Mo Yanchi listened and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
He explained, "How can those two students compare to my little apprentice?"
"They are dull-witted, and if they are not polished in the future, they will be an ordinary stone all their lives!"
"But my little apprentice is different; inherently smart, what’s the harm in being a little late?"
After speaking, he patted Bai Zhi’er’s small head.
"Let me guess, did you oversleep?"
Bai Zhi’er silently nodded.
Mo Yanchi immediately chuckled warmly, "It’s okay, you’re still young. If you don’t sleep well, how will you grow up properly?" Follow current novᴇls on novel·fire·net
Beside him, Bai Xingye immediately said with a cold voice, "She wasn’t late on purpose."
Mo Yanchi raised his head and looked at Bai Xingye.
He didn’t recognize who this young master was.
He just saw that Bai Xingye had a pale complexion and a noble temperament.
He was clearly someone raised in comfort and luxury.
Bai Xingye continued, "My father fell ill and almost went to see King Yan. My sister was worried, so she came to the Imperial Mansion late at night to visit him and stayed until my father woke up."
Hearing that, Mo Yanchi asked, "Your father is...?"
"Prince Kang," Bai Xingye answered.
Mo Yanchi was taken aback.
Prince Kang is Bai Xilie, the Emperor of Great Chu’s own brother; if he was seriously ill, it would indeed be a big issue.
Mo Yanchi was deeply moved at once.
He looked at Bai Zhi’er, "My little apprentice is truly filial and righteous. After such a big event, she still insists on coming to the academy today. I will give you a day off to go home and rest well."
Bai Zhi’er shook her head.
Her watery eyes were sparkling, "I’ve slept enough, and I’ve promised Sixth Brother to bring him to the academy for a lesson today!"
Mo Yanchi bowed to Bai Xingye, "So it’s the Sixth Prince."
"However, the next class is an internal exam on literature; if the Sixth Prince doesn’t mind, you can join everyone for the test."
Bai Xingye responded with a lukewarm "mm".
Mo Yanchi then said, "Little apprentice, you all wait a moment; your master will get you some pastries to eat."
Upon hearing there were pastries, Bai Zhi’er immediately sat obediently on the chair.
She swung her small feet, "Thank you, Master Father~"
After Mo Yanchi left, Bai Xingye, feeling bored, wandered around the study.
He happened to see the stack of papers on the desk.
Bai Xingye reached out, pulled them out, and glanced through them briefly.
Then, subconsciously, he looked up at Bai Zhi’er sitting on the other side.
The little one was turned, leaning on the windowsill, captivated by a butterfly fluttering outside.
Bai Xingye squinted his eyes, quickly memorizing the contents of the paper.
Soon, Mo Yanchi returned carrying two plates of pastries.
He invited Bai Zhi’er and Bai Xingye to indulge heartily.
Bai Xingye didn’t eat much.
The little one finished her share and then looked eagerly at Bai Xingye’s portion.
"Sixth Brother, wasting food isn’t being a good child~" she said, licking the pastry crumbs from her lips, her big eyes blinking.
Bai Xingye saw through her intentions, chuckled softly, and pushed the plate towards her.
"I’m not hungry; you eat."
Bai Zhi’er’s eyes immediately sparkled like little stars, "Sixth Brother, then Zhi’er will reluctantly help you finish it!"
Seeing her eating with such sweet enjoyment, Bai Xingye couldn’t help but relax his brows.
Mo Yanchi watched from the side, feeling satisfied in his heart.
They say those who eat with good manners, even if hasty but not sloppy, are blessed.
This little apprentice of his, no matter how he looked at her, was wonderful.
Once Bai Zhi’er finished eating, it was just in time for the end of the previous class.
The little one then took Bai Xingye and returned to the classroom.