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Su Yu smirked, looking at Xuan Feiran meaningfully and said, “It’s such a simple question, isn’t it?”
“The Qi Empire citizens want to live decently. If Lu Empire neglects them, they will likely choose to leave their homes and settle in our Empire. If Lu Empire still refuses, it might lead to unrest.” How could they not care or even prevent the civilians from seeking a better life? That was unheard of.
“You’re right. This might just drive Lu Yixuan crazy,” Xuan Feiran shook his head in resignation.
Arching an eyebrow at Xuan Feiran, Su Yu teased, “Brother, I might end up being hated because of you. How can you say such things? Do you have no shame?”
“I still have some left,” Xuan Feiran replied with a suppressed smile.
“Regarding the recent events with the Yu family, it seems to be related to Lu Empire. This may complicate their plans for revenge,” Xuan Feiran decided to share this piece of information with Su Yu after some consideration.
Su Yu seemed indifferent to this news. He smiled at Xuan Feiran and replied, “Brother, the people from Lu Empire will eventually come. And as for Uncle and their enemies, they have ties to Lu Yixuan. They will surely follow suit.”
“Even if they come, it won’t be easy for Yu Jingchuan and the others to act. After all, their presence represents Lu Empire here in Xuan,” Xuan Feiran remarked.
Provoking a conflict in Xuan would only lead to unnecessary trouble, which was far from ideal.
“What if those who provoke are not Uncle and the others?” Su Yu looked at Xuan Feiran, posing the question.
Ignoring provocations wouldn’t be appropriate; even someone like Yu Jingchuan couldn’t accept it.
Leaning on his chin, Su Yu calmly said, “I actually look forward to Lu Empire’s arrival.”
“I want to see if the people from Lu Empire are smarter compared to those from Qi and Ling empires. High-yield crops, who wouldn’t want that, especially individuals with strong ambitions like them?”
With a slight smirk on his lips, Su Yu’s face expressed a playful demeanor.
Lu Empire, he hadn’t really explored that territory yet.
“In two years, the competition should be held in Lu Empire, right?” Su Yu asked with interest.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Would I lead the team there?”
Observing Su Yu taking charge of these matters, Xuan Feiran couldn’t help but express surprise, “You’re willing to handle this? I thought you detested trouble.”
Su Yu nodded, “I do dislike trouble, but I’m willing to go to Lu Empire for a visit.”
“That works as well. After all, Chang Le is essentially your student, and you understand her the best. What about the other princesses?” Xuan Feiran inquired about his other daughters.
He didn’t have strong feelings towards these children, nor did he treat them exceptionally well since they weren’t born to him by the Empress.
However, observing their improved behavior led to them receiving better treatment, nothing more.
“See if there are any who can go together. If yes, then go together; if not, then let it be. Just make sure not to cause trouble or entertain inappropriate thoughts,” Xuan Feiran instructed Su Yu.
Understanding Xuan Feiran’s intentions, Su Yu replied, “Rest assured, since you’ve mentioned it, I won’t make things difficult. However, we may need to bring in some tutors to properly educate them. Otherwise, their visit might end up being a source of amusement.”
Since returning from Xie Family Village, Chang Le’s days remained busy, with only a couple of hours of rest each day, spending the rest of the time practicing.
He had heard Chang Le practice, and it was truly remarkable for a young child to achieve such dedication.
Yet, Chang Le managed to do just that.
While other children played, Chang Le was already preparing for competitions.
He had even asked Chang Le if she didn’t want to play instead.
At that time, Chang Le had replied that she did want to, but later she expressed that as the eldest princess, she had responsibilities to fulfill. She couldn’t simply play like her younger sisters.
Chang Le had told him that she wanted to share his burdens.
That one sentence had kept him up at night, feeling both heartbroken and deeply moved.
“What are you thinking about, Brother?”
“I’ve been thinking about Chang Le. She’s not much older than the other princesses, yet she starts practicing from early morning, barely resting apart from designated playtime. It pains me to see her like this,” Xuan Feiran sighed softly.
He didn’t want his daughter to be so overworked, but the upcoming competition was exclusive to princesses. Even if it pained him, he couldn’t trivialize Xuan’s Empire affairs.
“While the other children play, Chang Le diligently practices music, chess, calligraphy, painting, horseback riding, and archery day in and day out. It doesn’t sit right with me,” Xuan Feiran expressed his concerns about seeing Chang Le tirelessly dedicate herself to her duties.
Su Yu had thought Xuan Feiran was pondering something else, but it turned out to be this issue.
Giving him a playful look, Su Yu teasingly said, “Spoiling her a bit more on regular days wouldn’t hurt. Chang Le has grown into a sensible girl who understands her role and responsibilities, and she’s handling them admirably.”
“Since I’m back, I’ll continue teaching Chang Le and the others.”
“In that case, I’ll rely on you, Xiao Yu. Should I have the other princesses come over for a trial as well?” Xuan Feiran asked Su Yu.
“Sure, but I’ll caution you that they may not have the same temperament as Chang Le.” Chang Le began martial arts training at the age of six.
“No problem. If they’re not willing, then let it be. No need to force it,” Xuan Feiran responded.
Su Yu didn’t say much, but he would soon find out.
Later, Su Yu would come to the palace to teach Chang Le, and Xiao Bao and the others decided to stay instead of returning home to avoid coming back later.
The next morning, when Su Yu arrived at the training ground, Chang Le, Xiao Bao, and the other two were already dressed in their training attire, waiting for him.
Seeing the four of them, Su Yu nodded in satisfaction. They were indeed the children he had taught from the start.
After finishing his court duties, Xuan Feiran also came to observe. Only the four children were present, while the other princesses were absent.
According to bystanders, the other princesses had arrived but left upon seeing the rigorous martial training.
Although not entirely surprised by this outcome, Xuan Feiran felt disappointed.
Meanwhile, in one of the concubine’s chambers, concubine Xian frowned at her daughter and said, “Your father provided you with the opportunity to learn. What are you doing?”
The Second Princess replied indignantly, “I don’t want to endure such strenuous martial training.”
“Your father had his reasons for sending you to learn. Your actions will only displease him,” the concubine admonished her daughter.
The Second Princess muttered, “Father only favors the Crown Princess; he never liked us to begin with.”
Listening to her daughter’s words, the concubine frowned disapprovingly and scolded, “Shut your mouth! Do you think you can speak so casually about your father’s matters?”
Defiantly, the Second Princess retorted, “I didn’t say anything wrong.”