Chapter 003: The Affection of Old Thirteen
The successors of the Qin state meticulously followed the plans established by Emperor Qin. Each prince of the Ying family was required to rise at five in the morning and attend school by six, receiving lessons from the grand scholars of the Imperial Academy. After noon, they would begin training in martial arts under the instruction of the commander of the Imperial Guard.
Liu Huaishu was not only a great master of Confucianism but also a renowned calligrapher, known as the Sage of Calligraphy. His diligence and talent in calligraphy were quickly recognized by Liu Huaishu. After finishing his classes each day, Liu Huaishu would stay behind to carefully guide Ying Xuan in his calligraphy. Although they did not have the formal title of master and disciple, their relationship had already taken on that essence.
Several timid princes, upon being fixed with such a gaze by Ying Zhan, instinctively shifted back in fear
Ying Rui is likely to be the future heir of the empire. Once Ying Rui ascends to the throne, his close brothers, even if they cannot be granted fiefs, at the very least can become princes with the right to participate in state affairs. Therefore, several concubines in the palace have early advised their children to be close to Ying Rui.
What business do you have here?
"Alright, what kind of impression would it give if the gentleman saw such a chaotic scene?" Ying Zhan frowned and shouted as he looked at the disorderly classroom.
The Qin state established itself through military might. Emperor Qin, originally a general stationed in the northwest, quickly raised an army during the disintegration of the former Jin Empire, seizing control of the northwest and dividing the world with the Liu family of the Southern Shu and the Yang family of the Eastern Sui.
Although Ying Rui spoke in a very plain manner, the surrounding princes detected a different undertone.
Ying Sui's mother is the favored concubine Yun, who is well-known in the palace for her snobbery. Therefore, after spending a long time with Yun, Ying Sui naturally learned to read people's expressions and to curry favor with those in power
Ying Xuan would rise from bed after the fifth watch. After freshening up, he would head to the lecture hall. At ten minutes past the fifth watch, while it was still dark, Liu Zhong, the personal eunuch of Consort Liu, was supposed to light the way for Ying Xuan and escort him to the lecture hall. However, Ying Xuan, considering Liu Zhong's advanced age, wished to allow him to rest a little longer and thus politely declined his assistance
In the palace, princes were originally not allowed to ride in palanquins. However, due to Prince Anping, Ying Rui, being favored by Emperor Yanping, and out of concern for his arduous studies, a soft palanquin was specially granted to him for his commute to and from school
Haha, with the Fourteenth Brother saying this, I can rest assured. Upon hearing Ying Xuan's words, Ying Rui burst into hearty laughter, and the weight on his heart was instantly lifted, bringing him a sense of joy.
In a moment, the lights drew near, revealing two eunuchs carrying a soft sedan chair, which caused the illumination to appear somewhat flickering and unstable
This seems somewhat inconsistent with the rules of propriety, Ying Xuan declined.
"I said, Old Ten, what business is it of yours that we are talking with Thirteen here? When the gentleman arrives and wants to scold or punish us, we will bear the consequences ourselves. What does it have to do with you? You should just stay where it’s cool." Ying Sui seized the opportunity to interject, wanting to show off in front of Ying Rui, but after speaking, he immediately recalled Ying Zhan's past demeanor and discreetly took a half step back, hiding behind others.
We do not stoop to the level of this barbarian. Fourteenth brother, let us go inside and wait for the gentleman. Ying Rui, feeling disheartened by Ying Zhan, pulled Ying Xuan and walked in. As they passed by Ying Zhan, he shot a fierce glare at Ying Xuan and let out a heavy snort before walking away
"Fourteen, what happened last night?" Ying Rui quietly asked Ying Xuan in his ear
To be able to share a soft sedan chair with Ying Rui to attend school is indeed an honor. Although the princes are still young, they have already become quite astute and immediately sensed a different atmosphere, "This Fourteenth Prince is about to gain power."
Although it is still unclear what transpired between Ying Rui and Ying Xuan, all the princes, adhering to the principle of preferring to err on the side of caution rather than miss an opportunity, have become exceptionally enthusiastic towards Ying Xuan.
Ying Sui, having gained the favor of Ying Rui, would follow him every day like a sycophant, trailing behind him as if he were a servant.
Today we happened to run into the Fourteenth Brother, so we came here together by sedan chair
After that, Ying Rui also arranged to go to and from school with Ying Xuan a few times. Upon hearing that Ying Rui was getting close to Ying Xuan, the noble ladies in the palace sent their own eunuchs to inquire everywhere, but they were unable to uncover the truth, leading them to watch with great interest.
For someone like Liu Huaishu, who has navigated the treacherous waters of court politics for over a decade, how could he not understand the prudent mindset of a prince like Ying Rui, who comes from a unique background? Currently, with the strained relations between Qin and Shu, Ying Xuan, as the nephew of the Shu emperor, indeed finds it somewhat difficult to make progress in the Qin state. However, if one day Qin and Shu were to reconcile, Ying Xuan would be able to transform into a dragon at the first sign of opportunity.
Ying Xuan suddenly understood the reason why Ying Rui was so intent on winning him over, and he smiled quietly, saying softly: "Thirteenth Brother, rest assured, this matter is known to you, me, Heaven, and Earth, and will never be known by a third person. Please remember, Thirteenth Brother, that nothing happened last night"
The road at dawn was shrouded in moisture, and a cool breeze blew, making Ying Xuan feel somewhat chilly. He shrank his neck and then strode forward again.
Every so often, Yanping Emperor would inquire with Liu Huaishu about the prince's studies. However, since Ying Xuan did not wish to stand out too much, after informing Liu Huaishu, Liu Huaishu helped Ying Xuan keep it under wraps and deliberately marginalized Ying Xuan, allowing him to focus on his calligraphy studies.
And Yingrui seems to thoroughly enjoy the feeling of being the center of attention, as if everyone is holding the moon for him.
"It's nothing, I see that one dares to gossip recklessly." After saying this, Ying Rui got off the carriage and pulled Ying Xuan up.
"Oh, isn't that the little guy next to Thirteenth Brother, Old Fourteen?" exclaimed the sharp-eyed Prince Fifteen, Win Sui, in surprise.
Ying Xuan is skilled in calligraphy and enjoys copying Yan Zhenqing's "Dispute over Seating" and Liu Gongquan's "Shen Ce Jun Stele". Every day, after studying, he insists on carefully copying several times before leaving. His dedication to calligraphy has also attracted the attention of Liu Huaishu, a scholar at the Imperial Academy.
In the Qin state, the system of nobility was very strict. Generally, princes could only be granted the title of king after the previous emperor's death, and it was rare for them to be conferred the title while the emperor was still alive. Among the sons of Emperor Yanping, only two have been granted the title of king. One is the deposed crown prince Ying She, who was made King of Han after his deposition, and the other is King Anping Ying Rui.
The location of the Lecture Hall is not far from the Imperial Harem, specifically constructed to facilitate the princes of the Great Qin in their comings and goings, hence it was built adjacent to the gates of the Imperial Harem.
Emperor Qin Taizu understood that it was easy to gain the world quickly, but difficult to maintain it. Therefore, he established a family rule: all members of the Qin royal family must begin their studies in literature at the age of seven and start training in martial arts on horseback at the age of eight
This somewhat left Ying Xuan feeling a bit out of place. Originally, due to Liu Fei's lack of influence, there were hardly any other princes willing to get close to him. Now, suddenly, they have become so enthusiastic, leaving Ying Xuan feeling somewhat at a loss.
After Ying Xuan informed Consort Liu, he did not refuse Ying Rui's attentions. After all, at present, Ying Rui had the greatest chance of becoming the crown prince. Moreover, Ying Xuan speculated that Ying Rui was likely just momentarily enthusiastic, and over time, he would naturally not be so attentive. Furthermore, Consort Liu did not want to offend Consort Xiao because of this, but she also did not wish for Ying Xuan to become embroiled in the struggle for the throne. Therefore, she advised Ying Xuan to avoid too deep of an association with Ying Rui and to maintain a neutral stance as much as possible. Over time, he would naturally not be so attentive.
At the sound of this call, the princes who had arrived early in the courtyard all turned their heads to look.
Soon, Ying Rui and Ying Xuan arrived at the entrance of the Lecture Hall. To avoid disturbing the princes' studies, eunuchs and palace maids were not allowed to enter the hall. Therefore, Ying Xuan and Ying Rui disembarked from their sedan chairs at the entrance and walked into the courtyard
Haha, I see the lights ahead and know that it must be the Fourteenth Brother in front. Only our two mothers' palaces are nearby. Haha!
The Confucian Academy generally ceases to provide instruction to princes after they reach the age of eighteen, after which they must rely on self-study. Therefore, the eldest prince in this academy is the tenth prince, Ying Zhan, who has just turned eighteen in terms of nominal age, while the older princes are no longer present here
This marks the division of Jin into three parts. After the great Jin was divided, the world fell into chaos. Following a period of mutual conflict among the three kingdoms, they gradually began to recuperate and restore their strength. Although sporadic disputes continued, no large-scale battles ultimately occurred, and the world gradually began to stabilize
Due to Ying Zhan's formidable strength since childhood, the princes in the palace have often been on the receiving end of his beatings, which has led to a certain degree of fear among the other princes towards this brute
The other princes, under the leadership of Ying Sui, also began to stir up a commotion.
To mount a horse is to conquer the world, and to dismount is to govern the nation and bring peace to the realm of books; this reflects the initial, somewhat idealistic expectations of Emperor Qin's ancestors for their descendants.
The prince who receives the most attention in the Jing Tang is Prince Anping, Ying Rui, not only because of his talent in Confucianism but more so due to his title as Prince Anping
"There is no need for excessive formalities, my fourteenth brother; we are all family. Why be so reserved? Come, sit beside me, and we shall go to school together." Ying Rui slightly shifted to the side, making room on half of the seat.
This left Ying Xuan feeling somewhat baffled, but he was too lazy to argue with a child of seventeen or eighteen years old
What is going on? All of you seem to be getting restless lately. Do you want me to help you loosen up your muscles?" Ying Zhan took a step forward, his sharp eagle-like eyes fixed intently on the raucous prince, much like an eagle watching its prey
In the State of Qin, the distinction of ranks was of utmost importance; whether it was the identity of Ying Rui, the thirteenth son, or the title of Prince Anping, both were deserving of the respect shown to Ying Xuan.
"Isn't that the Fourteenth Brother ahead?" As he heard someone calling him from behind, he turned around and saw two distant lights flickering in the wind, resembling two ghostly flames that danced erratically, which was somewhat frightening
Upon seeing the soft sedan chair, Ying Xuan immediately knew who was calling for him. In this palace, there is only one person who can ride a soft sedan chair to attend classes, and that is the Thirteenth Prince, Ying Rui, the Prince of Anping
Ying Zhan's mother was born a palace maid, of lowly status, yet Ying Zhan possessed a domineering personality, always behaving ostentatiously, as if fearing that others would not pay attention to him
"Lift the sedan chair." Under the unique voice of the eunuch close to Ying Rui, the sedan chair was slowly raised and moved towards the receiving hall
Ying Xuan bowed and said, "I have met Thirteenth Brother."
Ying Xuan thus received the best education in the entire Qin Empire, despite not being valued by Emperor Yanping