TSWPF -Chapter 297 Not Okay

“With your Grandmaster [master] here, I can rest easy.” Grandfather also had high hopes for Liu Zhiyan and Li Qingfeng, believing that they would have bright futures.

If these two boys had been sent away and their studies delayed, he would have truly been…

But now, with Old Luo accompanying them, he had nothing to worry about. Having Old Luo personally teach them was truly a blessing for these children.

After all, that old man had very high standards and would not teach just anyone.

Even the Crown Prince would not easily receive his instruction.

Liu Zhimou gave a slight nod. “Once we are settled, Grandfather and Grandmother, if you have time, you can come visit us.” Although his grandparents might not come, he sincerely invited them, hoping they would, so he could show his filial piety in their presence.

Grandfather laughed heartily. “Your grandmother and I are already old bones. We can’t handle too much travel. As long as you are well, that’s enough for us.”

“Grandfather, Grandmother, you’re still young! You need to see us grow up and get married!” Li Qingfeng said without any embarrassment. His words made Grandfather laugh even more. “So young, and already thinking about getting a wife?”

Li Qingfeng’s face turned red, and he hurriedly explained, “Not now, but when I grow up.”

“All right, all right. Grandfather and Grandmother will take good care of themselves and see you both married with children.”

Li Qingfeng fiddled with his fingers, smiling at Grandfather. Well, as long as Grandfather was happy, being teased a little didn’t matter; no harm done.

Grandfather reached out and patted Li Qingfeng on the head, then continued talking about other matters.

At this moment, whether in the flower hall or the study, the atmosphere was warm and pleasant.

During their stay at the Lu residence, Liu Zhimou and the others were always smiling. There was no scheming here; they could say whatever they wanted, free and unrestrained. Life here was truly happy.

If Liu Zhimou hadn’t received the imperial edict summoning him to the palace, they might have continued living at the Lu residence.

He had been waiting for this day, so when the edict came, he wasn’t surprised at all. Calmly, he followed the eunuch into the palace.

The Emperor was summoning him, likely to discuss the location of his external posting.

He wondered whether the place was good, whether it was far from the capital…

Lost in thought, he entered the imperial study. Before he could kneel, the Emperor called for him to rise.

“Mo’er, you probably already know why I summoned you, right?” The Emperor had compared several locations carefully the night before, hoping Liu Zhimou would not disappoint him, that during his years away he would achieve remarkable accomplishments. Only then could he assign him an important position in the capital.

Liu Zhimou respectfully asked if it was regarding his posting.

The Emperor nodded. “Yes. I want to ask whether you wish to truly challenge yourself, or…” Before officially announcing the location, he first asked Liu Zhimou what he thought. If he didn’t want a harsh posting, the Emperor could consider sending him somewhere easier.

He had to take good care of his little junior disciple’s son.

However, if Liu Zhimou chose a comfortable posting, he would be disappointed.

His junior disciple was such a resilient man. He hoped his son would inherit that quality and grow into a man of integrity and strength.

Only then could the empire flourish for generations.

“Your Majesty, I choose this posting to truly hone myself.” If he didn’t want to challenge himself, why would he volunteer for an external posting? Better to go directly to the Hanlin Academy and live easily.

Hearing Liu Zhimou’s words, the Emperor nodded with satisfaction. This was indeed what his junior disciple would say—strong and resilient. He felt gratified.

Suddenly, he was filled with anticipation, sensing that this boy could surprise him.

“Good. I am pleased that you abandon a life of luxury to hone yourself in a harsh place.”

“Only by living among the common people and experiencing their hardships can one truly serve them,” Liu Zhimou said earnestly. His resolute words stunned the Emperor for a moment.

Such a small child could have this realization; he felt genuinely pleased, and he thought of how many officials relied solely on words, never experiencing the hardships of the people.

Even he, the Emperor, hadn’t ventured out for many years, learning everything from his ministers. Could they have been deceiving him?

Clearly, he needed to reflect and go undercover to understand the people’s suffering firsthand.

Liu Zhimou had no idea that a single sentence of his had prompted the Emperor to make a truly daunting decision.

If he knew, he would have absolutely stopped the Emperor.

Outside, things were chaotic; if the Emperor acted rashly, the empire could be thrown into turmoil.

But at this moment, Liu Zhimou was completely unaware. Eagerly, he asked the Emperor where he would be posted.

“Ninghua County.”

Ninghua County?

Liu Zhimou searched his mind for information. It wasn’t far from his home—just half a day’s travel. That meant they could go home once in a while.

However, Ninghua was a backward county with many mountains, unsuitable for large-scale rice cultivation. Many people still went hungry and lacked warm clothing.

Such a county would be harsh, but it was easy to achieve results.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Seeing that Liu Zhimou accepted the assignment, the Emperor relaxed and even smiled slightly. He asked if Liu Zhimou knew Ninghua County.

Liu Zhimou said it wasn’t far from his home and that he had heard some information, though he would need to learn more after arriving.

“Good. Ninghua County is entrusted to you. I hope you won’t disappoint me.” He had seen many well-off counties, but in such places, it’s hard to make a name for oneself. A poor county is the best place to prove one’s ability.

He truly was planning everything for Liu Zhimou’s success.

Liu Zhimou nodded solemnly. “Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will not disappoint you.” He would achieve remarkable results and earn everyone’s respect.

Most importantly, he would ensure the people of Ninghua County had enough to eat and warm clothes—a top priority.

With this matter settled, the Emperor was in high spirits, chatting leisurely with Liu Zhimou.

Just then, the eunuch Gao Song hurried over and whispered something in the Emperor’s ear. The Emperor frowned, dismissing him, unwilling to let the person in.

After Gao Song left, the Emperor looked at Liu Zhimou with a complicated expression. If Liu Zhimou hadn’t married, he could have made him a prince consort, but now it was impossible to force him to divorce his wife.

Moreover, his teacher valued his granddaughter-in-law greatly. If he dared to force a separation, the teacher would…

Remembering the teacher’s angry expression, the Emperor shivered.

Terrifying… truly terrifying…

Back when he was Crown Prince, if he made a mistake, the teacher didn’t care about his status—punishment was still administered.

Perhaps that was why he respected his teacher so deeply.

Although his teacher never entered the court or became the Crown Prince’s tutor, he still cared for state affairs, giving advice and even solving problems personally.

Both officially and personally, he admired his teacher greatly.

Liu Zhimou had no idea what the Emperor was thinking. Raising an eyebrow, thinking all was fine, he was about to take his leave when the Emperor asked, “How is your teacher? Is he well?”

“Grandmaster is in good health. He’s been staying at the Xue residence lately, rarely going back. He enjoys the bustle there, playing with Ning Ning, playing chess with Grandpa, fishing… life is fulfilling.”

Effortless… his teacher’s life was so free—going wherever he pleased, doing whatever he wanted—that even the Emperor envied him.

Truly, there are gains and losses. As Emperor, he gained supreme power but lost much—love, family, and even friendship.

The palace concubines served him wholeheartedly, but it was to gain favor and influence for themselves and their families.

He had long seen through all of this, pretending not to notice.

“After you are posted, will your teacher stay at the Xue residence?”

Thinking for a moment, Liu Zhimou decided to be honest. Even if he didn’t say, the Emperor could find out.

“No. Grandmaster fears Xiao Yan and Xiao Feng’s studies falling behind, so he decided to accompany us.”

“…”

The Emperor helplessly rubbed his forehead. With the teacher gone, whom could he consult?

He didn’t want the teacher to leave.

But he also knew there was no stopping such a determined man—a stubborn old man who never changed his mind once decided.

“Mo’er, after you return home, bring your teacher to the palace.” No matter what, he had to try persuading him—perhaps the teacher might soften.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Leave now.”

Liu Zhimou turned and walked out of the imperial study. Outside, he saw the Seventh Princess calling him with bright eyes.

“Lord Liu…”