Seeing Yuan Shu being scolded so pitifully, Yuan Ji couldn't bear it. He stepped forward, saluted Yuan Feng, and said:
"Father, Gonglu is still young. Could we delay the matter of taking a teacher for a couple of days?"
Yuan Ji would never go against his parents, but if he could buy Yuan Shu a few days, it would be the least he could do as an older brother.
In the past, when Yuan Feng scolded Yuan Shu, if Yuan Ji stepped in to mediate, Yuan Feng would usually give his eldest son some face and lighten Yuan Shu's punishment.
But today, Yuan Feng's attitude was firm. He said decisively:
"No! There is no room for compromise on this matter.
When I was his age, I had already taken office as an official, and the ministers of the court praised my abilities highly.
Look at him now—what does he even amount to?
If all the sons of the Yuan family turned out like him, the downfall of our family would only be a matter of time.
Yuan Shu?"
Hearing Yuan Feng call his name, Yuan Shu hurriedly responded:
"Father, I am here."
Yuan Feng said to him:
"I have already arranged a great teacher for you. Go back and pack your things immediately. I will take you to meet your teacher shortly. Do you understand?"
Yuan Shu could only nod and reply:
"I understand."
Yuan Shu thought to himself that Yuan Feng had clearly made up his mind to send him away. The decision was set in stone, and refusing was not an option.
For now, he would comply and see what kind of teacher Yuan Feng had arranged. He could figure out the rest later.
Seeing that Yuan Shu was being obedient for once, Yuan Feng's anger subsided a little.
His expression softened as he said:
"Since you understand, go and get ready. I am doing this for your own good."
Yuan Shu bowed to Yuan Feng and Madam Wang before leaving the main hall and heading toward his courtyard.
"Gonglu, congratulations! You actually have the chance to study under a great teacher. Father never paid this much attention to my or our elder brother's education. You really are Father's most beloved son."
As soon as Yuan Shu stepped out of the hall, he heard a mocking voice behind him.
There was no need to guess—it was definitely Yuan Shao.
Yuan Shu turned to Yuan Shao and frowned.
"Yuan Benchu, you told Father about my visit to the Yue Dan Review and Furong Pavilion, didn't you?"
Hearing this, Yuan Shao sneered and laughed at him.
"Your 'heroic deeds' from yesterday are already known across all of Luoyang. Do I even need to report anything to Father?
But that title you earned—'The Vicious Wolf of Luoyang, the Fierce Ghost of the Streets'—is truly savage. It might be the most ruthless evaluation in the history of the Yue Dan Review.
I have to say, I'm impressed. Hahahaha!"
Seeing Yuan Shao's gloating expression, Yuan Shu was speechless.
No wonder history recorded that despite both being powerful, the two Yuans never cooperated.
Yuan Benchu looked like a noble and virtuous leader, but why was he so petty?
He knew his younger brother was a failure—would it kill him to be a little kinder? Wouldn't that only make him look even more magnanimous?
Right now, Yuan Shu had too much to do to waste time bickering with Yuan Shao.
He simply smiled at Yuan Shao and said:
"Brother, don't you think you're celebrating a little too early?
Laugh while you still can, because there will come a day when you won't be able to laugh anymore."
With that, he turned and walked away without looking back.
Behind him, Yuan Shao's voice rang out:
"Yuan Gonglu, is that how you talk to your elder brother?"
…
After returning to his courtyard, Yuan Shu went to find Shi A.
Martial artists always woke up early, and at this moment, Shi A was practicing his swordsmanship in the courtyard.
Seeing Yuan Shu arrive, Shi A sheathed his sword, cupped his hands, and saluted:
"Young Master Yuan."
Yuan Shu waved his hand at Shi A and said, "No need for formalities, young hero. I have something to discuss with you."
Shi A responded respectfully, "Whatever Young Master Yuan needs, just give the word, and I will see it done."
Yuan Shu sighed and said, "Sometimes, even when you have a plan, unexpected changes arise.
I originally intended to go with you this morning to meet your master, Wang Yue, but my father suddenly announced that I must apprentice under a renowned teacher.
His decision is firm, and I have no way to refuse, so I have no choice but to follow him."
Shi A nodded in understanding and said to Yuan Shu, "A father's command is hard to defy. I understand. I will inform my master and ask him to wait a few more days."
Yuan Shu shook his head and said, "That's not what I mean. What I want to discuss with you is whether it's possible to invite your master, Wang Yue, into the Yuan residence."
Shi A was a little surprised and asked, "Invite him to the Yuan residence? How?"
Yuan Shu smiled and said, "Since my father wants me to study under a master, why not have multiple teachers?
In a few days, I will tell my father that I wish to practice martial arts, and he will surely agree.
When he searches for a martial arts teacher, he will inevitably come across Master Wang.
As for how to make sure it is Master Wang, go to the south of the city and find a man named Xi Zhong. He was the one who accompanied me yesterday at Furong Pavilion. He will know what to do."
Shi A understood and said, "I see. I will go find Mister Xi to discuss this now." After saying this, he cupped his fists to Yuan Shu and left his courtyard.
Yuan Shu's plan was simple. If he spent all his time on apprenticeship and training, he would never be able to complete his system's mission, and he would be finished.
Defying Yuan Feng outright was not an option, so he needed another teacher to split his time.
Wang Yue seemed very likely to be on his side. If Wang Yue became his martial arts instructor, he would have countless reasons to take Yuan Shu outside the residence, effectively giving him partial freedom.
At the moment, this plan seemed feasible.
The only issue was that Yuan Feng had to invite the martial arts teacher himself. If Yuan Shu sought him out directly, it would arouse suspicion.
To ensure Yuan Feng personally sought out Wang Yue, Yuan Shu left the matter to Xi Zhicai.
He believed that with Xi Zhicai's abilities as a top strategist, the matter would be handled flawlessly.
After sending Shi A away, Yuan Shu went to the side room where Zou Rong was staying and lightly knocked on the door.
"Young Master, please come in," came Zou Rong's clear and pleasant voice from inside.
Yuan Shu pushed the door open and entered, finding the room neatly arranged by Zou Rong. The originally plain side room now had a touch of warmth, and a faint fragrance lingered in the air.
With a gentle tone, Yuan Shu asked Zou Rong, "A'Rong, did you sleep well last night?"
Zou Rong nodded and replied softly, "I rested very well last night. It has been a long time since I have felt this at ease."
Yuan Shu spoke with slight guilt, "I had just brought you back and wanted to spend more time with you, but unexpectedly, my father arranged for me to study under a master early this morning. I fear I won't be able to keep you company as often."
Zou Rong stepped forward, held Yuan Shu's hand, and said, "From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were destined for great things. How could I let sentimental matters hinder your future?
As your woman, my only wish is to serve you well. No matter when you come to see me, I will always be happy."
Seeing the sincerity in Zou Rong's expression as she spoke, Yuan Shu was deeply moved.
He silently promised himself that if he ever had the chance to ascend the throne, he would not withhold the position of consort from A'Rong.