"Grand Tutor, please reconsider!"

"Yes, Grand Tutor, you are a pillar of the court. If you were to resign, His Majesty would be heartbroken!"

The court officials all tried to persuade him to stay, but it is unknown how many of them were truly sincere in their pleas.

All they knew was that Grand Tutor Xie's resignation at this juncture was tantamount to making a concession in his contest with the Emperor, and his attitude would also influence the stance of other powerful families.

After all, even a powerful family like the Xie family chose to retreat, so how could they possibly go against His Majesty?

Many people secretly cursed the old man for being cunning, knowing that moving one thing could affect the whole situation, and that what he did was tantamount to putting them on the hot seat!

The Chongde Emperor above had a deep and inscrutable expression as he quietly watched the people below arguing, showing little surprise.

This was because before this, Grand Tutor Xie had come to see him, and the two had a private talk.

...

Grand Tutor Xie's prestige soared to new heights, and when those words of praise reached Emperor Chongde's ears, they were like thorns piercing his heart!

He wanted to dismantle the powerful families, but at this crucial moment, he couldn't touch them. His anger was palpable.

It was at this moment that Eunuch Fu cautiously reported: "Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Xie requests an audience."

Emperor Chongde's expression was inscrutable. After a moment, he raised his hand and beckoned someone in.

The elderly Grand Tutor Xie entered the hall shakily. His hair was gray, and his face was lined with the wrinkles of time; he was no longer young.

Looking at him like this, Emperor Chongde suddenly remembered the past, when they had actually had a period of harmonious relations between the emperor and his subject.

When he was young, he was taught by Grand Tutor Xie, who was then the Grand Preceptor. He was serious and treated all the princes and princesses equally, without any favoritism.

Emperor Chongde was somewhat afraid of him. Among all the tutors, Grand Tutor Xie was undoubtedly the strictest. He would never tolerate any mistakes or omissions in academic studies.

But he was also the most impartial one. His father doted on Mingyi, and most of the people below fawned over her while belittling her, but he showed no favoritism and treated everyone as they were.

Later, when Emperor Chongde first ascended the throne, his position was not yet secure. Grand Tutor Xie became his tutor and provided him with full support. It was because of Xie's assistance that his path was so smooth.

He was certainly grateful to the other party, but people always change. Everything that the other party had taught him in the past was ultimately used on him.

Concealing the complex emotions in his eyes, and remaining calm on the surface regardless of his inner turmoil, he said, "Grand Tutor, please rise and have a seat."

Seeing that the other party had taken a seat, a smile appeared on his face, just like a kind and benevolent monarch. "Grand Tutor, what brings you here?"

Grand Tutor Xie raised his head: "I request an audience with Your Majesty today because I have a request."

Emperor Chongde remained outwardly vigilant, feigning confusion: "Oh?"

"Your Majesty, I am old and wish to retire to my hometown to enjoy my remaining years. I beg Your Majesty to grant me permission."

Emperor Chongde was taken aback. Clearly, this move by the other party was far beyond his expectations. However, he frowned in an instant and said disapprovingly, "How could I bear to let the Grand Tutor leave? How can the court be without the Grand Tutor?"

Being suspicious by nature, he always felt that the other party was testing him.

After all, who would easily give up the wealth, honor, and power they have gained?

Grand Tutor Xie stood up and bowed deeply: "There are many virtuous and talented people in the court. It is time for me to retire. My mind is made up. I beg Your Majesty to grant my request!"

Emperor Chongde stared at him intently for a long time before finally speaking with a sigh, "Grand Tutor, have you made up your mind?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Grand Tutor Xie lowered his eyes, then paused abruptly. "But before that, I have another request."

Emperor Chongde thought to himself, "As expected," and said calmly, "Grand Tutor, please speak. As long as I can do it."