Chapter 6: Pulling Hermits Out of Their Holes.

After some days of discussion,the ministers finally reached a common agreement. They all agreed towards providing formal education to the princess but she still had to learn needlework.

Meilin Hall was the graceful residence of Consort Huan Su Yi.The hall was nestled within a fragrant garden of magnolias with winding pathways and secluded benches for contemplation. It had an elegant structure with a curved roofline, it had white and pink glazed tiles, creating a soft and inviting appearance. The eaves were hung with wind chimes that tinkled melodiously.

Inside, the hall had a vaulted ceiling painted with a garden scene, complete with flowering trees and birds in flight.The air was perfumed with jasmine and sandalwood and the walls had panels of polished wood inlaid with ivory and pastoral scenes.The floor was covered with soft, plush carpets in shades of cream and rose, with underfloor heating for comfort. Consort Huan was sensitive to cold so it was reasonable she tried all means to keep her surrounding as cosy as possible.

Consort Huan sat elegantly on one of the fancy seats in her hall. Her maid Lin Yun walked in and curtseyed and moved aside revealing the person behind her. Consort Huan had invited a female tailor.

"Where is Hai?"

"He's coming."

In a few minutes Wen Hai arrived with his attendant Tian Lei. Unlike Wen Mingye,Wen Hai didn't have the slightest elegance in him. The dragon robes he was wearing didn't seem to boost his elegance at all. Wen Hai had slightly plumpy figure and he was a few feet shorter than Wen Mingye.

"Mother,why did you summon me?"

Wen Hai was a straightforward person who didn't care much about etiquette and exaggerated courtesy. He had a rather condescending personality.

"I brought a tailor to take measurements of you to make new robes for you. You're starting your lectures next week so you need to look elegant."

"Then let her take the measurements."

The female tailor immediately took out her measuring tape and took body measurements of Wen Hai.

Zhuang Tian commonly known as Master Zhuang was a famous political scholar known for his expansive knowledge in political science. For some years he had left Mingzhou and resided at Hezhou. This time he went back to Mingzhou because he had been summoned by the Emperor. He had hidden his whereabouts over the years he resided in Hezhou but somehow his whereabouts had been revealed.

On reaching Mingzhou,it was already evening so he headed straight to Willow Dance House to stay over the night. Mizi Yue's father,Mizi Tang was once Master Zhuang's best friend when he was alive so Mizi Yue treated him like a fatherly figure. They played chess in Mizi Yue's room as they talked.

"I heard you have been summoned to the palace."

"Yeah even after trying to abstain from matters dealing with the Imperial Palace by running away."

"You are a political science sage so it's the fate you should undergo or you can say His Royal Majesty is good at pulling hermits out of their holes,"Mizi Yue spoke humorously

"You're right. This world is so unfair. Some people try so hard to get into the Imperial Palace while others can easily go there but they don't want to."

"The Crown Prince is starting his study era so it must be why you have been summoned ."

"You're a literature sage why I don't I recommend you to His Majesty so we can teach together?"

"I hate matters dealing with members of the royal family. I dislike bowing everytime I see them."

"You will be their teacher so you will only have to bow to His Majesty."

"Is that so?"

Princess Wen Xiang was excited about starting her study and the fact that she had to choose study buddies as well and she would learn in the same lecture hall as the boys. The feeling of having equal rights as the her male counterparts was undeniably pleasing. That morning with the help of Empress Bai she drafted letters to different noble ladies within Mingzhou to invite them as her study buddies.

Master Zhuang was a punctual man so he reached the palace at the expected time. Consort Huan was there seated beside Emperor Wen acting all clingy and intimate. She usually did this to manipulate him into fulfilling her wishes. On the table there were several open books which looked like literary work books. When Master Zhuang greeted the Emperor, Emperor Wen composed himself by drawing himself away from Consort Huan's clingy touches.

"Master Zhuang, it's been a while. How have you been?" Emperor Wen spoke in his deep voice dragging the syllables of each word he spoke.

"Replying to Your Royal Majesty,I have been doing well."

Emperor Wen laughed in amusement,"You're still as modest as you used to be. Do you know why I summoned you here?"

"I have no idea your Majesty."

"The Crown Prince is starting his study and you will be his political science teacher."

"Yes, Your Royal Majesty."

"Su Yi here has been telling me about her favourite poet called Mizi Yue. She believes this scholar has great potential in literature. I wonder if you have ever heard of him."

"Replying to Your Royal Majesty,yes , I have heard of him."

"Fine. Off you go and visit Xueying,she misses you."

"Thank you, Your Royal Majesty,"Master Zhuang bowed and walked.

Empress Bai was busy reading that she didn't notice Master Zhuang's arrival. Wen Xiang and Wan Wan were each massaging one of Empress Bai's shoulders. Wen Xiang looked up and saw him and her face brightened up in excitement.

"Uncle Zhuang,"she called out excitedly and ran towards him and embraced him.

"Wild girl, how can you run into a man's arms like that? Where are your manners?"Empress Bai commented.

"He's not just any man he's my beloved Uncle Zhuang,"Wen Xiang replied confidently after they broke the hug.

"Ah- Xiang you've grown up,"Master Zhuang patted her head gently. Master Zhuang then bowed to greet Empress Bai.

"How many times have I told you not to bow to me?"Empress Bai said grinning.

"You're still the beloved Empress of our dynasty how can I not bow to you?"Master Zhuang spoke smiling.

Master Zhuang was like a distant relative to Empress Bai and they shared a rather intimate older brother - younger sister bond.

"Uncle Zhuang, what are you doing here by the way?"Wen Xiang interrupted.

"I was summoned by His Royal Majesty and happened to assigned to be the Crown Prince's political science teacher."

"That's great!"Wen Xiang exclaimed.

"Don't get too excited your Uncle Zhuang here is a strict and impartial man so don't expect him to favour you,"Empress Bai spoke completely disheartening the excited Wen Xiang.

Master Zhuang simply smiled a bit and didn't bother to say a single word to defend himself because after all it was true. He was strict and impartial towards everyone be it relatives or friends and since he was a man of a few words so they didn't chat much.