Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 555: Chapter 292 Mr. Meng Wants to Meet Tenth Prince_3

Although He Lianfang claimed that the Crown Prince’s talents were minor, he was indeed the best at studying among the princes.

He said that listening to Mr. Meng’s lectures was like a divine revelation, allowing him to gain a lot.

After hearing the Crown Prince’s reflections, the Emperor felt both gratified and helpless. He had to admit that in terms of studying, the Crown Prince was indeed gifted.

Prince Dai found himself in a fog, unable to articulate any reflections.

The Emperor angrily tapped Prince Dai’s head with his chopsticks, sternly reminding him to study well.

Prince Jing also shared his reflections, although they were somewhat inferior compared to the Crown Prince’s. The Emperor praised him, making him both very happy and proud.

When it was the Eighth Prince’s turn, he only said a few words. The Emperor neither expressed approval nor disapproval.

The Ninth Prince, like Prince Dai, looked utterly bewildered. The Emperor had long given up expecting the Ninth Prince to study diligently or understand anything profound.

Finally, when it was Zhao Yao’s turn, he pretended to understand but was reprimanded by the Emperor.

Having anticipated the scolding, Zhao Yao felt no ripples in his heart. A scolding was just a scolding; it wouldn’t make a difference.

After listening to his sons’ reflections, the Emperor didn’t express his own understanding and simply instructed them to listen well in the afternoon.

After lunch, the Emperor took his sons to attend the lecture again.

Mr. Meng didn’t have the habit of taking a nap and returned to the training field after lunch to continue his explanation of the "Analects."

The afternoon lecture concluded at the end of the Shen hour, and Mr. Meng didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he informed everyone present that if they didn’t understand something or wanted to discuss anything, they could come find him.

Hearing this, everyone present was delighted and couldn’t wait to discuss with Mr. Meng.

Mr. Meng stated that there would be no lectures the next day, encouraging everyone to think about what they’d heard today.

Upon hearing that there wouldn’t be a lecture the next day, Zhao Yao was thrilled and cheered inwardly.

Though Mr. Meng appeared to be in his sixties, he was essentially an elderly man in his eighties or nineties, and a day of lecturing on the "Analects" had tired him.

On the carriage ride back to the Imperial College, Minister Li hesitated for a moment before deciding to ask, "Mr. Meng, is there anyone you wish to meet? If the Emperor wants to have an audience with you, would you meet him?"

Mr. Meng humbly smiled and said, "It should be me who goes to pay respects to the Emperor."

Minister Li, hearing Mr. Meng’s response, understood that Mr. Meng was willing to meet the Emperor.

He quickly replied, "The Emperor said you are an elder, so it should be him who comes to meet you. If you wish to see him, he will come to meet you."

"I am honored that the Emperor does not disdain a commoner like me, and I wish to enter the palace to pay him respects."

"I will relay your words to the Emperor."

Soon, the Emperor received the message that Mr. Meng wished to enter the palace to meet him. This surprised him, but he also felt it was expected.

He instructed Sun Kui to personally visit the Imperial College and inform Mr. Meng that after the morning court the next day, he would personally pay a visit.

Upon hearing the Emperor’s decision, Mr. Meng, feeling both honored and surprised, stated that he would await the Emperor’s arrival at the Imperial College.

Sun Kui, concerned, inquired about Mr. Meng’s health and whether he was accustomed to living at the Imperial College or needed anything.

Mr. Meng replied that he was well and very comfortable living at the Imperial College. He also mentioned his fondness for the college’s students.

Seeing Mr. Meng looking somewhat fatigued, Sun Kui did not stay long to disturb him and left after a few words.

"Mr. Sun," Mr. Meng suddenly called after Sun Kui.

Sun Kui immediately halted and turned to Mr. Meng, "Is there anything you need from me?"

Mr. Meng politely asked, "I wish to meet the Tenth Prince, if possible?"

"The Tenth Prince?" Sun Kui looked surprised and then confirmed, "You wish to see the Tenth Prince, not the Crown Prince or Prince Dai?"

"No, I want to see the Tenth Prince."

Sun Kui was utterly astonished, seemingly unable to believe that Mr. Meng wanted to meet the Tenth Prince.

"I’m being presumptuous; you wish to see the Tenth Prince for..."

Mr. Meng smiled slightly, "A few years ago, His Highness invented the printing technology, improved paper to make it better and cheaper. Additionally, he created the curved plow..." He elaborated on the things Zhao Yao had accomplished over the years. "I wish to meet His Highness and thank him for creating so many things that benefit the people and scholars."

Sun Kui suddenly realized: So that’s the reason.

"I will convey your words to the Emperor. He will likely bring the Tenth Prince along to visit you." It was unexpected that the person Mr. Meng most wanted to see was the Tenth Prince, not the Crown Prince or Prince Dai, which was truly surprising.