In a study room of the Imperial College, Mr. ng was reviewing the essays and poems sent by the students. He read each one with great attention, even making edits or annotations on them.
After finishing his lectures, Mr. ng did not rest at all, focusing entirely on reading the students’ essays or poems. Although many of them were quite poor, to the point of being unbearable to look at, he didn’t get angry; instead, he would earnestly write down his feedback.
Minister Li knew that Mr. ng was busy reviewing essays or poems after his lectures, so he rarely ca to disturb him. However, he had just received a visiting card from the eunuch by the Crown Prince’s side, and he couldn’t ignore it, thus he had to co and disturb Mr. ng.
Mr. ng’s Attendant Student was guarding the study room entrance. Seeing Minister Li approach, he hurriedly bowed to him and then ntioned that Mr. ng was busy and did not wish to be disturbed by anyone.
Minister Li acknowledged this but stated that he must hand this visiting card to Mr. ng personally, as it was a necessity.
Upon hearing Minister Li’s insistence, the Attendant Student opened the study room door and invited Minister Li inside.
Mr. ng was so engrossed in his reading that he didn’t hear the door open until Minister Li greeted him, making him aware of his presence.
Minister Li hastily apologized to Mr. ng, explaining that he did not intend to disturb him. However, since the Crown Prince had sent a visiting card, he had no choice but to deliver it.
Hearing these words, Mr. ng furrowed his brows slightly, then reached out to take the visiting card before tossing it aside.
Seeing that Mr. ng did not open it, Minister Li hesitated for a mont and then reminded him.
"Mr. ng, the people sent by the Crown Prince have not left yet; they are waiting for your reply."
Upon hearing this, a hint of impatience flashed in Mr. ng’s eyes, and then he politely told Minister Li, "Please inform the people sent by the Crown Prince that I am very busy."
Noticing Mr. ng’s lack of courtesy towards the Crown Prince, Minister Li was sowhat shocked, sensing Mr. ng’s displeasure. He hesitated again before speaking, "Mr. ng, perhaps you should first take a look at the Crown Prince’s visiting card, then respond to him."
"There’s no need." Mr. ng’s tone was sowhat cold, and then he picked up the visiting card he had just tossed aside and handed it back to Minister Li, "Please return this to the people sent by the Crown Prince."
Startled by Mr. ng’s attitude, Minister Li’s expression changed drastically as he asked, "What are you doing?"
Mr. ng candidly and unceremoniously replied, "I do not wish to see the Crown Prince, nor do I wish to see Prince Dai. Tell them not to write visiting cards to ; I will not go. Also, I hope they do not disturb ."
Since Mr. ng had co to the capital, he had been hosted by Minister Li. Although their ti together was not long, Mr. ng had always seed kind and amiable to Minister Li. It was the first ti he had seen Mr. ng so displeased and unceremonious.
"You..."
"Did not the Emperor say the Crown Prince and others should not disturb lightly?" Mr. ng said with a slightly somber face, "Did he not also say that without my consent, the Crown Prince and others cannot et ?"
Minister Li replied, "Indeed, that is the decree of the Emperor."
"Then let the Crown Prince’s people return and tell them not to co again." Mr. ng had just finished when he suddenly rembered the essays and poems previously sent by the Crown Prince. He hurriedly stood up to search for them.
"Mr. ng, what are you looking for?" Seeing Mr. ng searching through a pile of books and essays, Minister Li went over to help, "Let assist you."
Mr. ng found the essays and poems sent by the Crown Prince in a corner, then handed them to Minister Li.
"Please return these to the Crown Prince’s people and tell them I am too unlearned and unqualified to critique the Crown Prince’s writings."
Minister Li took the essays handed by Mr. ng in a daze. He looked at Mr. ng in disbelief, asking, "Are you not afraid of angering the Crown Prince?" Mr. ng was being far too discourteous to the Crown Prince.
"I am not afraid," Mr. ng said coldly, "I am just an old man. The Crown Prince can do as he pleases."
Minister Li: "..." He had not realized that Mr. ng had such a fiery temper.
"I am nearing the end of my life; there is nothing to fear." Mr. ng returned to his desk, raising his head to look at Minister Li, his tone becoming much gentler, "Please do the favor of conveying my words."
"I will convey your words to the Crown Prince’s people exactly as you have stated."
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