CHAPTER 465: CHAPTER 413 TEACHING A LESSON TO THE SECOND YOUNG LADY

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The two were "arguing incessantly" over a bowl of medicine when a report came from the Imperial Guard outside the door: "Your Highness, the Lady and the Commandery Prince request an audience."

Lu Zhaoyan looked at Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan had no intention of rising or avoiding the situation; he continued to recline nonchalantly on Lu Zhaoyan’s rattan chair.

Lu Zhaoyan was not one to fuss over trivialities. Seeing this, he said nothing.

The so-called Great Traitor became even more audacious, pulling the screen to shield himself.

Lu Zhaoyan sighed, "Let them in."

The Imperial Guard stepped aside.

The study door was closed.

However, the Imperial Guard did not reach out to open the door for Dou Qingyi; his responsibility was to protect the Crown Prince, everything else was outside his purview.

Dou Qingyi stood at the door, holding a food box in one hand and tidying her wide sleeves with the other.

The maid beside her stepped forward to open the study door for her.

Dou Qingyi moved gracefully, the luminous hem of her dress brushing past the threshold and instantly brightening the room.

Prince Jian followed his mother inside, dignified and striking in appearance.

Dou Qingyi noticed the unfolded screen.

Ever since being entrusted with the title, the Crown Prince’s responsibilities had multiplied. Each day, he was sent memorials from the Imperial Palace, both as a way to relieve Your Majesty’s burden and as a means of honing the Crown Prince’s political skills.

The Crown Prince dutifully worked, staying in the study late into the night. When fatigued, he would rest on the rattan chair.

Dou Qingyi had already understood this. She withdrew her gaze and gracefully saluted the Crown Prince, "Your Highness."

Prince Jian also saluted, his demeanor humble and respectful, "Your son greets Father."

Lu Zhaoyan nodded.

Dou Qingyi said, "Qingyi has prepared ginseng chicken soup for you, Your Highness. Please give it a try."

"You are considerate," Lu Zhaoyan said warmly. "Such tasks can be handled by the kitchen. You don’t need to trouble yourself."

Dou Qingyi smiled gently, "Being able to offer this small gesture is Qingyi’s blessing."

As she spoke, she placed the soup on the table and added, "Qingyi will ladle a bowl for Your Highness."

Lu Zhaoyan replied, "I’ll drink it later."

Dou Qingyi covered the food box lid back and smiled, "That works as well. Freshly made, it is a bit hot."

Seeming to recall something, she asked, "Oh Your Highness, I heard that Prince Ming has returned to the Imperial City. He is now staying at our mansion and even brought back a brother for Qi’er."

The matter had blown up and spread throughout the mansion; it wasn’t surprising for her to know about it.

Lu Zhaoyan paused before responding softly, "A son of an old acquaintance."

Dou Qingyi smiled cooperatively and inquired, "He’s here for the marriage banquet at the Crown Prince Mansion, correct? Clearly an honored guest. May I ask... where is he staying?"

"He’s staying..."

Lu Zhaoyan hesitated, suddenly unsure about where Lu Yuan should be arranged.

Behind the screen, the sound of turning over could be heard, exuding impatience.

Lu Zhaoyan sighed helplessly, "He has his own place."

Dou Qingyi smiled, "Qi’er has just arrived in the Imperial City and doesn’t have many friends. If the young gentleman does not mind, why not let him stay in the mansion and accompany Qi’er?"

Lu Qi quickly added, "Yes, Father, let him stay in your son’s courtyard!"

Dou Qingyi continued, "Your Highness, Teacher Wen comes daily to tutor Qi’er. If the gentleman is interested, perhaps he could join Qi’er in learning from Teacher Wen."

Teacher Wen was a renowned scholar and poet from the Southwest. When Emperor Liang ascended the throne, he invited Teacher Wen to become an official, but the invitation was politely declined.

Due to certain circumstances, the teacher had to stay temporarily in the Imperial City, so he compromised by agreeing to teach at the Crown Prince Mansion to instruct Lu Qi.

Lu Zhaoyan glanced at the screen, now too quiet, instinctively sensing that if that boy were to study together with Lu Qi, it might drive the teacher to desperation.

He said, "No need, I have my arrangements."

"Understood."

Dou Qingyi did not say more.

Next, Lu Zhaoyan examined Lu Qi’s lessons.

What the teacher had taught that day, Lu Qi had mastered completely.

Lu Zhaoyan nodded in satisfaction.

Dou Qingyi watched the Crown Prince praise Lu Qi, her joy unmistakable in her gaze.

After leaving the Crown Prince’s courtyard, Lu Qi asked Dou Qingyi, "Mother, who exactly is that person—is he truly the son of Father’s old acquaintance? He stayed in the study just now, didn’t he? Why wouldn’t Father allow him to meet us?"

Dou Qingyi replied, "Whether he is the son of an old acquaintance or a child of flesh and blood does not matter. Meeting us is irrelevant too. You need only remember one thing: you are the only son recognized by your father. You are the Guardian Qilin of your Imperial Grandfather, carrying the fate of Great Liang on your shoulders. Even if your father were to bear ten or even twenty sons outside, none could ever replace your position."

"But I’ve never even been behind Father’s screen!"

Lu Qi said with unease.

Whenever he entered Lu Zhaoyan’s study, it was solely for his lessons, and nothing else.

He always conducted himself with propriety and never dared to make a single misstep.

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