Chapter 64
Book 6 Chapter 8 – Audacity
The attendant led Xiang Shaolong away from the Imperial Garden, walking along the corridors, pa.s.sing through buildings and gardens towards the Outer Palace.
Along the way guards were posted everywhere, obviously security has been tightened since his last visit.
Xiang Shaolong was secretly alarmed, was the Qin Palace being prepared for some changes?
He thought of how Lord Yangquan first wounded Jing Jun, then found people to openly ambush him in the streets. His actions can be considered uncontrolled so it’s not strange if he were to rebel. The only question is how many in the Qin military stands on his side!
Of course he’s not worried.
History books have already stated that before Emperor Qin rejected Lu Buwei, he has always remained undefeated, and that will only happen 10 years later.
Just as he was lost in thoughts, Xiao Pan’s voice was heard coming from his left, "Grand Tutor Xiang!"
Xiang Shaolong turned towards the direction of the voice in surprise to see Xiao Pan running out from single log cabin with bamboos planted outside, past the gra.s.s field, towards the corridor.
The attendants and guards hurriedly fell to their knees in fright.
Xiang Shaolong was still deciding if he’s supposed to kneel since he is the Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor when Xiao Pan cried out, "Grand Tutor, dispense with ceremony!" and at the same time made an eye at him.
Xiang Shaolong was sharp enough and walked to a corner with him and asked with his brows furrowed, "Aren’t you supposed to be having lessons?"
Xiao Pan panted as he replied, "I know that Grand Tutor will pa.s.s by this area, so I’ve been keeping an eye out."
Xiang Shaolong asked, "Is there anything you want to say?"
Xiao Pan was about to speak when a sweet but furious sounding lady’s voice rose up from behind them, "Crown Prince!"
The 2 of them were feeling guilty and they were both startled as they turned to look at where the voice came from.
They saw an extremely beautiful and slender lady with her hair adorned with a sparrow pin, hair swaying as she walked and wearing a long white robe, seemingly glittering under the rays of sunlight. Her steps light, she seems to be floating on the lush green gra.s.s as she walked towards them, her movements elegant, as if she’s a beautiful G.o.ddess who has come down to earth. Especially when the wide sleeves at her side was fluttering as she walked, which emphasized even more strongly her gracefulness.
Even more startling was her facial features, which has a rare purity seldom seen in this era, like a carved statue. Her eyes were clear and bright, her cheekbones were a little too high but when coupled with her straight nose, it gives one the feeling of uncommon grace, an elegance that makes one’s heart shudder, making others feel that she is a woman with her own mind, a determined beauty.
Her dainty brows were long and curved towards her temples, showing how dark and s.h.i.+ny her pupils were.
Her phoenix eyes and dainty brows has an air of cla.s.sical beauty and this is the first time Xiang Shaolong has seen such allure and uniqueness.
Even with Xiang Shaolong’s immovable att.i.tude towards women now, he still can’t help but feel his heart lurch.
Her pert bosom, slender waist, long legs, all gave her an air of dignity that is beyond any of the other women in this era. When compared to Ji Yanran they both have their winning ways and it’s difficult to compare who is the better.
But at this point in time her pretty face was tight, cold as frost, her expression stern as she stared at Xiao Pan, "Ask if ignorant, learn if unable to perform, listen to scholars if unable to learn, this has been the way since time memorial. Crown Prince, you are so easily distracted and has no heart in your studies, how will you rule the country and the people in future?"
Xiao Pan is after all still a child so naturally he hid behind Xiang Shaolong in fright, and it became a situation where it seems the 2 Grand Tutors were having a confrontation.
The attendants who were leading the way were so frightened they retreated to one side, afraid of being implicated.
The guards around them averted their eyes, pretending that they did not see anything at all.
Although Qin Qing was furious, her expression is a chilly calm, her breathing even, her hands behind her back. She lifted her head to look Xiang Shaolong who was half a head taller than her and asked gently, "This is the Grand Tutor Xiang that Crown Prince Zheng has been talking about all the time?"
Xiang Shaolong looked at her pure and regal expression and cleared his mind of his imagination before replying with a straight face, "It is indeed I, and I would appreciate Grand Tutor Qin kind advices."
Qin Qing smiled slightly, "Grand Tutor Xiang is being too polite! Crown Prince! Aren’t you going to walk out, a man must dare to admit to his actions, and take responsibility."
Xiang Shaolong was stunned, "It’s not that serious, right?"
Qin Qing’s expression turned icy as she replied, "There is a big problem with Grand Tutor Xiang’s words. It is just a small matter to slip away from studies, but to cower on seeing someone, when he becomes the ruler in future and still has such a disposition, how can he handle the country’s affairs? If Grand Tutor Xiang only knows how to protect and abide with the Crown Prince, how can you answer to his Majesty who has bestowed such an important task of teaching the Crown Prince?"
Xiang Shaolong answered with a wry smile, "Don’t make it sound so serious, all right? Take it that I’m at fault, I’ll wave the white flag and surrender, all right?" He reached out and patted Xiao Pan who was still behind him and said, "Crown Prince Zheng! Come! Show Grand Tutor Qin how heroic and manly you are by daring to admit to your actions and impress her!"
Qin Qing was dumbfounded on hearing that. How can a senior official talk like that, as if playing a fool.
Xiao Pan walked out on hearing that and stood next to Xiang Shaolong, puffing his chest out and sucking his stomach in, posing like a great man but his tiny face was trying to contain his laughter and he looked totally hilarious.
Qin Qing’s eyes settled on Xiao Pan’s face and seeing how his little face was puffed red from trying to control his laughter, can’t help but chuckled although she knows she must not laugh. She turned her head aside and covered her face with her sleeve.
On seeing that, how can Xiao Pan control himself any longer and started clutching his stomach and chortled.
Xiang Shaolong can’t help but laugh as well.
Laughter is the most contagious, especially in such a solemn environment, and the attendants and guards around them all were secretly smiling as well.
Qin Qing lowered her sleeve, revealing her face that was wiped of any trace of a smile and arched her delicate brows as she softly reprimanded, "Laughed enough?"
Xiao Pan and Xiang Shaolong were so stunned that they immediately looked serious and stood straight.
But once a can of laughter has been opened, it’s difficult to control. Right now not only Xiang Shaolong and Xiao Pan’s expressions looked strange, this pretty widow is not much better as she tried to look serious and chided, "No one since time memorial can become wise without studying. But not concentrating on one’s studies is akin to not learning anything at all. Crown Prince Zheng should reflect on your behavior today. If you think that you cannot concentrate on your studies, Qin Qing can only resign from her post as Grand Tutor."
Xiao Pan hurriedly replied, "Grand Tutor Qin, Xiao Zheng will not dare to do so anymore, I guarantee there won’t be a next time. Hai! What do I have to memorize again this time?"
Qin Qing is obviously a person who looks stern on the outside but softhearted on the inside. She sighed and said, "This time I only want you to earnestly reflect. All right! That’s all for today."
She turned towards Xiang Shaolong and before she has a chance to speak, Xiang Shaolong has already bowed towards her suavely with respect, his movements especially splendid.
Qin Qing was dazed on seeing this and she lowered her head, avoiding his heated gaze and bowed slightly before turning around and left gracefully.
Xiang Shaolong was secretly glad.
At least he fulfilled a wish and saw this rare beauty who has not disappointed him. To him, this is enough.
The Xiang Shaolong now no longer has the mood to hunt for beauties, unlike when he ‘just arrived’.
Xiang Shaolong returned to the Wu residence and his father-in-law Wu Yingyuan has just