She Became A Downfall Noble Lady

"Hengheng, he..." Ye Hongyang’s face reddened slightly, finding himself at a loss for words regarding his sons’ studies, "Father, it is commonly said, ’Do not despise the poor youth.’ Hengheng and Yiyi are still so young, their paths lie stretched out before them. How can you look down upon your own grandsons like this?"

Ye Heng and Ye Yi also had expressions of shame and anger on their faces.

Duke An said indifferently, "How old are they? Shall I summon Jiang Yifan to speak to you and your two grandsons about the age at which he took his exams all along his journey? And to tell you and your grandsons about matters of the common folk, affairs of the court, and agriculture and livelihoods?"

Ye Hongyang was of course aware of Jiang Yifan’s capabilities in his studies, but he was quite irritated by Duke An making such a comparison, "It takes three years to produce an Imperial Scholar of Jiang Yifan’s caliber; he is, after all, an exceptional case. Moreover, my sons are scholars, they are men of letters; farming and common folk’s affairs are activities fit only for the lowly."

Duke An’s smile disappeared as he said, "That’s why I tell you, the saying ’Do not despise the poor youth’ does not apply to the children raised by you and Maternal Aunt Liu. Hengheng and Yiyi, if they continue with this kind of education, have no future. And Duke An’s Mansion..."

The Duke’s tone grew slower, enunciating each word deliberately, "If it falls into your hands, it too will have no future."

"Father!" Ye Hongyang finally changed color, standing up abruptly.

Duke An continued, "Mediocrity and folly aren’t to be feared. What’s fearsome is wanting—and, indeed, being able to—control everything in spite of being mediocre and foolish. As a father, if I can’t convince you to relinquish your desire to control everything, then I must ensure you don’t control anything. Otherwise, the honors that generations of the Ye Family have won through bloody battles, suffering countless deaths and injuries, would be destroyed by my own hand."