Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

Chapter 1741 This Matters to Ah Xu's Future (Bonus Chapter for 292 Million Donation Points)

If she were to proactively recommend officials from outside the capital, no matter how valid her reasons, it would easily attract criticism and even arouse the emperor's suspicion.

Did the Shen family intend to use this opportunity to recruit court officials and cultivate their power?

The white pieces in my hand were warm and slightly cool.

Shen Zhinian gently placed it on another part of the chessboard, not directly responding to Nangong Xuanyu's interception, but instead opening up a new battlefield in the corner. Her movements were gentle, yet they were methodical.

She raised her eyes to look at Nangong Xuanyu and said gently, "Your Majesty's considerations are sound."

“Ah Xu will be three years old in the blink of an eye, and it’s time to settle things regarding his early education.”

"I wonder... does Your Majesty have a favorite minister?"

"This matter concerns Ah Xu's foundation, so we must find a teacher who is virtuous, knowledgeable, and upright."

The game was nearing its end, and both sides tacitly stopped playing.

There's no need to determine a winner if the outcome is still undecided.

The Great Zhou Dynasty followed the old system, with the Grand Tutor ranking among the Three Dukes, enjoying unparalleled honor. He was the nominal Imperial Tutor, but most of his titles were honorary.

The one truly responsible for teaching the princes to read and understand principles, and imparting knowledge and resolving their doubts, was the Junior Tutor, who ranked among the Three Young Masters.

Consort Zhuang's father was the tutor of Prince Nangong Xuanyu when he was still a prince.

Later, when Nangong Xuanyu ascended the throne, he naturally became Grand Tutor. This was both a way of repaying his teacher's kindness and a beautiful story of harmonious relations between ruler and subject.

The position of Junior Tutor, though seemingly less prestigious than that of the Ministers of the Six Ministries, is extremely noble and respectable.

It is also a crucial position for establishing a teacher-student relationship with the future crown prince or important princes, and has always been valued by the upright civil officials in the court.

"I have been considering the matter of Ah Xu's enlightenment for some time."

Nangong Xuanyu looked at Shen Zhinian and said, "I do have a few candidates in mind for the position of Junior Tutor."

Shen Zhinian continued, "I wonder which ministers Your Majesty values?"

Nangong Xuanyu said, "You have met Gu Jinxiao, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. He is upright and prudent, rigorous in his studies, and especially proficient in rites and laws."

"He currently serves concurrently as a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet and an advisor on state affairs."

"In my opinion, it's only a matter of time before Gu Jinxiao becomes a cabinet minister."

Shen Zhinian's heart stirred slightly.

Nangong Xuanyu's words carried considerable weight.

Entering the cabinet and becoming prime minister is the pinnacle for a civil official!

The fact that such a promising and important official was chosen to enlighten Ah Xu speaks volumes about the deeper meaning behind it.

This also coincided with her thoughts.

Nangong Xuanyu continued, "And your sworn brother, Jiang Lingzhou."

"He passed the imperial examination in three consecutive years and was exceptionally talented. He had a wide range of knowledge in poetry, prose, astronomy, and geography, and his insights were often unique."

"Jiang Lingzhou is now a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy and a member of the Wenhua Hall. He is responsible for explaining the classics and history to me and drafting imperial edicts."

"In terms of talent and learning, there are few among the civil and military officials who can surpass him."

At this point, Nangong Xuanyu smiled slightly: "Besides, he is considered Axu's godfather, so the relationship is even closer."

Shen Zhinian nodded slightly and listened quietly.

She knew her sworn brother's talent better than anyone else.

With exceptional talent and a free-spirited nature, yet possessing a meticulous mind, he is indeed a good choice for a teacher.

Moreover, he has always treated the fourth prince with kindness and affection.

"There are two other people who are also quite good."

Nangong Xuanyu said, "Zhou Yuhu is the cousin of Zhou Yuxi, the heir of the Marquis of Zhongyong. He was the second-place scholar in the imperial examination and is now a compiler in the Hanlin Academy."

"I have met him several times. He is meticulous in his thinking and his writing is solid. He is a reliable talent."

"Besides, he is Fuqu's fiancé, so he can be considered half one of our own."

Upon hearing Fuqu's name, Shen Zhinian's lips curved into a smile.

Fuqu blushed every time the wedding date was mentioned.

"The other one is Wen Shu's husband, Bai Mufeng. He was a third-place scholar in the imperial examination and also works as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy."

"He is gentle and kind, good at communication, and his writing is beautiful and eloquent."

Shen Zhinian asked casually, "Your Majesty has mentioned so many talented men, but who do you favor most?"

Nangong Xuanyu said, "Zhou Yuhu and Bai Mufeng are both exceptional young talents, with promising futures. However..."

"In terms of extensive knowledge, profound foundation, and broad vision, the two of them are still somewhat lacking compared to Gu Jinxiao and Jiang Lingzhou."

When choosing a tutor for the prince on whom the emperor placed the most hopes, it was natural to choose the best one.

Although Zhou Yuhu and Bai Mufeng were good, they did not meet the emperor's expectations.

Shen Zhinian asked, "In choosing the Junior Tutor, does His Majesty intend to select between Vice Minister Gu and my sworn brother?"

Nangong Xuanyu said, "That's right."

Although her sworn brother was also very talented, Shen Zhinian had a higher opinion of the former.

Gu Jinxiao is upright, knowledgeable, and morally honest, and does not get involved in factional strife.

Moreover, being in one's prime and full of energy, it is indeed the safest and most appropriate choice.

By learning from this person, Ah Xu can be taught what it means to be measured and what it means to be prudent.

But before she could finish speaking, Shen Zhinian changed the subject: "His Majesty is very thoughtful. Their talents and character are all top-notch."

"Whichever one is chosen to enlighten Ah Xu, I think it is excellent."

"However, this matter is of great importance. I am but a woman with limited knowledge and experience, so I will leave everything to Your Majesty."

"only……"

Nangong Xuanyu asked, "But what?"

Shen Zhinian sighed softly: "But His Majesty knows about my sworn brother's health. Ever since that serious illness when he was a child, he has been plagued by health problems and has never been very strong."

“Serving as a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy and a member of the Wenhua Hall is already a mentally and physically demanding job. If you were to add the heavy responsibility of teaching the princes on top of that, I fear that my sworn brother would be too overworked and his health would not be able to withstand it.”

"It will also affect Ah-Xu's studies."

My sworn brother's talent is beyond doubt, but his frail health is also a fact.

Teaching princes is no easy task, especially during their early education, which requires immense patience and energy.

If overexertion damages one's fundamental health, it will be counterproductive.

How could Nangong Xuanyu not know Jiang Lingzhou's physical condition?

He is exceptionally talented, yet like a fragile piece of glass, he needs to be handled with care.

The position of Junior Tutor is prestigious, but it is also quite demanding.

The prince was young, mischievous, and curious. In addition to teaching him, he needed to be constantly mindful of his words and actions and set a good example, which required a great deal of mental and physical attention.

The emperor pondered for a moment, but did not immediately express his opinion. He only said, "Jiang Shijiang's health certainly needs to be taken care of."

This statement represents a tendency.

Nangong Xuanyu did not deny Jiang Lingzhou's talent, but he acknowledged Shen Zhinian's concerns.

Shen Zhinian knew that Nangong Xuanyu had taken her tactful reminder to heart.

Sure enough, the emperor picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said slowly, "This matter concerns Ah Xu's future, so we must be extremely careful."

"I will consider it carefully."

Nangong Xuanyu is a deep thinker and often doesn't finish his sentences, leaving room for interpretation.

But Shen Zhinian had already understood the emperor's choice.

She didn't point it out, but said trustingly, "Your Majesty is wise. Whichever gentleman you ultimately choose, it must be for A-Xu's long-term benefit."

"Your Majesty and I are deeply grateful for Your Majesty's kindness!"

Nangong Xuanyu's eyes were filled with gentleness.

Niannian is always like this: intelligent but not ostentatious, caring but not overly so.

She knows how to give the right response at the right time, but never oversteps the boundaries.