Chapter 6, Examination in the Upper Study Room

Oh, comparing homework, it seems the old master has come to check the assignments. It's nothing serious; we are progressing quickly, having already memorized half of the "Analects." We can withstand the test. Yin Zuo wiped the virtual sweat from his forehead, gestured for Chief Eunuch Gao to lead the way, and hurried towards the study.

"Alright, let's set this matter aside for now. If the gift does not satisfy the Empress Dowager, be careful for your own skin." Kangxi laughed and scolded lightly, thus forgiving Yinzuo for the mistake of leaving the palace without permission. However, he immediately straightened his face and asked about his studies: "Sixth Son, you have been in school for half a year now; how far have you progressed?"

Knowing one's crime? My goodness, this is not merely knowing one's mistake; this is a serious accusation that cannot be borne. Yinzuo hurriedly knelt down on the ground and said, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I, your son, acknowledge my mistake."

Indeed, the old master has summoned you; this is no trivial matter, so hurry along. Yinzuo, disregarding everything else, immediately rushed toward the study. Unexpectedly, he encountered Chief Eunuch Gao Yingnian, who was hurrying along with several young eunuchs. Upon seeing Yinzuo, Gao Gonggong let out a sigh of relief: "Sixth Master, you have finally arrived. If you had delayed any longer, it would have been difficult to explain to His Majesty."

Oh? Can you recite a few passages for the Emperor to listen to?

Oh? Recognizing mistakes and acknowledging that there are reasons behind them, then let's discuss it. The princes have long made it a habit to leave the palace without permission. Not only the princes, but even Emperor Kangxi himself has often indulged in the game of visiting in disguise. It's just that no one has brought this matter to light. Today, Yinzuo has been caught as a typical example, and Kangxi is indeed curious to hear what excuses this sixth son has.

Ah, the curiosity of the esteemed Kangxi Emperor has truly been piqued. Well, you little rascal, you have even set an ambush for the Emperor.

Thank you, Master Gao. Yinzuo casually wiped his hand and quietly slipped a hundred-tael silver note into Master Gao's palm, asking with a hint of concern, "Master Gao, does the Emperor have any urgent matters for me?"

Hehe, this child also wishes to make the Empress Dowager happy, does he not? Your Majesty, please spare this son just this once.

Kangxi himself was a well-educated and talented individual, who placed great importance on scholars. He was aware that this child had an exceptional memory and extraordinary talent. Therefore, he was not surprised that Yinzuo could recite such a lengthy passage. However, more than the ability to recite, he was concerned with whether he could understand the underlying meaning: "To be cautious in the end and to pursue the distant past, the virtue of the people will return to being profound. What does this mean?" "Those who advance in rites and music are considered uncultured; those who lag behind in rites and music are considered gentlemen. What does this mean?" "If it can be applied, then I will follow those who advance." What does this mean?

During the Qing Dynasty, in light of the chaos caused by eunuchs in the previous dynasty, there was a strict crackdown on eunuchs. Anyone who dared to meddle in state affairs was executed without mercy. As a result, throughout the Qing Dynasty until its fall, there were no instances of eunuchs controlling the government, which is quite rare in the history of dynasties. Although the eunuchs of the Qing Dynasty held little power, being close to the emperor allowed them to be well-informed. Consequently, many officials would discreetly offer these eunuchs silver in exchange for information. The eunuch in front of me, clearly accustomed to receiving silver notes, showed no change in expression when presented with one hundred taels; he merely said calmly, "The Emperor is currently examining the studies of the Fifth Prince, Sixth Master, please proceed." Although the eunuchs of the Qing Dynasty held little power, being close to the emperor allowed them to be well-informed. Consequently, many officials would discreetly offer these eunuchs silver in exchange for information. The eunuch in front of me, clearly accustomed to receiving silver notes, showed no change in expression when presented with one hundred taels; he merely said calmly, "The Emperor is currently examining the studies of the Fifth Prince, Sixth Master, please proceed."

The emperor attending the morning court is indeed a laborious task; one must rise at four o'clock and commence the court at the hour of the rabbit, when the sky is still not fully bright. Throughout history, only one emperor has managed to hold morning court daily, and that is the next emperor, Yongzheng. Although Kangxi is also considered a diligent ruler, he could only manage to hold court every three days at this time, and in his later years, it dwindled to once every five days. Today is the day for the old emperor Kangxi's morning court, and Yinzuo is seizing this opportunity to sneak out of the palace. Little did he expect that in just a short span of half a day, he would be summoned twice, which could lead to significant trouble.

"Good, Liu Er has been diligent in his studies, very well, he should be rewarded. Little Liu Er, what would you like the Emperor to bestow upon you?" This reward from Kangxi was indeed significant—at this time, the Emperor was akin to heaven; his words were considered golden and precious. Whatever he granted, one had to accept, even if it meant being rewarded with death, one would still have to bow and express gratitude for the Emperor's grace. It was truly the first time that rewards could be chosen at will, and the expressions of the several princes below were extremely grim.

"In response to the Emperor, as the Spring Festival approaches, today coincidentally marks the birthday of the Empress Dowager, a double celebration. I, the son, have been contemplating preparing some novel gifts for the Empress Dowager, wishing her longevity equal to that of the heavens. It was for this reason that I privately left the palace to make preparations, not realizing that I had missed the Emperor's summons. I acknowledge my mistake."

Yin Zuo was overjoyed: Ha, I finally caught this opportunity! ... However, as soon as he opened his mouth, it left all the brothers in the room feeling uneasy

I, your humble servant, should not leave the palace without permission. However, my actions are for a reason

As soon as I reached the door, I saw that the fifth son, Yinqi, was sweating profusely, kneeling on the ground, stammering something. It seemed he had been caught off guard by the examination. When he caught a glimpse of Yinzuo, he immediately relaxed—his savior had arrived. Sure enough, as soon as Kangxi, seated at the head of the table, saw Yinzuo, his expression instantly turned stern: "Yinzuo, do you know your crime?"

The previous sentence is from the "Xue Er Pian" and was spoken by Zengzi, which conveys the idea that treating the death of parents with caution and remembering distant ancestors will naturally lead the common people to become increasingly loyal and honest. The following sentence is from the "Xian Jin Pian" where Confucius states that those who learn rites and music before taking office are commoners (originally without titles); those who take office first and then learn rites and music are gentlemen. If we are to prioritize the use of talent, I advocate for selecting those who learn rites and music first. These ancient texts are not difficult for the current Yinzhuo; he speaks fluently and eloquently, occasionally adding comments from the great scholars of previous dynasties along with his own views. Not only do the younger brothers listen with rapt attention, but even Kangxi finds it thoroughly engaging.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Confucius said: 'Is it not a joy to learn and to practice what you have learned at the right time? Is it not a pleasure to have friends come from afar? Is it not a mark of a gentleman to remain unperturbed when others do not recognize you?'..." Yinzuo began to recite, continuing from the "Learning" chapter to the "Advanced" chapter, totaling over a thousand characters, without any pauses in between

In response to the Emperor, I, your humble servant, have already studied the Analects.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I can only say that the congratulatory gifts are things that did not originally exist in this world; the rest will naturally become clear in due time." Yinzuo secretly let out a sigh—at least he had managed to divert the old man's attention for the time being

Hmm? A soft grunt escaped from Kangxi's nostrils

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, whose childhood name was Dayue'er, assisted three emperors throughout her life and can be regarded as one of the most outstanding women of the Qing dynasty. The reason Kangxi was able to ascend the throne, capture Aobai, and take control of the government was largely due to the support of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang. Kangxi held great respect for his grandmother and was very filial towards her. At this moment, upon hearing that Yinzuo had gone out to prepare a birthday gift for Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, his anger dissipated by eight or nine parts, and he also felt a bit curious, wanting to understand what this sixth son had prepared. He smiled slightly and said: "It is rare for the sixth son to have such filial piety; it brings me great comfort. What rare items has the sixth son prepared? Can you inform the Emperor?"