Legend of the Female General

Chapter 242: Teacher and Student

Evidence regarding Xu Xiang’s involvement in the Battle of Ming River continued to mount.

And it wasn’t just the Battle of Ming River—the charges submitted were varied and numerous: selling official positions and titles, appointing personal favorites, deceiving the emperor, accepting bribes…

The shift in the emperor’s attitude made Xu’s faction sense the ominous change in the political winds, and the entire court was steeped in tension. Those who had initially believed they could quickly rescue Xu Jingfu now realized it was no simple matter—or rather, it had become utterly impossible.

At the residence of Shi Jinbo, a servant stopped those trying to enter from outside, offering an apologetic smile. “Gentlemen, please return. The Fourth Young Master is not at home.”

“Where on earth has Chu Zilan gone?” one person asked anxiously and angrily in a low voice. “If we don’t see Chu Fourth Young Master soon, there will be no time left for the Prime Minister!”

The servant merely wore a pained expression. “Sirs, how would I know? The Fourth Young Master hasn’t returned home for a long time.”

After questioning him for a while without gaining any useful information, the visitors had no choice but to leave in frustration. Once the group had departed, the servant closed the main gate, returned to the courtyard, knocked on the study door, and entered.

Chu Zhao was sitting at the desk, reading a book.

“Fourth Young Master, all the visitors have been sent away,” the servant reported.

Chu Zhao was, of course, at Shi Jinbo’s residence. In fact, he hadn’t left the estate these past days, so no one had seen him.

“Well done.”

“But Fourth Young Master…” the servant hesitated before finally asking, “Are you really not going to think of a way?”

Chu Zhao looked up at him, and the servant’s face paled. After a long moment, he heard the man before him say, “You may leave.”

The servant retreated with a sigh of relief.

Chu Zhao’s gaze returned to the desk, where a Duan inkstone—a gift from Xu Jingfu—lay. Ever since Xu Jingfu’s imprisonment, people had frequently sought him out, hoping he would help secure Xu’s release. After all, Xu Jingfu had treated him like a son, and before long, he would have become Xu Jingfu’s son-in-law. By both sentiment and reason, it should have been his responsibility to make an effort.

Chu Zhao’s gaze grew distant.

He still remembered the first time he met Xu Jingfu.

He was still young then, suffering greatly under the abuse of Madam Chu and his three elder half-brothers. He was exceptionally good-looking, and Chu Linfeng enjoyed taking him along to social gatherings, finding it quite face-giving. Yet every time they returned from such events, what awaited him was even more severe torment.

What happened in the inner courtyard was invisible to Chu Linfeng. Even if he did see something, he would only offer a few words of admonition. To truly stand up for him and risk alienating Madam Chu was simply impossible.

One winter day, Chu Linfeng had another social engagement with colleagues and decided to bring him along. This time, they were guests at Xu Xiang’s residence. Chu Linfeng specifically instructed Madam Chu to pick out fine clothing for Chu Zhao, emphasizing that they must not disgrace the Chu family’s reputation.

Since they were guests at Xu Xiang’s residence, Madam Chu dared not neglect the matter. Despite her reluctance, she prepared splendid attire for him.

Chu Linfeng was quite satisfied.

But Chu Zhao walked with great difficulty.

It was because someone—whether Madam Chu or one of his half-brothers—had driven several nails into the soles of his boots, facing inward. At first, he didn’t notice, but as he walked, the nails gradually pressed deeper into the boots, eventually piercing the soles of his feet.

By then, however, Chu Zhao had already arrived at the Xu residence with Chu Linfeng.Removing one's boots in public was considered highly impolite, and Chu Linfeng was particularly concerned with face. He gave Chu Zhao no chance to speak, parading him around like a beautiful vase or an exquisite ornament, introducing him to everyone they met: "This is my third son, Chu Zhao."

Chu Zhao had no choice but to endure the pain, his face pale as he accompanied Chu Linfeng in conversation.

By the end, he was almost unable to hold on.

At the banquet, Chu Linfeng drank a few extra cups and became engrossed in boasting to his colleagues, finally leaving Chu Zhao unattended for the moment. Chu Zhao wanted to find a quiet corner to remove his boots and pull out the nail. However, the vast Xu estate was unfamiliar to him, and as he wandered, he bumped into someone.

An elderly scholar in a long gown looked down at him.

Chu Zhao was startled and immediately recognized the man as the guest of honor at today's banquet—Xu Xiang, Xu Jingfu, whom Chu Linfeng was desperate to curry favor with. Since Chu Zhao had been following Chu Linfeng the entire time, and Chu Linfeng hadn't even managed to speak with Xu Jingfu, it was unlikely Xu Jingfu would recognize him.

"I am... the Fourth Young Master of the Shi Jinbo estate," Chu Zhao said cautiously. "I... I'm lost."

Xu Jingfu simply smiled at him, his gaze pausing briefly before he suddenly asked, "What's wrong with your leg?"

Chu Zhao instinctively hid his foot behind him.

Xu Jingfu glanced around and summoned a servant. "Carry Chu Fourth Young Master to a room," he instructed.

Chu Zhao hastily waved his hands. "There's no need, I—"

"If you keep walking on that leg, you'll end up lame," Xu Jingfu said, shaking his head with a smile. "I'll have someone inform your father. Don't worry."

Chu Zhao was carried to a room by a servant of the Xu estate. Not only that, they also removed his boots. As soon as the boots came off, everyone present gasped in shock. The nail had almost completely embedded itself in the sole of his foot, and the blood had congealed with his white sock, a sight so pitiful it was painful to behold.

Xu Xiang frowned deeply. "Call the estate physician," he ordered.

The Xu estate had a physician skilled in medicine, who was summoned to extract the nail from Chu Zhao's foot. As he worked, he remarked, "Young master, you are truly resilient. This nail must have been excruciatingly painful. How did you endure it without uttering a sound? Oh dear, after you return, you must avoid walking for a few days and rest properly."

Chu Zhao pressed his lips together 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—how could he possibly rest without walking?

Xu Jingfu waved his hand, dismissing everyone.

He stood up and walked to the other side of the room, asking casually, "What is your name?"

"Chu Zhao, courtesy name Zi Lan," he replied with restraint and caution.

"A fine name," Xu Jingfu said with a smile, placing a pair of brand-new boots in front of him. "These were originally meant as a gift from my wife to one of my students. Since your boots are unwearable, these should fit you."

Chu Zhao held the boots in his arms. Perhaps the warmth from the nearby stove had heated them, making the cloth boots feel cozy and warm. "Thank you, Lord Xu," he said.

Xu Jingfu observed him. The outfit Madam Chu had given him was indeed splendid and exquisite, but in the depths of winter, the thin brocade robe lacked any padding or warmth. It looked elegant but was utterly impractical. After walking outside, Chu Zhao's face had already turned pale from the cold, his hands and feet icy.

"You have three older brothers in your estate?" Xu Jingfu asked with a smile.

Chu Zhao stiffened slightly. "Yes."Xu Jingfu looked at him thoughtfully. "I've never seen your father bring them out before."

Chu Linfeng cared deeply about his reputation. He considered himself the most handsome man in Great Wei, but his three legitimate sons took after their mother and were rather plain-looking. Fearing others would mock him behind his back, he only ever brought Chu Zhao to social events with colleagues. Chu Zhao kept his head down without speaking.

Xu Jingfu asked, "Have you studied?"

"A little," he replied softly.

"Oh?" Xu Jingfu was somewhat surprised, likely thinking it incredible that Madam Chu would allow a child born to a concubine like Chu Linfeng to receive an education. After a moment's thought, Chu Zhao whispered, "I learned a bit from my mother before. After returning to the estate, I secretly hid some books in my room."

Xu Jingfu had always valued talent. Looking at this exceptionally beautiful child before him, he smiled and said, "In that case, from now on, you may come here to study."

Chu Zhao was taken aback. He instinctively raised his head, his lips trembling. "I..."

"I have many students, but they are all older now, and I haven't taken on any new disciples in years," the scholar said gently, like a kind elder. "I am old and don't know how many more years I can teach you. If you are willing to learn from me, call me 'teacher.'"

Teacher...

A teacher imparts knowledge, teaches skills, and resolves doubts. Yet, in all his past years, no one had ever taught him what to do or why to do it. And the person before him was the Prime Minister of Great Wei, a man of immense power and influence.

He lowered his head and, disregarding his freshly bandaged wound, got out of bed. Kneeling respectfully before Xu Jingfu, he kowtowed and called out, "Teacher."

He was sent back in Xu Jingfu's carriage, accompanied by Xu's servants, a thick cotton coat, and a pair of brand-new boots on his feet.

When Chu Linfeng sobered up and learned of this, he was also startled and hurriedly apologized to Xu Jingfu. Xu Jingfu, however, told him not to worry about it. After returning to the estate, Chu Linfeng truly argued with Madam Chu over Chu Zhao for the first time. Their quarreling voices reached Chu Zhao's ears outside the courtyard window.

"That is Xu Xiang! From now on, Zi Lan will be Xu Xiang's student. Can't you see what Xu Xiang's actions mean? Don't bully Zi Lan anymore!"

"Who's bullying him? If I really bullied him, how could he have become Xu Xiang's disciple? It all comes down to your favoritism. Why him and not my own children?"

"Who told them not to strive for themselves? Xu Xiang simply likes Zi Lan. You'd better behave yourself and not make a fool of us!"

The sound of their argument filled his ears. Chu Zhao looked down at the cloth boots on his feet. They fit perfectly, and the soles were soft, as if the pain of nails piercing flesh had been completely soothed by this softness.

After that, he became Xu Jingfu's student.

Xu Jingfu treated him very well indeed, and he was unwilling to let this opportunity slip away. He studied relentlessly. People praised him as brilliant and accomplished at a young age, unaware of how many nights he had spent burning the midnight oil to appear effortlessly "humble" in front of others.

The bond between teacher and student was not without its moments.

The flame in the oil lamp on the table cast a shadow on the wall. He watched it for a while before standing up.

"Someone."

A servant entered and asked, "What are your orders, Fourth Young Master?"

"Prepare a horse," he said, looking ahead. "I'm going to the Crown Prince's residence."

...In the spacious bedchamber, Emperor Wenxuan leaned against the couch, lowering his head to sip the prepared ginseng soup from the woman's hand.

Ever since Xu Jingfu's case came to light, the emperor had been so enraged that it affected his health, and his condition had been deteriorating day by day. He was already advanced in years, but in the past, his leisurely daily life had concealed it. Now, with the turmoil in the court and matters piling up one after another, he had aged noticeably in just over ten days.

After finishing the bowl of ginseng soup, Consort Lan had a maid take away the empty bowl and said softly, "Your Majesty must recover quickly."

"What use is recovering?" Emperor Wenxuan sighed bitterly. "I'm afraid everyone outside is eagerly awaiting my early..."

A finger pressed against his lips, stopping his next words. Consort Lan shook her head disapprovingly. "Your Majesty, such words should not be spoken lightly."

Emperor Wenxuan looked at the woman before him. Though she spoke this way, her expression remained gentle, unlike other palace consorts who would react with fear or anger, nor like Empress Zhang, who would scold him sternly. Consort Lan was not the most beautiful woman in the entire harem, but he had cherished her for so many years precisely because, in her presence, he could be himself.

Not an emperor.

Emperor Wenxuan thought he might be the only one who found being an emperor exhausting.

Since his illness, Empress Zhang had visited only once. Emperor Wenxuan knew that Empress Zhang's family was closely connected to Xu Jingfu. Now that Xu Jingfu was in trouble, her family dared not openly plead for him, and as the harem could not interfere in politics, she must have been very busy these days.

Emperor Wenxuan had no mind to concern himself with these matters, turning a blind eye only because he could sense that his time might be running out.

It was strange. Before Xu Jingfu's case, he had still believed he was energetic and could live longer than his predecessors. But once Xu Jingfu's case emerged, he realized he was truly old—so old that he might not survive the next winter.

Thus, in his view, there was another important matter.

"Since I ascended the throne, Xu Jingfu has served with merit for many years," he said slowly. "I treated him leniently, knowing he had selfish motives but never holding him accountable. Yet now, it seems he has betrayed my trust. Even colluding with the enemy and committing treason..."

"Xiao Zhongwu is dead. Over the years, I trusted Xu Jingfu's words, and now Great Wei has few capable generals left. Even the Flying Goose General, He Rufei, is an imposter. The Wutuo People have long been scheming, and I fear they will become a great threat in the future. With the Crown Prince's character, if I hand this position to him," Emperor Wenxuan sighed bitterly, "he is even less capable than I am. Though I am indecisive, I at least care for the people. What does he have?"

His final words were filled with both disappointment and anger.

If only Guang Shuo were the Crown Prince.

Then he might have long ago passed this throne to Guang Shuo.Although the emperor was mediocre, he was not particularly foolish. He was well aware that his eldest legitimate son lacked both talent and virtue. For many years, he had refused to draft the edict of succession because he was conflicted. On one hand, he knew clearly that allowing Guang Yan to ascend the throne would be a disaster for Great Wei. On the other hand, Great Wei had never had a precedent of a ruler setting aside the eldest son in favor of a younger one. Throughout his life, he had never sought to achieve great merits but only to avoid mistakes. He did not want to be the "first" to break tradition, nor did he dare to bear that responsibility. Thus, he delayed and endured, dragging the matter until it reached this irreparable state.

"Lan'er," he looked at Consort Lan, "I deeply regret not making a decision earlier."

Now, no matter what he did, it would stir up massive waves throughout the court, leading to more bloodshed and more deaths. Whether he favored Guang Yan or Guang Shuo, both were his sons—this was beyond doubt.

Consort Lan gently held his hand and said, "Whatever decision Your Majesty makes, I understand the depth of your consideration."

Emperor Wenxuan gazed at her. "In this palace, only you are my confidante."

...

When Consort Lan returned to Qinglan Palace, Guang Shuo was already waiting for her in the hall.

Seeing her return, Guang Shuo stood up. "Mother."

Consort Lan motioned for him to sit and asked, "What brings you here today? Shouldn't you be at the Dali Temple?"

As for Prime Minister Xu's case, barring any unforeseen changes, it should now be considered largely settled. Xiao Huaijin had been presenting evidence one after another, and officials who had been suppressed by Xu's faction in the past were eagerly seizing this opportunity. When a tree falls, the monkeys scatter—this had been true since ancient times.

Of course, Guang Shuo's efforts had also played a significant role in pushing things along.

"I have already been there today," Guang Shuo replied after a moment of thought. "In recent days, I have contributed to Prime Minister Xu's case. However, when I encountered Commander Xiao in the palace, he did not show any particular closeness."

He did not understand whether Xiao Huaijin truly acknowledged his efforts.

Consort Lan smiled. "It is precisely right for him to keep his distance from you."

"What do you mean, Mother?"

"Your concern for Xu Jingfu's case should stem from your duty as a prince of Great Wei to care about state affairs. If you become too close to him, it would appear overly deliberate."

"I am aware of that," Guang Shuo said, a flicker of anxiety in his eyes. "But the Crown Prince will certainly not let this go. Father's health is failing, and I have heard that some censors have already petitioned him to designate an heir apparent as soon as possible... Mother, you know Father's temperament," Guang Shuo added with a self-deprecating smile. "If nothing else happens, he will inevitably appoint the Crown Prince as the heir. As you have often said, once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, not only you and I, but even Fifth Brother may not survive."

"Moreover..." His expression grew heavy with worry. "At present, the ambitions of the Wutuo People remain unclear, and they could attack Great Wei at any moment. If the Crown Prince ascends the throne by then, do you truly believe he would order resistance against the Wutuo People? Even if it meant undermining Xiao Huaijin, he would not utter the word 'war.'"

Consort Lan waited quietly for him to finish.

Guang Shuo looked at the woman. "Do you think what I said is wrong, Mother?"

"You are absolutely right," Consort Lan replied with a faint smile. "When I saw your father today, he already hinted at his intention to draft the edict of succession."

Guang Shuo's heart stirred, and he asked eagerly, "Then what exactly..."“In truth, who your father decides to pass the throne to is not important,” Consort Lan said. “In this world, an imperial decree sometimes cannot decide anything. Guang Shuo, the hearts of the people matter more than power. You have never openly participated in court affairs, remaining hidden behind the Crown Prince—this is your weakness, but also your strength.”

“You may feel anxious now, but Guang Yan is likely even more anxious than you, along with those Wutuo People… Whether Xiao Huaijin is willing to draw close to you and support you—talking about this now holds little meaning. If he himself harbors no ambition to contend for power, he will inevitably become your man in time.”

Guang Shuo asked, “Because of the Crown Prince?”

“Yes.” A flicker of pity passed through Consort Lan’s eyes. “Guang Yan is so tyrannical and devoid of virtue—someone like Xiao Huaijin would never willingly serve him.”

“Great Wei has no one left.”

(End of Chapter)