How could he be so careless, bringing in hot tea just when the Eldest Prince and Shen Wenli were playing?

She sighed, hoping she was being overly suspicious. After all, the Eldest Prince is only five years old; using adult’s complex thoughts to judge a child seems excessive.

But Min...

She pondered for a moment, lifted the curtain, and called for Bihuai: "Quietly find Erquan. I have something to ask him." She paused: "Remember, don’t let Min know."

Bihuai nodded and went to the backyard.

After a while, Erquan came in with wobbly legs, seeing Xiqiu smile at him, his heart relaxed slightly: "Madam!"

"Erquan, you know I’ve always liked you because you are honest, reliable, and obedient." Xiqiu smiled and said, "Your brother and Chunliu are about to get married. When Chunliu returns after the marriage, you’ll have a sister-in-law to look after you, and things will be better than before, right?"

Erquan, not understanding the sudden praise from Xiqiu, nodded blankly: "Thanks to... thanks to Madam."

Xiqiu nodded and asked, "How have things been these past two weeks with Young Master Min at Wenhua Hall?" Erquan finally understood why she called him; it was likely because of Young Master Min’s injury: "It’s been good. Young Master Min learns quickly. He can memorize the lessons after reading them twice, and Mr. Dai often praises him."

"Oh?" Xiqiu grabbed some candy from the fruit bowl for him: "Why was it Chief De who brought you back today? When did the Emperor visit?"

Erquan held the candy and replied, "The Emperor visited twice today. Once after the morning court session to inquire about the Eldest Prince’s and Young Master Min’s progress, and again in the afternoon after Young Master Min was injured, this time with Consort Le. The Empress also came later."

"I see, I was wondering why Chief De brought you back." She paused before asking again, "When the Emperor tested Young Master Min, did he do better or did the Eldest Prince?"

Erquan responded immediately, "Young Master Min!" Then he paused and added, "But Lord Wu said given Young Master Min’s age, it’s expected he’d do well. He also said the Eldest Prince did better than Young Master Min."

Lord Wu wasn’t wrong. The Eldest Prince is indeed the Eldest Prince. Young Min is still too young and doesn’t understand the importance of concealing his abilities. But it’s understandable; being questioned by the Emperor naturally made him nervous, and answering was already difficult—let alone thinking of more. She nodded and said to Erquan, "Understood. Go play, but remember not to tell Young Master Min that I spoke with you, alright?"

"Madam, I understand." He said and then bowed before leaving.

Xiqiu sighed deeply!

Tong Minzhi returned from the backyard with Zhi and Min, and Xiqiu invited Tong Minzhi to stay for dinner: "Stay a bit later and take these two outfits to Twelfth Sister."

"Okay, I know." Tong Minzhi held Zhi’s hand and looked up at Xiqiu, saying, "Sixth Sister, I received a letter from our cousin yesterday. He says he’s doing well, teaching children in a private school in a village. Although it’s frugal, he’s living freely."

Xiqiu was startled and asked, "Did he mention where he is?" Tong Minzhi shook his head: "He said he’d write again soon to let us know he’s safe but didn’t provide an address. He mentioned he might visit us in the Capital when he gets a chance." He paused and looked at Xiqiu: "I guess he’s not in the Capital."

She felt guilty and concerned for Xu Tianqing, hoping he can live peacefully and freely without further hardships.

Min sat nearby, smiling. Xiqiu pondered how to teach him the principle of concealment. For years, she’d encouraged him to be confident, often praising him to instill pride and openness. Now, she has to contradict her past teachings, fearing he might not accept them.

"Seventh Uncle," Zhi asked Tong Minzhi, "When is Third Uncle coming back?" Tong Minzhi paused, asking, "Do you remember Third Uncle?"

Zhi shook his head: "I don’t remember." He paused and said, "But I’ve heard you talk about him, saying he’s an expert in martial arts." He waved his fists: "I want to see that for myself!"

Xiqiu tousled Zhi’s hair, smiling: "He’ll be back in two months. Then you can see for yourself."

Tong Minzhi couldn’t help but laugh: "When you meet him, you might want to stuff your ears because his loud voice will deafen you." Zhi found it amusing and laughed heartily.

Min sat quietly, watching the others as they spoke.

Fourth Master Xiao returned a bit late, Xiqiu and Tong Minzhi waited with the children, jumped rope in the yard. Zhi was sweating as he passed the rope to Min: "Brother, it’s your turn."

"Let your brother rest for a while," Xiqiu said, wiping Zhi’s sweat: "Brother works hard in his studies too."

Zhi glanced at Min and said no more. While the group was lively, Fourth Master Xiao came back, Tong Minzhi and Fourth Master Xiao greeted each other, and Fourth Master Xiao’s eyes fell on Min’s hand. Xiqiu worried he might ask about Min’s injury there, so she said with a smile, "Let’s eat first; the kids are hungry."

Fourth Master Xiao nodded slightly, leading the way inside. Tong Minzhi frowned and gazed at Min, asking quietly, "What happened?"

Min pouted and shook his head.

The family ate quietly, and then Tong Minzhi returned to Tong Mansion. Xiqiu asked Mrs. Zhou and Wenyu to take Zhi for a walk, and then closed the door. Fourth Master Xiao asked about Min’s injury: "Is it serious?" He had heard the news in the military camp, brought by Chief Chang.

Min shook his head: "Not serious!" Xiqiu explained softly: "Just some blisters; with medication, it shouldn’t scar."

Fourth Master Xiao sipped his tea, looking up at Min: "What have you learned from this incident?" Xiqiu surely comforted him already, and as a father, it wasn’t his role.

Min lowered his head, softly replied: "Be cautious!" He glanced quickly at Fourth Master Xiao’s face and added: "Conceal one’s abilities."

Upon hearing this, Xiqiu paused, feeling somewhat moved. Min was only seven yet learned from this experience. She was pleased but pained, worried about how to convey this concept to him but now realizing he had already grasped it. She couldn’t help but hurt for him, wondering what it took for him to mature so swiftly.

Fourth Master Xiao felt similarly, looking approvingly at him, nodding: "Since you understand this, your injury wasn’t in vain." He said, pulling out a medicine from his sleeve for Xiqiu: "Chief Chang brought this, imported from the Western Regions, so it won’t scar."