756. Summoned to the Palace

Huang Zong rose early that morning. Several Confucian scholars came to pay their respects, their faces alight with joy. "Congratulations, Teacher!"

"Oh? What is there to congratulate me for?"

Huang Zong took a towel and slowly wiped his face with warm water. Every movement was unhurried and composed. His mastery of self-cultivation immediately put the other Confucian scholars to shame.

"The Ding Prince's residence has summoned you. The Heir Apparent has reached the age to begin his studies. With your Literary Talent and reputation, who else could be Grand Tutor?"

Although Wu Zhi selected capable men from among the Confucian scholars and put them to work, the other scholars also yearned to succeed and make a name for themselves. Seeing that the path to King Ding was closed, it was only natural to seek a place at the Heir Apparent's side and wager on the future.

"Mind your words!"

Huang Zong's expression changed. "The Heir Apparent is not yet Crown Prince. How can you call him Grand Tutor?"

The Confucian scholars exchanged glances. All they could do was reply with an awkward laugh, "The Heir Apparent is a Prince. His teacher can, in a manner of speaking, be called Grand Tutor..."

In truth, they knew the difference. But the Heir Apparent's position was now even more important than that of the emperor in the Imperial Palace. It was only natural that they had let the title slip.

Seeing them, Huang Zong sighed inwardly. He knew that Wu Zhi's claim to legitimacy had taken deep root in Dingzhou, and that her rebellious intentions were more or less common knowledge.

Yet though everyone knew, all was calm—and many even cheered. Even the Confucian scholars had unconsciously accepted her son as the legitimate heir. Such influence was terrifying; the thought sent a chill