Ah Ying is precocious.
Even before it could walk, it was incredibly clever, babbling and bewildering all the servants.
After he could remember things, he showed even more intelligence and talent. He could write poetry at the age of three and martial arts at the age of five. He spent his days climbing on the roof and tearing off the tiles in the palace. His lively energy was simply irresistible.
But the little princess was too adorable. Not only was she kind and gentle, but she also never bullied anyone. Her smiling eyes could dispel any anger. Therefore, the palace servants all kept the same story and never complained to the emperor or empress.
When Ah Ying was in front of her parents, she also appeared innocent and harmless, considerate and sensible, and the two sides covered for each other.
However, the palace is only so big, and it's full of Xie Lang's people. The little princess thought she had kept it a secret, but in reality, all her little tricks were seen by the two of them.
They just see through it but don't say it.
Wen Hemian smiled and turned a page of the book: "I was indeed worried too early back then. Judging from her appearance, there shouldn't be any problem with Aying taking charge."
From the moment Ah Ying was born, they designated her as the crown prince. Although no imperial edict had been issued to formally establish her, everyone knew the truth.
In addition to the personal instruction from Wen Hemian and Xie Lang, several other learned teachers were also invited to teach her.
The initial task wasn't that heavy, but the little girl did it herself and also had several teachers help her. In the end, her learning progress far exceeded expectations, and the teachers praised her highly, both openly and subtly, many times.
"That's good." Xie Lang was full of plans. "Learn more, and when the time is right, hand over this position to her as soon as possible."
Others raise daughters to cherish them, but Xie Lang raises daughters to get rid of the blame as soon as possible.
Wen Hemian glared at him: "Don't you even consider whether Aying is willing or not?"
Xie Lang thought to herself that she was quite pleased.
Before the words could even leave her lips, the little girl's voice arrived before she did. She had been skipping around, but she suddenly stopped at the entrance of the hall and walked in properly.
She performed a proper curtsy, her voice sweet: "Father, Mother!"
The little girl, who was already six years old, still had a bit of baby fat on her cheeks, her hair was tied in cute little buns, and her eyes were watery. She had beads of sweat on her forehead from playing in the sun.
Her serious demeanor couldn't be maintained for long before it crumbled. With a wave of her hand, the little girl immediately rushed forward and threw herself into her arms, softly calling her "Mother." Her skill in acting coquettishly was even more adept than that of His Majesty back then.
Xie Lang was extremely envious, but he couldn't possibly compete with his daughter for her favor, so he could only watch jealously from the sidelines.
Wen Heming wiped the sweat from Aying's forehead with a handkerchief and asked gently, "Have you finished your homework?"
"Uh-huh."
As Aying nodded, she rubbed her palm against Wen Hemian's palm again. Her favorite person was her mother!
"To reward A-Ying for her hard work these past few days, your father and I have discussed it and we can grant you one request. As long as it's not excessive, we'll agree. Is there anything you want?"
The couple adopted a laissez-faire approach to raising their child, letting her be as she pleased as long as she didn't go astray. As a result, Ah Ying was an exceptionally opinionated young girl.
"Really?"
The little girl's eyes lit up, and she quickly came up with an idea.
"I was reading poetry a couple of days ago, and the teacher taught me a line: 'The bridge is like a rainbow, the water is like the sky, and a leaf drifts in the misty rain.' It is said to describe the scenery of Jiangnan, but I have never been to Jiangnan!"
Ah Ying's eyes were filled with anticipation.
She was young after all. Although she wasn't very confined in the capital, she hadn't had the chance to go out all these years, so it was understandable that she longed for the vast world outside.
After thinking it over, Wen Hemian said, "It's almost summer, so let's pack up and head to Jiangnan incognito to escape the heat."
There are palaces left by their ancestors over there. On their way there, they can also broaden the little girl's horizons.
"Okay!" Ah Ying stood on tiptoe and kissed her mother on the cheek. "Mother is the best!"
After saying that, she seemed to realize something was wrong. She glanced to the side and quickly grabbed Xie Lang's hand, whispering, "Father is good too!"
Although her father always tried to take her mother away from her, Ah Ying was broad-minded and decided not to argue with him.
Having received the reward, Aying's heart soared. Wen Hemian then inquired about her daily life before finally letting her go.
She turned to Xie Lang with a smile: "Look, even His Majesty the Emperor can't resist his daughter."
So stingy.
But that's understandable.
Over the years, Xie Lang had grown accustomed to her always focusing her attention on him. With multiple children in the middle, he was not used to it and could only gradually adapt in his own way.
It's not that I dislike Ah Ying, it's just that I'm not used to expressing myself.
Wen Heming could see it, and so could the clever little Aying.
"Grand Tutor has been talking about me for so long..." Xie Lang muttered as he moved closer to her, affectionately pressing his cheek against hers, and tried to negotiate with her, "After we return from Jiangnan, how about we name A-Ying as the Crown Prince?"
At Aying's age, she's at the age where she's very clingy, which means they don't have much time alone together, much to Xie Lang's resentment.
Wen Hemian reluctantly agreed, "Okay."
The idea of traveling incognito was not just talk. In the following days, Wen Hemian and Xie Lang were busy settling matters in the court. Over the years, they had recruited more and more talented people, and it was no longer the time when they were short of manpower.
Having selected the ministers who would accompany them, the rest also needed to be properly arranged.
After finalizing everything, the group changed into their own clothes, packed their bags, and set off.
Wen Heming and Xie Lang had both traveled this road, but their feelings were different after so many years. They could ride their horses along, but Aying, being young, insisted on going with Wen Chengyuan. No one could persuade her otherwise, so they had no choice but to let her go.
Qin Yi looked at A Ying with a smile: "Why aren't you with Father and Mother?"
Ah Ying whispered, "Because Father has a lot to say to Mother."
Wen Chengyuan chuckled and playfully pinched the little girl's nose: "You're such a little devil!"
Children are much smarter than you think; Ah Ying knows everything.
Ah Ying also giggled.
Looking at the scene before her, Qin Yi couldn't help but feel a lump in her throat. In the past, they never imagined that they would live such a good life in the future.
Fortunately, after hardship comes happiness.
The journey was filled with laughter and joy.
When we arrived at the imperial palace, the lotus flowers in the garden were in full bloom. As far as the eye could see, the green and pink flowers intertwined, forming a lush and verdant expanse. The gentle breeze reflected on the water, making us feel refreshed and relaxed.
Boating on the water is cool and pleasant.
Xie Lang reached out and picked a lotus seedpod, peeled off the lotus seeds, removed the heart, and personally fed it to Wen Hemian. With one bite, it tasted sweet and refreshing.
"It would be good for making porridge." Wen Heming leaned against the emperor's shoulder, her eyes half-closed, her whole body relaxed. Her voice softened as she began to list the delicacies she knew, "There are also lotus flower pastries, lotus flower drinks..."
Xie Lang turned his head and touched his forehead with hers: "We can stay for a long time, we can try slowly."
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