"So what do you plan to do next?" Zheng Rang carefully observed Zheng Qian’s expression and guessed, "You don’t seem like you’re ready to give up." If he gave up recognizing His Highness the Tenth as his lord just because of a few words from Prime Minister He, he wouldn’t be the younger brother.
Zheng Cheng suddenly asked in horror, "Little brother, you don’t intend to go directly to the palace to see the emperor, do you?"
Zheng Qian gave Zheng Cheng a disdainful look, "Even if I wanted to go directly to see the emperor, could I enter the palace?" The Imperial Palace isn’t a place anyone can enter at will. Although he’s Zheng Xilin’s youngest son, without a token, he cannot enter the Imperial Palace casually.
"That’s true, you can’t get into the palace." Zheng Cheng was immediately relieved.
"Uncle advised me not to approach the lord until he grows up and to spend more time reading and studying..." Zheng Qian recounted what Prime Minister He had told him to Zheng Rang and the others.
Zheng Rang nodded and said, "I think Uncle is absolutely right. Although you are smarter than our father, you indeed haven’t read as many books as he did, nor do you have as much experience being an advisor as him. You should study well."
"Don’t worry, I will study diligently at the Imperial College from now on." After leaving Prime Minister He’s residence, Zheng Qian had decided on a few things. "I won’t provoke anyone anymore." He must be low-key before the lord grows up, no longer as ostentatious as before.
Hearing this, Zheng Rang and Zheng Cheng both instinctively reached out to touch Zheng Qian’s forehead.
"No fever, why are you suddenly talking nonsense?"
Zheng Qian brushed off his two brothers’ hands and said with a serious face, "I will focus on my studies from now on."
Zheng Rang and Zheng Cheng saw that Zheng Qian was serious. They felt very gratified, yet a bit...unaccustomed.
"Big brother, I hope that after you return from work every day, you can tell me about the affairs of the court." Zheng Qian said very solemnly, "I want to know what’s happening in the court." He needed to stay informed of court developments so that he could better assist the lord in the future.
Zheng Rang did not hesitate to agree, "Alright, I will tell you." The younger brother is smarter than he is, and if he shares what’s happening in the court with him, he might see things that he hasn’t noticed.
"Thank you, big brother!"
Hearing Zheng Qian’s thanks, Zheng Rang was quite surprised and gently patted his back.
"No need to be courteous with big brother."
"Big brother, second brother, I’m going back to my room."
Watching Zheng Qian’s departing figure, Zheng Cheng sighed, "I suddenly feel like our little brother has grown up."
"Yes, he’s suddenly become mature." Zheng Rang chuckled softly, "Little brother has recognized His Highness the Tenth as his lord." Little brother is willing to focus on his studies and restrain his temper for His Highness the Tenth; it’s quite...he suddenly felt a bit jealous of His Highness the Tenth.
His Highness the Tenth only played two games of chess with the little brother, yet managed to captivate him. Truly...he regretted inviting His Highness the Tenth to play chess with the little brother.
The next day, after the morning court session, Prime Minister He went to the Imperial Study to discuss official matters with the emperor.
After discussing official matters, Prime Minister He brought up Zheng Qian’s intention to recognize Zhao Yao as his lord and his desire to enter the palace to become Zhao Yao’s companion in study.
The emperor, upon hearing this, laughed and said, "Old Zheng’s youngest son certainly has good judgment."
"I can tell that Qian boy is serious."
"Let him study well at the Imperial College for a few years first. When the time is right, I will make proper arrangements for him." The Baihe Temple’s old sage’s words had always been on the emperor’s mind. He had been considering where to send the young tenth when he came of age.
The old sage said the farther away, the better. The emperor knew of a place very far from the capital, and very far from other places too. If Zhao Yao went there, it would align with the old sage’s advice to go as far as possible. But the emperor was reluctant to let his younger son be so far from him. Moreover, that place was too desolate, and he couldn’t bear to see his young son suffer there.