Those Who Strike Later Suffer
"But this child came in first place in the annual examination, and Pingyang went to the Earl of Suiping's Residence and made some harsh remarks, insisting that Zhiwei go to the Capital Women's Academy. Your Majesty, I have never made any demands of either the late Emperor or you in my life. Now that I am old, my only wish is for this child. Can you please ask Pingyang to let her go and not force her to come to the Capital Women's Academy?" "Nonsense." Xiao Ge was indeed very angry, and immediately promised Kang Shilin, "Don't worry, I will talk to them. I will also make sure they don't cause you and Zhiwei any trouble."
He used "they" instead of "she," which shows that he knew in his heart that Princess Pingyang's actions must have been instructed by Consort Jin.
His life with Consort Jin was much like that of an ordinary couple. He would go to Consort Jin's place almost every evening when he had free time, so he naturally knew a lot about Consort Jin's situation, and by extension, he also knew a lot about Princess Pingyang's situation.
To put it bluntly, Princess Pingyang was like a dog kept by Consort Jin. She was very obedient; if she was told to go east, she wouldn't dare go west, and if she was told to go south, she wouldn't dare go north.
Zhiwei is Kang Shilin's apprentice, a fact known to everyone in the capital. Without Consort Jin's authorization, Princess Pingyang would never have dared to go to the Earl of Suiping's Residence to force Zhao Zhiwei.
Thinking of this, he asked again, "You just said that Zhiwei got first place in the annual exam? She's very good at studying?"
Kang Shilin nodded. "That's right. That child plans to take the preliminary examination after the New Year. That's why I came to ask you for help. That child has had a tough time. Her foundation isn't solid, and she's always so busy. Fortunately, she's smart and very diligent. She came in first place in the annual examination. She's worked so hard. If Pingyang trips her up during the preliminary examination, it will really ruin her."
Xiao Ge nodded, now understanding why Consort Jin and Princess Pingyang had done this.
Consort Jin and Grand Princess Shangde have always been at odds, so snatching an outstanding student from Princess Shangde was just routine for Consort Jin.
Shangde would do the same. If she had the chance to embarrass Consort Jin or to win over a student, she would definitely do so.
Xiao Ge usually doesn't concern himself with such matters. He's too busy with official duties to manage the petty squabbles between women. As long as nothing goes wrong, he lets them be.
This time, however, he offended Zhao Zhiwei, Kang Shilin's apprentice, who was also going to take the imperial examination. He couldn't ignore this.
Kang Shilin unrolled the scroll in his hand, revealing the painting he had done that afternoon.
Xiao Ge's greatest passion in life was painting, and he grew up looking at Kang Shilin's paintings, so he was very familiar with Kang Shilin's style.
As soon as the scroll was unfurled, he was taken aback and asked, "Uncle, has your painting improved?"
He knew about Kang Shilin's frustration at being unable to make a breakthrough in his painting career.
"I painted this afternoon, inspired by Zhiwei's painting techniques," Kang Shilin said.
Xiao Ge quickly examined the painting closely and indeed found some traces of Zhao Zhiwei's painting style in the painting.
He had always liked Kang Shilin's paintings the most, but ever since Eunuch Xie bought back Zhao Zhiwei's painting, he changed his mind and gave the title of "number one favorite" to Zhao Zhiwei, studying her painting day and night.
Zhao Ruxi's paintings are grand and majestic, inspiring a sense of boundless pride in those who stand before them. As an emperor, Xiao Ge, possessing vast empires and profound wisdom, naturally preferred this style of painting.
Because he liked it so much, he was even thinking about when to ask Kang Shilin to send another painting of Zhao Zhiwei to the palace, and the price was negotiable.
Seeing the painting, Xiao Ge understood even more why Consort Jin had taken action to snatch the students.
This child is too outstanding; how could Consort Jin possibly let her remain in Shangde's hands?
He thought for a moment and asked Kang Shilin, "What does Zhiwei think? Does she also want to stay in Beining instead of going to the Capital Women's Academy? You've been to the Capital Women's Academy before, and the teachers there are indeed better than those in Beining. Zhiwei is determined to study, coming to the capital wouldn't be bad. Anyway, it's cold now, and you often live in the capital. It would be more convenient for her to come and see you if she studied at the Capital Women's Academy. The places where officials from all over the country learn painting can also be moved to the capital; we can find two courtyards at the Imperial Academy."
Between his favored concubine and his sister, he still favored his favorite concubine. Therefore, he wanted to help Consort Jin win Zhao Ruxi away.
Furthermore, if Zhao Ruxi were to enter the Capital Women's Academy, he only needed to give a hint, Consort Jin would have Princess Pingyang find Zhao Ruxi and have her present one or two more paintings to the palace. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Of course, he wouldn't let Zhao Zhiwei suffer any loss; the rewards would be plentiful.
However, if Zhao Zhiwei were to remain in Beining under Kang Shilin's protection, given Kang Shilin's stinginess with paintings, he would certainly not allow his apprentice to give away paintings casually. It would be difficult for him to obtain paintings.
Despite his impatient and short-tempered nature, Kang Shilin is a very insightful person. Having watched Xiao Ge grow up, he knows exactly what Xiao Ge is thinking.
He said, "I suppose His Majesty is aware of the situation at the Capital Women's Academy. Zhiwei comes Zhiwei a humble background, and if she enters the Capital Women's Academy, she will inevitably be bullied and unable to concentrate on painting and studying. In that case, a perfectly good child will be ruined."
"His Majesty was willing to pay 25,000 taels of silver for Zhiwei's painting without the slightest complaint, which shows that he recognizes the child's talent. To put it bluntly, this child might just become a painting master unlike any other before or since. The fact that such an outstanding master emerged under your rule would surely add a few more strokes to the annals of history. Don't you think it's a pity to let such a person be ruined by women's jealousy and rivalry?"
Xiao Ge's selfish thoughts were completely dispelled by Kang Shilin's words.
Although he liked Consort Jin, in his heart she was nothing more than a likable woman. Compared to the country and the nation, and to being remembered for eternity, a woman was nothing. Besides, this didn't endanger Consort Jin's life; it was just a trivial matter of jealousy.
Kang Shilin added, "This child is only fourteen years old this year, and we don't know how high she will go in the future. As the emperor, you must protect her well and provide her with a fertile ground for growth, instead of letting her perish in various struggles and betrayals."
Xiao Ge nodded heavily.
"Uncle, don't worry, I will definitely protect Zhiwei from now on, and I will never let anyone disturb her or cause her any trouble."
The emperor's words are law. Hearing Xiao Ge's words, Kang Shilin was completely relieved.
He generously replied, "Zhiwei will surely be deeply grateful for the Emperor's protection. Once Zhiwei has painted another satisfactory picture, I will have her present it to the Emperor."
He then pointed to the painting he had just brought into the palace. "This painting is for you, as a token of my gratitude."
Anyway, this painting was just an attempt, and he wasn't satisfied with it. He believed he could paint something better. He decided to give this not-so-good painting to Xiao Ge; it would be a way to make use of it.
Xiao Ge was overjoyed and laughed heartily, "Thank you, Uncle. Don't worry, I will definitely not let Zhiwei suffer any more injustices."