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The Empress Dowager's grandfather was originally the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor, that is, the late emperor's teacher,
The Zhang family, known for its scholarly heritage, was the most distinguished and noble family in the Capital City.
Although the old Grand Tutor had already retired, many still sought his guidance, and his eldest son, the father of the Empress Dowager, was also famously talented. Consequently, the Zhang family was a hub of activity, with guests filling their home and their influence reaching far and wide.
Even the Princes would respectfully call Mr. Zhang their teacher and were frequent visitors to the Zhang household.
Before His Majesty became the Crown Prince, he was just an unfavored Prince with several outstanding brothers above him who were much more loved by their father, the Emperor. His maternal family was not prominent, and he himself was sickly as a child, which led the Emperor to dislike his presence and seldom invite him to palace banquets.
