Cao Cong and Fan Zhongyan had been watching Cao Tun from a few steps away.
When they heard Cao Tun inquire about the woman's identity, both Cao Cong and Fan Zhongyan frowned simultaneously.
Cao Cong raised his hand and gave a light wave, and a household guard stepped forward.
Cao Cong tossed a token to the guard: "Go to the Imperial Medical Academy and request a royal physician to diagnose and treat Di Qing's son."
The guard clasped his fists: "Yes."
Cao Tun looked up at Cao Cong.
Cao Cong said: "Di Qing is about to enter the capital to assume the position of Commander of the Four Armies of the Pengri and Tianwu Armies. He is qualified to request a royal physician from the Imperial Medical Academy to treat his family. I will have someone inform the Imperial Medical Academy, and they will send someone."
If Di Qing's background were not so humble, and if he had close friends in the capital, even if his wife was unaware of such matters, his friends would have requested a royal physician for him.
As soon as Fan Zhongyan heard that the sick child was Di Qing's son, his expression turned anxious.
Hearing that Cao Cong had requested a royal physician for Di Qing's son, Fan Zhongyan cupped his hands and bowed: "Thank you, Lord Cao."
Cao Cong shook his head: "I have worked with him before, so it is only right."
Cao Tun's momentary righteous indignation had caused a commotion within Xiangguo Temple. Cao Cong asked Fan Zhongyan to take Cao Tun away first while he went to find the abbot of Xiangguo Temple to seize the initiative.
Xiangguo Temple held a high status in the Eastern Capital and had close ties with the nobility. To prevent the monks of Xiangguo Temple from spreading unfavorable rumors about Cao Tun, Cao Cong first went to question the abbot about why he allowed monks to deceive people for money.
In the carriage, Cao Tun muttered: "I bet the abbot will say the monk who cheated for money was a wandering monk from elsewhere who was just lodging temporarily. A temporary worker, to be dismissed immediately." Fan Zhongyan couldn't help but chuckle: "Langjun is very perceptive. Have you read similar stories in books?"
Cao Tun nodded perfunctorily: "Mm. Teacher Zhu, do you know Di Qing… General Di?"
Fan Zhongyan said: "I do not know him personally, but I have heard of General Di's reputation and hold him in high regard."
Cao Tun thought to himself, He's treating me like a child again.
Although Di Qing had already achieved numerous military successes, because he had not yet independently commanded an army, he was not widely renowned among the common people and was merely favored by the Emperor. Given the Song literati's general disdain for military officers, if Teacher Zhu were just an ordinary scholar, it would be unlikely for him to hold Di Qing in such high regard.
Moreover, Teacher Zhu's anxious expression and his gesture of thanking his uncle-grandfather clearly indicated a private friendship with Di Qing.
Fan Zhongyan did indeed have a close personal relationship with Di Qing.
Not only was he, like Han Qi, one of Di Qing's recommenders, but he had also personally taught Di Qing to read the Zuo Tradition and advised him to study the military strategies of ancient famous generals, rather than remaining merely a brave but uncultivated warrior. He was, in a sense, half a mentor to Di Qing.
Di Qing was about to enter the capital, but both he and Han Qi were no longer at court. Although the Emperor valued and trusted Di Qing, Fan Zhongyan worried that Di Qing, unfamiliar with court intrigues, might be exploited by those with ill intentions.
Having already resigned from office, he had initially intended to avoid further contact with military officers to prevent giving others grounds for criticism. But seeing Di Qing entering the capital so naively, unaware even that he could request a royal physician for his family's illness, Fan Zhongyan was deeply concerned. Perhaps he should write to Di Qing and offer some advice.
Fan Zhongyan mentally reviewed the friends he still had in the capital but could not find anyone suitable to guide Di Qing.
Wait, perhaps Cao Cong could offer Di Qing some guidance?
After some thought, Fan Zhongyan decided to first ask the Emperor whether he would be willing to allow Di Qing to have more contact with Cao Cong.
He glanced at Cao Tun, who was looking out the carriage window. The Crown Prince coincidentally saved Di Qing's son. What a fateful encounter.
However, Fan Zhongyan had a doubt. Did the Crown Prince happen to save Di Qing's son, or did he lend a hand only after hearing that the woman's husband was Di Qing?
Cao Tun turned around and happened to meet Fan Zhongyan's scrutinizing gaze.
After a brief thought, he guessed what Teacher Zhu was thinking.
Since Teacher Zhu was a close friend of Han Qi, his temperament was likely similar to that of the Qingli Gentlemen—seeing things in stark black and white at this moment.
Although saving someone was a good deed, if it was done for personal gain, it probably wouldn’t be viewed favorably in the eyes of the Qingli Gentlemen.
Cao Tun initially intended to pretend he hadn’t noticed Teacher Zhu’s thoughts, but then he reconsidered—he couldn’t keep up the act forever.
Gentlemen were always lenient toward children. If he didn’t take advantage of his young age to reveal his true self now, would he wait until he grew up and clashed with his teacher? That would surely tarnish his reputation.
If Teacher Zhu disliked his character now, even better—he could then regretfully decline to become the disciple of such a talented scholar. Teacher Zhu was a gentleman; he would only find other excuses to leave and wouldn’t speak ill of a five-year-old child, ruining the child’s life.
"Does the Master wish to ask whether I gave the Buddhist plaque only after learning the woman’s identity?" Cao Tun sat upright, his small face serious. "Yes. I did indeed help because she was General Di’s wife."
Fan Zhongyan hadn’t expected Cao Tun to be so perceptive, able to discern his doubts.
He sighed. "Still, you saved someone. Actions speak louder than intentions—you did a good deed, Langjun. But Langjun, if it were someone else, wouldn’t you have helped?"
Cao Tun replied, "I might have helped, or I might not. Every day, thousands upon thousands of people go to Xiangguo Temple, spending their entire fortunes to seek Buddhist plaques, and many are too poor to afford one. I only had one plaque. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have given it to anyone. Just as there are countless impoverished people in the world, I wouldn’t randomly choose one poor family to support just because I have enough to eat. If I extend a helping hand, there must be a reason."
Whether it was someone close to him, someone he favored, or simply because he was in a good mood at the time.
In short, Cao Tun couldn’t indiscriminately show kindness. He wasn’t that idle, nor did he possess the ability to save all living beings.
Upon hearing Cao Tun’s words, Fan Zhongyan didn’t show the displeasure Cao Tun had anticipated.
Instead, he looked pleased and nodded repeatedly. "Langjun’s thoughts are clear and honest. That’s very good."
Cao Tun was somewhat surprised.
Seeing Cao Tun’s surprise, Fan Zhongyan was also taken aback.
He chuckled. "Did Langjun think I would be displeased? Am I that kind of pedantic person?"
What does this have to do with being pedantic? I thought you were one of those Great Song gentlemen with exceptionally high moral standards for others. Cao Tun grumbled inwardly.
"I was just worried that the Master would be disappointed to learn I lack the ambition to care for the entire world," Cao Tun said, half-dismissively and half-sincerely.
Fan Zhongyan did have concerns, but he had never thought of molding the Crown Prince into a benevolent ruler who carried the world in his heart.
A benevolent ruler isn’t taught.
He would teach the Crown Prince knowledge and explain right from wrong. As for which path the Crown Prince chose afterward, he couldn’t make that decision for him.
Throughout history, how many imperial tutors could truly influence an emperor’s actions?
The ruler is the ruler, and the minister is the minister.
Thus, regardless of the Crown Prince’s temperament, Fan Zhongyan wouldn’t be disappointed. He would only do his utmost to share his experiences with the Crown Prince.
Moreover, the Crown Prince, upon merely hearing that Di Qing was a meritorious general, had bravely reprimanded the monk who swindled money and cleverly persuaded the ignorant woman to seek medical help. This alone had already delighted Fan Zhongyan immensely.
Fan Zhongyan's earlier concern was not about whether Cao Tun was truly kind-hearted, but about how deep Cao Tun's favor toward Di Qing ran.
The Emperor already held Di Qing in extremely high regard. If the Crown Prince also held Di Qing in great esteem, he would have to advise the Emperor not to promote Di Qing too quickly, leaving room for advancement so that the Crown Prince could bestow favor upon him.
Fan Zhongyan asked, "Langjun, how well do you know General Di?"
Cao Tun carefully considered his words, believing he had described it quite vividly and vividly: "General Di cares for his soldiers, maintains strict military discipline, and excels in the art of war. In the future, he is sure to become a renowned general throughout the ages, who will be slandered by court officials with the accusation, 'Your Majesty, do not forget the events of Emperor Taizu,' due to his excessive military achievements and the deep affection of his soldiers."
Fan Zhongyan: "…"
Fan Zhongyan: "What?"
Cao Tun said, "What I mean is, he will certainly leave a lasting legacy."
…
After reading Fan Zhongyan's secret letter, Zhao Zhen rubbed his eyes several times.
Tun'er just happened to save Di Qing's son?
Excellent! I already like Di Qing, and I never expected Tun'er and I, father and son, to share the same heart, and for Tun'er to have such a fate with Di Qing!
Tun'er said that Di Qing would be slandered by court officials in the future with "the events of Emperor Taizu"?
Ah, this…
Zhao Zhen rubbed his eyes again.
Having given the Empress a cold shoulder just the day before, Zhao Zhen should not have gone to see her today. But he was truly eager to confide in someone about this matter. After some hesitation, he could not restrain himself and went to seek out the Empress again.
Empress Cao had not expected the Emperor to come again. She was taken aback for a moment before accepting the letter the Emperor handed her.
She took a deep breath, and a crack appeared in her wooden, statue-like expression: "Tun'er… Tun'er is really too outspoken!"
Zhao Zhen shared her sentiment: "Indeed. Fan Qing must be very troubled."
Empress Cao was flustered: "How did Tun'er develop such an outspoken personality? Could it be that You'er failed to teach him properly?"
Zhao Zhen disagreed. He was extremely fond of Cao You: "Cao You is as cautious as Cao Baozhang. I think Tun'er's blunt and straightforward speech is simply because he is young and exceptionally talented, relying on his talent and being proud. Look at those like Yan Qing who became famous at a young age—their personalities are quite similar to his."
Zhao Zhen paused and added, "As for those like Fan Qing, Han Qing, and Ouyang Qing, who did not become famous young, their personalities are also quite similar to his."
Empress Cao was stunned: "Tun'er… Tun'er has a personality similar to Fan Qing and Han Qing? That… that won't do!"
Could it be that my son will also point fingers and argue with the ministers at court?!
Zhao Zhen, however, grew more and more delighted the more he thought about it.
He could only grit his teeth and endure the ministers' verbal attacks. Tun'er, unaware that he is the Crown Prince, could argue with the ministers like any ordinary court official.
Look, wasn't Fan Qing left speechless, unable to utter a single word in response?
This was the first time he had seen Fan Qing rendered speechless. Delightful, absolutely delightful!
Zhao Zhen hypocritically comforted Empress Cao: "Tun'er is the Crown Prince; he should naturally have such a temperament so as not to be swayed by court officials. I think he is fine as he is; there is no need to change."
Empress Cao grew anxious. Tun'er is so young, yet he dares to speak of "the events of Emperor Taizu" to a stranger. If he doesn't change, how arrogant will Tun'er become in the future?
Seeing that Empress Cao was so anxious she could no longer maintain her statue-like composure, Zhao Zhen took the letter from her hands and happily left, brushing his sleeves as he went, leaving the anxious Empress Cao behind.
Tun'er not only left Fan Zhongyan speechless but also stirred Empress Cao into incoherence.
Haha!
With external border threats and internal natural disasters, the court was filled with fierce ministers who kept Zhao Zhen so suppressed that he dared not even breathe heavily. He maintained an appearance of utmost benevolence and gentleness, enduring even when his sleeves were grabbed and spat upon.
When pushed too far, a person will inevitably erupt. Seeing something so amusing was a rare delight for Zhao Zhen, and he took immense pleasure in it.
He truly looked forward to the day when the Crown Prince would conceal his identity and enter the court as an official.
Empress Cao watched the Emperor stride away, sleeves fluttering, and clenched her fists, barely managing to hold back the disrespectful words on her tongue.
The Emperor now had only Zhao Tun as his son and forbade Empress Cao from interfering in Zhao Tun’s education.
For Zhao Tun’s future, Empress Cao had to do her utmost not to influence him, lest the Emperor grow wary.
Empress Cao sat in stillness for a long time before finally regaining her dull and dignified expression.
So be it. Though she did not trust the Emperor, she could trust Fan Zhongyan and her uncle. Tun’er would surely be taught well, and there was no need for excessive worry. Author’s Note:
Cao Tun: I’m not arrogant because of my talent—I’m just putting on a show.