289 A Thing of the Pas (1/2)
Chapter 289: A Thing of the Past
Translator: TransnEditor: Transn
”You are not talented in cultivation. We can see that your level of Taoists Law has barely improved in the last ten years. And you are not able to take the Nation Master of Tang position, because you are not the type of person who knows how to deal with different people like civilian officials and generals in the court. In this case, as my student, you will face a very bad situation. The people who hate me will stand against you when I die, once they know you are not under the protection of the Nation Master title.
Li Qingshan looked at his chief student, his eyes full of worry and helplessness.
He Mingchi answered, looking down, ”I am not talented, but I am used to the life of serving you and uncles, and doing errands like organizing archives. If you die, I will finish my work first and then stay near your tomb and practice Taoists Law, not to improve my state to Knowing Destiny State, but merely to live in the world a little longer.”
”You would guard a tomb alone? That sounds miserable.”
Li Qingshan laughed. Then he put on a serious look and said to He Mingchi, ”His Majesty asked you to supervise the Prince while he studies. I know you get along well with him, but you should watch out, as your relationship might someday bring you major trouble. I think you should do some preparation in advance, in case this happens.”
At this moment, his voice suddenly became deep and low.
He Mingchi was taken back; he moved two steps forward. His face became more and more serious and his eyes full of surprise. He raised his head but was unable to say anything.
Li Qingshan looked at his disciple, and said with concern, ”Many years ago, I met His Majesty at a fortune teller's. He was not as powerful then as he is today. After all these years' friendship, he always allows me to do unreasonable things. That is why I hope you can become a close friend of the First Prince. You are my disciple, and this is the way I protect you.”
He Mingchi was too moved to say anything.
Li Qingshan looked at him fondly and said, ”It's time for you to leave.”
He Mingchi left.
Li Qingshan turned to look out the window, where snow was falling slowly. He contemplated silently.
Everyone knew that he had been a nobody before taking up this powerful position. Naturally, they thought he was a brainless and brash person. But being the National Master for such a long time, he had to think carefully about the important things happening in the court.
It was very clear to him that the decision of which Prince should inherit the throne would be made solely by the King. As long as the Academy kept its promise of not intervening in politics, no one in the empire would dare to say anything about the decision, not even the prime minister or the Military Department.
If His Majesty chose the Second Prince, everything would be as right as rain.
But if His Majesty chose the First Prince, would the Empress agree with the decision?
After so many years, it was still hard for Li Qingshan to understand the deep relationship between the Emperor and the Empress. But seeing was believing, and Li Qingshan had seen how much they loved each other. However, he still wondered whether the empress would be willing to stay in the palace when the Emperor died.
Gazing out at the snow, he sighed. Could he really rely on the chance that the empress, the former Saintess of Diabolism, would not try to obtain supreme power over the Kingdom? After all he was the Master of the Southern Gate Temple of Haotian.
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”Last month, uncle threw a banquet, wanting to introduce me to some officials in the court. But several officials heard I was going to the party and decided not to go, just so that they wouldn't have to meet me! Yet when that woman held a banquet a few days ago, all the ministers sent their wives to the Palace to cater to her. They would have even sent their mothers to the Palace if it was possible. I mean, what were they thinking? Do they not know that I am the First Prince?”
In a quiet yard, a young man dressed in yellow was sitting in a chair, shouting angrily to the snow. There was no dignity on his face, only hatred and evil.
Lee Yu was sitting next to him and watching the snow. She frowned. She had been worried recently about the things happening in the court, and his comments made her worry even more. She said harshly, ”She is our mother! What do you mean by that woman? And your rude remarks about the officials are so unacceptable!”
The young man was the First Prince Li Huiyuan. He was a bit afraid of his sister, but still had the courage to say, ”Sister, we only have one mother, and that is not her. She is not qualified to be our mother anyway. Those officials are all mean and evil jerks. What's wrong with pointing it out?”
Lee Yu looked him in the eye and said seriously, ”You are the successor of the Kingdom, and there are countless eyes spying on you. You need to mind your words and deeds at all times. ”
Li Huiyuan sneered and said, ”But father hasn't appointed me as the Crown Prince.”
”Enough!”
Lee Yu furrowed her brows. She quickly changed the topic, ”How is your studying in Guozijian?”
Li Huiyuan shrugged. A careless expression crossed his face. ”Father sent He Mingchi to watch me study every day. Even if I wanted to skip school, it would be impossible. Stop worrying. The Grand Secretaries all praised me for studying hard.”
Lee Yu watched his expression and was sure that he was not lying. This improved her mood, but she still reminded him, ”He Mingchi is very busy. He needs to handle affairs in the Imperial Center Administration and watch you study. Remember not to vent your anger on him.”
Li Huiyuan was a little confused at her words. He asked, ”I am getting along well with Mingchi. I would never blame him for others' faults. But why do you care so much?”
Looking at the falling snow, Lee Yu said slowly, ”A couple of days ago, the Academy, the imperial court and the Southern Gate Temple made an agreement. When Ning Que enters the human realm in the future, he will not be a visiting professor of the Southern Gate Temple, but the National Master. He Mingchi is the current National Master's beloved student. He is very important if we want to win the support of South School of Haotian Taoism.”
”I never asked him, but I believe he will support us because of our relationship.”
Li Huiyuan thought about how things would unfold in the future. He Mingchi would inherit his master Li Qingshan, the current National Master's influence, but he would never become a National Master. He felt very sorry for He Mingshan. ”Ning Que will probably become an important person for us. I wonder how we can get him.”
Lee Yu became angry again. She raised her eyebrows and rebuked, ”I said you need to be careful, but you dare to say everything. Ning Que is a core disciple of the Headmaster of Academy. No one dares to say they want to get him.”
Li Huiyuan didn't conceal his pride. He said scornfully, ”Even if I cannot do it now, in the future, I will have the dragon throne. I will have countless aces serving in Imperial Center Administration and in the army. I have no reason to be scared of him.”
Lee Yu's anger grew. She stared at him in disappointment. ”It was the Headmaster of the Academy who made the rule that the Academy is not allowed to interfere with politics and it has to obey the law of Tang Empire. The imperial court does not have the ability to control the Academy. So, if you want to hold onto your throne, you should remember to respect the Academy at all times. Do you hear me?”
Li Huiyuan was shocked by the anger in her eyes. He nodded. To make her happy again, he held her hands and shook them gently. ”I know, sister. I know now that no one is allowed to say they want to get the Academy. But I know you are powerful enough to get Ning Que.”
His words reminded Lee Yu of the trek, the stories beside the bonfire and the man with three swords on his back. She could not help but laugh. ”I am afraid I am not that powerful.”
A palace nanny appeared and said quietly, ”The Little Prince woke up and Miss Sangsang told him some stories. They are now on their way here.”
Lee Yu glanced at her brother and said, ”You should go back to the Palace and study, in case father checks your homework tonight.”
Lee Huiyuan replied, ”I could stay longer. Father never opposes me staying with you.”
Lee Yu frowned. ”You really should avoid meeting her. You are ill-tempered and although Sangsang seems to be fine with it, she has a clear mind. She knows everything you are thinking.”