Wen Hemian never expected that Xie Lang would respond so seriously to her casual remark.
But upon closer examination, it makes sense.
Her habits from her modern life still influence her, and even though she tries to avoid them, she still unconsciously brings a touch of modernity to her teachings to Xie Lang.
The kings she raised were essentially a reflection of her; they shared similarities.
As long as it doesn't go too far beyond the course of the dynasty's development, it usually won't cause trouble, and from time to time, it might even bring her some surprises.
Xie Lang's ability to achieve this far exceeded Wen Hemian's expectations.
Everything is moving in a positive direction, which is great.
The two of them had a great time playing outside all day, not paying attention to any other trivial matters. Wen Hemian naturally didn't notice the deep, intense gaze the boy was giving her.
By the time the two of them were seated in the carriage, it was already dark. Wen Hemian rarely had such a good time. As soon as she rested, the neglected fatigue washed over her, and she couldn't help but yawn. Then she slowly looked up and said, "Let's take a bath with mugwort water when we get back to the manor, and then rest."
Xie Lang rested his chin on one hand and smiled obediently upon hearing this: "Does the Grand Tutor still think of me as a child? Only children are urged by their elders to bathe with mugwort."
"What kind of nonsense is this?" Wen Hemian chuckled. "Mugwort repels mosquitoes and removes dampness, and taking a medicinal bath is good for your health, no matter how old you are. It's just that children are playful, and if the elders don't remind them, they're afraid they'll forget."
Xie Lang gave a soft snort, it was unclear whether he accepted this explanation.
The carriage swayed and rocked as it left the bustling city. As the surroundings quieted down, Wen Hemian yawned again, feeling a bit sleepy.
She continued, going on from where she left off: "Time flies. In just over a year, His Majesty will be of legal age and will be given a courtesy name..."
Her voice was very soft, and Xie Lang could vaguely detect a touch of feminine gentleness in it, perhaps because she was not trying to hide it. He didn't speak, but just quietly watched her, his gaze falling silently down on her. Afraid of disturbing her, he only dared to carefully glance at the corner of her eye and catch a glimpse of tears glistening with weariness.
Only now has he suddenly realized that there is no flaw in this person.
Beautiful things can easily give rise to dark thoughts and a desire to destroy them.
"Speaking of which, has Your Majesty ever considered what courtesy name to give yourself?"
The act of choosing a courtesy name is usually done by elders or highly respected teachers, but Xie Lang is different. Wen Hemian knows that he is not someone who wants to be controlled, in any aspect.
Xie Lang remained silent: "...I haven't thought about it. Could the Grand Tutor help me choose one?"
Emperor Shun was a foolish and incompetent ruler who was fond of romantic affairs. Born into an ordinary noble family, he could be considered a romantic and talented man. As a result, the names of his children were quite good, which could be considered as retaining the royal style.
After his mother passed away, no one protected him anymore. His brothers openly and secretly mocked him, saying he was like a stray dog wagging its tail and didn't deserve his name.
Xie Lang found it funny at the time. What good is a good name when he can't even survive?
If it weren't for Wen Hemian's arrival... Xie Lang lowered his eyes, a cold, obscure light flashing in his gaze.
"Hmm, that might be a bit difficult."
Wen Hemian smiled and said, "It's still early. I'll think about it for His Majesty later."
In the original book... Xie Lang was just a villain. If he hadn't killed the male and female protagonists, causing the timeline to collapse, who would have seriously looked into his past? It ended with just a few sentences, maybe there were words, but she didn't know.
Thinking of this, Wen Hemian's smile faded a little. She couldn't empathize with the characters in the book, but Xie Lang in front of her was real and vivid. Therefore, she felt even more sorry for him. If it weren't for the circumstances, who would be willing to take this position?
Xie Lang smiled with delight: "Thank you, Grand Tutor. I look forward to it."
Wen Hemian felt even more heartache and subconsciously wanted to raise her hand to touch the boy's head, but halfway there she suddenly realized it was inappropriate. Just as she was about to pat his shoulder instead, Xie Lang took the initiative to come over.
The young emperor, disregarding his own size, squeezed in close to her, his dark eyes filled with joy. He touched her hand with his head and nuzzled it.
"Has the Grand Tutor finally stopped distancing himself from me?"
Startled by the revelation, Wen Hemian blinked twice, then calmly asked, "When have I ever distanced myself from His Majesty?"
"What do you mean it's gone? When I was young, the Grand Tutor could do whatever he wanted without caring whether I refused or not. Now he's hesitating. Isn't that distancing himself from me?"
Xie Lang spoke with conviction.
Wen Hemian awkwardly tugged at her lip.
Her fingers twitched unconsciously, and she actually ruffled Xie Lang's hair again. He'd grown up, and his hair had hardened, making it a little prickly.
She leaned back, trying to distance herself from the boy's aura, and said teasingly, "Didn't His Majesty forbid me from continuing to treat you like a child?"
After being struck by the boomerang, Xie Lang remained silent for a moment.
Like a poor little dog with droopy ears.
Wen Hemian chuckled at her own association: "Okay, okay, I get it."
From Xie Lang's accusations, Wen Hemian also reflected on herself. It's no wonder Xie Lang noticed so quickly; she had indeed made it too obvious.
Once you get used to something, it's not so easy to adapt, but that doesn't mean she'll change her mind. At most, she'll slow down and make it less obvious in the future.
Xie Lang will eventually have to get used to it.
Wen Hemian raised his chin: "Then now, Your Majesty, please step back, I'm almost out of space!"
The carriage is only so big. Doesn't Xie Lang have any idea what he's doing?
Xie Lang touched his nose guiltily: "Okay."
Back at the Prince's Mansion, as expected, Uncle Lu had someone prepare mugwort water, and Wen Hemian and Xie Lang went back to their rooms to wash up.
After bathing, Wen Hemian raised her hand and smelled her own body. The faint scent of mugwort was pleasant.
Since Xie Lang was staying overnight, Wen Hemian put on a corset just in case. It was really uncomfortable to wear it for a long time, so she never went out to wander around when she had nothing to do. She was much more comfortable in the Prince's mansion.
Just as she finished dressing, Wen Hemian heard a knock on the door. She straightened her clothes, looked in the bronze mirror to make sure everything was in order, and then went outside.
"They're here."
It was Xie Lang who knocked on the door; Wen Hemian could tell from the force of the knock.
She opened the door: "It's nighttime, what brings Your Majesty here?"
Perhaps because she had just finished bathing, Wen Hemian was only wearing a clean and soft white nightgown, her hair loosely tied and draped over her shoulders, her neck slender and smooth, and her whole person seemed to be covered with a hazy mist, making people feel soft.
Xie Lang nearly lost his composure: "...There's something I forgot to give to the Grand Tutor."
A colorful rope was placed in the boy's raised palm.
He stammered, "I... I saw them for sale on the street, so I bought them secretly."
Wen Hemian chuckled: "This is more suitable for Your Majesty. But since it's a gift from Your Majesty, I'll accept it."
As she spoke, she took the colorful rope and, wanting to show her appreciation, immediately put it on.
It was difficult to do with one hand, so Xie Lang silently reached out and helped her put it on.
A colorful rope, symbolizing good fortune, hangs on a fair wrist, making it eye-catching.
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