Chapter 888: Chapter 886: Reading Companion (4)

Min furrowed his brows tightly, seemingly still pondering the pros and cons of being a reading companion. Xiqiu already said, "You don’t need to worry, this matter has just been decided." With that, she glanced at Fourth Master Xiao and said to Min, "You should go back to rest first. Tomorrow I’ll talk to you in detail."

At this moment, Min’s mind was filled with thoughts about being a reading companion, and he nodded blankly before returning to his courtyard.

Xiqiu watched him leave, then returned to the room with Fourth Master Xiao, and directly asked Fourth Master Xiao, "Did you already know about this, Fourth Master?" She thought of the opportunity Fourth Master Xiao had mentioned.

Fourth Master Xiao nodded without any hesitation, and Xiqiu asked indignantly, "Then why didn’t you tell me explicitly?"

"I saw you were worried about the Consort Le, so I couldn’t bear to tell you this." Xiqiu understood what he was saying, fearing she’d think he was adding insult to injury. She was stunned and replied, "But I am really angry now."

Fourth Master Xiao then held her hand and said softly, "This... is also the Emperor’s decision."

Xiqiu was startled, looking at him incredulously and asked, "The Emperor’s decision?" Fourth Master Xiao nodded and said, "After the Emperor met with Min, he came up with this idea."

How could this happen!

The Emperor decided on this after seeing Min that day? So that’s why he suddenly wanted to test Min’s knowledge?

But letting Min become the reading companion to the Eldest Prince is tantamount to putting him in danger. Does the Emperor think this is a kind of experience for Min, or does he believe he has the ability to protect Min safely? Or is the Emperor intending to acknowledge Min, allowing the brothers to be together day and night from a young age so that even if conflicts arise in the future, they would still care about their brotherly bond?

She felt a sense of powerlessness, suddenly able to understand Fourth Master Xiao’s feelings. Min is a prince; now his biological father, due to various reasons, wants to keep his child by his side, even if not to announce it to the world, as they are unable to interfere.

Saying too much would make the Emperor feel they are threatening and boasting, or even create a rift with Fourth Master Xiao. The only option is to go along with the Emperor’s decision, let Min enter the palace, and protect him in secret later.

"What does Fourth Master plan to do?" Xiqiu asked solemnly.

Fourth Master Xiao gently tapped his index finger on the table and said word by word, "I don’t oppose the Emperor’s actions. If Min is bound to return in the future, then the experience now is also growth for him." He paused and looked at Xiqiu again and said, "He still has my protection now, but in the future, he will be alone!"

Xiqiu rubbed her forehead but couldn’t speak, yes, he is still Fourth Master Xiao’s son now, even if someone doubts, they have to consider Fourth Master Xiao. If Min can learn complete independence and the ability to handle everything among this, it is not a bad thing for him.

Even if he doesn’t restore his identity in the future, such experience will be beneficial.

It’s just a bit unfair to him.

"Try to persuade mother over there, she doesn’t know Min’s identity and might be a bit emotional!" Fourth Master Xiao said lightly, and Xiqiu nodded in agreement, "I understand." Then she was stunned, thinking of something extremely important, "Then who is appointed as the Assistant Lecturer to the Eldest Prince?"

Could it still be Tong Shen Zhi?

Sure enough, Fourth Master Xiao slowly replied, "It is Wenxian!"

Xiqiu was greatly shaken. It was indeed the Emperor’s plan all along, even the decision of Han Cheng marrying Miss Fang must be part of it.

"With Wenxian there, you can finally rest assured, right?" Fourth Master Xiao held Xiqiu’s hand and said lightly.

Xiqiu furrowed her brows, with Tong Shen Zhi there, it is much better, at least there is someone in the palace to look after him. Even if the Emperor is somewhat negligent, he can take care of one or two things.

"Does elder brother understand the Emperor’s intention?" Xiqiu asked.

Fourth Master Xiao nodded naturally and replied, "Wenxian has always been insightful, these matters he was aware of." He paused and added, "I have arranged for him to come to our home the day after tomorrow, you can listen in then."

Xiqiu agreed, then thought of Min’s unease when he left earlier, so she looked at Fourth Master Xiao and said, "Shouldn’t you go and see Min?"

Fourth Master Xiao’s gaze paused and he nodded, "Alright, I’ll go see him." With that, he stood up and went to Min’s courtyard.

Min was sitting in the courtyard, looking up at the dazzling stars in the sky, his face a bit lonely. Fourth Master Xiao walked in with large strides, surrounded by the sound of rising and falling solemn greetings, and Min quickly cupped his fists and saluted Fourth Master Xiao, "Father!"

Fourth Master Xiao stopped in front of him, looked at him deeply, and nodded, "Follow me inside, I have something to tell you."

Was it the matter of being a reading companion that mother mentioned earlier? Min’s eyes flashed, he lowered his head in agreement, and followed Fourth Master Xiao into his study.

Fourth Master Xiao sat behind the desk, looking at the neatly arranged Xuan paper on the table, nodded slightly, and looked at Min standing there, "Sit down and talk."

Min agreed and sat down across from him.

Fourth Master Xiao looked at him with gentle eyes, thought for a moment, and said, "Your mother already told you earlier. Today the Emperor selected reading companions for the Eldest Prince, and you, along with Shen Wenli, the eldest son of Lord Shen, were selected... From July onwards, you will have to enter the palace as a reading companion!" After a pause, he continued, "I know this matter is somewhat sudden, but once it’s decided there is no room for negotiation. From now on, you will enter the palace with me every day at 3AM. to 5AM, after school, Tiancheng will pick you up. You must strictly regulate your words and actions in the palace, talk less, listen and observe more, do not interfere in matters unrelated to you, and definitely do not act rashly. If something happens, inform the Grand Tutor, someone will take responsibility for you. Do you remember!?"

Min still reacted blankly and nervously, asking, "Is it to accompany the Eldest Prince in studying?" Since it is the Emperor’s decision, if he doesn’t go, his father would face difficulties.

"Yes!" Fourth Master Xiao nodded, "It is also a very good opportunity for you. The Assistant Lecturer and Grand Tutor are all highly learned individuals selected by the Emperor. The content learned is not only book knowledge but also a few analyses on political opinions in the court. In the future, whether you become an official or a farmer, it is a form of accumulation."

This point was very attractive to Min, he asked, "Will the lecturers also discuss their insights on historical and political affairs?" The focus was already on academic matters.

"That’s right!" Fourth Master Xiao looked at him, "That’s why you need to learn and listen more!"

Min nodded and asked, "What else does the child need to pay attention to?"

Being able to quickly come out of personal emotions and accept calmly after understanding the real situation, Fourth Master Xiao nodded in appreciation and said, "Just remember the points I mentioned to you earlier, and other matters will be handled by others on your behalf." After a pause, he continued, "Your uncle has been appointed as the Assistant Lecturer to the Eldest Prince, and if you have questions in the future, you can also ask him privately."

Min’s eyes lit up, and the tension in his heart eased a bit, nodding, "I will remember!"

Fourth Master Xiao nodded slightly, stood up, and said, "Once a teacher then always a benefactor, tomorrow you should also inform Mr. Ji. I have arranged for him to temporarily teach you brothers for three years at the residence, so you need not feel guilty about it."