"Children of marriageable age? Do you think you're selecting concubines?" the emperor said irritably.
Ye Jingchen thought to himself, in a sense, isn't choosing a study companion the same as choosing a concubine?
Moreover, choosing a study companion is more important than choosing a concubine, after all, this is the foundation and basis for his future career in the court.
"My study companion must be the best!" Ye Jingchen counted on his fingers, "Looks, talent, character, and family background must all be the best!"
The tone and the demands sound more like a selection of concubines!
But damn it, it makes a lot of sense!
The emperor's lips twitched slightly. "Then I'll wait and see what kind of companion you'll ultimately choose—for reading!"
"It would be even better if the information included a portrait!" Ye Jingchen said excitedly.
He could have used the selection of study companions as an excuse to indulge in the fantasy of an emperor choosing his concubines.
Just you wait!
The emperor felt the 'selection of concubines' feeling even stronger now, and the old father suddenly felt a bit upset. He left with his men after uttering three words.
Halfway there, he instructed Zhang Shunde, "Spread the word that the Crown Prince is going to choose a companion for his studies. If anyone inquires about it, collect information from various sources and send it to the Crown Prince."
After thinking for a moment, he added, "It must include a portrait."
"Won't Your Majesty screen candidates for the Crown Prince first?" Zhang Shunde asked in surprise.
"Let him choose first. After he has made his choice, I will then help him make the selection. It will be a good opportunity to see his ability to judge people."
Ye Jingchen was unaware that the emperor's test for him was about to begin, but even if he had known, he wouldn't have cared.
He had read novels and knew a little about which wealthy families in the capital would produce successful children and which would raise spoiled brats, so he wouldn't make any mistakes.
Moreover, his choice of study companion was clear: the most important and crucial one was Xie Chang'an, the grandson of the Duke of Zhenguo.
Given Xie Chang'an's family background, he was more than qualified to be his study companion.
Being confined to the palace and still young, he has very few opportunities to leave. Choosing Xie Chang'an as his study companion may be his only chance to build a good relationship with Xie Chang'an.
He had this idea as early as when he wanted to find someone to accompany him to school to distract the teacher. He was planning to bring it up at a suitable time, but the emperor brought it up first. How could he possibly let go of this opportunity that was delivered to his doorstep?
"Jinghe, you're such a lucky star!" Ye Jingchen couldn't help but kiss the child in his arms again.
Ye Jinghe's appearance not only allowed him to easily find a breakthrough in winning over the young princes and suppress Consort Shu, but also gave him a chance to get to know the male lead. Isn't he his lucky star?
Then, the next moment, he ordered someone to prepare a bowl of white porridge for his lucky star.
The palace servants harbored resentment in their hearts, but dared not show it on their faces.
The porridge was served quickly, warm and just right for eating.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to feed him porridge, Ye Jingchen was finally able to put the clingy little Jinghe on the chair, freeing his hands.
When Ye Jinghe saw the white porridge, his eyes lit up instantly. He waved his hand as if he wanted to snatch it, but he restrained himself.
Ye Jingchen enthusiastically fed him porridge, feeding him a bite at a time, Ye Jinghe eating a bite, being incredibly obedient.
Ye Jingchen also enjoyed feeding them.
His little princess was spoiled by her grandparents and had very bad eating habits. At the same age of four, feeding her was like taking her life. It took half an hour of chasing after her to feed her a small bowl of rice, and she would still get food all over her mouth and body.
Unlike Ye Jinghe, who would obediently open his mouth when the spoon was near his lips and swallow very quickly without spilling a drop.
After finishing a bowl of porridge, he's still a clean and well-behaved baby.
"Jinghe, you're so great!" Taking the opportunity of praising him, Ye Jingchen kissed his smooth little face hard, successfully making Ye Jinghe's face turn red to the roots of his ears.
The palace maids served mouthwash tea.
Ye Jingchen ordered another cup to be served. He picked up a cup, took a sip, gurgled the tea in his mouth for a while, and finally spat it out.
He demonstrated the rinsing process to Ye Jinghe in slow motion, then gestured for Ye Jinghe to pick up another cup of tea.
Ye Jinghe was very clever; he learned it after just one look. He rinsed his mouth like Ye Jingchen had demonstrated, showing Ye Jingchen his white baby teeth.
"Jinghe is such a smart little brother!" Ye Jingchen praised him generously, reaching out to pat his head.
Ye Jinghe seemed very happy as well. Although he didn't smile, his eyes lit up when he looked at Ye Jingchen.
After the palace servants took the teacup from his hands, he reached out his hands to hug Ye Jingchen.
Ye Jingchen half-squatted down in front of him, his gaze level with his, but instead of reaching out to hug him as before, he looked at him seriously and slowly said, "Jinghe, little brother, you can understand what I'm saying, right?"
Ye Jinghe stretched out his hand, staring silently into his eyes.
"If you understand, just nod," Ye Jingchen guided.
Ye Jinghe hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly.
"How about your brother teaches you to speak? If you're willing to learn, just nod," Ye Jingchen said.
This time, Ye Jinghe did not nod, but just looked at Ye Jingchen quietly, though his hands were still stubbornly outstretched.
"Do you want your brother to hug you?" Ye Jingchen asked.
This time, Ye Jinghe nodded.
"I won't hug you," Ye Jingchen said decisively.
Ye Jinghe was stunned, and his eyes dimmed slightly as he looked at Ye Jingchen.
“Unless you can tell me,” Ye Jingchen added.
Ye Jinghe's expressionless face vividly revealed a troubled look. He moved his mouth, but no sound came out.
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