Font Size:
Several children appeared fearful upon seeing Su Yu.
For several days, Su Yu assessed the children’s academic capabilities and character. Eventually, he chose four individuals: Zheng Jun from the Zheng family, Yang Hongming from the Prime Minister’s family, Luo Jing from the Minister of Revenue’s family, and Ming Feiyang from the Ming family. The remaining four children, while intelligent, were not deemed suitable to accompany Xuan Hong Yi.
Some of the children were dissatisfied, questioning, “Why were they chosen over us? They aren’t any better than us.”
Looking at those who questioned him, Su Yu’s gaze turned slightly cold, “Are you challenging my decision?”
“We’re not challenging the Prince’s decision; we just want to know why they were chosen over us?” Their families had informed them that becoming the Second Prince’s companion would entail receiving guidance from the Dandy Scholar. Now, they felt they had lost everything.
How could they accept this outcome?
“Your impulsive nature is unsuitable for accompanying Hong Yi. Is that answer satisfactory? I seek companions who are not ambitious wolf cubs that could turn against Hong Yi at any moment,” Su Yu stated indifferently, observing the children with a cold gaze.
The children’s expressions shifted slightly, feeling unhappy but unable to do anything but stand there in silence.
As Ming Feiyang watched them leave, he glanced at the two beside him, both remaining silent.
One of them pointed at Ming Feiyang and remarked, “He’s just a merchant’s child; how could we possibly be inferior to him?”
If they couldn’t surpass others, could they at least not be outdone by a child from a merchant family?
Ming Feiyang furrowed his brow upon being singled out by that child, feeling some dissatisfaction within, yet he didn’t show it outwardly.
He knew that his presence was due to his cousin’s influence. These days, he had been striving to stay, hoping to bring honor to his family in the future.
Now, being described in such a manner made Ming Feiyang’s feelings even more apparent.
With only one cousin holding an official position in their family, their presence in official circles was limited, leading to others underestimating them.
His father had always emphasized the importance of understanding one’s identity and knowing one’s limits.
He remembered his father’s words well and was determined not to become a source of ridicule for the Ming family.
“Ming Feiyang, what are you here for?” Su Yu inquired.
“I want to study diligently under the Prince to serve Xuan Empire in the future. I also aim to become a source of pride for the Ming family, contributing to our family’s prosperity,” Ming Feiyang answered earnestly, his eyes reflecting sincerity without a hint of insincerity.
“And you?” Su Yu turned to the child who had questioned Ming Feiyang.
The child was taken aback by Su Yu’s question. What did he want?
“You see, you don’t even know what you truly desire,” Su Yu remarked.
“Try not to be so calculating. Children should behave like children. Don’t bring your family’s schemes in front of me. I won’t fall for that,” Su Yu reprimanded. It seemed these children’s families had filled their heads with certain ideas.
Initially, Su Yu had considered selecting a few more children, but these ones had left him disappointed with their behavior.
One of the children instinctively lowered his head; indeed, his mother had influenced him significantly.
His mother had stressed the importance of becoming the Second Prince’s companion, providing more opportunities to interact with the Crown Princess. This strategic move could pave the way for future advantages. Marrying the Crown Princess would elevate their family’s status to that of royal relatives.
After hearing similar sentiments repeatedly, the child had started to entertain such ambitions.
“Send them back,” Su Yu gestured for them to leave.
Once the children had departed, Yuan Bao approached and informed, “Master, the mother of that child earlier instructed him to become a companion, emphasizing the chance to frequently meet the Crown Princess. Their family’s goal is for the child to marry the Crown Princess.”
Upon hearing Yuan Bao’s report, Su Yu’s gaze turned slightly cold. “These people have some nerve, plotting even involving the Crown Princess.”
“Should I issue a warning, Master?” Yuan Bao inquired.
“No need. I will discuss this matter with my brother, and he can handle it as he sees fit,” Su Yu replied, dismissing any immediate action.
Yuan Bao glanced at Su Yu, contemplating whether to share more but ultimately decided against it. Wasn’t the Master denying them opportunities by planning to inform the Emperor? If it were him and someone dared to consider his daughter, he’d surely take drastic measures.
“What’s on your mind?” Su Yu asked.
“I was thinking, if I had a daughter, and anyone dared to plot against her, I would definitely break their legs,” Yuan Bao quipped.
Su Yu chuckled at the statement. It was indeed a valid point. Anyone with ill intentions towards their children was heading for trouble.
“Aren’t you and Qiu Yi planning to get married?” Su Yu inquired, noticing their affection for each other but a lack of urgency.
“Perhaps we’ll tie the knot this year. Qiu Yi wants to do it alongside her sister,” Yuan Bao responded with a hint of resignation.
Amused, Su Yu teased, “You might want to check with Lin Zixun about his plans with Qiu Chan.”
“I’ll consider that once we return.” Yuan Bao had already discussed the matter with Lin Zixun.
Su Yu gave Yuan Bao a disapproving look. Was he perhaps reading too much into their relationship?
“Let me know once you’re certain,” Su Yu instructed.
“Got it.”
After assigning tasks to the children, Su Yu went to find Xuan Feiran.
Upon learning that the grandson of the Minister of Rites was scheming against the Crown Princess, Xuan Feiran snapped his brush in anger.
“He dares to plot against the Crown Princess?”
“Yes, he aims to become Hong Yi’s companion not solely to assist him, but to gain opportunities to interact with the Crown Princess. He believes that spending time with her will bring him closer to his goals,” Su Yu remarked sarcastically.
Xuan Feiran’s eyes flashed with anger. “Very well.”
“I’m leaving, Brother.”
“Go ahead.”
Lai Fu stood beside Xuan Feiran, feeling sorry for the Minister of Rites given the situation.
Plotting against the princess – the Minister of Rites’ family might be in for a rough time.
The following day at court, the Minister of Rites noticed that the Emperor seemed to be targeting him. He was assigned tasks that were tedious and somewhat trivial.
After court, the Minister of Rites was still puzzled. He quietly asked the Prime Minister, “My Lord, I haven’t offended the Emperor recently. Why is he making things difficult for me?”
The Prime Minister’s eyes held a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Go back and ask your wife. Inquire about what she told her grandson and what the purpose was behind letting your child become a chosen companion.”
The Minister of Rites felt a pang of anxiety. Could the Emperor be aware of what his wife had told him? Seeing the Minister of Rites freeze up, the Prime Minister’s faint smirk suggested that the Minister was not only aware but had also possibly tacitly approved.
“You are quite audacious, daring to seek the attention of the Crown Princess. If the Emperor is only causing you trouble, consider yourself lucky,” the Prime Minister remarked.
The Minister of Rites chuckled nervously, “My Lord, this is all a misunderstanding.”
The Prime Minister waved it off, “Your explanations to me won’t change a thing, after all she is not just any child but the Emperor’s daughter.”