Chapter 457 The Wise Prince

Chapter 457: The Wise Prince

Gui Hua put down the towel in her hand and looked at the blood in the basin, saying, "Since we are destined to die anyway, why not die in a more dignified and meaningful way? We are maids of Ziyue Palace. Why not cling to His Royal Highness the Prince's arm? Why should we go and cling to that old man instead? Both are eunuchs, but Eunuch Gao treats Nurse Jin so well. Why is he such a pervert?"

"Gui Hua, you..." Cui Guo was surprised. She had never expected that the usually quiet Gui Hua could be so fierce and outspoken. She had underestimated her before.

"Fear, pain, death—instead of waiting for such an end, why not give it a try? I believe His Royal Highness the Prince is good!" Gui Hua said.

"That old pervert is planning something. I've seen him meeting with that person frequently recently. We must guard against him poisoning His Royal Highness the Prince!" Cui Guo thought for a moment and said, "No matter what, we must protect His Royal Highness the Prince!"

With this thought, the two maids, only fifteen or sixteen years old, had made up their minds.

Xiaoyu Heng returned at dawn, bringing the little lord back with him. They walked into the court, chatting and laughing.

In the court, the remonstrating official was arguing with the Imperial Tutor.

"Imperial Tutor, you are a senior statesman, and what you say counts. But His Royal Highness the Prince hasn't attended court for days, and we don't know who to present our memorials to. This won't do. There are laws for the state and rules for the family. After all, His Royal Highness the Prince should pay attention to his words and deeds," the remonstrating official said.

"Yes, yes, Imperial Tutor. You assisted the previous emperor and have been assisting the current emperor these years. Now, you are guiding His Royal Highness the Prince. Our Great Wei is as solid as a rock, and that is partly due to your efforts. But you must not relax. Remember, we have only conquered Beiling, and there are other countries out there. Dongming Kingdom is also stirring recently, whether in the east or the west. And there's the Southern Mingyue Kingdom. We don't know how the Imperial Tutor will handle it. We must not let our guard down!" The other ministers chimed in.

"I naturally have my decisions. Last night, His Royal Highness the Prince was at my home. It was too late, so I let him rest there for a while. This morning, he went out and should be arriving soon. Those in power should not always sit here listening to reports. I have always believed that those in power should personally handle some matters to understand the hardships of the ministers and to know how to handle state affairs," the Imperial Tutor said.

The remonstrating official had a lot to say, as several ministers had been complaining to him these past few days, stirring up much dissatisfaction.

As a remonstrating official, it was his duty to speak frankly. Otherwise, he wouldn't be fit for the role.

So, today in court, he had intended to challenge the Imperial Tutor, but was left speechless by the Imperial Tutor's words.

It must be said that the previous remonstrating official had been executed. The emperor had personally selected him, knowing he was straightforward and upright, which was why he was chosen.

Now, he felt some regret, as everything was due to his soft-heartedness.

"What the Imperial Tutor said is very reasonable. But His Royal Highness the Prince is now..." The remonstrating official thought for a moment and was about to continue with some usual remarks when he saw His Royal Highness the Prince entering with the little lord.

The little lord, only seven years old, was also quite handsome. He walked into the court with the thirteen-year-old prince.

"I'm here, Imperial Tutor. I went to the outskirts of the city to inspect. It really needs proper renovation. If that area is renovated and a school is established, allowing both men and women to study, and if the court allocates some funds to support it, it would be excellent!" Xiaoyu Heng said as he sat down.

"Your Royal Highness, did you go to see the ruins in the outskirts?" the remonstrating official and others immediately asked.

"Yes, those ruins were once a shrine. The shrine is no longer in use, which is a waste. It would be better to renovate it and let more people study. With more learning, they can do more. Also, I believe women should also attend school. A child as intelligent as my sister Xier, if there are more like her in the future... Of course, in this world, only Xier is the smartest. I mean, if there are girls who can learn as well as Xier, they will surely be of great use in the future. You all have daughters at home, and I'm sure you also hope for them to achieve great things!" Xiaoyu Heng said.

He had discussed this matter thoroughly with the Imperial Tutor last night.

The Imperial Tutor fully supported his idea. After all, the virtuous consort was a strong-willed woman with her own thoughts and opinions.

If she hadn't fallen in love with the emperor, she would never have stayed in the palace all these years. Over the years, the virtuous consort had remained upright and disliked the intrigues of the harem. She lived life on her own terms, so Xiaoyu Heng believed that the women of Great Wei should be like his mother, like Xier, and like his aunt—strong-willed.

"I find it improper, Your Highness. Since ancient times, women have been expected to manage the household and rear children. Managing the household is already quite demanding!" The Minister of Rites stepped forward, bowed, and said.

"I think it's quite good, old minister. I heard you have seven daughters at home, old minister. If two of them could achieve great things, capable of serving as officials or even fighting on the battlefield, that would be excellent. After all, you are very wise and intelligent, old minister, and your daughters are well-taught," Xiaoyu Heng said.

"Well, well, my daughters are not the most outstanding, but I have indeed been quite strict with them," the Minister of Rites was taken aback but nodded in agreement.

Although he adhered to traditional etiquette, such as the three obediences and four virtues, his daughters were all quite capable and well-behaved. Being praised, especially by the prince, naturally pleased him. Thus, his argument was swiftly countered by Xiaoyu Heng.

The Imperial Tutor looked at the young prince on the high seat with great satisfaction.

A thirteen-year-old child, yet so wise and mature. No wonder the emperor had such high hopes for him.

After discussing state affairs for a while, Xiaoyu Heng led Xiao Ruilin back.

At lunchtime, Xiaoyu Heng had Xiao Ruilin stay for lunch in Ziyue Palace.

"After we finish eating, we'll go see the Grandmother Empress. These days, she hasn't been feeling well and always needs to nap a bit before getting up to eat. Let's not disturb her," Xiaoyu Heng patiently served dishes to Xiao Ruilin and said.

"Mm, I know, brother!" Xiao Ruilin nodded, glancing at the maid who brought the dishes, and asked, "Brother, is she new?"

"Yes, a few new people have recently arrived here," Xiaoyu Heng turned to look and said, "You have an excellent memory!"