Chapter 126 Good teaching
Liu Ji was in a bad mood, he had already smelled something bad.

While he was greeting Deng Qianqiu, the corner of his eye fell on Hu Weiyong who was not far away.

Hu Weiyong was like a poisonous snake, making him feel like a thorn in his throat.

Of course, no matter how terrifying Hu Weiyong was, he was not impossible to deal with.

For Liu Ji, the two truly terrifying enemies were Li Shanchang, who looked weak and sat there gasping for breath.

There were also those scholars standing next to him, who were filled with righteous indignation.

That’s right, the biggest concern was precisely those civil officials who stood on his side and were recruited into the court because of their reading and knowledge.

These guys talk about benevolence and righteousness every day and fan the flames all the time, but in fact... there are some things that only Liu Ji himself knows.

But what could Liu Ji do? He was born to be one of them, so much so that Liu Ji even wanted to follow Li Shanchang's example and write a letter to the emperor begging him to let him retire and return home.

What is really scary is not Zhu Yuanzhang, because as long as Liu Ji understands Zhu Yuanzhang's temper, he is confident that he can completely avoid any risks.

It’s just… when someone ties his hands and feet and he subconsciously becomes a spokesperson for certain people, this is a real way to get into trouble.

On the other side, Zhu Gang and the other two were also the center of attention. They did not have the pressure that Deng Qianqiu had, especially Zhu Gang, who looked smug and oblivious to the people around him.

Everyone who saw him shook their heads. He didn't look like a nobleman at all. In this respect, he was very much like his father, a farmer's son...uncouth.

Of course, everyone still smiled apologetically to Zhu Gang.

Zhu Gang said, "I heard that some people outside are saying bad things about our teacher. Humph, this is simply outrageous. I wonder which bastard is so bold and presumptuous."

He cursed and swore, still not satisfied: "Don't play dirty tricks on me! My mentor has extraordinary abilities. It is a blessing for the three of us brothers to be able to learn from him, right, fourth brother, fifth brother?"

Zhu Gang boasted like this not only because he really had a close relationship with Deng Qianqiu, but more importantly, he wanted to raise a banner.

This is a new project. If it is successful, there will be a lot of money rolling in, and there will be mountains of gold and silver coming to your door without you having to do anything.

His newly appointed mentor had already promised him benefits, including a share of the profits, and he even kept it a secret from his father.

Zhu Di remained silent and just nodded.

What could he say? He was of no use anyway, he just... didn't want to be isolated.

Zhu Su smiled and said, "Third brother is right. Third brother is absolutely right. I have learned a lot from my teacher, and I will continue to learn from him in the future."

Some people don't like to hear this.

Professor Liu Zhi of the main hall stood up and said earnestly: "Your Highness, this is wrong. Your Highnesses are at their most stubborn. At this time, they should be taught by great scholars with noble character, who are proficient in the teachings of saints and well-read in poetry and books. Only in this way can they become great. As for Captain Deng... He is a military official, he has his mission..."

Zhu Gang then scolded: "The birdman you are talking about, who has a noble character, is well versed in the teachings of the saints, and is well-read in poetry and books, is that you yourself?"

Liu Zhi's face turned green, and after a long pause, he finally said, "I am not a talented official, but I have some virtue and talent."

Zhu Gang was so angry that his neck turned red. "You are so knowledgeable and talented. I just want to ask you how many concubines you have at home."

"Ah..." Liu Zhi opened his mouth and couldn't close it.

He didn't expect Zhu Gang to go straight for the lower three moves, which was comparable to directly grabbing the crotch during a duel.

Zhu Gang curled his lips and said, "How dare you look down on my mentor? Humph, I'll smash your dog head."

Liu Zhi was so scared that he immediately covered his head.

But at this moment, someone shouted angrily: "Who wants to smash Liu Qing's dog's head? He is a minister of the court and taught you to read. How dare you, a beast, smash his dog's head! Smash his dog's head for me to see!"

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang walked into the main hall with great vigor.

When everyone saw this, they were all in awe and bowed.

Zhu Gang was also startled, and quickly put on a well-behaved appearance, prostrating himself on the ground, and shouted in praise: "Your son greets the emperor, long live the emperor."

When Liu Zhi saw that the emperor had come and was defending him, he was delighted at first.

But Zhu Yuanzhang kept saying "dog head" to himself, and then he touched his head subconsciously. Then he stepped forward and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, this is not the fault of His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin. His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin is young and ignorant, and he was just a little neglected in discipline."

The implication of this statement is that this is the result of Deng Qianqiu's connivance.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and ignored him, only asking: "Are you all here?"

He should also hurry up and say, "Officials from the Secretariat, the Censorate, the Hanlin Academy, and the Chancellery are all here."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, paced a few steps, and then continued: "These days, I have read many impeachment memorials, and you are very concerned about the education of the princes."

Liu Zhi winked at Liu Ji, but Liu Ji pretended not to see it. This made Liu Zhi a little angry, but he had to stand up and say, "Your Majesty, the prince's education is of great importance. How can it be treated as a joke?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Before this, several of the emperor's sons studied in the Great Hall, but they did not make much progress, so I had to find another way. Besides, Deng Qianqiu is very talented. I ordered the emperor's sons to study under Deng Qianqiu. What does it have to do with you?"

Liu Zhi said righteously, "Your Majesty, this is wrong! Deng Qianqiu is unlearned and he only knows how to please the princes. The princes are playful at this age. When they were studying in the Great Hall, they did behave inappropriately and were unwilling to study hard, which led to the neglect of their studies. But Your Majesty... As the saying goes, those who are close to red will be red, and those who are close to black will be black. Now that the princes are studying under Deng Qianqiu, I think... this is very disadvantageous to the princes."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him coldly and said, "Oh?"

Liu Zhi said, "At this point, I have no choice but to report. Your Majesty, since the three princes went to the Hundred Households Office, Deng Qianqiu has no intention of teaching them. I have asked someone to observe that Deng Qianqiu is usually out early and back late at the Hundred Households Office, and he doesn't care about the princes' studies at all."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and glanced at Deng Qianqiu. Deng Qianqiu: "..."

Liu Zhi added: "Deng Qianqiu is idle all day long, let alone teaching the princes? Your Majesty, we are also thinking about the country and the people, and we implore Your Majesty to look into it."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered and said nothing.

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed still unmoved.

Liu Zhi was anxious and said, "Your Majesty... there are some things I shouldn't say, but..."

He gritted his teeth, suddenly bowed and said, "I also heard that Deng Qianqiu often went to a place called Jingyuan Bookstore... After that, I... went to the bookstore to inquire, and learned from the shopkeeper of the bookstore... Deng Qianqiu loved to buy books there the most. Among them, the shopkeeper of the bookstore remembered some books clearly..."

Hearing what Liu Zhi said, Deng Qianqiu's face suddenly changed: "Liu Zhi, what nonsense are you talking about? If you want to slander someone, you need evidence."

Liu Zhi said, "The owner of the bookstore is a witness, so how can there be no evidence? Your Majesty, I also bought a copy of the book purchased by Deng Qianqiu, but I don't know whether I should present it to Your Majesty for your perusal."

Deng Qianqiu was anxious and said, "This is really ridiculous. It's simply a huge joke..."

Deng Qianqiu finally realized how terrible these scholars were.

If they want to destroy you, they will start with your privacy. Dark, really damn dark.

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes, seeming a little hesitant. After all, some things, if exposed to the officials, would not look good.

But Liu Zhi had already taken out a book from his bosom, and raised his hands high in front of Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu Yuanzhang only glanced at it and felt that it was hot to the eyes, but he saw that on the cover of the book, there were four big characters written: "Lovely Wife Like Clouds".

Zhu Yuanzhang looked away.

Liu Zhi said: "The title of this book is "Lovely Wives Like Clouds". Your Majesty, can you allow me to read this book here and see what this learned Captain Deng has in his belly?"

All the ministers began to stand on tiptoe. For a moment, they even ignored the etiquette of being a minister. Everyone stretched their necks and smiled.

Deng Qianqiu was socially frustrated on the spot. In fact, this book was not really improper. It was just the most common story book on the market, and it was a story book that ordinary people loved to read.

But this thing is certainly not worthy of being presented in a formal occasion.

Especially the title of the book. Although it did attract Deng Qianqiu at that time, his mood is different now that it is revealed.

Zhu Yuanzhang cleared his throat, and then couldn't help but yelled at Deng Qianqiu: "You are so idle all day, and you just watch this every day?"

Deng Qianqiu had no choice but to say, "I...occasionally suffer from insomnia, and need to read something boring to force myself to fall asleep...this book is boring to me, so...I use it to induce sleep."

Zhu Yuanzhang said angrily: "Still trying to quibble!"

Liu Zhi got excited at this time and immediately said: "Your Majesty, how can a man who reads such books all day teach the princes? If all the princes are like him, what will they become in the future? Several princes are useless and refuse to study on weekdays. Now they have met Deng Qianqiu, which will ruin their lives. Your Majesty... I... I dare to speak up today and beg Your Majesty to withdraw your order."

Deng Qianqiu was furious, okay, okay, you have no bottom line, right?

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but be furious. If this matter were to spread, the whole world would laugh their heads off.

At this time, Zhu Gang suddenly asked: "Why doesn't the emperor ask us what books we read?"

Zhu Yuanzhang hadn't spoken yet.

Liu Zhi said righteously, "Your Highness, Prince of Jin, please stop making excuses for Captain Deng. What can he, a man of no learning, teach you to read? You normally refuse to learn in the main hall. Now that you are following this Deng Qianqiu, do you think you will read "The Lovely Wives Like Clouds" all day long?"

Zhu Yuanzhang asked in a deep voice: "What books have you been reading recently?"

Zhu Gang became excited: "Father, what I am reading is the Book of Han."

As soon as these words were spoken, someone in the hall couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Everyone laughed, except Liu Ji, whose face was solemn and he could not laugh.

Liu Ji knew better than anyone what this laughter meant.

Your Majesty values ​​your face the most. How can you let this go now that you are being laughed at like this? When the time comes... Zhu Gang will certainly be punished, but... the instigator of today's incident will probably not have a good life either.

Zhu Yuanzhang was indeed filled with shame and anger, but he held back and did not lose his temper.

Liu Zhi said calmly, "Your Highness the Prince of Jin is reading the Book of Han, but I don't know which book of Han he is reading?"

I thought Zhu Gang would reveal his true colors soon, but who knew that Zhu Gang said, "Emperor Jing Ji!"

Liu Zhi's expression changed slightly, and he couldn't help but ask: "Where did you see it?"

Zhu Gang said: "In the seventh month of autumn, the imperial edict said: "Officials who are under the supervision of their superiors are exempted from duty for the sake of food and drink..."

Zhu Gang actually recited it seriously.

At this moment, the smiles on the faces of the ministers slowly stiffened.

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but reveal a strange look.

……

The next chapter will be coming soon, I am writing it as fast as I can...

(End of this chapter)