Inside the study of Wenhua Hall, the fragrance of incense wafted through the air, yet it couldn't suppress the invisible sharpness between the young people.

Fifteen-year-old Crown Prince Xiao Chengji sat upright in the main seat, dressed in dark blue casual clothes. His face had lost its childishness, and his features were clear. The calmness between his eyebrows and eyes was getting stronger. When he occasionally raised his eyes, his gaze was as sharp as a hawk. He already had the demeanor of a crown prince.

What lay before him was not a collection of classics, histories, philosophical works, and literary works, but a memorial concerning new policies for the Grand Canal transport, already covered with his dense annotations in red ink.

Below, the fourteen-year-old Second Prince Xiao Chengrui seemed somewhat absent-minded, his fingers unconsciously tapping on his knees, as if simulating the action of riding and archery.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, his brows brimming with youthful vigor and a hint of impatience. Meanwhile, the thirteen-year-old Third Princess Xiao Chengyu sat quietly to the side, engrossed in a volume of "The Records of Mountains and Rivers," her demeanor serene and elegant, her bearing more like that of her mother, Xin Jiuwei.

Today's lecture was not given by the Grand Tutor, but rather a small "political discussion" convened by Xiao Chengji for his younger siblings. He hoped that they could gain practical experience as soon as possible, rather than just studying books by rote.

"Rui'er, Yu'er," Xiao Chengji began, his voice steady, "You've both read this proposal on the Grand Canal. What do you think of the suggestion to add water tanks in the Xuzhou section to regulate the water level and facilitate the passage of the canal boats?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chengrui immediately sat up straight and said without hesitation, "What's so difficult about that? Of course it should be built! With smooth water transport, grain and military supplies can be quickly transported, which is of great benefit to national defense! If any villains try to obstruct it, just send troops to suppress them!" His thinking was direct and full of martial spirit.

Xiao Chengji remained noncommittal, turning his gaze to his younger sister: "Yu'er, what about you?"

Xiao Chengyu put down her book, her brows furrowing slightly. Her voice was soft yet clear: "Brother, adding water tanks is indeed a good idea. However, I think we need to consider a few points: First, how much money will be needed to build the water tanks? Where will the laborers be conscripted? Will it affect the local farming season? Second, the water tanks occupy a large area; will they flood farmland and houses? How will compensation and resettlement be handled? Third, the water system in Xuzhou is complex; will the construction of the water tanks require simultaneous dredging of waterways and reinforcement of embankments? Otherwise, it may be counterproductive." She was meticulous and always considered the details of implementation and the impact on people's livelihoods.

Xiao Chengrui grew impatient: "Yu'er, you're overthinking things! How can you be so hesitant when it comes to important matters?"

Xiao Chengyu calmly retorted, "Second brother, haste makes waste. Father often taught that those in power should consider the well-being of the people. If policies intended to benefit the people end up disturbing them, wouldn't that be putting the cart before the horse?"

Xiao Chengji's eyes revealed approval: "Yu'er's thoughts are very thorough. Rui'er, a general needs to be brave and decisive, but a ruler or politician needs to weigh the pros and cons and consider the long term. Force can resolve a temporary conflict, but it is difficult to appease the people." He picked up his vermilion pen and added a few points to the memorial, which were exactly the directions Xiao Chengyu had considered, and annotated, "The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works shall, together with the Canal Transport Office, discuss the budget, land acquisition and waterway infrastructure in detail, and submit a detailed plan for further discussion."

Xiao Chengrui pouted, though he was unconvinced, he still trusted his elder brother's judgment, and muttered, "I know, in short, we can't have a good fight."

At that moment, there was a gentle knock on the study door. A eunuch led two people in. One was Qi Mingxuan, dressed in a blue scholar's robe and with a gentle demeanor, and the other was Xin Rui, dressed in a dark-colored martial arts outfit, with a tall and upright figure and a spirited look.

"Your Highness, Second Prince, Princess." Qi Mingxuan bowed respectfully, his demeanor dignified. He was currently studying at the Imperial Academy, possessing profound knowledge, especially in economics and mathematics, and was often summoned by Xiao Chengji to discuss political affairs.

"Big brother, cousin Rui, cousin Yu!" Xin Rui greeted them casually, smiling and revealing a set of white teeth. He had already joined the capital garrison for training, and thanks to his outstanding skills and status, he had already distinguished himself despite his young age, becoming a leading figure among the younger generation of generals. He and Xiao Chengrui were about the same age, had similar personalities, and got along very well.

“Cousin Mingxuan, Cousin Rui.” Xiao Chengyu nodded with a smile.

Xiao Chengrui's eyes lit up, and he stepped forward to punch Xin Rui on the shoulder: "Cousin Rui! You've finally arrived! I was so bored just now! Big Brother and Yu'er were talking about money and laborers all the time!"

Xin Rui laughed heartily: "I don't understand those complicated matters. Riding horses and shooting arrows is much more fun! Your Highness, is there a new assignment?" He looked at Xiao Chengji, eager to try.

Xiao Chengji shook his head helplessly and handed them the document in his hand: "Since you're here, take a look. It's about the Grand Canal."

Qi Mingxuan took the book and carefully perused it, quickly becoming engrossed in it. His fingers unconsciously traced lines in the air, as if he were calculating something. Xin Rui glanced at it briefly, scratched his head, and said, "Uh... building a water tank? That's great! Should we send troops to guard the construction site? There doesn't seem to be much banditry around Xuzhou lately..."

Xiao Chengrui hugged Xin Rui's neck as if he had found a kindred spirit: "See! Even Cousin Rui said so!"

Xiao Chengji looked at his younger siblings and cousins, each with their own distinct personalities, a smile flickering in his eyes. These were his future pillars of support: Rui'er's bravery, Yu'er's meticulousness, Mingxuan's cunning, and Xinrui's loyalty. They needed time to gel together, and each needed to utilize their strengths.

Afternoon, Royal Martial Arts Arena.

The summer sun was blazing, and dust rose slightly from the field. This became the best place for the boys to unleash their energy.

Xiao Chengrui and Xin Rui were having a mounted archery competition. The event was shooting at a moving bullseye a hundred paces away while on horseback. Both of them were covered in sweat from their riding and archery uniforms, their eyes were focused, their horsemanship was superb, and their arrows never missed, drawing cheers from the surrounding guards and Qi Mingyue and Xiao Yue'er who had come to watch the competition.

Sixteen-year-old Qi Mingyue had blossomed into a graceful young woman, yet her personality remained lively and charming. Dressed in a pale yellow riding outfit, she cheered enthusiastically for her older brother and cousin. Little Yue'er, on the other hand, was much quieter. Wearing a pink dress, she sat under the shade of the canopy by the field, her face cupped in her hands as she watched intently.

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