Chapter 147 The Responsibilities of the Heir Apparent
After the clamor of the investiture ceremony subsided, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion returned to its usual tranquility, but beneath this tranquility, subtle changes were brewing. The most obvious of these was among the heir apparent, Gu Mingxuan.
The six-year-old child seemed to have shed some of his childishness overnight. He would still run to Su Wanrou after school to show her the articles he had learned, and he would secretly bring his younger brother Gu Sheng candy figurines bought from outside, but deep in his clear eyes, there was a quiet sense of responsibility.
That morning, Mingxuan came to the main courtyard to pay his respects as usual. He had changed out of his crown and robes from yesterday and was wearing a moon-white brocade robe, his small frame standing ramrod straight.
"Greetings to Father and Mother."
Gu Yangui nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on his son for a moment: "Are you going to the clan school today?"
“Yes, Father. The Zongxue class will begin at Chenshi (7-9 AM), and I have prepared the writing materials.” Mingxuan answered in a very formal manner.
Su Wanrou felt sorry for him and said softly, "Let's have breakfast first. I asked the kitchen to make your favorite crab roe soup dumplings."
During the meal, Mingxuan still followed the rule of "not speaking while eating," but his manners were more refined than before. He would serve his parents first before quietly eating his own portion. Even Zhou, the nanny who served him, couldn't help but whisper to Su Wanrou, "The young master is becoming more and more refined."
After breakfast, Gu Yangui went to court, while Mingxuan was escorted by guards to the Imperial Academy located near the capital. It was a gathering place for eligible young men of royal relatives and descendants of meritorious officials, a microcosm of the future court of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Su Wanrou was initially worried that Mingxuan wouldn't adapt well to the sect, given that all the children there were of extraordinary backgrounds and had complex relationships. But to her surprise, Mingxuan seemed to adapt extremely well.
When Mingxuan returned home in the evening, he first reported to Su Wanrou what he had learned that day, as usual. Today, there was a hint of contemplation in his eyes.
“Mother, today at the Imperial Academy, the Prince of Qi’s heir and the third son of the Duke of Anguo’s family got into a fight over an archery target,” Mingxuan said as he took the warm tea that Su Wanrou handed him.
Su Wanrou's heart skipped a beat, and she asked, "Oh? What happened next?"
"Before the gentleman arrived, the two were at odds and almost came to blows." Mingxuan put down his teacup, his little face serious. "Then my son stepped forward to mediate and suggested that they settle the matter with a game of pitch-pot, with the winner shooting first and the loser waiting. He also said that classmates should prioritize harmony and not let trivial matters ruin their friendship."
Su Wanrou was somewhat surprised: "They listened to you?"
Mingxuan nodded: "The Prince of Qi and the Third Young Master of the Duke of Anguo looked at their son and agreed. After the game of pitch-pot, the Third Young Master of the Duke of Anguo won. Although the Prince of Qi was somewhat unhappy, he waited as instructed and did not argue further."
Su Wanrou looked at her son, her heart filled with both relief and mixed emotions. Mingxuan's method not only quelled the dispute and gave both sides a way out, but also inadvertently solidified his position among his classmates at the clan academy. This composure and ability to handle affairs far beyond his years were perhaps the earliest and most direct lessons he had learned from being the "heir apparent."
"You did a great job." Su Wanrou gently stroked his hair. "You must be reasonable and know how to get along with others."
Upon receiving his mother's affirmation, Mingxuan's eyes lit up for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure: "The teacher later praised his son, saying, 'The young master is reasonable and can resolve disputes and stop conflicts; that's good.'"
Since that day, Su Wanrou noticed that Mingxuan was not only diligent in his studies, but also began to pay attention to the affairs of the household. Sometimes she would handle some housework, and if Mingxuan was nearby, he would listen quietly, occasionally asking one or two naive but insightful questions.
"Mother, why is it that the grain harvest on the estate is better than in previous years, but the rent we've collected isn't much?" he asked, tilting his head after listening to the steward's report.
Su Wanrou praised him in her heart and patiently explained: "Because of the drought in the north last year, the farmers had a hard time. Your father ordered that the rent be reduced by 30% to allow them to recuperate. This year, the weather has been favorable and the harvest is good, but the rent will still be collected at the same rate as last year. The extra amount will be left to the farmers so that they can save some money and have more energy to cultivate next year."
Mingxuan nodded thoughtfully: "Father is kind. Although the family income is temporarily less due to the good harvest from the estate, the stability of the farm will ensure a good harvest next year, which is the long-term solution."
Gu Yangui happened to come in from outside. Hearing his son's words, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, which quickly turned into approval. He didn't disturb him, but simply stood by the door, quietly watching his wife patiently teaching their son under the lamplight and his child listening attentively, feeling a sense of peace in his heart.
After dinner that evening, Gu Yangui summoned Mingxuan to his study.
"I've heard that you've been handling things quite well at the Imperial Academy recently," Gu Yangui said calmly, looking at his son standing in front of the desk.
Mingxuan respectfully replied, "Your son simply keeps in mind your teachings, Father, to think things through carefully and to value harmony."
Gu Yangui picked up a thin booklet from the desk and handed it to Mingxuan: "These are some notes that I compiled in my spare time. They record some of my experiences in dealing with people and managing affairs. Take a look. If you don't understand anything, you can ask me."
Mingxuan accepted the booklet with both hands. The cover had no title, and the pages were yellowed, clearly the culmination of his father's years of hard work. He held it carefully in his hands, as if it were a priceless treasure: "Thank you, Father! I will certainly study it diligently!"
"Hmm." Gu Yangui nodded. "The position of heir apparent is not only an honor, but also a responsibility. You must know that your words and actions in the future will not only represent yourself, but also concern the reputation of the entire Duke's Mansion, and even, to a certain extent, influence His Majesty and the court's view of the descendants of nobles. Be cautious in your words and deeds, be kind to others, distinguish right from wrong, and adhere to principles. You must gradually come to understand these principles."
"I understand, son." Mingxuan nodded solemnly, his little face full of seriousness.
Time flows quietly like water. Mingxuan grew up quietly through daily learning, training, and the careful guidance of his parents. He was still a child, sometimes secretly whining to his mother when he was tired from martial arts practice, and sometimes overjoyed for half a day because of a word of praise from his father. But more often than not, the composure and responsibility he displayed far exceeded his age.
That winter solstice, as was customary, the Duke's Mansion was to preside over the ancestral rites. In previous years, Gu Yangui was the chief officiant, with Su Wanrou assisting him. A few days before the rites this year, however, Gu Yangui said to Mingxuan, "This year, you will be the chief officiant for the winter solstice rites."
Mingxuan paused for a moment, then solemnly replied, "Yes, Father."
Upon learning this, Su Wanrou was somewhat worried: "Xuan'er is still young, and the sacrificial rites are very complicated. Can he handle it?"
Gu Yangui said, “He’s not young anymore. When I was his age, I had already been to the battlefield with my father. Sacrifices are the duties of the heir apparent, and he will have to take on them sooner or later. With the clan elders and the official in charge of rites guiding him, there won’t be any mistakes. It’s a good opportunity for him to gain experience.”
In the following days, Mingxuan spent all his time, except when he went to the clan school, learning the sacrificial procedures from the clan elders and ritual officials, memorizing the prayers, and practicing the movements meticulously.
On the winter solstice, the weather was cold, but the ancestral hall was solemn and dignified. Gu Mingxuan, dressed in specially made sacrificial robes, stood at the very front. His small figure appeared particularly solemn in front of the wisps of incense and the ancestral tablets. He followed the rituals, offering incense, wine, and reciting the prayer. Each step was completed smoothly and precisely, his voice clear and his posture steady, without the slightest mistake.
Su Wanrou and Gu Yangui stood a little further back, watching their son's composed figure, their hearts filled with mixed emotions. She noticed that Gu Yangui's hands, clasped behind his back, were slightly clenched, revealing his inner turmoil.
After the sacrificial ceremony was completed, the elders of the clan nodded in praise, saying, "The young master is steady and capable of shouldering great responsibilities." Mingxuan did not show any pride, but simply bowed respectfully to the elders and then quietly retreated behind his parents.
On the carriage back to the manor, Mingxuan seemed to finally breathe a sigh of relief, quietly rubbing his calves, which were stiff from nervousness. Su Wanrou pulled him into her arms and whispered, "Xuan'er did exceptionally well today."
Mingxuan nestled in his mother's warm embrace, a shy smile finally appearing on his face: "Mother, I was so afraid of misreading the blessing just now."
“But you did nothing wrong, you did very well.” Gu Yangui rarely spoke up to affirm, and although his tone was still calm, it made Mingxuan’s eyes light up instantly.
At such a young age, he already shows signs of responsibility. The responsibilities of being the heir apparent are like an invisible burden, yet also like a powerful force, urging Gu Mingxuan to grow rapidly. Su Wanrou knows that the road ahead is long, but watching her son take each step steadily and firmly forward fills her heart with confidence and anticipation. Her Xuan'er will surely grow into a pillar of society, living up to everyone's expectations.
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