Sui and Tang Dynasties: You were driven out of Wagang, but you surrendered to Yang Guang and were ma

Chapter 131 Fang Xuanling Enters the Prince of Shuo's Mansion

"Gentlemen, how can we judge someone's worth based on their birth?"

Fang Xuanling frowned, his tone tinged with resentment.

"The achievements of the Prince of Shuo are enough to overshadow his so-called shortcomings in birth. Judging people solely by their social standing is far too narrow-minded!"

He simply couldn't understand the thoughts of these old ministers from powerful families.

Could it be that Lü Xiao's illustrious military achievements are not worth as much as his humble origins?

"That is incorrect. One's birth determines everything; this is an eternal truth."

An elderly minister stroked his beard, his tone resolute.

"Utterly absurd!" Fang Xuanling shook his head helplessly.

Although he came from a good family, he never had any prejudice against social status.

At this moment, I feel that I am incompatible with these people and cannot work with them at all.

"Alright, let's continue with the main topic and not discuss anything else."

Seeing this, Yang You raised his hand to interrupt the argument, having already made up his mind.

Family background determines everything. Although Lü Xiao was capable of conquering cities and seizing territories, he was a powerful weapon on the battlefield.

However, discussions of court intrigue and family checks and balances are ultimately not considered refined topics.

It can be used, but it's not worth reusing.

Fang Xuanling felt a chill in his heart. He cupped his hands and said, "I am unwell and fear that I may pass on my illness to Your Highness. I shall take my leave now."

After saying that, he turned and left, his back view revealing a hint of loneliness.

Leaving the palace, Fang Xuanling was filled with disappointment, feeling that his trip to the east had been in vain.

He originally thought Yang You was a wise ruler and was willing to wholeheartedly assist him.

Unexpectedly, the other party was so short-sighted, clinging to the prejudice of social class.

Forget it, rather than staying in this narrow-minded Eastern Capital, I might as well go back to Xicheng and become a county magistrate, where I can live a peaceful and carefree life.

Having made up his mind, Fang Xuanling left a letter for his clansmen, informing them of his intention to leave.

He then packed his bags, led his horse out of the Eastern Capital, and embarked on the official road back home.

"Sir, please slow down."

As he walked to the outskirts of the city, several men dressed in tight-fitting clothes suddenly blocked his way.

"Who are you all?"

Fang Xuanling reined in his horse, puzzled, as he knew these people completely.

"I am Shi Zihai, and I have come to invite you, sir, for a chat."

The leader raised his hand in a gesture of invitation, his tone respectful yet brooking no refusal.

After Yang Ruyi married Lü Xiao, Yang Guang bestowed upon her the Four Palace Guard Generals and a thousand elite Imperial Guards.

These people secretly protected the Prince Shuo's mansion and were also completely under Yang Ruyi's command.

"Princess?"

Fang Xuanling was increasingly confused. He had never had any interaction with Princess Ruyi, so why was he invited?

"Stop talking nonsense, just take him away!"

Yan Bin, who was standing to the side, had a fiery temper and was most impatient with dealing with people who were overly bookish.

He immediately pulled out a burlap sack and strode forward.

Before Fang Xuanling could react, they slipped him into the harness, hoisted him onto their shoulders, mounted their horses, and the group quickly returned to Luoyang.

After an unknown amount of time, Fang Xuanling was unloaded from the sack, slowly opened his eyes, and found himself in an elegant courtyard.

The courtyard is serene and warm.

A woman in brocade robes stood in front of them, holding an infant in her arms. It was Princess Ruyi, whom they had just seen in the main hall.

Fang Xuanling composed himself, bowed, and said, "Your subject Fang Xuanling greets the princess."

Despite his doubts, he maintained his courtesy.

"No need for such formalities."

Yang Ruyi held her son, her gaze falling on Fang Xuanling, her eyes filled with approval.

Although she left the main hall, her eyes and ears did not leave.

Just now in the main hall, only Fang Xuanling dared to speak frankly on behalf of Lü Xiao.

He was able to set aside social class distinctions, which shows that he was a visionary and courageous person.

In particular, after inquiring, it was learned that Fang Xuanling was intelligent from a young age, skilled in poetry and prose, and well-versed in classics and history.

Crucially, he also possesses superb calligraphy skills, making him a truly excellent gentleman.

If we can get him to teach our son, wouldn't that be better than going to those old, pedantic scholars?

"Your Highness, what are your instructions for keeping me here?"

Fang Xuanling composed himself and spoke first.

"I've heard that your calligraphy is exceptional, truly unparalleled. Would you be so kind as to stay and teach the young prince to read and write in the future?"

Yang Ruyi spoke gently, but her eyes held a certain determination.

She knew all too well that Lü Xiao's handwriting was terrible, illegible, and simply unbearable to look at.

My son will be the one to inherit his grandfather's business, so we can't afford to be sloppy in terms of appearances.

Naturally, one needs a learned teacher like Fang Xuanling to carefully instruct one in order to write beautiful calligraphy.

"This..." Fang Xuanling hesitated, subconsciously looking at the sleeping infant in the swaddling clothes.

"The Crown Prince is still young and can only sleep in his swaddling clothes. Even if I wanted to teach him, I would have to wait until he is a few years older."

"What you say is absolutely right, sir," Yang Ruyi said, having anticipated this.

"In that case, why don't you stay in the manor as a staff member?"

"I'll help with mundane tasks on a daily basis, and then focus on teaching the prince when he grows up."

She was determined to keep Fang Xuanling with her no matter what.

Such visionary individuals, who are not bound by social class distinctions, are truly rare.

Since they are not needed right now, they will be kept in the mansion or fiefdom for the time being.

When their own son grows up, he will be their most capable assistant.

Fang Xuanling pondered for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement: "The princess has been so kind in inviting me, I dare not refuse."

Teaching the crown prince was one thing, but more importantly, he was curious about Lü Xiao.

This war god, who was enfeoffed as a king of a different surname at a young age and made unparalleled achievements, is someone everyone in the world would want to befriend.

Staying at the Prince of Shuo's residence would allow me to observe this person up close and perhaps find a real opportunity to use my skills.

"That's good then." Yang Ruyi smiled as she saw him agree, then turned to Shi Zihai beside her and gave him instructions.

"Take Mr. Fang downstairs and make proper accommodation arrangements, ensuring everything is done thoroughly."

"Yes." Shi Zihai bowed and accepted the order, then gestured to Fang Xuanling, "Mr. Fang, please follow me."

After everyone left, Yang Ruyi carried her son and turned back to her room.

After a long day of running around, she was exhausted. She carefully placed the little one on the soft couch and tucked him in.

She propped herself up on her arm, tilted her head to look at her son's exquisitely beautiful face, and murmured softly:

"When your father returns from Liaodong, he will give you a good name."

"It's all your father's fault. He didn't arrange a name before he left, so my baby still doesn't have one."

"Oh dear..."

The baby seemed to understand, its little mouth moved slightly, and it made a muffled sound.

"You miss your father too, don't you?"

Yang Ruyi gently stroked her son's forehead, a hint of longing in her eyes.

It's been so long, and there's been no word from Lü Xiao in Liaodong; he hasn't even sent a single letter back.

However, she never sent letters on her own initiative. With war raging in Liaodong, she didn't want Lü Xiao to be distracted by thoughts of home.

I just hope he can fight in peace and return in triumph, and then it won't be too late to see his son in person.

"When your father comes back, we'll punish him severely together. We'll make sure he doesn't eat and make him wash your diapers."

She patted her son gently as she chattered on and on, the weariness of the past few days washing over her, and her eyelids grew heavy.

She drifted off to sleep, listening to her son's even breathing.