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The concubine frowned at her daughter, saying, “Do you understand who your Imperial Uncle is? If you can learn something from him, it will benefit you for a lifetime.”
That was the Dandy Scholar.
Even as a palace concubine, she knew the reputation of the Dandy Scholar.
Who among the scholars wouldn’t want guidance from the Dandy Scholar?
Recently, Chang Le had been taken away by him for the past two years, and especially after her return this time, Chang Le had undergone significant changes.
As a royal princess, Chang Le far surpassed others in many aspects.
“I don’t want to. He seems too strict,” Xuan Mengya was intimidated by Su Yu’s severity and refused to go, just like the other princesses.
Except for one less favored princess who couldn’t go that day, but inside, she harbored a deep longing.
Her mother was an ordinary concubine who wasn’t favored by the Emperor and rarely appeared in front of Xuan Feiran.
“Mother, I want to go and practice martial arts and academics with the Crown Princess.”
“Are you sure you want to go? You other sisters aside from the Crown Princess have gone there.”
“I want to go.” She had a feeling that if she studied with the Imperial Uncle, she would surely become different.
“Even if it’s very tough, you don’t mind?”
“I don’t mind. I can do it,” Xuan Mengjie earnestly told her mother.
Concubine Li looked at her daughter and sighed softly, “If you’re willing to learn, I’ll go ask your father if you can go.”
The princesses were also interested in learning, but they hadn’t been informed about it. They had only heard about it from others.
“Thank you, Mother.”
Concubine Li instructed to take care of the children and then went to the study to meet the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, Concubine Li is here,” Lai Fu entered and announced.
“Oh? What brings her here?” the Emperor inquired.
Xuan Feiran rose and went outside to see Concubine Li standing on the steps.
“Your Majesty, I pay my respects,” Concubine Li greeted.
“Rise. Why have you come to see me today?” the Emperor asked.
“Your Majesty, I just wanted to inquire if the Third Princess could also join Princess Chang Le in studying with prince Yu?” Concubine Li asked nervously.
Xuan Feiran furrowed his brow at Concubine Li, “Didn’t I have someone inform you yesterday that all princesses above the age of four can attend?”
Concubine Li looked perplexed, gazing at Xuan Feiran with a hint of confusion, “No one informed me.”
“Lai Fu, investigate this,” the Emperor ordered.
“Understood.”
“She can go now if she wants.”
Concubine Li was delighted, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Xuan Feiran nodded and returned to the study to resume his official duties.
Concubine Li happily informed her daughter, “Mengjie, your father said you can go now if you want.”
Xuan Mengjie looked at her mother with joy, “Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“Then I’ll go now.”
“Mother, take me there.”
Before Lai Fu could investigate the situation, he went to the training ground to inform Su Yu about the Third Princess joining the studies.
Su Yu looked surprised at Lai Fu and remarked, “It seems like some people are starting to say one thing and do another.”
Understanding Su Yu’s implication, Lai Fu replied, “My Lord, I’ll investigate this matter first. The Emperor is waiting for updates.”
Neither of them had considered that the Empress might be behind this, as she generally treated the concubines well.
Shortly after, Concubine Li brought Xuan Mengjie over.
“Mengjie, greets Imperial Uncle,” Xuan Mengjie politely greeted Su Yu.
Su Yu nodded, “Stand by and observe. If after watching you still wish to learn martial arts, then come forward.”
“Once you start, there’s no turning back.”
Xuan Mengjie nodded earnestly, determined to persevere.
After observing for a while, Xuan Mengjie’s expression turned serious. Su Yu had been keeping a close eye on the Third Princess, noticing her focused demeanor. He found her seriousness intriguing.
“After watching for so long, what have you gathered?” Su Yu inquired from the side.
“The Crown Princess is already so talented as the eldest princess. Why does she have to endure such hardship?” Xuan Mengjie furrowed her brow, questioning.
“Because she is the Crown Princess, she has responsibilities to fulfill,” Su Yu explained.
Listening attentively, Xuan Mengjie looked up at Su Yu and earnestly asked, “Uncle, how can I help the Crown Princess share her burden?”
“Can I help ease the Crown Princess’s burden?” Xuan Mengjie asked, hesitatingly.
“Of course, but you must decide carefully. Once you choose to share the responsibilities of being a princess of Xuan, there’s no turning back. Even if it gets tough and exhausting, you must continue without saying no. Are you willing to share this responsibility with Chang Le?” Su Yu looked at Xuan Mengjie as he asked.
Xuan Mengjie stared blankly at Su Yu, then glanced at Chang Le.
“Uncle, may I ask what responsibilities the Crown Princess has to fulfill?” Xuan Mengjie inquired.
“Of course. Her responsibility is to compete with princesses from other countries. Winning can bring great benefits to Xuan, but losing could mean losing something crucial for us,” Su Yu explained.
Xuan Mengjie spoke earnestly, “I want to help the Crown Princess.”
“Are you sure?” Su Yu was surprised by the child’s immediate decision.
“I am sure. Although I’m not as skilled as the Crown Princess, I will work hard to learn from you, Uncle, and do my best to share some of her burden. I don’t want to see the Crown Princess bear everything alone. It must be so hard for her,” Xuan Mengjie expressed sincerely.
“Even if it means leaving your mother, are you still willing?” Su Yu asked.
Xuan Mengjie nodded earnestly, “If the Crown Princess can do it, then I can too.”
“In that case, you will follow them, and I will teach you from the basics,” Su Yu replied.
“Thank you, Uncle,” Xuan Mengjie said gratefully.
Excitedly, Xuan Mengjie ran over to join Chang Le and the others in their martial training.
Concubine Li asked Su Yu, “Will Mengjie be leaving with you all later?”
Su Yu nodded, “We won’t stay in the capital for long. We’ll return to Xie Family Village. She can come with us at that time.”
Though reluctant, Concubine Li agreed, nodding, “Thank you for taking care of her, my Lord.”
“You’re welcome,” Su Yu replied.
Concubine Li observed for a while and then left, realizing that her daughter would be leaving soon. She needed to prepare some things for the child.
Since Xuan Mengjie decided to help Chang Le, Su Yu had been exceptionally strict with her. Xuan Mengjie proved to be a talent, enduring the hardships without shedding a tear.
One day, after finishing his duties, Xuan Feiran came to watch the children training. Seeing Xuan Mengjie’s serious expression, he furrowed his brows lightly.
“How is this child?” Xuan Feiran inquired.
“She’s doing very well. She shows great talent in music and archery. We should focus on developing these skills. She can also help Chang Le with these. What about the others before her?”
“Some were double-dealing,” Xuan Feiran said coldly.
The Empress, in charge of the harem, ensured that the concubines and their children received everything they needed. However, some individuals, upon noticing that Xuan Feiran did not visit Concubine Li as frequently after Xuan Mengjie’s arrival, began to say one thing and do another. Some even dared to withhold funds meant for the mother and daughter. Unfortunately, such deceitful actions are not uncommon in such circumstances.