The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 237

"Does that mean they have to hand over all their earnings to Lord Wei?" "Cultivate manners! Nonsense! When have I ever accepted bribes? Besides, my relatives have never profited from my influence."

Xu Tian sneered, knowing that he was an upright person and would never be an accomplice. However, since he hadn't been in that situation himself, he naturally wouldn't have a deep understanding of it. He immediately said, "I have a question I would like to ask you, sir. I wonder if you could help me answer it?"

Wei Zheng thought for a moment, then sat down in the chair.

Xu Tian saw him sit down and said, "If some people use Lord Wei's name to do evil, wouldn't that go against Lord Wei's original intention?"

"I hate those who start strong but finish weak, and I hate even more those corrupt officials. An official should work for the benefit of the people, and should speak frankly to the emperor. He should do practical things for the people. But if the people's business is taken advantage of by the relatives of some people, I don't know how you would feel if you were to be scorned."

After Xu Tian finished speaking, he felt his mouth was dry, but Wei Zheng did not react. He then stood up and sneered, saying, "I know what you mean, but I am upright and have nothing to fear. Lord Xu, you are out of court and may not be able to see many things clearly."

"I dare to speak frankly and offer advice because His Majesty is a wise ruler. I have no need to flatter him. The world is at peace and the country is prosperous. I also don't like to create trouble for myself." Without even saying goodbye, he went straight into the inner room to continue sleeping, leaving Xu Tian speechless.

Xu Tian stood up: "I'm your comrade in court, yet you're so heartless. I've come all the way to your house to beg you."

Wei Zheng chuckled and then said, "Very well, Grand Tutor Xu, have you come here today only because you know some agricultural and commercial techniques?"

This is an insult, implying he's completely incompetent. Wei Zheng turned around, saw Xu Tian's bewildered expression, and his face darkened even more, as if he were facing someone like Li Er, whom he considered utterly shameless!

You don't need to worry about these things too much. After all, there is competition in business. The housekeeper should not let these irrelevant people in in the future.

The butler was already used to his master's temper, so he just smiled and said, "Yes."

Xu Tian stood up and chuckled awkwardly, "Butler, there's no need to be embarrassed. This way, I'll go."

The steward smiled and nodded: "Among all the guests who have ever visited the master, Grand Tutor Xu is the one who was the last to be seen off. Moreover, my master's attitude towards you is much better than towards others. Don't blame my master. My master has a special status. He used to be one of those two former officials who betrayed the country."

Fortunately, the current emperor is magnanimous and embraces all under heaven, which is why my husband has secured a place in the court. But such a loyal minister who speaks frankly and offers advice…

At this point, Xu Tian realized what the butler was saying and nodded: "I won't blame the master, I only blame myself for being weak."

With that, he walked straight out of the Wei residence.

The butler sighed as he watched Xu Tian's departing figure.

Butler: "Don't open the door for anyone who knocks. The master doesn't see anyone except the Emperor. You all know that our master has no connection with the court. Why create trouble?"

The two doormen glanced at the butler, then nodded and said, "Yes, butler."

When Xu Tian returned to the manor, he saw the steward looking very distressed. He immediately went over and patted the steward on the shoulder, saying, "Why do you look so gloomy today?"

The steward said, "These past few days, I have interviewed all the residents around here and found that apart from the families of high-ranking officials and nobles who have their own private schools and do not need to come to our Hongwen Academy, the residents here are mostly ordinary people and children of business families."

However, most of these people spent their copper coins on Mo Xuan Academy, which has four classes with fifty students in each class.