Sui stopped and looked up at the court official dressed in crimson official robes who was bowing to him. He returned the gesture with a cupped-hand salute: "Please speak, Your Excellency."
The official said, "I have heard that Your Highness achieved top grades across the board in the final examinations. Is this true?"
Sui nodded, neither haughty nor humble: "Naturally, it is true. If Your Excellency does not believe it, you may seek confirmation from Scholar Cheng at the academy."
He thought this person was here to pick a fight.
The official smiled slightly: "This minister naturally believes it. Your Highness's fine character and excellent scholarship are evident to all."
"This minister's surname is Zhang, with the given name Lian. I wonder if Your Highness would be interested in becoming this minister's disciple?"
"???"
Not only was Sui astonished, but the other officials who had not yet left were also stunned.
Hold on, you there, Zhang Lian! Wasn't it you who was the first to clamor about testing this young prince's aptitude just a moment ago?
How is it that in the blink of an eye, you're asking the young prince to become your disciple? Who would have thought you were this kind of person!
Facing the furious glares of his colleagues, Zhang Lian turned a blind eye, looking at Sui with eager anticipation.
A young prince, naturally intelligent and possessing a photographic memory—if you miss this chance, there won't be another shop! Opportunity knocks but once!
Zhang Lian's gaze grew increasingly fervent, wishing he could just press Sui's head down to secure his agreement on the spot.
Unfortunately, he was soon refused.
Sui shook his head earnestly: "My apologies, Your Excellency. I already have a teacher. He is Grand Scholar Xu. Thank you for your high regard."
He felt a bit sorry inside for nearly misunderstanding this official.
The four-year-old young prince, younger than his own grandson, imitating the courteous manners of an adult, made Zhang Lian's heart soften: "That is of no consequence. Your Highness's status is noble; you may have multiple teachers. Adding this minister to the number would be perfectly acceptable."
"If Your Highness finds it difficult, this minister can personally petition His Majesty for permission!"
This was the first time Sui had encountered such a situation. As he opened his mouth, thinking how to respond, another official decisively stepped forward and pushed Zhang Lian aside.
"Alright, that's enough. It's my turn now."
He adjusted his official hat, cleared his throat, and said, "This minister is Gao Ji. I wonder if Your Highness knows the extent of the Great Qi's territory, the number of its prefectures and counties, its population, and other such details?"
Sui patiently replied: "Great Qi has thirteen provinces, thirty-six commanderies, two hundred and eighty-seven counties, with a territory spanning..." As he was in a hurry to relieve himself, Sui spoke slightly faster, yet he made no mistakes, including the current approximate population of Great Qi, its relations with foreign tribes, the northern and southern topography and geology, and the amount of arable land and water conservancy projects...
His enunciation was clear, his answers flowed smoothly, and he even carried a hint of composed and unflappable poise. The questioning minister nodded frequently, quite satisfied.
One must know that at this age, few children could answer with such detailed accuracy.
Seeing this, several others, unwilling to fall behind, also posed questions to Sui. In the end, they all stroked their beards, nodded, and showed satisfied expressions.
Who doesn't like a clever child?
Sui answered with a straight face while memorizing the faces of these men.
His father was right, these ministers were really long-winded.
He really needed to pee.
Just as he was pondering how to extricate himself, Jiang Fusheng appeared.
Seeing Sui, he hurriedly descended the steps, "Oh dear, young prince, why are you still here?"
Without waiting for Sui's reply, he had already turned his focus to Zhang Lian, Gao Ji, and the others: "As the saying goes, when nature calls, one must answer. The young prince urgently needs to relieve himself. I beg you, esteemed ministers, to be gracious and let him pass!"
The few men had no idea Sui needed to use the privy and immediately felt embarrassed.
With Jiang Fusheng coming to the rescue, Sui saluted and took his leave.
Watching his small yet steady retreating figure, the several ministers felt quite gratified.
The young prince's temperament is truly excellent—humble, respectful, and erudite. If it were the Crown Prince, he would have likely stormed off long ago, and might even have sought some petty revenge against them.
The men exchanged glances.
Perhaps Great Qi has hope!
........
In the afternoon, Sui returned to Qiyun Palace, intending to share the morning's experiences with Yun Wan. Stepping over the threshold, he found the hall filled with many people.
Concubine Hui exclaimed, "Oh! The young prince has returned!"
Yun Wan smiled and beckoned to Sui, "Come quickly and greet the various consorts."
Sui bowed left and right in greeting: "Good afternoon to all the consorts."
Noble Consort Kang and the others waved their hands, "You are too polite, young prince! The young prince is truly well-behaved!"
Seeing the injury on his face, Noble Consort Kang said with heartache, "That wound on the young prince's face... it pains even this concubine to see it. That Prince of Pingnan's son is utterly lawless, daring to lay hands on a prince. They were rightly taught a lesson!"
The others nodded in agreement, adding their praises: "The young prince is indeed the child of Her Ladyship and His Majesty, inheriting only the best traits from both."
"Look at the young prince's eyes—they clearly show he is His Majesty's child. No wonder I always felt the young prince looked familiar before..."
Although these were flattering words, when spoken pleasingly, they only brought comfort and were not disagreeable.
Noble Consort Kang turned and took a brocade box from her maid's hands, offering it to Sui: "This is a small, humble gift this concubine prepared for the young prince. I hope Her Ladyship and the young prince will not disdain it."
Seeing this, the others also promptly presented their offerings: "This is mine."
"And mine!"
The several women took out their prepared gifts, pressing them into Sui's hands. Seeing his delicate and adorable appearance, they couldn't help but fuss over him again.
Regardless of what they had given, Yun Wan was not stingy either. She had gifts prepared—primarily gold, silver, jade, and jewelry—to give to them.
She lacked none of these; the storehouses were full of them. She couldn't wear them all even if she changed pieces daily, so it was better to give them as tokens of goodwill.
The other consorts who received the jewelry were very pleased. One must know, in the past, no matter how many nice words they said at Changchun Palace or Yaohua Palace, they rarely received a decent piece of jewelry.
Coming to Qiyun Palace, it was just chatting about daily life in a relaxed atmosphere. Most importantly, Yun Wan was generous, good-natured, and did not torment others.
Given Yun Wan's current status as the foremost person in the rear palace, and with Sui being a bloodline acknowledged by Emperor Jingxuan himself, she had no need to scheme against any of them. Visiting Qiyun Palace was much more relaxed and comfortable than going elsewhere.
After Concubine Hui, Noble Consort Kang, and the entourage had left, Sui let out a sigh of relief.
So many people were terrifying.
Yun Wan touched his neck and found he was sweating from the heat. She quickly helped him remove a layer of clothing, then reapplied medicine to his wound.
"Mother, today some ministers sought an audience with Father, but he did not see them. He said he will announce my status at the New Year's Eve banquet."
Sui shared the news he had gathered today with her.
Yun Wan: "Your mother knows. But remember to call me 'Mother Consort' in front of outsiders from now on, so no one gets a chance to find fault."
"I understand, Mother Consort," Sui immediately corrected himself.
Yun Wan: "But in private, you can call me 'Mother.'"
Sui nodded: "Alright, Mother."
Seeing him so enthusiastic and seemingly in good spirits, Yun Wan tapped the tip of his nose and asked with a smile, "Have you forgiven your father?"
Sui smiled at her sheepishly and continued sharing: "He taught me how to read the Great Qi territorial map today. He also said he would take me to the morning court audience..."
"........."
Yun Wan listened patiently.
