The Good Grandson of the Red Chamber

Chapter 36: Choosing the Method with the Highest Emotional Value

Xia Chengzong nodded, dismissing Xia Bei. He and Dr. Song soon arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Outside the palace, Xia Chengzong heard Emperor Yonglong's angry voice.

This shows how furious Emperor Yonglong was about this matter.

He went in without being informed.

Dr. Song remained outside to await the summons.

"What exactly are they all trying to do?"

"I'm just old, not dead yet! Are you in such a hurry?"

"Heh heh, each and every one of them is truly my good son!"

Emperor Yonglong himself had experienced the struggle for the throne and emerged from a bloody battle.

He was sensitive and suspicious, and very perceptive of things that concealed conspiracies.

This kind of coercive tactic only fueled his anger.

Emperor Yonglong only managed to suppress his anger when he saw Xia Chengzong walk in.

He asked, "My dear grandson, shouldn't you be studying in the main hall? Why are you here with your imperial grandfather?"

Xia Chengzong said, "Grandpa, you don't need to hide it from your grandson. I've heard about what's happening outside."

"This whole thing started because of me, but it angered my grandfather. It's all my fault."

Emperor Yonglong shook his head and said, "You are also a victim in this matter. They are not only targeting you, but also your grandfather!"

"How could Grandfather blame you? Grandfather will handle this matter. You don't need to worry about it. Just focus on your studies."

Xia Chengzong's voice wasn't loud, but it was incredibly firm as he said, "Grandfather, this matter started because of me, how can I stand idly by?"

"Besides, if it were my grandfather who were to take action, they would inevitably be dissatisfied. Therefore, I have decided to confront them face to face."

"To thoroughly clarify the matter in public, quell public opinion, and resolve the controversy."

This is undoubtedly the best way to handle the situation. It can not only quell public opinion but also make Zong Ge'er famous and solidify his reputation as a child prodigy.

However, this approach carries significant risks.

Zong Ge'er is only a seven-year-old child. Will he get stage fright in front of so many people?

Also, was he really the one who researched derivative theory all by himself? What if someone stumped him?

Emperor Yonglong knew that his grandson was exceptionally intelligent, but having witnessed too many shady dealings in his life, he couldn't help but be suspicious.

Thinking of this, Emperor Yonglong said, "My dear grandson, this is not appropriate, not appropriate. You are indeed intelligent, but you are still young. How can we guarantee that nothing will go wrong?"

"In public, if even the slightest mistake is made, can you imagine the consequences?"

Xia Chengzong looked at Emperor Yonglong and said confidently, "Grandfather, I did not know beforehand that Dr. Song would be signing my name on this book on derivative theory."

"I have no intention of becoming famous because of this book. However, not out of arrogance, but I did teach Dr. Song how to use derivatives."

"I am confident that no student in the entire Imperial Academy can stump me on derivatives."

Mencius said: "I am good at cultivating my noble spirit. Even in public, my grandson upholds justice and possesses profound knowledge. What is there to fear?"

"Does Grandfather not trust his grandson?"

Emperor Yonglong did not trust Xia Chengzong, after all, he was too young, and if anything went wrong, it would ruin his reputation.

However, looking at the confidence radiating from him and the determination in his eyes, Emperor Yonglong was moved by him in an instant.

Having Brother Zong step in is the best solution.

If he succeeds, his fame will spread far and wide, and all the people in the capital will know that the Great Qian Dynasty has a great grandson.

The benefits are astonishing.

If I were to step in and forcibly suppress this matter, I could certainly protect Zong Ge'er.

But his reputation will inevitably be damaged as a result.

After all, it is easier to dam a river than to silence the people.

Comparing the two, Emperor Yonglong was already tempted.

He also thought that for an eagle to soar high, it must eventually endure hardships.

It's not necessarily a bad thing for his grandson to go through some hardships.

Thinking of this, he said, "My dear grandson, since you are so determined, your imperial grandfather will trust you this time and let you handle this matter."

He then turned to Dai Quan and instructed him, "Dai Quan, you personally arrange this matter and make sure my precious grandson is safe and sound."

"Yes, Your Majesty. This old servant guarantees with his own head that I will not allow the Third Master Zong to suffer the slightest harm."

"By the way, Your Majesty, Dr. Song requests an audience."

Emperor Yonglong's expression was unfriendly. He said in a deep voice, "Bring him in."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

After Dr. Song entered, before Emperor Yonglong could speak, he knelt down and begged for forgiveness:

"Your Majesty, this matter is entirely my fault! However, my heart is as clear as the sun and moon; I have absolutely no selfish motives!"

"This old minister never expected such a commotion to occur. It is all my fault, Your Majesty, please punish me!"

Emperor Yonglong sneered and said, "Of course it's all your fault, how could it be my fault?"

"What a mess you've made this time! If it weren't for the fact that it was unintentional, I would have had you arrested and thrown into prison long ago!"

"Fine, I will give you a chance to redeem yourself by having you and Xia Chengzong come forward together to clarify this matter."

"If you succeed in this task, your merits and demerits will cancel each other out. If you fail, you will be punished severely for both offenses!"

Dr. Song said loudly, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, if I fail to do this, Your Majesty need not take any action; this old minister will take my own life."

……

Now, Dai Quan, having received the imperial decree, dared not delay and hurriedly mobilized his troops, issuing orders one by one.

After everything was arranged, they came to ask Emperor Yonglong for instructions.

Emperor Yonglong pondered for a moment and said, "I am still worried, so I will go and see for myself."

Dai Quan hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, the Confucian Temple is now packed with people and completely blocked."

"If Your Majesty goes on a trip, the army will need to be mobilized and the streets cleared. It will be difficult to make proper arrangements in a short time."

Emperor Yonglong scoffed, "Do you think I don't know about this? There's no need for such a grand display. I'll travel incognito and quietly follow behind to observe."

"You only need to find a few dozen skilled men, change their clothes, and have them follow me to protect me."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Before long, Dai Quan had made the arrangements.

Before long, three hundred imperial guards cleared the way, escorting the carriage of Prince Zhongzheng's residence, and headed straight for the Confucian Temple.

Sitting in the carriage were Xia Chengzong and Dr. Song.

Behind the carriage, Emperor Yonglong changed into civilian clothes and followed with fifty guards.

With the Imperial Guards clearing the way, the Prince's carriages naturally attracted the attention of countless passersby.

They all inquired about who was sitting in the carriage and speculated on how the royal family would handle the matter.

They were excited, nervous, or angry—a variety of emotions.

Xia Chengzong remained silent, simply accumulating emotional points.

Before long, the carriage arrived in front of the Confucian Temple.

The Imperial Guards had cleared the area in advance, leaving only a few hundred students from the Imperial Academy present, while the common people were kept out.