In the following days, Wen Hemian continued to teach Xie Lang. She did not leave the palace and stayed overnight in a side hall.
Emperor Shun reigned for decades, committing numerous misdeeds. He also favored eunuchs and neglected state affairs, leading to the loss of power. While he was alive, these people were able to maintain a semblance of calm, but as soon as he died, the conflict immediately erupted.
If Wen Hemian hadn't received a notification from the system in advance to bring people into the palace, Xie Lang would have faced several more risks.
Controlling a puppet emperor and using him to command the feudal lords was a shared idea among several groups.
But now that Wen Hemian has arrived, we can't let them succeed.
Fortunately, the original owner's father held a high position and great power, and even though he was far away on the border, he left her something to rely on. Her waist token could mobilize the Imperial Guards. Now, in addition to the secret guards, the Imperial Guards were also guarding the area, temporarily isolating this place from the internal and external conflicts of the court.
Within a few days, Emperor Shun was hastily buried, leaving Xie Lang as the only legitimate heir. However, no one had the heart to hold a coronation ceremony for this young emperor who had come from the cold palace. They were afraid that he was illiterate and would not be able to handle the occasion. Calling him "Your Majesty" was the best attitude they could give.
However, the young emperor had no real power and no maternal clan to support him, so everyone assumed he could only be a puppet.
Wen Hemian's act of imprisoning him in the palace further confirms this claim.
Wen Hemian was appointed Grand Tutor as soon as she entered officialdom. The court officials already had many grievances against her, and this incident gave rise to some speculations.
"Rumor has it that the Prince of Huailing harbored rebellious intentions back then. Now that his son is so arrogant, does he want to overthrow the country for his own selfish desires?"
"What are you up to, that mere brat holding the young emperor captive and preventing us from seeing him?"
"I think she's guilty, bah!"
The most vocal critics were the censors. They didn't have much real power, but they were incredibly venomous with their mouths. In just a few words, Wen Hemian was portrayed as a wicked and treacherous minister.
However, Wen Hemian listened but paid no attention.
In times of turmoil in the court, loyal and humble officials cannot remain in their posts; it is better to become a treacherous minister.
A great villain may appear loyal.
Wen Hemian studied history in her previous life, so she understands this issue better than anyone else.
"Cough cough."
Seeing that she was staring at her studies without saying a word, Xie Lang felt a pang of anxiety. He was too embarrassed to urge her, so he could only cough twice in an attempt to get her attention.
Wen Hemian snapped out of her reverie and looked at him with a gentle smile: "Well written, practice more. Your Majesty's insights are very unique. I've selected a few books for you to read."
As someone capable of ruining the lives of the male and female leads, Xie Lang is extremely intelligent. He was originally good at imitation, and after Wen Hemian corrected his writing style, his brushstrokes became very fluent in just a few days, which was much easier than teaching an ordinary child.
However, the child doesn't seem to have much empathy. Wen Hemian guessed that it was probably due to his upbringing. He would correct it slowly and not rush it.
Upon receiving the praise, Xie Lang raised an eyebrow, but still maintained a reserved tone, saying, "Okay."
After a few days of rest, the bruises on his face faded, revealing a tender little face with a rosy glow, and round, dark eyes, just like a puppy, which was quite endearing.
Wen Hemian has never been able to resist children, and seeing this, she smiled and pinched his cheek: "If you learn well, I'll take you to court in a while."
Xie Lang quickly covered his face, took two steps back, and the dissatisfaction that had just surfaced was instantly washed away by the news. His eyes brightened: "May I attend court now?"
Wen Hemian smiled: "You are the emperor, of course you have to attend court. Also, remember, in the future, when you are in front of others, you shall refer to yourself as '朕' (Zhen, the imperial proclamation)."
Xie Lang immediately put his words into action: "I understand."
He was trying to act mature with a childlike face, and Wen Hemian was charmed by his cuteness. Unfortunately, the little brat was wary, and her wish to pinch his cheek again was dashed.
-
After the turmoil gradually subsided, Wen Hemian withdrew the people surrounding the palace and took Xie Lang to the Imperial Household Department to personally select some servants.
These people will all be around Xie Lang from now on. Wen Hemian didn't interfere and let him choose for himself.
Among them, the most clever-looking eunuch was chosen by Xie Lang to serve him. He was named Lai Xi, which is a rather auspicious name.
After thinking for a moment, Wen Hemian took off her waist tag and handed it to Xie Lang.
Xie Lang's eyelashes trembled.
He knew what it was; he had seen it before, far away, at his adoptive father's place—something that could mobilize the Imperial Guards.
"Keep it. The palace is only so big, and there are many places where we need people. However, this commander of the Imperial Guards is not easy to talk to. Your Majesty should not be frightened into tears by him."
"I won't cry," Xie Lang retorted with a straight face. He glanced cautiously at Wen Hemian. "You give this to me, so what about you?"
Rumor has it that the heir of the Prince of Huailing was born weak and was raised in a temple. Now that it is cold, Wen Hemian is always wrapped up tightly in front of him. She is slender and looks frail. If he is given to her, who will protect her?
"Is Your Majesty concerned about me?"
Wen Hemian glanced at him with amusement and said, "I also have secret guards by my side, and they are no less capable than the Imperial Guards."
Xie Lang remained silent, his face cold.
This child is very wary, so it's already rare to hear his silent concern. Wen Hemian didn't hold it against him and took him back to the palace after choosing the person.
Unexpectedly, halfway there, they encountered Ning Hechu, who was on his way to the palace.
This person is none other than the current Grand Secretary, one of the biggest instigators of the court turmoil, and also Xie Lang's biggest enemy during his rule.
Several eunuchs who were highly favored by Emperor Shun died at his hands.
He seized power while Emperor Shun was not attending to state affairs, and now he is even more powerful and influential, standing above the Six Ministries. He can be called a powerful minister.
After the results of the imperial examinations were announced, he sent people to contact Wen Heming on several occasions. Wen Heming knew that what he wanted to do was completely different from his own, so he refused all of them.
But we still met eventually.
Ning Hechu, in his early thirties, looked like a clean-cut civil official. He didn't greet the two of them, but instead asked with a smile, "Is this His Majesty the young emperor?"
A smiling fox.
Wen Hemian dared not relax. Just as she was about to speak, her sleeve was suddenly tugged. The little brat seemed frightened and shrank behind her, still trembling slightly. His wet eyes peeked out from time to time, not daring to look at Ning Hechu.
A thought struck her, and she raised her hand to protect Xie Lang: "Yes, Lord Ning, you flatter me."
Ning Hechu raised an eyebrow with interest: "The young emperor seems a bit timid. I heard that Grand Tutor Wen is teaching him to read. I wonder how well it's going?"
It seemed like the simplest of casual conversations, but Wen Hemian smiled calmly and said, "Not bad. His Majesty learned to read late, so he just needs to put in more effort."
“Grand Tutor Wen is the youngest top scholar in the imperial examination, so teaching him should be easy.” Ning Hechu didn’t know whether he believed it or not. He withdrew his gaze and said slowly, “I have things to do, so I’ll take my leave now.”
Wen Hemian: "Please take care, Lord Ning."
Once back at the palace, Wen Hemian pulled the person who had been carefully clinging to her back to face her.
"I didn't realize His Majesty was such a good actor."
If she hadn't known that this brat was arrogant and looked down on people, she would have really believed it.
Xie Lang froze for a moment, then stiffened his neck and said, "...It's just so-so!"
Wen Hemian burst out laughing.
Xie Lang glared at her.
So annoying!
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