The commotion in the palace did not escape Ning Hechu's notice.
"Huo Ping is ruthless. Most of the people his subordinates arranged have been eliminated. There are a few who may have been less noticeable and thus escaped unscathed."
Ning Hechu leisurely skimmed the foam off the tea and took a sip: "He is indeed loyal to the royal family... and that Wen Hemian is no pushover either."
The fact that the emperor was able to react so quickly to protect the new emperor and lead his men into the palace shows that he had quite a bit of courage.
He only dared to do this because his father was guarding the border and had a get-out-of-jail-free card.
"However, his methods are still immature, and with that puppet emperor by his side, he won't be able to make a fuss."
"Then, as you see fit, sir..."
Ning Hechu scoffed: "Just have someone keep an eye on them. I have no interest in playing games with them."
The subordinate responded, "Yes."
-
Wen Hemian promised to take Xie Lang out of the palace to play when he had time, and made preparations in advance, mainly because there was another reason - his birthday was coming soon.
Xie Lang was born in April, a time when the ice and snow melt and spring returns to the earth. He had never celebrated his birthday before, as he was in the cold palace and was often hungry and cold. Considering that this was his first time, Wen Hemian made very careful preparations.
She recalled that in modern times, before her grandparents passed away, they would also carefully prepare for her birthday every year, praying for her to live a long and peaceful life.
She has what she has, and the children she raises cannot lack it either.
"The courtyard has been cleaned up. Young master, would you like any other arrangements made?"
The one speaking was Qingyun, Wen Hemian's personal maid. She was a year older than Wen Hemian, had delicate features, and was quite capable. Because she was a woman, it was more convenient for her to stay by her side than for Uncle Lu. The two had a good relationship; they were more like sisters than maids. Wen Hemian never liked to put on airs.
"Move two more potted plants in and put them on the table. You can put more books in there too, since His Majesty loves to read. I'll also put my new inkstone in there."
Leaving the palace is no easy feat, so Wen Hemian decided to let Xie Lang stay in the mansion for a few days. She simply rearranged a room for him, just across the corridor, so that Xie Lang could come to see her at any time.
Qingyun agreed, and she cleverly added, "Young Master cares a lot about His Majesty."
“Just treat it as raising a child,” Wen Hemian said. “I will keep an eye on things in the capital, which will relieve Father of any worries. His Majesty is a wise ruler, and given time, he will surely achieve great things.”
A wise ruler and a tyrant are only one word apart. Wen Hemian had studied the original plot of the book that the system had transmitted to her mind. Xie Lang had grown up all the way, but what he lacked was someone to accompany him.
Qingyun understood: "This servant will immediately give the order to treat His Majesty as a second master."
Servants are just as adaptable as people are to their status. Since Wen Hemian has said so, Qingyun will certainly train them well.
"Yes. Also, send that letter from the study to the border to let Father and Mother know they are safe."
When the Prince of Huailing and his wife were mentioned, Wen Hemian had mixed feelings.
They had countless war merits, but what they cared about most was their only daughter. They disguised her as a man and raised her in a temple, hoping that she would recover. Unfortunately, their wish was not fulfilled, and the original owner of the body died at the age of five. After that, Wen Hemian transmigrated into the body.
Because of this, she felt guilty towards the couple, but the system said it didn't matter, what is hers will be hers, and cause and effect will be predetermined.
Qingyun: "Yes."
Wen Hemian spent almost half a month preparing, and inevitably neglected Xie Lang in the process. After she was distracted for the second time, Xie Lang's quiet voice came: "Grand Tutor, if you don't want to teach me, you can just say so."
They seemed so caring towards me at the beginning, but how long has it been? They've become so indifferent!
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Wen Hemian came to his senses and coughed a little guiltily, "I have prepared some things for Your Majesty. You will be able to see them in a few days."
Wen Hemian didn't know what children of this age liked, and she hadn't decided on a birthday gift yet. She was starting to worry, afraid that she might not be able to give the right gift.
Xie Lang's eyes lit up: "Really?"
"When have I ever lied to you? I always keep my word. Focus on your studies and don't overthink it." Wen Hemian smiled. "Is Your Majesty so eager to leave the palace?"
Xie Lang honestly admitted, "A little."
He grew up in the cold palace and had only seen a small part of the sky. Before, he was too busy to think much about food and clothing, but now that he has enough to eat and drink, he inevitably feels a longing after reading more books and wants to see what the capital city is like.
Wen Hemian's eyes showed pity: "It's alright, go out if you want. All the land under heaven belongs to the king, Your Majesty can go anywhere."
A qualified monarch should not remain forever aloof in the court; Wen Hemian intended to let him see what the real people were like.
Xie Lang: "Mmm!"
With this expectation as motivation, Xie Lang was exceptionally diligent in the following days. After Wen Hemian made preparations, she took him out of the palace as promised.
The bustling scene outside the palace was something Xie Lang had never seen before. Even though he was usually so mature, he couldn't help but lift the curtain and look outside at this moment. His face was serious, but he couldn't suppress the urge to smile.
Wen Hemian instructed, "When you are out, Your Majesty should not address me as Grand Tutor, nor should you refer to yourself as 'I, the Emperor.' If others hear this, it may frighten them."
Xie Lang understood this point and obediently nodded: "Teacher."
After saying that, he asked, "And how does the Grand Tutor address me?"
Xie Lang didn't have a nickname. Wen Hemian pondered for a moment and asked for his opinion: "Should we call him A Lang?"
That's the advantage of being tamed; Xie Lang won't go against Wen Hemian for no reason anymore, and readily agreed, "Okay."
Wen Heming's eyebrows relaxed: "The character 'Lang' has a good meaning, meaning a flawless white jade. If Your Majesty can grow into a monarch of integrity and uprightness, it would be a perfect match."
Pure white and flawless, clear and bright?
Xie Lang's eyes flickered, and he scoffed inwardly, thinking that none of them could be associated with him.
However, seeing Wen Hemian's expectant expression, Xie Lang pursed his lips... it wasn't impossible, he could just pretend.
Everything outside the palace was new and unfamiliar to Xie Lang. He was so looking forward to coming out, but when he actually came out, he found that he didn't know how to have fun and was quite at a loss.
Wen Hemian noticed his embarrassment, chuckled, and simply took his hand: "Come on, I'll show you around."
As the weather warmed up, more people set up stalls on the streets, selling all sorts of things. Several children ran past them and chattered as they gathered around a stall. Wen Hemian took a closer look and realized it was a sugar painting stall.
She casually asked, "Would you like some sugar painting, A-Lang?"
Xie Lang glanced at the excited children and pouted, "No way, that's so stupid."
Without waiting for a reply, Wen Hemian said, "Alright, just keep me company, okay?"
"That little brat is so stubborn," Wen Hemian said, pulling him towards the sugar painting stall. After all the other children had left, she pointed to the rabbits in the picture and said, "Draw me two."
The sugar painting vendor worked quickly and efficiently, soon creating two lifelike and endearing rabbits. He smiled and handed them to Wen Heming, saying, "Please take these, sir!"
Wen Heming gave one to Xie Lang.
Despite saying no, she took it awkwardly. Wen Hemian didn't take it seriously, took a bite of the sugar painting, and found it to be just the right amount of sweet, not too cloying.
She encouraged Xie Lang, "Try it? Don't you like sweets? This should suit your taste."
Perhaps because he had suffered so much, he had a particular fondness for sweetness. Wen Hemian didn't say it explicitly, but he had been observing carefully all along.
Xie Lang was taken aback when she realized that she would take his preferences to heart. She took a bite without thinking and found it quite delicious.
I just feel down for some reason.
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