"Liangbo, you absolutely must not miss this East Hall Banquet."
Inside the Cui Mansion, Cui Zan looked gravely at the son before him.
Cui Zan's son was named Cui Hong, and he was currently studying at the Imperial Academy.
His temperament differed somewhat from his father's. He was upright and stern, and when the Ritualist faction and the Xuanxue Faction at the Imperial Academy had come to blows, he had been the first to strike.
His blunt uprightness made it easy for him to offend others, but Cui Zan was not angry. He admired his son's temperament and felt that his son had the makings of an imperial censor.
Now, hearing his father's words, Cui Hong did not choose to obey. Instead, he asked, "To attend a banquet uninvited-is that something a gentleman should do?"
Cui Zan shook his head. "For the greater righteousness of the realm, ritual propriety can temporarily be set aside."
"His Majesty now governs in person. I am sending you to the banquet not to flatter and fawn upon him, but to understand him."
"His Majesty has strategic ability and great ambitions. Unfortunately, he is simply too young. I fear he may act rashly, to the detriment of the realm."
Cui Hong frowned. "You want me to sound out His Majesty's intentions?"
"That is all the more the conduct of a petty man."
Cui Zan still did not grow angry. He spoke again. "This is for the realm of Great Wei. Now that His Majesty governs in person, we should assist him with all our strength. His Majesty is young and has no experience whatsoever in governing the realm. Famous scholars will gather at this East Hall Banquet. I fear someone may incite His Majesty to undertake harmful actions."
"I do not mean to act against