Chapter 4 Chapter two

Shali, Ramses' tutor, was looking for his students in the palace.It's not the first time Ramses has skipped math class to feed the horses, or go swimming with his gang of cronies. Shali, who has a beer belly, cheerful nature, and hates sports activities, married a woman much younger than him—Dorant, the elder sister of Ramses, who enabled him to be the enviable job of the prince's tutor. But the bluntness and unpredictable temper of Seti's youngest son is a headache!If it weren't for his natural patience and hard work to open up a young boy's arrogant and self-righteous heart, Shali would have given up his job long ago.According to tradition, the pharaoh did not take care of the childhood education of his own children, waiting until they had turned from teenagers to adults to meet them and test them to see who was fit to rule the country.As things stood, the tide was set: it was Xena, Ramses' older brother, who was about to take the throne.However, Xie Na must arrange a way out for his younger brother. It is best to make him a good general, or at least a competent minister.

Shali, who is in his early thirties, could easily spend time by the pond of his villa, cuddling up with his twenty-year-old wife, but he feels that life is too boring. Thanks to Ramses, life will not be static.The little boy's thirst for life is insatiable, and he has infinite imagination. Before accepting Shali, he had already messed up several tutors.Although there were conflicts, Shali succeeded in the end. He aroused the interest of young people in all subjects that should be known, and practiced writing.Although he didn't say anything, it was actually a great pleasure to be able to teach Ramses, who is sensitive and intelligent, especially to appreciate the latter's special insight when he comes up with a whim.

Over time, young people have changed.Originally, he could not bear a moment of peace, but now, he was able to concentrate on reading the collection of sayings of the old wise man Pthahotep. Shali was even surprised to find that he watched the swallows flying in the morning light with a mature expression.Metamorphosis into growth is going on, and in many people, metamorphosis doesn't work.What, the governess wondered, had changed Ramses as a person, whether the enthusiasm in the young man would be transformed into another quality: less rebellious but equally vigorous. With so much talent at his disposal, he had become disliked, even resented, at court by those who made them seem more incompetent by comparison.Although Seti's succession problems did not bother him, and Ramesses was indifferent to the intrigues he had to face being hatched by courtiers and officials, his future may still be rougher than expected.Those plots also included that his own brother had planned to remove him from important positions in the court.What will his future look like?Banished far beyond the Great Wall?Can he adapt to life in the backcountry and the monotony of the four seasons?

Shali dared not tell his wife about his troubles, for fear that it would become gossip among people.As for being open and honest with Seti, it was impossible. The pharaoh was too busy governing the ever-changing country to listen to the voice of a governess.It is right for father and son not to communicate with each other. Facing a man as omnipotent as Seti, Ramses could only choose to rebel or surrender.In short, tradition has its benefits, and fathers are not the best people to educate their children. The attitude of Duya, the eldest queen of the royal family, Ramses' mother, was quite different. Shali noticed that she was one of the few people who especially loved her youngest son.Highly educated and meticulous, she is well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each courtier; she has full power to manage royal affairs, she pays attention to strict compliance with royal rules and is loved by nobles and commoners.But Shali was afraid of Duya.If he pestered her with some inexplicable troubles, he might lose her favor.The queen doesn't like gossip, and a false accusation is as serious to her as a lie.It's better to keep your mouth shut than to be a crow-mouthed prophet.

Despite his disgust, Shali went to the stables.He was afraid of horses and their hooves, and he hated being in groups with grooms, and he hated messing with cavalry regiments who were very happy.Ignoring the mocking and teasing of the grooms, the governess searched all over but still could not find his students. No one had seen his students for two days, and people were also surprised by the disappearance of Ramses. Sha Li searched for several hours, even forgot to eat, exhausted, travel-stained, finally turned back to the palace in the evening. The governess was so sullen that she forgot to say hello to her colleagues as they emerged from the classroom.Tomorrow morning, he wanted to ask Ramses' friends. If he couldn't find any clues, he had no choice but to accept the terrible fact that the student was missing.

Which rule of heaven did Sha Li violate, so that he must suffer the torture of this hateful genius?Seeing that he will lose his job because of the biggest grievance, will be kicked out of the palace, his wife will divorce him, and he will be demoted to be a laundry worker!His heart was restless.Shali sat down where he usually wrote. Usually, opposite him, Ramses, concentrating for a while, daydreaming for a while, can always make unexpected moves.At the age of eight, Ramses had written well and could figure out the oblique angles of a pyramid...he enjoyed doing exercises. The governess closed his eyes, remembering those sweet years after he jumped on the high branch.

"Are you ill, Sally?" A familiar yet unfamiliar voice...a voice that became deep and steady! "It's you, is it really you?" "If you fall asleep, go on sleeping, or else, you see." Sally opened his eyes wide. It's really Ramses, he is also covered in dust, but his eyes are shining! "We must go and freshen up, you and I. Where have you been, Master?" "To a place as filthy as a stable." "Did you find me?" Shali looked astonished, stood up, and walked to Ramses' side: "Where did you get your child's ring?"

"My father cut it off with his own hands." "Impossible! Such a ceremony requires..." "You don't believe what I say?" "Sorry." "Sit down, teacher, and listen to me." Surprised by the prince's no longer immature voice, Sha Li obeyed obediently. "My dad put me on the bison challenge." "This...how is this possible!" "I didn't defeat the buffalo, but I faced the monster, and I think... my father picked me to be the future regent." "No, prince, it is your brother who is chosen."

"Did he accept the buffalo challenge?" "Seti just wants you to face the danger you love." "Is he wasting his time for such a small thing? He wants me to succeed him, I'm sure!" "Stop getting self-absorbed and give up this crazy idea." "crazy?" "Many dignitaries in the palace don't support you at all." "What are they accusing me of?" "Your talent." "You suggest that I be an ordinary person?" "Game of Thrones is treacherous than you think, and brute force alone won't win."

"Then, help me." "what?" "You know the situation in the palace very well, help me distinguish between friends and foes, and give me advice." "Don't ask too much of me...I'm just your tutor." "You forget my childhood is dead? Either you be my governess or we break up." "You forced me to take a rash risk, and you have no chance of taking power; your brother has been planning for a long time, and if you provoke him, he will kill you."