Since Cao Tun left Fan Zhongyan speechless, he had not seen "Teacher Zhu" for several days.
What about the promised tutoring?
Cao Tun grew increasingly suspicious of Teacher Zhu's identity.
Although it was unlikely that Fan Zhongyan himself would tutor an ordinary Cao family child like him, it was possible that Teacher Zhu, being a die-hard fan of Fan Zhongyan, had changed his name to "Zhu Shuo."
In any case, Cao Tun remained highly wary of this teacher.
"Why did you deliberately provoke him, then?" Cao You later learned of Cao Tun's remarks and felt utterly helpless.
He had long known that his young nephew's pride matched his talent, but Teacher Zhu might be one of the Qingli Gentlemen unrecorded in history. Who knew if his words to Teacher Zhu would be passed on to other Qingli Gentlemen? The Cao family was a military family—how could such sensitive remarks be spoken so casually?
Cao Tun replied, "I knew he was a gentleman, and I did it on purpose. I can't hide my true nature forever. Better to reveal it early and live more freely. Besides, I'm not pursuing a military career, so what does it matter if I say such things? Moreover, precisely because our Cao family has such insight, they would feel more at ease."
Having been reborn from a convenient and comfortable modern society into the Northern Song Dynasty without drinking the Mengpo Soup, he was already pitiable enough. Suppressing his true nature would only add to his misery.
In the Northern Song officialdom, doing more meant making more mistakes, while doing nothing meant making none. He simply wanted to lie back comfortably in the court as an "honest official" holding a position without contributing, quietly accumulating seniority and enjoying benefits. Who could do anything about it?
Cao You could only respond with a bitter smile to Cao Tun, who possessed great talent but lacked grand ambitions.
Even though Cao You had freed himself from his past life and accepted his current identity, with all the glory, humiliation, nobility, and lowliness of his previous life dissipating like smoke, the suffering of the common people he had witnessed remained vivid in his mind.
The Song Emperor had wrongfully executed him, but what fault did the common people bear?
The chaos of the Later Tang he had read about in history books became a stark reality in his eyes after the Humiliation of Jingkang.
The price of rice soared to thousands of coins, yet it was still hard to buy; salted corpses were hung on iron hooks and called "human cured meat"; the Jin army drove commoners into fields for hunting and amusement; bandits under the banner of "loyalists" scoured the land for people to use as military rations…
He could never forget that day in the fourth year of Shaoxing, when the loyalist Fan Wen crossed the river to surrender, bringing with him military rations made entirely of human flesh. Fan Wen even spoke casually about his experience eating human flesh: "Old, thin men are called 'extra firewood,' young and beautiful women are named 'no need for mutton,' and children are called 'bones and meat stewed together.' Collectively, they are referred to as 'two-legged sheep.'"
In his previous life, he had nearly failed to restrain himself from cutting down that beast with a single stroke of his blade. Yet, for the sake of the greater situation, the court had no choice but to accept that beast as an official.
The Jin army were beasts, the rebel forces in the countryside were like bandits, and how many atrocities were committed by the Song army itself?
He could only ensure discipline within his own troops, hoping to end the chaotic era with his own hands.
Only when the chaotic era ended could beasts like these don human skins again, and the court could continue its mission of civilizing the people.
Unfortunately, his unwavering loyalty could not withstand the scheming and conspiracies in the court. He could only hope that after his death, someone would rise up and reclaim their lost homeland.
Since Heaven had allowed him to return to a time before the Humiliation of Jingkang, he deeply desired to change that tragic future.
If the Song Dynasty had eliminated the threats of Western Xia and the Liao early on, if Emperor Shenzong had not died in depression, and if Emperor Zhezong had not passed away prematurely, perhaps the iron cavalry of the Jin would have been powerless to march south.
Cao You thought that as a member of the Cao family, at least when his sister became Empress Dowager and Grand Empress Dowager, she should be able to protect him as a general.
If the Emperor were to become suspicious of his achievements being too great in the future, he could simply resign early and return to his hometown. Given the temperaments of Emperors Renzong, Shenzong, and Zhezong, he should be able to live out his days in peace.
Cao You, seeing Cao Tun's exceptional intelligence, greatly hoped that Cao Tun would become a like-minded companion. In the future, if uncle and nephew both served in the court—one handling external affairs and the other internal—they would surely be able to support and assist each other.
But Cao Tun… alas, he wondered if Cao Tun would change his aspirations as he grew older.
If, after being taught by the Qingli Gentlemen, Cao Tun still clung to his ideal of "holding a position without contributing," then… then he would still support him.
He hoped Tun'er would live a life of peace, prosperity, and good health, free from illness and disaster.
Cao You, the only one who truly understood Cao Tun, remained silent. Everyone else was misled by Cao Tun's age, thinking he was merely a young and reckless child who, after reading a few history books, couldn't resist making bold criticisms of current affairs.
The civil officials of the Great Song Dynasty could openly discuss Emperor Taizu's ascension to the throne in front of the Emperor, so the wild talk of a mere child was hardly considered taboo.
Although Cao Cong was cautious, he only reminded Cao Tun not to mention Emperor Taizu's past affairs in front of outsiders.
Di Qing's rapid promotion had long made him unpopular among some in the court. Even the foolish words of a child could become a reason for court officials to attack Di Qing.
Cao Tun's eyes sparkled: "Since I said the wrong thing in front of Teacher Zhu, can I change to a different teacher?"
Cao Cong was puzzled: "Tun'er, you haven't even attended Teacher Zhu's lessons yet. Why do you want to change teachers?"
Cao Tun replied: "Because he knows Han Zizheng, and that's troublesome. I don't want my words and actions, at such a young age, to reach the ears of high-ranking officials in the court."
Cao Cong was both amused and exasperated. "Such a young age"… at your age, you're not even "young" yet. Even if Lord Fan and Lord Han knew you were the Crown Prince, they wouldn't take your words seriously.
Cao Tun's teacher was chosen by the Emperor, and Cao Cong had no authority to change him. He could only advise Cao Tun to give up his clever ideas and listen well to his teacher.
After just a few days of acquaintance, Cao Cong had already seen through how mischievous his clever little grandnephew was and was no longer fooled by his obedient appearance.
Cao Tun also deliberately behaved less properly in front of Cao Cong, testing the limits of his uncle's tolerance.
Perhaps because they hadn't spent much time together yet, Cao Tun felt that his uncle seemed overly indulgent toward him, even providing him with better food and clothing than the other children of his generation in the household.
When Cao Tun tried to refuse or share with his peers, Cao Cong said it was property left by his father and could only be used by Cao Tun.
Cao Tun was puzzled. His long-deceased father was just an ordinary local official—how much money could he have had?
He leaned close to Cao You's ear and whispered: "Little Uncle, could my father have been a corrupt official?"
Cao You hesitated: "He only left enough money to ensure you live comfortably. That shouldn't count as corruption, right?"
Cao Tun added: "When Aunt entered the palace, Father was still alive. If he had money, shouldn't he have added it all to Aunt's dowry, just like Uncle did?"
Cao You was born after Cao Fu had already left to serve as an official elsewhere, so he had only met his late elder brother a few times. However, he remembered that whenever he saw his elder brother, he dressed plainly and didn't seem like someone with extra wealth.
Hearing Cao Tun's words, Cao You didn't suspect his elder brother of corruption, but he did wonder if his elder brother had deliberately pretended to be poor in front of his sister. His expression turned odd.
Cao Tun asked: "Will Aunt hate me if she finds out?"
Cao You shook his head: "Sister is virtuous and noble-minded. She wouldn't be like that."
Cao Tun didn't believe it.
Although Empress Cao's character in historical records was indeed not bad, how could one not feel uncomfortable when an uncle had bankrupted himself for her sake, while her elder brother hoarded vast wealth yet pretended to be poor?
Alas, if Father's character is poor, I will also be implicated. Cao Tun sighed with an air of premature maturity as he removed his new silk garment and changed into an old robe that had grown too short.
"Granduncle, even if the money was left to me by Father, if all my peers and siblings live simply while I alone indulge in luxury, I would be deeply ashamed." To prevent Father's poor character from tainting him, Cao Tun could only impose hardships upon himself. "I would rather fast than enjoy privileges alone."
Thus, Cao Tun truly began to fast.
When Fan Zhongyan returned to the Cao Family after secretly assisting Di Qing's family to fulfill his duties as the Crown Prince's tutor, he heard that the Crown Prince was fasting.
Fan Zhongyan looked at Cao Cong with a gaze as sharp and venomous as if he were staring at a Western Xia enemy.
Cao Cong was both amused and exasperated.
Even though the Emperor's palace expenditures were relatively frugal, this was only in comparison to previous emperors; they still differed significantly from the expenses of ordinary officials' households.
The Crown Prince was being raised outside the palace, and the Emperor secretly used his private treasury to supplement the Crown Prince's proper food, clothing, and daily necessities. Every expense incurred by the Crown Prince was meticulously recorded by Cao Cong in an account book and presented to the Emperor; not a single coin was misappropriated.
But the Crown Prince was filial and fraternal, unwilling to eat if his provisions differed from those of the family. What could Cao Cong do?
Cao Cong smiled bitterly. "Not only is the Crown Prince fasting, but he also suspects that Cao Fu is a corrupt official pretending to be poor before the Empress, lacking in character."
Fan Zhongyan was stunned. "The Crown Prince is too clever, and Lord Cao is in a difficult position."
Cao Cong did not want to bear this difficulty alone. "Master Zhu, since you have returned, you should share this burden with me."
The Cao Family lived simply, and the Emperor would surely not bear to see the Crown Prince's food and clothing equal to those of the Cao Family's children. Yet the Crown Prince, being filial and fraternal, refused to enjoy privileges alone. What was to be done?
Fan Zhongyan asked, "What is His Majesty's decree?"
Cao Cong replied with a stern face, "His Majesty said he has no decree and left it to me to resolve."
Fan Zhongyan: "…"
He took a deep breath and said sternly, "I will go to the palace immediately!"
Your Majesty! Even if you have sent the Crown Prince to be raised outside the palace, a father is responsible for his son's upbringing. You must make a decision regarding the Crown Prince's affairs!
Cao Tun was not actually starving.
He merely proclaimed that he was fasting, but in reality, his food, clothing, and daily necessities were the same as Cao You's; he simply refused the fine delicacies sent by Cao Cong.
Without mentioning how Empress Cao was angered again upon learning that her elder brother's reputation had suffered, Cao Tun's food, clothing, and daily necessities were thereafter made to appear no different from those of the Cao Family. The remaining allowances were converted into silver by the Emperor and given to Cao Tun.
After Cao Tun passed the child examination, the Emperor bestowed it upon him all at once, and from then on, there was no need to use Cao Fu's name as a pretext.
With another matter resolved, Cao Tun could finally focus on his studies.
After examining his knowledge, Fan Zhongyan believed that Cao Tun no longer needed to broaden his reading scope; the urgent task was to practice calligraphy.
He personally taught Cao Tun to trace characters, suffering greatly from Cao Tun's clumsiness in calligraphy.
At such times, Fan Zhongyan could only check Cao You's calligraphy homework to alleviate his doubts about his own teaching abilities.
Look at Cao You's handwriting—it already possessed a distinctive style and character, truly excellent.
Cao You was deeply embarrassed.
It was not that he had developed his own style; he had simply grown accustomed to writing in the "Su style" in his previous life and could not change it.
Ahem, but Su Shi was only eight years old now.
Cao You did not want to deceive the world and steal fame, so he hurriedly explained that he was imitating ancient calligraphy models, not creating his own style.
Fan Zhongyan smiled and sighed.
Could Cao You have seen more ancient calligraphy copies than him? Whether it formed its own school, he still didn't understand.
Cao You was indeed even more cautious than Cao Cong, unwilling to gain fame even in calligraphy, which had nothing to do with court affairs.
Fan Zhongyan no longer mentioned having Cao You gain fame through calligraphy and changed the subject: "Since the third son of the Cao family excels at calligraphy, why are Tun'er's characters…"
Although he came from humble origins and started his education late, only beginning to learn characters at five, his handwriting was still better than Cao Tun's.
Cao You remained silent for a moment before saying, "I've tried very hard."
Upon hearing this, Fan Zhongyan sighed deeply and went back to supervising Cao Tun as he practiced writing large characters.
In calligraphy, even without natural talent, one could achieve neat and proper writing through diligent practice. Fan Zhongyan adjusted his goal: the Crown Prince's handwriting need not possess elegance, only neatness.
Cao Tun clutched the brush, tears welling up in his eyes.
Writing with a brush is really hard! I'm not even five years old yet, and you're trying to force me to grow!
Stop giving me examples of so-and-so being skilled at calligraphy at five—they're not human! Not human!
Cao Tun fell into pessimism. Could he really pass the Child Prodigy Examination?
He didn't hold out hope for the Imperial Examination System, but if a Transmigrator couldn't even surpass children and teenagers, wouldn't that be too embarrassing for Transmigrators?
Wah wah wah!
…
While Cao Tun was doubting himself, his reputation had quietly begun to spread in the capital.
The Cao Family had a son named Tun, five years old, who lost his parents at a young age and was known for his filial piety and fraternal duty.
At an age when he was growing rapidly, his clothes quickly became too short. But if his family didn't get new clothes, he refused to wear new ones, preferring to wear his old clothes that were now too short.
His family, pitying his youth, often saved the best food for him. But when his family ate differently from him, he would endure hunger rather than eat.
Oh, and by the way, Cao Family's Tun'er had already thoroughly studied the Five Classics, could compose poetry and essays, and was preparing to take the Child Prodigy Examination (said in one breath).
All those who were wondering who Cao Family's Tun'er was and curious about how different a five-year-old's food and clothing could be from his family's slapped their thighs in understanding.
Author's Note:
Although the main text is pre-written, these notes are written fresh every day—I don't have prophetic abilities. Seeing many readers asking about extra updates, extra updates will begin when outstanding debts exceed two digits, i.e., when Nutrient Solution reaches thirty thousand. Rubbing hands together, I only have six chapters left in my pre-written stash, so everyone, please take it easy with the voting.
Ramblings:
The quoted text comes from "Chicken Rib Compilation" by Zhuang Chuo (transition period between Northern and Southern Song).
Although "two-legged sheep" is often used to describe the Two Jin periods, it actually originates from the Jingkang Incident. Before Jingkang, although there were records of human flesh being used as military rations, there was no term "two-legged sheep."
But nowadays, the blame for "two-legged sheep" is generally shifted to the Two Jin or Later Tang periods, and few people know it refers to Jingkang.