Chapter 6: A Father's Love, Heavy as a Mountain, Suffocatingly Overwhelming!

Page (1/3)

Gazing at the numbers on the rice paper, Zhu Biao had long held immense admiration for Qin Feng’s scholarly knowledge. He quickly summoned the princes and respectfully introduced Qin Feng, saying, “The gentleman’s mastery of mathematics is profound and extensive. We humbly ask for your continued guidance in the future.” The princes exchanged glances for a moment, then clasped their hands and chorused, “We earnestly request the gentleman’s instruction.”

The current method of quantitative deduction alone, once mastered, would serve them well for a lifetime. Why would they refuse to learn? Even Old Zhu, standing nearby, felt compelled to shamelessly entreat Qin Feng to impart some of his mathematical techniques.

Seeing that everyone was thoroughly conquered by Qin Feng’s talent, Old Zhu cleared his throat twice and, with an air of authority, addressed Wang Jinghong: “Wang Jinghong, please lead the Crown Prince and the others out first. I have urgent matters to discuss privately with the gentleman.”

Wang Jinghong nodded submissively, “Yes, Your Majesty! Crown Prince and Your Highnesses, this way please!” Zhu Biao led the princes toward the entrance of the Wuying Hall. Before leaving, he cast a long, deep glance at Qin Feng, who was seated carelessly on the bed, and a flicker of doubt crossed his heart.

Even the meritorious nobles of Huai West or generals who had shared life-and-death bonds with the emperor had never been treated with such ceremony. Could this man truly be connected to today’s celestial anomalies? Could the mysterious identity of this time traveler be the reason his father was so wary?

At this moment, Old Zhu craned his neck, continuously peering toward the great doors of Wuying Hall. Only after Zhu Biao and the princes had exited did he approach Qin Feng with a smile.

“Gentleman, your talent is exceptional! From now on, I shall entrust these young rascals to your tutelage.” Qin Feng replied, “Your Majesty, let me be frank from the start. I will teach diligently, but whether they succeed depends on their own innate aptitude. You cannot expect that having studied under me, all their problems will be solved once and for all.”

Old Zhu thought to himself: Even if these brats learn seventy or eighty percent, that would be sufficient. “Just teach them well. If any of these rascals dare defy you, see how I deal with them!” he declared.

“Your Majesty, do not be too harsh. Not everyone is suited for study. You may need to adjust your methods and not place too much pressure on them.”

Old Zhu placed his hands on his hips and snorted, “They are children of the imperial family, bearing a unique mission. If I do not urge them now, how can they govern their own lands when they are sent to their fiefs?”

“Your Majesty, have you considered why the Crown Prince will meet an untimely death?”

Zhu Biao was Old Zhu’s beloved son. Knowing that Zhu Biao would eventually fall ill and pass away, how could Old Zhu’s heart not ache?

Page (2/3)

Old Zhu said, “Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the laws governing all things. If my Crown Prince cannot inherit the throne in the future, I will select a suitable heir anew.”

Seeing the two strands of white hair newly gracing Old Zhu’s temples, Qin Feng could not help but feel sympathy yet still spoke the harsh truth.

“Your Majesty, according to historical records, Zhu Biao’s death was caused by illness brought on by prolonged overwork and mental strain.”

“Overwork and mental strain? Could it be that I assigned the Crown Prince too many affairs? But I only wish the best for him! If I am not strict now, how can he hold the position on the throne firmly later on?”

“Your Majesty’s intentions are clear; the Crown Prince may understand, but he may not possess your endurance.”

“Your Majesty has experienced the hardships of battlefield command and conquest, having faced all manners of trials. How can the Crown Prince’s upbringing compare to yours?”

“If you could be a little less harsh and a little more caring, perhaps he would not have suffered such strain.”

Old Zhu fell into a deep silence after hearing Qin Feng’s words.

A father’s love is profound, yet it can be like a mountain crushing the child beneath it.

If Old Zhu had not placed such heavy burdens on Zhu Biao, perhaps the Crown Prince would not have died young, and history might have been rewritten.

Old Zhu pondered for a long time, then murmured, “You speak truly. I have indeed been too severe with my son. But I do it for his own good.”

“You fear that if you are too lenient, he will not be able to firmly hold the throne when the time comes?”

Old Zhu smiled, “You truly understand me, sir!”

“Then, why not entrust the Crown Prince to me? Allow me to discipline him. Give me an official title—let’s call it Crown Prince’s Tutor!”

“I promise you, the Crown Prince will have a clear mind and will not suffer from overwork or strain.”

“Your Majesty, what do you think?”

“...” Old Zhu was speechless.

He had not yet gained the court’s approval for Qin Feng as Junior Tutor, and now he was to add the title of Crown Prince’s Tutor?

Good heavens, you ask me not to pressure the Crown Prince, yet you come to pressure me!

“Sir, you should think about how to handle the ministers’ questioning during tomorrow’s morning court. Wang Jinghong, see the gentleman out for me.”

Qin Feng was stunned.

Was Old Zhu already giving him the boot?

He was happy enough to teach the other princes, but when it came to disciplining the Crown Prince, things were not so simple.

Page (3/3)

“Your Majesty, where shall I stay today? You don’t mean to send me to the purification chamber, do you?”

Old Zhu said, “I’ve granted you a residence and official robes. Wear the robes to the Palace of Heavenly Service for court tomorrow.”

Before Qin Feng could respond, Wang Jinghong smiled obsequiously, “Please, Lord Qin! I have already prepared a carriage for you.”

...

An hour later, Qin Feng stood before a vermilion lacquered gate, with two round bronze rings hanging on it.

When the door opened, he was greeted by a courtyard adorned with rockeries and pavilions, with several willow trees swaying gently in the breeze. The white walls and green tiles of the courtyard were pleasing to the eye.

Qin Feng followed a rugged stone path to the rear wing of the residence.

The intricately carved windows and red lacquered sandalwood doors exuded a strong antique charm.

Finally, he was living in an ancient mansion!

Compared to the dilapidated thatched huts in the village, this wind-and-rain-proof mansion satisfied Qin Feng greatly.

Wang Jinghong smiled at Qin Feng, “His Majesty said the servants will be arranged for you gradually. Since the day is late, please make yourself comfortable here tonight.”

He waved his hand and quickly summoned several young eunuchs carrying trays, bringing the official garments and some silver coins bestowed by Old Zhu into the wing room.

Qin Feng took a silver ingot from the tray and slipped it into Wang Jinghong’s sleeve, smiling, “Your efforts are appreciated, Sir Wang. This is but a small token of my gratitude.”

Wang Jinghong beamed, “Lord Qin, you are too kind. If you ever need anything, do not hesitate to ask this old servant.”

“I do have one favor to ask of you right now.”

“Please, Lord Qin, just say the word. I will do my best.”

“When assigning servants to the residence, select some good-looking maidservants. That should not be difficult for you, right?”

Wang Jinghong rubbed his hands and chuckled, “Not at all, Lord Qin. I will make sure to arrange everything to your satisfaction.”

“Sir Wang, then I look forward to it.”

“Rest assured, Lord Qin. I will not let you down!”

The two shared a crafty smile...