The summer morning light streamed through the tall, carved windows of the Wenhua Hall, casting dappled shadows on the polished gold-brick floor. A faint scent of ink and the aroma of books filled the air.

The ten-year-old Crown Prince Xiao Chengji sat upright behind his sandalwood desk, dressed in a moon-white robe with silver thread patterns. His still-childish face already showed the calm demeanor of a crown prince.

Before him lay the Book of Documents, specifically the section on Yao Dian, and he listened intently as the Grand Tutor—an elderly scholar with white hair and beard, and profound learning—explained the profound meaning of "to cultivate virtue and be close to one's nine clans."

Emperor Xiao Xun, who rarely had free time today, was not wearing his dragon robe, but only a black casual dress. He sat behind a separate table and reviewed memorials. Occasionally, he would look up and glance at his son's focused profile, his eyes filled with a subtle scrutiny and expectation.

When the Grand Tutor reached a particularly insightful point, he stroked his beard and asked, "Your Highness, why do you think Emperor Yao first 'befriended his nine clans' before he could 'govern the people equally' and 'harmonize all nations'?"

Xiao Chengji pondered for a moment, then replied in a clear voice, “Grand Tutor, I believe that governing a country is like governing a family. The nine clans are the blood relatives and the beginning of ethics. If even the closest relatives cannot live in harmony, uphold virtue and righteousness, how can one educate the people and win their hearts? ‘Keeping the nine clans close’ is the foundation, an extension of self-cultivation and family harmony. Only with a solid foundation can one talk about governing the country and bringing peace to the world. Just as Father Emperor often taught his son, ‘Those who wish to govern a country must first regulate their families.’” As he spoke, his gaze unconsciously drifted to Xiao Xun beside him.

Xiao Xun paused slightly with the vermilion brush in his hand, and the corners of his lips curved upwards almost imperceptibly. He did not look up, but simply gave a faint "hmm" as a sign of approval.

The Grand Tutor's eyes revealed approval: "Your Highness's words are quite right. Your ability to connect them to His Majesty's daily teachings shows a profound understanding. However, the royal family is no small matter, and 'kinship among the nine clans' is not merely about blood ties and harmony, but also about..."

The lessons were conducted in a rigorous and in-depth atmosphere. Xiao Chengji responded appropriately and thought quickly. When he occasionally had questions, the Grand Tutor patiently guided him, and Xiao Xun would occasionally interject with a word or two, pointing out the key points in a concise and to-the-point manner, which often made Chengji feel enlightened.

An hour later, the lessons were temporarily suspended. The Grand Tutor rose to take his leave, leaving only the father and son in the hall.

Xiao Xun put down his vermilion brush, walked to Cheng Ji's desk, picked up the essay Cheng Ji had just written, and looked at it. He said, "Your writing is decent, and your arguments are clear. However, your understanding of 'Jun De' is still superficial. 'Jun De' does not only refer to a person's high moral character, but also to a leader's charisma and wisdom in governing the country that can unite people's hearts and make them submit. You can understand this principle by observing your uncle's military leadership, your Uncle Qi's governance, and even the palace ladies' management of servants."

"Your subject will remember your teachings, Father," Xiao Chengji replied respectfully, his little face full of seriousness.

Just then, faint sounds of playful laughter came from outside the hall. Xiao Xun frowned slightly. A eunuch hurriedly bowed and entered to report, "Your Majesty, it's the Second Prince and the Third Princess. They say... they want to go to the Imperial Garden with the Crown Prince to see the newly arrived koi."

Xiao Xun's brows relaxed, and a hint of helpless smile appeared on his face: "Let them in."

Before the words were even finished, two small figures burst in like cannonballs. Seven-year-old Second Prince Xiao Chengrui, dressed in a royal blue riding outfit, had slightly disheveled hair and a bead of sweat on his forehead, clearly having just run around wildly. Accompanying him was Third Princess Xiao Chengyu, dressed in a pink embroidered butterfly dress, her hair styled in adorable double buns, her little face flushed from running, and clutching a small cricket cage as if it were a precious treasure.

"Father! Eldest brother!" Xiao Chengrui's voice was clear and bright. He bowed respectfully, but his eyes were bright as he stared at Xiao Chengji. "Grand Tutor, are you finally finished? Let's go! There are so many big red and white fish in the pond! If we're late, they'll feed us!"

Xiao Chengyu also curtsied in a proper manner, her voice soft and sweet: "Yu'er greets Father Emperor and elder brother." She held up the cricket cage in her hand, "Elder brother, look, Cousin Rui just made this for me. The 'Great General' inside is so powerful, it defeated Cousin Mingyue's cricket!"

Xiao Chengji looked at his younger siblings, a gentle expression of an elder brother appearing in his eyes, but he remained seated: "Rui'er, Yu'er, you must not make a sound in front of your father. Wait until your elder brother has finished his studies..."

Seeing this scene, Xiao Xun interrupted his eldest son, his tone softening: "Go ahead. Although your studies are heavy, you need to balance work and rest. Accompany your younger siblings for a walk, see the koi, and... see the 'Great General'." The last few words carried a hint of teasing.

Xiao Chengji then stood up and said, "Thank you, Father Emperor."

Just as the three children were about to take their leave, Xiao Xun added, "Keep an eye on Cheng Rui and don't let him get too close to the water. Also, Cheng Yu, don't bring the crickets into the bedroom, or they'll disturb your mother's sleep at night."

"We know!" the two children said in unison, happily pulling their steady older brother as they ran outside.

Xiao Xun watched the children's figures disappear through the palace gate, shook his head, and a smile finally spread across his eyes. He returned to his desk, picked up his vermilion brush again, and found that his mood for reviewing memorials was inexplicably much lighter.

In the Imperial Garden, summer was in full bloom, with lush trees providing shade and exotic flowers and plants vying for attention. Schools of newly arrived koi carp swam on the lake, attracting many palace servants and eunuchs to watch.

As soon as Xiao Chengji, Chengrui, and Chengyu arrived at the lakeside, they heard even more lively laughter. It turned out that Xin Rui (thirteen years old), Qi Mingxuan (eleven years old), Qi Mingyue (eight years old), and Xin Yue (five years old, nicknamed Xiao Yue'er), the youngest daughter of the Xin family, who was being led by Xin Kui, were already there.

Xin Rui was using a long branch to try and poke at the largest koi carp, which drew loud cheers from Cheng Rui. Qi Mingxuan, on the other hand, was more quiet, standing aside watching and occasionally reminding his cousin to be careful. Qi Mingyue and Xiao Yue'er were squatting on the grass a little further away, seemingly studying a particularly large peony. The children were accompanied by their respective wet nurses and plainclothes guards, ensuring their safety without interfering too much with their play.

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