Chapter 10 No man in the world can compare to you.
After leaving Yanying Hall, Li Yuanzhao went straight to Wenhua Hall to pay his respects to the Grand Tutor.
In this world, she can be as arrogant and disregard everyone as she pleases.
Only in front of her father and the Grand Tutor did she have to conceal her sharpness and bow her head to listen respectfully to their teachings.
Grand Tutor Liu Jinzhang achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations at the age of seventeen, becoming the top scholar in the imperial examinations. He was truly a prodigy.
He once served as a Hanlin Academician and presided over the revision of the Jinghe Encyclopedia, which took six years to complete, compiling all the classics of the previous dynasty.
He later served as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, where he presided over the reform of the grain transport system, reducing the loss of grain transported from the south of the Yangtze River from 30% to less than 10%.
Six years ago, the Emperor defied public opinion and directly appointed the former "Half-Court Liu" as the teacher of Li Yuanzhao, who was only twelve years old at the time.
Now, I have been teaching her diligently for more than six years.
It was common knowledge in both the court and among the people that although the Grand Tutor held no real official position, he still participated in discussions of state affairs before the emperor.
Whenever there were important military or national affairs, the emperor would summon him to the palace for private discussions.
When important officials in the court discussed matters, they would often first try to get the Grand Tutor's opinion, as his opinion could directly influence the decision.
The Grand Tutor was one of the few people whom Li Yuanzhao truly respected.
He was well-versed in history and knowledgeable in worldly affairs, and his demeanor reflected the "legacy of ancient sages".
He speaks fluently and eloquently, quoting classical texts with great familiarity, and his analysis of current affairs is incisive and to the point.
His profound understanding and vision far surpassed that of ordinary Confucian scholars.
Before entering the Wenhua Hall, Li Yuanzhao paused to straighten his clothes. "I have returned from Suzhou and have come to pay my respects to my teacher."
The tone was unusually respectful.
A cool, clear voice came from inside the hall, "Come in."
Upon entering the hall, he saw Liu Jinzhang sitting alone at a table, playing chess with him.
This renowned tutor was only twenty-nine years old this year. He wore a wide robe with long sleeves that reached the ground, and his black hair was loosely tied up with a wooden hairpin.
The hand holding the chess piece was long and slender, with distinct joints. When placing a piece, the wide sleeves fluttered, revealing a slender wrist bone.
His natural demeanor and graceful movements exude an air of otherworldly elegance.
Li Yuanzhao bowed deeply, "Greetings, teacher."
Liu Jinzhang didn't even look up. He held the black piece between his long, slender fingers for a moment before finally placing it.
He picked up another white piece before looking up and saying, "Sit down."
She sat down on the cushion opposite the chessboard, her posture changed from her usual casualness; she sat up straight, exuding an air of elegance and composure.
Without waiting for the Grand Tutor's instruction, he picked up a white piece and placed it in the southeast corner of the chessboard.
After dozens of moves, Liu Jinzhang suddenly spoke up, "Why are you so restless after your trip out?"
Li Yuanzhao's hand holding the chess piece paused slightly. "How does the Grand Tutor make this judgment?"
"Your playing style reflects your personality. In the past, you valued 'steadiness' most in your games. Now..."
He raised his eyes, his gaze as still as a deep well, "Too much killing intent."
"Are you worried?"
His voice remained calm, yet it seemed to carry a subtle warmth.
Li Yuanzhao gazed at the intertwined black and white pieces on the chessboard and said softly, "Grand Tutor, what do you think of me ruling this world?"
“Compared to the Second Prince’s indecisiveness and the Third Princess’s spoiled and willful nature…” Liu Jinzhang placed a black piece, “naturally you are more suitable.”
"What if we compare them to all the men in the world?"
Liu Jinzhang's fingers didn't stop; without hesitation, he placed a piece and said, "Most men in the world are not as good as you."
Li Yuanzhao suddenly looked up, "How does that compare to the Grand Tutor?"
The hall fell silent for a moment, with only the faint sound of candle wicks popping.
Liu Jinzhang looked at the student he had personally taught for six years and smiled slightly.
"You are exceptionally talented, diligent and eager to learn, and what is even more remarkable is your ambition to conquer the world. Given time, even I, your teacher, may not be able to match you."
Li Yuanzhao fell into deep thought and remained silent.
With a soft "tap," Liu Jinzhang placed the chess piece on the board and said gently, "You've lost."
Li Yuanzhao then looked down at the chessboard and saw that all the white pieces' paths had been blocked.
She frankly admitted, "In chess, I am indeed inferior to the Grand Tutor."
Liu Jinzhang stared at her. "What you're worried about is whether others can match you?"
“Of course not.” Li Yuanzhao’s tone regained its usual arrogance. “I know that in this world, no one can compare to me.”
These words were extremely arrogant, yet even the Grand Tutor, a man who was always aloof and upright, did not refute them.
Li Yuanzhao changed the subject, "What worries me is that my father wants to choose a husband for me, and I don't know who to choose?"
Liu Jinzhang's hand trembled slightly as he put away the chess pieces, and a barely perceptible ripple flashed in his usually calm eyes.
He lowered his eyes, his thick eyelashes casting a shadow on his face: "Marriage is a serious matter that requires careful consideration."
Li Yuanzhao suddenly leaned forward, "Grand Tutor, which do you think is more worthy of me: the noble Pei family, the powerful Xu family, the stunning beauty of the Lin family, or the 100,000 elite soldiers under my uncle's command?"
With a "snap," the chess piece in Liu Jinzhang's hand slipped and bounced a few times on the chessboard before finally rolling to the ground.
He bent down to pick it up, his wide sleeves scattering the chessboard.
"Grand Tutor, today..." Li Yuanzhao looked meaningfully at his rare moment of distraction, "...you seem somewhat absent-minded?"
Liu Jinzhang straightened up, his expression returning to normal. "Then who does Your Highness favor?"
Li Yuanzhao toyed with the chess piece in his hand and said casually, "Me? I want everyone."
Liu Jinzhang frowned slightly, his tone unconsciously becoming stern, "This is no child's play."
Li Yuanzhao suddenly became serious, "That's why I've come to ask you for guidance, teacher."
Liu Jinzhang remained silent for a moment before speaking.
“Pei Huaijin… the eldest son of the Pei family of Hedong, a family with a century-long history of prominence. His grandfather, Pei Yun, once served as Grand Tutor, and his students and friends are spread throughout the court and the country. If His Highness can obtain the Pei family’s full support, His Highness’s reputation among civil officials will surely be greatly enhanced.”
He paused, "But the Pei family has always been aloof and self-disciplined, and may not be willing to get involved in the struggle for the crown prince position. Moreover, the Pei family is currently in power under his uncle's control, and although Pei Huaijin is the eldest son, he may not be able to smoothly take over the family business."
"As for General Shen... he is indeed a good choice. The Shen family commands 100,000 elite troops, and if you marry him, it will be of great benefit to Your Highness. However, he has always been unruly and has always been at odds with you, so he may be difficult to control."
He looked up at Li Yuanzhao and said meaningfully, "As for the heir of the Duke of Xu's family and the son of Minister Lin, one is usually unruly and the other is just an unfavored illegitimate son. They are ultimately inferior. I think Your Highness already has a plan in mind?"
Li Yuanzhao smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying.
Liu Jinzhang continued, "As Your Highness also knows, although General Shen was nominally brought back to the capital for education by the Emperor's grace, he was actually just a hostage for His Majesty to control the Shen family."
"The Shen family commands a large army guarding the border. How can His Majesty not be wary? If he were to form a marriage alliance with the imperial family, the Shen family's power would only increase further. I'm afraid this would backfire and arouse suspicion."
"The Pei family is different. Although the Pei family of Hedong has a distinguished lineage spanning several dynasties, few of its members now hold official positions in the court due to suppression by the imperial family. Such a family will not threaten the imperial power and will also help Your Highness gain the support of powerful clans."
“Pei Huaijin appears gentle and refined on the surface, but he harbors a sharp edge within. In terms of talent and character, he is indeed a suitable match for Your Highness.”
Liu Jinzhang suddenly raised his eyes, his expression dark and unreadable: "Of course, the final decision rests entirely with Your Highness."
Li Yuanzhao smiled broadly, "Teacher truly understands my heart. I will test the Pei family's intentions at the Spring Banquet. If we can get married soon, it will not only put my father's mind at ease but also provide them with more support, which would be ideal."
She paused for a moment, then her smile vanished. "However, I will not give up on the rest of the pieces."
The Grand Tutor's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, waiting for her to continue.
“Since ancient times, it has been considered natural for men to have multiple wives and concubines.” Li Yuanzhao’s gaze deepened. “Why should women be confined to a cage?”
Liu Jinzhang sensed her unspoken ambition and slowly said, "When Your Highness reigns supreme, you will be able to rewrite the laws of this world."
Li Yuanzhao's eyes gleamed with determination. "This student will certainly not disappoint the Grand Tutor."
Liu Jinzhang subtly shifted his gaze and changed the subject in a slightly abrupt tone.
"I heard that you offended Lord Liu again in the Imperial Study today?"
“Lord Liu is getting on in years,” Li Yuanzhao sneered. “I think it’s time for him to retire and live out his remaining years in peace.”
"Lord Liu is not a threat," Liu Jinzhang sighed. "It's just that most of the upright civil officials in the court are dissatisfied with you, and I'm afraid that in the future..."
“Grand Tutor, you are overthinking this,” Li Yuanzhao interrupted him directly. “This student knows what to do.”
Seeing that he couldn't persuade her, Liu Jinzhang turned around and pulled a book from the table.
"This is your 'Ten Policies on Dredging' written last month, in which the 'Commentary on the Waterways Classic' is cited incorrectly."
Li Yuanzhao immediately blushed, his previous sharpness completely concealed, revealing a more youthful demeanor.
Liu Jinzhang slowly unfolded the book, his voice regaining its usual coldness.
"Today we will talk about Han Feizi."
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