In the corner of the grand hall, Yuan Lang, once again with nowhere to turn, couldn't help but look up.
The Emperor of Yan, seated on the dragon throne, appeared gentle and noble, yet his gaze carried the cold, ruthless sharpness of an emperor.
The matters being discussed at this moment concerned his destiny.
But to Yuan Lang, being the companion to the Fifth Prince was no different from being the companion to the Second Prince; the former merely seemed more inferior, further humiliating him as the Crown Prince of Wei Country.
He wanted to laugh at himself but couldn't.
Rong Jing curved his eyes, peach blossom eyes gentle and warm, his voice slightly hoarse and intimate, but he made the decision on this matter:
"Wu is still young; from today onwards, he will study with Yunhao and Qi Jun at the Imperial Family school. As for the Crown Prince of Wei, let him be Qi Jun's companion reader."
The Emperor did not confer a title upon Rong Heng because, at Rong Heng's age, after receiving a title, he should establish a residence and office outside the palace rather than stay in the Imperial Family school.
Rong Shuo was stunned, unsure whether Rong Jing's decree was an insult or a pardon to Rong Heng.
Having his own royal brother study with his children...
The Emperor's words are as a Holy Decree; after Rong Jing spoke, there were no objections in Taihe Palace.
After a long while, Rong Shuo, somewhat unwillingly, asked, "Since Rong Heng is entering the Imperial Family school, surely he can't continue residing in the Imperial Court."
Rong Jing thought for a moment and said, "Then let him move to Xiaoxiang Palace, where his mother resided during her lifetime."
Rong Shuo lowered his eyes and spoke word by word:
"Your Majesty is indeed correct."
The court session ended.
Xie Yun followed behind Prime Minister Su, and just as they stepped out of Taihe Palace, Prime Minister Su halted, his aged face showing some doubt, and asked: "Jingqi, why did you speak for Qian Rui today, belittling Young Master Gu?
Minister Qian and I have always been at odds, if his son Qian Rui becomes the Heir's companion, perhaps even Prince Rui would favor the Qian Family. This move is harmful to the Su Family."
Xie Yun bowed and said, "Forgive me, teacher. In fact, what Jingqi said was in irony, to ensure that Young Master Gu gets selected."
"Oh?"
"One is an illiterate Young Master, the other a literary gifted Young Master Qian. Teacher, whom do you think His Majesty would allow to stay by the Princely Heir's side?" Xie Yun slowly asked, looking into the old Prime Minister's eyes.
A gleam flashed in Prime Minister Su's eyes, then he stroked his beard and smiled: "How could a minister fathom His Majesty's thoughts? Jingqi, be cautious in your words."
Xie Yun replied calmly and respectfully, "Disciple is grateful for the teaching."
Beyond Xuanwu Gate, Prime Minister Su and Xie Yun went their separate ways. Not long after, Gu Changting, who had been rolling his eyes at Xie Yun in court, sidled up next to his "archenemy," Xie Yun, and patted his shoulder.
"Jingqi, thank you for your 'kind words' about Gu Lan today. Now that the Emperor knows he is uneducated, he certainly won't select him as a companion, and he might cry less."
Xie Yun held back a laugh and asked, "Glad to not disappoint. But I still want to ask, Changting, did Young Master Gu really cry just to avoid being a companion?"
Gu Changting nodded earnestly, "Naturally, I saw it with my own eyes. This brother of mine is so anxious at the thought of being a companion that he was bawling in the back garden."
"Your brother is truly interesting."
...
"Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!"
In the Marquis Mansion, Gu Lan, who was lying on a rattan chair basking in the sun, sneezed three times in succession.
"Young Master, have you caught a cold? Shall I fetch a cloud blanket for you?"
Gu Lan waved his hand, "Most likely someone is thinking about me."
"Why is that?" Zijin asked, puzzled.
Gu Lan replied, "It's a story from a book."
"I see. Young Master is truly well-read." Zipei praised.
Zijin said, "I always feel the Young Master is just spouting nonsense..."
As the trio of master and servants chatted idly, Gu Changting arrived to share good news.
The courtyard where Young Master Gu lived was quiet and spacious, with a lush grape trellis on one side and towering purple bamboo forest on the other, a pond in the center with a few glistening goldfish swimming around, and two or three lotus flowers stretching their petals and sepals, exuding a refreshing fragrance.
This courtyard originally had no name, but a few days ago, Gu Lan had someone hang a plaque that read "Step Lotus Hall," showcasing his fondness for lotus flowers.
Gu Changting's gaze swept through Step Lotus Hall and saw Zijin on one side and Zipei on the other, thinking that his younger brother seemed much happier than he had imagined.
The Dingyuan Marquis family had long split, but the Second Young Master Gu's residence was next door to the Marquis Mansion, and the second house's Mrs. Wang also served the old madam.
However, no matter how close, there was still a high wall between them. As the eldest son of the second house, Gu Changting didn't often visit the inner courtyard of the Marquis Mansion.
The last visit was last month for Madam Zhou's birthday when Gu Changting, after drinking, wandered into the rear garden, just to see a tearful Young Master Gu.
He knew his cousin had been pampered since childhood and was extremely unwilling now that he was chosen to be Prince Rui's heir's companion, but he didn't expect the boy to be so anxious he cried secretly in the back garden.
"—Brother Lan, after Xie Jingqi spoke ill of you in court, the Emperor will definitely choose Qian Rui to be the companion. You don't need to be anxious anymore."
"Also, this is the sachet you said you liked last time. Who are you going to give it to now?"
Seeing Gu Lan, Gu Changting presented himself as an elder brother, steady and responsible, triumphantly announcing the happenings at court to Gu Lan.
At this moment, his cousin, whom their grandmother hailed as talented, already a Junior Minister of Honglu Temple at a young age, was holding two sachets, looking at him with a "seeking praise" expression, almost wagging an imaginary tail.
Gu Lan: "Thank you."