Golden Branch

"Yeah! I know!"

The prince remained calm, his gentle and elegant face showing his usual warmth.

He responded, waved his hand, and sent the eunuch away.

Xiao Dalang has angered the teacher again and he has left!

How many times this month has this happened?

the second time?

Or the third time?

After sending everyone around him away, he was alone in the huge study. Then he reached out and pinched the Jingming acupoint.

Little Lu was young, and because she was the second wife, she could not really control the affairs of the Eastern Palace.

The Queen Mother was in poor health and the harem was full of complicated matters, so the Crown Prince couldn't bear to trouble her.

The prince could only take charge of both the former court and the Eastern Palace.

Every day, in addition to sharing memorials for the emperor, he also had to take care of various matters in the Eastern Palace.

The rest is easy to deal with. The Eastern Palace has its own rules, as well as the old precedents left by the Da Lu family. We just need to follow them.

Only little Dalang... The prince didn't know when this child started to become more and more naughty.

It seemed that since he fell off his horse and broke his leg, or since Da Lu's death, the prince knew the knot in Xiao Dalang's heart and sympathized with his suffering.

However, as a member of the royal family and his heir, I cannot always be so inferior and fragile!

What does it matter if I walk with a limp?

Their Yang family originally had a military background, and even a refined and elegant person like the prince had fought on the battlefield.

I have seen too many bloody scenes of flying flesh and broken arms, and many of the generals and soldiers I am familiar with are disabled.

Those people were all fine, without any weakness or sadness caused by their disabilities, but why was his son so pretentious?

In order to appease Xiao Dalang and prevent him from becoming corrupted, the prince even sent Xiao Sanlang out of the palace.

Recently, the prince has been thinking about asking for the title of Crown Prince for Xiao Dalang!

As a father, the prince has done his best to plan for Xiao Dalang, but why -

Ugh!

The prince sighed silently in his heart.

The stubborn and unruly little face of Xiao Dalang could not help but appear in his mind.

By the way, Lou Yu was even more difficult to discipline than him back then.

Even though his heart is dark and twisted, he still tries his best to appear kind and good.

At that time, Lou Yu was still immature, but he was already like a wolf in sheep's clothing.

But he managed to train this wolf cub into a gentle gentleman and a graceful young man.

This is the reason why the prince trusts and values ​​Lou Yu so much - he was the one who brought him up, and he has a great sense of accomplishment in Lou Yu.

He could even "rectify" Lou Yu, so how could this happen to his own son?

"...This is probably what people often say, 'A doctor cannot treat himself!'"

The prince was indeed wise and quickly discovered the problem.

"Your Highness, the Crown Princess requests an audience!"

At this moment, the eunuch's voice was heard outside the door.

The prince quickly collected his emotions, and when he raised his head, he was once again the gentle and calm superior, "Let her in!"

The prince was quite tolerant towards Xiao Lu.

First of all, little Lu was young, more than ten years younger than him.

It is not an exaggeration to say that they are two generations.

Secondly, Xiao Lu was the younger sister of Da Lu, and she was also a frequent visitor to the palace in her early years.

The prince was quite familiar with his wife's younger sister.

Don't get me wrong, the prince has no other thoughts, he just treats her as a sister, a child who needs care!

Thirdly, Xiao Lu's entry into the Eastern Palace was a decision made by multiple forces, and it was a result that satisfied multiple parties.

But only little Lu was wronged.

As a newlywed, she was already put under many rules and regulations before even entering the house.

The marriage cannot be consummated within three years!

No fertility within five years!

Xiao Lu is not a tool, she is a living person.

If it weren't for the unexpected death of the elder Lu, the younger Lu might have married into a noble family of equal status.

She has her own life, which may not be noble or perfect enough, but she will not be restricted like this!

Last but not least, although little Lu is young, she is very sensible.

After she entered the East Palace, she was cautious and abided by the rules.

He was not overly close to Xiao Dalang and other heirs of the Eastern Palace, but he would not abandon them either.

Do not target or treat harshly the concubines such as Liangdi and Liangyuan, and do everything according to the rules!

The prince has observed for nearly two years and can say fairly:

Everything that Xiao Lu said and did was worthy of the title of "Crown Princess".

Little Lu has met the standards of a Crown Princess, but she seems not to have received the respect and dignity that a Crown Princess deserves!

The prince is not a mean and ungrateful person. He is a human being with a heart. He can feel the grievances of little Lu and can also see her sensibleness.

He began to feel sorry for little Lu.

Within a certain standard set by himself, the prince is willing to give Xiao Lu a certain amount of "compensation"!

"Your Highness, I greet you!"

Little Mrs. Lu came in carrying a tray. She knelt down and saluted respectfully.

The prince smiled gently, "Get up! No need to be polite!"

His eyes fell on the tray and he asked softly, "What did the Crown Princess do today?"

"Your Highness, when I heard you coughing yesterday, I thought it might be the dry autumn weather that made you feel a little unwell. So I consulted the imperial physician and personally made you some Tremella and Snow Pear Soup to moisten your lungs and relieve your cough."

Little Mrs. Lu was steady in her actions, but because she was young, there was still a hint of childishness on her face.

A pair of almond-shaped eyes that are quite similar to those of Da Lu, round and full of cleanliness and clarity.

When she raised her head and looked at the prince, she was filled with deep admiration and dependence.

"Thank you, Crown Princess!"

The prince saw sincerity in little Lu's eyes. He couldn't help but curl the corners of his lips and raised his hand to take the sweet white porcelain cup.

"Your Highness, I've been reading 'Rules for Women' written by my mother these past two days. I've gained some insights, so I've written them down. Could you please help me take a look?"

Seeing the prince eating the snow pear soup she sent, little Lu's eyes and eyebrows were full of joy.

She took out a folded paper from her sleeve pocket and asked cautiously with shyness and trepidation.

Seeing Xiao Lu like this and eating the dessert that Xiao Lu had made herself, the prince, who already felt a little guilty towards her, could not say no.

Furthermore, the fact that Xiao Lu was actively learning from the Empress was worthy of encouragement in itself.

Everyone likes to be a teacher, especially men. They feel an inexplicable sense of accomplishment when they educate their partner personally.

In the nearly two years since Xiao Lu entered the palace, she first asked the prince to teach her calligraphy, and then wrote an article asking for his advice.

As for the prince, for various reasons, he did not refuse Xiao Lu's approach.

Under his guidance, little Lu's handwriting became more and more like the prince's.

The articles she wrote also had the shadow of the prince.

Every time the prince corrected her homework, he felt familiar and extremely pleased - this child is teachable!

Xiao Lu was not an ordinary student, she was his wife and his lifelong partner.

Personally educate the person next to you to become a talented person... The prince did not understand what the "cultivation system" was, but he also knew that the little Lu and the big Lu were different.

"Oh? Are you reading Mother's articles again?"

The prince put down the spoon, raised his hand and picked up the handkerchief on the desk to wipe his hands, then took the paper from little Lu.

The prince gently unfolded it and scanned it at a glance.

Well, the handwriting is neat, and it is the regular script that he is good at.

"…The handwriting is better than before, but the strength is still a little lacking!"

The prince commented, turned around and pulled out a copybook from the bookshelf on the side, "This is what I wrote myself -"

It is for Xiao Dalang to learn how to write.

Unfortunately, in the past one or two years, Xiao Dalang has become increasingly unruly.

It would be a waste to give him such good calligraphy!

The prince also has a temper.

He is a strict father and will not indulge his children without limits.

If Xiao Dalang doesn't cherish you, there will be someone who will.

"Your Highness, is this the calligraphy you wrote?"

Mrs. Lu, who has always been reserved, immediately showed her joy when she saw the calligraphy.

She looked a little "improper", but wasn't it also a "revelation of her true feelings"?

At least, the prince doesn't mind her lack of stability, but rather likes her a little!

"Well! It's just something I wrote casually, it's nothing special. If you like it, you can copy it!"

"I like it! I like it! Everyone says Lou Hanzhang's calligraphy is the best in the world, but let me say that Your Highness's calligraphy is even better! After all, how can a student truly be better than his teacher?"

Since little Lu had "lost her manners", she became even more lively.

Fortunately, she was not very old, and even when she was wearing the Crown Princess's regular clothes, she still looked like an innocent little girl.

At this age, even if he behaves a little eccentrically, there is no sense of incongruity.

The prince himself did not realize that the smile on his lips had extended to his eyes.

Little Lu was flattering him. After all, the world-famous Lou Hanzhang was trained by him, the prince!

The disciples are excellent, and the teachers are even better!

Although they were more than ten years apart in age and not yet the original couple, the relationship between the prince and young Lu became increasingly harmonious.

Little Dalang was ordered to come and receive training. When he walked to the corridor outside the study door, he heard the laughter of his father and stepmother.

A boy of eleven or twelve is at a sensitive age. His father is strict, his loving mother has passed away, and he himself is "disabled"... A layer of gloom was cast on the fair and delicate face of the little boy.

His bad mood reached a peak when he saw his stepmother, who was only a few years older than him, happily leaving with his father's handwritten calligraphy.

That copybook was originally for him!

But my father gave it to my stepmother!

……

August 6th is a good day to travel!

Due to the earthquake in Shuzhou, Wang Heng and Lou Yu postponed their trip.

It wasn't until August that the couple began to prepare.

Lou Yu handled all the affairs of the provincial government and county offices.

When he left Nanzhou, his successor was the governor of the prefecture whom he recommended and who was also his student.

There are also several county magistrates under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, and more than half of them are talents "recommended" by Lou Yu.

They could be his students, old friends, or former officials who agree with his governing philosophy.

Lou Yu's arrangements were indeed selfish. He wanted to ensure that even after he left, the policies he formulated could continue to be implemented.

But, more importantly, it is because the policy itself is excellent and the officials are all talented and knowledgeable.

Fortunately, this is Nanzhou, a place of exile that many officials are afraid to go to.

Lou Yu's "placement of cronies" did not cause dissatisfaction in the court or among some bigwigs.

Lou Yu also made arrangements for the Protectorate.

Two years earlier, Yang Shou, the prince of Rui, who had followed him to Yongzhou, had been promoted to the governor of Yongzhou, in charge of the military affairs of Yongzhou, and was a fourth-rank official.

There was also Lou Piao, who was selected by Lou Yu from among the children of the Lou family. He also became the governor of Nanzhou and was responsible for matters such as the government troops of Nanzhou.

All political and military affairs have been arranged properly. The entire southwest and southern Xinjiang will develop in the direction he has set in the next three to five years, so Lou Yu can leave with peace of mind.

Wang Heng, while busy with disaster relief, was also cleaning up and dealing with the couple's private property.

What needs to be sold should be sold, and what needs to be packed up should be packed up.

The fleet under his name had already docked at the South China Sea port. Wang Heng arranged guards to transport all the gold, silver and other valuables onto the treasure ship.

After choosing an auspicious day, the fleet set sail and headed straight for the East China Sea.

It entered the East China Sea, then was transferred from sea transport to the Grand Canal, and then sent to the capital via the canal.

Wang Heng and Lou Yu, however, do not know how to travel by sea.

They would bring their children, valuables, followers, etc. and return to the capital along the same route they came.

Although the sea route is cheap and the fleet is already familiar with it, it is ultimately not as safe as the land route.

The young couple Wang Heng and Lou Yu are very cautious and will never take risks easily.

Not to mention, they have children.

Little Anan was only a few months old. There were too many unstable factors at sea. Just seasickness alone could make a baby uncomfortable.

Although the couple had never had a formal conversation, they had a tacit understanding in their hearts: in this life, they had only one child, Anan!

The only blood you have must be loved and cherished in every way!

Wang Heng's four-wheeled carriage was ready. Lou Yu helped Wang Heng into the carriage, and the wet nurse on duty followed in, holding Anan.

The carriage was spacious, and even if the wet nurse was a little hesitant, she could still sit there.

Wang Heng even ordered someone to make a screen to separate a small space for the wet nurse to take care of the child.

Wang Heng also got a lot of toys, most of which were donated by her eldest daughter, Wang Mian.

There are wooden jigsaw puzzles, cute puppets, and various small toys that can make sounds.

The colors are bright, the texture is fine, and there are tinkling sounds. Six-month-old Anan loves it very much.

Wang Heng spread a thick layer of lichen on the floor of the carriage, and little Annan sat directly on it.

Or she would use her only little tooth to bite the toy hard, or crawl around with her little butt sticking out!

Although the space is not as big as in a real room, it is much larger than an ordinary carriage.

At least, for a little baby who couldn't walk yet, the carriage journey lasting more than a month was not boring or difficult.

There is a wet nurse, a maid, and the mother to accompany him. The little guy cries "ah ah ah" every day, and the sound of dripping water and laughter continues.

Wang Heng stayed with her daughter all day, watching the little baby's cute expressions. She felt curious and happy, and she even felt that time passed very quickly.

Every day, she even has time to read poems to her children and look at picture books.

Looking at the scenery outside the car window, the endless mountains and forests slowly turned into plains, and the leaves turned from green to golden. Before I knew it, more than a month had passed.

In mid-September, at the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, Wang Heng and Lou Yu finally returned to the capital...