Bai Xilie said calmly, "Why didn’t Third Brother come with Sister-in-law?"
Princess Consort Kang gave a shallow smile, "The weather is nice today, so my husband went horseback riding with friends."
Bai Xilie chuckled, "That Third Brother, either playing or drinking all day long."
Qingmei pulled up a chair, and Bai Xilie waved his hand, "Sister-in-law, sit down. Take your time to say what you need to say."
Princess Consort Kang first took a paper-wrapped package from Qing Lan’s hands.
She smiled kindly and gently at Bai Zhi’er, "Zhi’er, these pastries were made by your Third Aunt herself, they’re for you."
The little one’s big eyes immediately lit up with joy.
"Thank you, Third Aunt! I like you the best!" She rushed over and hugged Princess Consort Kang’s waist.
In her coquettish manner, she remembered her father was present, so Bai Zhi’er quickly added—
"Third Aunt is only after Dad and Mom!"
Bai Xilie, seeing his daughter happy, couldn’t help but laugh heartily, "Little one, truly managing to offend no one."
Qingmei took the pastries and led Bai Zhi’er aside to enjoy them.
The little one perked up her ears and heard Princess Consort Kang begin to report to Bai Xilie what happened in the mansion yesterday.
Bai Xilie listened with a blank expression from beginning to end, showing neither anger nor joy.
Under his handsome thick brows, his eyes twinkled with inscrutable light.
In fact, with Bai Xilie’s methods, he had already known everything that happened in Prince Kang’s Mansion last night.
However, although Prince Kang was his brother, the affairs within his household were their own family matters.
Thus, Bai Xilie would not interfere unless absolutely necessary.
Princess Consort Kang speaking up today obviously indicated she sought his help.
Bai Xilie deeply nodded, the silver-red Dragon Robe faintly glinting with golden threads.
"With Third Brother , it must be hard on Sister-in-law, he was spoiled by our parents since a young age, please be lenient with him."
"Later, I’ll have him summoned into the palace and give him a proper lesson."
Princess Consort Kang smiled reservedly.
"Thank you, Imperial Brother," she said, "Actually, I came today with an impertinent request."
"Yaoyu made a bet with my husband to stay at Mingyang Academy for a month."
"But you know Yaoyu’s temperament, Imperial Brother, he’s hot-tempered and impulsive, having learned a few martial arts moves, I’m always afraid he’ll cause trouble outside, taking a path of no return."
Princess Consort Kang spoke anxiously, "However, when Yaoyu is with Zhi’er, he’s very tolerant and patient."
"He always remembers his role as an older brother, so if, during these few days, Zhi’er could accompany him to Mingyang Academy, letting Yaoyu familiarize himself with the environment, it might be better."
Princess Consort Kang showed a troubled expression, "I truly have no other way, which is why I thought of this solution."
Bai Xilie narrowed his eyes, contemplating for a moment.
"Mingyang Academy," Bai Xilie paused, "I have never thought highly of this place. The so-called gathering of renowned teachers is merely a gimmick deliberately propped up by powerful families."
"During last year’s imperial examination, no fewer than twenty people were caught cheating from Mingyang Academy."
"It’s simply not a good place for studies."
Princess Consort Kang nodded, "Even so, Mingyang Academy is the only academy left from the former dynasty within our Great Chu."
"My husband wants to send Yaoyu there to expand his connections."
Bai Xilie was noncommittal.
In fact, he had long wanted to find a good teacher for Bai Zhi’er to begin her education.
But among those carefully selected from the court, none were suitable, either too old or too young.
The men might be too strict, while no suitable women were found.
The stern ones might scare his daughter, the overly lively ones were unreliable.
Therefore, until now, Bai Xilie hadn’t found a teacher that met his standards.