Chapter 208: The Position of the Scholars
A year ago when leaving the Capital, Guo Cong had resolved to live in seclusion in the countryside and ignore worldly affairs. But events have a way of finding you.
While Han Ruzi was still gazing toward the Capital from the frontier and puzzling over palace matters, Guo Cong, equally far from the Capital, had already heard about the general situation of the princes’ struggle for the throne. Reluctantly, he traveled back to the Capital a month ago with two students who delivered messages. Rather than returning to his old residence, he stayed at a friend’s home, refusing visitors except for a select few.
Even so, this elderly scholar understood the Capital’s situation far better than most officials.
Due to Guo Cong’s poor health, Han Ruzi had comfortable chairs brought for him. Yang Feng had his own chair near the bookshelf, relatively far from the Weary Marquis behind the desk, allowing him to disengage from or join conversations naturally.
After the servants withdrew, only the three remained. Guo Cong tacitly accepted Yang Feng’s presence and began persuading the Weary Marquis to withdraw from the succession struggle.
Han Ruzi hadn’t expected Guo Cong’s visit, much less such a direct request. He recalled how much effort it had taken, when he was emperor, just to get this teacher to elaborate during lectures.
He didn’t get angry but smiled and said, “Withdraw for the sake of the Great Chu empire? How does my involvement in the succession affect the empire?”
Guo Cong’s breathing was heavy, reminding Han Ruzi of General Fang Daye, though there was a difference – the latter’s was heavy but powerful, like a bellows being forcefully pulled, while the former’s was heavy and weak, as if it could be his last.
“Officials choosing the emperor? No, no, such a thing has never happened in history. The empire must not set this precedent.”