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Sometimes, Gu Yanqi wondered how Gu Sheng’s mind worked. Despite knowing the true nature of his relationship with Wang Jinhe, how could Gu Sheng still engage in schemes against her?
Did he truly believe that being the Princess’s biological father would make her agree to things she shouldn’t?
It was perplexing.
“Gu Yanqi, who gave you the right to speak to me like this? Don’t forget, we haven’t severed our ties. You’re still my son.”
“Even in a father-son relationship, there are degrees of closeness. Our relationship hasn’t reached that level,” Gu Yanqi said coldly, his gaze toward Gu Sheng devoid of familiarity.
“Since you caused the death of my mother for the sake of Gu Xiruo, that adopted daughter, our interactions have been purely superficial.”
Gu Sheng felt a chill run down his spine. How could his own son know about these things?
“I know my mother was poisoned to death, not as you claimed, passing away from illness. Gu Sheng, whatever transpired in between, I haven’t delved into it, and you should be grateful for that. Don’t come before me trying to play the father card. I’m not falling for your act,” Gu Yanqi said coldly, his voice laced with a bitter smile.
Why hadn’t he directly confronted Gu Sheng? Because he wanted Gu Sheng to lose everything gradually, to witness his possessions slipping away bit by bit, until even those around him departed, facing a lonely and miserable old age. That would be the ultimate revenge against Gu Sheng.
Death would be a release for Gu Sheng, so why would he go ahead with such foolish actions?
Gu Sheng could clearly see the hatred in Gu Yanqi’s eyes towards him. “You hate me? I’m your father, how can you hate me?”
Gu Yanqi chuckled softly, gazing at Gu Sheng. “Are you deserving of that title?”
“After everything you’ve done for an adopted daughter, now you dare to talk about being a father. Gu Sheng, you really have no shame.”
“I…”
“There’s nothing left to say between us, Gu Sheng. If you came to discuss matters concerning the Princess, you’ve approached the wrong person. My relationship with her isn’t as close as you think. Please show this guest out,” Gu Yanqi declared, as his guard stood before Gu Sheng, urging him to leave.
Gu Sheng trembled with anger, realizing that Gu Yanqi had truly…
Turning away, he came to understand that Gu Yanqi had distanced himself from him.
Wang Jinhe was unaware of the events unfolding in the Gu family. Upon returning, she began planning the lands of a few fiefdoms.
Seeing her busy upon her return, Su Yu didn’t disturb her. It wasn’t until Wang Jinhe finished her tasks that she noticed Su Yu sitting nearby, engrossed in a book.
Surprised, Wang Jinhe asked, “When did you return?”
“It’s been a while.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I saw you were busy, so I didn’t want to interrupt.”
Wang Jinhe sat beside Su Yu, leaning on him, and softly inquired, “How are the children doing? When should we return to Xie Family Village?”
“We’ll head back in a few days.”
“Alright.”
“As for the children, they are doing well. I plan to select some companions for Hong Yi to study together, keeping them close by for education. In the future, when Hong Yi becomes the heir, he will have capable individuals by his side.”
“That sounds like a good plan.”
“Tomorrow, I will inform my brother in the palace. We can select from the children of close ministers; the Ming family’s child seems suitable. I’ll choose one, and we’ll take them with us when we leave,” Su Yu proposed.
Hearing Su Yu’s words, Wang Jinhe couldn’t help but smile. “Have you considered the feelings of their parents?”
Su Yu shook his head. “I don’t need to think about that much.”
“Selecting companions for the prince is beneficial; having the opportunity to be personally educated by me is something many would covet. Will they dare to raise objections?” Su Yu furrowed his brow.
Wang Jinhe had forgotten Su Yu’s title as the Dandy scholar, which actually made things easier for him.
The following day, Su Yu informed Xuan Feiran about selecting companions for Hong Yi.
“If you hadn’t brought this up, I would have mentioned the need for companions for Hong Yi,” Xuan Feiran said.
“Very well, you can inform them. Selecting four individuals should suffice. When I leave, we’ll take them all with us.”
Xuan Feiran looked at Su Yu in amusement. “These ministers might come to me complaining that you’ve taken their children away.”
“They will be delighted.”
“I will make the necessary arrangements.”
After Su Yu left, Xuan Feiran had the Prime Minister, the Queen’s brother, and the Minister of Revenue summoned.
“Greetings, Your Majesty.”
“Please rise. I’ve called you all here today to discuss selecting companions for Hong Yi. If you believe your children are suitable, you may send them over. Just ensure they are not too far apart in age from Hong Yi.”
“Su Yu will oversee the selection process. Once chosen, they will be brought to Xie Family Village for education.”
“My youngest son can participate,” the Queen’s brother spoke up.
General Zheng’s son was five years old, a bright child who would make a suitable companion for Hong Yi. Having the guidance of the Dandy Scholar would be a blessing for the child.
“Very well.”
The Prime Minister’s nephew was also deemed suitable.
As for the Minister of Revenue, his mischievous young grandson was also considered.
“Discuss this with your families once you return, and bring the children to the palace tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
After leaving the study, the three of them returned home.
They had accompanied the Emperor every step of the way to reach where they were today. Now, their children would also grow up alongside the Second Prince.
They understood that entrusting the Second Prince to Prince Yu for education was part of grooming him as the heir. Once the Second Prince possessed the capabilities of an heir, it would be time to appoint him as the Crown Prince.
For their children to follow the Crown Prince was a path forward, especially when guided by the Dandy Scholar. It was an extraordinary opportunity.
Once back home, they discussed the matter with their families.
General Zheng’s wife, upon hearing her husband’s words, hesitated, “General, our youngest son is only five years old. He…”
“My dear, you know how rare an opportunity it is for our child to receive guidance from the Dandy Scholar? This is a beneficial arrangement for our child,” General Zheng reassured his wife, aware of her reluctance to have their child leave their side.
“Our youngest son is bright. With the Prince’s guidance, he will surely excel in the future. We have been aligned with the Emperor all along, and whatever he decides, we should support. Moreover, it’s for our child to serve as a companion to the Second Prince,” General Zheng’s wife expressed, still hesitant.
“Each year, our child will come back to stay for a few months. What’s there to be dissatisfied about? I’m informing you in advance to prepare you for this,” General Zheng reassured his wife, noticing her reluctance.
Realizing the situation was unchangeable, General Zheng’s wife reluctantly agreed, though her displeasure was evident.
That day, she visited her maternal family.
Upon learning about the situation, her family also viewed it as a positive development, adding to General Zheng’s wife’s inner turmoil.
After weighing the pros and cons with her family, she had no choice but to set aside her reservations and follow their advice.
The next morning, the training ground welcomed seven or eight children, including one from the Ming family and two who played with Xiao Bao and Xiao Zhi.