Chapter 398: Leaving the Palace to Find a Teacher
Chu Hongyu said seriously, "Jiang Ge is accomplished in both literary and military arts, and Shen Ge is a natural Number One Scholar. Both are too outstanding—having them by my side might actually harm them, as they could easily get caught in the conflict with the Regent. During their study years, they should focus on learning. Only when they achieve success and become court officials can they truly assist me. Mother, do you think I'm right?"
Yun Chu was genuinely surprised.
She never expected her son to articulate such profound reasoning.
Indeed, if Jiang Ge'er and Shen Ge'er became the Emperor's study companions under Chu Rui's surveillance, how could they concentrate on their studies? Their future would inevitably be compromised.
"The people I selected are all mediocrities, so the Regent won't see them as threats," Chu Hongyu straightened his posture. "After I ascended the throne, I specially added an extra imperial examination this December. I hope Jiang Ge and Shen Ge won't disappoint me then. Once they pass as Presented Scholars, I can properly promote them to official positions during next year's palace examination."
Yun Chu looked at her son with renewed surprise.
She deeply realized once again that her son had truly grown up—he was no longer the child who needed her protection in everything.
"Mother, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
"No, I'm just happy." Yun Chu stroked his hair. "You've already reached the age where you can take charge independently. I can finally rest assured."
She paused before continuing, "I plan to leave the palace to find you a new teacher. During these few days, you must protect yourself. I'll entrust Changsheng and Jue Ge'er to your imperial grandmother, so you needn't worry about them."
Chu Hongyu rubbed his chin: "Is Imperial Grandmother reliable?"
He still remembered one time when Changsheng was left in Imperial Grandmother's care and ended up being bullied.
Yun Chu smiled: "You've grown up, and so has your imperial grandmother. With your grand aunt helping to watch over them, it'll be fine."
Since Chu Yi's incident, Yin Fei—now should be called Imperial Consort Yin—had become like a different person. Once boisterous, she now spoke little, only becoming slightly more talkative when having tea with Imperial Consort Yun. She had also become more protective of those around her, guarding the children as if they were her own eyes.
Early the next morning, Yun Chu rode in a carriage with guards, discreetly leaving the palace under the pretext of worshipping Buddha.
The carriage traveled westward for most of the day before reaching the outskirts of a small city. There were mountains here, and beside them stood a village. At the village's end was a small courtyard filled with blooming flowers. The autumn breeze whispered through brilliant chrysanthemums, creating an elegant atmosphere.
While still some distance from the courtyard, Yun Chu had the carriage stop.
Taking only her maid Qiutong, she approached the courtyard. The gate was open, but she didn't enter rashly, calling out instead: "Is anyone here?"
"A traveler seeking water?"
An aged voice sounded from behind the house.
Then, a spirited old man slowly walked to the front courtyard.
The old man had white hair and beard. Though energetic, he appeared to be at least eighty years old.
This person had been a close minister to the previous Emperor's father, indicating his senior status.
Yun Chu had read historical records—the reason why the previous Emperor's father became such an accomplished ruler with numerous great achievements was precisely because he had this person as both teacher and friend.Ouyang Ye began his career as a study companion at the Imperial Academy in his youth. After the Emperor ascended the throne, he was exceptionally promoted to Grand Tutor. He assisted the then Emperor in reaching the pinnacle of power, expanding the territory of the Great Jin Dynasty, and instilling fear in neighboring small states... Following the Emperor's demise, Ouyang Ye resigned from his position as Grand Tutor, claiming he wished to retire to a life of seclusion in the mountains.
Yet, amidst the mountains and forests, he established a "Thatched Cottage School."
Countless people competed to send their children to study at the Thatched Cottage School, which continued for thirty years. As he grew older, he eventually closed the school.
However, his students were spread throughout the Great Jin Dynasty, and it would be no exaggeration to say his disciples were everywhere.
"Judging by your attire, Madam, you do not appear to be a passerby seeking water." Ouyang Ye stroked his white beard. "Might I ask what brings you here?"
"Master Ouyang." Yun Chu clasped her hands in a scholar's salute. "I am the mother of the young Emperor of the Great Jin Dynasty."
Ouyang Ye set down his hoe and immediately paid his respects: "This humble commoner pays homage to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager—"
"Master Ouyang, there is no need for such formalities." Yun Chu helped him up. "You are a meritorious subject of our Great Jin Dynasty and need not bow to a woman like me."
"I am eighty-nine years old this year." Ouyang Ye picked up a teapot and poured a cup for Yun Chu. "At my age, I have come to see everything clearly. There is no need for Your Majesty to state your purpose."
Though living in seclusion, he remained aware of court affairs.
Having said this, he shouldered his hoe and headed to the fields.
Yun Chu pressed her lips together.
In these times, few lived to eighty or ninety years old. At Ouyang Ye's age, he truly deserved to enjoy his remaining years in peace.
She should not have come.
But she had no other choice.
The only person in the world who could replace Xu Taishi was Ouyang Ye.
Even if Ouyang Ye only served as the Emperor's tutor for a couple of days, it would suffice to replace Xu Taishi first, allowing her to proceed with subsequent plans.
Yun Chu followed Ouyang Ye to the fields.
It was late autumn, and the crops in the field were likely radishes and cabbages—though Yun Chu was not entirely certain.
"Although Master Ouyang is aware of court affairs, you only know the surface, not the underlying truth. The late Emperor did not die of illness but was murdered by treacherous individuals." Yun Chu crouched down, pulling weeds alongside Ouyang Ye as she spoke softly. "With corrupt officials in power and the new Emperor so young, the situation at court is urgent. I implore Master Ouyang to emerge from seclusion and lend your assistance."
Ouyang Ye pulled out a stubborn weed and said, "Your Majesty, look at this weed. No one tends to it, yet it grows more vigorously than the cabbage. Why is that?"
Yun Chu replied, "Because it steals the nutrients that belong to the cabbage."
"Because you need the cabbage, you believe those nutrients belong to it." Ouyang Ye responded. "If I told you this weed can be used as medicine, would you still think it stole the nutrients?"
As he spoke, he stood up and began watering the cabbages.
Yun Chu pondered this thoughtfully. Then, she stepped forward and said, "Weeds and cabbages serve different purposes for people. During a plague, we would preserve the weeds; during a famine, we should keep the cabbages. The choice depends on what the world needs at the moment. The Great Jin Dynasty has enjoyed stability for many years, but if it begins to collapse from within, external threats will follow. When that happens, neither weeds nor cabbages will matter—everything will turn to nothingness."Ouyang Ye leaned on his hoe and glanced at the sun. "It's still early. I'm going fishing—we'll have fish soup tonight. The fish in this pond are too small, so I won't invite the Empress Dowager to join the meal. Your Majesty, take care on your way back. I won't see you out."
He hoisted his hoe over his shoulder and left again.
Yun Chu looked at the remaining weeds in the field that hadn't been fully cleared, then crouched down to continue tidying up.
Qiutong offered to help, but Yun Chu declined.
To persuade Ouyang Ye, she had to demonstrate genuine sincerity—she needed to show him her true dedication.
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