Chapter 89: Honest Good Child
After Lu Song returned to the palace, he immediately went to Yuan Zonggao to report the situation.
Yuan Zonggao was discussing something with Zhang Zuo. He smiled when he heard this: "Zhu Hao took the prince out for a walk just to listen to books and watch plays? Interesting! Interesting!"
Lu Song said: "According to what he said, he found someone to build the theater and the stage , and he even wrote the story and the play. Is there anything strange about this?"
Yuan Zonggao seemed to be thinking about something, smiling but saying nothing.
Zhang Zuo looked puzzled: "He said that everything was taught by Tang Yin, but Tang Yin has not been in Anlu for a long time, how could he have taught him so much? Could it be that the Zhu family behind him arranged everything in secret?"
Zhu Hao's behavior was too abnormal. Although he could blame Tang Yin for everything, the question was, if Tang Yin really had such great ability and could write both story and drama scripts, why did he always live in poverty and frustration? And why did he have to rely on a child to show these things?
The traces of the axe are too obvious!
Yuan Zonggao smiled and said, "The Zhu family is a military household. Even if there are younger generations who are studying, they will never get involved in anything other than writing. Writing stories and plays are side jobs... Besides, what's the point of doing this for the Zhu family?"
In fact, there was no need for Zhang Zuo and Lu Song to remind him, Yuan Zonggao had already secretly investigated the matter.
With Yuan Zonggao's wisdom, he couldn't understand how someone could be so "talented" that he could write such wonderful stories and plays in addition to orthodox Confucian articles. There is only one explanation, that is, this Confucian scholar had no possibility of continuing his studies and had no way to display his talents, so he became obsessed with such minor ways. The most likely person is Tang Yin, the Nanzhili Jieyuan who was ordered by the emperor not to hold an official position.
As for the Zhu family...
It is not easy for your Zhu family to cultivate a scholar, so how can you cultivate a novelist and a playwright?
This joke is a bit too big.
Lu Song said: "Then Yuan Changshi, if Zhu Hao continues to lead the prince to do his job, is it necessary to drive him out of the palace? After all, the prince should focus on his studies."
At this time, Lu Song spared no effort to drive Zhu Hao out of the palace.
Zhang Zuo also nodded in agreement: "This child is too evil. It may not be a good idea to keep him in the palace."
Yuan Zonggao said, "There is no sign that he has led the prince astray, so there is no need to drive him away for the time being... He saved the prince's life, so the Zhu family would never have thought that there would be such a relationship, right?"
Zhang Zuo and Lu Song looked at each other.
If the Zhu family knew that Zhu Hao not only did not harm the Prince of Xingwang, but also saved the prince, how would they feel?
"Okay, Lu Dianzhang, you go back first. I still need to discuss something with Zhang Fengzheng."
Matters involving the decision-making level of the palace were not something Lu Song could interfere with. He was just a military man who ran errands. Although Lu Song knew that the next topic might involve the reception of the eunuch Zhang Zhong, he did not dare to ask more questions and bowed and left.
…
…
Ever since Zhu Hao brought Zhu Si to the storytelling hall and watched the play "The Monkey King Defeats the White Bone Demon Three Times", Zhu Si's attitude towards Zhu Hao has changed from before... He would pester Zhu Hao from time to time, asking him questions and treating him like an idol.
When Zhu Hao gave lectures before, even though Zhu Si greatly admired Zhu Hao's knowledge, he did not praise him like this.
Zhu San also changed his previous indifference towards Zhu Hao, as if he had forgotten that there was any conflict between the two of them, and pestered Zhu Hao to ask about storytelling and opera.
"What happened next? Tell me quickly..."
Zhu San seemed even more enthusiastic than his younger brother. Of course he wanted to hear the end of a good story.
This is enough to show that, in the eyes of the two children, "The Legend of the Condor Heroes", which is about the struggles between family, country, the world and martial arts, is far less attractive than "Journey to the West". Zhu Hao finally understood why the story of the four masters and apprentices could become a fixture during the summer and winter vacations.
Zhu Hao said with a straight face, "Of course, we'll talk about what happened later when we have some free time. As I said before, if your academic performance declines and the palace holds you responsible, thinking that I led you astray, then my hope of staying in the palace to study will be completely shattered... You don't want to see me kicked out of the palace, do you?"
Zhu Si patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, Zhu Hao, if someone chases you away, I will help you plead for mercy."
Although Jing Hong also wanted to know the plot before and after Journey to the West, he was more rational: "The palace hired a companion for your studies. If they really want to drive Zhu Hao away, it would be useless for you to say so."
"Hmph, you stingy guy. Just so you can study, you only tell half of the story and keep us in suspense. You are so selfish." Whenever Zhu San encountered something unpleasant, he would start to criticize Zhu Hao fiercely.
Zhu Hao said: "If you can learn well, I won't worry about it, but what if... Well, I won't say any more. Are you going to learn or not?"
Zhu Si was the most sensible. He quickly picked up the book and said, "Is it not enough for me to learn? Should I memorize everything and you continue to explain?"
"If we want to recite together, you can't do it alone, Prince... you won't let me down, right?" Zhu Hao looked at Zhu San again.
Zhu San asked in confusion: "What do you mean by dropping the chain?"
"It means to hold back." Zhu Hao explained.
"Tsk, you just keep saying those weird terms. Forget it, I will be merciful. Please study hard today. If I can recite them but you don't tell me, don't blame me for being rude to you!"
The words sounded harsh, but everyone present knew that Zhu San was just a big talker and had no idea how to deal with Zhu Hao.
On the contrary, Zhu Hao had many ideas that convinced her.
…
…
Because Zhu Hao used storytelling as a threat and reward, Zhu San and Zhu Si's enthusiasm in class was greatly improved.
For many days in a row, they learned almost three or four times the usual pace. This was due to Zhu Hao giving them lectures and special training from time to time, and also because Gongsun Yi let them do what they wanted.
Gongsun Yi knew that he was not capable enough, so he often asked Zhu Hao to give lectures on the podium, which really made him lose face as a teacher. However, he was not a person who cared much about face. As long as he could stay in the palace for a longer period of time and earn more tuition, he would not hesitate to be shameless.
When the two younger ones were called by Zhu Youlu and Yuan Zonggao for another assessment, even Zhu Youlu was surprised. How could the two children have made such great progress in their studies?
"Father, this is all thanks to Mr. Gongsun's good teaching."
Zhu San was very proud and looked at Gongsun Yi with a sidelong glance, with a bit of arrogance.
Yuan Zonggao smiled and said, "It seems that Master Gongsun is really young and promising. He was able to find the characteristics of the two princes in learning in a short period of time, teach them according to their aptitude, and not stick to the established rules. He is truly a role model for teachers."
Gongsun Yi felt very ashamed when he heard this, and his face turned red instantly.
These words were clearly praising Zhu Hao, but more profoundly they were praising Tang Yin who was behind Zhu Hao.
I didn't do anything, but I was appreciated by Prince Xing and the Chief Clerk of Prince Xing's Palace. No wonder the previous Juren tutor was replaced by me... It turns out that it's not that you are incapable, but that your opponent Tang Yin is too strong.
Zhu Youqiu said: "You should study harder in the future. If you don't understand something, you should ask the teacher for advice."
“I don’t deserve it.”
Gongsun Yi bowed quickly. He said he was not worthy of the title. He really was not worthy of the title. He wanted to say that if they didn't understand something, they could just ask Zhu Hao directly. What's the point of asking me? In front of Zhu Hao, I can only be an assistant teacher, teaching some basic knowledge to save Mr. Zhu some effort.
Zhu Youqiu couldn't see any problem here, but Yuan Zonggao had a smile on his face, obviously knowing what was going on.
The palace chose Gongsun Yi to replace Sui Gongyan not because of his ability, but because of his simple background. How could Yuan Zonggao not know what Gongsun Yi was capable of?
With his true level, could he teach the princess and the prince so well?
I'm afraid you have some concerns but are too embarrassed to say them out loud, and might lose your job?
…
…
After Gongsun Yi and the others left, Zhu Youqi nodded with satisfaction: "Yuan Changshi has a keen eye. It is rare for him to find such a talented person among the young people... No wonder you strongly recommended him in the first place."
Yuan Zonggao smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Prince Xing, don't rush to praise me. It's better to listen to what others say."
"oh?"
Zhu Youju had no idea what Yuan Zonggao was up to.
Afterwards, Yuan Zonggao arranged for Lu Song to call Jing Hong, who was also a companion to the royal study.
Jing Hong was very surprised to see Prince Xing. Could it be that he had done something wrong and angered the two princes, and Prince Xing wanted to see him to reprimand him?
“Jinghong, you’ve been in the palace for quite some time. Have you found it difficult studying with the two princes recently?” Yuan Zonggao’s style of doing things was always consistent, and he still liked to beat around the bush when dealing with a child.
Jing Hong replied respectfully: "Student will do his best."
Yuan Zonggao continued: "The prince has made rapid progress in his studies recently. I think it is because of the unique teaching of Gongsun. You are listening very carefully?"
"this……"
Jinghong didn't know how to answer.
When Zhu Youqi heard this, he looked at Yuan Zonggao curiously. This question was very unprofessional. Did the two children make progress in their studies because they worked hard? How did you know?
"How does Zhu Hao usually do with his studies?" Yuan Zonggao continued to ask.
Jing Hong was in a dilemma. How is Zhu Hao doing in his studies? Should he ask how Zhu Hao is teaching? That shameless Mr. Gongsun found an excuse to ask Zhu Hao to speak a few words not long after the class started. Over time, even Jing Hong almost forgot who was the teacher and who was the student.
"Zhu Hao...he studies very hard." Jing Hong said insincerely.
Yuan Zonggao asked: "But why do I hear that Zhu Hao usually talks more in class than when he is studying?"
After hearing this, Zhu Youlu finally understood why Yuan Zonggao had called Jinghong here. He couldn't help but look at Jinghong carefully, thinking, Zhu Hao had taught the two children before, and now they have a new teacher, is it still Zhu Hao who is teaching? Then what is the meaning of inviting Gongsun Yi back?
Jing Hong was an honest boy after all. He corrected him, "During class, Mr. Gongsun would give a topic and then let Zhu Hao speak. It was indeed Zhu Hao who spoke most of the time. Recently, Zhu Hao said that only the two princes could remember all the content in class, so he told them stories... Then the two princes were motivated to study and worked very hard... So they learned everything."
"what story?"
This time it was Zhu Youqiu's turn to ask questions.
Jing Hong lowered his head and said, "It is a story from Journey to the West. Zhu Hao only talked about it after class. He did not take up class time, and he did not lead the two princes astray. Your Majesty, please understand and do not... drive Zhu Hao away."
