Font Size:
“Now that Nan Qiao has someone he likes, and she’s from the Xuan Empire, their marriage will somehow serve as an alliance between Xuan and Nanchuan , promoting friendly relations between the two Empires.” Nan Qiao had told the King about how good Xuan Feiran had been to him during his time in the Xuan Empire.
Anyone who treated his nephew well naturally earned the King’s favor, and he was willing to continue fostering good relations with the Xuan Empire.
“In that case, should we inform the Xuan Empire’s Majesty later on?”
“We’ll wait until Nan Qiao confirms everything on his end before discussing it further. I’ll inform Nan Qiao about this matter.” The King of Nanchuan began writing a letter to Nan Qiao.
He wrote about the potential marriage alliance between the two countries and advised Nan Qiao to behave well in the Xuan Empire and take care of himself.
When Nan Qiao received the letter, he had already arrived at Xie Family Village.
Seeing the thick letter written by the King of Nanchuan , Nan Qiao felt a headache coming on. Would his uncle cause him trouble with this letter?
With a forced determination, he opened the letter and skimmed through it.
Apart from the initial serious matters discussed, the rest seemed like meaningless chatter.
After reading through the entire letter filled with trivialities, Nan Qiao felt utterly exasperated. He was convinced that the King of Nanchuan had done it intentionally.
Taking the letter to find Su Yu, Nan Qiao complained unhappily, “Brother Yu, my uncle is so annoying.”
Su Yu turned to look at Nan Qiao, asking, “What’s wrong?”
“Look at this.” Nan Qiao handed the letter to Su Yu.
After reading it, Su Yu chuckled and shook his head, “Your uncle cares about you.”
“I know he cares, but I’m sure he wrote so much in this letter just to embarrass me.”
Su Yu remained silent, but considering the King of Nanchuan ‘s devious nature, the possibility of intentional actions was quite high.
“Forget it, I won’t stoop to his level.”
“Brother Yu, what do you think about the marriage alliance between Nanchuan and the Xuan Empire? When the time comes, could the Emperor of the Xuan Empire grant the Ming family girl I like the status of a princess or a county princess? What do you think?” Nan Qiao discussed with Su Yu.
Su Yu nodded, “Of course, that can be arranged. After this year’s autumn harvest when we return, and once you are certain, I will speak to the Emperor about this matter.”
“I will also write a letter to inform the Emperor about the marriage alliance,” Su Yu considered it best to inform Xuan Feiran in advance.
“Alright, I’ll leave it to you, Brother Yu.”
“Don’t be so polite with me. Afterward, help me teach these youngsters.”
“Sure thing.”
Since their arrival, Ming Feiyang and the others had been immersed in rigorous training every day.
Although learning from the dandy scholar was enjoyable and there were plenty of activities and entertainment, his teaching style was strict. If they intentionally made basic mistakes, the Prince would surely discipline them.
These punishments were so embarrassing that they were determined not to repeat them.
It was simply too humiliating.
Especially with the two junior disciples recently learning to walk, wobbling around the place, witnessing a punishment would be too shameful, something they wanted to avoid at all costs.
Su Yu seemed to have caught on to something, often watching closely with Yanxi and Yanchen by his side. During martial arts practice, Yanxi would get really excited, while Yanchen remained calm.
During academic lessons, Yanchen listened attentively, while Yanxi seemed on the verge of dozing off, appearing as though she didn’t understand.
At such moments, they couldn’t help but wonder if the personalities of these two had switched.
The young lady enjoyed dancing, fighting, and playing with sticks, while the young master preferred quiet contemplation.
Whenever they got a bit noisy, Su Yanchen would watch them with a stern face, scolding them for being loud. At such times, they were left feeling speechless.
Did these young ones even understand what being noisy meant at such a tender age?
“It seems the previous punishments weren’t enough if you’re still daydreaming at this moment,” Su Yu’s voice echoed in the ears of those present.
The group was completely dumbfounded, looking at Su Yu with a mix of despair and tears, feeling that the Master was being too harsh.
Seeing their dismayed expressions, Su Yu added, “Extend the punishment by half an hour.”
After saying this, he walked away with Nan Qiao.
The youngsters accepted their fate and endured the punishment, while Nan Qiao found it amusing to watch from the corner.
“Brother Yu, you’re still so strict.”
Su Yu glanced at Nan Qiao, saying, “If I’m meant to guide them, I must be firm. Being lenient serves no purpose; it wouldn’t be meaningful.”
Nan Qiao nodded in agreement, “You’re right, Brother Yu. Serious guidance is necessary. After all, these children are the Crown Prince’s companions in study, and the Crown Prince is the heir to the throne. Those around him need to be exceptional.”
“Exactly.” The temporary hardships in learning now would pave the way for easier times in the future. No one is born with an easy life; everyone progresses step by step.
“You go do your thing, I’ll go see what your sister-in-law is up to.” Upon returning, even before he could spot her, Su Yu was pulled by Nan Qiao to discuss matters regarding the King of Nanchuan .
Nan Qiao nodded and went off to join the others, while Su Yu, upon returning to the room, found Wang Jinhe packing up. He walked over, reached out, and pulled her into a hug, saying, “You’re back and didn’t even come to see me. Don’t you miss me?”
Listening to Su Yu’s complaints, Wang Jinhe felt unjustly accused.
“I feel so wronged. I know you were busy teaching the children. I didn’t want to disturb you,” she replied. After all, wouldn’t it be the same if they caught up after he’s done?
“It wouldn’t be a bother. They were all in training,” Su Yu said nonchalantly.
Wang Jinhe playfully poked Su Yu’s head and said helplessly, “Have you ever considered the children’s opinions?”
“No need to worry about that. How was your trip this time?” Su Yu asked with genuine interest in the outcome of their recent journey.
“Not bad, we acquired 5,000 acres of land and managed to replace the county magistrate in Ning’an County.”
“Guess who the magistrate is?”
“Hmm? Do we know them?”
Wang Jinhe shook her head, “We don’t know this person, but he is the brother of concubine Xian. He still doesn’t know that concubine Xian has been sent to the cold palace. He even tried to use her as leverage against me. Isn’t it absurd?”
Attempting to use concubine Xian as a threat without even knowing the full story was indeed laughable.
“Their intelligence is quite lacking if they don’t even know that she’s been sent to the cold palace.”
“Do you think it’s the Emperor who’s controlling the flow of information?”
Su Yu shook his head, “It’s not that. concubine Xian is dispensable to the Emperor.”
“Ever since a few consorts bore children, the Emperor hasn’t visited them. Their emotional connection isn’t deep.”
“I must admit, my feelings towards the Emperor are somewhat complicated,” Wang Jinhe suddenly spoke up.
Su Yu was surprised to hear this from Wang Jinhe, “Why is that?”
“The Emperor was once a man of deep affection, but due to his position and circumstances, he has been forced to do things he didn’t want to do. It’s quite challenging for him.” Spending time with Xuan Feiran had given Wang Jinhe insights into his relationship with the Empress.
Despite their mutual affection, they were both constrained by their roles in the imperial family.