The closer you get to the Emperor, the deadlier you find the struggle for power, especially among the princes. Letting one's guard down and angering the Emperor would mean severe punishment. Even the princes are not exempt. You bring tea to the Emperor, and just before you get into the Hall, you hear the Emperor's furious screams and objects being thrown.
Emperor: Damned child! How did I raise a stupid son like you!
11th Prince: [Scared] Father, I understand my fault, please forgive me again.
Emperor: Again? You would have been dead several times if you weren't my son! Put the 11th Prince in prison, release him only on my order!
The 11th Prince is taken away by the guards. His plea slowly subsides. The Hall of Mental Cultivation turns peaceful again.
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The Emperor rests in his chair, tired. The floor littered with official documents. The eunuch cower, no one dares to clean up. You put the tea on the table steadily.
Emperor: [Suddenly speaks] I think of myself as responsible and kind to my family and my people. But I raised a bunch of useless sons.
The room is silent. No one else dares to speak.
MC: Your Majesty. I am not well read. I never quite understood Confucius's "The gentleman's benevolence and leadership make the people follow", until I met you, Your Majesty.
Emperor: [Calms down and laughs] What a lickspittle!
As you see the Emperor smile, you calm down.
Xiu Ying: Your Majesty is the most benevolent. The people are faithful to you. But you need to see yourself the same.
Emperor: [Smile deeper] You could be more courageous. You can't really mention the princes' problems, so you instead tell me that it's important to be kind, right?
Xiu Ying: [Kneels] I know too little to speak out often.
Emperor: But you are right. It's important to be benevolent. Those idiots do not deserve forgiveness if they cannot change!
Hall of Mental Cultivation changed back to its regular atmosphere. The maids and eunuchs let out a breath. They see you differently now.
Emperor: You are right about something else too.
You blink and look at the Emperor.
Emperor: You haven't really been educated and you talk too little. It bores me.
Xiu Ying: [Ashamed] I will read more when I get back.
Emperor: Really? How far do you think you'll get on your own then?
You've been called smart since you were little, but seeing as it's the Emperor calling you out, you bear with it.
Emperor: Do you know He Shen?
Xiu Ying: [Blankly] The Grand Secretary of scintillating wit. I have heard of him.
Emperor: I'm going to appoint him as your teacher. Learn from him. Don't embarrass me!
This is like winning the lottery. You are stunned for a long time.
Xiu Ying: [Come back to senses] Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty! I will follow Master He and learn all that I can make you proud!
What surprised you is that Matron Qin learned about it within the hour.
Matorn Qin: I heard His Majesty punished the 11th Prince today. Do you know what happened? Also, I heard that he's sending you to study under Master He?
You feel heavy. For the news to spread this fast, there has to be someone working for the Crown Prince at the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Xiu Ying: Anyway, the Emperor was furious. It's best not to mention it. As for studying, it'll take a while before it's decided.
You deliberately overemphasize what the Emperor was angry with, Matron Qin didn't want to keep you for too long either. She leaves after a while. The Emperor kept his word. When He Shen went to the Hall next day, the Emperor appointed him to teach the young maid.
Day after, He Shen invites you to the Imperial Garden for a lesson. He Shen is as gentle and composed as you imagined. His lesson is easy to understand, and you learn a lot.
Xiu Ying: Thank you Master He for your teachings.
He Shen: You are a smart girl. It took me little effort to get you to understand. However, this is a rare occasion to relax and enjoy the Imperial Garden.
You were worried that He Shen would be troubled for being asked to teach you. Now it seems that you overthought it, as He Shen was a gentleman.
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