The candlelight flickered in the room, and Wang Youling was a little lost in thought. She felt she could never repay the kindness he had shown her in this life.
"Son knows, but Mother will have to trouble you to stay here a while longer," Xie Jiayan said.
He had thought the Seventh Prince's safe return would have offered a chance for reconciliation between the court and the noble clans. However, the Yao family's sudden interference meant the clans would likely not stand idly by. He needed to handle these matters.
"Mother isn't troubled at all. This place is very good. Even one day of this life makes Mother happy. It's you I worry about, with the treacherous currents in the court. You must be careful," Wang Youling said with concern.
How difficult it was to quell the conflict between the clans and the court, let alone establish an academy.
"Son understands, Mother. Rest assured, son is fine."
"It's Mother's uselessness that has implicated you."
"Mother maintained peace between the clans and the court for over a decade. No one has been more wronged than Mother, but Mother shouldn't have to endure such hardship forever," Xie Jiayan's gaze was firm.
She was once a carefree young lady, destined for a peaceful life. Yet, she was exploited by her family and betrayed by that man, never knowing a moment's peace.
As a son, if he could not save his mother from this predicament, he was unfit to be called a son.
Wang Youling suddenly grasped Xie Jiayan's hand. "Jiayan, Mother blames no one. Neither the Wang family nor the Sage. Mother doesn't blame them. While Mother was not in control of her own fate, weren't they also? None of us were wrong, it's just that we were born in the wrong place. Mother doesn't want you to live with hatred. Seeing you is already enough to have no regrets in this life."
"Mother, son does not hate. Son merely wishes to spend all future days with Mother," Xie Jiayan smiled.
Over the years, his father had taken him across mountains and rivers. He had seen commoners toiling tirelessly yet still struggling to make ends meet, witnessed the extravagance of the noble clans, and the horrors of war. Therefore, he understood the importance of peace and the well-being of the populace even more.
He wanted to save his mother, and he wanted the people to live in joy and prosperity.
"Good, good," Wang Youling's voice choked several times, tears streaming down her face. Her throat was so tight she could only repeatedly say "good."
He had truly been taught well, not harboring hatred, not blaming heaven or man. It was rare for him to still have the common people in his heart despite his circumstances.
Everything she had done was worth it.
Seeing that dawn was approaching, Xie Jiayan had to leave.
At this juncture, impatience could ruin the grand scheme. Not a single mistake could be afforded; caution was paramount.
...
Gu Youyou had invited only the young ladies she usually spent time with. With no adults present in the separate courtyard, they could play late into the night and sleep until the sun was high without anyone interfering.
Yu Mingyue also woke up half an hour later than usual. She was practicing the Five Animal Frolics in the courtyard. After two rounds, she was already drenched in sweat.
"Young lady, please rest. Be careful not to get sunburnt," Chi Dan took a handkerchief to wipe her sweat.
Having woken up late today, the sun was already quite strong.
"What's there to fear? I'm naturally beautiful and don't get tanned," she said. At most, she'd get a few red spots that would disappear in a couple of days.
Chi Dan couldn't help but chuckle. "The young lady is right, but if your skin peels, I won't be able to do anything about it."
"Sister Chi Dan is laughing at me again," Yu Mingyue playfully chided Chi Dan.
Last year, during the Cuju competition, she had cheered for her brother under the scorching sun until her voice was hoarse, and her face had peeled. That night, she had used ice compresses and applied beauty creams, suffering for several days.
"This servant wouldn't dare. If the governess finds out, she'll surely scold me for not taking good care of you. Young lady, please be merciful, if only for the sake of this servant not being reprimanded."
"Fine, who told me I'm beautiful and kind-hearted," Yu Mingyue also felt uncomfortable from the heat.
Chi Dan had already prepared warm water. After a bath, she was once again the sweet, fair little lady.
As Chi Dan was wringing out Yu Mingyue's hair, Chi Hua entered from outside. "Young lady, my brother is here. He says he has something to report to you."
"He rushed to the separate courtyard, so it must be something urgent."