"Ten years?"
The Crown Prince was puzzled by these words. Just as he was about to urge him to stay, the Empress Dowager unexpectedly agreed at once.
"Then this minister shall take his leave and proceed to the Council of State Affairs." With that, Qiu Yan departed.
After he left the palace, the Crown Prince complained somewhat, "Master Qiu is only willing to serve as an official for ten years? How can that be enough?"
But the Empress Dowager said, "Yan'er, do not resent Minister Qiu. When your imperial father was alive, he said many times that Minister Qiu's aspirations did not lie in an official career. He merely wished to experience the changes of the Human Path. Back then, he agreed to remain only because your father bestowed favors upon him several times. Now, his promise of ten years is likewise made out of regard for your father."
The Crown Prince fell silent after hearing this, still feeling that a worthy talent of the realm could not be fully used by him.
The Empress Dowager saw through his thoughts and added, "Do not dwell on such needless things. When all is said and done, this will benefit you as well. Over these ten years, watch more, learn more, think more, reflect more. You will surely gain something from it, and when you rule in person someday, you will take fewer wrong turns."
After saying a few more words, the Empress Dowager glanced at the time and sent the Crown Prince off to keep vigil.
After the Crown Prince left, the Empress, who had remained silent all along, said, "When His Majesty was alive, he often praised Academician Qiu. He truly was a peerless talent of the state. Yet now he is willing to assist our son for only ten