Meng Xueyi was a native of Qing State and was the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examinations during the reign of the late emperor.
After the late emperor passed away and the retired emperor ascended the throne, Meng Xueyi became a diplomatic historian and served as an envoy to various countries in his youth.
As the Qing Kingdom grew stronger, other countries gradually took the initiative to come to it.
In addition, he was getting old, so he retired to become a teacher.
Of course, he did not teach His Majesty.
At this moment, he sat facing Li Xuanji around the stove, the room filled with the fragrance of osmanthus wine.
Meng Xueyi consulted the Imperial Preceptor Li Xuanji on how to teach His Majesty.
"Your Majesty is well-versed in literature and has a thorough understanding of governance and various epic texts. Grand Preceptor, what else can I teach Your Majesty?"
Li Xuanji was also very worried.
In fact, since His Majesty awoke, he has not made any mistakes in handling state affairs, but His Majesty's mind has returned to that of an innocent and naive child.
After observing for a period of time, he also noticed that His Majesty's behavior when reading memorials was unusually strange—he was simply going through the motions, as if he were just going through the motions.
He couldn't help but worry that His Majesty probably hadn't even bothered to read what was written in those memorials!
But he dared not easily test His Majesty.
Since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has been extremely busy with state affairs, and has very little time to rest.
Moreover, His Majesty's personality seems to be becoming increasingly cold and ruthless, like a machine that never stops, dedicated solely to handling state affairs.
At first, His Majesty often discussed national affairs with him, and would take the initiative to ask him for advice when encountering any difficulties or things he did not understand.
However, as time went on, His Majesty's ability to govern the country grew stronger and his handling of government affairs became more and more skillful and adept, and the communication between the master and disciple gradually decreased.
After His Majesty woke up, their relationship had just begun to improve, and they had finally regained some trust and intimacy.
If we rashly try to probe His Majesty at this time, and he discovers our intentions...
This might arouse His Majesty's displeasure and suspicion?
The consequences would be unimaginable!
Therefore, he decided not to test His Majesty. As for what Meng Xueyi should teach...
After a moment's thought, Li Xuanji broke the silence, "Lord Meng! In your opinion, what is the reason for His Majesty's sudden decision to go to the school?"
Meng Xueyi stroked his beard, his eyes deep, and slowly replied, "In my opinion, the reasons for this matter can be roughly attributed to three points."
"I'd like to hear the details," Li Xuanji said, picking up the wine pot and filling the wine cup in front of Meng Xueyi.
"The first reason is that His Majesty chose to visit the academy in person because he wanted to find a quiet and peaceful place to relax, since he has been busy with political affairs lately."
"The second reason is related to something that happened before. Not long ago, His Majesty expressed great concern about the lack of female students in the school. His personal visit to the academy this time is very likely to see these female students."
“As for the third reason…” Meng Xueyi frowned, “Perhaps His Majesty has deeper considerations and wants to implement some new policies or reforms regarding education.”
"I must forgive myself for having been away from the court for so long and having little knowledge of politics, that I find it difficult to guess His Majesty's true intentions."
Meng Xueyi felt that it was already quite an achievement that he was able to analyze these three reasons.
I can't help but sigh silently, the officialdom is like a battlefield, and people's hearts are unpredictable!
At the same time, he secretly rejoiced that he had retired early, staying away from the intrigues and treacherous conflicts.
That cunning old man!
Li Xuanji cursed inwardly.
One moment he was saying that His Majesty had many affairs to attend to, and the next he was saying that he knew very little about politics.
"I imagine His Majesty won't care if you teach her anything, so just continue teaching at the normal pace."
Seeing Meng Xueyi's expression that said, "Are you kidding me?", Li Xuanji coughed lightly.
"I personally believe that His Majesty is more likely going to see the new female students. In that case, you should focus on teaching those girls."
Mentioning those girls, Meng Xueyi picked up his wine glass and downed it in one gulp.
Sigh.
"I don't know why, no matter what, they are still children of the royal family, but they are not as diligent as daughters of officials."
“I met the Prime Minister’s daughters a few days ago. The youngest daughter is only eight years old, but she has already started learning classical Chinese studies. The eldest daughter is twelve years old and is already learning to manage the household from the mistress.”
"But the girls selected from the clan this time can't even recite the Thousand Character Classic completely, and their characters are crooked and messy."
The old scholar was extremely worried.
Li Xuanji raised an eyebrow. “That’s easy. You can start teaching from the basics: reading, recognizing characters, and counting.”
"Isn't this... a bit too easy?"
Meng Xueyi felt slightly worried.
This time it was Li Xuanji's turn to stroke his beard; he needed to get the basics right.
If Your Majesty has forgotten all your past knowledge, then this is a good time to learn. If Your Majesty has not forgotten that knowledge, then going to school is for another purpose.
In that case, it doesn't matter what Meng Xueyi teaches.
After several rounds of drinks, Meng Xueyi, his face flushed red, staggered away.
Li Xuanji pushed open the window, and the aroma of charcoal fire mixed with the fragrance of wine wafted out of the room, while wind and snow rushed in.
The young page quickly draped a thick cloak over Li Xuanji's shoulders.
A bright moon, like a jade plate, hangs in the sky, radiating a cool, clear light.
"Lingyun, Junior Sister, where are you now?"
"The New Year is coming again."
Li Xuanji murmured something.
Lingyun is Murong Gan's courtesy name.
He was related to Lan Yun by marriage and was a close friend of Murong Gan.
Back then, the two were young and full of vigor, like wild horses running free, galloping across the land, displaying their lofty ambitions and dashing spirit! They were spirited and ambitious, talking about everything under the sun, with their hearts set on the common people.
Undeterred by hardships and dangers, he traveled far and wide, his footprints covering almost every corner of the five surrounding countries.
After Murong Yue was born, he was invited to serve as the Imperial Advisor. However, as soon as Murong Yue ascended the throne, Murong Gan and his wife Lan Yun went on to roam the martial world freely.
Five years have passed in the blink of an eye...
Five years...
Li Xuanji stood tall and straight, a figure that kept strangers at bay.
He slowly raised his right hand, holding a beautiful wine glass, and gazed at the bright, white moon in the night sky, his eyes revealing a deep sense of longing.
"The bright moon rises over the sea; we share this moment though we are far apart..."
"To you!"
He swirled the wine in his glass, raised it high, and toasted the distant moon.
The moonlight shone on him, as if draping him in a layer of silvery radiance, making him look even more mysterious.
Without hesitation, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.
The movements were crisp and clean, carrying a sense of boldness and freedom.
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