Wen Hemian has lived here for more than ten years, and all the novelty has worn off now. She finished the sugar painting in a few bites, and when she looked back at Xie Lang, who was still taking small bites with care, she felt a little bitter: "I'll buy you more later if you want some. You don't have to be so careful."
Xie Lang smiled sweetly, much cuter than when she was pretending to be serious, and it showed a rare sincerity: "Okay, thank you, teacher."
"What's there to thank me for?"
Wen Heming chuckled.
Education emphasizes all-round development in morality, intelligence, physical fitness, aesthetics and labor. When they came out of the palace to play, Wen Hemian did not spoil the fun at all. She did not mention the matter of schoolwork at all. She took Xie Lang to visit all over the capital in one day, fully satisfying the child's curiosity.
They had a great time, but their companions were quite frustrated.
"Isn't she the young emperor's tutor? Is she just leading the young emperor astray like this?"
"He's supposed to be the youngest top scholar, but I think he's just a child at heart. He can't even get anything out of his hands, so he definitely wouldn't dare to go against the adults."
"That's true."
The two spies whispered among themselves, lowering their guard in unison. No matter how impatient they were, they had to continue the mission, so they followed furtively.
Wen Hemian knew, of course, that there were two rats following her, but she didn't care; this was the effect she wanted.
Is there anything better than quietly eroding the enemy's vigilance?
Ning Hechu wants to cultivate a puppet emperor, so she will do as he wishes, only to see who the ultimate winner will be in the end.
Anyone can lure someone into a trap.
"Teacher, let's go back."
Xie Lang was listening to a storyteller tell a story. The storytellers in the capital had their own set of skills. Their tone was melodious and dramatic, and the stories they told were exciting and very attractive. He had just listened to one of their stories and was a little reluctant to leave when it ended.
With just a glance at the sky outside, Xie Lang sensibly understood that they should go back. In a little while, the palace gates would be locked, and even if he was the emperor in name only, it would be difficult for him.
"No rush, A-Lang will stay at my residence tonight."
Wen Hemian blinked: "Didn't I say I prepared some things? If we're tired, we can go back now?"
A few breaths were enough for Xie Lang to calm himself down. Besides, he was indeed curious about what Wen Hemian had prepared, so he nodded and said, "Let's go back."
The journey was much faster than returning to the palace. By the time they arrived at the Prince of Huailing's residence, the sun had already set. The gatekeeper, seeing them return, hurriedly went in and called out. Qingyun quickly came out and, upon seeing Xie Lang, showed a hint of curiosity in her eyes, but her expression remained calm: "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Xie Lang raised his hand, indicating that she didn't need to be so polite.
The weather was chilly, so Wen Hemian casually handed him a hand warmer, smiling gently: "Come on, let's go see your house."
Wen Hemian didn't give Xie Lang a chance to speak, and put her arm around his shoulder and led him to the prepared room.
Before long, Xie Lang saw the room that had been specially prepared for him.
The room was very clean, and it's no exaggeration to say that it was even better than the palace where he lived. The key point was that there were many books, and all the necessary writing materials were provided. It didn't look like a room that had been temporarily set up for entertaining guests.
“If Your Majesty leaves the palace in the future, it will not be safe for you to stay outside. This room will not be given to anyone else, so Your Majesty may wish to come here.”
Wen Hemian had already made plans. She wanted to cultivate a teacher-student relationship with Xie Lang. She needed to spend time with him and show him genuine affection. In other people's eyes, she was an outsider and it was inconvenient for her to stay in the palace often, but that did not mean that Xie Lang could not come out.
Moreover, the Prince of Huailing's residence is the only place where one can completely escape Ning Hechu's sight, making it convenient to do anything there.
Wen Hemian asked, "Does Your Majesty like it?"
Xie Lang didn't look up. His breath trembled, and his fingertips clenched slightly. Even without seeing it with his own eyes, he could vaguely guess how gentle Wen Hemian's expression must be.
He said, "I like it, I like it very much."
No one had ever treated him as well as the Grand Tutor. People's hearts aren't made of stone. Xie Lang used a cold exterior to disguise himself, just to avoid getting hurt. But now, that shell seemed to be slowly melting away.
Xie Lang sniffed, then looked up at Wen Hemian intently, his dark eyes filled with stubbornness: "Wen Hemian, you must never betray me."
What kind of thought process is that?
Wen Hemian found it both funny and heartbreaking, and poked his cheek: "I know. If you dare to call me by my full name again, I'll punish you."
Xie Lang pursed his lips and remained silent.
...
For dinner, they had noodles. Xie Lang's bowl had two beautiful poached eggs on top, and two tender little green vegetables next to it, making it look especially tempting.
“It’s longevity noodles.” Wen Hemian explained softly, afraid that he wouldn’t know. “Today is His Majesty’s birthday, so we should eat longevity noodles. There are also birthday gifts. I’ll take you to see them after we finish eating.”
During the short trip, Xie Lang felt a mix of emotions. He finally realized why the Grand Tutor was hiding such a secret. Birthday was a very unfamiliar word to him. He had seen his brothers celebrate their birthdays, but he had never had any expectations for it.
If suffering is what awaits him from birth, he would rather not be born at all.
But now someone is telling him that his birthday is also worth preparing for, and that he is also someone who is expected to grow up.
Wen Hemian urged, "Don't just stand there, the noodles are about to clump together, they won't taste good later."
Xie Lang gave a soft "hmm," picked up the noodles, and began to eat slowly, even drinking the soup clean.
Wen Hemian was afraid that he was sensitive, so she didn't tease him this time. After dinner, she took him straight to see the birthday gifts.
It is a delicate and small hidden arrow.
"I have been thinking hard, but I don't know what to give Your Majesty. After the assassination attempt last time, I thought it would be better to give something practical. This hidden blade was made after many tests. Your Majesty can carry it with you to protect yourself."
Wen Hemian raised an eyebrow: "Want to give it a try?"
Xie Lang succinctly replied: "Try."
She immediately had someone bring over a target, and Xie Lang, wearing his sleeve arrow, fired a shot that hit the bullseye.
The child's eyes shone with undisguised fervor: "I love it!"
"If you like it, that's fine."
Wen Hemian breathed a sigh of relief; giving birthday gifts was truly a difficult task.
"Grand Tutor." Xie Lang lowered his hand, glanced at her hesitantly, and said his thoughts, "From now on, in private, please don't call me Your Majesty."
Wen Hemian paused for a moment: "Call him... A-Lang?"
"Hmm." Xie Lang smiled. "There's no need for us to be so formal."
I don't know why he suddenly changed his personality, but since it's Xie Lang's birthday, Wen Hemian will do her best to fulfill his wish: "Okay."
Having achieved his goal, Xie Lang quietly released his hand. Before he could even relax, he heard a loud bang behind him, and the world seemed to light up instantly. He stiffly turned around and saw fireworks, blooming all over the sky, as dazzling as fire trees and silver flowers.
Wen Hemian said with a smile, "I forgot to mention, I also prepared fireworks for Alang."
"Today I am the only one celebrating your birthday, but in the future there will be many more people."
A gentle touch landed on his shoulder, and Xie Lang's eyes welled up with tears. He then heard her say, "Happy birthday to my Emperor, may you live a long and peaceful life."
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