People in the Qin Dynasty, entertained during the Warring States period

"Alright, go and invite Mr. Cao Ze from the Queen's quarters. I wish to have a long talk with both of you gentlemen today."

After Zhao Qian and Han Cang left the study, they were both quite annoyed when they realized what had happened.

He clearly came here to mess with Cao Ze, but somehow ended up having a fake father for himself.

Zhao Yan sat in his study, listening to Kong Chuan recite the Three Character Classic. The more he listened, the more he felt that he had indeed failed to properly educate his children.

Although he often played in the marketplace with Guo Kai and Han Cang back then, he did not neglect his studies. Otherwise, he would not have been able to become the crown prince smoothly after Zhao Yi lost his position.

Chapter 72 The Deadly Eighteen Squats, The Great Confucian Scholar Helps Me Write Scriptures

Meanwhile, Cao Ze, in the Chunqing Palace, the Empress's sleeping quarters, sat on a couch.

I occasionally give a shout-out to the singer; no wonder she was once a singing and dancing trainee.

Compared to Zhao Qian, a poor student, his mother was undoubtedly much smarter.

He is exceptionally talented in a particular area, grasping concepts instantly.

Afterwards, he rubbed his sore thighs.

Squatting requires proper posture.

If your posture is incorrect, you will feel tired very quickly.

Under Cao Ze's guidance and instruction, Chang Hou used the "Eighteen Deadly Squats" technique, following the principle of "seven shallow and eleven deep."

Sitting down in groups, the aftertaste was incredibly sore and refreshing.

This is a special feeling, different from being manipulated by Cao Ze.

There's a thrilling feeling of being the master, with everything under her control.

Just as Cao Ze pointed diagonally into the void, the loaded bayonet, under the relentless pressure from Chang Hou, finally surrendered.

The queen leaned against the couch, her pretty nose twitching slightly.

For some reason, the dishes Cao Ze made were always exceptionally appealing to her, making her unable to resist the urge to eat them.

I only feel satisfied when I've eaten everything up.

Cao Ze watched as the Empress Dowager ate with relish and couldn't help but feel a little smug.

Even though he's injured, we can't make a big fuss about him.

But he had plenty of ways to make the chieftain obedient.

He used this trick on his beautiful boss before.

Perfect for slacking off during overtime.

During the intermission, just as Cao Ze was pondering whether he should take the opportunity to help Empress Chang sort out her disordered glands again.

The palace maid's voice came from outside the door.

"Your Majesty, Lord Han Cang and His Highness are on their way to Chunqing Palace."

Startled, Chang hurriedly got up and dressed.

Cao Ze patted the empress's pert spot, making her shudder.

"What's the panic?"

After calming down and thinking it over, Chang realized that if they had been exposed, how could only Han Cang and Qian'er have come?

"Understood. Tell them to wait outside the hall. I am discussing important matters with the Master."

"Yes."

Although the palace maid vaguely guessed some things, she dared not say a word; she would rather die than reveal them.

As she cleaned some marks off her body, the Empress Dowager smiled smugly and said, "I was very thoughtful, sending people to keep an eye on the surroundings early on."

After Cao Ze finished dressing, he casually asked, "Are all these people your trusted confidants?"

The Empress said smugly, "Of course, they were all carefully selected by me from my clan and kept by my side. If something happens to me, they won't be able to escape."

Cao Ze neither confirmed nor denied it, saying that in any era, confidants are always developed from those close to them.

For example, the dictatorial power in the Qin state, led by the Dowager Queen Xuan, was composed of relatives of the "Four Nobles".

Zhao Qian and Han Cang waited obediently outside the palace until Cao Ze and the Empress came out together.

"Mother, Father asked me to invite Mr. Cao Ze over."

The Empress, dressed in a brightly colored phoenix robe, asked, "What is it?"

Han Cang smiled and said, "About half an hour ago, Your Highness went to the King's place. The King learned of Mr. Cao Ze's book, the Three Character Classic, and greatly admired it. He specially asked me and Your Highness to invite Mr. Cao Ze to the study in Longtai Palace for a meeting."

Empress Dowager breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "I was just discussing the Three Character Classic with Mr. Cao Ze, and indeed every word is a gem."

"In that case, I will go with Mr. Cao Ze and continue to listen to his teachings."

Cao Ze was somewhat helpless. To be honest, he really wanted the Empress to stay in Chunqing Palace by herself to avoid giving herself away.

However, the aftereffects of the golden finger were not completely eliminated, leaving the queen with nothing but thoughts of him.

I never miss an opportunity to spend time with him.

He couldn't very well speak ill of the courtesan in front of Han Cang and Zhao Qian, so he could only let it be.

Hopefully, both of them will deliver solid acting performances.

Cao Ze followed Zhao Qian and Han Cang through the long corridor and arrived at the study of Longtai Palace.

As soon as he entered the house, he saw an old man staring at him with a somewhat ardent gaze.

This must be Kong Chuan, the seventh-generation descendant of Confucius, whom Han Cang just mentioned.

His only impression of Kong Chuan was that Kong Chuan had debated with Gongsun Long about the differences between hard and white materials.

According to historical records, this guy and Gongsun Long should have already died.

However, the thought that this is the Qin Dynasty, a time of historical instability and osteoporosis, and that Xunzi, the Confucian scholar who was not good at martial arts, is still alive and kicking.

Even if Gongsun Long led a white horse over and told him it wasn't a horse, Cao Ze wouldn't be surprised.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Kneeling and bowing were not common during the Warring States period, so Cao Ze simply cupped his hands in a salute to Zhao Yan.

Kong Chuan was somewhat surprised by Cao Ze's youth, having expected him to be at least a middle-aged, learned man.

"Young friend Cao Ze... is truly a promising young man."

Kong Chuan has a very good heart. After his initial surprise, he casually praised him.

"I have met Mr. Zigao. I have long admired your name."

Cao Ze also bowed to Kong Chuan, after all, he was a senior and a descendant of Confucius.

Zhao Yan laughed and said, "There's no need for formalities today. Mr. Zigao and Mr. Cao Ze may discuss their theories freely, and I will listen in."

The Queen's gaze softened as she looked at Cao Ze and chuckled, "Your Majesty, we can't all be standing here discussing philosophy, can we?"

Zhao Yan said, "The Queen is right. Han Cang, please take a seat."

"Zhao Qian, sit down next to me. I will test you afterwards."

Zhao Qian looked like a bitter gourd, and could only sit next to Zhao Yan, looking at Cao Ze with a mixture of annoyance, fear, and a faint envy.

The Queen sat at the right table below the King, while Zigao sat on the left bank below the King.

As Cao Ze was a junior, he sat at the right table below the king, in the second seat after the queen.

As soon as he sat down, Kong Chuan spoke up: "I just heard from Your Highness that your work, the Three Character Classic, is quite refreshing. With a classic as its title, it must be more than just a few lines, right? Could you please take this opportunity to explain it to me? I am eager to hear your explanation."

Cao Ze said, "That is indeed as Mr. Zigao said. However, the Three Character Classic is not yet finished and still needs time. It only has about a hundred lines."

He can indeed recite the Three Character Classic, and he recites it very fluently.

However, many of the historical allusions mentioned here have not yet occurred. If he were to blurt them out without thinking, Zhao Yan would probably be so angry that he would kill him.

Kong Chuan smiled and said, "Young friend, please speak freely. I am all ears."

Cao Ze didn't refuse, picking out what he could say and skipping over what he couldn't.

Try to avoid historical allusions and events that did not happen, and focus on stability.

"At the beginning of life, people are inherently good... One becomes ten, ten becomes a hundred... From the Spring and Autumn Period to the Warring States Period. Five hegemons rose, and seven powerful states emerged..."

Kong Chuan praised Cao Ze's words highly after hearing them.

"Short and concise, easy to recite. It encompasses astronomy, geography, human ethics, loyalty, filial piety and integrity, and is quite enlightening to the mind."

"Young friend, you have a deep understanding of the essence of Confucianism. This is a rare classic work that is very suitable for children's enlightenment. You are a great talent, a great talent indeed."

The queen stared intently at Cao Ze, her heart, which had been dormant for countless years, suddenly stirring.

Young and handsome, his talent was so great that even a great scholar would praise him.

After speaking, he secretly swallowed.

She longed to take the initiative with Cao Ze again, hoping he would bring out more delicacies so she could eat and drink her fill.

Cao Ze was unaware that the Empress Dowager had developed a lust for him again.

He politely replied to Kong Chuan, "My humble work is not yet perfect and does not deserve such praise."

Kong Chuan suddenly had an idea and said, "I have a rudimentary understanding of literature. If you don't mind, young friend, how about I do it for you?"

Cao Ze certainly didn't mind. He had already discarded many parts of the text, and finding suitable sentences and allusions was no easy task.

"It is my wish, but I dare not ask."

Kong Chuan laughed and said, "The Doctrine of the Mean was written by Zisi. The mean is neither biased nor easy to change. Just this one sentence from you, young friend, is enough to teach this old man how to do things."

He was a member of the Confucian school of Zisi, so how could he not be pleased to hear this?

Zhao Yan said to Zhao Qian beside him, "Have you heard the master's teachings? Diligence brings success, while play brings no benefit. Take heed and strive diligently. This is what I mean!"

Zhao Qian said listlessly, "I heard you."

Seeing that Zhao Qian was listless, Zhao Yan patted the desk and said, "Wake up! After you leave, copy your words from today a hundred times and give them to me!"

"what?"