RR Chapter 316

“Has father not returned yet?” Liang Rong’s face showed a serious expression upon hearing the servant’s report.

Since Liang Feng took over as the county duke, Liang Rong left the Chongwen Academy and returned to the governor’s mansion for further studies. It’s not that the Chongwen Academy was not good. As one of the top educational institutions in Bing County, widely enrolling sons of officials, the Chongwen Academy was more renowned than the county school, with a strong faculty. However, after a few years of development, the size of the academy expanded several times, with no less than five hundred students. Including professors and miscellaneous staff, the number was even more staggering. With many people, there would be many potential issues. As Liang Feng’s sole heir, who would dare to jeopardize Liang Rong’s safety?

Therefore, Liang Rong returned to the model of teaching at home, as it was in the early days of family education. Fortunately, he had companions such as Duan Qin, Zhang Bin, Cui Ji, and other children of prominent officials in Bing County, so he didn’t feel lonely.

Even if he switched to home education, Liang Rong remained diligent. Nowadays, the rest days in Bing County have been extended from five to ten days. Even for a diligent child like Liang Rong, studying for nine consecutive days was quite challenging. On this day of rest, he always cherished it and tried to stay close to his father as much as possible.

However, on this rare day of rest, Liang Rong unexpectedly couldn’t find his father.

After careful inquiry, the news he received left Liang Rong speechless. General Yi was moved to the new mansion, and his father went there for a feast, unexpectedly staying overnight.

The newly built Yi Mansion was quite far from the governor’s mansion, and Yiyan was his father’s most trusted and beloved general. Whether attending a feast or staying overnight, it was a means of winning people’s hearts, and it wasn’t surprising. However, a ripple of unease arose in Liang Rong’s heart.

Did his father get too close to General Yi?

Although young, Liang Rong was always sensitive and intelligent. In the face of abnormal situations, how could he be unaware? This sudden realization left Liang Rong feeling somewhat helpless. He had studied historical works, and the “Biographies of Sycophants” was a must-read, revealing the pitfalls of such situations.

If it were someone else, Liang Rong wouldn’t care. But his father was the person he respected and loved the most, and caring led to worry. Despite his concerns, he didn’t show them on his face. No one had mentioned this to him, and if he guessed wrong, it could tarnish his father’s reputation.

Moreover, General Yi didn’t seem like someone who would flatter his superior! Liang Rong had witnessed Yiyan in battle, and even the art of archery and military strategy was taught by him personally. In his heart, Yiyan was a valiant and loyal general who feared neither death nor adversity. How could he act in such a way? Could it be that he was overthinking?

However, all the pondering couldn’t match the impact of today’s revelation. Was it just a move to a new residence, or had his father shown such kindness to any subordinate before?

He missed the morning greetings, skipped lunch, and waited until the sunset. When Liang Feng finally returned home, the apprehension in Liang Rong’s heart was overwhelming. Gritting his teeth, he stood up and walked towards the main courtyard.

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Returning home happily after a day of leisure, Liang Feng was immediately confronted by Zhang Bin. Helpless, he had to patiently listen to this workaholic’s work report.

You County was the focus of the next stage, a decision forced by the circumstances. With the Xiongnu relocating their capital to Chang’an and facing internal instability, it was estimated that they would need considerable time to reorganize their domestic affairs and stabilize the situations in Yong and Qin provinces. Moreover, with a pseudo-emperor meddling in their affairs, they were temporarily unable to advance eastward. While Shi Le was brave, he was only leading a band of wandering soldiers. There were still many imperial troops in Yu County and Yan County, and Sima Rui guarding Yang County wouldn’t let him expand freely. Currently, the biggest and most dangerous enemy in Bing County was the Xianbei led by Duan Wu.

Those were tens of thousands of Xianbei cavalry who held a grudge against him. Once Duan Wu settled the situation in Yu County and sent troops to Ji County, even Liang Feng would need to invest a considerable amount of effort to guard against it. The current strategy was to go on the offensive rather than just defend.

The role played by espionage in Pingyang was something no one understood better than him. Using deception to sow discord between You County and Ping County was the simplest and most effective method. Moreover, others might not know, but could he not be aware of the potential of Ping County? It was the future Liaodong Peninsula. Not to mention its geographical conditions as a seaport, the climate was also suitable for agricultural development. Beyond Ping County lay the fertile Northeast Plain, and there was little difference between its vast black soil and gold mines. Even if these territories were currently occupied by nomadic tribes, Liang Feng couldn’t help but be intrigued.

With a long-term goal in mind, strategic planning became the top priority. This plan would undoubtedly attract the attention of the Murong Xianbei. Similar to the Tuoba clan, the Murong clan had also established a country in history, making them a hidden formidable opponent. However, it had to be utilized; if it was possible to disrupt its rise ahead of time, it would alleviate pressure on future generations.

To balance, one must use the same tactics.

Such major undertakings couldn’t be accomplished in a short period. Zhang Bin only touched upon some thoughts and ideas, taking up most of the afternoon. Seeing that it was already time for dinner, they reluctantly concluded the discussion.

Liang Feng heaved a sigh of relief and said, “The matter concerning Ping County is crucial to the overall situation, and Meng Sun has exerted much effort. The day is getting late; why not stay and have a meal?”

Unexpectedly, Zhang Bin shook his head, “There are still many matters in the office, and this official needs to return early. However, there is one thing I must mention. Lord, you are the foundation of Bing County. Other residences can’t compare to the strict security of the governor’s mansion. Please be cautious and avoid any suspicion.”

This was clearly a critique of his “misdeed” of staying overnight at the Yi Mansion. Haven’t become the emperor yet, and already enjoying this kind of high-level confinement treatment? Liang Feng couldn’t help but feel amused and frustrated. The core advisers were well aware of the affair between him and Yiyan, but surprisingly, there had been no nagging. Liang Feng had also discreetly inquired and knew that it was Yiyan’s attitude that gained tacit approval from everyone.

However, acknowledgment didn’t imply genuine approval. If he deviated even slightly, it would elicit sincere admonition. Arguing strongly wouldn’t help in this matter, so Liang Feng immediately admitted his mistake, nodding, “Meng Sun’s words are indeed correct; it was my negligence.”

Seeing the lord accepting the advice, Zhang Bin didn’t say much more. After respectfully saluting, he withdrew.

Having endured such a long session of fatigue, Liang Feng couldn’t maintain his composure any longer. He lazily leaned on the table and ordered a meal. Unexpectedly, before the meal arrived, a maid below handed over a message, saying that Young Master Rong had been waiting outside for quite a while.

He hadn’t gotten up from bed earlier in the day, sleeping until midday, and returned late. Without giving any prior notice, the little guy was probably worried, hence the hurried visit. Unfortunately, Liang Feng was in a meeting, so all he could do was wait. Liang Feng hastily instructed someone to bring him in. Seeing that serious little face, he couldn’t help but laugh, “Rong’er, have you been waiting for a long time? How about having a meal with your father?”

In the past, Liang Rong would have readily agreed. However, today, he pursed his lips, sitting upright in front of Liang Feng. It seemed he had struggled for a long time before saying, “The child has something unclear and would like to seek advice from Father.”

Curious about Liang Rong’s unusual demeanor, Liang Feng sat up straight, “What is it?”

“Efforts in the field are not as good as encountering a good year, and being a good official is not as good as meeting a benevolent ruler. Is this saying correct?” Liang Rong whispered.

What? Liang Feng couldn’t help but blink. This was a proverb, meaning that farming well was not as good as having a bountiful harvest in a good year. Being a good official was not as good as being appreciated by a benevolent ruler. The logic was sound, but the most familiar source of this saying was in the “Biographies of Flattering and Favoritism”. This little guy wasn’t asking about a simple proverb!

To actually use Ban Gu’s evaluation of Dong Xian’s words, Liang Feng was speechless. The little guy had indeed not wasted his reading. Faced with the significant matter of his old man having a boyfriend, he didn’t shockingly cling to his father’s legs, crying and pleading, but instead offered earnest advice. Perhaps it was because there had been too many emperors in the past generations engaging in same-sex relationships, eroding any discriminatory attitudes towards such situations?

With a light sigh, Liang Feng pondered for a moment and then asked, “Rong’er, do you know the story of Mi Zi?”

“Is it the Mi Zi from the ‘Yutao?” Liang Rong didn’t expect his father to ask about this and answered cautiously.

This Mi Zi referred to Mi Zixia, the renowned figure known for the “shared peach.” When deeply in love, sharing a peach that the monarch had taken a bite of could earn praise. However, if the affection waned, disrespect would outweigh admiration. This was a classic example of a ruler’s attitude in the “Han Feizi – On Difficulty” chapter.

“Exactly.” Liang Feng smiled, “So, Rong’er, do you think Duke Ling was wise or foolish?”

This question caught Liang Rong off guard. In the “Analects – Exemplary Conduct” chapter, Confucius said that Duke Ling of Wei had no virtue. However, when Kang Zi asked why Duke Ling had no virtue, but his state had not perished, Confucius mentioned that in his country, there were wise individuals capable of handling state affairs efficiently, preventing the state from perishing. How could a foolish ruler have so many talented individuals? Wasn’t that contradictory?

Similarly, the “Zuo Zhuan” also records such events. During Duke Ling’s reign in Wei, although the state was small, the powerful Jin dared not lightly provoke them. Can this be something a foolish ruler could achieve?

However, on the flip side, it was an undeniable fact that Duke Ling of Wei was fond of women. Not to mention Mi Zixia, even the involvement of Nan Zi in politics couldn’t escape criticism. With such moral laxity, could he be considered a wise ruler?

Seeing Liang Rong unable to answer, Liang Feng didn’t elaborate further and continued, “If we talk about achievements, how does Emperor Wu compare to Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty?”

This was too simple. Liang Rong immediately responded, “Emperor Wu is undoubtedly superior!”

Although Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty engaged in constant military campaigns and grew senile in his later years, the foundation he laid was incomparable to the dissolute life of Emperor Ai, a prodigal son who led the state to ruin. Even someone with a bit of common sense could distinguish between the two.

“In terms of virtue and conduct, who is superior?” Liang Feng asked again.

“This…” Liang Rong stumbled again.

Emperor Ai favored Dong Xian, while Emperor Wu had a penchant for multiple consorts, eventually leading to the Witchcraft Case. Which moral conduct was better was indeed difficult to determine.

This time, Liang Feng revealed the answer himself, saying, “The wisdom and virtue of a ruler lie not in his private quarters but in the court.”

Regardless of how chaotic an emperor’s private life might be, as long as he could fulfill his duties, and govern the country well, that was the only standard for judgment. Therefore, was the story in “Records of the Historian” about dissolute rulers? Not really. It simply clarified the outcome faced by those who indulged in such affairs. The lascivious Duke Ling of Wei was a capable ruler for the state and its subjects, and that was sufficient.

Liang Rong was momentarily unsure of how to respond. What he wanted to say obviously wasn’t this!

However, Liang Feng chuckled, “Father knows what Rong’er is worried about. Nevertheless, even without Dong Xian, there’s still Bao Si. The rise and fall of a country are the responsibility of the monarch; how can we blame others? When observing matters, one should not only focus on surface details but also avoid bias.”

“Then… what about General Yi?” Liang Rong hesitated for a moment. “Is he like Mi Zi?”

“No. He is like Wei Qing.” Liang Feng answered decisively.

This was completely different from what Liang Rong had expected. However, he couldn’t refute this statement. Considering Yiyan’s military achievements, he seemed no less capable than General Wei, who single-handedly pacified the Xiongnu. Who else could, with just two thousand elite cavalry, rout the forces of an entire province?

“I may not be able to do many things for you, but you are the one I have carefully educated. Everything behind me should be inherited by you. In these past ten years, why has the imperial court fallen into chaos? It’s all due to the struggles of the imperial relatives and regional princes for power. I don’t want to leave the same situation for you.” Liang Feng sighed lightly and reached out to pat Liang Rong’s little head.

This statement is extremely simple, but it shakes Liang Rong’s heart profoundly! Is his father unwilling to remarry for his sake? Is he afraid that a new wife and other offspring will take away what rightfully belongs to him, avoiding another chaotic era? This is such a shocking revelation. Does his father truly cherish him so much?

“Father…” not addressing him as an adult, Liang Rong takes two steps, kneeling beside Liang Feng. His small body trembles slightly.

Liang Feng pats his back, saying, “You are still young; there’s no need to worry too much. Everything has me taking care of it. However, as you grow older, the burden on your shoulders will get heavier. Just studying is not enough to handle everything. The autumn harvest is approaching, so go to Shangdang on my behalf. Take a look at various matters in the commandery, and get involved in mundane affairs. Only by doing so can you understand everything you will face when in a high position. Listen and observe more. If you are uncertain about anything, come back and ask me or consult your teachers; they will help you discern.”

Liang Rong nods, seemingly grasping the meaning. What he heard today is somewhat different from what his teachers taught. If it is indeed as his father says, perhaps what he worries about isn’t that significant.

Liang Feng smiles, “Can you join me for a meal now?”

“Yes!”

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