Madam Chi’s words left the little ones completely stunned.
With his mouth slightly open and his round eyes wide, Ling Rui asked Madam Chi, “Do you… do you know everything?”
“I know a bit,” she replied modestly. Her expression clearly showed she was downplaying her knowledge. Smiling, she patted Ling Rui on the head and gently coaxed, “Before asking any more questions, the two of you should fill your bellies first.”
“Okay!”
Madam Chi had a warm and easy-going personality, which quickly made the two little ones feel completely at ease around her. They stuck close to her, and Madam Chi, in turn, seemed to enjoy their company very much.
While she was spending time with the children, in the study, Master Chi and the Third Young Master had just finished their conversation.
The Third Young Master was still determined to marry Miss Jin. He spoke confidently, “Father, Yuan Er is nothing like her mother. Her temperament couldn’t be better.”
“When she marries into our family, we will definitely live in harmony.”
Though the Third Young Master spoke with certainty, Old Master Chi shook his head and said, “You’ve only met Yuan Er twice. A person’s character can be disguised.”
“You must understand, the environment at home plays a crucial role in shaping a child. With Madam Jin being the way she is, it’s hard to say what kind of influence her daughter, who was raised solely by her, has absorbed.”
Although Old Master Chi tried to persuade him for a long time, the third young master remained adamant about marrying Jin Yuan Er.
The father and son had been in the study for quite some time. Finally, Old Master Chi pressed his temple, his face showing some frustration, “It’s not that I don’t want you to marry Jin Yuan Er. Marriage is a significant matter, and I don’t want you to end up like your sister…”
The sister Master Chi referred to was Consort Ru in the palace.
When Consort Ru was to be selected for the palace, their family, not being influential, could only hope that their daughter would be excluded.
But the more they wished for things to go a certain way, the more it seemed to go against their wishes. Their daughter ended up in the harem.
“Father, you don’t need to worry. Yuan Er will definitely be a good match for me.”
The third young master was very stubborn, and seeing this, Old Master Chi had no other choice.
He sighed deeply, “Forget it. You go out first, and we’ll talk about this later.”
After sending the third young master away, Old Master Chi did not rush to see his grandchildren. He sat in the study and called his advisor.
Master Chi was a small county magistrate, and compared to officials in the capital, his position was relatively minor.
However, he was responsible in his role as magistrate and had a good reputation locally.
Despite his reputation, the family remained modestly wealthy.
The Chi family was content with their current life and did not seek wealth from the Jin family.
The marriage between the Chi family and the Jin family was not for financial gain. It was because the third young master and the Jin family’s young lady had a mutual affection. As elders, they could only support their wish.
“Advisor, I wanted to discuss the children’s marriage with you.”
Old Master Chi talked to the advisor in the study, while the third young master, who had been sent away, turned and went to the dining hall, intending to see the two young princes in the palace.
Upon entering, he saw the two little children sitting in rows.
Emperor Ling was very handsome, and his consorts were all beautiful, so the children in the palace were never unattractive.
At this moment, the two little ones sitting in rows were exceptionally striking.
The third young master’s gaze shifted between their faces. He asked the slightly thinner but more beautiful child, “You, are you little sixth?”
He had heard that his sister in the palace was in poor health and might not be able to produce the chubbier child next to him.
The chubby little one looked a bit bigger than the other little one, who was prettier but not quite as chubby.
For a moment, the third young master was somewhat confused.
“I’m Little Seven.”
The child who was mistaken blinked and corrected him, “Sixth brother is over here.”
The third young master: “…”
The third young master was stunned: “My sister is quite good at raising children.”
Ling Fu, addressing the third young master, said smoothly, “Uncle, I send my regards from royal mother.”
Hearing this, the third young master immediately smiled.
He fumbled in his pocket but found nothing to give.
“Ahem.”
The third young master, feeling a bit awkward, touched his nose and said, “Later, I’ll take you out shopping. Whatever you want to buy, Uncle will pay for it.”
The children’s eyes immediately lit up.
Ling Rui was not wealthy and had spent all his pocket money.
Ling Fu had also spent all his money on the way here, so the two children, now penniless, were very pleased to hear such generous words from their uncle.
As someone about to get married, the third young master was particularly fond of children. Seeing such beautiful little ones, he was even more delighted.
They all sat together in the dining hall, eating with the children.
After the meal, Ling Rui firmly chose to stay with Madam Chi instead of the third young master.
Ling Fu did not want to take a nap, so the third young master took him to play.
Madam Chi, being older, had the habit of taking a nap.
Just right, the little ones had this habit as well.
“Come on, let’s go to sleep together.”
Madam Chi held the little ones’ hands and led them to the bedroom.
In the bedroom, the children finally asked about Guan Shan Residence, “What do you need to pass to go to school?”
“There are quite a few assessments.”
Madam Chi changed him into his nightclothes, carried him to bed, and spoke gently, “These assessments are all about basic skills.”
“To attend school, it ultimately depends on whether you can meet the standards of the teachers at Guan Shan Residence.”
“These people, living in seclusion, are bored with their old faces and lack novelty, so they occasionally teach students.”
“Is it easy to study there?”
“Not easy.”
Madam Chi answered straightforwardly, “The teachers are only responsible for teaching, and nothing else.”
“If your character isn’t strong enough, and you get bullied at Guan Shan Residence, you’ll have to endure it yourself. If you can’t stand it, you can withdraw and return home.”
Madam Chi continued discussing the possible dangers at Guan Shan Residence.
In summary, it was not a good place.
Even if parents want their children to succeed, they rarely send them there.
But there are pros and cons. Those who succeed at Guan Shan Residence are different from ordinary children after they leave.
“Little Seven, just go to the palace school with Little Six and do well.”
Before Ling Rui expressed his intention to attend Guan Shan Residence, Madam Chi suddenly said, “Guan Shan Residence is very rigorous, but you don’t need this kind of training.”
“You have the favor of Noble Consort Yi and His Majesty, so you can have a comfortable life.”
Ling Rui, nestled in Madam Chi’s arms, remained silent for a long time after hearing this.
Madam Chi’s eyelids slowly drooped, and just as she was about to fall asleep, she seemed to hear a soft, sticky little voice.
“I have a mother, a father, an older brother, and an older sister…”
He counted many relatives he had, and finally said, “But Ah Wu only has me.”
He used to think that Ah Wu would have good family members just like him.
But now, Ah Wu is going to Guan Shan Residence. A family that can send Ah Wu to Guan Shan Residence might not be very good relatives.
He just wanted to spend some time with Ah Wu.
Since he came into this world, he had given all his time to his father and mother, and hadn’t spent much time with Ah Wu.
He missed Ah Wu very much.
Madam Chi couldn’t hear the little one’s voice clearly by the end.
When she woke up, the little one in her arms was already awake.
The little one quietly stayed in bed, not crying or making a fuss, just playing with the ties of his nightclothes.
“Little Seven, how long have you been awake?”
“A little while.”
“Why didn’t you wake me up? Were you bored playing alone?”
“No, not bored.”
Ling Rui looked up at her with his little face, his eyes wide open.
The big and small eyes met, and Ling Rui, looking at Madam Chi, finally voiced his decision.
“I still want to go to Guan Shan Residence to study.”
“I’ll only go for a short while.”
Ling Rui, fearing Madam Chi’s refusal, emphasized, “I’ll go and then come back.”
He missed Ah Wu and was also reluctant to part with his parents. So, he planned to go study for a short time and then return.
The schooling at Guan Shan Residence wasn’t long; the duration depended on the teacher’s mood.
Sometimes the teacher would only teach for a year and then stop, ending the term.
“You’re so small, why do you insist on going there?”
“I’m going to find someone.”
Ling Rui’s eyes curved into a smile as he said, “When I get there, he will protect me.”
Madam Chi shook her head, still feeling it wasn’t reliable.
Though she thought it wasn’t reliable, she didn’t want to be too harsh with the little one’s face. She only spoke gently about the dangers of Guan Shan Residence, hoping to dissuade him from going.
No matter what she said, the little one insisted on going.
He had the ability to take care of himself, and wouldn’t be a burden to Ah Wu. Even if Ah Wu had to take care of him, Ah Wu would be very happy.
He knew Ah Wu liked to take care of him.
Ah Wu also liked being close to him.
“Let’s not talk about this now. Let’s get up first.”
Madam Chi changed his clothes and held his little hand as they went outside.
Ling Fu, outside, had been playing crazily with the third young master. He had also met other people in the Chi residence and greeted them.
The people in the Chi residence were very nice and unpretentious.
The two children enjoyed their stay here. They had only been in the residence for half a day, and by the evening, the third young master took them out to play.
Old Master Chi, as the county magistrate, frequently visited the countryside, so the third young master wasn’t particular. He took the two children out to play and greeted people he met along the way.
Unlike the capital, there were fewer restrictions between men and women here.
On the street, there were women setting up stalls, and young girls came out to buy things or take a leisurely stroll with friends in the cool evening.
The third young master, Chi Chi, said he was taking them out to play, but the places they visited were mostly jewelry stores.
Ling Rui, with his short legs, was tired from walking.
He sighed and asked Chi Chi, “Third Uncle, how much longer?”
He and Sixth Brother were both exhausted.
The stores here were one after another, so they couldn’t sit in the carriage.
Chi Chi held one child in each hand, going from one store to the next.
“Almost there, almost there.”
Chi Chi said this, but he didn’t seem to have any intention of leaving.
Ling Fu noticed this too and said, “Uncle, you said ‘almost there’ half an hour ago.”
After another half hour, they still hadn’t gone back.
Chi Chi patted their little faces to comfort them, saying, “Once I finish buying, I’ll take you to see a performance.”
“Be good and wait a little longer.”
After another hour, Chi Chi finally picked out a set of jewelry he liked, had it wrapped, and happily took it with him.
This was a gift he chose for Jin Yuan Er.
In a few days, there would be an outdoor event, and Jin Yuan Er would be there. When he went to talk to Jin Yuan Er, he could also give her the gift.
“All done, we’re finished.”
Chi Chi was finally satisfied, but when he looked down, he saw the two exhausted children.
The children’s faces showed no energy, clearly wanting to go home.
Chi Chi, feeling a bit guilty, cleared his throat and then picked up one child, leading them out.
“I’ll take you to see some acrobatics.”
Chi Chi had spent too much time shopping, so they didn’t have much time left to see the acrobatics.
The small life in Jiangyu County began unknowingly.
Apart from going out to play, Ling Rui spent most of his time studying. He held books and had Madam Chi teach him the characters. Besides learning to read, he also memorized more things and acquired other skills.
He diligently learned the six arts of a gentleman. But with so many subjects, it was impossible to master them all.
Seeing his serious dedication for several days, even when Ling Fu came to call him, he wouldn’t move.
This determination, in Madam Chi’s eyes, made her gradually soften.
“Little Seven, do you really want to go to Guan Shan Residence?”
“Yes! I want to go!”
“Since you want to go, I’ll teach you some things.”
Madam Chi pulled him close and explained in detail, “At Guan Shan Residence, after passing the assessments, you’ll receive a small plaque that indicates your qualifications.”
“If your qualifications are above average, the resources you receive will be good. But if your qualifications are below average, the resources will be a bit less favorable.”
“Also, the teachers at Guan Shan Residence do not allow bringing servants. You can bring a companion who helps with reading, and to some extent, a companion is similar to having a servant.”
“Guan Shan Residence values equality among everyone. You cannot use your status outside Guan Shan Residence to dominate others.”
Madam Chi went on for a while and eventually emphasized some etiquette regarding titles to the little one.
The little one listened carefully and nodded, remembering what Madam Chi said.
After providing this information, Madam Chi set up a study plan for the little one.
“The assessments at Guan Shan Residence don’t require perfect performance in every subject.”
“Little Seven, you can become a special talent student.”
Ling Rui: “…”
Ling Rui’s little face showed confusion as he asked, “What is a special talent student?”
Madam Chi patiently explained, “This is a term used by a teacher at Guan Shan Residence. It means you have a unique strong point, and if the teachers recognize this strong point, they might admit you through special consideration.”
Ling Rui had never heard such a novel term before.
Madam Chi smiled: “Let’s think about what special talents you might have.”
Madam Chi’s familiarity with Guan Shan Residence surprised Ling Rui several times.
After his repeated curious inquiries, Madam Chi finally revealed, “I used to stay at Guan Shan Residence for a while. Later, I met the old man and started a family with him.”
“In the years since, I rarely went back. A few days ago, I sent a letter to Guan Shan Residence to see if I could find out more information for you.”
“Thank you!”
The little one hugged her excitedly, thrilled by the news.
Madam Chi provided targeted tutoring while also strengthening the little one’s physical training.
In addition to preparing for the assessments, Madam Chi occasionally allowed him to go out and play.
A few days later, Old Master Chi personally instructed that when Chi Chi went out with Jin Yuan Er, he should also take the two children along.
Taking the two children would also help reduce any gossip they might encounter outside.
Chi Chi had planned to go with Jin Yuan Er to a temple to burn incense, which was quite popular among young people.
On the day of departure, the two children were dressed up nicely.
Ling Rui and Ling Fu wore new clothes made by the Chi family.
“Uncle, is Miss Jin fierce?”
At the door, Ling Fu asked Chi Chi, knowing that Miss Jin was Jin Yuanbao’s older sister.
He and Little Seven didn’t like Jin Yuanbao or his mother.
Though they had never met Miss Jin and had no strong dislike for her, they were concerned she might also have a bad temper.
“Miss Jin is very gentle; she is not like Jin Yuanbao.”
Chi Chi confidently assured them, “Don’t worry, Miss Jin will definitely like you when she meets you. She said she likes children.”
Ling Fu and Ling Rui nodded upon hearing this.
Before they left, Madam Chi called Ling Rui aside and said, “The place where you’ll be burning incense has a room in the back courtyard… A teacher from Guan Shan Residence lives there.”
“I just got the letter. If you get the chance, it’s best to try and catch his eye.”
Madam Chi also revealed a little insider information: “If you can catch the teacher’s eye, the assessments will be much more lenient.”
But so far, she had heard that no one had caught the teacher’s eye in decades.
However, she had heard that in the past, there was someone who did, and that person achieved great success after leaving Guan Shan Residence.
Ling Rui listened intently to Madam Chi’s instructions.
After leaving the Chi residence, the two children sat in the sedan chair, snuggling up and counting the days until they returned to the palace.
The place wasn’t far from the palace, and they could come back again after returning.
As the two children counted the days, Chi Chi eagerly anticipated meeting Jin Yuan Er.
He knew his family wasn’t too pleased with this marriage, but he thought—
Once Yuan Er came, his family would understand that Yuan Er didn’t have the bad habits of the Jin family.
Yuan Er was truly gentle; they had talked a few times, and Yuan Er’s voice was always soft.
“Little Six, Little Seven.”
Chi Chi, feeling a bit impatient during the journey, turned the little ones’ faces towards him and said, “Although you’re still young, there are some things you might want to hear.”
“Let me tell you how I met Yuan Er.”
Ling Rui: “…”
Ling Fu: “…”
The two children weren’t very interested.
Chi Chi and Jin Yuan Er didn’t have much of a history; they had only met a couple of times and exchanged a few words.
So, the story of Chi Chi and Jin Yuan Er was not very captivating to the two children.
Ling Rui wrinkled his little face and said, “It’s not as interesting as my adventures with Ah Wu.”
The things he experienced with Ah Wu were far more exciting.
In the dangerous world of mountains and seas, Ah Wu protected him very well.
The events they encountered while living together were more exciting than stories from a small book in Ling Rui’s eyes.
Chi Chi, seeing their lack of interest, muttered, “How can this be boring? It’s much more interesting. You two are princes, and you’ll need to choose a prince consort in the future.”
“The rules in the capital are strict. You might end up marrying a prince consort without even having talked to her.”
“Not getting married.”
Ling Rui shook his head vigorously, like a rattle drum, and said, “I don’t want a prince consort.”
Chi Chi chuckled, “You’re still young now, so you say you don’t want a prince consort. But when you get a little older, you’ll probably be thinking about it.”
Ling Rui continued shaking his little head and said firmly, “No, I won’t.”
Seeing how resolute he was, Chi Chi couldn’t help but ask, “Do you even know what a prince consort does?”
Ling Rui hesitated for a moment, then nodded, “I do.”
He had heard from a little girl that a prince consort would live with him, eat meals together, and sleep together.
Thinking about all this, Ling Rui became even more determined.
He was still small, and for now, he wanted to sleep with his father and mother. When he grew a little older and could sleep alone, he would sleep by himself.
He didn’t want to sleep with a prince consort.
Chi Chi looked at his small, serious expression and didn’t believe a word he said.
Kids don’t understand now, but when they grow up, they will.
The carriage continued onward and soon reached the foot of the mountain where they were going to burn incense.
At the base of the mountain, they saw another carriage just as someone was stepping out — a young girl with a graceful figure.
After she got off the carriage, she reached out her hand and then carried out a chubby little boy.
Chi Chi was startled for a moment when he saw the little boy.
“Jin Yuanbao?”
He didn’t expect Jin Yuan Er to bring Jin Yuanbao along. When he talked to Jin Yuan Er about this trip, he had mentioned that his two little ones would be coming.
Jin Yuanbao had clashed with his children before, so this sudden meeting felt a bit awkward.
“Yuan Er.”
Even though Chi Chi felt a bit strange about the situation, he still walked up to Jin Yuan Er and greeted her.
Jin Yuan Er turned and smiled at him, “Chi Chi, you’re here.”
“Sorry about this. Yuanbao saw me leaving and insisted on coming along, so I brought him.”
Jin Yuan Er liked children, so she was also fond of Jin Yuanbao.
Chi Chi nodded, then gently shook the hands of his two little ones who he was holding, and softly reminded them, “Little Six and Little Seven, say hello.”
Ling Rui and Ling Fu were both glaring at Jin Yuanbao.
Since the moment Jin Yuanbao got off the carriage, the two of them had been staring at him.
Even though they were glaring at Jin Yuanbao, they were still polite to Jin Yuan Er.
They greeted her politely, and after that, they continued glaring at Jin Yuanbao.
The air was filled with awkward tension.
Chi Chi tried to break the awkwardness by speaking up, “Let’s head up the mountain now. It’ll be easier to climb while it’s not too hot.”
“Alright.”
Each of them took their children and started up the mountain.
They hadn’t walked far before Jin Yuanbao asked Chi Chi, “When are they leaving?”
Chi Chi: “…”
Chi Chi: “What?”
Jin Yuanbao pointed at the two little ones Chi Chi was holding and rudely asked, “I mean, when are they going to leave your house?”
The question was quite impolite.
Chi Chi frowned at Jin Yuanbao.
“Little Six and Little Seven are part of our family. They’ll stay as long as they want. At least, for the time being, they’ll be staying with us.”
Chi Chi said, trying to ease the tension. He softened his expression and smiled, “Yuanbao, it’s normal for kids to squabble sometimes. If you want to be friends with Little Six and Little Seven—”
“I don’t care about that.”
Jin Yuanbao rolled his eyes, his tone still arrogant, “I don’t need more friends.”
Ling Rui and Ling Fu’s little fists were already clenched.
Jin Yuan Er gave Jin Yuanbao’s hand a little shake but didn’t scold him for his behavior. She only said softly, “Yuanbao, be careful and watch where you’re walking, or you’ll trip.”
Jin Yuanbao snorted and continued walking, holding Jin Yuan Er’s hand.
They kept moving, but because Jin Yuanbao kept complaining about being tired, their pace was slow.
Ling Rui, who was walking faster than Jin Yuanbao, grumbled to Ling Fu, “Sixth Brother, he’s like a little turtle.”
He was comparing their pace to that of a slow turtle.
Ling Fu nodded in agreement.
Although Ling Rui didn’t speak loudly, Jin Yuanbao’s sharp ears caught it. He turned around and growled, “Are you talking about me?”
Ling Rui ignored him.
Seeing the tension rising between the kids, Chi Chi pressed his lips together but didn’t intervene.
He knew that if it came down to a fight, Little Six and Little Seven could handle Jin Yuanbao.
Jin Yuan Er, noticing the situation, pulled Jin Yuanbao close and whispered something to him.
Jin Yuanbao’s expression darkened, but he finally quieted down.
They continued their walk, and by the time Ling Rui was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open, they finally reached the mountaintop.
Earlier, many people had come to offer incense, but by this time, most had left.
At the back of the temple, a man in a green robe was intently studying some herbs in his hand.
An old man squatted in front of him, talking, “Hey, did you hear me? Save me a spot at Guanshan Academy.”
“Nope. You have to pass the exam yourself.”
“I’m not taking the exam. I want to pull strings.”
The man in the green robe: “…”
The man looked at him in exasperation, “Are you insane? Why would you bring the young prince of Qi Dynasty here when he could stay in the palace?”
“He wants to go.”
The old man replied, “He’s a good kid. He even took in my son and treated him well.”
“I heard him say he wants to go to Guan Shan Residence, and it just so happens I have some connections here. If you don’t give me a spot, I’ll hang myself right at your door!”
“You all are finding ways for him already…”
The man in the green robe complained, “He hasn’t even arrived yet, and we all know about him.”
The old man, upon hearing this, seemed quite pleased: “It’s just right. He’s so small, let those old folks take good care of him. If he doesn’t have a good time at Guan Shan Residence, I’ll hang myself at your door.”
The man in the green robe’s mouth twitched, and he was almost fed up with talking to him.
Seeing that the old man kept babbling, he decided to change the topic to persuade him: “It’s fine if you want him to be a special case, but help me with a detox potion. The poison from the Crown Prince of Great Qing is quite tricky. I need to know how to counteract it.”
The old man’s eyes shifted: “The Crown Prince of Great Qing is going to participate in the assessment too, right?”
The man in the green robe nodded.
The old man took a step back and said, “I’ve heard that the little crown prince of Great Qing isn’t a nice character. If he ends up at Guan Shan Residence, he might bully my little prince.”
“Better he dies. If he dies, my little prince will be safer.”
