Chapter 11 Partiality

Chapter 11 Partiality

The news of the Emperor's selection of a study partner for Xuanyuan Xingyao quickly spread throughout the imperial capital, causing a huge uproar. Who was Xuanyuan Xingyao? He was a prince with a nine-star talent, and his awakened cultivation talent made him a powerful ice warrior. His future was undoubtedly limitless.

And from the two characters in his name, Xingyao, it was clear how much the emperor valued him. If he could be chosen as his study partner, how could his future be bad?

However, the Emperor's decree that only the sons of first-rank or higher-rank officials were eligible to apply eliminated many officials' children. Some of those of lower ranks simply watched the fun. But those stuck at second or third ranks were deeply frustrated, lamenting why they hadn't worked harder and achieved more merit to climb to the first rank, so that their children would also be eligible.

The others in the Duke's Mansion received the news a little later, but even the Duchess was tempted when she learned that Xuanyuan Xingyao was looking for a study partner. Even though Nangong Mu was almost thirteen, and the age difference between him and Xuanyuan Xingyao was a bit large, the Duchess would be better able to protect the prince if he was older, so she decided to let Nangong Mu try too.

What's the harm in giving it a try? If you pass, you can go to the palace and receive the best education. Besides, the Crown Prince and Xuanyuan Xingyao share a mother and a deep bond. As long as you have a good relationship with Xuanyuan Xingyao, why worry about not having a good relationship with the Crown Prince?

And if she could establish a good relationship with the Crown Prince, she would also have a good relationship with the next Emperor, and from then on the position of the Crown Prince of the Duke's Mansion would never escape her son's grasp.

The Duchess had more than one person who thought the same thing. Basically, except for the two who had daughters, all the other sons had the same idea.

But they all came from humble backgrounds, unlike the Duchess who could submit Nangong Mu's registration qualifications through her parents' family even if Nangong Tao disagreed. They could only turn to Nangong Tao and ask him for help.

So in the next few days, no matter where Nangong Tao went, he would meet his concubines. From time to time, someone would even invite him to her yard under various pretexts, which made Nangong Tao very annoyed.

After the incident with Qiao Huaner, Nangong Tao never went to the courtyards of women with children again. He hadn't been there for so many years and he would never go there now, so their invitation only made Nangong Tao more annoyed with them.

Especially when the Duchess also came to invite and expressed her hope to send Nangong Mu's name to the palace, Nangong Tao became even more annoyed. In the end, Nangong Tao directly chose to retreat and prepare to come out on the day of the selection.

As soon as Nangong Tao went into seclusion, the women in the backyard were completely discouraged. They could see that Nangong Tao had never thought of letting their sons sign up, but they didn't know whether Nangong Tao had signed up for Nangong Jing?

They didn't get the answer until the day of the selection. When they saw Nangong Tao, dressed in a duke's attire, holding Nangong Jing, who was wearing brand new clothes, and preparing to get on the carriage to go to the palace, the people in the backyard realized that the situation they least wanted to see had finally happened.

"The Duke is too partial. Is it because that bitch Nangong Jing was born to Qiao Huan'er and is very talented that he only has Nangong Jing as his son? It is obvious that my Chen'er is the most similar in age to the Seventh Prince. Although his talent is not as good as Nangong Jing, it is not bad either, right? Why doesn't the Duke even look at him?" Nangong Chen's mother, Madam Qiu, angrily smashed a lot of things in her room. She was so angry and disappointed, and felt that Nangong Tao was too partial.

Nangong Tao wasn't surprised to see Nangong Mu in the carriage, because he knew that if the Duchess couldn't find him, she would definitely ask her mother's family for help. However, Nangong Tao didn't think Nangong Mu would be selected from the beginning, so he didn't help Nangong Mu register from the beginning. It wasn't because he was partial, but simply felt that it was unnecessary.

Nangong Mu really has the demeanor of an eldest son. Before his younger siblings grow up and cause him trouble, he treats every one of them very well, even taking good care of Nangong Jing. Therefore, when he saw Nangong Mu after getting in the car, Nangong Jing was quite happy. However, when Nangong Jing was about to say hello to Nangong Mu, he saw that Nangong Mu seemed a little unhappy.

Nangong Jing wasn't really a child either. After a little thought, he guessed that Nangong Mu's spot might not have been signed up by Nangong Tao, so he was sad. Although Nangong Mu acted so mature, he was just a teenager. So when Nangong Tao didn't sign up for him but signed up for Nangong Jing, Nangong Mu was naturally unhappy.

Nangong Jing knew that Nangong Mu was not concerned about the companion study quota, but was concerned about why Nangong Tao did not help him register. If this matter was not resolved, it might hurt the father-son relationship and even the brotherhood between them.

So after the carriage set off, Nangong Jing pulled Nangong Tao's clothes, and when Nangong Tao lowered his head to look at him, he signaled to Nangong Mu with his eyes.

Nangong Mu's little thoughts were not hidden even from Nangong Jing, let alone the old fox Nangong Tao. Although Nangong Tao did not like the Duchess, he still cared about Nangong Mu, the eldest son. So after thinking about it, he followed Nangong Jing's meaning and explained to Nangong Mu, "Mu'er, you are several years older than the Seventh Prince. The possibility of being selected is not great, so your father did not sign you up."

When Nangong Tao spoke, Nangong Mu's eyes, which had been somewhat dim, suddenly brightened up, and it was surprisingly bright. Nangong Mu was still sad, but he didn't expect Nangong Tao to explain to him. Moreover, Nangong Tao didn't mean that he was not good enough, but that he didn't sign him up because of his age. Nangong Tao still valued him.

"Well, I understand, father. Actually, I also know that the possibility of me being selected is not high, but mother wants me to participate." Nangong Mu swept away his previous dejection and said to Nangong Tao excitedly.

Nangong Tao didn't expect that a simple explanation from him could make Nangong Mu so happy. His eyes flashed slightly, and he suddenly felt a little uncomfortable.