Xie Lang had a sweet dream.
In my dream, there were no bullying eunuchs or palace maids, nor cold food; there was only a warm house and soft bedding...?
He buried his face in the pillow, slowly coming back to his senses, only then realizing belatedly that he wasn't dreaming.
However, he was the only one on the huge bed. Xie Lang sat up with a look of surprise and uncertainty, glanced around coldly, then got out of bed and walked to the door.
You can vaguely hear people talking outside.
"...The spleen's function is obstructed, dampness is retained, and coupled with years of unbalanced diet, there are signs of qi and blood deficiency, which requires proper care..."
Xie Lang didn't make a sound, standing behind the door listening to the person finish speaking, and then, unexpectedly, the door in front of him was pushed open from the outside.
"Eavesdropping?"
Wen Hemian frowned when he saw the child standing barefoot on the ground: "Why don't you put on your shoes? It's not like it's anything shameful. If you ask, I will tell you the truth."
Yesterday, the child was probably in a weak state, and briefly showed a vulnerable side. After a nap, he became very defensive again, which is really distressing.
Xie Lang blinked and looked at her: "Why are you so good to me?"
During casual conversations in the palace, Xie Lang heard people mention Wen Hemian. Compared to the heir of the Prince of Huailing, everyone's attention was more focused on her status as the top scholar in the imperial examination.
At sixteen, he was the youngest top scholar since the founding of the Great Zhao Dynasty. Was he really willing to stay by his side?
Xie Lang had only been brought out of the cold palace not long ago, and he had no affection for Emperor Shun. He also distrusted the tutor who had been assigned to him.
"Because I am His Majesty's Grand Tutor," Wen Hemian said with a smile. "Does His Majesty think that I want to use His Majesty to control the government and become a powerful minister?"
Xie Lang's doubts were pointed out in a single sentence, and his eyes widened.
She's still young, and can't keep things a secret.
Wen Hemian smiled and ruffled his hair: "Then Your Majesty can rest assured, I have no interest in powerful ministers."
Once the timeline stabilizes, Wen Hemian hopes to retire as soon as possible.
She's in good health now, so she can go anywhere, no matter how far away.
Besides, she was disguised as a man. Although the system concealed her identity and she wasn't worried about being exposed in public, it still felt strange that she couldn't reveal her true gender.
"Could you please stop touching my head?"
Xie Lang was extremely frustrated. He couldn't understand how the seemingly weak person in front of him could have such a strong grip. His small frame had no chance to resist.
How shameful!
Wen Heming responded and pulled him inside, saying, "I am Your Majesty's Grand Tutor, after all. Could Your Majesty please give me some face and address me as Grand Tutor?"
They're always going back and forth like that, showing no respect for their teachers at all.
After speaking, Xie Lang pursed his lips and refused to say anything. Wen Hemian shook his head helplessly, but did not rush to force him.
While Xie Lang was asleep, Wen Hemian had already summoned a doctor to examine him. Earlier, she had spoken with the doctor outside the door, and the little boy's health was much worse than she had imagined. He could easily develop chronic illnesses if she wasn't careful. She even had reason to suspect that Xie Lang's irritability and temper in the original book were related to this.
But the system seemed to be playing dead, refusing to answer Wen Hemian's questions, so he had no choice but to give up.
As Xie Lang put on his shoes, the medicine that had been prepared in advance was delivered. It was a large, dark bowl, almost as big as the little boy's face.
Xie Lang's face immediately showed a look of alarm: "Can I not drink it?"
This is when it becomes particularly vivid.
Wen Hemian chuckled softly, then cruelly shook her head: "No, Your Majesty. Good medicine tastes bitter. You're not afraid to drink it, are you?"
As it turns out, even the youngest child can't resist being provoked. Xie Lang secretly glanced at her, then gritted his teeth and, with a death-defying resolve, began to force-feed the medicine.
By the time she finished the last sip, her little face was all scrunched up like a bitter gourd.
"I'm not afraid... um!"
Before he could finish speaking, someone stuffed something into his mouth.
Xie Lang took a bite; it was sweet.
Wen Hemian calmly withdrew her hand, tucked her hands into her sleeves, and looked at him.
"This is a reward for good children."
Seeing Xie Lang's expression as he drank the medicine, Wen Hemian had no doubt that he was already holding a grudge. Fortunately, she had prepared candied fruit in advance, so she could easily stuff the medicine into his mouth.
Xie Lang chewed a couple of times with a straight face, clearly liking it, and spoke with unusually little confidence: "...Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Although the child grew up in the cold palace, he could still distinguish right from wrong. Wen Hemian breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Your Majesty must drink this medicine every day from now on. I will bring in more candied fruit later, so you can eat one when it is bitter."
Xie Lang glanced at the bowl listlessly and said, "Oh."
Wen Heming covered her lips, concealing her smile.
Then she said seriously, "I heard that Your Majesty has never formally attended school. In that case, as the Grand Tutor, it is my duty to teach you... Have you rested well?"
Xie Lang tilted his head: "?"
"Now that you've rested, go read your book."
Wen Heming dropped a cold, hard message.
When the princes in the palace reach a certain age, they will go to school. However, Xie Lang was born in the cold palace and was always neglected. He couldn't even enter the school. No matter how cold the winter was, he could only peek out the window and listen to a few words. In such a harsh environment, how much could he learn?
Later, when he became the crown prince, Emperor Shun did not appoint a tutor for him, which made his struggle for power extremely difficult. It was almost a path fought with blood, requiring him to bite like a wolf with a fierce determination.
Those who hold absolute power will surely pay for their crimes with blood.
"Are you really going to teach me?"
Xie Lang remained suspicious.
Then Wen Heming tapped him on the head: "Are you going to learn or not?"
Judging from Xie Lang's willingness to listen to the lessons outside the school despite the cold stares, he was a studious child. So, unsurprisingly, although there was a hint of resentment on his face, he still obediently nodded and said, "I will learn."
Wen Heming nodded in satisfaction.
Not knowing Xie Lang's background, she first asked him some questions: "Can you write?"
Xie Lang: "Yes."
“Very good.” Wen Hemian took out what he had prepared in advance and placed it in front of him. Under the child’s curious gaze, he said, “Then first copy these policies on governing the country, then read them carefully and memorize them. If you don’t understand something, ask me.”
Having grown up through trials and tribulations, Xie Lang is undoubtedly intelligent. Wen Hemian has no intention of restricting his development; at most, she will provide him with protection and guidance.
Even a wise ruler cannot be without skill.
Meeting Wen Hemian's earnest and expectant gaze, Xie Lang paused for a moment, finally beginning to believe that this young tutor truly wanted to teach him well and assist him.
Having faced countless acts of malice, Xie Lang found himself somewhat at a loss when confronted with kindness.
He picked up the papers somewhat hastily and replied softly, "Mm."
Wen Hemian paid close attention to Xie Lang's emotions, and after discovering the child's animalistic behavior, she smiled from the bottom of her heart.
He was just a cute child. If you treat him with care, how could he become a tyrant?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com