Grandpa Yang pondered for a moment and then said, "Hmm."
Gu Ziyi was also a little puzzled.
This old man is too profound and too difficult to understand.
Gu Ziyi became even more certain of his guess. Although he was not yet nine years old, as the crown prince, he had to learn all kinds of knowledge from a young age.
This naturally includes some old stories from the previous dynasty.
Historical records state that in the 29th year of the Yuan Dynasty, Yang Sizong, the son of Yang Daren, a fifth-rank censor-in-chief, excelled in the imperial examinations and entered the Censorate as the top scholar.
He was later appreciated and promoted to Grand Tutor, where he taught the Crown Prince until he ascended the throne.
At the age of thirty, Grand Tutor Yang became the tutor of the young crown prince, assisting him all the way to the throne.
Yang Taifu taught two emperors throughout his life, and was highly respected for his virtue and achievements. In his later years, when he was no longer able to continue, he resigned from his post and retired to his hometown.
The history books record the life of a loyal minister who served two generations of emperors in just a few strokes.
Gu Ziyi narrowed his eyes slightly. Others only knew the stories of harmonious relations between the emperor and his ministers in history books, but they did not know the truth behind them.
When he was young, he was taught by Grand Tutor Zeng, and once expressed his feelings unintentionally.
"History books, ah. Your Highness, you must know that what you see is not necessarily true, and what you hear is not necessarily false."
The usually serious and cautious Grand Tutor's eyes reddened for the first time. Looking at the birds flying in the sky, he unconsciously expressed his complex emotions, "Everyone says that you retired after achieving your goals, but how many people know the blood that flowed like a river in front of Xuanwu Gate back then?"
At the time, Gu Ziyi was still confused, but she remembered those unintentional words.
Gu Ziyi raised his eyes to meet Old Master Yang's gaze, his voice soft but his tone remarkably certain: "Grand Tutor Yang?"
Madam Yang, who had just sat down, froze, and the chair almost tipped over.
Shen Jiawen looked bewildered and turned to look at Gu Ziyi with a puzzled expression.
Old Master Yang smiled calmly, raised his teacup and gestured towards him, as if to offer a toast.
"Your Highness is indeed wise. No wonder Lili went to great lengths to ask me to meet you."
Gu Ziyi's eyes trembled. Although he had already guessed it, he was still shocked by this unbelievable fact.
The ability of someone who has served two generations of monarchs is self-evident!
The Yang family had disappeared for over twenty years, and almost no one knew their whereabouts. He never expected to be so fortunate as to meet the old man himself.
Such a remarkable person is now living in seclusion here. Gu Ziyi felt sorry for him and couldn't help but imagine.
The gift that Lili mentioned was bringing him to see Grand Tutor Yang.
Old Master Yang seemed to have figured it out long ago; his conversation with Shen Jiawen earlier was more of a probe than an investigation.
Could it be that Lili wants to...?
Gu Ziyi's expression hardened, and he lifted his robe, looking respectful: "Please enlighten me, Grand Tutor!"
Madam Yang hesitated, but Old Master Yang remained calm, as if he had already expected it. Madam Yang could only sit quietly to the side, her brows furrowed. Perhaps she was recalling some unpleasant memories, for her face was somewhat pale.
Shen Jiawen's lips moved slightly, his eyes darted around, and then his knees buckled and he knelt down.
Since His Highness the Crown Prince has knelt, shouldn't he also kneel?
Does this mean His Highness the Crown Prince also wants to become an apprentice?
He's going to be a fellow student of the Crown Prince.
Grandpa Yang held Grandma Yang's hand reassuringly, patted it gently, and asked, "How many years... have we been away from the capital?"
After a two-second silence, Madam Yang's voice was filled with helplessness and sorrow: "It's been almost twenty-five years."
"Hmm." Old Master Yang nodded. "Jiawen, get up first."
Shen Jiawen understood them less and less. What did they mean by leaving the capital? The Yang family came from the capital.
Grand Tutor?
Why does His Highness the Crown Prince call his teacher, Grand Tutor Yang?
When Grandpa Yang told him to get up, Shen Jiawen had no choice but to sit down again, though he was somewhat uneasy.
He had never heard of the Yang family coming from the capital.
"Your Highness, please rise as well."
Gu Zi hesitated for a moment, then sat down.
Neither Old Master Yang nor Old Madam Yang had heard the title "Grand Tutor" for a long time.
They had long since left that time behind twenty-five years ago; they were unwilling to recall it, and could not recall it.
Madam Yang asked somewhat nervously, "Grandpa, do you intend to take His Highness the Crown Prince under your wing as well?"
The worry on Madam Yang's face was undisguised. It was one thing to deal with Shen Jiawen, but if Gu Ziyi were also dragged into it, wouldn't the Yang family be drawn into that vortex again?
Grandpa Yang shook his head; he wasn't blind to the joy and hope in Gu Ziyi's eyes.
Indeed, Yang Sizong had a glorious life. Even though he had been away from the court for so many years, he was still considered top-notch in terms of seniority, ability, and reputation.
Even if few people know the truth of what happened back then, there will always be some rumors. If the late emperor had not listened to slander back then, Master Yang would still be the selfless Grand Tutor Yang today.
Although Mr. Yang's glory has faded, his achievements in the first half of his life were enough to make him famous throughout the world.
If one could receive guidance or even a single word of advice from such a person, one would surely gain a great deal.
"Your Highness, I have long since withdrawn from court politics, and for whatever reason, I have no strong desire to return to that place."
"Grand Tutor, the late Emperor was Ziyi's grandfather. Ziyi would like to apologize to you on his behalf."
Grandpa Yang smiled and said, "The rights and wrongs are all in the past."
"Grand Tutor..."
"Alright, stop calling me Grand Tutor. More than twenty years ago, the Yang family was no longer the same Yang family, and I am no longer the Grand Tutor who assisted the emperor. I took this child as my disciple for two reasons. First, I hope that more of what I have learned in my life can be spread. Second, as you just saw, Jiawen's performance is no less than yours; he is a promising talent."
Shen Jiawen's feelings were no longer just shock.
It was shocking! Shock ...
What's going on?
Are there hidden masters among ordinary people?
If it were anyone else, it wouldn't matter, but these were his third aunt's maternal grandparents!
Grand Tutor?
How... how... how... how...
Shen Jiawen was becoming somewhat incoherent.
Pear is truly amazing.
Lili found a master for her fourth brother, who turned out to be the famous Physician Sikong.
Lili found a master for her older brother, who turned out to be the number one expert in the Great Jin Kingdom.
According to this logic, his master was Yang Taifu, who was once famous throughout the Southern Jin Dynasty... which doesn't seem wrong.
Gu Ziyi felt a little disappointed, but he was naturally prepared for this.
However, Lili must have believed that he could get guidance from Grandpa Yang through his own efforts, which is why she brought him here.
Besides, he was also very eager to hear the unique insights of this highly talented old tutor.
Gu Ziyi frowned and bowed again: "Grandpa Yang, regardless of anything else, let me ask you a question."
Whether it was Gu Ziyi's imagination or not, Old Master Yang's expression seemed more relaxed, with a hint of a secret smile flashing in his eyes.
"Please feel free to speak."
"Back then, you insisted on having the late emperor reform the new laws, disregarding the late emperor's dissatisfaction and the opposition of the ministers. It was because of this that the late emperor began to distance himself from you."
Gu Ziyi said, "But at that time, the world was at peace and the Southern Jin Dynasty was powerful. Why insist on this?"
Shen Jiawen listened intently.
"Um."
After listening, Old Master Yang stroked his beard and said, "You only know that the world is at peace, but do you know how the people live?"
Gu Ziyi was also stunned.
"During the reign of your Emperor Taizu, the Southern Jin Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty fought a great war. War always brings a lot to people. But the court had no choice. With a major war on the front lines, without feeding the troops and ensuring the soldiers were well-fed, it was impossible to win the battle. The war lasted for a long time until the national treasury was empty. Your Emperor Taizu had no choice but to temporarily increase taxes and change policies to ensure sufficient supplies for the front lines."
In the aftermath of the great war, the people suffered greatly, and their lives were severely impacted. The two countries were negotiating a peace treaty. To avoid any unforeseen circumstances and to prevent the Southern Jin from being caught off guard, all the previously proposed policies remained unchanged. Later, your grandfather ascended the throne. By then, the Southern Jin and the Great Jin had already signed a peace treaty, and a few years later, the people's lives stabilized.
But at this point, when I again advised your grandfather to change the policy, he made all sorts of excuses.
Gu Ziyi frowned: "If that's the case, then there are special circumstances in special times, which is unavoidable. But why is Grandfather unwilling?"
"A good question, Your Majesty. The reason you are a ruler is ultimately because of the support of the people. The so-called principle is to take from the people and use for the people. However, your great-grandfather took five parts but only used three parts. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. Therefore, it is not without reason that your great-grandfather had the shortest reign among all emperors in history."
"Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it..."
Gu Ziyi was deep in thought.
Grandpa Yang observed silently.
The atmosphere became very serious for a moment, until a very incongruous smell of roasted chicken wafted in.
"Roast chicken, roast chicken, roast chicken, fragrant and tender roast chicken!"
Before you see him, you hear his voice.
Pear brought in a roast chicken, still covered in lotus leaves, and held it in a large basin. Whether it was steam or oil, it was seeping out through the gaps in the lotus leaves, making it look shiny and oily.
The atmosphere inside the room was immediately shattered.
"Roast chicken, roast chicken, who wants to eat delicious roast chicken!"
Lili laughed so hard her body trembled. She was completely captivated by the aroma of the roasted chicken and wished she could swallow the chicken and lotus leaf whole.
After seeing the interior of the room, Gu Ziyi knelt on the ground with a devout and solemn expression. Shen Jiawen and Madam Yang had complicated expressions, while only Old Master Yang relaxed slightly.
Lili paused, then took a half-step back towards the outside while still holding the roast chicken: "Oh dear, doesn't anyone want to eat roast chicken?"
Gu Ziyi remained calm and said, "Thank you for your explanation, sir."
Then, quite naturally, he stood up and took the roast chicken from Lili's hand: "Let me take it."
Lili blinked, peeked out and observed the various expressions on the faces of the group, and roughly understood.
Grandpa Yang beckoned her over: "You, you always have so many clever ideas."
"Hehe, is Great-Grandfather not satisfied? How about Third Brother? Isn't he even more capable than my Father?"
Yes, yes, yes.
Lili happily skipped over to Shen Jiawen's side, winking at him: "How was it, brother? Did you like the gift Lili gave you?"
Shen Jiawen was naturally very excited. Upon seeing his sister, he instinctively wanted to tell her about his joy and excitement.
However, with the two elders present, Shen Jiawen didn't want his newly apprenticed teacher to think he was unreliable, so he simply pressed his lips down and nodded very firmly.
"Thank you, little sister."
Lili smiled and said, "I don't have the ability to get Great-Grandfather to agree. It's you who are so capable, brother."
Shen Jiawen's eyes flickered slightly, her enthusiasm touched.
My sister is so wonderful, having a sister is so great.
He must try his best!
He also needs to be able to protect his sister!
Yang Ji and Guo arrived late, and even if they didn't know what had just happened, they could guess pretty much what had happened.
"Alright, it's getting late." Old Master Yang picked out a few books for Shen Jiawen. "Go home. Don't let anyone know about these things for now. These books are perfect for you. Read them carefully. There are annotations next to the parts you don't understand."
"Um!"
"I'll come home to see you all again in a few days!"
The rest of the Yang family remained silent. Lili, carrying the roast chicken, led the preoccupied Gu Ziyi and the spirited Shen Jiawen away.
After watching the group leave, Madam Yang sighed, "Grandpa, you still can't let go of Southern Jin after all."
"I was promoted to Grand Tutor by the late Emperor when I was twenty-seven. If it weren't for the late Emperor, how could the Yang family have achieved its current prosperity?" Old Master Yang shook his head with a smile. "I promised the late Emperor that I would protect the Southern Jin Dynasty for generations to come."
Madam Yang didn't expose it.
She was Old Master Yang's bedmate, so how could she not know what he was thinking?
However, His Highness the Crown Prince is indeed a good person.
Looking at Gu Ziyi, who seemed preoccupied, Lili was very curious. She tore off pieces of roast chicken and put them into her mouth, asking him, "What's wrong, Your Highness?"
Gu Ziyi smiled and said, "It's nothing."
Shen Jiawen was a little uneasy. His Highness the Crown Prince was of noble status, while he was just an ordinary commoner. Yet, such a powerful figure had accepted him as a student and rejected His Highness the Crown Prince.
Will His Highness make things difficult for him?
"Your Highness possesses an extraordinary appearance; my teacher... he must have his own reasons."
Gu Ziyi smiled faintly: "Third Young Master, there is no need to panic. I am not bothered by this. It is an honor to receive a word of guidance from the legendary Grand Tutor Yang today."
He also met this legendary figure who lived on in other people's mouths.
He was just thinking about what he had just said.
"Your Highness doesn't understand yet."
"Um?"
Gu Ziyi glanced sideways, somewhat puzzled.
“My great-grandfather had not left the mountain for over twenty years. When he first came to Nanlin County, many people came to seek his advice, but he did not want to cause any more trouble and traveled all the way to the village of Juren before he gradually calmed down.” Lili paused. “But today, my great-grandfather is willing to answer your questions. Your Highness, do you think that’s why?”
Gu Ziyi frowned, his expression changing: "Could it be..."
“It doesn’t mean anything else that my great-grandfather didn’t want to take you as a student.” Lili pouted.
Gu Ziyi stared at Lili, his eyes sparkling with joy: "Is that really true?"
"It couldn't be more real."
When Grandpa Yang confessed his past to her, she could tell that his ambitions had never changed.
He still had high hopes for the country and longed to help the people in his own way.
However, the incident involving the late emperor made him hesitate and prevented him from taking any more risks.
When Old Master Yang last saw Gu Ziyi, he was secretly sizing him up.
Today, Lili brought Gu Ziyi to Grandpa Yang so that he could see him for himself.
Judging from the results, Mr. Yang was satisfied.
Gu Ziyi is kind-hearted and cares deeply for the people. He is also resourceful and capable, and it is hard to find anyone more suitable to be an emperor.
Lili's affirmation of Gu Ziyi undoubtedly provided him with another layer of protection. Therefore, after Old Master Yang met with him in person, he took that step.
He was willing to be Gu Ziyi's strategist behind the scenes.
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