The Bian River traversed the Eastern Capital. Cao Tun could have taken a boat from the Eastern Water Gate of the outer city directly to the Bian River Corner Gate of the inner city to return home.
However, as night had already fallen, by the time their vessel reached the Eastern Water Gate, the city gates would likely be locked. Thus, Cao Tun and his party disembarked early, spending the night in a village on the outskirts before resuming their journey into the city the next day.
Seeing that Cao Tun was frail, Teacher Zhu worried he might not be accustomed to staying in the village.
Although entering the inner city was certainly impossible, given the speed of their carriage, they stood a good chance of reaching the outer city gate before it was locked. Even if they were slightly late, Cao Cong’s position as commander of the Imperial Guard would allow the gatekeepers some discretion within their duties.
In truth, not to mention someone of Cao Cong’s status, even an ordinary official could easily enter the outer city as long as it wasn’t excessively late, and avoiding the inner city would spare them from impeachment.
Cao You was tempted.
Cao Tun was usually not afraid of strangers, but for some reason today, he suddenly grew timid. Cao You guessed that his little nephew was frightened by the sudden change to an unfamiliar place.
Although Cao Tun had not suffered any serious illness for a year, children were fragile, and Cao You feared he might fall ill from fright. He began to say, “In that case, we could… Hmm?”
Before he could finish, a stray strand of hair at his temple was tugged by the child in his arms.
Cao You had just tied up his hair. At this time, it was customary to “show hair but not the bun”—the bun had to be securely covered with a cloth or cap, while the loose strands at the temples and the scattered hairs at the back of the head were left as they were. Men often styled these temple and nape hairs for fashion.
Cao You disliked extravagance, leaving only a few strands at his temples untied, naturally hanging in front of his shoulders in the popular Tang-dynasty literati style known as the “hanging tassel.” Whenever his little nephew wanted to get his attention, he loved tugging at these temple strands.
As soon as Cao Tun tugged, Cao You habitually fell silent and looked down at him.
Cao Tun whispered, “Little Uncle, the city gates are strictly managed. We must not cause trouble for Granduncle.”
Teacher Zhu’s eyes showed surprise.
He stroked his beard and smiled. “Langjun need not worry. Even the family of an ordinary minor official can be accommodated when entering or leaving the outer city. Moreover, the Emperor respects and loves the Empress and values the Cao Family. A small matter like this will not cause trouble for Commander Cao.”
Cao Tun buried his face in his little uncle’s chest and rolled his eyes in shock.
Respect and love? Value? Teacher Zhu, do you truly not know the affairs of the palace and court, or are you deliberately turning a blind eye? Who doesn’t know that since establishing the Empress, the Emperor has disliked her? While other consorts and their Imperial Relatives (by marriage) have received favors, the Empress’s clan has never been rewarded because of Empress Cao?
The granduncle who raised Cao You and Cao Tun, Cao Cong, should have been favored by the Emperor and enjoyed great wealth.
Cao Cong’s father, Cao Bin, was a renowned founding general of the Northern Song Dynasty, hailed as “the finest general of the Song,” posthumously honored as the Prince of Jiyang. Cao Cong, Cao Bin’s youngest son, was intelligent and adorable from a young age, praised by Emperor Taizong of Song while sitting on his knee. He served for many years under Emperors Zhenzong and Renzong, guarding the northwest with strict military discipline.
But by the time Cao Tun was old enough to understand, the frugality in his granduncle’s household was no longer due to caution or virtue but genuine financial strain.
The reason for this traced back to the enfeoffment of Cao Tun’s aunt as Empress.
That year, the Emperor finally succeeded in deposing the previous Empress and attempted to enthrone a beautiful tea merchant’s daughter, Lady Chen, as Empress, but was opposed by the court officials.
The court officials were all infuriated by the Emperor's hypocritical pretense. The edict deposing the Empress stated, "We must seek a virtuous family to properly govern the inner court," which was why Empress Guo was deposed. But does the daughter of a tea merchant qualify as a "virtuous family"?
After a difficult tug-of-war with his ministers, the Emperor reluctantly selected the granddaughter of the founding general Cao Bin as the new Empress.
In this power struggle between the sovereign and his subjects, the Emperor harbored resentment. However, as an enlightened ruler, he could not vent his anger on the court officials, so Empress Cao became the sole target of his displeasure.
As the mother of the nation, the Empress's dowry had to meet the standards befitting her status, something that was difficult for a minister's family to afford. Since the Han Dynasty, the gifts bestowed by the Emperor upon marrying an Empress had served as a subsidy for her dowry.
Yet, when the Emperor married Empress Cao, he ignored the hidden rules observed throughout dynastic history and provided her with no such subsidy.
Cao Cong, acting on behalf of his deceased elder brother, presided over Empress Cao's coronation ceremony. Since the Emperor refused to show any favor, Cao Cong, to preserve his niece's dignity, mobilized the entire clan's resources to prepare her dowry, incurring massive debts in the process. Only then did Empress Cao receive the proper dignity befitting an Empress.
To repay the debts, the Cao Family—a top-tier founding nobility—sold off everything they could, retaining only their ancestral lands, estates, and imperial-gifted treasures.
Even when Emperor Zhezong of Song established his Empress, court officials discussing the Empress's dowry still lamented, "Cao Cong repaid an immense amount of debt back then"—the word "immense" capturing the hardship they endured.
To protect themselves, members of the Cao clan, after Empress Cao entered the palace, successively requested to resign from their posts or sought waifang (provincial appointments), distancing themselves from the central court.
Only Cao Cong, as the sole surviving second-generation general of the Cao Family, possessed such exceptional talent. Moreover, the Cao Family was the most supportive of the Emperor among the founding nobility, and the Song-Xia War could not proceed without him, which allowed him to retain his high position.
With a generous salary and rewards for his achievements, Cao Cong's household managed meticulously. They were able to gradually repay their debts while living a frugal, hand-to-mouth existence.
Cao Tun knew that his granduncle Cao Cong spent his entire life repaying debts and died without any remaining wealth. The Cao Family would only catch their breath after Empress Cao became Empress Dowager Cao. For now, no amount of caution was excessive for the Cao Family.
Teacher Zhu's nonsense immediately put Cao Tun on high alert. This so-called trusted subordinate of his long-deceased father must not bring disaster upon the Cao Family.
"Granduncle once said that His Majesty is an exceptionally fair and enlightened ruler, rare in both ancient and modern times. As the Empress's family, the Cao Family must be even more cautious than ordinary officialdom and must never violate the laws of the court," Cao Tun said, glancing at Teacher Zhu before turning his head back and burying his face in his Little Uncle's embrace, continuing to face Teacher Zhu with the back of his head.
Teacher Zhu grew even more astonished. "The Young Master has truly been taught exceptionally well by Commander Cao."
Cao You's face beamed with pride.
Although his uncle often wrote letters to instruct him, and he frequently read them aloud to Tun'er, Tun'er's intelligence was innate—not the result of anyone's teaching.
He often wondered if Tun'er, like himself, possessed Past-life wisdom. However, Tun'er's wails while learning to read and write and the tears shed while practicing calligraphy dispelled his doubts. Tun'er was simply naturally gifted.
"Tun'er is right. Do not commit evil, no matter how small. Even if others may do it, the Cao Family must never do so," Cao You said. "Teacher Zhu, let us rest for the night at the inn ahead."
Though still concerned about Cao Tun's health, Teacher Zhu, seeing that the uncle and nephew had made up their minds, said nothing more.
In his heart, he continued to marvel at how well Cao You and Cao Tun had been taught by Cao Cong. Cao Cong truly lived up to being praised by Emperor Taizong as the outstanding son of the Cao Family.
The group arrived at the courier station, but unfortunately, it was fully occupied.
Cao You then gave a string of cash to the wealthiest household in the village, hoping to borrow a room for the night.
The wealthy villager counted the coins and was delighted to find that it was a rare full string—exactly one hundred coins. Beaming with joy, he offered the best room in his house to Cao You and Cao Tun, even replacing the bedding with new quilts.
Cao You did not use the villager's bedding. Instead, he fetched quilts from the carriage to make a bed for Cao Tun. He also brought out fine rice and cured meat, purchased some fresh seasonal vegetables from the villager, and personally prepared a meal for Cao Tun.
Teacher Zhu was surprised. "You know how to cook? Does Commander Cao’s household not have servants to prepare meals?"
Cao You replied, "We do. It’s just that Tun'er is picky and doesn’t like to trouble others. To encourage him to eat more, I learned some cooking skills since I had nothing else to do. He’s always willing to tell me what he wants to eat."
Teacher Zhu remarked with emotion, "The bond between you, uncle and nephew, is truly deep."
Cao You smiled but did not respond. Instead, he asked Teacher Zhu if he had any dietary restrictions and personally prepared a meal for him as well.
From the moment Cao You closed his eyes at Fengbo Pavilion and opened them to a new life, he had been deeply confused.
During his most bewildered time, a sickly young child appeared by his side, relying on him for survival. If he did not pull himself together, the child would likely not survive. Thus, he quickly accepted this new life, embraced his identity as "Cao You," and regarded his previous life as nothing more than a fleeting dream, with no lingering attachments. This was why he doted on Cao Tun so excessively, personally attending to his every need—clothing, food, shelter, and daily life.
Cao Tun was precocious. Though he and Cao You were uncle and nephew, their relationship was more like that of brothers.
Though Teacher Zhu did not prioritize culinary pleasures, he had sampled many delicacies. Cao You’s cooking skills were not the finest, but what made them special was the care and sincerity he poured into the meal, making it deeply satisfying. Teacher Zhu praised the food effusively, causing Cao You’s ears to turn bright red.
Seeing Cao You’s amusing embarrassment, Teacher Zhu couldn’t resist deliberately praising him a few more times. Cao Tun, who had been quietly eating with a small spoon, nearly lost his composure and let out a muffled chuckle.
Just as laughter filled the room, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the door.
Cao You quickly set down his bowl and chopsticks, stood up, and said, "I’ll go see what’s happening outside. Please continue eating."
Cao You returned shortly. "It turns out to be Academician Han outside."
Cao Tun, biting his spoon, looked up and thought for a moment before recalling who Academician Han was.
The title of Academician of the Zizheng Hall was an honor bestowed by the Emperor upon loyal ministers who had retired from positions as senior officials. Though it was said to involve secretarial duties for the Emperor, it was essentially an honorary position with a salary but no real responsibilities.
The Zhongshu Sheng and the Privy Council were collectively known as The Two Ministries, overseeing civil and military authority respectively. Their heads and deputies could all be referred to as senior officials. For instance, although Fan Zhongyan had resigned due to illness, he still held the title of Academician of the Zizheng Hall and was not truly without an official position. Thus, Academician Han was none other than Han Qi, who had just stepped down from his position as Deputy Commissioner of the Privy Council and was reassigned as the Prefect of Yangzhou.
What a coincidence!
Just as Cao Tun was wondering whether he should step outside to catch a glimpse of this historical figure, he heard a clatter.
Teacher Zhu’s chopsticks had fallen onto the wooden table.
Assuming Teacher Zhu also admired Han Qi, Cao You asked, "Would Teacher Zhu like to pay a visit to Academician Han?"
Teacher Zhu lowered his gaze and picked up his chopsticks. "I won’t go. You take Tun'er instead. Hurry back and don’t delay his bedtime."
Noticing Teacher Zhu’s unusual expression, Cao You tactfully pretended not to notice and turned to ask Cao Tun, "Tun'er, would you like to go?"
Cao Tun nodded. "Yes."
Although he had no desire to get involved in the disputes between the new and old factions, wishing only to live a leisurely life of wealth and comfort—merely checking in with historical figures for the sake of it, without affecting his future as a carefree idler.
Cao You said, "Alright. I'll go submit the visiting card."
Han Qi was a high-ranking official, not someone one could meet on a whim. Even though they lived in the same village, Cao You had to first write a formal visiting card. Only after Han Qi agreed could he take Cao Tun to pay a visit, ensuring proper etiquette was observed.
Cao You ate quickly. He finished the remaining rice in a few bites and took out brush and ink to write the visiting card.
Cao Tun, who continued to eat slowly, noticed that Teacher Zhu seemed distracted, which made him even more alert.
Did Teacher Zhu know Han Qi?
He didn’t know whether Teacher Zhu and Han Qi were friends or foes. Sigh, either way, it was troublesome. He didn’t want to have any involvement with a factional leader.
Cao Tun made a decision. This teacher was not only insensitive to the Cao Family’s situation but also had "ties" with a factional leader—definitely a major problem. After returning home, he would find an excuse with his granduncle to dismiss him.
Author's Note:
Second update.
Once again, I emphasize that this Transmigrator is truly cold and ruthless, with a heart as hard as iron. If you’re looking for a good-hearted protagonist, please refer to my previous book, "I Am the Crown Prince of Filial Piety and Benevolence," where the protagonist is filial, adorable, concerned for the nation and its people, a benevolent gentleman and Confucian sage remembered in history.
Ramblings (if the app blocks the author’s note, please click the upper right corner of the book reading page):
1、
In November, on the day of Jichou, the empress was formally installed. Cao Cong, the Commissioner of the Eastern Upper Pavilion Gate, was appointed as the Training Commissioner of Weizhou. Cao Cong’s niece was the empress, and all ceremonial matters were handled by Cao Cong.—"The Extended Continuation of the Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance"
2、
When discussing the tradition of granting gifts to the empress’s family, Dafang said, "The Han Dynasty bestowed generous gifts."… When asked about the current dynasty, Dafang said, "There were such practices, but no written records remain. They must have come from the Inner Treasury. If gifts were not bestowed, debts would surely arise." Someone responded, "Cao Cong repaid a great many debts in the past." Cao Cong was the uncle of Empress Guangxian.—"The Extended Continuation of the Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance"
3、
Cao Cong was cautious, respectful, skilled in ceremonial matters, strict in military discipline, and left no surplus wealth in his household upon his death.—"History of Song"