The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 316

"I have no real power, and the Emperor ordered me to come to the west to open a chain of academies in order to change the barbaric customs here and let everyone study. What I need to do is to influence them with knowledge."

"waste."

Soon, a portly official emerged, riding a horse whose old steed was clearly exhausted. Then, the horse pulled its hooves back, and the official nimbly leaped off.

He then walked over to the oxcart and knelt down.

"This student has met Master Xu."

Xu Tian's lips twitched, and he said, "City Lord, there's no need to do that."

Unexpectedly, Lord Xie immediately said, "I, Xie Qing, a direct descendant of Chen County, am a student of the Master. Since the Master has come here, we are not only in a superior-subordinate relationship but also in a teacher-student relationship. Please allow the Master to guide the work in this area."

Xu Tian immediately nodded. This person was quite tactful. He was then invited to the mansion. Xu Tian looked at the delicacies on the table, nodded, and began to eat heartily.

The short man was stunned. Xu Tian was a high-ranking official, yet instead of focusing on his duties, he was accepting bribes, engaging in illicit dealings, and indulging in lavish meals. It was an eyesore to watch.

Dongfang Tingyun covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

Master Xu is now more uninhibited and free than Prince Rui in Chang'an.

Seeing the short man beside him, Xu Tian put down his chopsticks and said, "By the way, Lord Xie. I've come to your territory today, but there's nothing of great importance to it."

Lord Xie immediately stood up and said, "Your Highness, I will obey your instructions."

Xu Tian patted him on the shoulder and said, "I've encountered quite a few bandits along the way and almost lost my life to them. Lord Xie, you need to strengthen local security."

Lord Xie nodded repeatedly. After Lord Xie walked out, the short man immediately said, "You don't think this is just an ordinary robbery, do you? Haven't you suffered enough after being impeached by the Minister of Rites and sent to the west to carry out education?"

Don't say the Emperor isn't on your side; this chain bookstore is a lucrative business. Everyone involved benefits from it. Don't you think this person would want to kill you?

"Of course I know. When I left Chang'an, the Emperor had already reminded me that this was a power struggle in the court, no different from teaching and educating people."

The short man's eyes widened immediately, and he said, "Xu Tian, ​​are you out of your mind? This is a very simple struggle for interests. Don't tell me you saw it a long time ago, but still fell into someone else's trap."

Xu Tian blinked, then moved closer to the short guy and pinned him against the wall.

"What I am has nothing to do with you. You're just the Emperor, no, you were sent by General Li to protect me? Now that you've become so cunning, tell me! Who exactly are you?"

A flash of panic crossed the short man's eyes. He didn't know if Xu Tian was pretending to be weak or if he was really stupid.

Then I saw the short man straighten his clothes, puff out his chest, and look arrogant.

“From now on, we’ll be walking together. You’ll be working on education in the Pamir Mountains for at least ten or eight years, won’t you?”

Unexpectedly, Xu Tian didn't take his previous words to heart at all. He then walked to the table and drank another cup of wine.

"Are you familiar with the saying 'His achievements overshadow his master'?"

The short man turned his head and asked, "What do you mean?"

Xu Tian immediately said, "If a great general has too much power and too much prestige, the emperor will be wary of him, and the court officials will try to frame him."

As for me, I am the Grand Tutor, so I only hold a nominal position. I have been promoted to Prince and am in charge of the examinations for all scholars in the land.

His authority even surpasses that of the Ministry of Rites, which explains the various grievances of the Minister of Rites. Now, I, the Prince, propose to cultivate talent for the Great Tang Academy and unlock the chain of academies.

The short man immediately came to his senses, slammed his hand on the table, and said, "Oh. You're afraid the Emperor is wary of you and suspects you of plotting a rebellion."