The Department of History at Kyoto University is a very popular major for applicants.

Most students applying to the history department, aside from those who are genuinely passionate about it, are drawn to the epic and turbulent history of the Dae Hee period and want to learn more about it.

The Peking University forum is usually very lively, but recently, the discovery of Imperial Censor Cui's daily records has brought the popularity to a new climax.

One of the posts was highlighted in red—

Theoretical Exploration: Was Emperor Zhaoren and his Grand Tutor truly in love?

OP: Let me preface this by saying that I am a liberal arts student and a freshman who just enrolled in the history department this year. The story I have heard the most since I was a child is about Emperor Zhaoren and his tutor, but I still have some doubts. Were these two really in love?

1L: That has to be true love! OP, you have to think about this, it's ancient times! Teacher and student relationships are complicated, and there's no harem involved. If Emperor Zhaoren didn't love his tutor, he wouldn't have risked resisting all this pressure.

2L: But to be fair, it doesn't seem like there's much pressure. After all, when Emperor Zhaoren was in power, he basically held all the power in his own hands. Even if the ministers wanted to restrain him, they simply couldn't do anything about it. (shrugs)

3L: No, why isn't anyone talking about Grand Tutor Li? She was the top scholar in the imperial examinations at the tender age of eighteen! Not only did she disguise herself as a man, but she also raised Emperor Renzong single-handedly, accompanying him through his most difficult years, and she played a crucial role in many of his later reforms. Furthermore, many court officials received her favors. If any of these officials had a conscience, they wouldn't even think of pressuring her and Emperor Renzong…

4L (Original Poster): But I still have a question. Since Emperor Zhaoren loved his tutor, why didn't he make her empress? In that era, didn't he think it would be illegitimate?

5L: Haha, it's clear the original poster is quite naive. If they knew more about them, they'd probably understand that what they're pursuing is a higher spiritual realm. What's so special about choosing only one from a vast ocean of water? A harmonious relationship between ruler and subject is no less valuable than a loving and respectful marriage.

6L: I strongly agree with the comment above. You see, if Lady Yunqing had become Empress, she would likely have been known as Empress Xie by posterity. But if she lost the Emperor's favor, what difference would she have made from those resentful concubines trapped in the harem? There's a saying that a woman's position is unstable if she's not ruthless. True power is what truly belongs to oneself. If one relies solely on the Emperor's favor, it's like a reflection in water, easily shattered by a pebble. Of course, I don't mean to imply anything negative about Emperor Renzong. Emperor Zhaoren was indeed exceptionally affectionate; neither official nor unofficial histories contain any scandalous rumors about him.

8L: Exactly! Although Grand Tutor Li wasn't the Empress, she had everything an Empress should have. Phoenix coronet and wedding robes, gold and silver treasures—what were they compared to that? She held military power in the Northwest, making her arguably the most powerful minister of her time. But look at the reactions of the censors! At first, they had some reservations, but later they changed their tune, praising Grand Tutor Li as "pure and virtuous, exceptionally talented and brilliant."

9L: To be honest, Grand Tutor Li is truly the most well-regarded powerful minister I've ever seen.

10L: Not only did she have the best reputation, but she was also popular with both men and women. It's said that in the years before the Grand Tutor's identity was revealed, many people tried to arrange marriages for him. Moreover, according to historical research, experts speculate that Yan Yangke, the head of the remonstrance officials at the time, may have had some improper thoughts about the Grand Tutor. Later, when the reform of the subject classification was being promoted, and the remonstrance officials were arguing fiercely, wasn't it he who stopped them?

11L: What kind of expert is so frivolous, researching this kind of thing? (picking nose) How come this can all be related to romance?

12L (Original Poster): But speaking of which, I'm quite curious. How exactly did Emperor Zhaoren fall in love with his tutor? They got together shortly after the tutor's identity was revealed. Was it love at first sight? In such a short time?

13L: Love at first sight is definitely impossible. These two have been together for so many years. I guess it's probably just infatuation and lust at first sight. As for whether there were any other transactions involved, we can't find out for now. Anyway, it can't be pure love. After all, they are both in high positions. It's good enough if they're not wary of each other. Real love? I find it a bit funny.

14L: I won't comment on what the person upstairs said for now, but one thing is certain: Li Daren was indeed beautiful. In today's terms, she was androgynous. When she dressed as a man, people praised her for her stunning appearance, and when she changed back into women's clothing, she was still breathtakingly beautiful. As for the idea of ​​being attracted to someone's beauty... well, you know, I actually think it's quite possible.

15L: Alright, let's stop discussing whether she's good-looking or not. I think Lady Yunqing's achievements are far more dazzling than her appearance. During the power struggle between the two factions, she stood firmly behind the young emperor without hesitation. After the chaos subsided, she initiated reforms to the court in many aspects, including the development of the earliest gunpowder and cement, which are important military strategic materials. She left her mark on all of these. Not to mention her foresight and courage in reforming the imperial examination system, establishing girls' schools, and promoting agricultural science. She is truly a woman of many talents. Moreover, it is said that she has a gentle and approachable personality. In today's terms, wouldn't she be the perfect "white moonlight" (idealized woman)?

16L: Don't even mention being moved from my perspective. If you were in Renji's shoes, having someone pull you out of the mud when you were at your lowest point, and then accompany you as you grow up, caring for and nurturing you all the way, it's impossible not to be moved. It's definitely a younger man/older woman relationship, I'm shipping it!

17L: Upstairs, upstairs, enter my CP world, Anning CP will accompany you all the way to take off!

18L: Anning CP? What kind of weird CP name is this?

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