Although Han Qi might not necessarily pay attention to imperial relatives, he had participated in the Song-Xia War. While he had not directly served alongside Cao You’s uncle, Cao Cong, they could still be considered comrades-in-arms. So, despite being in a foul mood, he still accepted the Cao family’s invitation.
Han Qi informed the Cao family servant that it was already late in the day. If Cao You had no other engagements tomorrow, he could come pay his respects in the morning.
Cao You naturally agreed. Whether he returned home early or late tomorrow didn’t matter, as long as he didn’t miss the city gate curfew.
Although Cao Tun had long been able to sleep alone, in an unfamiliar place, Cao You still brought Cao Tun to sleep with him.
About to meet a historical celebrity, Cao You felt a bit excited and couldn’t help but chatter a bit more to his little nephew.
Having been reincarnated for over a decade, Cao You’s personality had increasingly come to resemble that of a true young man. The resentment and discontent from his previous life—unfulfilled ambitions and betrayal by his sovereign—had almost been dispelled by his carefree childhood.
Now was the prosperous era of Emperor Renzong of Song. He was fortunate to live in the same era as ministers whose names would echo through the ages. Though he was but a firefly, not expecting to compete with the bright moon, merely witnessing a glimmer of its radiance would make this life worthwhile.
Hearing his little uncle’s ramblings, Cao Tun did not adopt the shy yet polite demeanor of an ordinary child in front of others. Instead, he rolled his eyes at his little uncle.
The famous ministers of the Qingli era were indeed renowned, but they weren’t so illustrious that one couldn’t compete with them. It was just that he and his little uncle were better off not competing.
This rotten, cowardly Great Song—the more you did, the worse you died. Why strive for posthumous fame? It was best to live and enjoy life. After all, he wouldn’t live to see the Humiliation of Jingkang, so he could comfortably coast through his entire life. What did the Zhao family’s empire have to do with him, Cao Tun?
Cao Tun calculated the timing. When his aunt became the empress dowager, he would have just come of age—the perfect time to enjoy wealth and luxury.
As for the New Party and the Old Party, as long as he didn’t get involved, who would dare provoke him? Hmph.
“Little Uncle, admire them all you want, but don’t emulate them.” Cao Tun had long noticed that his little uncle harbored an untimely fervor for the Great Song. He absolutely must not follow the bad examples of the Qingli-era ministers.
Cao You smiled and said, “I understand the Cao family’s situation. Don’t worry.”
Cao Tun wasn’t reassured in the slightest.
He had grown up with his little uncle (though he himself hadn’t fully grown up yet) and regarded him as his own elder brother. The future wealth and luxury—he intended to enjoy it all while coasting alongside his little uncle. He absolutely could not let his little uncle learn from their granduncle, toiling like an ox or a horse for those incompetent emperors of the Zhao family and getting nothing in return.
Cao Tun knew that his little uncle appeared gentle but was actually stubborn and strong-willed. No amount of his own nagging would make a difference, so he didn’t say more.
They still had plenty of time. After returning to the Eastern Capital, he would find a way to gradually change his little uncle’s mindset.
To prevent his little uncle from continuing to extol the virtues of Han Qi and those Qingli-era ministers, Cao Tun changed the subject and voiced his dissatisfaction with Teacher Zhu.
Cao You, however, greatly admired Teacher Zhu’s knowledge and saw nothing wrong with him. Teacher Zhu’s abilities were overqualified for merely tutoring Tun’er in the basics.
“Tun’er, you’re overthinking it. He’s just a tutor for the basics. He won’t cause trouble for us,” Cao You said. “Uncle specifically sought out this tutor for you. It’s not something we can change just because we want to.”
Even though Uncle treated him and Tun’er extremely well, they were still living under someone else’s roof. How could they afford to be willful?
“Just stand by my side and don’t stop me. I’ll find a way myself,” Cao Tun said.
Cao You knew that his nephew had a strong will and could not be swayed once he made up his mind, so he only sighed and agreed, saying, "Alright."
He hoped that after spending more time with Teacher Zhu, Tun'er would change his mind.
Han Qi, being a world-renowned scholar, would rise early to read even while on his journey of exile. Cao You did not want to leave a bad impression on Han Qi, so despite his lingering excitement, he patted Cao Tun's back and coaxed him to sleep early.
Just before falling asleep, Cao Tun suddenly remembered something: "Oh, right, Little Uncle, what was Han Qi… Han Zizheng making a fuss about outside today? Did he have a conflict with someone?"
Cao You's hand, which had been patting Cao Tun's back, paused: "There was no conflict. Han Zizheng just had a minor misunderstanding with the villagers."
"Oh," Cao Tun yawned and drifted into a deep sleep.
Recalling the scene he had witnessed outside, Cao You sighed inwardly and held his little nephew even tighter in his arms.
At the crow of the rooster, when the sky was just beginning to brighten, Cao You woke up.
He rested with his eyes closed for a while before quietly getting out of bed.
Cao Tun turned over, muttering with his eyes shut: "Little Uncle, not getting enough sleep will stunt your growth. Waking up so early, be careful you don't end up a shorty."
Cao You ruffled his little nephew's head: "You rest a bit longer. I'll call you when breakfast is ready."
Cao Tun grumbled twice, his eyelids not moving at all.
Breakfast didn't need to be complicated. After instructing the servants to prepare the meal, Cao You practiced with his sword for a while.
Soon after, Teacher Zhu also got up to wash and dress. The dark circles under his eyes showed he hadn't slept well.
Remembering Cao Tun's words from the previous day, Cao You thought that Teacher Zhu might indeed know Han Zizheng.
Once they returned to the Eastern Capital, he would have to ask his uncle about Teacher Zhu's true identity.
Cao You was not foolish. Although the Cao Family was wealthy and influential, his father was only a minor official, and his late elder brother Cao Fu, who had died young, had not reached a position requiring a personal advisor. After witnessing Teacher Zhu's talent yesterday, he did not believe such a great talent would serve as an advisor to an ordinary local minor official.
Cao You kept his doubts to himself and enthusiastically asked Teacher Zhu once again if he would like to accompany him to visit Han Zizheng.
Teacher Zhu declined again.
Cao You confirmed his suspicions. Given Han Zizheng's reputation among scholars, Teacher Zhu did not seem to dislike him, yet he chose not to visit when given the opportunity—clearly, something was amiss.
"Then, Teacher Zhu, please rest a while longer," Cao You pretended not to notice anything. "Tun'er and I will be back soon."
Teacher Zhu said, "Han Zizheng's virtue, capacity, and wisdom are extraordinary. If Han Zizheng has time, you and Tun'er should seek his guidance diligently. There's no need to rush back."
Cao You nodded: "Alright, I'll do my best."
Teacher Zhu chuckled: "There's no need to try too hard. Han Zizheng is generous and enjoys recommending talent. With your aptitude, you can impress him. Just be yourself."
Cao You nodded again in agreement, though inwardly he was skeptical.
In his previous life, he had come from a poor background and only had the chance to study after gaining some status in the military. However, the demands of military life never allowed him to settle down and delve deeply into the classics. In this life, he had studied quietly, but he held little hope of being valued by Han Zizheng.
When Cao Tun came out rubbing his eyes, he happened to overhear the conversation between Teacher Zhu and Cao You and immediately saw that his little uncle was once again being overly modest in his heart.
He simply couldn't understand why, with Little Uncle's abilities, he didn't act like a typical arrogant young prodigy. Could this overly humble and cautious, dull personality be a Cao family trait?
Very likely. The Cao family members were all quite dull.
When Teacher Zhu saw Cao Tun, his gloomy expression improved considerably.
Disregarding the rule of not speaking during meals, he repeatedly instructed Cao Tun on how to win Han Qi's favor.
Cao Tun maintained his cool, indifferent expression, but inwardly, his sarcastic thoughts were nearly bursting out.
Teacher Zhu, are you even pretending anymore that you know Han Qi, or might even be his friend?
When Cao You led Cao Tun to pay respects to Han Qi, Han Qi was reading a book.
Cao Tun secretly observed Han Qi—the current New Party member, future Old Party figure, a famous person entangled in various stories with the great hero Di Qing.
In his previous life, to please his "aloof literati" mentor who loved the Song Dynasty, Cao Tun had studied Song history somewhat.
Having been reborn, the memories of his past life felt to Cao Tun like playing a first-person holographic game. His personality was completely different from that of his past self, and he held no emotional attachment to the events of his previous life—nor did he dare to, as it would only deepen his lack of affection for this wretched Great Song Dynasty. However, any knowledge he had memorized in his past life could be retrieved from his memory vault.
He also remembered the stories about Han Qi.
Later generations often said that Han Qi bullied and persecuted Di Qing. In reality, the Song-era anecdotal collection Silent Records, which documented the discord between Han Qi and Di Qing, was not meant to criticize Han Qi but to disparage Di Qing. Its author was Wang Zhi, a disciple of Ouyang Xiu's student.
In Silent Records, Di Qing was portrayed as mixing personal and official matters, narrow-minded, and abusing private punishments—a villain meant to be humiliated. Han Qi, on the other hand, was the positive character.
However, modern perspectives differ from those of Song-era people. Silent Records, which was intended to belittle Di Qing, ironically became the source for many to learn about and admire Di Qing.
In official histories, Di Qing was actually fair and impartial in both public and private matters, with a broad-minded character. The events used to slander Di Qing in Silent Records have been debunked, and works such as History of Song and Continuation of the Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government refused to adopt its viewpoints.
While Di Qing was alive, Han Qi remained a staunch hardliner against external threats and maintained a good relationship with him. After Di Qing's death, it was Han Qi who wrote his eulogy.
As for the present Han Qi, Cao Tun felt a mix of admiration and curiosity.
Upon meeting Han Qi, Cao You respectfully presented his reflections on his studies over the years.
While reading Cao You's insights on classics and history, Han Qi merely smiled and stroked his scholar's beard. But when Han Qi turned to Cao You's reflections on military texts, he suddenly looked up, staring at Cao You in disbelief.
"Are these truly your reflections?" Han Qi had always been lenient with younger generations, but this was the first time he questioned the authenticity of a junior's submitted work.
Cao You replied, "They are my reflections."
Han Qi took a few rapid breaths, lowered his head, and continued reading, ignoring Cao You entirely.
Cao You felt somewhat awkward.
He could stand there indefinitely, but Tun'er was young and couldn't stand for long.
Just as he was considering whether to disregard etiquette and remind Han Qi that a young child was accompanying him, he heard a dry cough from behind.
Han Qi looked up, displeased.
The person at the door announced loudly, "I am Zhu Shuo, the newly hired Master for the Cao Family, here to pay my respects to Advisor Han."
Han Qi: "??"
Han Qi: "!!"
Teacher Zhu coughed dryly once more.
Han Qi took a deep breath, trembling as he stood up: "You… you…"
Teacher Zhu respectfully replied: "I am Zhu Shuo, and I have come with the two young masters of the Cao Family to pay my respects to Han Zizheng."
Han Qi finally regained his composure, pointing toward the door and saying: "You two, step outside first. I have something to discuss with your Teacher Zhu."
Cao You, sensing the tense atmosphere, quickly grabbed Cao Tun and made a swift exit.
Cao Tun sighed regretfully. Leaving already? He felt something interesting was about to happen!
As Cao Tun expected, the moment the two stepped out, Teacher Zhu closed the door behind them.
Then, they heard the sounds of clattering and smashing from inside, followed even by a cry of pain.
Cao Tun: "Could it be that Teacher Zhu and Han Zizheng are fighting?"
Cao You, with sharper ears, added: "I think Teacher Zhu might be getting beaten up by Han Zizheng."
Cao Tun cupped his face in his hands: "Wow!"
He began to doubt again—could this "Zhu Shuo," who was being beaten up by Han Qi, really be Fan Zhongyan?
Haha, how could that be? Fan Wenzheng coming to be my tutor? How could our Cao Family possibly have such prestige?
Author's Note:
Compensation for the previous book: +7 chapters owed. This book: +1 chapter owed for 10,000 nutrient solutions. Currently, 8 chapters are owed, and repayment will begin after the VIP chapters are released.
Cao You: How can fireflies compete with the bright moon?
Before learning Little Uncle's identity:
Cao Tun: Nonsense! Little Uncle, be more confident! You absolutely can!
After learning Little Uncle's identity:
Cao Tun: General Yue, you are absolutely right! They absolutely cannot!
Random Thoughts (It is recommended to ignore the author's notes):
The "Good Men Outside Donghua Gate" incident recorded in Mo Ji actually portrays Di Qing as corrupt, shielding his subordinates who committed crimes, and claiming that good men should not be killed. Han Qi, being upright and principled, mocked Di Qing, who was terrified.
Um, you read that right—Di Qing was terrified!
Mo Ji also describes Di Qing as arrogant and domineering, ordering his servants to wear yellow robes while putting out a fire; a courtesan mocked Di Qing's scars, and he captured and tortured her; Di Qing boasted everywhere that he was of equal status to Han Qi (?) but had not passed the Jinshi examination… In short, all of these claims have been debunked.
In fact, historical records show that when someone mocked Di Qing's facial scars, he was magnanimous and unbothered, and Han Qi praised him for his generosity—completely opposite to what Mo Ji recorded.
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