Thereâs also Chu Heng.
Itâs all Chu Hengâs fault!
A mere shop, yet he even reported him to the Emperor over it.
The other party is blatantly opening a shop right now, isnât it too arrogant?
Grand Tutor Deng felt a bit unwilling; how could he endure Chu Heng not only stepping on his head, but also mocking him financially.
Grand Tutor Deng glanced sideways, remembering his sonâs suggestion.
He suddenly felt a bit of regret.
He should have agreed with his sonâs suggestion; even if he couldnât seize the business, he could still disgust the other party!
Grand Tutor Deng instructed the servant boy next to him to go back and inform his eldest son to keep an eye on the Chu familyâs business and target them.
At the same time, after Grand Tutor Deng entered the palace,
He first took credit with Emperor Xuanming and mentioned that the Beirong Prince was willing to cooperate with the imperial court to write to the Beirong Emperor.
As expected, Emperor Xuanming was greatly pleased.
Before leaving, Grand Tutor Deng casually mentioned that Chu Hengâs wealth was substantial, that Chu Hengâs wife had so many novel ideas, and made quite a bit of silver; how could this person know so much?
Is he a deity descended to earth?
Grand Tutor Dengâs words were clearly meant to trap Ye Muyu, deliberately exaggerating her reputation, and comparing her to a celestial being, wasnât he praising her above the status of Emperor Xuanming?
"Your Majesty, I heard that Madam is merely an ordinary farm woman; since she is just an ordinary farm woman, naturally she shouldnât know so much. Surely, Madam has received guidance, which is why she suddenly became an envoy, making our court more prosperous..."
Grand Tutor Deng lavishly praised Ye Muyu.
Emperor Xuanming listened, his expression unreadable.
"Deng, are you suggesting that I must reward Madam Chu? Otherwise, wouldnât it be unworthy of heavenâs gift?"
Grand Tutor Deng felt something amiss with Emperor Xuanmingâs reaction, but not knowing why, since the words had already been said, he maintained his ambiguous tone: "Your Majesty, I dare not, I am merely curious about Madam Chuâs background, never daring to act beyond Your Majesty."
"Saying this, arenât you trying to make me acknowledge Madam Chu as a heavenly envoy?" Emperor Xuanming suddenly flared with anger, throwing an ink slab at Grand Tutor Dengâs head.
Minister Qi, who hadnât left, was also terrified, turning pale and kneeling down alongside.
"I benefit from talented people, which is the fortune of Great Chu, and also my fortune. I cherish talented people, but is it your place to make baseless rumors and idle speculations here?"
"Deng, have I given you too much freedom, so you dare speak nonsense."
Grand Tutor Deng turned pale as a sheet, kneeling repeatedly and kowtowing: "Your Majesty, I realize my mistake; I dare not speak recklessly again..."
"Hmph, Grand Tutor Deng must not yet have recovered well; return to your manor for two months of self-reflection."
"I... obey the decree."
Grand Tutor Deng almost wanted to cry, but dared not say anything more to Emperor Xuanming at that moment.
With a swollen forehead, he left the palace and shut his doors to visitors.
As for Minister Qi, he was drenched in cold sweat by Emperor Xuanmingâs nuanced words and especially the final phrase "idle gossip."
Emperor Xuanming was warning Grand Tutor Deng, and also warning him.
No spreading news about Madam Chu outside.
Things are as they were before, unchanged now.
As soon as he exited the palace, Minister Qi hurriedly halted the rumor heâd spread halfway and quickly informed his men to quash the emerging whispers before they spread further, staying clear of such gossip.
When his subordinates returned, reporting everyone had been notified and the rumors didnât spread further, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.