By the time they were fifteen, they had all grown into teenagers.
Under the tutelage of the Zhao family, the two, one a scholar and the other a warrior, grew into handsome young men, each more striking than the last.
Zhao Xizhi was a gifted student and had already begun preparing for the imperial examinations. In contrast, Sima You was not good at studying and was waiting for Zhao Xizhi to enter the Imperial Academy so he could secretly leave the capital to join the army on the frontier.
He has already made plans for his future.
That evening, the Zhao family had a very lavish dinner.
Because Zhao Xizhi passed the Imperial Academy's exam, he will be able to study at the Imperial Academy tomorrow.
Fang Qing was very happy and specially asked the kitchen to prepare this sumptuous dinner.
"Son, you've worked hard. But don't feel pressured now that you're studying at the Imperial Academy. No matter how well you do, you'll always be my good son."
Fang Qing served food to Zhao Xizhi.
In Fang Qing's eyes, this was still her precious son whom she needed to take care of.
"Thank you, Mother, but I do not intend to study at the Imperial Academy."
Fang Qing and Zhao Shi'an paused in their act of picking up food, and Sima You also looked at Zhao Xizhi.
Fang Qing didn't react for a moment.
You were studying hard for the Imperial College exam before, so why are you suddenly saying you're not going?
Have you encountered any difficulties?
She had practically raised her son herself, so she knew his character well.
In her eyes, her son was too soft-hearted; if it weren't for Youyou, he would probably have suffered a lot of bullying.
Do you not want to go now because you feel lonely at the Imperial College?
"Why aren't you going again? I only secured an exam qualification for you because you wanted to enter the Imperial Academy. Now you're just saying you're not going?" Zhao Shi'an asked.
“I went to the Imperial College to audit a class a few days ago, and found that it was nothing special, not even as good as the classes my father taught me.”
These words pleased Zhao Shi'an.
"So what are your plans?"
"I want to go to Yongzhou to find my uncle."
Sima You almost spat out his food.
Fang Qing was also stunned.
"Your uncle comes back every two years, you've seen him before, what are you doing in Yongzhou? Aren't you going to study?"
“I won’t neglect my studies. I just heard that you and I lived in Yongzhou for a few years before. I want to go and see it, to experience a different culture. Maybe I can understand the obscure knowledge in the books on my journey.”
The child wanted to see the outside world, and Fang Qing had no reason to refuse. She looked at Zhao Shi'an and waited for him to speak.
Zhao Shi'an has always been encouraging in his approach to his children's education, and seeing that Fang Qing had no objections, he naturally wouldn't object either.
“Your idea is good, but you need to make thorough plans before you set off. Write a plan for your mother, and after she approves it, your father will arrange for people to help you on your journey.”
As soon as Zhao Shi'an finished speaking, Zhao Xizhi took out several sheets of paper.
"It's already written. Please take a look, Mother."
His innocent eyes were irresistible.
"Looks like you were prepared all along."
Fang Qing took over his plan, and Zhao Shi'an also looked at it together.
Sima You kept giving Zhao Xizhi meaningful glances.
Zhao Xizhi just gave him a mysterious smile, which made Sima You's face turn red with anger.
His plan was detailed, even including the post stations they would pass through along the way, so Fang Qing naturally agreed on the spot.
After the meal, Zhao Xizhi left first, and Sima You hurriedly chased after him.
Fang Qing watched the two children's retreating figures and couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
"Zhao Shi'an, is our son different from before, or has he just grown up?"
"Haven't things always been like this? Only you think your son is well-behaved and easy to bully."
"What? Didn't you stand up for your son before?"
"He can fool you at such a young age, how can I not do as he pleases?"
Fang Qing hesitated for a while before she understood what Zhao Shi'an meant.
She began to question the meaning of life.
Does Zhao Shi'an mean that her son has been a scheming boy since childhood?
Yeah?
No way?
Hasn't her son always been very well-behaved?
*
Sima You chased after him.
"Zhao Xizhi, what are you planning to do? Didn't we agree before that you would study at the Imperial Academy?"
Zhao Xizhi didn't even stop walking. She glanced at him and asked meaningfully, "I'm going to the Imperial Academy, and then you're sneaking off to Yongzhou?"
Sima You's expression froze for a moment.
"You, you're going too far. I'm the son of a prince, and I've been your slave for ten years. Isn't that enough to repay you?"
Zhao Xizhi gave a soft hum.
"Don't flatter yourself. Do you really think I'm not going to the Imperial Academy because of you? I just want to go to Yongzhou to take a look."
Sima You's expression changed.
"real?"
"Of course, if you don't believe me, I'll go to Yongzhou myself, you can go wherever you want."
Sima You chuckled twice and said, "You said it yourself, so I'll go..."
"Good brother, think it over carefully before you answer."
Sima You looked at his smiling face.
That's the expression.
He's smiling, but he gives you the illusion that you can only live by saying what he says.
This is based on ten years of experience growing up with Zhao Xizhi. If his answer does not satisfy Zhao Xizhi, then he may find another brilliant way to realize what Zhao Xizhi wants.
He gritted his teeth.
"I must have owed you something in my past life to be your slave in this one."
Zhao Xizhi patted his head.
"You know that's good. Listen to your brother, because making him angry has serious consequences, you know?"
He laughed and strode away, while Sima You punched and kicked his retreating figure, secretly venting his dissatisfaction.
Once Zhao Xizhi made a decision, no one could sway him. Three days later, Sima You and Zhao Xizhi rode away from the capital.
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