Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 547: Chapter 290: The Imperial Jade Seal_2

During the previous dynasty, Mr. Meng was invited by the emperor of the time to come out of retirement and serve in the court, benefiting the common people. He initially entered the court with expectations, but soon he grew disappointed with the previous dynasty’s government. Due to one incident, he completely lost his faith in the court, and then he retired to the mountains. Since then, he has never returned to public life.

He dedicated himself entirely to scholarship, never concerning himself with mundane affairs. Over the years, he authored many books, which were beloved by scholars and students alike.

The books authored by Mr. Meng, or the words he spoke, were regarded as a model by scholars across the land. Indeed, the books read by the princes were all annotated by Mr. Meng.

Unfortunately, Mr. Meng did not receive recognition from the previous dynasty’s court. Because of this, scholars and students across the land were very dissatisfied with the previous dynasty.

Mr. Meng did not care about this matter, but other scholars were very concerned. They hoped that Mr. Meng could receive recognition from the court.

Even though scholars everywhere viewed Mr. Meng as a great scholar, without recognition from the court, his identity as a great scholar was not quite "legitimate."

The late Emperor personally invited Mr. Meng to come out of retirement and restore the rites and music, but Mr. Meng refused. The late Emperor did not blame him; instead, he issued a decree bestowing upon Mr. Meng the title of "great scholar." As for the title of "Saint," Mr. Meng could by no means accept it; he felt that he was neither a saint nor qualified to be one.

Since then, Mr. Meng has been a genuine and respectable great scholar.

Because of the event of bestowing the title of great scholar upon Mr. Meng, the late Emperor was also praised by scholars throughout the land as a wise ruler.

"I wonder if Mr. Meng will accept students this time out of retirement?" the Crown Prince said, his gaze following the carriage carrying Mr. Meng, "I wonder if I could become Mr. Meng’s student?"

Zhao Yao, hearing this, looked up in surprise at him: "Crown Prince Brother, you want to become Mr. Meng’s student." The tutors by his brother’s side were all men of great talent, though not as illustrious as Mr. Meng, compared with others, they were not bad. If his brother wanted to become a disciple of Mr. Meng, he surely had other intentions.

"It would be my honor to be Mr. Meng’s student," the Crown Prince said sincerely. "Mr. Meng is immensely knowledgeable, and learning even a little by his side would benefit me for a lifetime."

The Eighth Prince interjected from the side, "Brother admires Mr. Meng greatly."

Zhao Yao wondered in his heart: Is the Crown Prince Brother genuinely wanting to become Mr. Meng’s student to gain knowledge, or is it for reputation?

"Crown Prince Brother, you are so remarkable in your studies, surely Mr. Meng would be willing to have you as a student." As if. Just because you are the Crown Prince, Mr. Meng would not take you as a student.

"I’m just afraid Mr. Meng would disdain that I’m the Crown Prince and be unwilling to accept me as a student," the Crown Prince was quite self-aware.

The Eighth Prince consoled the Crown Prince, "Brother, haven’t you written an essay? You can first show it to Mr. Meng. After reading your essay, Mr. Meng will surely take you as a student."

Zhao Yao echoed the Eighth Prince’s words, flattering, "The Eighth Brother is right. Brother, with your remarkable essay writing, Mr. Meng will certainly be astonished and eager to make you his student."

The Crown Prince was amused by Zhao Yao’s words: "My essays haven’t reached such astonishing heights."

The Eighth Prince said, "Brother, don’t belittle yourself. Your essays are praised by scholars across the land."

The Crown Prince felt more confident with the praise from the Eighth Prince and Zhao Yao.

"Then I’ll first send my essay to Mr. Meng for him to take a look," the Crown Prince genuinely wanted to be Mr. Meng’s student, to learn by his side. Besides that, he also had other motives; if he truly became Mr. Meng’s disciple, then scholars across the land would support him, thereby solidifying his position as Crown Prince, and Prince Dai would pose no threat to him. "If possible, I’d like to visit Mr. Meng. Even if I cannot become his student, speaking with him would be good."

The Eighth Prince suggested, "Brother, you can write a letter of introduction to Mr. Meng in the guise of a student."

The Crown Prince thought for a moment and said, "Fine, I’ll write it when I return."

At this time, Meng Changce had already been received by Minister Li and taken to the Imperial College. The Crown Prince and Zhao Yao couldn’t follow them to the Imperial College.

The scholars who entered the capital with Meng Changce were also not allowed to enter the Imperial College. Even if they could, there was no room to accommodate so many in the Imperial College.