Fourteen: Leniency and strictness are both applied

  "Haha, this little gold is nothing, it's what you deserve. However, this is the reward from my mother, and I also have a reward for you, please take a look, Mr. Shi."

  Liu Bian knew that for someone like Shi Daoren who was greedy for fame and wealth, as long as he was used properly, he could also do things for himself. So he took out a celadon jade scepter from his body, about one foot long, with a crystal clear body, natural texture on the surface, cool to the touch, and it was obvious that its value was worth a city.

  "Ah, jadeite Ruyi."

  Shi Daoren took it, his hands trembling, his mouth stuttering, his eyes emitting a faint glow, his whole body shaking with excitement, no longer resembling the calm and composed Daoist master.

  "This was given to me by my father the Emperor when I was young. It was presented as a tribute by the Governor of Jiaozhou and is said to be a treasured artifact from the South Seas. However, such treasures are nothing to me, so I'll bestow it upon you."

  "Master Hou, this is too valuable, really too valuable, I'm ashamed to accept it."

  "No, this is the reward that Mr. Shi should get, and if Mr. Shi is willing to continue serving me in the future, there are many such small favors in the palace. Moreover, after I become the crown prince, I can appoint Mr. Shi as the Grand Master of the Eastern Palace Guardian, and he can enjoy all the honors and wealth; and when I ascend to the throne, you will be the National Guardian Master of the Great Han, leading all the Taoist sects in the world, enjoying a revered position. However, you must serve me with loyalty, otherwise, I will deal with those who are not loyal like the three assassins that night, cutting their blood out one knife at a time, and letting them die in agony."

  Liu Bian gazed intently at Shi Daoren, then with his innate talent and dignified demeanor, he spoke to him word by word, causing Shi Daoren's whole body to tremble. He finally felt that Liu Bian was no longer the same as before, for his body was filled with an aura of dominance over all under heaven, making him feel as if he had seen the Spirit Emperor himself.

  "Your Excellency can rest assured, I will definitely do my best to serve you and absolutely won't disappoint you."

  "Mr. Shi, I don't know if you've thought about it or not, but I grew up in your mansion, and my name has been imprinted on your body for a long time. In other words, all the civil and military officials in the court, even the people of the world, know that you are my person. If you don't serve me with loyalty, when the time comes, it's not necessary for me to kill you, just need to drive you out of the palace, your future can be imagined will not be good."

  Liu Bian knew that it wouldn't be easy to truly win over Shi Daoren, and for now, he definitely wouldn't wholeheartedly work for himself. However, as long as he let him taste the sweetness, at least for now, he wouldn't betray himself, so some small matters could still be handed over to him to handle.

  "Master Hou is right, so I will only serve Master Hou and be loyal only to Master Hou."

  Since he felt the imperial aura on Liu Bian's body, Shi Daoren's heart also became chaotic. He is now not only doing things for the empress, but also for the emperor, and also taking money from some other people.

  However, he also knew that these were not long-term things. The emperor's health had been getting worse in recent years, and the queen was not a woman who could give him wealth and glory for a long time. Wang Meiren sent someone to win him over, but actually let him monitor Crown Prince Liu Bian, and even take action to get rid of Liu Bian, this obstacle, so that Liu Xie can ascend to the throne.

  Shi Dao-ren had also seen the imperial son Liu Xie, and in the past he thought that Liu Xie was indeed more clever than Liu Bian. That's why he secretly took Wang Meiren's money to do things for her. However, now Liu Bian seems to have grown up, his body has shown unparalleled dignity, with the momentum of becoming an emperor, it is entirely possible that he will become the next Han Emperor, so he hesitated again.

  "Mr. Shi has been in Beijing for a long time, I wonder if you could recommend someone suitable to teach me poetry, books and etiquette?"

  "As for the words of Lord Hou, among the civil and military officials in the imperial court, most of the civil ministers were renowned Confucian scholars, such as Xun Yu, Lu Qiang, Wang Yun, Liu Tao, Chen Lin, Zheng Tai, etc., who all had a certain reputation in the court and could be considered as masters."

  "Are they the best teachers of today? Which one of them is the most famous Confucian scholar of today?"

  "This is to say, among the most famous Confucian scholars of today, none can surpass Chancellor Cai Yong. Chancellor Cai was personally appointed by the previous emperor as a Grand Scholar. In terms of moral integrity and literary talent, no one in the world can match him, so all the scholars under heaven must respectfully address him as 'teacher'."

  "Cai Yong, I've also heard of his name, that's him. Trouble Mr. Shi to enter the palace and tell Empress Dowager that I want Cai Yong as my teacher, ask her to help persuade Emperor."

  "Lord Hou, this matter is likely to be somewhat difficult." Si Daoren thought for a moment and looked at Liu Bian before continuing.

  "Mr. Shi, from now on, please don't be polite, just speak your mind. I also know that being in the Hou Mansion, I'm not aware of many things outside, so no matter what news you hear, I hope you'll come back and tell me."

  "Lord, rest assured, I understand. You want Cai Yong to be your teacher, this idea is good, but Cai Yong was banished to Lingnan two years ago for offending the eunuch Cao Jie, so he is not in the capital at present."

  "What? Is there such a thing? But Lingnan is not far from Luoyang, and five days should be enough to rush back. Ask the empress dowager to think of a way, no matter what, to let the emperor recall Cai Yong to the capital. This marquis wants him as his teacher. Besides, it's been almost two years since he was exiled, so even if he doesn't give him an official position, just letting him teach this marquis would be enough. This way, we can also avoid conflicts between him and the ten eunuchs. Moreover, you can go see the ten eunuchs and tell them that this marquis doesn't care about their grudges with Cai Yong, but only wants to choose a teacher to study poetry, books, etiquette, and rituals. Whoever helps to put in a good word for him in front of the emperor will be remembered by this marquis."

  "Yes, I will go and convey it to Master Hou."

  "Slow down, and while you're at it, go ask around about the family of Cai University Scholar, whether they are still in Beijing, and if their life is difficult. If they need help, provide them with some assistance in my name."

  "Understood, Your Excellency."

  After Shi Daoren left, Liu Bian immediately had someone find Huang Zhong and then had him send a letter to the General's mansion. Not long after, General He Jin entered the palace, while Shi Daoren had just come out of Empress He's Ning'an Palace.

  "Your humble servant pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress, may she be blessed with good health."

  "The Grand General dispenses with formalities and offers a seat."

  Immediately, a palace maid brought over a cushion, and General-in-Chief He Jin sat down calmly across from Empress He, then accepted the hot tea brought by the palace maid, took a slow sip, and gently placed it on the side table.

  PS：

  Brothers, remember this week's temporary task, recommend this book for all of this week, thank you!