Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The first thing I did after leaving the palace and moving into the Princess’ Mansion was to post notices far and wide to find myself a mentor.

Many people came, but most were merely seeking fame or looking for a free meal.

I purchased a residence next to the Princess’ Mansion and established the Guangwen Academy. I categorized the applicants into different tiers and arranged for them to stay in various quarters based on their abilities.

All they sought was a place to settle down and make a living, and as it happened, I had plenty of money and could afford to support them.

Furthermore, anyone who dared to take a gamble at the Princess’ Mansion was either truly talented or exceptionally bold; I was willing to give them a chance.

Those with literary talent were tasked with writing scripts and newsletters for me.

Those skilled in martial arts performed feats like shattering stones against their chests or fighting with twin swords against twin maces.

For those with a knack for business, I had many shops under my name. If they failed, they were out; if they turned a profit, we split it ninety-ten-ninety for me, ten for them.

As for those who could sing, dance, or play instruments, I bought a separate estate called the Lige Academy where they could perform on stage daily.

My life was becoming quite vibrant. Aside from not yet finding a true mentor, everything else was going well.

Finally, one day, another person arrived at my gates.

The steward led her in with a troubled expression. I looked up and saw a woman dressed in men’s clothing.

The woman bowed and said, “This humble commoner, Luo Yuewei, pays her respects to Her Highness the Princess.”

Luo Yuewei, the daughter of the great scholar Luo Yanbang.

Imperial Father had once tried to invite Luo Yanbang to serve as an official, but Luo Yanbang had simply fled into the mountains to live as a recluse.

Despite several invitations, Luo Yanbang refused to come. He only sent a message to Imperial Father: “Establish the state through martial might, but govern it through civil virtue; grant the people profit, and rule them with benevolence-thus shall the world thrive.”

Imperial Father cherished these words as treasures, carving them into a pillar to remind himself of them constantly.

Therefore, with Luo Yuewei standing before me, I had no reason to turn her away.

She was composed and serene, her gaze steady, exuding a transcendent aura that suggested she had seen through the vanities of the world.

I realized that trying to test her with my shallow knowledge would likely be a case of ‘showing off one’s axe skills before the master carpenter’-a complete embarrassment.

So, I asked her, “I was once both a student and a friend to someone for three years. We were companions, yet why did he suddenly change and begin to disparage me in front of others? What is the reason for this?”

Luo Yuewei lowered her eyes in thought before calmly replying, “First, he holds Your Highness in contempt. Second, he overestimates himself.”

“Oh? How so?” I asked, my interest piqued.

Luo Yuewei continued composedly:

“He holds Your Highness in contempt because you showed him too much favor. ‘To listen only to one side is to be left in the dark; to hear both is to be enlightened.’ He manipulated your thoughts and emotions, handling you as easily as reaching into a bag to grab a trinket. One does not feel the need to grant much respect to something that is entirely within one’s grasp.

“He overestimates himself because Your Highness gave him the confidence to do so, leading him to believe he could do whatever he wished to you. Furthermore, because you were without support-possessing nothing but him-he had the audacity to look down on you, despise you, and even slander you.

“Ultimately, though your status is noble, you do not know how to be a master. You possess great wealth, yet you are like a three-year-old child carrying gold through a crowded marketplace; anyone can covet what you have. You are a choice piece of meat, yet you remain blissfully unaware of it.

“Your Highness, the fault lies with you!”

As her voice fell, the room went silent.

Everyone looked at the fearless Luo Yuewei with expressions of terror.

I waved my hand to dismiss the attendants, then slowly walked toward her. “You have said so much,” I said coldly. “So, what can you teach me?”

Luo Yuewei replied solemnly, “I am willing to teach the Princess the art of self-preservation.”

A shiver ran through me. I straightened my robes and hair, then gave her a deep, formal bow.

“This student asks for the Mentor’s guidance.”