My Emperor Father Can Read Minds
Chapter 52

The first batch of learners are the foundation.

If the foundation is not properly laid, no matter how high the building is stacked afterward, it will eventually collapse one day.

Wei Yu does not want to see the subjects of mathematics, physics, and chemistry being monopolized by the upper class in the end.

The people at the bottom will never be able to learn, understand, or master them, and in the end, even those who are selected through exams will still be from the same group of aristocratic families.

If that happens, what’s the point of him presenting a new knowledge system to break the monopoly of the aristocracy over educational resources and change the current pattern of officials in the court?

Wei Yu’s meaning was clear to Emperor Wei.

He sat in his seat and pondered for a long time.

Since he was going to do it, it had to be done well; otherwise, he would leave behind endless troubles, and future emperors would curse him in their hearts.

He had once cursed the late emperor for his extravagance.

While his father was thinking, Wei Yu, feeling bored, idly fiddled with the row of brushes on the table.

“Father, thinking is not as good as acting. If you can’t decide for now, why not try it in a small area first?”

“Try it?” Emperor Wei looked at him. “What do you mean?”

“Just carve out a small area and try implementing the plan there first.”

Wei Yu leaned on the table and suddenly smiled diligently, saying, “Actually, I’ve already found a good candidate to study mathematics, but unfortunately, the family has some trouble, and I need Father to send someone to solve it.”

Upon hearing this, Emperor Wei looked at him suspiciously, “…Did you already plan this out?”

Wei Yu blinked. “What? What plan? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Emperor Wei snorted lightly and gave him a faint glance.

Pretending!

Still daring to put on an act in front of him.

If he hadn’t planned it out already, how could he so conveniently mention someone who could study mathematics?

Emperor Wei suspected that Wei Yu wanted that person who could study mathematics first, and mentioning gunpowder and artillery was just secondary—attacking the aristocracy was probably a side goal.

But as long as it benefited Great Wei, it was fine.

Emperor Wei asked, “Who is this person you mentioned, and what trouble requires me to send someone to resolve?”

Wei Yu then told his father about Liu Er’ya’s situation.

“Someone actually dared to lend money in the capital? What a bold move!”

Emperor Wei was not concerned that Liu Er’ya was a girl; he was even more furious that someone dared to openly offer high-interest loans under the emperor’s nose!

Wasn’t this practically forcing the common people to their deaths?

“Yes, yes, such a bold move! In the emperor’s capital, the imperial city, the law clearly forbids high-interest loans, and yet someone dares to blatantly defy it! They don’t even regard the court!”

As if afraid Emperor Wei wouldn’t be angry enough, Wei Yu riled him up with righteous indignation.

“Quiet,” Emperor Wei snapped, giving him a glare.

Wei Yu obediently said, “Oh,” and “zipped” his mouth with his hands.

The palace grew quiet for a moment.

Even though he was angry, those who needed punishment still had to be punished.

After thinking for a while, Emperor Wei replied, “I will have Huo Tingyu handle this. Whoever is behind these high-interest loans will not be forgiven. As for Liu Er’ya, I will have Huo Tingyu bring her family to the capital tomorrow.”

“Alright, as you decide.”

Wei Yu had no objections to this process; as long as the matter was resolved, he was fine.

Once the matter was settled, Wei Yu was about to take his leave and go to sleep.

However, just as he was about to leave, Emperor Wei suddenly remembered something and said, “Oh, by the way, I asked around. The middle of next month is the good day for you and Old Eighth to open your residences. Since you want to teach Liu Er’ya mathematics, I’ll send a guard to you then.”

“Ah? A guard?”

Since it was a guard, Wei Yu’s first reaction was to think of the Gray Guards.

“You’re sending a Gray Guard to me?!”

Emperor Wei’s face darkened.

There were only a thousand or so people in the Gray Guards, and this brat actually had the nerve to ask for one?

He almost wanted to scold him, but then thought about it. Maybe it was necessary to send a Gray Guard to watch over him.

After all, this brat could stir up trouble, always pulling out unfamiliar things that could easily attract the attention of old foxes. If others took notice and spread the word, what would happen?

The more Emperor Wei thought about it, the more he felt it was necessary. He didn’t even think about whether Wei Yu should get a Gray Guard. He even considered sending Huo Tingyu.

Wei Yu watched his father’s face change repeatedly and felt suspicious inside.

What is he really thinking? Is he going to send a Gray Guard or not? At least say something.

Emperor Wei came back to his senses. “You go back first. I’ll think more about the people I should send.”

Wei Yu: …

Playing games.

—

One could only say that the Gray Guards were efficient. The next day, Wei Yu met Liu Er’ya in the palace.

His father had said he would bring Liu Er’ya’s family to the capital, but he hadn’t said they would be brought into the palace.

“Greetings, Ninth Prince.”

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

Looking at the tall and short figures in the hall, Wei Yu exhaled.

The tall, cold man was Huo Tingyu, the commander of the Gray Guards, grim and serious. The short one was Liu Er’ya, now dressed in palace maid clothes.

Unlike her father, the little girl wasn’t trembling at the sight of adults. Though her eyes showed some fear and unease, when she looked at Wei Yu, there was more joy and admiration.

Huo Tingyu said, “Ninth Prince, His Majesty said that Liu Er’ya will stay with you in the palace for now. When you leave the palace, you can decide what to do with her.”

“I understand. Thank you, Lord Huo.”

Huo Tingyu, who was in charge of the entire Gray Guards, didn’t have time to linger here. After completing the emperor’s task, he bade Wei Yu farewell.

After Huo Tingyu left, only Liu Er’ya remained.

Wei Yu found himself in a bit of a bind with the little girl.

What should he do with her?

He didn’t even have any palace maids!

Wei Yu glanced at Xiao Anzi, who was silently staring at Liu Er’ya. “What are you looking at? Go arrange a place for Er’ya.”

Xiao Anzi turned and said seriously, “Your Highness, Liu Er’ya can calculate, and I can count too.”

Wei Yu: …

One relies on calculations, the other on counting. Can they be compared?

After sending Xiao Anzi to arrange her accommodation, only Wei Yu and Liu Er’ya were left in the hall.

Wei Yu asked, “I hear you can calculate?”

Liu Er’ya nodded, “Yes, Your Highness, Er’ya can calculate. I can calculate very large numbers.”

Wei Yu asked again, “Earlier, you told that eunuch you wanted to repay me?”

Liu Er’ya smiled, revealing two small dimples. She nodded earnestly, “Yes, Your Highness, you gave my grandfather money for his illness. You are a good person, and Er’ya wants to repay you!”

The child’s warm, sincere smile made Wei Yu feel a little guilty.

He couldn’t help but smile back, his expression unexpectedly kind.

But how could the inexperienced little girl understand the malicious intent behind that smile?

“Alright, I’ll give you this opportunity. I want to teach you how to read, to learn what’s in the books. Once you understand and master it, you can help me. Would you be willing?”

Liu Er’ya was surprised and confused.

Reading could help His Highness?

Such a good thing actually fell to her… His Highness truly was a good person.

So, Liu Er’ya nodded seriously and enthusiastically.

“Mm! Er’ya is willing!”