Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C213. Master.

Chapter 213: Master

The Sixth Prince had never heard such discourse before.

He had heard many lofty principles and seen many so-called respectable gentlemen who were actually full of deceit behind closed doors.

But wasn't that just the norm?

Because everyone was like this, no one bothered to delve into each other's dirty secrets.

Before this, he truly believed that everyone was like this.

Sister Hua's perspective was too refreshing.

"So, does that mean that even if people make mistakes, it's just losing to the selfishness in their nature?"

"Is there anything wrong with saying that?"

"Then why is there a distinction between right and wrong?"

"Who decides what's right and wrong?" Hua Zhi looked at him, her eyes soft yet firm. "The one who controls the rules is the one who decides what's right and wrong. But this right and wrong may not necessarily be truly right. It depends on perspectives, current situations, and the position of the person determining what's right and wrong."

The words were a bit convoluted, but the Sixth Prince understood.

He lowered his gaze, not letting Sister Hua see the ripples in his eyes at that moment. Sitting in that position now was the Emperor, and if the Emperor said someone was right, they were right. But if one day, a certain Prince sat in that position and said someone was wrong, then they were wrong. This was what Sister Hua meant by the position one stands in.

Hua Zhi didn't want to be too harsh, so she shifted the topic to Zheng and said, "In this world, there are people with great love in their hearts. It's just that compared to selfish people, they are few and far between."

Hua Zhi smiled, "Of the people I know, only Master Zheng can be considered half of that category."

"Sister Hua has a high opinion of Master Zheng."

"Ah Jian, you should value the two masters in the clan school more. They are both outstanding. Master Mu has a rare moral character, and when the Hua family sent out invitations to over twenty masters, the others either avoided it, pretended not to receive it, made excuses, or politely declined. Only Master Mu, as the steward said, personally came to accept the invitation and immediately replied to it. Even in the dire state of the Hua family, he was willing to come and teach. This shows his character."

Seeing the embarrassed young prince, Hua Zhi continued, "Some things don't need to be taught. When the time comes and the environment is set, at the age when one should understand, it will come naturally. But character needs to be honed. During the formative period at ten years old, someone like Master Mu is more suitable to be a teacher than those great scholars. Don't look down on him, AhnJian. There are many things you can learn from him."

"Yes, I was wrong..."

"As for Master Zheng, the fundamental difference between him and ordinary scholars is that he doesn't see studying as a means to climb the social ladder. His goal isn't to become an official, so his readings aren't confined to classical texts and essays. It's precisely because of this that he's willing to leave the bustling capital to explore the world outside. That openness of mind is why, compared to most scholars, those who have read as much as him have surely not traveled as many roads, and those who have traveled as many roads haven't read as much as him."

The Sixth Prince looked puzzled, "But Sister Hua, you said he's considered half..."

"Because he hasn't fully overcome the struggle with his nature yet."

Jiang Ziya even played the game of "the willing to take the bait". If Zhuge Liang had truly been aloof from worldly affairs, Liu Bei would not have had the chance for three visits to the thatched cottage. First and foremost, it's because they had ambitions.

Do they only know classical texts and histories?

No, they know about astronomy and geography, they have their unique perspectives on things. Zheng Zhi may not have reached that level yet, but he is young.

What about ten years from now?

Twenty years from now?

If he continues to enrich himself on the not-so-easy path, he may one day become a sage.

And he also has ambitions. Otherwise, he wouldn't have left the capital!

Hua Zhi lowered her head to drink her tea. This is the difference between teaching the prince and teaching Bai Lin. She can't teach the Sixth Prince how to act. If he is the future Emperor, he doesn't need someone bossing him around. If he is the next leader under the Seven Stars, she also doesn't need to put herself in that position.

She can only guide, and she only intends to be a guide. This is a safe distance, neither too near nor too far. He will appreciate your kindness but won't feel offended.

After digesting these words, the Sixth Prince felt like his vision had suddenly cleared up. It was as if there had been a wall blocking his view before, but now it had collapsed, and he could see further ahead. There might be thorns there, but he believed there would also be flowers in the thicket.

Looking at the person across from him, who seemed as if nothing had been said at all, Gu Chengqian felt that Zheng Zhi's strength must be real because Sister Hua wouldn't have said so otherwise. However he believed that Sister Hua wouldn't be inferior to Zheng Zhi. She was no less than those widely renowned scholars.

"Sister Hua, can I come to you in the future if I have doubts in my heart?"

Hua Zhi smiled slightly as she raised her head. "Do you know that I haven't actually studied under a master?"

The Sixth Prince was slightly stunned. In noble families, even women also hire tutors, right?

"I was educated by my grandfather, and he only guides me when he has time. Most of the time, I study on my own. Everything I know comes from books, and then I think and reflect on them to make them my own. With my approach, do you still want me to answer your doubts for you?"

"I do." The Sixth Prince responded quickly and eagerly. "I do."

"Then I will accommodate you." There was something in Hua Zhi's smile that the Sixth Prince couldn't quite understand. "Actually, I am more skilled in chess. If you have free time, you can come to challenge me for a game."

The Sixth Prince couldn't refuse. He nodded enthusiastically. He had heard from his friend Bai Lin about how skilled Sister Hua was in this field. Moreover, coming from the royal family, even without any ambition, he hoped to be the one making strategic moves. The game of chess could teach him so much, and he really wanted Sister Hua to be the one to teach him!

He didn't know how Hua Zhi managed to retrieve the divorce decree for Hua Xian. He knew that Shao Yao was proud to tell him, and he regretted knowing too late. Otherwise, he would have definitely followed along. He really wanted to see that ruthless side of Hua Zhi.

Shao Yao asked him if he would dislike someone like Hua Zhi. After all, the palace was not lacking in ruthless people. He said he wouldn't. He truly wouldn't.

His mother has always been kind to others, but if someone goes after him, her ruthlessness is completely different from her usual self. He felt that Shao Yao was also that kind of person. She could be good normally, but if someone harmed someone she cared about, she would definitely strike back hard.

He respected his mother so much; how could he dislike Hua Zhi?

The Sixth Prince bowed deeply towards Hua Zhi, and Hua Zhi accepted. As a teacher of the game of chess, she was willing to serve.

———
TNote:

Both Jiang Ziya and Zhuge Liang are revered figures in Chinese history, known for their intelligence, wisdom, and strategic abilities.

Jiang Ziya is a key figure in the Investiture of the Gods mythology, often depicted as an elderly sage who helped the Zhou Dynasty overthrow the Shang Dynasty.

Zhuge Liang was a brilliant strategist who served the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms period. He is famous for his loyalty to Liu Bei and his military prowess.