Chapter 52: The Diversity of Human Nature

Changle Palace Complex, Crown Prince’s Residence.
Front Hall, Central Chamber.

Today, a Confucian scholar arrived at the Crown Prince’s residence. Liu Ju was receiving him.

The visitor was under forty years old, with the compound surname Duanmu, given name Daxing.

“Your Highness, I am deeply grateful for your kindness. I have come today to bid farewell to the Crown Prince.”

Liu Ju quickly responded, “Daxing, why are you leaving? The Spring and Autumn Annals have yet to be completed. If you are short of funds, just say so.”

Duanmu Daxing shook his head. “It’s not about money. I wish to emulate the sages by traveling to various places to learn more. In Chang’an, aside from Master Shi, there is no one else who can assist me. Therefore, I want to explore elsewhere in search of knowledge.”

Liu Ju urged him hastily, “Daxing, as a Doctor of Classics at the Imperial Academy, your future is bright. Leaving now would be a pity. Besides, Chang’an hides many dragons and crouching tigers; perhaps you have yet to meet a greater scholar. You could wait here a little longer—I will send for some learned men to discuss learning with you.”

Duanmu Daxing replied coldly, “Except for Master Shi, no one in Chang’an can surpass me. This is my confidence. Your Highness, please do not persuade me further.”

He had long wished to sever ties with the Crown Prince’s residence, especially as it grew less favored by the Emperor. Such circumstances made his fall only a matter of time, which would inevitably implicate him and the Duanmu family. He had struggled to find a pretext to leave without being branded untrustworthy or dishonorable.

Now that Shi De had already resigned from the Crown Prince’s mansion, Duanmu Daxing no longer feared criticism behind his back.

In truth, he did not want to leave. The position of Doctor at the Imperial Academy promised a bright future, with good salary and status—yet the sole drawback was his association with the Crown Prince.

Shi De had sensed the impending downfall and decisively cut ties; Duanmu Daxing felt compelled to seize the opportunity to leave as well.

When Liu Ju was young, circumstances were very different. At that time, Emperor Wu of Han cherished him greatly and personally established the Bowen Garden to nurture the Crown Prince. The Emperor disliked officials cultivating personal networks but made an exception for the Crown Prince, allowing him to recruit talents to serve him as he wished within the garden.

During that period, Liu Ju gathered many talents from various schools and factions.

Duanmu Daxing was a thirteenth-generation collateral descendant of Duanmu Ci, who was himself a disciple of Confucius named Zigong.

It was during that time he was recruited by the Crown Prince to join Bowen Garden.

The Crown Prince treated these talents well: scholars were generally recommended to official posts at the Imperial Academy, while those skilled in martial arts were recommended as palace guards. Emperor Wu approved all these arrangements.

However, as time passed, most had left him, and the network he could rely on dwindled.

Now with Duanmu Daxing preparing to leave as well, Liu Ju felt an overwhelming sense of loss.

…

After returning to the Crown Prince’s residence, Liu Jin composed an essay on “The Teacher’s Words” in his study, then brought the manuscript to the front hall to see Liu Ju.

He did not recognize Duanmu Daxing, only nodding slightly before handing the article to Liu Ju. “Father, Shi Shaofu has agreed to return to the Crown Prince’s residence.”

“Hmm, please deliver this article to Shi Shaofu for me; he specifically requested I write it.”

“You two talk; I will take my leave.”

Liu Ju was momentarily stunned, but the earlier sadness vanished upon hearing Shi De’s return, filling him with joy.

“Oh, very good!”

Though uncertain how Liu Jin had persuaded Shi Shaofu, his return was undoubtedly good news.

Duanmu Daxing stood there, bewildered and feeling played by Shi De.

What did Shi De mean by that? As a Confucian scholar, how could he go back on his words?

Now that he’s back, what about me?

He certainly did not think Shi De would return without cause. Perhaps… Shi Shaofu saw the Crown Prince’s residence regaining momentum?

Thinking this, Duanmu Daxing’s heart grew heavier. The post of Doctor at the Imperial Academy was prestigious and well respected. He had already resigned—now this? How utterly unprincipled!

Liu Ju slowly opened the bamboo slip Liu Jin had given him, wondering what article his son had written that Shi Shaofu had to come personally to collect.

“…Therefore, disciples need not necessarily be inferior to their teachers, nor must teachers always be superior to their disciples. The order of inquiry and specialization in skills are merely such.”

After reading the article, Liu Ju was silent for a long while.

For some reason, his heart ached. Having studied with so many renowned scholars over the years, he could never produce an article of this caliber.

Why can my son?

Father inferior to son—how painful.

“Daxing, have a look at the article my son wrote.”

Liu Ju seemed to recall something and handed the bamboo slip to Duanmu Daxing.

Duanmu Daxing opened it, curious from the start about the article Shi Shaofu had requested by name. What kind of article would prompt such a special request?

After finishing “The Teacher’s Words,” Duanmu Daxing sat dazed, his face gradually flushing with embarrassment.

Just now, he had proclaimed confidently that no one in Chang’an surpassed Master Shi.

Then he read Liu Jin’s article.

He suspected the Crown Prince might have planned this on purpose, which only deepened his embarrassment.

After a long silence, Duanmu Daxing smiled and said, “Impressive, truly impressive!”

“The imperial grandson’s scholarship is indeed admirable! As the Crown Prince said, Chang’an truly hides dragons and crouching tigers. It seems I cannot yet leave Chang’an.”

Liu Ju was delighted. “Good, good, good! Daxing should stay in Chang’an!”

Duanmu Daxing waited for some further response, but Liu Ju said no more. Duanmu Daxing thought perhaps the Crown Prince was so moved by his decision to stay that he momentarily forgot to speak.

He did not dare to shamelessly ask for reinstatement, and as the Crown Prince remained silent, he awkwardly took his leave with a bow.

Liu Ju accompanied him to the door, watching him depart.

Then, hands behind his back, he gazed coldly at Duanmu Daxing’s retreating figure. The joyful expression was gone, replaced by disdain.

“You are not like Master Shi.”

“I am not a fool.”

Liu Ju sneered. Since Duanmu Daxing had resigned his position at the Imperial Academy, Liu Ju had no intention of petitioning Emperor Wu for his reinstatement. Such a man was not worth the effort.

“Sigh.”

Liu Ju sighed deeply.

From the side chamber, Liu Jin came out and stood before Liu Ju, asking, “Father, what’s wrong?”

Liu Ju sighed again. “Those who once sought refuge with me in Bowen Garden have all left me one by one. Only now do I realize that among all the talents I chose and appointed, none compare to the one Father Emperor carefully selected for me.”

Indeed, Shi De was a talent handpicked by Emperor Wu for the Crown Prince. In contrast, those Liu Ju once favored now seemed utterly inadequate.

“Master Shi left because he truly felt remorse. He even arranged a fallback for me, inviting the Three Elders of Huguan to guide me. But Duanmu Daxing? Ha.”