Chapter 1154: Delighted
Editor: Henyee Translations
Because the Old Minister was not in the capital and did not involve himself in court affairs, he refrained from using his contacts to gain favors, which meant that the Emperor had no reason to fear him either.
In fact, the Emperor not only held no fear of the Old Minister but also respected and admired him greatly. This sentiment was particularly strong because the Crown Prince had been personally taught by the Old Minister, which further enhanced his reputation.
Despite the existence of other brothers, none of them could find any way to discredit or cause trouble for the Old Minister. His reputation remained untarnished, maintaining a n.o.ble and pure image that only served to benefit the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince found solace in the fact that the Old Minister’s uninvolved nature was advantageous for him. He believed it was better for the Old Minister to maintain his distance from court affairs rather than seeking personal gain.
However, as the years pa.s.sed, the Crown Prince began to miss the Old Minister. The thought of the elderly man wandering alone outside weighed heavily on his conscience, filling him with guilt and concern.
Amidst various reasons, the Crown Prince’s fondness for Shao Yunduan grew stronger. He decided not to hide their relationship any longer and, on the following day after court, he approached his father, Emperor Xuan, and candidly shared everything about the bond between Shao Yunduan and the Old Minister.
Emperor Xuan received the news with great joy and chuckled, saying, “I knew it! I’ve always felt a strong connection with Primus, sensing that he is not an ordinary individual. Now I understand; it’s because the Old Minister personally mentored him! The Old Minister’s knowledge and wisdom are remarkable, and Primus has truly inherited those qualities. He is undoubtedly worthy of the t.i.tle of Primus!”
The Crown Prince smiled and nodded. “You are right, father!”
Emperor Xuan smiled. “Since Primus Shao is taught by the Old Minister, he doesn’t have to be trained at the Hanlin Academy. That is a waste of talent. You can find a place for him at the six departments.”
“Yes, you are right, father!” The Crown Prince agreed with his father’s sentiment but was hesitant to bring up his own plan at this moment. He had intended to wait for about half a year or a few months before discussing it. However, he was pleasantly surprised that his father had already made a promise.
Having already considered where Shao Yunduan should be placed, the Crown Prince proposed, “Father, I would like him to become an intermediate doctor of the fifth rank in the Ministry of Revenue. What do you think?”
Emperor Xuan pondered for a moment and then nodded approvingly, saying, “Yes, judging from what the Old Minister taught me, I am confident that he will outperform many others.”
“Thank you, father.”
Emperor Xuan glanced at the Young Master, his son, and sighed with a smile. “He is your Junior Brother, and you should look after him. It has been so many years, and no one has shown him the favor he deserves from the Old Minister. Let’s not let him suffer any longer and avoid breaking the Old Minister’s heart!”
The Crown Prince respectfully bowed and replied, “Yes, Father!”
Shao Yunduan, being a “Junior Brother” without any prominent background or influential connections, was the sole individual whom the Old Minister had personally mentored for years. Because of this, Emperor Xuan held no apprehension towards him.
On the contrary, over the years, the Emperor had developed a sense of guilt towards the Old Minister. Subconsciously, he sought to compensate for this guilt by extending his support to Shao Yunduan, leading him to share his intentions with the Young Master.
Before long, news about Shao Yunduan being the in-name disciple of Minister Old Yun spread like wildfire.
This revelation stirred strong reactions within the Hanlin Academy, causing great astonishment.
The Tian Family and other princes were equally taken aback.
Shao Yunduan had the extraordinary fortune of being recognized as the Old Minister’s disciple!
With such an esteemed ident.i.ty, he could now expect a secure and prosperous future without any worries for the rest of his life.