As he weighed his plans, Zhuang Gaoxian said casually, "The State Chancellor has been keeping Fu Baosong by his side lately. What about Li Jianqiu?"
Du Ruhui replied earnestly, "Fu Baosong is an upright and unyielding minister. I keep him by my side so he can sooner understand how court affairs operate, as well as certain necessary political methods. Li Jianqiu is a minister loyal to the state, so I have let him stand on his own and handle the miscellaneous affairs of the Chancellor's Office, hoping he will mature sooner. Both are promising seedlings who will greatly benefit the state. I dare not neglect them."
Zhuang Gaoxian sighed. "Teacher Du teaches according to aptitude—a true great teacher! I still think of Dong A. If he were here, how much worry would he have spared you? By now, perhaps his name would have been entered into the Jade Records."
"How could the flourishing of the state be redeemed by a single True Insight?" There was weariness in Du Ruhui's voice that he could not conceal. "So long as His Majesty can put every man to use, and the state can thrive, then even if I died now, I would have the face to meet the Benevolent Emperor."
"Teacher, do not speak so!" Only today did Zhuang Gaoxian notice that among Du Ruhui's black hair, quite a few strands had already turned white.
Those in Divine Presence were meant to retain their youth, but he had strained his mind too greatly; injury to the spirit was unavoidable.
Without Du Ruhui, Fu Baosong, and Li Jianqiu, the others could not shoulder the main beam.
Zhuang Gaoxian said reassuringly, "We sovereign and minister have weathered wind and rain together for so many years. There is no hurdle we cannot cross. I give you