CH 40

In the entire country there were more than one hundred and fifty prefectures，the Governor1 governed over one of these Prefectures, the Assistant Prefect was the Governor’s assistant and was a fifth-rank official2, according to reason, Yuan Shu had been promoted from County Magistrate to the Assistant Prefect, which meant that he’d jumped up two ranks, there were many people who were unable to even dream of having such a fortune.

But in reality, Qujing was located in Yunnan province, where many different ethnic groups lived. With the presence of many different ethnic groups meant that governing this place would be very complicated, plus Yuan Shu came from a wealthy background, even if he had followed Dai Gongwang，he had never really suffered any real hardships, this time, going so far, whether he could really adapt to the location was still a large issue. 

Zhao Su knew, although this was Yuan Shu’s personal request, being so far from the Capital meant that his future prospects were really unpredictable, so it was inevitable he would be so nervous. “When are you leaving?”

“I’m leaving the day after tomorrow.”

“Why the hurry?”

“It’s so far, it’s better to set off early.”

Zhao Su thought for a while then said in a serious voice: “Little shixiong，you’re not a kid anymore, there’s no need to remain chaste. If you see a girl you like, you should marry her, there’s no good in waiting.” 

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The blue veins on Yuan Shu’s forehead popped out violently, and his sorrow seemed to have disappeared. He turned sideways slightly and pinched Zhao Su’s cheek with a grin: “You are very experienced. I guess you often visit those Song and Dance Palaces3?”

Zhao Su feigned innocence: “Aren’t I just concerned for you?”

Yuan Shu didn’t let go and even pinched harder, seeing the other was in pain, he felt a bit better: “Even Teacher has been tricked by you，he said that you are very pure of heart，the way I see it you’re like a sesame steamed bun. The little princely heir has been taught by you，in the future, the student will surpass the master and then at this time you will know what it means to bring disaster on yourself.”

The two of them messed about some more, before Zhao Su smiled and lowered his voice: “Little shixiong, you must come back safely.”

Zhao Su was sweating: “What is your Highness talking about, before passing the exam, I was still a poor student, at the time your Highness never ignored me, how would I dare reject the Prince!”

Isn’t it because you don’t have much money! I’m trying to save you some money.

After hearing this, the Prince of Yu was pleased: “Since Shaoyong treats this Prince as a friend, then you should accept these, and take it as early payment for your tutelage of the little princely heir.”

He didn’t reply, before the Prince of Yu said again: “Before you took the court examination，I had already discussed with Gao Gong and the others that once you passed the court examination，I would go into the palace to ask the Emperor to bring you into the Manor as an official and formally teach the little princely. We have been familiar with you for a long time and my son is very close to you.”

Zhao Su hesitated and said: “Your Highness, I don’t know much about the imperial system. But I know that the top three jinshi in the court examination, generally speaking, must enter into the Hanlin Academy. Will his Majesty allow me to come to the Prince of Yu Manor?”

He wasn’t sure if it was because of the recent improvement in the relationship with the Emperor. The Prince of Yu seemed to be in a good mood and was not afraid to mention his father: “Ah, then you don’t have to worry about it. Tutor Gao can make a request with the Emperor for you to come over. You come over every now and then to teach, and there are not many things to do in Hanlin Academy anyway.”

Whilst the two of them were chatting, Gao Gong and Chen Yiqin arrived together, but it was actually Zhu Yijun, who he had not seen for a few days, who was walking in front of them.

“Greetings father.” The child’s clear voice resounded, and he first bowed respectfully to the Prince of Yu, then he turned to Zhao Su and bowed: “Greeting teacher.”

Zhao Su was given a mighty fright and he quickly refused the other’s greeting:“What is this for the little princely heir?”

Zhu Yijun smiled and threw himself into Zhao Su’s arms, revealing the truth: “I’m practising in advance, I want Susu to be my teacher, Tutor Gao and the others were talking about it!”

Zhao Su stabled him and then cupped his hands to salute Gao Gong and Chen Yiqin: “Zhao Su greets the two Zhuoshi.”

Gao Gong laughed, he was very cheerful: “There were so many people at the Qionglin Banquet that day, I didn’t have time to say a few words to you. According to Tang Dynasty traditions, Tanhua-lang is usually the youngest and most handsome person among all the jinshi, his Majesty was spot on, you are indeed worthy of this title!”

Zhao Su understood what he meant. Although Yuan Shu was a jinshi at the age of fourteen, he did not achieve the title of Shu-jishi in the end. Moreover, unlike Zhang Juzheng, the two of them were not backed by a teacher like Xu Jie. It is still unclear how far they can go in the future. But it could be foreseen that Zhang Juzheng’s future was extremely bright, and it was true in the history that Zhao Su knew from his modern day knowledge.

So he said: “I have heard of Zhang Taiyue’s4 name for a long time, but have yet had the opportunity to meet him. If he is to enter the Prince of Yu’s manor to teach, that would indeed be an opportune moment for me to pay my respects.”

Gao Gong fiddled with his beard and said slowly: “This time, Xu Jie has finally chosen a side, so he is willing to let his proud disciple come and tutor the prince. Shao Yong, you have also benefited from this Zhang Taiyue coming here, otherwise with you alone, it would have been impossible for Xu Jie to request this to the Emperor, but as it stands, we now owe him a favour.”

Gao Gong specifically said “we owe him a favour”, not “you owe him a favour”, which was clearly to show to Zhao Su that he fully regarded himself as Zhao Su’s Zhuoshi and taking on this owed favour as his own, was expressing closeness of the relationship between him and Zhao Su.

Author note:

Attention: 1 – Regarding the skin cup there will be a shift in the plot, don’t worry about the appearance of BG, hmmm……

2 – Everyone is probably familiar with Qujing….. yep that’s right, it’s where lao-ba11 goes….pfff