Xiao Xiaoyu was raised as a boy for half a year after he was born. It was not until the day he transformed that his two fathers realized that they had made a big mistake.
The newly born fish looked almost identical, so neither Qin Zhao nor Jing Li noticed anything wrong. It wasn't until they transformed into half-mermans that Jing Li could discern a slight difference between his daughter and the male fish through their tails.
As for why the two of them had always assumed that Xiao Xiaoyu was a son rather than a daughter, Xiao Yuzi should bear most of the responsibility.
Who could blame Xiao Xiaoyu for being called "little brother" even before he was born? Jing Li was used to his son saying whatever he said would come true, so he took Xiao Xiaoyu as his own son.
Unexpectedly, Jingli’s wish came true this time.
Afterwards, Jing Li reflected seriously for a long time. It was obvious that his daughter's fish shape was more slender than all the male fish, and her scales became more and more beautiful. How could he have mistaken her for a boy before?
Of course, this is all hindsight.
Fortunately, they discovered the truth early and it didn't cause any trouble.
The most serious problem is probably that the little fish cub continues to call his younger brother "brother" for a long time afterwards and cannot be changed no matter how much he is taught.
In fact, the brat couldn't tell the difference between his brother and sister.
As the little fish grew up, Jing Li discovered that his little daughter was not stupid at all, nor was she unable to transform. She just simply liked being a fish.
The two fathers taught and coaxed Xiao Xiaoyu until she was one year old, and finally she developed the habit of maintaining her human form for a long time.
The family was able to return to Beijing safely.
During his year-plus absence from the capital, the young emperor had also been busy, finally putting Qin Zhao's proposal for civil service reform on the table. After resistance from court officials, petitions, and numerous discussions and compromises, the cabinet was finally successfully established with the resolute support of General Xiao Yue.
After returning to the court, Qin Zhao was summoned to the cabinet by the young emperor as an exception and was appointed as a cabinet scholar, a fifth-rank official.
When the cabinet was first established, most of the cabinet scholars were selected from the Hanlin Academy. Qin Zhao, who had only been an official for less than a year, naturally caused some controversy when he entered the cabinet.
After all, others don't know that the idea of establishing a cabinet was originally proposed by him.
However, his current identity is not an ordinary official, but a dignified prince. Even if outsiders have complaints, they dare not say much in front of the emperor.
Moreover, as the cabinet gets on track, Qin Zhao's strength will eventually make everyone shut up.
Jing Li has always believed this.
There was no need for him to worry about Qin Zhao. After returning to Beijing, Jing Li continued his leisurely life of eating, drinking and playing with his children. He didn't even get angry no matter how naughty Xiao Xiaoyu was.
His baby daughter is so cute, how could she have any bad intentions?
A few years later, Xiao Yuzai was old enough to enter primary school and was sent to the Imperial College by Qin Zhao.
The capital's elementary schools were essentially government-run preschools, serving children of ministers of the seventh rank and above. They primarily taught young princes literacy, classics, and the Six Arts. Xiaoyuzi studied for seven years, leading directly to Imperial College admission. Upon graduation, they had the opportunity to be directly appointed to official positions and enter the court without having to pass the imperial examination.
This was the court's preferential treatment for the children of officials.
As for whether the little fish will eventually take this path, Jing Li does not force it.
Sending Xiaoyuzi to primary school was to help him learn to read and write, so that he could have a better life in the future. Jing Li and Qin Zhao respected his own ideas about his future and whether he wanted to become an official in the court, and they would not interfere.
Fortunately, Xiao Yuzai has been interested in studying since he was very young and has no objection to going to school.
On the contrary, Xiao Xiaoyu found it hard to accept.
On the day when his brother went to the Imperial College for the first time, Xiao Xiaoyu was crying loudly in the yard while holding his school bag, and he refused to let anyone leave.
Xiao Yuzai is now seven years old, but he is actually only a little over six. However, he thinks he is a big boy now and cannot cry in front of his sister.
His eyes were red, and he said with a firm look: "Don't worry, sister, I will be back soon!"
It was so tragic that the two seemed to be parting ways between life and death.
Jing Li couldn't bear to see her precious daughter cry, and her eyes reddened as she tried to comfort her. In the end, it was Qin Zhao who stopped this inexplicable emotional drama: "Qin Xiaoxiao, let go. You will be able to see your brother again in two hours."
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