Chapter Thirty-Three: The Way of a Ruler

“Master? Master?” Xiaohua’s voice called from within the street.

Upon hearing Xiaohua’s voice, Yin Ruxin composed herself, her eyes filled with deep affection as she gazed at Yang Yaozong.

Yang Yaozong gently caressed the delicate curve of her cheek and said, “It’s getting late. Let’s head back.”

Yin Ruxin nodded, her gaze lingering on him, her voice soft and reluctant: “You go first. Once I can no longer see you, I’ll return.”

With a loving smile, Yang Yaozong patted her cheek lightly. “Silly girl! I’ll head back to the residence, then. You should hurry home as well.”

Yin Ruxin bit her lip, nodding, reluctant to part. Her eyes were misty, her heart long since melted by Yang Yaozong’s words. She had already lost her composure, wishing only to be by his side at every moment. Yet, fate had set them apart, and Yang Yaozong had said there would be a period when they could not meet. Her heart ached with the thought.

As dusk fell, she seemed to see him glance back at her before entering the residence. Even this uncertain look added warmth and sweetness to her heart.

In the front courtyard of the Nangong residence, Steward Hao stood beside Yang Yaozong. Xiaohua, her eyes wide with excitement and her round cheeks radiant with joy, stood just behind Yang Yaozong.

That afternoon, Steward Hao and Xiaohua had received the imperial decree delivered to the residence. The two of them, anxious and uncertain, had gone outside to receive it. When they learned that Yang Yaozong had been appointed Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, both were surprised—Steward Hao had never expected such talent from this son-in-law, while Xiaohua was more delighted than anything else.

As evening approached and Yang Yaozong had not yet returned, Xiaohua, worried, went out to wait for him. Looking toward the entrance of the street, she thought she recognized his figure by a carriage and called out tentatively.

Hearing Xiaohua call, Steward Hao also came to the gate to greet Yang Yaozong. Now, in the front courtyard, Steward Hao respectfully stood by his side, saying, “Congratulations, Master, on your appointment as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince.”

Yang Yaozong smiled. “Thank you, Steward Hao. Well… now that I’ve been appointed Grand Tutor, I may be quite busy these days and will often be away from the residence. I hope you’ll bear with me.”

Steward Hao quickly bowed with respect. “Master, there’s no need to say such things. How could this old servant not accept his duty?”

Yang Yaozong helped him up with a laugh. “Now that my father-in-law and Qingyi are both away, and I’m of little help with household matters, everything is left to you, Steward Hao.”

Steward Hao answered modestly, “This is simply my responsibility, I dare not call it a burden.”

Yang Yaozong nodded with a smile. “Steward Hao, are there any horses in the residence? The daily journey to the palace is some distance; I wish to ride a horse.”

Steward Hao thought for a moment. “There are horses in the stables, but I’m not sure if you are skilled in riding. As Grand Tutor, you could take a sedan or carriage to the palace—both are available, and I can arrange it.”

In truth, Yang Yaozong simply wanted to ride for himself. In his previous life, he had learned to ride, though he wouldn’t call himself an expert—he could manage, at least. He had always intended to improve his riding skills, since horses were the main means of transportation in this era, but his health had not allowed him to practice until now. Having strengthened his body, and needing to ride for work, he thought for a moment and replied, “I’ll choose a horse to ride, then. It’s more convenient. I can manage, though I’m not particularly skilled—practice should help.”

Seeing that he could not dissuade him, Steward Hao said, “The horses in the stables are beloved by both the young mistress and the master, and there are some fine ones bestowed by His Majesty. It’s late today—why not go with Xiaohua tomorrow to choose one?”

Yang Yaozong nodded. “Very well.”

After speaking with Steward Hao, Yang Yaozong led Xiaohua toward the rear courtyard. On the way, Xiaohua continued to follow him, her face alight with joy, occasionally breaking into cheerful laughter.

When they reached the back courtyard, Yang Yaozong stopped, turned, and looked at Xiaohua’s excited face, smiling. “Xiaohua, what’s gotten into you? Has someone tickled your laughter point?”

Xiaohua laughed even harder. “Master, you’re Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince now! You’re the Crown Prince’s teacher—a very prestigious position. If the young mistress knew, she would be so happy! No one will dare say you lack talent anymore. You’re personally appointed by the Emperor!” As she spoke, she pursed her lips, indignant on his behalf. “I always knew you had great ability. Hmph! Let those people dare look down on you now.”

Yang Yaozong flicked her forehead. “Whether your young mistress will be happy, I don’t know—but I can see that Xiaohua certainly is!”

Rubbing her forehead and blushing, Xiaohua insisted, “The young mistress will be overjoyed!”

Yang Yaozong then went with Xiaohua to check on Bruno. Bruno, too, had heard of his appointment and had even asked Xiaohua about the position. Upon learning that it meant being tutor to the current Crown Prince, the future Emperor, Bruno admired Yang Yaozong all the more, feeling assured of a bright future in Great Zhou as his subordinate. When he saw Yang Yaozong, he was even more respectful. Yang Yaozong explained that he would be busy for some time and unable to help manage the plants, so he instructed Xiaohua to arrange for a few honest and diligent servants to learn from Bruno, who was to teach them well. Bruno quickly agreed.

Having settled matters with Bruno, Yang Yaozong returned to his room. After Xiaohua assisted him with his evening wash, he sent her to rest. He then turned up the oil lamp, spread out paper on the table, and began to draw with his brush. He was now quite adept with the brush, though his handwriting was only passable at best. He needed to sketch some clothing and weapon designs, but as they were not too complex, as long as the outlines were clear, they would suffice. Still, Yang Yaozong drew multiple drafts of every garment and weapon—those he was dissatisfied with he set to the left, and those he approved he put to the right.

In a grand hall within the imperial palace, the Emperor reclined on the inner side of a long couch, while the Crown Prince sat upright beside him. Only the two of them, grandfather and grandson, were present.

The Emperor gazed affectionately at Jingcheng. “Did you gain anything from accompanying Yang Yaozong today?”

Jingcheng nodded and carefully recounted their conversation in the dining hall of the Qin residence that day.

The Emperor listened thoughtfully. “Hmm. Yang Yaozong appears young—he’s not yet twenty—but his thinking and actions are meticulous and orderly, surpassing even many of the experienced ministers in court. He is a few years your senior, and you two get along well. You should learn from him, but never let trust become blind favoritism. Remember your station. One day you will be Emperor; you must possess your own authority, and keep your own secrets. These are things you cannot share with anyone, not even your most trusted confidant. Learn to read the hearts of others, but more importantly, learn to conceal your own. Let them think they can see through you, when in truth, they cannot guess your true intentions or actions. Do you understand?” As he spoke, the Emperor’s tone became increasingly severe; the air in the hall seemed to chill.

Jingcheng straightened, his brows furrowing, all traces of childishness gone. He listened intently to his grandfather’s counsel.

Seeing his seriousness, the Emperor nodded in satisfaction. “Do you know why I had you summon Yang Yaozong to the palace yourself yesterday?”

Jingcheng lowered his head in thought, then looked up. “Grandfather, you wished to make Yang Yaozong grateful to your grandson—to make him feel honored by your favor, is that right?”

The Emperor smiled, clearly pleased. “Not entirely. I had your aunt investigate Yang Yaozong thoroughly. She reported that he had some talent, and was unconventional, perhaps even a bit eccentric. That was my own impression, too. My original intention was simply to find you capable men, to win their gratitude and loyalty, so that once you ascend the throne, you would have your own supporters at court. But after today’s conversation with Yang Yaozong, I found his learning, his meticulous and rigorous thinking, far exceeded my expectations—especially the statecraft he proposed. Most impressive! I also realized that he is not content to remain an obscure son-in-law. He has ambition and integrity. So I am more convinced than ever that I made the right decision in having you summon him. I intend to make full use of him, to ensure he remembers your patronage, so that he always cherishes your favor! And when you become Emperor, if Yang Yaozong finds his status as a son-in-law a hindrance to his aspirations, you can free him from it and have Nangong Qingyi formally marry him. For most, this would be nearly impossible, but to a ruler, it is easily done. Not only will Yang Yaozong be even more grateful to you, but Nangong Zhan and Nangong Qingyi may also thank you for your decision. Of course, if Yang Yaozong never makes such a request, you need not bring it up. After all, his status as a son-in-law is a constraint—a constraint that can be useful for one of great talent. I am growing old. These past two years, I feel weaker by the day, as though I’m aging every moment. Who knows how long I can remain by your side.”

Tears welled in Jingcheng’s eyes, and he anxiously protested, “Grandfather, please don’t say such things—you’re still healthy and vigorous!”

The Emperor, touched by his grandson’s worry, gently stroked his hair with a smile. “Don’t weep. You are to be the future ruler of the nation. From today, you must learn to be strong, to endure. The hardest lesson for a sovereign is endurance. Being Emperor does not mean you may do as you please. You must always act appropriately for the time and circumstance. To those loyal and useful to you, reward and punish in measure, so they will be all the more grateful and faithful. To those who harbor malice or plot against you, you must be both patient and ruthless—wait until they are off guard, and when you are fully prepared, root them out completely, leaving no threat behind.” As he spoke, the Emperor’s face darkened with a hint of menace.

He sipped his tea and his expression softened. “Alas, child, such a heavy burden on your young shoulders. But you were born to royalty, and that is your fate. I cannot teach you everything about ruling, but remember these words: strategy, cunning, resolve, and learning.

Strategy means setting your ambitions before plotting your course; it encompasses cunning, endurance, and learning.

Cunning is wisdom for the nation and people, knowing when to conceal your abilities, biding your time. Ten years to hone the sword, and when you draw it, strike true. Wielding it recklessly will only make enemies and bring trouble—avoid this at all costs. Learn to judge the times, to plan shrewdly, and more talented people will come to aid and serve you. Never become corrupt—emerge unstained from the mire, and you will be a true hero. Above all, learn endurance. He who endures is a dragon among men. For lack of patience, great designs may be ruined.

Resolve is the balance of strength and gentleness—a ruler must wield both.

As for learning—know all things, from the heavens above to the earth below, and the hearts of the people. Only then can you rule the world. Never cease to learn, for there is no end to knowledge. Be hardest on yourself, even harder than on others; only then can you remain unshaken by outside influences, act with calm and wisdom, and command the whole realm.”

Jingcheng listened with such gravity that he hardly dared to breathe, his brow knitted in confusion. “Grandfather, I do not fully understand your words.”

The Emperor looked at him with loving tenderness. “Take in what you can for now. In time, you will learn these lessons through experience.”

Jingcheng nodded. “Grandfather, tomorrow Yang Yaozong and Qin Haizhou are going to Mount Zijin to find a place for the Secret Investigation Bureau’s training camp. May I accompany them?”

The Emperor smiled gently. “Go ahead. With your aunt by your side, I am at ease. I hope you will understand the workings of the Bureau from its inception, for one day it will serve you. Your aunt is too detached by nature, but it’s precisely this temperament, combined with her talent, that has allowed her to excel in martial arts and cultivation. In this world, perhaps only she is like this. Were it not for the future of Great Zhou and to protect you, she would likely have chosen a life of seclusion in the mountains and rivers. Alas!”

Hearing this, Jingcheng again furrowed his brow, pondering silently—who in this world could be worthy of his aunt?

Around midnight, after a day of overcast skies, the rain finally fell. No longer the gentle drizzle of previous days, it came down in heavy, bean-sized drops, drumming loudly from the heavens. By this time, Yang Yaozong had finished his sketches, putting the satisfactory ones away and burning the unsatisfactory ones in the brazier.