Chapter 153 The Powerful Minister Returns to His Youth 7.
Mr. Yu...
Upon hearing this address, Yu Shiqing's smile immediately deepened.
What prince and princess would address a scholar they've never met as "sir"? Even if it were to show respect and appreciation for talent, it wouldn't be this way.
The last time Yu Shiqing heard these siblings address him in that way was in his previous life.
In his previous life, because of Ye Zangxing, he saw the brother and sister not often, but not infrequently either. During their interactions, Prince Yong or Ye Zangxing would often tap the two little ones on the head and make them call him "Master".
Throughout his life, Yu Shiqing had no students other than the Jiahe Emperor, and only for a few years would he be addressed as "Teacher".
Ah, my past life...
Yu Shiqing's mind shifted slightly. He cupped his hands to Ye Hanzhang and said slowly, "Your Highness, I am truly unworthy of being addressed as 'sir.' But I wonder what brings you two distinguished guests to Feishui and to inform the villagers that you wish to find me?"
"I shouldn't have any connection with these two distinguished guests, right?"
He smiled, his face showing just the right amount of surprise and trepidation, as he looked at the two precocious children inside the carriage.
Both men paused for a moment upon hearing Yu Shiqing's first words, their expressions changing.
However, the young Afu was not good at hiding his feelings, and his frustration was almost written all over his face. The older Ye Hanzhang was barely able to hide his feelings, so his expression was not so obvious. It would be easy to fool the seventeen-year-old Yu Juren, but when he faced the forty-four-year-old Yu Shoufu, his appearance was full of flaws.
With just one sentence, Yu Shiqing got a general idea of what was going on between the brother and sister.
Among them, at least one probably knows some secrets of their past life; perhaps they too have been reborn.
After all, there is already one person in the world who has suffered such a fate, so it wouldn't be surprising if there were one more.
"Juren Yu's words sound...as if you recognize me and my sister?" Ye Hanzhang first recovered from his regret for his carelessness, adjusted his form of address, and asked tentatively.
“I don’t recognize the appearance of the Crown Prince and the Princess,” Yu Shiqing said, “but how could these royal guards, if they have any knowledge, not recognize them? In addition, it is no secret that Prince Yong brought his family south, so it is not difficult for them to guess the identities of the two.”
"Scholar Yu is indeed very clever!"
Afu opened his round eyes wide and blurted out a flattering remark, "He'll definitely be a top scholar in the imperial examinations and rise to high office!"
"That's it, it's Mr. Yu!" Afu's thoughts echoed in Ye Hanzhang's ears simultaneously. "This time, I must win him over to Father before the young imperial uncle does!"
The little guy, only three years old, is already trying to win people over.
Ye Hanzhang felt a headache coming on when he heard this.
Although they had only just met and he hadn't yet figured out anything, Ye Hanzhang's intuition told him that this young scholar, Yu, was anything but simple.
"Your Highness is too kind; I am unworthy of such praise."
Yu Shiqing smiled and responded to Afu, while his gaze subtly swept over the eyes and brows of the brother and sister. "May I ask what brings you two distinguished guests here that you need my assistance?"
“You’re too kind, Scholar Yu. It’s nothing urgent,” Ye Hanzhang said, straightening his back slightly and raising his head like a little adult. “Afu and I traveled with our father and found the autumn scenery of Huai’an to be delightful and the people to be kind and honest. So we decided to take a look around. Today we happened to come to Feishui and heard the people talking about Scholar Yu’s demeanor. On a whim, we came here to meet him.”
That's a well-crafted lie; it's logical, polite, and respectful.
Yu Shiqing gave his comments, took a cup of fragrant tea that the maid had prepared, took a slow sip, and then said, "In that case, would you two like me to lead the way and let you enjoy the autumn scenery of Feishui?"
“If Scholar Yu has the time, that would be ideal,” Ye Hanzhang said.
"I couldn't be happier!" Afu exclaimed happily.
At the same time, a thought echoed in my mind: "Looks like this brat and I do have some chemistry! Just like that, Mr. Layu will enjoy the scenery, and then I'll win him over!"
Ye Hanzhang remained expressionless: "Shall we set off now?"
"Please allow me to explain to my fellow villagers and change my clothes," Yu Shiqing said.
At this point, Ye Hanzhang and Afu realized that Yu Shiqing was not wearing any scholar's robes, but rather coarse cloth shorts like an ordinary farmer. When they saw him, their attention was entirely focused on his face and demeanor, and they did not notice these things for a moment.
“Please do as you please, Scholar Yu. My brother and I are fine,” Ye Hanzhang said.
Yu Shiqing smiled, then bowed slightly before getting up and getting off the carriage.
After explaining things to the villagers and changing their clothes, Yu Shiqing finally set off on his autumn outing with the two children when the sun was high in the sky, nearing noon.
Although he had a vague idea of what the children were up to, Yu Shiqing had no intention of revealing it. He first led them to a reasonably priced restaurant by the Fei River for lunch, and then they went to the banks of the Fei River. After getting off the carriage, they strolled along the riverbank, enjoying the fragrance of osmanthus trees on both sides and the endless fields.
Due to their status and age, Afu and Ye Hanzhang rarely went out. This was the first time they had ever seen such a sight, and they were both inevitably curious and excited. But even so, they did not forget their business.
Afu was the first to speak.
She pretended to stumble as she walked, stretched out her small hand, grabbed Yu Shiqing's sleeve, and tilted her head up to ask, "Scholar Yu, you passed the provincial examination this year. Are you going to go to the capital next year to take the imperial examination for the top scholar?"
Yu Shiqing lowered his eyes, looking at the little boy who was not even as tall as his thigh, and smiled, "If nothing unexpected happens, he should take the exam. But what he will get in the end is anyone's guess."
"He'll definitely be the top scholar!" Afu said. "Of course, this is my high hope. If it's to come true, Scholar Yu, you'll have to work hard too. For example, find a good teacher..."
Yu Shiqing glanced at Ye Hanzhang, who was also looking at him.
"Great teachers are hard to find," he sighed.
“It is indeed difficult, but it’s alright, I, the princess, will help you find one,” Afu said. “Scholar Meng of the Hanlin Academy, Chancellor Ruan of the Imperial Academy, which one would you like to choose?”
If he remembered correctly, both Hanlin Academy scholar Meng and Imperial Academy Chancellor Ruan were men of Prince Yong.
Yu Shiqing smiled helplessly: "Your Highness is joking."
Afu pouted: "I'm not joking, Scholar Yu! These two men greatly admire talented scholars from humble backgrounds. If you, Scholar Yu, were to stand before them, they would be eager to take you as their disciple immediately. The reason you, Scholar Yu, don't have a teacher yet is not because you lack talent, but because you lack someone to introduce you. Now that I, the Princess, am here to introduce you!"
Ye Hanzhang, who was standing next to him, also said, "Scholar Yu, there's no need to worry. My brother and I are, after all, members of the royal family. If we've said it, we can do it. We would never make empty promises."
Yu Shiqing looked at the two of them with feigned surprise, frowned slightly, but still shook his head: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness and Princess. Although I have not formally become your disciple, I already have a master in mind whom I wish to seek."
Afu's eyes widened: "The teacher that Scholar Yu wants to seek, could it be the great Confucian scholar Qiu Jingsong from Jiangnan?"
Yu Shiqing feigned surprise: "How did the princess know about this? I haven't mentioned it to anyone else..."
[Oh no, I let it slip again!] Afu was annoyed and quickly lowered his head to cover up. [Mr. Qiu Jingsong was Mr. Yu's teacher in his previous life. Everyone says that they met after Mr. Yu studied at Weiwen Academy, but it turns out that Mr. Yu had already set his sights on Mr. Qiu and wanted to break into his school...]
[What about the young imperial uncle? Could the rumors be wrong, and they actually met earlier than when Mr. Yu became Mr. Qiu's apprentice? If so, that would be really bad...]
While listening to his younger sister's chaotic thoughts, Ye Hanzhang tried to smooth things over, saying, "There are many famous scholars in Jiangnan, but the most unassuming one is Mr. Qiu. Both Father and the young imperial uncle have mentioned him. Scholar Yu has excellent judgment, so the teacher she hopes for will naturally not be an ordinary person."
“I see,” Yu Shiqing said with an expression of understanding. “Mr. Qiu is very knowledgeable. I have had the privilege of reading several of his books and I have great respect for him.”
Ye Hanzhang said, "But as far as I know, Master Qiu has not accepted any disciples for many years."
"How can you give up without even trying?" Yu Shiqing said with a smile.
“Then we siblings wish Scholar Yu all the best,” Ye Hanzhang said, having heard the resolute attitude in Yu Shiqing’s reply and considering Afu’s feelings. He hesitated for a moment, then changed the subject instead of trying to persuade him further. “But I wonder if Scholar Yu will make any new friends during his trip to the prefectural city for the provincial examination? Huai’an is a place of outstanding people and talents, there must be quite a few here.”
“The student isn’t good at socializing, but he has indeed made an interesting friend,” Yu Shiqing said.
As soon as she finished speaking, Afu's almond-shaped eyes snapped open and stared at her.
This kid really can't keep secrets.
Yu Shiqing thought to himself, but the advantage is that he is young enough. Most children of this age are clever and mischievous, easily startled, like cats, and not particularly eye-catching.
"Could you tell me about it?" Ye Hanzhang asked, feigning curiosity.
Yu Shiqing smiled and said, "Of course. Speaking of my new friend, there's quite a bit to talk about..."
One adult and two children walked slowly along the golden riverbank, chatting as they went. The entourage followed behind, with the mountains and rivers in front, a scene of boundless beauty.
By the end, the young princess's expression had visibly turned sour.
【It must be the Little Imperial Uncle! They've already met and become friends... What should we do? Teacher Yu wants to become Qiu Jingsong's disciple, but it's hard to stop him. Friend Yu wants to recognize the Little Imperial Uncle, but judging from their past lives, there's no way to stop him... Is it a failure from the start, and we have no choice but to give up?】
But if that's the case, what does my rebirth even mean? I want to tell my father directly to avoid the killing, but I can't bring myself to do it, and I don't even know what happened back then...
Does starting over simply mean dying again?
Ye Hanzhang suddenly stopped in his tracks.
The word "death" pierced his heart.
In her sister's opinion, is it really that important to win over Yu Shiqing?
This is not a joke, not a spur-of-the-moment attempt after being reborn, but something that is about to be linked to death...
"Scholar Yu, Elder Qiu..." Ye Hanzhang took a deep breath and made up his mind. He had just opened his mouth when he was suddenly interrupted by the voice of the little princess rushing over.
"Master Yu, you speak so wittily. You are one of the few people Afu has ever met who is both humorous and knowledgeable," the little princess blinked, her face beaming with a clever and self-satisfied expression. "Afu likes you and would like to ask you to be Afu's and her brother's tutor. Would you be willing, Master Yu?"
Ye Hanzhang was startled and was about to stop him, but he stopped and did not utter a sound.
Yu Shiqing hadn't expected that after the young princess frowned and pondered for a long time, she would suddenly utter such a sentence.
Doesn't it sound ridiculous to have a mere scholar like him tutor the eldest grandson of the emperor and Princess Ning'an?
"I am grateful for the Princess's kindness, but the question should not be whether I am willing, but whether His Highness Prince Yong and His Majesty are willing," Yu Shiqing said helplessly. "Your Highness, Princess, it is already late, and we have already enjoyed seven or eight parts of the autumn scenery of Feishui. It will be too late to travel if we stay any longer, as the weather will be cool."
This is a polite way of declining.
Upon hearing this, Ye Hanzhang breathed a sigh of relief, but for some reason, he felt a sense of loss.
"Mr. Yu..."
"Alright, Afu," Ye Hanzhang said, pulling the little girl back. "It's getting late. It was already a mistake to let you out for a walk today. If it gets any later, the frost and dew will be heavy, and your illness, which had just started to improve, will return!"
"Can……"
Afu pouted, looking unwilling, but seeing his brother's serious face, he shut his mouth and said nothing more.
But Ye Hanzhang could still hear her inner thoughts.
This princess will not give up!
Teacher, close friend—Mr. Yu has everything, except a disciple. This is my chance! A disciple is like a child. If I become Mr. Yu's disciple, he will surely help my father in the future out of respect for me. At the very least… at the very least, he can mediate between my father and my youngest uncle…
[You naughty brother! If he doesn't want to, I won't take him. Next time, I'll secretly go and find a master, and I won't tell anyone!]
Ye Hanzhang had a terrible headache. He secretly glared at the little girl, then turned to Yu Shiqing and nodded: "Afu is young, I hope you will forgive her, Scholar Yu."
"It's alright," Yu Shiqing said with a smile.
Their day trip to enjoy the autumn scenery came to an end. The group of one adult and two children, each with their own ulterior motives, parted ways on the main road near Yujia Village.
Yu Shiqing was put down, mounted the tall horse given to him by Ye Hanzhang, and escorted back to the village by two guards.
The astonishment and excitement that ensued in the village need no further mention.
The clan chief quietly pulled Yu Shiqing aside and asked, "Seventh Brother, is it a good thing that two distinguished guests from the imperial family have come to visit?"
"Whether it's good or bad is hard to say, but it's not a bad thing either," Yu Shiqing replied with a smile.
At least that's how it is for him.
Although today's conversation has come to an end, Yu Shiqing knows that this seemingly reborn little princess and that little prince who seems to know something yet knows nothing will probably not let the matter rest.
This will be troublesome, but it might also be the key to changing the future.
In the third year of the Gan Ding reign, the Yong Prince's Rebellion broke out...
The reason for this was that Yu Shiqing had already entered the cabinet and his power was beginning to take shape, but he only had a glimpse of the whole picture and could not see the whole situation.
According to the most widely circulated story in the court and among the people, Prince Yong was arrogant and had long considered the position of crown prince to be his for the taking. However, Emperor Tianxi favored his youngest son and insisted on making Ye Zangxing the crown prince, disregarding everything else.
Prince Yong and the sixth prince were born of the same mother and originally had a deep bond. However, the imperial family had no brothers, and the position of crown prince caused the two to fall apart.
Although Prince Yong did not express his dissatisfaction and obeyed Emperor Tianxi's wishes by going to Cenzhou to assume his fief, his resentment remained in his heart. Finally, in the third year of the Qianding era, it erupted and was known in history as the "Rebellion of Prince Yong" or the "Rebellion of Cenzhou".
Yu Shiqing believed most of this account, but the idea of raising a rebellion during the floods in Jiangnan... didn't seem like the style of Prince Yong.
Moreover, are brothers, bound by deep affection, really so fragile for the sake of power?
When he went to Cenzhou, the Prince of Yong was defeated. Why did he have such an expression and not say a word, but instead raised his knife to commit suicide?
A turmoil was a knot in Ye Zangxing's heart that he could not untie, and also a mystery that Yu Shiqing had suspected for many years—the time when Ye Zangxing was assassinated on his way south was too close to the Yongwang Rebellion.
As Yu Shiqing slowly flipped through the pages of his memories of Prince Yong and Ye Zangxing, he pushed open the door and stepped into the empty house.
Around the same time.
The siblings, Afu and his sister, had just checked into the inn and hadn't even had a chance to catch their breath when they pushed open the door to their room. They were immediately grabbed by a large hand and slapped hard across the head: "You two audacious little rascals!"
"Father, what are you doing here!" Afu exclaimed in surprise, shoving aside Prince Yong and running away.
Prince Yong was so angry that his beard stood on end: "Give me back my place! If it weren't for the timely message from the Left Chief Secretary and the secret protection he sent, would you really think you're so great? A few of you, barely a few years old, leading a few people, and you dare to run around like this? You think you can fly to the heavens! Stop right there!"
“Father, please listen to me. My brother and I missed you so much that we couldn’t eat or sleep, so we ran away…”
"Keep making things up!"
“Father, this has nothing to do with Afu; it was my own decision…”
"Shut up, you brat!"
In the upper room of the inn, sticks were brandished, and a chaotic scene of chickens and dogs flew about before finally stopping after more than half an hour.
The two little ones, one in the inner room and the other in the outer room, lay naked on the bed, being helped by a maid to apply medicine.
Although Afu was mentally ten years old, his body was still small. The journey was tiring, and after this fuss, he quickly fell asleep, sobbing with tears in his eyes.
Prince Yong glanced at it through the screen and waved his hand.
All the servants inside bowed and withdrew.
Prince Yong frowned and looked at his son. After a moment of silence, he said, "Awang, do you think Afu is a little strange?"
Ye Hanzhang's brow twitched, and his heart sank: "Father, what could Afu possibly be capable of..."
“As expected,” before he could finish speaking, Prince Yong frowned, “you heard it too, that voice that sounded like Afu’s thoughts.”
Ye Hanzhang had not expected the Prince of Yong to say such a thing. He was momentarily stunned and lost control of his expression before stammering, "Father, could it be that you..."
“I heard it too,” said Prince Yong, “just now.”
Ye Hanzhang was stunned for a moment: "Then... how did you know I could hear it too?"
Prince Yong glanced at him: "If it were any other time, if I called you Awang, you would get angry with me and tell me not to call you that anymore, like calling a dog. Why is it different today?"
Ye Hanzhang pursed her lips.
"Alright, tell me, what have you done these past three days, and what has Afu 'said'..."
Prince Yong patted Ye Hanzhang on the shoulder; his large, broad hand and deep voice were comforting.
...
Yu Shiqing was naturally unaware of what had happened in Feishui County.
He went to sleep as usual, got up as usual, packed his luggage, and bid farewell to his clan at sunrise the next day, setting off again for Huai'an Prefecture.
Before the imperial examinations, he would be there for a long time, studying and... seeking a partner.
Yu Shiqing smiled and tightened the reins. The autumn wind blew by, and a letter from Weiwen Academy was slightly revealed in his arms.
Author's Note:
Fatty Zhang is here!
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