I saw
Li originally thought she could keep the two apart, but today she felt once again that Zhang Chunfeng could not do anything to her, but she could no longer suppress him.
If things continue to develop this way, it's hard to guarantee that Zhang Chunfeng won't be tempted to go after Li Xiuman again.
Thinking of this, the tiger skin in Li's hand lost its appeal, and she casually tossed it into the box. In the past year, suitors had practically worn down the Zhang family's doorstep. Li had seen countless handsome men from the imperial family and nobility, and which of them wasn't better than Li Xiuman? In the end, Li Xiuman was only slightly better looking; otherwise, he'd be lucky to even be Zhang Chunfeng's concubine. Why would her daughter even consider such a man?
They've really gone stupid from reading too much!
Lady Li thought Zhang Chunfeng had become foolish from studying too much, but little did she know that the Empress valued Zhang Chunfeng's knowledge even more. Ordinary people needed to reach the highest rank and enter the Grand Secretariat to be qualified to become the Crown Prince's tutor, yet Zhang Chunfeng, only a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, was granted this honor alone. From then on, Zhang Chunfeng not only attended court during the day but also spent his mornings and afternoons explaining classics to Crown Prince Zhao Yong.
When Zhang Chunfeng explained the scriptures to Zhou Zhengdu before, he thought Zhou Zhengdu was the most stupid person he had ever met. But now that he has met Zhao Yong, Zhang Chunfeng realizes that he was wrong about Zhou Zhengdu. Zhao Yong is the truly stupid one.
The Eastern Palace.
As soon as Zhang Chunfeng stepped into the hall, she smelled the aroma of roasted mutton. She frowned slightly and continued walking inside.
"Spring Breeze! You're here!" Zhao Yong, his hands greasy and clutching a leg of lamb, immediately ran out with a grin as soon as he heard her footsteps.
Zhao Yong, after all, was the Crown Prince, and his face was not bad either—fair skin, phoenix eyes, and a touch of handsome masculinity between his brows. However, he was extremely thin. Zhang Chunfeng often understood that no place in the world was as miserable as the imperial palace, yet Zhao Yong always seemed to be hungry. He ate during meals, after dinner, before court, and after court. Whenever he saw food, he was like a dog, unable to wait for others and always wanting to taste it himself first.
Despite his gluttony, he was sickly thin. In the summer, when his clothes were thin, the bones in his shoulders bulged strangely, and the belt around his waist was tied in multiple loops, making his already tiny waist appear even more bizarrely thin. Wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, he seemed unable to properly drape the garment, making him look less like a future emperor destined to rule and more like an actor in a brothel wearing the emperor's costume, only to be removed and forced to serve others after the performance.
"Your Highness, I have told you many times that the Empress dislikes the smell of mutton. Why do you still eat it in the palace?"
"Spring breeze, I..."
"Your Highness! Please stop calling me Chunfeng. There is a proper order of precedence between us!"
"Oh... Lord Zhang." Zhao Yong pursed his lips, showing displeasure, but then glanced at Zhang Chunfeng's face and immediately smiled.
"Spring Breeze, don't be afraid. I am the Crown Prince; no one dares to do anything to you."
Zhang Chunfeng sighed deeply. Everyone thought that being the Crown Prince's tutor was a good job, but in reality, the Crown Prince was weak, ignorant, and foolish, while the Third Prince was brave and resourceful, excelling in poetry, song, archery, and hunting. Only the Third Prince was fourteen years old this year, five years younger than Zhao Yong, and was not yet ready to amount to anything.
What I fear is that with such abilities at the age of fourteen, in time, he'll be dead without even knowing how he died.
A new emperor brings a new court. If Zhao Yong dies, how can Zhang Chunfeng survive?
"Your Highness, have you reviewed yesterday's lessons?"
Zhao Yong shook his head, "Not yet, I'm just waiting for you to come with me."
"Your Highness, I am only responsible for teaching you; I do not have to do your homework with you!"
"Chunfeng, don't be angry. I'll write it myself in a bit. I just want to talk to you." Zhao Yong didn't mind his hands being covered in grease and actually grabbed Zhang Chunfeng's sleeve and made her sit down in the chair.
Zhang Chunfeng suppressed her annoyance. In the past, she would scold Zhou Zhengdu for his stupidity, but now that Zhao Yong was the crown prince, she could scold him even if he angered her to death.
Zhao Yong gazed at Zhang Chunfeng with bright eyes. Ever since Zhang Chunfeng became the top scholar in the imperial examination, he had noticed Zhang Chunfeng. Having lived in the capital for so many years, he had never seen anyone as handsome as Zhang Chunfeng. He was simply not of this world, but rather like a celestial being.
"What does Your Highness want to say?"
"Did that guy surnamed Duan give you two tiger skins?"
"Yes, Your Highness, I know it was originally intended as a gift. If Your Highness still wishes to..."
"Hmph, I don't care at all." Zhao Yong drawled, "It's just a tiger skin. If I want it, I can give the order today and the tiger skin will be delivered to me tomorrow."
“Your Highness is right. I thought Your Highness asked about this because you were angry that Your Highness had given me what originally belonged to Your Highness.”
"How could I be such a petty person?" Zhao Yong frowned, then secretly glanced at Zhang Chunfeng's expression.
"Do you like the tiger skin he gave you?"
Zhang Chunfeng wondered what Zhao Yong wanted to ask.
"I don't really like or dislike it. Tiger skin is rare, and besides, I've heard that tigers are endangering the safety of the people of Lingnan. General Duan's actions are also to protect the people."
As he said this, Zhao Yong noticed Zhang Chunfeng nodding slightly.
Zhao Yong jumped up and threw away the lamb leg in his hand.
"What's so rare about tiger skins? There are plenty of tigers in those mountains! If you find them unusual, I'll have someone get a few tiger skins right away!"
"Your Highness, what are you saying? To mobilize so much manpower for a few tiger skins, if word gets out, the censors will impeach us."
Zhao Yong pursed his lips, "Spring Breeze, did you like the luminous pearl I gave you last time? It came from the South China Sea."
"I do like it, but as I said, Your Highness should not send such things anymore. I will accept the luminous pearl as a gift for becoming your disciple, and please do not do this again."
Upon hearing this, a faint joy appeared on Zhao Yong's face.
"I heard that the man surnamed Duan invited you to his house again today. What's the purpose of going?"
“Your Highness, General Duan’s father is General Dingguo. How can you keep calling him Duan like that!” Zhang Chunfeng pinched her brow slightly. From her perspective, no matter how much Zhao Yong studied, he could never become a wise ruler. The only feasible solution now was for Zhao Yong to have a child, and to give that child to Zhang Chunfeng to raise from a young age. Perhaps this way, he would still have a chance to compete for the throne in the future.
"I just can't stand him. I only say this to you. Of course I wouldn't say this to him."
"It's good that Your Highness knows. General Duan has nothing to ask me for, but he has acquired a peacock from Lingnan and says he wants to present it to the Empress. He asked me to take a look and see if this gift is feasible."
"A peacock!" Zhao Yong said, hands on his hips. "I've never even seen a peacock before! Why won't you let me see one? You're the one who's asking me to go see one! Humph, that Duan fellow is a shrewd man. He doesn't need your eyesight. He's just up to no good."
"Heh." Zhang Chunfeng chuckled briefly. "If Your Highness could put that effort into scholarship, it would save me a lot of energy."
Zhao Yong smiled, but his mind was racing.
“Spring Breeze, I suddenly have a desire to go to Lingnan. Why don’t we ask Mother about it tomorrow and go to Lingnan for an inspection?”
Zhang Chunfeng was slightly taken aback, wondering what was going on this time? Because General Duan had obtained these treasures in Lingnan, he also wanted to go to Lingnan?
“Your Highness, the Lingnan region is mountainous and far away. If Your Highness wants any treasure, you can just send someone to fetch it. Why bother making this trip?”
“But didn’t you just say that we shouldn’t make a big fuss for our own selfish desires? Besides, Mother has always felt that I lack experience. I’ve only inspected Jiangnan before, but I’ve never been to Lingnan. I think it’s feasible this year.”
Zhang Chunfeng sighed. Zhao Yong was capable, but Zhang Chunfeng really didn't want to go. It wasn't that he didn't want to go to Lingnan, but the thought of spending the next six months by the side of this foolish crown prince, listening to his nonsense day after day, and having to respect and coax him made Zhang Chunfeng feel terribly miserable.
"The round trip will take at least six months, and I have just taken on these six reform tasks. Your Highness should reconsider."
Zhao Yong noticed that Zhang Chunfeng was reluctant to go, and carefully examined Zhang Chunfeng's face. "Are you feeling unwell? Why do you have dark circles under your eyes?"
"Isn't it because of you?" Zhang Chunfeng thought to himself. "He's been busy lately, leaving his residence for court before dawn and not returning until dark. He must not be getting enough rest."
Zhao Yong suddenly felt guilty. "Chunfeng, did I make you not get enough rest? Then let's not go to Lingnan for now. I'll do my homework right away, and you can go back after I finish."
Seeing Zhao Yong's expression, Zhang Chunfeng's mind began to stir.
“If Your Highness wishes to go to Lingnan, you may go alone. Your Highness has never inspected any place by yourself in all these years. If the Empress agrees, Your Highness may do whatever you want in Lingnan, and the censors will not be able to reach Lingnan. If the Empress does not agree, Your Highness’s concern for the people of Lingnan alone will be enough to impress the Empress.”
Zhao Yong tilted his head to think, "That's true. Let me think about it for a while before making a decision."
When night was completely dark, Zhang Chunfeng finally left the palace and got into her sedan chair. The capital city was bustling and vibrant at night, but Zhang Chunfeng was utterly exhausted. The carefree spirit of her youth, filled with the joy of spring and a cup of wine, had been replaced by a cold and desolate feeling as she embraced the bright moon. She looked out through the sedan curtain; the moon was so full, yet she felt so alone.
What is my sister-in-law doing right now? Zhang Chunfeng gazed at the moon, and as he gazed, it was as if he saw Li Xiuman's smiling face in the moon.
That face smiled so beautifully, and its eyes were so clear. Just one look from those eyes was enough to make Zhang Chunfeng feel all his fatigue disappear.
Upon entering the palace, above him sat the Emperor's Eastern Palace, below him were civil and military officials; back home, the domineering Li Shi still sat in the hall. This world was so vast, yet Zhang Chunfeng felt no freedom as great as his family's village.
No one was watching her; no one was waiting for her to make a mistake and then pull her down from that high position. No one was constantly reminding her not to do this or that.
In the quiet village and courtyard, Li Xiuman would wait for him to eat three meals a day. When he returned home in the evening, Li Xiuman would comb and wash his hair, massaging his scalp with her fingers to relieve his fatigue.
Of all the people in the world, Zhang Chunfeng felt the freest, the least needing to pretend, and the most relaxed when he was with Lee Soo-man.
But tragically, she lost Li Xiuman. Zhang Chunfeng often thought, if she had known this would happen, why would she have bothered taking the imperial examinations? She should have just been a successful candidate in the provincial examinations, given a minor official position, and taken Li Xiuman to a remote town to live out her life.
Wouldn't that kind of life be better than living in constant fear like this? There's absolutely no good news in this world right now!
She had just thought this when, the next day at court, the Empress actually announced that Zhao Yong was to go to Lingnan, while Zhang Chunfeng would not have to go with him.
Zhang Chunfeng remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he chuckled. He hadn't had to get annoyed by this fool for six months, nor had he had to explain scriptures to him; his daily routine was indeed much less, and he was truly happy.
No sooner had Zhang Chunfeng left than Zhou Zhengdu followed him.
"Chunfeng, the Crown Prince is going to Lingnan, you can breathe a sigh of relief." Zhou Zhengdu was appointed as the Vice Minister of Rites. Ever since he passed the imperial examination that year, the Zhou family members were so happy that they wanted to kneel and worship Zhang Chunfeng.
However, this joy only lasted for half a year. Zhou Zhengdu thought that since he and Zhang Chunfeng were both staying in the capital to serve as officials, there would be plenty of opportunities to establish contact with Zhang Chunfeng in the future.
Unexpectedly, upon arriving in the capital, Zhang Chunfeng was like a dragon finding water. Noble young men from various families flocked to him, jostling and pushing Zhou Zhengdu out of the competition.
Now that Zhang Chunfeng is the Crown Prince's tutor, Zhou Zhengdu has long lost the desire to establish contact with him. If the other party were Li Xiuman, he could still compete for him, but now that the other party is a general and the Crown Prince, how can he compete for him?
"Yes, I've been really tired lately." Zhang Chunfeng was always cautious, but he had no guard against Zhou Zhengdu, so he nodded in agreement.
"You've been busy with palace affairs all year. How about we go to Qiuyun Tower tomorrow to listen to a piece of music?"
"Tomorrow won't work; we'll only have time after the Crown Prince goes to Lingnan."
Just as Zhang Chunfeng finished speaking, a young eunuch ran up to say that His Highness the Crown Prince wanted to see Zhang Chunfeng.
Zhou Zhengdu lowered his head, met Zhang Chunfeng's gaze, and revealed a helpless smile that both of them understood. Zhang Chunfeng followed the young eunuch towards the East Palace.
In the past year, Zhang Chunfeng had grown a little taller. Zhou Zhengdu watched Zhang Chunfeng's departing figure. Dressed in a bright red official robe and wearing a black gauze hat, his posture was as upright as a jade tree. When he walked, it was truly like a magnificent sunset.
If only he and Zhang Chunfeng hadn't taken the imperial examinations back then, how wonderful that would have been? Zhou Zhengdu closed his eyes.
A month later, Zhao Yong bid farewell to the Empress. Zhang Chunfeng, barely suppressing his impatience, escorted him to the city gate. Seeing that the man was about to burst into tears, Zhang Chunfeng no longer cared about the proper order of ruler and subject. He turned his horse around and headed into the city, refusing to look at Zhao Yong again. This man was actually the Crown Prince! He was actually the Eastern Palace Prince! Zhang Chunfeng felt a pang of anger in his chest, increasingly convinced that he had made a mistake.
After entering the city gate, they changed to sedan chairs. Zhang Chunfeng was already extremely annoyed by Zhao Yong's temperament when suddenly there was a commotion outside.
"I'm looking for Lord Zhang! I'm looking for Zhang Chunfeng! Please let me see her!"
The person's voice sounded so familiar that Zhang Chunfeng was momentarily dazed. He felt that the accent was strange yet familiar, but also unfamiliar.
She lifted the curtain, and her maidservant hurriedly said, "A beggar is blocking the road..."
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