The Mansion of King Heng.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince and the Princess have arrived in Yongping County."
Upon hearing the servant's words, King Heng's hand holding the brush paused. Looking at the less-than-elegant calligraphy before him, a sharp glint flashed in his Heng's eyes.
He had not been taught by renowned masters since childhood, so his handwriting was naturally not presentable.
But a prince... how could he not even write well?
"Where are Liu'er and Huier?"
"Your Highness, the young master is studying diligently in the library as you instructed. The young princess went to the girls' school today and has not yet returned."
Hearing this, King Heng's expression improved slightly.
"Prepare the carriage. This prince will enter the palace to see His Majesty."
Zichen Hall.
"King Heng, what urgent matter brings you to see Us?"
Emperor Yuanyou, though lacking deep affection for this nephew who appeared midway, had granted him ample status and position.
"Imperial Uncle, your nephew has heard that the Crown Prince and the Princess have arrived in Yongping County. I wish to go personally to welcome them. I cannot wait to see my cousin and Ah Huan."
Hearing King Heng's words, a smile also appeared on Emperor Yuanyou's face.
"We know you are eager to see them, but the local officials have never met you. We fear you might be slighted if you go rashly. Stay and wait with Us in the capital. Given your cousin's temperament, he will rush back within three days."
Emperor Yuanyou himself was far more anxious than King Heng.
"Your nephew was thoughtless. I will follow Imperial Uncle's arrangements in all matters."
Seeing his scheme to familiarize himself with the local officials thwarted, King Heng showed no change in expression. Instead, he even stepped forward to actively grind ink for Emperor Yuanyou.
From time to time, he shared amusing anecdotes among the common people, eliciting constant laughter from the Emperor.
Outside the hall, Shen Qingping's eyes were inscrutable.
"Lord Shen, this servant will announce you immediately." Wu Qi said and was about to enter the hall but was stopped by Shen Qingping.
"No need. This official wished to report to His Majesty regarding the arrangements for welcoming back His Highness and the Princess. Since King Heng is inside, I will find another time."
Seeing this, Wu Qi bent his waist slightly, speaking as if casually:
"Lord Shen, King Heng is very filial, and his character is simple and generous. Many officials praise him highly."
Upon hearing this, the smile on Shen Qingping's face widened, but the aura around him made Wu Qi secretly uneasy.
"Indeed, this official also often hears court ministers praising King Heng. His Highness and the Princess will also be very fond of him when they return."
It wasn't until he passed through the palace gates that Shen Qingping's expression finally turned completely cold.
The Shen Residence.
"Nian'an, who has upset your master?"
Shen Mingwen's words made Nian'an's eyelid twitch. Why did it feel like the master was enjoying seeing the third master being thwarted?
"Father, what do you think of King Heng?"
Shen Qingping's question made Shen Mingwen pause. After holding back for a long while, Shen Mingwen managed to say:
"He is not as simple as he appears on the surface."
A prince who seemed honest and generous, yet knew to request him, the Grand Tutor of the court, to instruct King Heng's son. If he hadn't been sharp-witted, he would have truly been deceived by King Heng's facade.
Princess Yale had not been at the girls' school for long. Though her knowledge was not extensive, she had won the praise of many noble ladies.
This was not a situation someone without any cunning could achieve.
Shen Qingping sighed. "King Heng is much cleverer than His Majesty's own sons."
For a moment, Shen Mingwen wanted to jump up and cover Shen Qingping's mouth.
"You... if you keep speaking such treasonous words, this old man will pin you down and give you a beating." Shen Mingwen pointed angrily at Shen Qingping's nose. Was it easy being this scoundrel's father?
"Prince Ping was arrogant, hence his defeat and death."
"Prince Chu was foolish, acting without considering the consequences, hence his house arrest."
"Prince Qi was cowardly, valuing his life above all else, hence his departure to his fiefdom."
"But this King Heng... is not easy to deal with."
Shen Qingping slumped into a soft chair, sitting improperly without a proper posture, making Shen Mingwen frown so deeply it could crush a fly.
"A few days ago during the morning court, some ministers subconsciously praised the auspicious fortune of the royal twins. That was not without reason." Shen Qingping's sharp eyes seemed always able to see deeper than the surface. "It's because the family of King Heng now enjoys great reputation in the court."
"Third Son, His Majesty has stated explicitly that the position of the Crown Prince is unshakable."
Shen Mingwen sighed. "You need not worry excessively."
Looking at a particularly prominent white hair at Shen Qingping's temple, Shen Mingwen felt a sharp pang of sorrow.
"Father, you are the Grand Tutor of the court. Assisting His Majesty in governance is your duty." At this point, Shen Qingping curled the corner of his mouth. "But I, your son, am an official of the Eastern Palace. I must keep a tight watch on anyone who could pose a threat to the Crown Prince."
His Highness and the Princess are facing danger and fighting wars at the front.
Yet in the rear, King Heng's family is gaining much good reputation.
That's right, he simply couldn't stand it.
After Shen Qingping left, Lady Shen entered the room from outside, carrying tea.
Shen Mingwen took a sip of tea. "This old man is not as good as this son."
"This humble wife dares to speak words behind closed doors: Your relationship with His Majesty, sir, is one that began midway." A hint of a smile appeared in Lady Shen's eyes. "Even your relationship with the Crown Prince is that of a teacher and student who met midway."
"But Ping'er and His Highness share a bond forged since childhood. If His Highness ascends the throne one day, no one among all the court officials will be more trusted by him than Ping'er."
"If Ping'er did not act this way, that would truly be failing His Highness."
Shen Mingwen leaned back in his chair, wiping his face. "He is not yet forty, yet his hair is already turning white prematurely."
"Extreme intelligence brings harm. He cannot always be so tense."
Shen Mingwen genuinely ached for this son from the bottom of his heart.
Hearing this, the smile on Lady Shen's face gradually faded. Husband and wife looked at each other in silence.
...
King Heng did not get his wish, but that very night, Shen Qingping left the capital on horseback.
He happened to meet Song Yu and Song Shihuan, who were hastening their journey, in Laijin Prefecture.
"Teacher!"
Upon seeing Shen Qingping, Song Shihuan called out happily. "Did Teacher come specially to welcome me because you heard of my victory?"
During the months of war, even though praised by officers and soldiers from top to bottom, Song Shihuan had never shown a hint of pride or complacency.
Now, upon seeing Shen Qingping, she unconsciously revealed a bit.
"I specially had someone write the Princess's heroic deeds into a storybook, along with Your Highness's. We'll have the opera troupe perform them well later."
"Well done." Song Yu offered restrained praise.
Due to Shen Qingping's arrival, Song Yu ordered the main army to continue marching while he and Song Shihuan rested there for the night, catching up with the army the next day.
The three of them, wearing veiled hats, walked the streets of Laijin Prefecture.
"Is this a school opened by the Shen family?" Song Shihuan looked curiously several times. The sound of children reading aloud came from inside, refreshing to the heart.
The school was large, accommodating many children.
Shen Qingping nodded.
That year, when Shen Qinghui made a mistake, he promised on behalf of the Shen family to establish a school in Laijin Prefecture.
Since he promised, he would ensure it was done to the best of his ability.
"Teacher, thank you."
"My father and I thank you on behalf of the children of Laijin Prefecture."
Through the black gauze of the veiled hat, Shen Qingping saw the bright eyes of both Song Shihuan and Song Yu.
The world could not fathom why he would pour his heart and soul into it to such an extent.
For him, it was a labor of love.
