"No, I don’t want to go to school. It’s like being locked up in there, and you have to recite so many poems every day. It’s so annoying!"

Rui’er clung tightly to Li Qingmu’s leg, looking so pitiful that it made one’s heart ache.

Li Qingmu crouched down, gently patted his son’s little head, and smiled lightly, "Rui’er, you were saying to Father earlier that you were bored at home with no one to play with. But inside the school, there are many kids your age. Don’t you want to play with them?"

Rui’er pursed his lips, looking very hesitant.

"Rui’er!"

At this moment, a small head suddenly popped out from the school side, greeting Rui’er.

It was Su Shi’s son, Su Zhe.

Su Zhe was two years older than Rui’er, and the two played together with a good sense of camaraderie. Seeing someone familiar, Rui’er immediately shed his shyness and trotted over to play with him.

"Greetings, Prince and Princess Consort."

Beside them, Su Shi and Yang Zhuoya came out, also bringing their child to attend school. Their Su Zhe had already been studying at this school for a year and achieved good results; the teacher often praised him for his intellect.

Having known each other for many years, they were familiar with each other, so they went to a nearby restaurant to chat.

"Why not send your Rui’er to the Imperial College?"

The Imperial College was the National Academy, known as the Royal Academy, where many children of the imperial family and important ministers were sent, but...

Li Qingmu shook his head, "The atmosphere at the Imperial College is too corrupt, it wouldn’t be good for Rui’er."

How could it not be corrupt? They’re all members of the imperial family, children of officials—essentially rich family’s sons—their lifestyles are chaotic and extravagant, which isn’t beneficial for a child’s growth.

Li Qingmu, who was from a poor background, had seen the opulent lifestyles of those rich family’s sons and didn’t want his own son to be tainted by those bad habits.

Su Shi chuckled, "I guess we think alike!"

Li Qingmu smiled without replying.

After all, as parents, who wouldn’t want their children to succeed?

No matter how troublesome the child might be, causing anger, bringing trouble to the parents, they are ultimately their own flesh and blood.

Having experienced so much, Li Qingmu became more mature and saw things more comprehensively. Rui’er would naturally lead a life of luxury and carefree, but in terms of education, he needed to experience the hardships of ordinary children.

Only after experiencing hardships will one learn to cherish what they have.

Thus, Li Qingmu and Long Yue initially planned to take Rui’er to the Imperial College but changed their minds midway.

"Your Rui’er is clever but too playful. Sending him to school might bring unexpected benefits."

Su Shi raised his teacup, teasing while sipping tea.

"Spoiled!"

Li Qingmu sighed. Qi Yun was too indulgent with Rui’er, and they, as parents, also doted on him, neglecting his education.

Fortunately, Rui’er was still young, and it wasn’t too late to mend the barn after the sheep were lost.

"Where’s your Yaoyao? Why didn’t you bring her along?"

Yang Zhuoya thought of the adorable and interesting little girl and wanted to pinch her. She quickly asked Long Yue,

Long Yue replied, "She’s with Father; he likes children, so he lets Yaoyao accompany them, or else the two would be bored."

Between a man and a woman, constantly talking about romance can get tiresome. Having a child around can be a nice way to diversify their interactions.

They ate a meal at the restaurant, chatted for a while, and then each returned to their home.

Upon returning to the Regent Prince Mansion, the couple was about to enter when a gatekeeper stepped forward to bow and said, "Prince, Princess Consort, the Crown Prince is here."

The term Crown Prince naturally referred to Qi Jingyu, who had grown into a fine young man over the past two years—a handsome, gentle youth with a sharp gaze.

He waited in the main hall, and upon seeing Li Qingmu and his wife enter, he quickly stood up to greet them.

"Greetings, Imperial Uncle, Imperial Aunt."

He bowed meticulously, showing his respect.

Li Qingmu looked at him, this nephew, who he was once very familiar with, but as age progressed, or perhaps due to the shift in their identities, they gradually became estranged.

Even though he always said that their bond wouldn’t change, could any bond withstand the accumulation and erosion of time?

Perhaps they can, but definitely not theirs!

"Yu’er, what brings you to your Imperial Uncle?"

Li Qingmu smiled lightly, his smile appearing natural as he motioned to the nearby servants to offer Qi Jingyu some tea and snacks.

"Imperial Uncle, I’m getting married soon!"

Qi Jingyu’s little face turned a bit red, perhaps a blend of youthful awkwardness and shyness, as he spoke of marriage, his emotions slightly off.

Long Yue pushed a plate of snacks before him, smiling, "Isn’t that good news? We’ll have to congratulate the Crown Prince, and perhaps by next year, there’ll be a little Imperial Grandson. Just imagine how happy Father will be when he hears?"

Qi Yun recently had taken a particular liking to children, whether they were Long Yue and Li Qingmu’s children, or those from the Third Prince, he enjoyed them all. He often invited them over to keep him company.

That’s why Long Yue said as much.

"I..."

Qi Jingyu looked embarrassed, wanting to say something, but it got stuck in his throat, unable to voice it.

Li Qingmu looked at him in surprise, "Surely the Crown Prince isn’t hung up over matters between men and women?"

Li Qingmu was a bit dumbfounded. This isn’t right?

Why would there be a hang-up over these types of matters? What’s wrong here?

"Affection between men and women is natural, Your Highness, it shouldn’t be like this..."

Li Qingmu pondered whether he should have Qi Jingyu consult with some renowned Imperial Physicians.

This situation seemed unreliable.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Li Qingmu spoke, Qi Jingyu quickly shook his head, "It’s not that, Imperial Uncle, it’s just that I don’t like that girl, so I don’t want to take her as Crown Princess Consort!"

"Well... love will grow over time, won’t it?"

Long Yue quickly comforted the young lad.

Qi Jingyu frowned, "But I don’t like this; I prefer a girl I choose myself, to be with her always."

Seeing Qi Jingyu’s serious demeanor, Li Qingmu suddenly laughed, "Why not run away from home? Go outside and find a girl you fancy?"

Pity indeed, Li Qingmu was merely speaking offhandedly, not meaning to mislead him, but Qi Jingyu actually took it seriously!

The youth’s eyes gleamed as he laughed, "Sure, great idea, let’s do it. Thank you, Imperial Uncle!"

"Uh..."

Li Qingmu was momentarily speechless, this child truly rendered him speechless.

Without saying more to Li Qingmu, Qi Jingyu turned to leave, presumably off to pack for his escape from home?

"A Mu, what were you thinking? How could you say such things to him? If the Crown Prince sneaks out of the palace, do you realize what major upheaval this could bring? It might even lead to a bloody conflict!"

Li Qingmu rubbed his chin, responding bitterly, "I was just... speaking casually, didn’t expect him to actually take it to heart? But, perhaps this might not necessarily be a bad thing."