Lanqin was taken aback. She looked at Honghui and saw that his little face was flushed red. Da and A's words had undoubtedly made him lose face in front of his friends. Although these children were his study companions and their status was not as high as his, that was only in the eyes of the adults. Children did not yet have such deep-rooted prejudices about birth and social class.
"Honghui, would you like to play this game with us?" Lanqin walked over to Honghui and sat down next to him.
Honghui's hand was gripping the chopsticks tightly, revealing a fierce internal struggle within him.
“Honghui, it’s okay. You just need to tell me what you really think. If you really don’t want to play, Aunt Niu won’t force you.” Lanqin looked at the little boy, so conflicted, and said with a pang of sympathy, while placing her hand on his back and stroking him.
Honghui glanced at Lanqin, then at Haha Zhuzi staring at him. He really wanted to play with everyone. However, when he told his mother about the game Aunt Niu had designed yesterday, she objected. His mother even said some things he didn't quite understand, essentially telling him not to get too close to Aunt Niu, and not to waste time playing, but to focus on his studies to secure his position as heir apparent. Honghui's mind replayed what his wife had said, as if he hadn't heard Lanqin's words.
"Aunt Niu, I still have many articles to read, I don't have time to play." Honghui finally suppressed his true thoughts and said these words according to what his mother had taught him.
Everyone looked disappointed when they heard him say this, but because of his status, they didn't say anything.
"Big brother, let's go play! I think Aunt Niu's game will be a lot of fun, you should come too!" The Third Prince was only four or five years old and had a straightforward personality. Hearing Honghui say that they couldn't go play, he was the most anxious because he knew that they were all Honghui's little bastards. If Honghui didn't go, the little bastards naturally couldn't go either.
Honghui glanced at Hongjun, wanting to say something, but held back and didn't, letting him plead on the other end.
Lanqin was about to intervene when she saw that Fourth Master had already reached the door of the main house.
Huh, why is Fourth Master back so early today?
Before she could even speak, Fourth Master said with a smile, "Why is Hongjun bothering your elder brother?"
Seeing Hongjun and Honghui finally getting along like brothers, the Fourth Prince was truly happy. He had been sent to be raised by Empress Xiaoyiren from a young age. Although he was more privileged than other princes living in the Prince's Residence or with their own mothers, he was very lonely. While his living conditions were much better than other ordinary princes, he genuinely envied their companions. After Empress Xiaoyiren's death, he thought he would return to Consort De's side, but unexpectedly, he was raised by Emperor Kangxi instead. He remained lonely, with no other playmates besides his thirteenth brother, who also lacked a mother's care. It was from that time that the Fourth Prince and the thirteenth prince became best friends. Ironically, the thirteenth prince's birth mother, Consort Min, was brought to Emperor Kangxi's side after her death, while his birth mother, still alive and holding a high position, never came to take him back.
Having lacked brotherly love since childhood, the Fourth Prince especially cherished the brotherly bond with the Thirteenth Prince. He also deeply understood the pain of Honghui and Hongjun, who lived in the same mansion, having their blood ties severed because their mothers were not the same. Therefore, he was determined not to let what had happened to him befall his sons. He would remove any obstacle that could prevent the brothers from getting along harmoniously and growing up together.
When Honghui and the others saw that the Fourth Master had arrived, they all stood up and bowed. Lanqin also bowed to the Fourth Master respectfully. She couldn't be too presumptuous with the Fourth Master in front of the children!
"Father, Aunt Niu designed a 'CS' game with us, and we were supposed to play it together, but now my eldest brother says he doesn't want to play anymore. Father, please let my eldest brother play with us!" The Third Prince saw the Fourth Prince coming, ran up to him, grabbed the hem of his robe, and said anxiously.
The Fourth Prince affectionately stroked the Third Prince's head, then placed his hand on the boy's shoulder and walked together to the table, where he helped Lanqin sit down.
"Finish your lunch first before deciding whether to eat or not." Fourth Master glanced around, then looked at the clothes in Xi Cha's hands, before taking the chopsticks offered by Huan Bi and starting to eat.
Seeing that the Fourth Prince was eating, the other children also picked up their chopsticks and continued eating. Since they were with Lanqin, they basically didn't need any eunuchs to serve them anymore, and the eunuchs who served the Fourth Prince and the two princes had to stand outside.
"Master, why are you back so early today?" Lanqin asked tentatively.
"Today is the Ministry of Revenue's day off, so it's my turn. What's wrong? With me here, are you all not enjoying your meal?" Fourth Master asked deliberately.
As soon as these words were spoken, the children quickly started eating.
"Master, why don't you play 'CS' with us today? I've been wondering whether I should participate in the game we designed for them. If you join, then each team will have an adult," Lanqin suggested, suddenly finding an idea.
At this moment, even Honghui stared at the Fourth Master, wondering whether he would agree or not! But in their hearts, they all hoped that the Fourth Master would agree, because he was almost an idol in their eyes! Honghui's heart jumped. He had just said he wouldn't participate. If his father had already participated, would it be displeasing to his father if he didn't participate? But if he did participate, what would happen to his mother?
Fourth Master scanned everyone's faces, finally settling on Honghui's face, and asked in confusion, "Why don't you want to participate in this game?"
Seeing Honghui's conflicted expression, Lanqin could only say, "Honghui is afraid of interfering with Master Zhu's studies. This child is really too diligent in his studies."
Fourth Master said gently, "Only by combining study with play, and balancing work with rest, can one persevere. If you only study and don't pay attention to rest, you will develop a dislike for studying, and in the long run, this will be detrimental to your studies."
Wow! Fourth Master, your teaching theories are really modern! Lanqin thought to herself, her face beaming with joy. She really couldn't bring herself to advise Honghui directly; only the Fourth Master's intervention would be appropriate.
Honghui lowered his head, thought for a moment, and said to Fourth Master with a blush, "If Father is participating, then of course I will participate."
Lanqin silently made a small tree branch for the Third Prince, who smiled knowingly and secretly gave Lanqin a "V" sign in return!
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