Chapter 503
Chapter 503 A Child Within
"Lord Lin is too polite," Gu Shunzhang chuckled, "To be honest, I have a vested interest in discussing these matters with you. I heard that my son, Bingyan, is now in your hands—"
Lin Wanrong let out a sound of acknowledgment and smiled, nodding, "I understand, Master Gu. You're here specifically for this matter, aren't you? Rest assured, I believe that Brother Bingyan was merely confused for a moment. He hasn't committed any grave offenses; the Emperor won't hold it against him. However, since you already know so many secrets, why didn't you directly advise your son, instead of letting him get so close to Prince Cheng?"
Gu Shunzhang let out a long sigh, full of lamentation, "Bingyan grew up alongside the two princes. The late Emperor was quite favorable towards him, yet, for some reason, he became close friends with Prince Cheng. Perhaps it's fate. As an imperial tutor, if I were to advise him to stay away from Prince Cheng, wouldn't that give people something to talk about and make Prince Cheng suspicious?"
Lin Wanrong listened, filled with admiration. "Master Gu, your integrity is admirable."
"What integrity are you speaking of," the imperial tutor shook his head with a bitter smile, "It's my failure in his upbringing that has ultimately led to me having to clean up his messes. Lord Lin, the siege against your mansion was incited by my son. I'm truly ashamed."
Lin Wanrong had already been aware of this, but he hadn't expected the imperial tutor to admit it to his face.
Master Gu sighed repeatedly, "Ever since the current Emperor ascended the throne, I have paid little attention to court affairs. I've been preoccupied with traveling around, neglecting matters concerning Bingyan, unaware that he's still entangled with Prince Cheng. I used to think that 'children and grandchildren have their own blessings,' and whatever he does is his own responsibility. However, I am, after all, a mortal and can't escape the worldly attachments. I'm deeply ashamed."
Gu Shunzhang made repeated bows toward Lin Wanrong, his face clearly showing his guilt. For an imperial tutor with such fame and integrity, this humility was incomparable to the pretentiousness of so-called scholars. Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, "So what if you've shown favoritism? We are all mortals, not saints. Speaking up for your own family is nothing wrong. Your son should be fine. During yesterday's court meeting, the Emperor didn't bring up the matter, clearly intending to downplay it. Please rest assured."