Chapter 141: Reentering the Palace as a Study Companion

Any keen observer could instantly sense the heavy atmosphere. The proprietor of the paper shop was at a loss, not knowing how to act. Laifu, having heard the members of the Shang clan speak of Gou Ye’s history, immediately realized who the woman before them was. He hurriedly stepped up to Gou Ye, tugged at his sleeve, and whispered, "Young Master, we should leave."

After all, they were on someone else's turf. If any untoward incident were to occur, Laifu would find it difficult to answer to the Shang clan. Although Gou Ye felt no guilt in his heart, facing Zhu Ling still left him feeling uneasy; after all, it was he who had driven her husband to his death.

Thus, Gou Ye kept his eyes on Zhu Ling while following Laifu toward the door. Just as they were leaving, Zhu Ling suddenly sneered and said to Gou Ye, "Young Master Gou, the road is long, and we shall meet again."

"Until we meet again." With those words, Gou Ye and his party stepped out of the shop. At that very moment, a young man of similar age to Gou Ye entered. Seeing Zhu Ling’s resentful expression, he couldn't help but ask, "Mother, what happened? What has made you so angry?"

Zhu Ling spoke each word with cold precision: "It was him. It was him—he is the one who caused your father’s death."

Hearing this, the young man rushed to the doorway, but Gou Ye and his group were already far away. Watching their retreating figures, the young man sneered, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

This encounter completely dampened Gou Ye’s spirits. He suddenly recalled the various events that had transpired in Tumen Village, and subsequently, the coercion and persecution he had suffered at the hands of Qin Hui and Zhu Ling. Now that he had run into her in the capital, it seemed that friction would be inevitable in the future. Based on Gou Ye’s understanding of Zhu Ling, she was not the type to let things rest. From this day forward, he would have to be extra cautious to guard against her retaliation.

The three wandered for a long time without finding suitable paper. Perhaps because Gou Ye had lost interest, they simply returned to the newspaper office. Upon entering, they found Eunuch Bai waiting and looking around privately.

Gou Ye quickly greeted him, "Eunuch Bai, what brings you here?"

Eunuch Bai turned, saw Gou Ye, and hurried over. "Oh, Young Master Gou, why have you only just returned? You’ve put me through quite a search! I went to your residence and you weren't there; I asked your wife, and she said you had come here. But when I arrived, you were gone, and I had no idea where you were, so I had no choice but to wait here. It’s been over an hour—I’ve never had to wait for anyone like this!"

"Quick, bring tea for Eunuch Bai!" Gou Ye called out loudly.

Eunuch Bai waved his hand. "No need for tea. Young Master Changfeng has already served me several cups. The Emperor has summoned you to the palace; you must come with me at once."

"The Emperor has summoned me? May I ask, Eunuch Bai, what the matter is? I haven’t composed any poetry in recent days," Gou Ye asked, unable to help himself.

As Eunuch Bai pulled Gou Ye toward the door, he replied, "Don’t ask. The Emperor simply said he wanted to see you. I don’t know what this is about either, so just hurry and come with me."

Before he could even say goodbye to the people in the shop, Gou Ye was dragged into a carriage by Eunuch Bai. On the way, Gou Ye naturally did not forget to bribe the eunuch once more, slipping him a few ingots of silver, which Eunuch Bai accepted with a beaming face.

Before long, the carriage arrived at the palace gates. The two stepped out and, just as before, Eunuch Bai led Gou Ye through a labyrinth of paths until they reached the door of the Emperor’s imperial study. Gou Ye had no doubt that if he had come to the palace alone without a guide, he would certainly have become lost, unable to tell north from south. He reflected that television was surely deceptive; if anyone in ancient times were to attempt to assassinate the Emperor without a guide or intimate knowledge of the palace, finding the imperial study would be harder than ascending to the heavens.

As he was thinking this, Eunuch Bai emerged and gestured. "Come in, Young Master Gou. The Emperor has summoned you."

This time, Gou Ye was not as flustered. He slowly took off his shoes and walked inside with his head bowed. Estimating he was close enough, he knelt and proclaimed loudly, "Commoner Gou Ye pays his respects to the Emperor. Long live the Emperor, long, long live the Emperor."

"Rise," the Emperor said in a deep voice.

Gou Ye stood up and slowly raised his head. Compared to their last meeting, the Emperor looked noticeably haggard and lacked his previous vigor. It seemed that being an Emperor, burdened with a thousand tasks, was no easy life. Although he was already in his sixties and should have been enjoying a peaceful retirement in modern times, as an Emperor, he had to keep pushing himself, neglecting his own health—unless, of course, he were a tyrant.

The Emperor looked at Gou Ye and chuckled softly. "Gou Ye, some time ago, I had my young sons appreciate the poems you composed, and they all spoke of you with great praise. My second son, in particular, is quite fond of you and pesters me every day to have you serve as his study companion. Although there is no precedent in our dynasty for a commoner to serve as a companion, given your immense talent and the fact that you are soon to sit for the imperial examinations, I have decided to break with tradition. From now on, you shall serve as my second son’s companion."

In Gou Ye’s mind, a companion was someone who studied alongside a prince and spent the entire day in his presence. Currently, his entire family depended on him, and both the Shang clan and the newspaper office required his attention. Moreover, he still hadn't had time to study properly for next year's examinations. If he were to become a companion, all his plans would be ruined. To others, this might be an honor beyond measure, but to Gou Ye, it was a tremendous burden.

Gou Ye gritted his teeth, kept his head bowed, and replied, "Your Majesty, I fear I may be unworthy of such an arrangement. It is not that I think this position is beneath me, but as you know, I am currently preparing for the imperial examinations. I fear that, lacking experience as a companion, I might hinder the Prince’s studies on one hand, and fail my examinations on the other, leaving me unable to serve you in the future."

The Emperor let out a faint hum. "Spare me the pleasantries. You might as well just say you don't want to do it. You fear it will delay your own affairs, yet you cite concerns for the Prince’s studies? Do you think I would worry about my own son’s education? Hmph, I will not make things difficult for you. Your role as a companion will be different from others. You need not come to the palace every day; just come every few days to discuss the Four Books and Five Classics with the Second Prince and teach him the art of composing fine poetry and prose. It will not take up much of your time."

Since the Emperor had already spoken thus, what more could Gou Ye say? This was already giving him more than enough face. To continue refusing would be to defy an imperial decree, and bluntly put, if the Emperor were displeased, he could have him executed on the spot.

Gou Ye knelt at once and shouted, "Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long, long live the Emperor."