Chapter 259.2: Hello Chang'an
Chapter 259.2: The Grand Tutor’s Daily Madness
Having spoken of Chang Kuo, it was only natural to speak of the Chang family girl.
Someone suggested she be granted the title of County Princess, as a reward.
“County Princess?” Grand Tutor Zhu, who had remained silent until now, raised his brows at the man. “If her merit was achieved on the battlefield, then any reward should be a military position. County Princess? What a nonsensical bestowal!
Today a County Princess, tomorrow she could become a princess married into another court!
This is the greatest reward given to a girl who achieved great merit on the battlefield? Ridiculous!”
“A military position… how can a woman hold a military post?”
“And this Chang family girl is not enlisted in any army, nor has she ever joined one…”
“Joined what army?” Grand Tutor Zhu sneered. “I recall that, at the time, the Holy Emperor issued a decree stating clearly: Whoever delivers the head of the rebel Xu Yiye, regardless of social origin, shall be rewarded with ten thousand taels of gold and conferred a third-rank official post. The other ringleaders under his command shall be granted a fifth-rank post.”
“Tell me, how could Ge Zong not count as one of Xu Yiye’s ringleaders?”
Grand Tutor Zhu’s aged voice resounded throughout the hall: “The decree was explicit. Since it applies regardless of social origin, why speak of mere enlistment, of male or female distinctions? Even without considering her merit in capturing and killing Li Yi, the single head of Ge Zong alone is enough to grant her a fifth-rank military post!”
The ministers exchanged glances, their expressions varied.
Wei Shuyi’s eyes twitched slightly, a trace of a smile appearing.
Being a close minister of the sovereign, he could not speak too freely while the emperor’s attitude remained unclear.
But with Grand Tutor Zhu present… why not argue for her rightful military post?
So…
Could it be that her reluctance to become a palace official stems from wanting to be a military officer instead?
Very well. If she refuses to be confined within palace walls, let her become a general free to ride across the battlefield.
Just as Wei Shuyi had expected, every word Grand Tutor Zhu spoke was in her favor, arguing for Chang Suining:
“Throughout history, those with extraordinary talent have been exceedingly rare! If Heaven grants such talent, what difference does gender make?”
“At such extraordinary times, with such extraordinary talent, is it not a blessing for Da Sheng?”
“In my opinion, she should not only be rewarded, but richly so. Only then can it inspire talented people across the land to serve faithfully!”
“Conversely, rewarding no one for their merit only leads to decay of the heart. Should a grave error arise, can those of you who oppose this reward bear the consequences?”
“…”
Though aged, the Grand Tutor was still formidable.
Or rather, his ‘madness’ on court had long been a norm… the signs of such madness began when he assumed the position of Minister of Rites.
Whether enemy or ally, anyone who spoke words displeasing to him would immediately be reprimanded.
Rather than a “new official, three fires,” it was more like “I care not, demote if you will.”
And an opponent without weakness was always the most dangerous.
Since the Grand Tutor pioneered this brand of madness, no one had ever gained even a fraction of advantage from him.
Moreover, though mad, he could always argue twisted logic with righteous force… his adversaries often found themselves ensnared, sometimes reflecting on their own position mid-argument.
Furthermore, his prestige and reputation on court, his seniority, and countless disciples lent every word and action immense weight. The more he displayed his stubbornness of “we scholars shall never conform to this corrupt world,” the more support he earned from other scholars and officials.
Some even compiled his contrarian remarks into a volume, widely circulated in literary circles, called… something like The Grand Tutor’s Daily Madness! Indeed, that would be the proper title.
Very well!
After all, it was merely a young girl and a single military post. Perhaps it would be as fleeting as a blossom, catching attention briefly before fading away. Many have astonished the world, only to vanish without successors.
Having reached this point, if the debate continued, it would appear petty.
The dissenting ministers sighed, bowed, and returned to their positions, speaking no further.
The argument dissipated for the moment, yet the Holy Emperor did not immediately decide upon the reward.
Perhaps the previous disputes and objections were exactly what she had tacitly allowed.
When an emperor does not wish to decide immediately, she needs multiple voices.
Chang Kuo would certainly have… grown wary, perhaps already recognized this old master Aj Shang, leaving no weakness in the capital… matters of reward required careful consideration; she could not act hastily.
Next chapter preview: Grand Tutor views a painting, Young Master Cui reads a letter~
Good night!
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