Zhang Jian's gaze revealed a hint of interest, and he cupped his hands in salute.
"I would not dare to teach. What does Your Highness wish to ask?"
Consort Lande watched this scene, her expression unchanged, but with a slight smile.
She glanced at the several female officials beside the East Study, her gaze wavering, but ultimately did not dismiss them.
The eleven- or twelve-year-old prince maintained a steady demeanor, yet respectfully asked,
"May I ask you, sir, what is 'Zhang's School'?!"
Zhang Jian's eyes flickered as he looked directly at the Third Prince, Wei Cheng. He was unaware if today's 'chance encounter' was orchestrated by Consort Lande beside him, or perhaps by her adviser. Regardless of whose idea it was, he preferred not to engage with these princes for now.
Involvement with them usually marked the beginning of trouble.
Zhang Jian then spoke.
"'Zhang's School' is about investigating things to gain knowledge. The Saint has said everything has its surface and depth, and even the grass and trees encompass profound truths. It was also said that the path to becoming a sage can be learned, thus the profound principles of the world must be 'investigated'!"
Zhang Jian smiled faintly.
Inquiring into the fundamentals of all things is something only a cultivator can achieve at this time.
Other ordinary scholars can achieve little.
For the most part, they can only imagine at the philosophical level, but this is essentially wishful thinking.
True investigation requires detailed theoretical data support.
Therefore, after debating with some clear-minded officials in the court, Zhang Jian could only adopt a portion of the essence, pointing out that investigating things and gaining knowledge means understanding clearly, knowing not only what but why.
All things must be organized to form systematic knowledge.
Just as the Saint said, sincerity, rectifying the mind, cultivating oneself, governing the nation, and bringing peace to the world must be conducted clearly.
Zhang Jian could see that this Third Prince was evidently not very interested in his 'Zhang's School', but he expressed his views anyway.
He pointed out that Zhang's School not only promotes the investigation of things and acquiring knowledge but also sincerity, rectifying the mind, self-cultivation, family regulation, governing the nation, and bringing peace to the world.
Wei Cheng listened, sometimes frowning, and ultimately seemed unable to continue, quickly 'retreating'!
He cupped his hands briefly and couldn't suppress his youthful nature as he quickly departed.
Consort Lande watched this from the side, seeing Zhang Jian with his earnest demeanor, full of solemnity, there was a hint of doubt in her beautiful eyes, but she still smiled and said,
"'Zhang's School' is indeed a pragmatic study. Although I am but a woman, I can feel its profound nature. If such learning cannot be utilized by the Royal Family, what a pity! Might you be willing to become my son's teacher? Cheng'Er is inherently lively, but not lacking in intelligence and quick wit, and needs a famed teacher like you to guide him back onto the right path!"
Hearing this, Zhang Jian raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"Lady De, you overpraise me. The Third Prince is gifted and active, which is the nature of youth, not waywardness. The elderly gentlemen in the Palace are his elders, with talent, knowledge, and foresight exceeding mine. Their students are countless and all excellent teachers!"
Consort Lande was not dissuaded by his words and was about to speak, but at this moment, an eunuch outside shouted loudly.
"The Empress arrives!"
Seeing this, Consort Lande's brows slightly furrowed before she stopped speaking.
In the distance, the Empress's carriage had already arrived at the East Study entrance. Empress Qi was dressed in a deep red casual clothing, with a slight increase in makeup on her fair face, exuding stability and authority.
"This consort Lan pays respects to the Empress!"
"This humble servant greets the Empress!"
Zhang Jian also made a slight bow, but did not kneel as Consort Lande did.
It's not just him; officials always did this, merely bowing when facing concubines of the Imperial Harem.
Except for lower-ranking officials who had to kneel.
At this moment, he was an important minister of the Imperial Court.
Empress Qi glanced at Consort Lande with a gaze that seemed to smile, but her eyes carried a hint of scrutiny, as someone had informed her of the happenings inside the East Study earlier.
She was, of course, aware of Consort Lande's intentions, attempting to undermine right under her nose.
Under Qi's obvious scrutinizing gaze, Consort Lande maintained her composure but quickly found an excuse to leave.
After Consort Lande departed, Qi's expression slightly softened, and once outsiders left, her face regained a bit of a playful look.
"Brother-in-law, how has second sister been lately?"
Hearing this, Zhang Jian nodded slightly.
"She is well. She is pregnant again and is currently resting at home to nurture the child!"
Hearing this, Qi's fair face showed some joy, but it was quickly overshadowed by worry.
Zhang Jian noticed Qi's expression, his gaze flickered, and he guessed at the pressure weighing on Qi's heart.
Being an Empress is not easy for her.
Based on today's actions by Consort Lande, it's clear that the competition in the Palace has already begun as many princes reach adulthood.
Emperor Jingwu has many children, with seven or eight princes. Aided by wonderful techniques in the Palace, their high survival rate means most grow up successfully, except for a few with disabilities or congenital cognitive impairments. There are at least five or six core competitive princes.
The Eldest Prince, Wei Yuan, is a son of a concubine and is nearly of age at fourteen.
The Second Prince, Wei He, born to Consort Liu, is also fourteen, almost born in the same year as the Eldest Prince.
The Third Prince, Wei Cheng, turned eleven this year, with his mother Consort Lande being both shrewd and capable, making her a formidable competitor as well.
Yet, despite two years of exclusive favor from Emperor Jingwu, sharing his bed, Qi still has no offspring, already falling too far behind at the starting line.
How could she not worry?
An Empress without a prince has no hope.
Seeing her expression, Zhang Jian comforted her, "Lady Empress need not worry; with a broad Life Palace and a solitary shining Purple Star, a child is destined for you. Just ease your mind and take good care, and conceiving a Dragon Seed won't be difficult!"
Hearing this, Qi's eyes slightly relaxed, and she smiled sweetly.
"Brother-in-law, your divine techniques are vast, and Yu Zhu naturally believes you!"
She glanced around, noting the many female officials standing by, and sighed in her heart; there were still many things she wanted to ask Zhang Jian, with many doubts in her mind.
But some topics are indeed inappropriate to mention here.
After some thought, Qi couldn't help but ask, "Brother-in-law, news is blocked in the Palace; tell me, how is our Qi Family now?"
Hearing this, Zhang Jian's gaze flickered, and he shook his head lightly.
"Grandfather has already ordered the uncles to separate the family!"
These past two years have been difficult for the Qi Family in Fengyang County.
Though there haven't been more casualties or deaths, they've consistently faced calamities.
Thankfully, Uncle Shenwei, Qi Yi, timely divided the family. Otherwise, more casualties would likely have occurred.
Yet even with this, they frequently encountered bandits and brigands or got embroiled in fights between cultivators and demons, affecting the family's estates significantly.
Hearing this, Qi Yuzhu's expression improved considerably; no casualties meant the best news.
But then, her eyes turned to Zhang Jian, and she suddenly smiled.
"Brother-in-law, I also want a piece of Wind Blood Jade. Do you have a way?"