Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 543: Chapter 289: Fourth Brother Doesn’t Love Me Anymore

Upon learning that Meng Changce was coming to the capital to lecture, the Emperor entrusted the task of hosting Mr. Meng to Minister Li, asking him to invite Mr. Meng to lecture at the Imperial College.

Minister Li naturally was eager for this opportunity and assured the Emperor that he would host Mr. Meng well and ensure the smooth conduct of his lectures.

The Crown Prince and Prince Dai naturally volunteered to host Mr. Meng. Ministers who supported them also endorsed them. However, they were refused by the Emperor.

The Emperor gave face to the Crown Prince and Prince Dai by not reprimanding them in court for, after all, part of the reason Mr. Meng agreed to lecture was because they had bothered him. However, it was precisely because they often disturbed Mr. Meng that drove him to agree to this lecture. Their unintentional actions resulted in a good deed.

Mr. Meng rarely comes out to lecture in the capital, and this lecture might be the last, or even the only one, in his life. The Emperor did not want the Crown Prince and Prince Dai to cause Mr. Meng any dissatisfaction.

The Crown Prince felt the Emperor was right not to let Prince Dai host Mr. Meng, but wrong not to let him do so. After all, he is the Crown Prince, and only his personal attendance could demonstrate the court’s respect for Mr. Meng. Unfortunately, the Emperor did not allow him to host Mr. Meng.

Because of this, the Crown Prince had a large outburst of anger in the Eastern Palace.

Duke Zhen and the Eighth Prince understood the Emperor’s purpose for arranging things this way. Mr. Meng despises mundane affairs and loathes power struggles. This time, he came out of seclusion to lecture for the sake of the people, not to engage in any political intrigues, nor to be drawn into the contest between the Crown Prince and Prince Dai.

Mr. Meng’s lecture is a significant event for the nation and the people, as well as a major occasion for the Great Zhou Court. A great scholar like Mr. Meng coming out to lecture would undoubtedly earn a place in history, which would also bring a good reputation to the court that he serves.

Although the Emperor was not concerned with his own reputation, he could not simply ignore Mr. Meng’s visit to lecture in the capital. At the very least, he needed to demonstrate the importance of this lecture. Besides, Mr. Meng is a genuine great scholar. Even though scholars and literati across the world honorably call him a "Saint," he declined the title.

Minister Li entered the palace to inquire if the Emperor wanted to arrange for Mr. Meng to enter the palace and meet with him. The Emperor thought for a moment and said not to force Mr. Meng. If Mr. Meng was willing, he would personally visit him. If Mr. Meng was unwilling to meet, he would not disturb him.

Hearing this, Minister Li was very surprised and taken aback.

"Your Majesty, you..." In Minister Li’s view, a great scholar like Mr. Meng must be allowed to meet the Emperor, and it would be best if he could praise the Emperor a few times, thus greatly enhancing the Emperor’s reputation and further gaining the respect of scholars and literati across the land for the court.

The Emperor understood Minister Li’s implication, and with a faint smile, he said, "Do not disturb Mr. Meng casually. When hosting him, everything should be in accordance with his wishes."

Minister Li was profoundly moved and then, with admiration, said, "Your Majesty is righteous."

He added, "Your Majesty, rest assured, your humble servant will certainly host Mr. Meng well."

"Mr. Meng should enjoy peace and not like being disturbed," the Emperor instructed. "Regardless of who it is, without Mr. Meng’s consent, no one is allowed to visit him. Understand?"

Minister Li hesitated upon hearing this command. After a moment’s hesitation, he asked, "Your Majesty, what if it’s the Crown Prince, or Prince Dai, or another Prince or official?"

The Emperor’s gaze sharpened as he responded, "Anyone, do you understand?"

Finally, Minister Li understood the Emperor’s intention and promptly responded with respect, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"If there are scholars or students who want to discuss academics with Mr. Meng, and Mr. Meng agrees, then do not interfere."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Emperor gave further instructions before allowing Minister Li to withdraw.

Sun Kui, seeing the Emperor finished speaking, quickly brought a cup of hot tea and said, "Your Majesty, please have some tea."

The Emperor lifted the teacup and drank in large gulps without elegance.

"Your Majesty, will you attend Mr. Meng’s lectures?"

"Of course, I intend to attend. I have never heard a great scholar lecture before," the Emperor chuckled. "Moreover, as the Emperor, how could it be fair if I did not attend the lecture?"