Chapter 1378 Before the Dragon Boat Festival Palace Banquet

You may know many people, but how many are true friends?

Mu Xu had known Yao Yuanzai for many years.

When a person is destitute, getting a meal becomes the most important thing in the world.

When a person is wealthy, reading and learning become their sole focus.

No one lacks knowledge, and no one lacks money.

Over the decades, the two had known each other for many years, and they always had their share of verbal sparring. If they suddenly stopped bickering, they would feel uneasy.

Master Yao's trip to Sichuan was a brush with death several times.

But he himself didn't care at all, especially when he angrily denounced the King of Shu for trying to commit treason in front of everyone, as if he had already thrown the head on his neck aside.

When this matter reached the ears of the Grand Master of Ceremonies, Mu Xu had long anticipated Yao Yuanzai's temperament and knew that such a thing would inevitably happen, but he was still so anxious that he kept rubbing his hands.

Later, he heard that he survived after being slapped.

This prompted Mu Xu to applaud.

This is the difference between Mu Xu and Yao Yuanzai.

One person felt that living was more important than anything else.

One person believes that reason is more important than anything else.

It was because of this distinction that the first chief priest recommended Mu Xu to be the chief priest, and also had Yao Yuanzai assist Mu Xu.

Even so.

Many people say that Master Yao could have avoided this trip to Sichuan, but the old man insisted on going.

At times like this, Mu Xu, who was the most vocal in his criticism, would stand up and start refuting those people, and then he would start criticizing Master Yao.

But in fact, many reasonable people in the world can see that.

Master Yao's trip to Sichuan could have been avoided, but after going there, he told a story of righteousness to scholars all over the world!

A scholar's backbone can be as strong as a martial artist's.

The news of Yao Yuanzai's return had already spread throughout the Imperial Academy, and many students went to the gate of the Imperial Academy to welcome him.

When they saw that Master Yao was much older but still had a righteous and upright demeanor, they all bowed respectfully.

Master Yao's actions during his trip to Sichuan alone have been widely praised by students across the country.

Everyone admires him.

Mu Xu looked at the old man, his heart pounding with excitement, but he suppressed it. His first words upon seeing him were, "You ungrateful old fool! You're back alive?"

Yao Yuanzai didn't reciprocate with a friendly smile, only asking, "So you've made a mess of the Imperial Academy?! Have you been dumping many responsibilities on Xun Kuang?"

The two were at loggerheads, but upon looking at each other, they immediately burst into laughter.

Yao Yuanzai did not speak much with Mu Xu. After bowing to the students, he dismissed them.

However, upon entering the Imperial College, they found a sign at the entrance that read, "Blind old men who can play chess are not allowed to enter."

Yao Yuanzai naturally knew who this was referring to, as he had also been tricked by that old man years ago.

Even so, Yao Yuanzai stepped forward and threw the plaque away, scolded Mu Xu for his nonsense, and then went into the Imperial Academy with Mu Xu.

After a while, Yao Yuanzai washed up and rested at his residence before coming out to talk to Mu Xu for a bit.

Everyone else was there, but Mu Xu sent them all away.

Although Yao Yuanzai didn't say anything, he didn't object either.

Instead of staying in one place, the two of them decided to go for a stroll as if by unspoken agreement.

Feeling the even stronger sound of reading in the Imperial College, and seeing the many new sites being built and expanded, Yao Yuanzai sighed, "Along the way, I have heard many things. To be honest, I don't really agree with the reform of the imperial examination system. It's an old thing that has been around for hundreds of years. What if it shakes the foundation of the country?"

Mu Xu glanced sideways at Yao Yuanzai: "Why are you telling me? Go tell His Majesty and the Empress."

Yao Yuanzai glared at Mu Xu with annoyance, but continued, "But I have personally witnessed those muskets and cannons. Those things cannot be made by mere scholarship. And those are the foundation of the nation."

Mu Xu asked with a smile, "How did you learn to be flexible?"

Yao Yuanzai watched two students discussing a scene not far away, each holding a book: "Having witnessed Ziyu's changes over the past few months, and having briefly met a general named Dian Junming, I realized that what is meant to change cannot be stopped, nor can it be stopped."

Upon hearing this, Mu Xu remained silent for a moment before smiling and saying, "Unexpectedly, among Yan Shu and his group back then, Zi Yu, who was the least favored, turned out to be the most learned."

Yao Yuanzai shook his head: "It's not about academic knowledge, but simply about reading books. I'm far behind Yan Shu and the others. But in terms of principles and moral character, Yan Shu and the others can't even come close."

Mu Xu was silent for a moment, but then asked about another matter at hand: "What's going on with that kid outside? It looks like he's going to keep kneeling. Was this method suggested by the Shu King?"

Yao Yuanzai shook his head: "At first I didn't know either, but I just heard that the fifth brother was kneeling behind me in front of the Imperial Academy, so I think it must have been Tingyu's idea."

Mu Xu laughed and said, "This Shu ruler is truly ruthless to his younger brother. When you were washing up, I took a look at the place where we used to sneak out, and his arm was cut off! Ruthless! But you say ruthless, yet he still lets him live a good life and even makes him kneel at the gate of the Imperial Academy. That's saving him. Otherwise, just the fact that he slapped you, Master Yao, would have been enough for him to suffer for a long time. Those pedantic scholars are one of the most untouchable types of people in the world."

After a moment of silence, Yao Yuanzai looked at Mu Xu and said, "I plan to make him kneel for two or three days, and then I'll take him on as my last student."

Mu Xu wasn't surprised at all. He figured that Xia Tingyu, who was like a little fox, had foreseen this, since his old friend was just that upright.

Yao Yuanzai continued, “No one can control how a person is born, but there is always someone to teach them. If they are not taught well, it is the master’s fault. If they are taught well, it is because they have learned correctly. What happened before does not affect what happens later. Be my page and correct your character.”

Mu Xu joked, "Making a once proud and arrogant prince kneel like this for the past two or three days must be quite unbearable for him."

But then he immediately added, "If she can't even get through this, I won't even let her enter the Imperial Academy!"

Master Yao looked at Mu Xu and asked, "How is the Empress? Is she coming to the palace today?"

Mu Xu shook his head: "We can't go in. The Empress went to the Su residence today, and she's feeling perfectly well."

Yao Yuanzai nodded, feeling a pang of regret, but it didn't matter. He then pressed on, "How is His Majesty? I heard that His Majesty was also unwell due to overwork."

Mu Xu smiled and said, "That's fine too."

But at this point, Mu Xu looked around and then at Yao Yuanzai: "It must be His Majesty."

At this point, Mu Xu shook his head: "I can't say for sure, and it's just my guess."

Yao Yuanzai looked at Mu Xu with curiosity.

Mu Xu continued to shake his head: "This matter is too big for me to speculate on, but if His Majesty takes a complete break and disappears from public life in a few months, then I'm sure I'm right. I'll tell you then!"

Yao Yuanzai frowned: "The affairs of the emperor cannot be subject to unfounded speculation. Moreover, you said His Majesty is resting, what did you see? If His Majesty is unwell, we should immediately notify the imperial physicians!"

Mu Xu waved his hand: "It's a good thing! A great thing! But it's just a guess. Besides, there's something I'm not sure about. I really don't think the Empress looks like her. No matter how I look at it, she doesn't look like her. But if the Empress doesn't look like her, then this matter will be awkward. It's quite annoying."

Yao Yuanzai looked puzzled.

Mu Xu shook off his worried expression and said with a smile, "You'll see him at the Dragon Boat Festival banquet tomorrow. It doesn't matter if it's a day earlier or later. As for what I said, you should observe His Majesty more tomorrow; perhaps you can figure it out."

Yao Yuanzai was puzzled by Mu Xu's rambling, but since Mu Xu was not being explicit, there must be a reason. Yao Yuanzai did not press for details, but asked in return, "May I go? On my way here, I heard that this year's Dragon Boat Festival banquet is not like the one in the past, with a large number of people invited. As a result, many officials were not invited."

Mu Xu nodded: "They are all people who have made contributions, from Su Wenqing to people in the martial arts world who have no official rank or title. Everyone who has made contributions has been invited, regardless of their official rank. Some people originally petitioned to reopen the Hua'e Tower, since the place is big enough. But His Majesty and the Empress both refused."

Yao Yuanzai frowned: "The Hua'e Tower was originally built for banquets. It was closed before because of a shortage of funds. Although I don't know much about it now, I do know that the Western Regions, Japan, and other countries have sent a lot of money, and the national treasury is full. Why is that?"

Mu Xu asked with a smile, "Why does Your Highness live in that tiny Lingqi Pavilion?"

A single sentence was enough to enlighten me.

Yao Yuanzai suddenly realized.

Mu Xu laughed and said, "Hua'e Tower was built during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong. It hasn't been properly repaired for many years. If it were to be repaired, it would cost a lot of money. The transportation of timber alone would be an astronomical figure. Even a simple repair would cost a lot of money."

Yao Yuanzai sighed inwardly once again.

Mu Xu said, "However, it doesn't matter. The main hall is big enough, and it's not like we're sitting down."

Yao Yuanzai nodded.

Mu Xu laughed and said, "It is called a Dragon Boat Festival banquet, but it is actually a victory celebration banquet. It's just that Zhao Wuxu and others couldn't make it in time. But when they return, it will be another grand palace banquet. And let me tell you, I heard that the Empress obtained a lot of knives on that trip before, and they have already been distributed to people and given to generals who have made great contributions. Civil officials also received pen washers and other such gifts. They are all top-notch rewards."

Yao Yuanzai exclaimed with emotion: "You and I can actually witness the revival of the Great Xia Dynasty."

Historically, emperors have always bestowed such lavish rewards upon those who had made significant contributions to territorial expansion.

A sign of great prosperity.

Mu Xu looked at Yao Yuanzai and said, "But, Lao Yao, there's something you need to take care of."

Yao Yuanzai looked at Mu Xu: "What is it?"

Mu Xu said, "You need to go find Yan Yunxiao. That woman and her daughter are always looking at us with displeasure and they're even resorting to violence. It's a real headache."

Yao Yuanzai rolled his eyes at Mu Xu: "Why did I have to hit you if you hadn't provoked me! Don't tell me about this! But can we go to Ruxi today?"

Mu Xu had just pursed his lips, but upon hearing the last question, he immediately said, "There's no need to go. He's fine. Although he still needs a wheelchair, it's alright. He'll be able to stand up slowly. They say it's some kind of excessive depletion of qi, but that's just something people in the martial arts world say. However, that kid can't stay idle and always wants to come back to teach. But today, I remember Xun Kuang and that sword saint went to visit him."

Yao Yuanzai nodded: "It's good that you're doing well, but things have changed. It feels like several years have passed in just one year."

Mu Xu looked at Yao Yuanzai: "Are you really not going to find Yan Yunxiao? If you don't go, I'm afraid that tomorrow, I, as the chief priest, will be beaten by Yan Yunxiao in public! You'll be the one who loses face then."

Upon hearing this, Yao Yuanzai immediately questioned, "What have you done now?!"

Mu Xu immediately said, "What can I do! I just said to His Majesty that Yan Yunxiao is not young anymore and it is time to train a successor!"

Yao Yuanzai cursed, "Back then, all the teacher said was that Yunxiao was a woman, and she was beaten up. Now you're saying things like that, aren't you asking for a beating? Now you want me to apologize for you? Get out!"

But after saying that, she looked at Mu Xu and said, "Come with me to see Liu Xuan and the others. I want to ask them about their trip to Japan and what they saw and heard."

Mu Xu stepped forward and looked at Yao Yuanzai: "If you don't go find Yan Yunxiao to settle things for me, I'll drag you into this tomorrow and make a scene! I'll embarrass you! Anyway, I don't care, but now that you're back, you have to take care of me!"

Yao Yuanzai angrily retorted, "You're my superior! Not my son!"

...

P.S.: I went to bed early last night, and my sleep schedule is inexplicably back to normal. There will be a second update today, returning to a two-update schedule.

(End of this chapter)