Near noon.

The discussion at Yangxin Hall ended.

After Wei Zhao exited the palace gates, he didn’t exchange pleasantries with anyone but boarded the Duke Shun Mansion’s carriage. In front, Rong Di prepared to drive the horse away.

Gu Fuju had been watching this side, just finished speaking with the Fifth Prince, and walked over. Although he was a Civil Servant, having been in the bureaucracy for many years, he exuded a strong presence.

He blocked the path with his hands behind his back.

Rong Di instinctively whispered a few words to the carriage, hearing the general’s instructions inside.

"Please invite Lord Grand Tutor up."

Rong Di quickly jumped down, lifted the curtain, and invited Gu Fuju inside.

As he lowered the cloth curtain, hiding the silhouette inside, the wheels of the Duke Mansion’s carriage began to roll slowly forward.

"Now that’s more like it!"

Clearly a father-in-law and son-in-law, not enemies, why so distant?

Duke Zhongyong stood still and laughed briefly, then took a step towards Yang Changzheng.

"You’re in the spotlight, promoted by the Holy Emperor in recent years."

Duke Zhongyong, seemingly on good terms with him, helped straighten his attire.

"Though born into a noble family, you’re an illegitimate son. The Yang Family, despite their prominence in Shangjing, are still considered a minor household. Like me, you have unstable foundations."

"I won’t mention Gui Zhi, but Gu Fuju comes from humble beginnings and is far above the likes of you and me. Although he appears gentle, he’s no pushover. Even the Holy Emperor must show respect in his presence. How many people like that exist in the world?"

"And you’ve offended him?"

Isn’t that just digging your own grave!

In private, Duke Zhongyong had long handed over his power base and military authority to his son. In recent days, Xiao Huaian has been busy with obvious matters.

The Zhou Family’s complete annihilation was just an appetizer.

If the Wei and Gu households joined forces, they’d directly threaten the Imperial Palace. After managing the realm for so many years, it’s time for the Ying Family’s reign to be reformed.

Duke Zhongyong couldn’t wait to rub salt in Yang Changzheng’s wounds.

"There’s a saying: marry a virtuous wife..." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

He paused.

His tone full of provocation.

Yang Changzheng’s expression turned grim.

In the past, he always believed his wife to be wise!

Though a bit materialistic, she bore him sons and daughters, managed the household seamlessly, and navigated social relations without a flaw.

This time she truly was muddled!

Who knew Duke Zhongyong would turn his head.

"The Fourth Prince, ah."

He walked over and patted Ying Cheng on the shoulder.

Out of the princes, Ying Cheng was the most pleasing to him.

Though Duke Zhongyong was a General and somewhat brash, he understood that Ying Cheng, neglected since childhood, surviving in the ruthless Imperial City meant he had survival skills.

But Ying Cheng wasn’t ambitious.

He didn’t compete for anything.

It wasn’t an act.

He truly accepted his lot.

Yet because of this, he was the clearest-headed one.

He knew he couldn’t compete with Ying Yin or Ying Zhi. But now, the Emperor wants him to join the race.

Does the Emperor truly wish to elevate him to the throne?

No.

Ying Cheng knew he was merely a stepping stone that could be discarded anytime.

Once he competed, no matter who ascended, his days would be hard. So, these days, he’s been feigning ignorance and anxiety.

Duke Zhongyong, with a double entendre, said: "The Holy Emperor’s marriage bestowal is ultimately good, but this Yang Family woman... Once she enters the house, you must manage her well, don’t let her ruin things."

Who knows for whom the phrase "marry a virtuous wife" was truly intended?

But it was highly insulting.

After speaking, he left unceremoniously.

Leaving the two staring at each other.

Yang Changzheng wanted to say something, but Ying Cheng quickly slipped away.

Upon seeing this, Yang Changzheng’s face momentarily twisted.

This is utterly hopeless!

If it were the Second Prince, he’d have been maneuvering by now!

Over here, unlike Duke Zhongyong imagined, the father-in-law and son-in-law weren’t harmonious, the carriage was dead silent.

Wei Zhao didn’t fawn over Gu Fuju.

Gu Fuju closed his eyes pretending to nap, lost in thought.

The journey passed in silence.

Until the carriage halted at the Grand Tutor Mansion.

Gu Fuju showed no sign of wanting to get off: "Throughout history, emperors have deeply intricate thoughts, those who follow prosper, those who oppose perish. Today in the hall..."

He paused briefly.

"Do you know what you’re doing?"

Wei Zhao wasn’t at all surprised by Gu Fuju’s question. After all, this was the real reason he boarded the carriage.

He looked up at Gu Fuju, his casual attire couldn’t hide his elegance, and his eyes bore unwavering ambition, he chuckled lightly: "The student knows."

Gu Fuju remained silent for a while.

He looked at his most prized disciple.

He still remembered when he established Huaqing Academy, he would find time to teach at the Imperial College too.

Imperial College students were either children of officials or outstanding scholars who passed the provincial and metropolitan exams.

Newly enrolled students studied the Four Books and Five Classics, those with a foundation learned essays and poetic compositions, while those preparing for the imperial examinations focused on examination skills and current policies and essays.

There were no age distinctions, but based on annual assessments, students were assigned to different study pavilions.

Gu Fuju naturally taught those preparing for the imperial examinations. Amongst the students in that pavilion that year, Wei Zhao was the youngest.

Merely a half-grown boy.

Duke Shun had brought Wei Zhao and presented him before him.

That man, refined all his life, spoke to him.

—"Fuju, I’ll leave Gui Zhi to you."

—"This child is fine in every way, just a bit too forward, please be patient with him."

Gu Fuju: ??

When he heard this, he wanted to laugh.

Not a child learning the Hundred Family Names at five, why have his father deliver him?

This Wei Fengxing doted too much on his son.

And then...

He truly was forward.

After class, carrying his book, finding the students around too noisy with their frolicking, he came to the resting area.

He respectfully knocked on the door.

Preparing to nap, Gu Fuju thought he had a question.

But after Wei Zhao entered, he looked around. Still respectfully pointed to the empty chair opposite Gu Fuju and asked: "May the student sit here?"

Once seated, he sat upright, with a faint smile on his face, and opened his book.

—"Sir, please rest, I won’t disturb you."

Gu Fuju understood.

Imperial College students avoided him, hence his area was the quietest.

When it was almost time for class, Gu Fuju sipped his tea: "Aren’t you leaving?"

At that time, Wei Zhao respected him too.

He put down his book, stood up, and replied.

—"I joined the Imperial College young, as my father was busy and had no time for personal instruction. Now that my father has leisure, he often quizzes the student."

Leisure, in reality, meant after Emperor Qian ascended, he didn’t want Duke Shun meddling in critical affairs, gradually reclaiming matters under the pretense of Wei Fengxing’s previous overwork.

—"Today Mr. Liu is teaching, the content the student has already mastered, requiring no further effort."

Those words were quite arrogant.

Though Duke Shun was immensely talented, truly rare, even Gu Fuju benefited every time they discussed.

And though Wei Zhao was undoubtedly smart, grasping things instantly, learning everything quickly.

Gu Fuju gazed at him: "Then why do you still come to the Imperial College?"

—"For you, Sir."

—"What my father knows, the student must know. What you, Sir, know, the student must also know. Combining the talents of the two of you, why wouldn’t the student be delighted?"

Gu Fuju also understood.

Wei Fengxing didn’t send Wei Zhao here specifically; he intended for more patience with him.