Xiao Heng wasn’t envious of Da Lang and the others, nor did he believe his uncle was unworthy of becoming a Crown Prince. He simply felt sorrow for his father.
His father, Prince Shu, had achieved great military merits. He had accompanied the Emperor Grandfather in battles against the Kingdom of Jin and had fought all the way to Jinling.
Xiao Heng had bathed with his father and had felt several wounds on his father’s body with his own hands.
His father excelled not only in leading troops in battle but also in investigating and resolving crimes. He was also skilled in painting, showcasing both martial and civil talents.
Aside from his status as an illegitimate son, how could his father be considered inferior to his uncle?
Xioa Heng felt discomfort, yet he understood the importance of concealing his emotions.
After two or three quarters of an hour, the eight brothers began waking up one after another.
Xiao Heng rose early and headed to the washroom to attend to his needs. Inside, there were two chamber pots, and Liu Lang took one.
As Xiao Heng prepared to use the other, San Lang rushed in, breathless and clutching his trousers.
Therefore, he willingly yielded his spot to him
When San Lang rushed to release the water, Xiao Heng walked away a few steps and waited. At this time, Da Lang also came in.
Noticing their positions, Da Lang smiled helplessly at Xiao Heng, saying, “Obviously, you are the younger brother, but you are more like an older brother.”
Hearing his words, Xiao Heng smiled.
He was an elder brother, the elder brother of a brother and a sister in the family.
After the lectures concluded, the eight brothers went out of the palace together and got into the carriages of their own mansions.
Xiao Xun had already forgotten about the Crown Prince event. After all, that was what the elders should care about. What he cared more about at the moment was to be checked and endorsed by his father in the evening.
Xiao Xun obediently held the book, read it for a while, and recited it, just like before.
Xiao Heng watched his younger brother and recalled a time during martial arts class when Si Lang hesitated to spar forcefully with Liu Lang but had no such reservations when facing Xiao Xun. This led to Xiao Xun experiencing a significant defeat. As for himself, Si Lang was no longer his opponent.
“Brother, why don’t you memorize it?” Xiao Xun suddenly looked over, dating, “Were you able to memorize it?”
His brother was very diligent, never skipping meals or neglecting to review the lessons learned throughout the day. He could effortlessly memorize them. Unlike him, who had to recite the material repeatedly.
Xiao Heng smiled and affectionately patted his younger brother’s head, saying, “Go ahead and recite it, I’ll do the same.”
Then, he took out his book.
When the two brothers returned to the mansion, Yin Hui had already prepared delicious pastries for her sons. Eating them now would fill their stomachs without spoiling their appetite for dinner.
After Xiao Xun ate something good, he went to the study room to do his homework.
“Mother, where’s my sister?” Xiao Heng stayed by his mother’s side and asked curiously. In the past, when they came back, his sister would always pester him.
Yin Hui explained, “Your sister was obsessed with hide-and-seek today. She has been running around in the garden and finally slept soundly after exhausting herself. She hasn’t woken up until now.”
Xiao Heng nodded in understanding and glanced at his mother once more.
Yin Hui asked, “What’s the matter?”
When Xiao Heng signaled Jinzhan and Yinzhan to step back, the two maids left with a smile.
Xiao Heng spoke in a low voice, “Grandfather just named Uncle the Crown Prince this morning. Did Mother hear about it?”
Yin Hui looked at her son’s serious expression and replied with a smile, “Yes, I heard about Prince Duan becoming the Crown Prince. The stability of the dynasty is crucial, and the establishment of a Crown Prince brings great joy.”
Xiao Heng observed his mother’s cheerful demeanor and reconsidered his thoughts. He couldn’t help but feel ashamed of his selfishness. Was stability not more important than personal desires?
Unless the situation was dire, like his grandfather’s situation, the succession to the throne must adhere to tradition to prevent chaos.
Both his father and mother must have shared this view.
Brother Heng’s heart settled, and he went to the study to assist his younger brother with homework.
After her son left, Yin Hui felt her heart pounding rapidly.
Xiao Heng was truly remarkable, observing court matters at only ten years old. Mentioning that day’s events regarding the Crown Prince in that manner, did Xiao Heng still wish for his father to become the Crown Prince?
This was a weighty matter. Carelessness could lead to repercussions from Empress Xu, the Crown Prince, and even her father-in-law.
Yin Hui went to the front ahead of time.
Anticipating potential conflicts, Yin Hui took the initiative to address the situation. Previously, she wouldn’t have waited for Wei Luo to return to the mansion. Observing her unusual behavior, Wei Luo suspected she had been perturbed by the news.
In times of uncertainty, one might become disoriented, like a flower being carried off by the wind.
With a subtle signal, Wei Luo indicated to his wife who had something to discuss to follow him to the inner room.
Yin Hui accompanied him to the inner room.
Wei Luo stood by the washstand, washing his hands and face. Yin Hui retrieved a simple garment from the closet, and as she assisted him in changing, she murmured about Xiao Heng’s peculiar behavior.
“For such a significant matter, I believe you still need to have a thorough discussion with him.”
After all, Xiao Heng appeared reluctant, showing unwillingness not only for himself but also for his father.
Upon hearing her words, Wei Luo’s heartbeat quickened. With the children’s frequent visits to the palace, they might encounter his father at any moment.
Should his mood be seen, the situation would escalate.
“Understood, I will speak with him after dinner.”
Observing his expression, Yin Hui felt a twinge of concern for her son. She took his hand and said, “Xiao Heng is still young, and he doesn’t seem to take it well when I speak to him. Don’t worry, let’s not alarm him.”