“Your insights are truly remarkable, Imperial Brother!” Zi Sang Zhen expressed heartfelt admiration as she spoke to Huangfu Ze.
Huangfu Ze, after all, was only a twelve-year-old child. His face flushed slightly, clearly embarrassed, and he turned his head away, replying somewhat awkwardly, “I’ve merely studied a bit longer than Imperial Brother.”
As if suddenly enlightened, Zi Sang Zhen then revealed a look of melancholy. “But I’ve fallen behind in my studies so much. Do you know where the Grand Tutor usually spends his time? I have many questions I’d like to ask him.”
Huangfu Ze didn’t often seek out the Grand Tutor, but he did know where the Grand Tutor rested and resided.
At this time, the Second Prince didn’t yet know how to win people over—likely because he had no competitors—and was thus easily deceived by Zi Sang Zhen’s apparent innocence.
Zi Sang Zhen watched as Huangfu Ze practically handed the Grand Tutor over to her.
“After classes end each day, the Grand Tutor usually spends some time in the side courtyard of the Wenhua Hall. If we have any questions we don’t understand, we can go there to seek his guidance.”
Zi Sang Zhen was genuinely grateful this time and bowed to Huangfu Ze. “Thank you very much then.”
With that, after bidding farewell to Huangfu Ze, Zi Sang Zhen went directly to the side courtyard to find the Grand Tutor.
The Grand Tutor was named Lin Ye, last year’s top scholar in the imperial examinations. Originally, he was supposed to go south to quell rebellions, but for reasons unknown—perhaps due to Huangfu Quan’s considerations—he was instead kept in the palace to teach.
Zi Sang Zhen knocked on the door and waited outside for a moment until a clear voice came from within.
“Come in.”
“Grand Tutor,” Zi Sang Zhen walked unhurriedly to Lin Ye’s desk, holding up the book in her hands. “I still don’t fully understand today’s lesson.”
Lin Ye didn’t even look up, continuing to sketch on the paper before him, seemingly ignoring Zi Sang Zhen’s words. Yet upon closer observation, one could see a slight smile at the corner of his mouth.
Zi Sang Zhen wasn’t anxious either. She remained bowed, hands raised, waiting for Lin Ye’s response.
After about half an hour, Lin Ye finally set down his brush and lifted his head to look at Zi Sang Zhen. “Have you come to ask about your studies, or about political affairs?”
Seeing through her intentions, Zi Sang Zhen showed no trace of panic. After days of study and increasing exposure, she already understood what kind of situation she would face upon entering the struggle for power—and this was only the beginning.
Calmly and without arrogance, she replied, “Naturally, it’s about my studies.”
“Oh?” Lin Ye revealed a smile, stepped down, and asked Zi Sang Zhen, “In that case, regarding today’s lesson, why don’t you share your insights?”
Zi Sang Zhen cleared her throat. “To govern a country and manage its affairs, one must stabilize the livelihood of the people. The stability of the people’s livelihood inevitably requires the ruler’s decisions. Wrong decisions lead to suffering among the people; right decisions bring peace and prosperity. The most fundamental aspect of securing the people and establishing stability is the wise use of talent. Proposals and advice from talented individuals must be heeded by those in high positions, but not blindly so. If one is incompetent, they may be manipulated by those with insight; but if one is a true scholar or capable person, they can instead utilize talent to their advantage. Thus, the country thrives and the people live in peace.”
“Haha!” Lin Ye was moved by Zi Sang Zhen’s explanation and couldn’t help but applaud. “Well said!”
“Truly worthy of her child.”
“You flatter me, Grand Tutor.” Zi Sang Zhen maintained her composed and humble demeanor. Such self-effacing courtesy only made Lin Ye admire her more, and he could understand why Zi Sang Mu was willing to take such a risk.
“In that case,” Lin Ye extended his hand to take the book from Zi Sang Zhen, “would you be willing to call me Master? From now on, I shall impart all my knowledge and skills to you.”
Though Zi Sang Zhen harbored a trace of caution in her heart, faced with such an offer, she chose to accept.
Almost without hesitation, Zi Sang Zhen immediately knelt down and performed the ritual of paying respects to a master: “Master!”
“Excellent, excellent! Today is your first day at the academy, so return home early. From now on, after your studies, come to the side hall.”
Lin Ye was very pleased with Zi Sang Zhen, not only because of her demeanor but also because of her intelligence.
“Thank you, Master!”
Zi Sang Zhen could hardly wait a moment longer, eager to share this good news with her mother.
However, her mother now resided in the Star-Gazing Pavilion, which was somewhat distant, but the length of the journey could not dampen Zi Sang Zhen’s joyful spirits.
Upon arriving at the Star-Gazing Pavilion, she happened to encounter Jin Yu coming out with a bowl in hand. Zi Sang Zhen found it odd but did not inquire further, proceeding inside to tell her mother.
Zi Sang Mu rarely showed a smile, beckoning for Zi Sang Zhen to approach.
Zi Sang Zhen knelt beside Zi Sang Mu’s legs as she had done in childhood, while the latter gently stroked her smooth hair: “I always knew Zhen’er was the best.”
As she spoke, she tucked a stray strand of hair behind Zi Sang Zhen’s ear, hesitating slightly.
“In a few days, it will be your birthday, and also the time for your Ji-ji ceremony. You…”
Zi Sang Zhen looked up at Zi Sang Mu with a smile: “I am a prince.” She did not voice the latter part—that she did not need a coming-of-age ceremony—but Zi Sang Mu understood the implication.
Zi Sang Mu took her hands and placed them over her own heart: “But Mother has always understood you.”
Zi Sang Zhen withdrew her hands and shook her head. She was no longer the child she once was. In her younger years, she had clamored to wear the elegant dresses of her mother and Jin Yu, resisting the simple and practical men’s attire. But over time, she had grown accustomed to it, even come to love it.
Zi Sang Mu, however, felt a sense of guilt. Back when she was in Nanzhen Guo, she had never faced such restrictions—she remained herself, never having to become a substitute for anyone. Yet now, Zi Sang Zhen lived under a different identity.
“If Mother wishes to make amends, then let me leave the palace. Once outside, Mother can dress me however she likes.” Zi Sang Zhen saw her hesitation; it was impossible not to be tempted. But within the palace, eyes and ears were everywhere, and one could not afford to be reckless.
Outside the palace, however, who could possibly find out if they were willing?
Zi Sang Mu ruffled her hair and smiled: “Very well, I will seek permission from your father.”
“I hope you can both come out together.”
Zi Sang Mu had naturally considered this and agreed without hesitation: “Of course.”
A brief moment of warmth.
Zi Sang Zhen then bid farewell to review her studies and practice martial arts. She had much to learn each day and no time to waste.
Qian Yu, as usual, was no longer in the Cold Palace. He had arranged early on to become Zi Sang Zhen’s personal guard, though it was not entirely appropriate for him to appear frequently in the inner palace.
But Qian Yu’s lightweight skill was exceptional, allowing him to move undetected. Fortunately, Zi Sang Zhen’s quarters were free of outsiders, and no rumors spread.
These days, Qian Yu’s guidance remained unchanged, though previously the focus had been on training leg strength, while now it had shifted to the hands.
Zi Sang Zhen was initially quite curious and asked a few questions, to which Qian Yu explained the reason. This year happened to coincide with the triennial autumn hunt. Zi Sang Zhen didn’t need to be exceptionally strong, but she certainly couldn’t be too weak either, so she had to train her skills before the autumn hunt.
Hearing this, Zi Sang Zhen didn’t dwell on it too much and naturally agreed.
The days that followed were rather ordinary.
In the mornings and afternoons, she attended the Wenhua Hall to study basic subjects. After classes, she would go to the side hall of Wenhua Hall to learn statecraft from Lin Ye. In the evenings, she occasionally visited her mother to chat, and when it came to political knowledge that differed from what Lin Ye had taught, she would even ask Zi Sang Zhen to comment on it.
At first, Zi Sang Zhen didn’t quite understand, but after repeated guidance from both, she gradually grasped their considerations.
Zi Sang Mu’s perspective was that of an emperor, while Lin Ye’s perspective was that of the people and stability.
When faced with conflicts, choices had to be made, and such choices would determine the success or failure of a decision. This was what Zi Sang Zhen needed to learn. Every decision and reform had its rationale, but whether such policies were beneficial or detrimental to her own country was the long-term insight required of a ruler.
In just half a month, Zi Sang Zhen had cultivated her own understanding of the entire political system, but when faced with Huangfu Quan’s assessment, she still chose to play ignorant.
On the first and fifteenth days of each month, it was time for Huangfu Quan to assess their studies.
The Wenhua Hall was filled with kneeling princes and Study Pages, none daring to utter a word. Only the Second Prince was slightly more relaxed, as he was usually the only one who could answer Huangfu Quan’s questions, while the others either had their own considerations or simply hadn’t paid attention.
At such moments, Huangfu Ze was exceptionally proud.
“Today, I come as your father, but also to assess your progress over the past half-month. If you cannot answer my questions, and if the Grand Tutor has complaints, your monthly allowance will be deducted entirely!”
Huangfu Quan was, after all, a loving father. When faced with underachieving children, he would at most deduct some pocket money. If he were to truly punish them, he would feel heartache himself.
Huangfu Quan had been on the throne for just over a decade. Although he had many children, there were not many princes, and the age gaps were significant. Among the princes, only the Second Prince, Huangfu Ze, was considered capable. However, his mother’s influence was too strong. If the crown prince were appointed too early, the court’s dynamics might shift. For the sake of balance, Huangfu Ze could not become the crown prince.
The court had been urging the appointment of a crown prince month after month, but he had always suppressed it, hoping someone would emerge to restore balance.
And Huangfu Lin (Zi Sang Zhen) was like a savior in this situation. Although Huangfu Quan claimed to be assessing the princes’ studies this time, he was actually probing Huangfu Lin’s (Zi Sang Zhen’s) foundation.
“Ze’er, have you finished reading the Four Books?” Huangfu Quan’s gaze did not initially focus on Zi Sang Zhen but turned instead to Huangfu Ze in the front row.
As usual, Huangfu Ze’s response was already the best.
“Your Majesty, I have finished reading Mencius, The Great Learning, The Doctrine of the Mean, and The Analects, but some concepts are not yet fully understood.”
Huangfu Quan nodded. Huangfu Ze had already read the Five Classics before the age of ten, and finishing the Four Books now was commendable. If he fully understood them all, he would be no different from a genius.
“Very good, very good. If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can always ask the Grand Tutor. Since you have reviewed them all, recite The Analects: On Governance.”
Hearing this, Huangfu Ze trembled slightly. Although he had finished studying, he had not yet memorized the material. Now that recitation was being examined, he was completely flustered.
He could only kowtow repeatedly, saying, “Father, your child is foolish and has not yet mastered the recitation.”
Huangfu Quan sighed, realizing he might have pushed too hard. “Never mind, never mind. We’ll discuss it another time.”
“And what about Lin’er?”
Zi Sang Zhen was momentarily stunned before realizing she was being addressed. She hurriedly replied, “Reporting to Father, I have finished reading the Four Books, but have not yet started the Five Classics. I have fallen behind in my studies too much. Although I have reviewed the Four Books once, I cannot thoroughly understand more than half of the content. However, after school, I will seek guidance from the Grand Tutor.”
Huangfu Quan nodded repeatedly. His expectations for Zi Sang Zhen were not high to begin with—he did not demand she surpass Huangfu Ze, only that she barely manage to keep pace.
He already had some plans in mind. If Zi Sang Zhen proved competent enough, she might be able to hold the position of Crown Prince for some time. If her talents were truly lacking, he could always support the Second Prince in the future.
Moreover, Zi Sang Zhen had no external family support, making her the best candidate for maintaining stability in the court. However, this matter could not be decided hastily and required careful consideration.
Meanwhile, Zi Sang Zhen, kneeling on the ground, was unable to follow his train of thought. Instead, she pondered whether she had been overly modest in concealing her abilities.
After all, she had long since memorized the Four Books and Five Classics backward and forward. Her understanding of the texts had been shaped by alternating guidance from Jin Yu and her mother, and she had even delved into many historical texts.
Now, she made it a habit to read one or two passages on military strategy before bed each night. As a prince, she knew she must achieve something at the border in the future. Otherwise, for a prince like her, with neither power nor influence, ascending to that position would be as difficult as climbing to the heavens!
Both were lost in their own thoughts until Lin Ye broke the stalemate. “Your Majesty, today’s inspection is almost complete. The princes have been very diligent these days, especially the Second Princess. The assignments she submits are always meticulously done!”
“Oh?” Huangfu Quan was quite curious and beckoned for Huangfu Teng to rise. “Teng’er is so diligent! Father must reward you properly! Is there anything you fancy?”
Huangfu Teng was still young, her cheeks still plump with baby fat. Hearing about the reward, she immediately broke into a joyful smile. “Thank you, Father, but Teng’er doesn’t have anything she particularly likes.” She leaned closer to Huangfu Quan’s ear and whispered, “But Mother mentioned that Brother is going out of the palace. Teng’er wonders if Brother could take me along.”
Huangfu Quan had only agreed to Zi Sang Mu’s request a few days ago and had not expected the news to leak so quickly. His expression darkened, but he did not want to disappoint his youngest daughter’s request, especially since his eldest daughter was no longer by his side, and this daughter might not remain with him for much longer either.
In the end, though his face remained stern, he agreed.
Meanwhile, Zi Sang Zhen, though her head was bowed, had been observing Huangfu Quan’s expression all along.
“Since it is Teng’er’s request, Lin’er, take Teng’er with you when you leave the palace the day after tomorrow.”
Huangfu Quan did not specify the reason, but Zi Sang Zhen understood what he meant and could only agree. “Yes, Father.”
“Yay! Thank you, Father!”
Both Huangfu Quan and Huangfu Ze wore unpleasant expressions. She quietly noted their emotional shifts.
Meanwhile, as Huangfu Teng was laughing heartily, Zi Sang Zhen also had some thoughts of his own.