128Open a kindergarten
AI Model: gemini-2.5-flash
Chapter 128 Opening a Kindergarten
This incident, however, served as a warning to him.
Favoring one Imperial Heir would inevitably draw the jealousy of others.
Therefore, 'equal distribution of favor' was the true path to success.
"Your Majesty, this subject believes that the Imperial Heirs, living deep within the Inner Palace, are constantly exposed to strife, and if this continues, they may find it difficult to achieve greatness. It would be better to emulate the wise monarchs of old and establish an Imperial Academy, allowing the Imperial Heirs to study together, far from the palace intrigues."
Emperor Ren's eyes lit up with interest upon hearing this: "An Imperial Academy? How would it work, specifically?"
Shen Yulou explained, "All Imperial Heirs would be gathered there, managed personally by this subject, with a closed-off teaching system.
The Imperial Heirs would eat, live, and study together, far from the disturbances of the Inner Palace, focusing solely on their studies.
This subject will hire renowned teachers from various fields for them, not only to teach classics, histories, philosophies, and collections, but also military strategies, statecraft, and equestrian and martial arts.
This way, it would both ensure the safety of the Imperial Heirs and foster their fraternal bonds, preventing them from turning against each other in the struggle for succession."
Emperor Ren nodded repeatedly, his eyes gleaming: "Closed-off management, far from the Inner Palace... This is indeed a good idea! With you managing it, I am at ease."
Emperor Ren pondered for a moment, then added, "However, once this matter is announced, those old ministers in court, especially the Grand Tutors, Junior Tutors, and those from the Court of Judicial Review, will likely not agree easily.
They have always been responsible for the Imperial Heirs' education, and now with your Imperial Academy, wouldn't that be taking away their duties? There will surely be opposition at tomorrow's morning court."
Shen Yulou's expression was calm as he bowed and said, "Your Majesty's concerns are very valid. This subject is already prepared and will handle it appropriately, not failing Your Majesty's trust."
Emperor Ren smiled contentedly: "Good! With your words, I am relieved. Tomorrow at morning court, I shall announce this matter and entrust all Imperial Heirs to your Imperial Academy for schooling. Shen Yulou, I am entrusting the future of the Hun Kingdom to you."
Emperor Ren's face showed approval after hearing Shen Yulou's ideas for the Imperial Academy.
Separating these Imperial Heirs from the concubines was indeed a good thing.
He would let them visit periodically; living together for a long time would inevitably lead them to be influenced by the intrigues of the Inner Palace.
However, managing these Imperial Heirs well required strong capabilities.
Shen Yulou's current performance indeed demonstrated these capabilities.
At the very least, his management of these Imperial Heirs could ensure their well-being.
It remained to be seen if he could convince those old fellows tomorrow.
He mused for a moment, then asked, "Now that Princess Naxing has escaped, Minister Shen, what do you think?"
Shen Yulou bowed and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this subject believes this matter is, in fact, harmless."
Emperor Ren raised an eyebrow, motioning for him to continue.
"The Yan State is currently severely fractured internally. Even if Princess Naxing is now in Great Hun, it is impossible for the Yan State to cede territory or declare vassalage to our dynasty because of this.
On the contrary, if Princess Naxing can return to the Yan State smoothly, with her status and abilities, she might be able to quell the internal strife in the Yan State and achieve internal balance."
Shen Yulou analyzed unhurriedly, "At that time, our dynasty and the Yan State, through this relationship with Princess Naxing, can form an alliance to jointly counter the Wulin Kingdom."
Emperor Ren's eyes flashed with a glimmer of light upon hearing this: "An alliance?"
"Precisely."
Shen Yulou's tone deepened, "The Wulin Kingdom's national strength has grown in recent years, and it is ambitious, showing signs of annexing its neighbors. Its wolfish ambitions have been evident for some time. If we can join forces with the Yan State, forming a pincer movement, we can effectively curb the Wulin Kingdom's expansion and ensure the peace of our Great Hun borders."
This set of rhetoric was also what Shen Yulou had heard others say in court.
The main reason he comforted the Old Emperor this way was to prevent the Old Emperor from relentlessly pursuing Princess Naxing; he might even need to seek refuge with the princess in the future.
Moreover, although Princess Naxing was not lost under Shen Yulou's direct care, she was sent to the Imperial Medical Academy from his hands.
If the Old Emperor were narrow-minded and also became dissatisfied with Shen Yulou, he might hold a grudge later.
So, comforting him was also for his own good.
Emperor Ren, upon hearing this, deeply agreed and stroked his beard, saying, "What you say is very true. The Wulin Kingdom indeed cannot be ignored. Seen in this light, Princess Naxing's escape is not entirely a bad thing."
Emperor Ren sighed, "If only I had treated Princess Naxing better earlier, she might have felt some gratitude."
Shen Yulou said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, when the princess was here, this subject provided for her according to the standards for a new mother's confinement, with bird's nest and snow lotus every day, ensuring she was well-fed and well-cared for.
For this, the Imperial Household Department had quite a few complaints about this subject, but I believe Princess Naxing will feel some gratitude towards our dynasty."
Shen Yulou thought to himself, Emperor Ren, this old fellow, only thinks of being good to Princess Naxing now; he truly does nothing without benefit.
If it weren't for my good care of her, Princess Naxing would probably have died of illness.
Princess Naxing certainly felt gratitude, but not towards the Hun Kingdom, but towards Shen Yulou.
Emperor Ren felt comforted, "You did well in this matter. Later, I will reprimand the Imperial Household Department and tell them to be more polite to you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
This was precisely the effect Shen Yulou wanted.
In the future, when he enclosed and raised those Imperial Heirs, he would naturally have frequent dealings with the Imperial Household Department.
Opening a kindergarten for these Imperial Heirs, and then having them all call him father one by one, wouldn't that be wonderful?
Shen Yulou thought mischievously.
"Oh, by the way, how is your progress in winning over Song Hu, whom I asked you to approach?" Emperor Ren suddenly remembered this matter.
Shen Yulou's heart stirred, but his expression remained calm as he respectfully replied.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Song Hu, though very brave, is a stubborn man. He still holds the Wulin Kingdom in his heart and is waiting for them to send someone to ransom him.
This subject has reasoned with him tirelessly every day, but he only agrees to serve as a guard for me, unwilling to go to battle or become an enemy of the Wulin Kingdom."
He paused, then added, "This subject thinks that perhaps only when there is absolutely no news from the Wulin Kingdom and he becomes disheartened, will he truly pledge allegiance to our dynasty and serve Your Majesty."
Emperor Ren nodded: "There has been no news from the Wulin Kingdom to this day. Very well, in that case, let him continue to serve as your guard for now. Once he has completely given up hope regarding the Wulin Kingdom, then have him report to the Ministry of War, and I will arrange a suitable position for him."
Shen Yulou bowed in agreement, but in his heart, he began to ponder.
A fierce general like Song Hu should naturally be kept by his side; this current excuse was not a long-term solution.
He needed to find a way to make Emperor Ren willingly let him use Song Hu... Shen Yulou emerged from the Hall of Mental Cultivation and went directly to the Imperial Heirs Residence.
The Fake Princess was still being held there, and upon seeing him, she immediately knelt down with a thud, tearfully pleading.
"Lord Shen, please save my child! I don't want anything; I can die, I can work like an ox or a horse, do anything, just please save his life!"
Shen Yulou looked at her, his tone calm: "No child who enters the Imperial Heirs Residence leaves lying down. Rest assured, your child will receive the best medical treatment, and once he recovers, I will find a good family to adopt him."
The Fake Princess's crying subsided slightly upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope flashing in her eyes, only to dim again.
Qin Guiru had been anxious all day, having heard of the dangers in court. Now, seeing Shen Yulou safe and sound, she finally breathed a sigh of relief and eagerly asked, "Lord Shen, are you alright?"
Shen Yulou smiled gently, signaling to them not to worry: "It's fine, it's all over. Not only am I fine, but there will also be good news tomorrow."
Tao Hong blinked curiously: "Good news? What good news, Lord?"
Shen Yulou shook his head mysteriously: "Heaven's secrets must not be revealed. You will know after tomorrow's morning court