power. You have never openly participated in state affairs, hiding behind the Crown Prince. This is your weakness and your strength.”
“Now you are anxious, and I am afraid Guangyan is even more anxious. There are also those Wutuo people… whether Xiao Huaijin is willing to get close to you and support you, it’s not meaningful to discuss this now. If he himself has no ambitions for power, sooner or later, he will be on your side.”
Guangshuo asked, “Because of the Crown Prince?”
“Yes.” There was a hint of compassion in Noble Consort Lan’s eyes. “With Guangyan being so tyrannical, someone like Xiao Huaijin would definitely not want to serve him.”
“Great Wei has no one left.”
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