Chapter 125: Chapter 125 Slowly Plan It
"Rest assured, Lady Lin, I will definitely take a good look at that journal!"
Seeing the Second Prince finally smile, Lin Wanyi then left with peace of mind.
Returning to the front hall, she saw that the Emperor had already changed out of his ordinary clothes and was leaning on the couch, reading a book in his inner garments.
Upon hearing Lin Wanyi’s footsteps, he finally lifted his head.
"Why was it delayed for so long?"
Lin Wanyi felt helpless; the Emperor had returned only a moment earlier.
How could it be long?
Nevertheless, she spoke with patience at this moment.
"The Second Prince was talking to me about that bow, so I returned a bit late."
Upon hearing that the two were discussing the birthday gift he sent, the Emperor then sat up straight.
He asked Lin Wanyi.
"Does he like it?"
"He likes it, but the Second Prince says that he’s not even as tall as that bow yet and doesn’t know when he will be able to fully draw it."
"One can’t be hasty; patience will naturally yield success once his health is better and he practices more."
The Emperor’s expectations were indeed high.
Perhaps it was because Doctor Dou had already identified the poison affecting the Second Prince.
So he probably felt hopeful about the Second Prince’s future.
However, Lin Wanyi thought it still seemed rushed.
As she was about to speak, the Emperor, somewhat displeased, spoke up.
"Speaking of that birthday gift, didn’t you just send him a basket of toys a few days ago? Why give him a journal as well? Wouldn’t that lead to him indulging in trivialities?"
Lin Wanyi had already noticed the Emperor’s displeasure. She persuaded him in hopes of making the Second Prince happier.
She finally explained the reason.
"Your Majesty once said that next spring, you would send the Second Prince to school, right? But your expectations for him are great, yet you forget he hasn’t had a famous teacher since childhood like the Third Prince. Now, he recognizes less than a hundred characters, and under these circumstances, if he follows the Third Prince to school, he will be outshone within half a month."
"Although he is still a child, he has pride. If he’s constantly subjected to setbacks and develops resentment toward schooling, won’t that ruin his future path?"
Lin Wanyi’s words made the Emperor fall silent.
Indeed, not to mention recognizing characters, the Third Prince could even read ’Warring States Strategy’ several times.
If the Second Prince were to rashly follow him to school, it would surely lead to significant disappointment.
"Teaching children can’t be rushed; taking it step by step is the best approach. The journal I gave him contains many words the Second Prince doesn’t recognize, but given his love for those clever toys, he will surely want to understand it, which makes it a great learning opportunity."
"Learning actively is far more effective than being pressured passively! That journal is a thick volume; if he can study it in the coming months, reading other books later won’t be difficult, don’t you think?"
The Emperor thought Lin Wanyi’s "gradual approach" to teaching was quite reasonable.
After all, the Second Prince was different from regular Princes and Princesses.
From birth, he had been different.
Others were busy growing up, while he was busy surviving.
So his education should indeed be different.
Seeing Lin Wanyi in this manner, the Emperor chuckled lightly.
"You surely know how to teach children, and in the future, when you have..."
The Emperor spoke without thinking, then realized he had misspoken before finishing his sentence.
Considering that Lin Wanyi’s health was still uncertain, how could there be any prospect of children?
He looked at Lin Wanyi with a hint of tenderness, feeling somewhat uneasy over his earlier slip of the tongue.
Yet Lin Wanyi didn’t mind at all.
She didn’t want to conceive too soon; not only would it create enemies for her, but there was no guarantee the child would be safe.
So, for the sake of innocent life, it’s better to wait and see.
She then stepped forward to comfort him.
"Your Majesty need not tread carefully; I’m very clear about this. The bond between parents and children isn’t something that can be forced. When Heaven decides I’m ready to be a mother, it will naturally grant its blessing."
Seeing Lin Wanyi being so "sensible," the Emperor felt even more affection.
"Rest assured, everything will be done according to your health. Once you’re better, I will have the Imperial Hospital prepare the best fertility medicine for you."
Lin Wanyi nodded with a smile, showing little emotional fluctuation on her face.
The Emperor saw this and changed the subject.
"Tomorrow is the day when the families of the concubines visit the palace. I’ve sent the decree to the Prime Minister’s Mansion, allowing your mother and Lin Guifei’s relatives to enter the palace together."
"Tomorrow? But didn’t Mr. Qin say last time that we would have to wait two or three more days?"
"Although you are currently just a Changzai, you are from the Prime Minister’s Mansion, so it’s normal for the family to visit together."
Upon hearing this good news, Lin Wanyi was so excited that she felt she wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.
Thinking that she would see her mother tomorrow, she was so happy that she didn’t know where to start her preparations.
Seeing the excitement clearly written on her face,
For the first time, the Emperor felt inviting the family to see her was a good thing.
However, the nation has its laws, and the family has its rules.
It wouldn’t be suitable to give her too much special treatment, so things must be handled according to protocol in the future.
Feeling grateful for the Emperor’s gesture, Lin Wanyi became even more diligent in serving him.
"This afternoon, Xiao Luzi and the others picked two small baskets of peaches again. Would Your Majesty like to try them? They are the sweetest when eaten fresh."
Seeing Lin Wanyi being unusually attentive, the Emperor surprisingly nodded.
Normally, he wouldn’t eat fruit in the evening.
The peaches were washed and cut into pieces, and when they were served, they seemed to still be covered in dewdrops.
The Emperor tasted one, and it was indeed very sweet.
Thus, he ate half a plate with Lin Wanyi before stopping.
Seeing Lin Wanyi enjoy eating them, the Emperor had to ruin the moment by saying,
"Excess leads to harm; be careful of an upset stomach tonight."
Lin Wanyi sheepishly put down the wooden fork in her hand and turned to accompany the Emperor.
They chatted casually about family matters.
The candlelight cast their shadows onto the bright window, making the scene exceptionally serene.
Early the next morning,
A carriage from the palace was parked at the gate of the Lin Xiangfu to pick up its occupants.
Riding the carriage this time were the Princess Rongkang, as well as two ladies from the first and second households.
To ensure no mistakes were made, Qin An personally came to oversee the arrangements.
Seeing Princess Rongkang walk out of the mansion’s main gate, but without any lady following behind,
His brow furrowed slightly; hadn’t the decree been delivered in advance?
Why hadn’t the lady from the first household, Lin Changzai’s mother, appeared?
Although this question lingered in his mind, he nevertheless offered his greeting according to protocol.
"Servant Qin An pays respects to Princess Rongkang, wishing the Princess good fortune and health."
Princess Rongkang, seeing that the visitor was Qin An, had a knowing look in her eyes.
It seems that what the Imperial Concubine said was correct.
The Emperor indeed seemed to have particular concern for Lin Wanyi, as he unexpectedly assigned a Vice Director of the Inner Court Department to handle the task of receiving visitors.
Thus, she maintained a smile as she spoke.
"What a trouble it is for Mr. Qin to make a special trip."