Chapter 90 The Revenge for His Father's Murder [Bonus Chapter]
The nobles suddenly realized that Guan Zhiwei was an advanced version of Gao Yang and a fusion of Yuwen Taishi. She had martial prowess, brains, but no moral compass and could feign innocence, something that should have been the forte of scholars.
How could there be such a person in this world! In a sense, she was both a scholar and a warrior—she possessed the hypocrisy of a scholar and the skill of a warrior with swords and spears.
Their complacent attitude finally started to waver, and they began to try to do something.
Just like the methods used before to differentiate between Gao Chang and Zhi Fang, they have been put back into use.
Chen Wen secretly sent someone to deliver a message, inviting Gao Huan to his residence for a chat.
After a moment's thought, Gao Huan gladly accepted the invitation.
The two sat facing each other in the small courtyard, which featured flowing water and rocks, creating an exceptionally elegant atmosphere.
"Silang, your father asked me for books for you to read, praising your talent from a young age and your mastery of the classics."
"No matter how many books I read, it's hard to cross that chasm. Since ancient times, etiquette has never extended to commoners. On the contrary, today, thanks to Grand Tutor Guan, I've been able to enter this high gate," Gao Huan said with worry.
Chen Wen was not stumped. Instead, he slowly said, "The reason why etiquette is not extended to commoners is because ordinary people are busy working day and night to make a living, so they cannot fully abide by etiquette in all aspects of interpersonal interactions. If I treat you with etiquette and expect you to reciprocate, wouldn't that be adding trouble for you? If I treat you with etiquette and you don't know how to return the courtesy, wouldn't that be even more awkward? If you know etiquette, and I treat you with etiquette, then that would be just right."
After saying this, he stood up and bowed, displaying an elegant demeanor despite his advanced age.
Gao Huan immediately returned the greeting.
He had to admit that Chen Ling did possess an indescribable air of elegance and charm that was truly captivating, unlike Guan Zhiwei.
But he also knew very well that he was able to benefit from the family's generosity today because of Guan Zhiwei.
After exchanging greetings, the two took their seats again.
The maidservants brewed tea for the two of them, and the aroma of the tea filled the air. They then served the tea to the two of them.
Chen Wen spoke calmly and righteously: "If Fourth Brother is ignorant of etiquette, I will not mention what I have to say today. But since Fourth Brother is knowledgeable, then I will speak of it. Filial piety is the principle of Heaven, the righteousness of Earth, and the conduct of the people."
"Since ancient times, it has been difficult to be both loyal and filial. Although my father raised me, he is also a sinner of the Great Zhou. The relationship between ruler and subject comes before that between father and son, and loyalty comes before filial piety. Since loyalty and filial piety are difficult to reconcile, we must choose the greater one!" Gao Huan had already rehearsed these words in his mind many times, and he spoke them fluently.
Chen Wen frowned: "Of all the virtues a gentleman should uphold, filial piety is the foremost."
Gao Huan cupped his hands towards the east, saying, "I regard Your Majesty as my father, thus fulfilling both my loyalty and filial piety."
Chen asked: "..." This person is shameless.
He could only extend the conversation, saying, "Back when the late emperor was alive, a minister was convicted of a crime. The late emperor advocated for him to be flogged, but Grand Tutor Yuwen opposed it. He said, 'Punishment does not apply to high officials,' because high officials are close to the monarch and need to be taught a sense of shame. How can one easily inflict the humiliation of flogging and treat them like a commoner? I didn't understand, so I asked him why he pleaded for that man. He said, 'Grand Tutor, Grand Preceptor, and Grand Commandant—these three positions are attainable by anyone when the time is right. But if a precedent is set for beating ministers, I'm afraid neither you nor I will escape it. I'm doing this for the sake of all the gentlemen in the land.' At the time, I didn't fully grasp the meaning, but today I understand the Grand Tutor's good intentions."
The young emperor's killing of Grand Tutor Yuwen left a grudge in the hearts of these aristocratic families, which led to a series of subsequent events.
From this point on, it seemed that even the lives of aristocratic families were becoming worthless.
They thought they could stay out of it, but they overestimated the era and themselves.
While Chen Wen appeared to be lamenting the twists and turns of fate, he was actually subtly giving Gao Huan some pointers.
Guan Zhiwei has humiliated the court officials today; the same insult may fall on you, Gao Huan, in the future.
Gao Huan smiled slightly: "Actually, Grand Tutor Guan is a very easy person to talk to, as long as he is willing to humble himself."
As Chen Wen sipped his tea, he said slowly, "It is true that aristocratic families have lost power, but gains and losses are temporary, while honor and disgrace last for a thousand years."
They still couldn't let go of their pride.
They could even advise His Majesty, so why wouldn't Guan Zhiwei listen?!
Guan Zhiwei, a mere blacksmith and medicine seller, has only existed for a short time, while powerful families have stood strong for countless years.
Gao Huan remained calm and composed: "Has Chen Ling finished speaking? If so, I also have something to say. The world's affairs are formed gradually; the world's events are accumulated over time. The world is ever-changing, as the saying goes. Why doesn't Chen Ling leave a way out for the Chen family?"
Chen Wen thought of Guan Zhiwei and fell silent.
The conversation lasted until the afternoon, when Gao Huan dragged his tired body home.
Guan Zhiwei was already waiting at the Grand Tutor's mansion. She lay on the couch, propping her chin up with one hand, and said listlessly, "I'm so tired of hearing about this. What outrageous thing have you done?"
Gao Huan mentally scanned the list of people who might come to complain, his eyes narrowing slightly before relaxing again: "I haven't even gotten home yet, and someone's already come to complain?"
Guan Zhiwei laughed without saying a word. She patted the spot next to her, signaling someone to come over, and asked directly, "Are you going to talk to that guy surnamed Chen about how to kill me?"
Gao Huan knelt upright before him and reported the situation: "Chen Wen wants me to avenge my father's death."
"What did you say?" she asked, quite curious.
Gao Huan said calmly, "I said, let someone else handle the matter of avenging my father's death."
Guan Zhiwei burst into laughter: "Hahahaha, he'll make you choke to death. He must be furious. How did Gao Yang end up with such a coward like you?"
Gao Huan wept silently: "Yes, he also cursed me, saying I betrayed my father for personal gain. He said that others leave behind a pure reputation, while I leave behind a pathetic and worthless one."
Guan Zhiwei exclaimed "Oh dear!" several times, then laughed in surprise, "It can't be that bad, you're even crying."
"Does my lord think I cried because I was scolded? No, I cried because my colleagues don't trust each other. Knowing that even you don't believe in my loyalty to you, how can we face the outside world if we are not of one mind?"
Guan Zhiwei casually betrayed the other party, "He didn't say anything, just that Chen Wen was good at bewitching people and told me to be careful."
It really was that brat!
Gao Huan sighed: "I'll go see Chen Wen and persuade him not to hold you back, and to leave the Chen family a way out. If our lord wants to attack the Yuan clan, we must first secure our internal affairs before dealing with external threats; the rear cannot be in chaos."
"So I misunderstood you?"
"How can this be the lord's fault? It's all the slander of petty people who are trying to drive a wedge between us."
Gao Huan wiped away his tears and said, "When our lord attacks the Yuan clan, Yong'an City will surely have to release people. Knowing that you are young, it would be better to place you here..."
Guan Zhiwei interrupted, "I've already decided to take him with me, and leave Zhifang to guard Yong'an City. That whole den of foxes is full of sly foxes; we need to put wolves in their way. Zhijunyuan is too naive."
Gao Huan forced a smile and said, "My lord is wise. It is his good fortune that Zhi Junyuan is valued by my lord."
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