“Wuwuwu, he doesn’t like eating carrots!”

Although he never used to be picky about food, that was because he didn’t have the luxury to be.

Back then, as long as there was something to eat, that was already a blessing—there was no room to be choosy.

Moreover, he had only ever eaten coarse grains in the past, so he never had the opportunity to taste carrots. But now, he was living in the Zhao family’s household.

The Zhao family treated him very well and never let him go hungry.

Now that his meals were plentiful, he discovered that he actually had preferences when it came to food. And carrots?

They were on his list of dislikes.

However, he never showed it outwardly.

Despite his distaste, Xiao Hao forced himself to eat the carrots.

After all, his sister had picked them for him. No matter how unappetizing they were, he had to eat them!

After dinner, Lin Yuxin finally brought up the main topic of discussion—it was practically a family meeting.

“Mother, in three days, I will be traveling far away. I don’t know when I’ll be back. And…I’ve decided to take Xiao Hao with me! Mother, don’t worry, the Regent Prince will be traveling with us. With him by my side, I will return safely.”

“Your elder brother already told me about this. I’ll help you pack tomorrow. But why are you bringing Xiao Hao along? He’s still so young! If anything happens, you may not be able to protect him.”

Zhao Hanya wanted to say more—after all, this was a prince they were talking about! Just like that, Lin Yuxin was planning to take him out on a journey?

If something happened, how would they ever explain it to the emperor?

“Mother, Xiao Hao is bored at home. This is a great opportunity for him to see the world.”

Lin Yuxin explained nonchalantly.

[This child is the future emperor. He cannot grow up like a sheltered flower in a greenhouse. If he stays locked up in the house all the time, how will he ever understand the people’s hardships? Only by witnessing the lives of ordinary citizens will he learn what they truly need—and only then can he become a wise ruler!]

[Besides, since I have chosen to take him in, I must take responsibility for him. His future is his own to decide, but I hope that the path he walks will be broad and bright.]

Lin Yuxin gazed at Xiao Hao with warmth in her eyes.

Initially, she had saved him to secure the Zhao family’s future with a powerful connection.

But after spending time with him, she had grown to care for him like a real little brother.

If Xiao Hao truly ascended to the throne one day, she wanted him to be firm and steady in his rule.

The rest of the family was stunned.

They had never realized that their daughter (or sister) had such grand ambitions.

A wise ruler?

That wasn’t something that could be cultivated so easily.

Even the grand tutors of the imperial court wouldn’t dare to make such a bold claim.

Yet Lin Yuxin had such a vision—one so far beyond their imagination.

The three brothers exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them.

Since their sister had such a goal, and they were family, they would support her.

If she wanted to help Xiao Hao, then they would do their best to assist her as well.

Zhao Hanya suppressed her shock.

She knew her daughter was right—becoming a wise ruler was no simple feat.

However, she still sighed and said, “Yuxin, if you’ve made up your mind, then so be it. But if this child’s parents are still alive, shouldn’t you at least ask for their opinion? Who knows what they might think?”

It was a subtle reminder—Xiao Hao’s parents were still a mystery.

Lin Yuxin was taking the emperor’s child on a journey for training, yet she hadn’t even informed the emperor?

Was she not afraid of facing consequences later?

Lin Yuxin suddenly realized, [Oh right! His father still doesn’t know he’s alive. I suppose I should take some time to enter the palace and ask the emperor for permission. Although, whether he agrees or not, I’m still taking Xiao Hao with me.]

“Hehe, Mother, how would I know where his parents are? We’ll talk about it once we find them in the future!”

Lin Yuxin responded with a cheeky grin.

Zhao Hanya could tell that her daughter understood the message, so she didn’t press further.

However, hearing Yuxin’s inner thoughts made her heart race.

This girl had no fear or reverence for the emperor at all! It seemed like the only reason the Zhao family’s heads hadn’t rolled was because the emperor was merciful!

Meanwhile, Xiao Hao sat in a daze, staring at Lin Yuxin. He had heard her thoughts—his heart tingled, warm and fuzzy inside.

A wise ruler?

Was that what she meant?

Was his father really that man?

If so, why had he abandoned him?

But Xiao Hao didn’t dwell on it for long.

He had always been alone, suffering through cold indifference and harsh words. He didn’t care who his parents were.

It didn’t matter. Right now, he only had his sister.

If she wanted him to become a wise ruler, he would do his best.

Looking at his sister’s determined face, his heart filled with warmth.

She was doing things for him that she didn’t have to—so he had to work hard and not let her down.

Lin Yuxin had no idea that her words of genuine care had already made Xiao Hao feel guilty.

Turning to her eldest brother, she said, “Big Brother, the second daughter of the Grand Tutor’s family is a good match. If you have feelings for each other, you should settle things sooner rather than later.”

[After all, Ji Qingxue has already come of age. If I remember correctly, her family should be searching for a good match for her. In the original storyline, this was around the time her marriage was being discussed—except my brother was injured, and she ended up choosing to stay by his side. This time, since my brother is fine, they might arrange a normal engagement instead. If he doesn’t act soon, someone else might take her!]

“I got it!” Lin Chenglie responded, his ears turning red in embarrassment.

Zhao Hanya took note as well. She was already planning to meet with Madam Ji soon—now, she needed to act even faster.

“Second Brother, be careful when you go out with friends, especially around Lin Qi. He’s not trustworthy.”

[In the original story, Second Brother was lured to a secluded place by Lin Qi under the pretense of a gathering. When bandits attacked, Lin Qi used him as a human shield. Hopefully, this time, Second Brother will be more cautious!]

Lin Shaoyang smiled and reassured her, “I understand. You take care of yourself as well. Don’t worry about us—Second Brother isn’t stupid. I’ll be careful.”

His eyes flickered with cold intent. Lin Qi… good to know.

“Third Brother, you too—watch out for women.”

[His misfortune might not come so soon, but it’s best to warn him. In the original timeline, our father set him up, framing him for having an affair with a prince’s concubine. The prince caught him and… well, let’s just say it ended tragically. Hopefully, by staying away from women, Third Brother can avoid this fate.]

Lin Shixiao ruffled his sister’s hair and chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’m not someone who chases after women.”

He glanced at her with a gentle but thoughtful gaze. This little sister of ours really worries about everything.

“It’s getting late—let Yuxin rest now.”

Zhao Hanya wrapped up the meeting.

Seeing how much her daughter fussed over her brothers, she couldn’t help but feel that the roles of elder brother and younger sister had been reversed!