Chapter 94: Teachings

When Prince Jing returned to his manor, Yin Qianhua had already learned about his imminent journey. She was busy making a list of items to prepare for his trip.

“You must be tired. I’ve already asked Hanying to prepare some tea for you. Have a sip to soothe your throat,” Yin Qianhua said gently, putting down her pen and paper.

“What are you doing?” Prince Jing asked, though he had already seen the list and its contents. With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for? No matter what troubles or displeasures he faced outside, seeing his wife and children made them all seem insignificant.

“You’ve seen it, so why ask? I’m preparing your travel essentials! I also plan to visit Biyun Temple on the first of next month to get you a talisman for safety. Remember to return safely; the children and I will be waiting for you.”

Prince Jing glanced around. Good. Everyone else had already left, leaving only the couple in the room.

“Don’t worry. It’s just some bandits. Your husband won’t even bat an eye. Besides, the soldiers and generals assigned to me by the Emperor are all battle-hardened veterans. I guarantee I’ll return without losing even a single hair. If you don’t believe me, you can check when the time comes,” he said, pulling his wife into his arms. He even rubbed against her suggestively, leaving no room for doubt about his intentions.

“You… There are still people around!” Yin Qianhua’s face turned red with embarrassment. This man was a prince, but he was acting so shamelessly.

“They’ve already left. If they lack even this bit of discretion, they might as well pack up and go home,” Prince Jing said. Hoping to take advantage of the moment, he leaned in closer.

Yin Qianhua quickly pushed him away. Their son was nearing the age of marriage, yet this man—how thick-skinned could he be?

“Where’s our son?”

“In the front courtyard.”

“And Ruonan?”

“She’s resting.”

“Then we should rest too. If the children are sleeping, how can the parents lag behind?”

Prince Jing scooped his wife into his arms and headed toward the bed. Since he wouldn’t return for three to five months, he had to make the most of the time they had together. Otherwise, he’d be left with nothing but longing.

---

From the next day onward, Prince Jing became busier, shuttling between the palace, the Clan Office, and the manor. One day, after finally carving out some time to visit his wife and daughter, he was intercepted on his way to Jinhuayuan by Consort Han.

“Your Highness, I have something to discuss with you,” said the alluring Han Ying in a soft voice.

“Whatever it is, wait until I return from the Northwest,” Prince Jing replied curtly.

Han Ying stared at him in disbelief. Though she was merely a secondary consort, she was still listed in the royal family registry—a recognized consort of the Prince’s Manor, not some random nobody. Yet here she was, dismissed with a single sentence. The humiliation was unbearable.

“Your Highness… The Empress Dowager asked me to accompany you to the Northwest…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Prince Jing cut her off.

“If you know the Empress Dowager’s intention, you should also know that the Emperor has already refused on my behalf.”

“But I am willing to accompany you!”

“The road to the Northwest is long and harsh. You’re delicate and precious; how could I bear to see you suffer?” You might be willing, but I’m not! Prince Jing thought, already wishing she’d return to her quarters.

“Your words move me deeply, Your Highness. People in the manor say I’ve fallen out of favor. If they hear what you’ve just said, they’ll surely stop spreading such rumors,” Han Ying said, fully aware that the Prince was rejecting her. Still, she refused to give up.

Prince Jing scrutinized her. Was she pretending not to understand, or was she deliberately being obtuse?

“If you have something to say, say it here.”

“Your Highness, when you’re away, life for me and our daughter will be lonely and dull. May I bring a child from the Han family to stay with us for company?”

“You mean the granddaughter of Duke Han?” So, when I wouldn’t let your son live in the palace, you decided to send someone to the manor instead?

“If you feel lonely, why not—” Prince Jing paused, pretending to think.

“Invite her to visit us, right?” Han Ying eagerly interrupted, thinking she’d finally won.

“I was going to suggest sending you and your daughter back to the Han residence for a while. When I return, I’ll have someone fetch you. How does that sound?” Why didn’t I think of this before?

“Back to… the Han residence? That won’t be necessary,” Han Ying stammered. Was he already trying to clear obstacles for his wife and children before even leaving the house?

“You’re not just my secondary consort but also my cousin. I must consider your well-being. No need for pleasantries. Go and prepare.”

“The Prince’s Manor is my home. I don’t want to leave!” If she left for three to five months, would she even have a place in the manor when she returned? No, she couldn’t leave—absolutely not.

“I have matters to attend to. Inform Ruoqing and Ruoxing of this good news. I’m sure they’ll be thrilled.”

Thrilled, my foot! Whether it sounded better to be the County Lord of the Prince’s Manor or the granddaughter of a Duke was obvious to anyone with half a brain.

But Prince Jing didn’t give her a chance to argue. He quickly walked away, disappearing in no time.

---

After spending time with his wife and daughter, Prince Jing summoned Yun Yichen, his son. Yin Qianhua had mentioned that their son seemed down lately and suggested the two of them have a father-son chat.

“I heard you’ve been in low spirits lately. Is there something you need help with?”

Yun Yichen shook his head. It wasn’t about the general’s granddaughter; he’d long let go of those petty grudges. What weighed on him now was his father’s impending departure. Could he shoulder the responsibilities of the manor and protect his mother and sister? Had he worked harder in the past, perhaps he wouldn’t feel so unsure now.

“You’re still a child. Don’t overthink. I’ll arrange everything before I leave. But remember, only by becoming strong yourself can you protect those you care about and do the things you want to do in the future.”

“I already understand that, Father.”

“Are you still upset about me arranging General Xiao as your teacher?”

“No, I’ve never blamed you.”

“I’m your father. They say no one knows a son better than his father, so there’s no need to deny or explain. I’ve been your age, and I know what boys think at this stage.

Think about how you and the others were four years ago, and what has changed since General Xiao started training you. If you want to achieve great things, you must weather storms and endure hardships. A flower sheltered in a greenhouse, no matter how beautiful, will still wither if exposed to winter’s chill. Do you understand?”

“I truly understand now. Thank you for your guidance.”

“You should thank General Xiao. It was I who asked him to train you strictly. I believe you’ve already come to terms with that over the years.”

“I have.”

“According to our agreement, General Xiao will stop teaching you after the fifteenth of the first month next year.”

Yun Yichen looked up in shock. Five years—had it really gone by so quickly? He thought they’d have much more time together.

Prince Jing continued speaking, but Yun Yichen, lost in thought, barely registered his words. The suddenness of the news had left him reeling.

“Starting tomorrow, you’ll follow me. It’s time you began to learn and experience certain things,” Prince Jing said, feigning obliviousness to his son’s reaction. Now you appreciate General Xiao, but where was this gratitude when you used to butt heads with him?

---