Xu Rao and Wu Muyue have reached a consensus on Xu Bai and Chen Yuyuan's studies. Chen Yuyuan is destined to ascend the throne, and he should start studying the ways of the emperor now. Xu Rao has already told Wu Muyue that Chen Yuyuan should also understand how ordinary people live. When he governs the country, he should lead the people to live a good life. Only when he understands in his heart what kind of life is good for the people can he truly govern the country well.
As for Xu Bai, Xu Rao and Chen Zhaoci still hoped that Xu Bai could pursue his hobbies or even his desired career after passing the imperial examination. After all, having the status of a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) would make him more respected no matter what he did. Otherwise, if he went to the Ministry of Works to learn from some craftsmen now, he would only be laughed at as a craftsman in the future. This era is not as friendly to these craftsmen as it is in modern times.
Wu Muyue was a very good teacher who arranged a reasonable curriculum based on the personalities of the two children.
Xu Bai seemed to have thought of something, but he didn't look disappointed. He said to Xu Rao, "Father, Uncle will definitely agree to let A Yuan and me go to the border with my brother-in-law. I'm confident of that."
Xu Rao asked with great interest, "Oh? Tell your father, what gave you this confidence?"
Xu Bai chuckled and said, "A Yuan and I are learning kung fu from A Jin and the others. We need to test how well we've learned it. Isn't it the best way to go with my brother-in-law to the border and train with those soldiers?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Rao chuckled and stroked the three strands of beard that had grown under his chin, saying, "Alright, then you can discuss it with your uncle when the time comes."
The next day, Xu Gao and Xu Yao brought Tuan Ge'er to their home.
Tuan Ge'er is already three years old. He's a chubby little pink dumpling who isn't shy around strangers. Although he's a bit unwell because of a rash, he'll call out to people when asked, and he'll laugh happily when teased, which makes Xu Bai adore him.
Chen Zhaoci examined him and found it was a seasonal rash. He said it would be fine once it appeared, but he still prescribed some medicine and told him to brew and drink it properly.
Xu Bai pulled Chen Yuyuan and put Tuan Ge'er on the kang (a heated brick bed). He taught the child to speak and made the child giggle. With the child in the room, Chen Zhaoci suddenly felt that the room was a bit small.
After lunch, Chen Zhaoci saw the person off at the gate before returning to her own courtyard. Xu Bai was still waiting in her room. Seeing Chen Zhaoci return, he smiled and said, "Mother, the child is so cute. I wonder when my elder brother and sister-in-law will have a little nephew or niece."
Chen Zhaoci said, "They both have their own plans, so we can't rush them."
Xu Bai wrinkled his nose upon hearing this and said, "You and Dad spoil us too much. Don't most families start pressuring their daughters-in-law to have children as soon as they enter the family? Why do you let them plan as they please?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhaoci looked at Xu Bai meaningfully and said, "Are you complaining that your father and I give you too much freedom?"
Xu Bai didn't understand the meaning behind Chen Zhaoci's words and said, "It's not that, it's just that now that we're married, having a child is a natural thing, right? Besides, I'm waiting to become an uncle, aren't I?"
Chen Zhaoci said, "Uncle will make you the one sooner or later, Xiao Qi. I think you've gotten a little cocky since your older brother isn't around. That's not good. If you don't tone it down, and you don't watch your words when you see your older brother, he'll take your words to heart, and you'll be the one who looks bad then."
Xu Bai suddenly recalled the tragic past when he was controlled by his elder brother, and he shivered involuntarily. He took Chen Zhaoci's hand and said, "Mother, you still love me the most. I will definitely pay attention in the future, I will definitely pay attention."
Xu Di, far away in Tai'an, sneezed. Li Yuexi, who was sitting opposite him, put down her needlework and asked with concern, "Husband, are you feeling unwell?"
Xu Di rubbed his nose and said, "It's nothing, I just sneezed."
Li Yuexi took it to heart. Xu Di would be leaving the field next year, and now was a crucial time, so he had to stay healthy.
Li Yuexi quickly poured him a cup of hot tea and said, "Husband, have some hot tea first, and I'll go make you a bowl of ginger soup."
Xu Di quickly grabbed him and said, "Don't be nervous, I'm really fine."
Li Yuexi said, "Husband, drinking a bowl of ginger soup at this time is always good for your health. I'll drink it with you."
Watching his wife's hurried figure disappear into the distance, Xu Di couldn't help but shake his head.
It's already the hottest time of the year. The academy has many trees, and since it's located at the foot of the mountain, it gets quite hot during the day at noon, and you even need a blanket to sleep at night.
Xu Di thinks that the climate has been very pleasant in recent years, probably because there is no greenhouse effect. In the past, Xu Di was quite afraid of summer, thinking that it was too hot and he really couldn't get through it without air conditioning. In recent years, he has gradually adapted to the temperature here. Even in the south, where the summer is humid and hot, Xu Di feels that he can still bear it.
Li Yuexi moved quickly, and soon brought over two bowls of dark, ginger-scented soup. Xu Di watched helplessly as Li Yuexi placed one bowl in front of him, while he sat opposite her at the kang table, picked up the other bowl, and said, "Husband, Mother-in-law said that drinking ginger soup is best in the summer. If we drink it tonight, it will dispel any coldness in our bodies, and if we don't feel cold, it will help us sweat."
Xu Di had no choice but to pick up the bowl, hold his breath, and drink the still-hot ginger soup in one gulp.
Li Yuexi quickly poured him some water and said reproachfully, "Oh dear, drink slowly, it's still a bit hot."
Xu Di didn't bother talking to her anymore. He picked up the water and took two big gulps until there was no taste in his mouth, and only then did he feel a little better.
Xu Di really couldn't get used to those herbal soups. He always felt that they had a strange taste that made him feel nauseous and sick. Fortunately, he was in good health and rarely caught a cold.
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