Old Song glanced at Song Yuanbao and also felt that it wasn’t quite appropriate for him to enroll by himself.
Wen Wan didn’t say anything, occasionally glancing at Song Wei beside her.
Song Yuanbao was also looking at Song Wei, naturally hoping that his father would stand by him.
Song Wei set down his chopsticks, took Jinbao from Wen Wan’s arms to feed him, allowing her to have some food, and then said in a calm voice, "I took Yuanbao around several places the other day. The key locations, he’s almost memorized. I’ve also told him how to report on the first day. If he goes by himself, there shouldn’t be much problem."
"Third Son, he’s still just a child," Granny Song said, feeling sorry for her grandson and not willing to let Yuanbao go to the Imperial College alone.
Song Wei didn’t mention how much he had faced alone at twelve; he merely nodded and said, "Since you both think it’s necessary for me to take him, let’s wait for a few more days then!"
Unless on vacation, he seldom takes leave. New officials often taking leaves can impact future evaluations.
"Dad, I can go by myself," Song Yuanbao persisted, "though Dad accompanied me initially, didn’t Mom eventually enroll herself alone? If Mom could do it, why can’t I?"
Granny Song wanted to say he’s only twelve, but Old Song suddenly changed his mind, "Since Yuanbao wants to go by himself, let’s just let him. Third Son, you’re so busy with the government office, don’t make it hard for the child."
Granny Song didn’t argue further, but her expression still showed some worry.
Song Wei maintained a neutral attitude throughout. Whether Yuanbao went by himself or was taken by him, he was agreeable either way.
The final outcome was that Granny Song respected her eldest grandson’s decision.
Although she agreed verbally, she still felt uneasy and kept him after dinner for some instructions.
Wen Wan couldn’t find a way to join the conversation; seeing everyone had set down their chopsticks, she stood up to help Mrs. Jin clear the table. After Song Wei finished feeding Jinbao, she took her son back to the room.
The day for Yuanbao to start school was personally chosen by Granny Song from the calendar.
Song Wei and Wen Wan were used to this and did not dissuade her.
Having waited for so long to finally enter the Imperial College, Yuanbao was in an exceptionally good mood. On the first day of school, he cleaned and tidied his room without Mrs. Cao’s help.
Perhaps it was the excitement last night; when he got up the next day, Wen Wan noticed his eyes were a bit dark and asked if he hadn’t slept well.
Yuanbao sheepishly nodded.
Wen Wan completely understood, as it was just like the night before her first day at Hongwen Academy—both eager and a bit anxious, that feeling was indeed torturous.
After washing up, Song Wei, Wen Wan, and Song Yuanbao had a simple breakfast and walked out together.
Uncle Lin had already prepared the carriage.
Song Wei stopped by the carriage, watched as the mother and child got on, then gave Wen Wan a few reminders through the curtain.
After the carriage left, he turned and walked towards the direction of the Hanlin Academy.
On the carriage, Wen Wan noticed that while Song Yuanbao was excited, he was also a bit nervous. She advised him, "Didn’t you study at the town school before? Just treat it as a regular enrollment, don’t be nervous. The Imperial College isn’t as daunting as you think."
Song Yuanbao was too embarrassed to admit he was nervous and claimed it was because he was too excited.
Wen Wan didn’t expose him and instructed Uncle Lin outside, "Let’s go to the Imperial College first. After Yuanbao gets off, we’ll head to Hongwen Academy."
When the carriage stopped outside the Imperial College, to avoid suspicion, Wen Wan didn’t get off. She just lifted the curtain to give Song Yuanbao careful instructions on what to pay attention to when meeting the School Principal.
Song Yuanbao showed no impatience, listening quietly and responding occasionally.
Wen Wan didn’t realize that although she didn’t get out, her appearance had already been revealed through the window.
And the one who saw her was none other than the Fourth Young Master of the Prime Minister Mansion, Su Yaoqi.
The misfortune in the Su Family didn’t seem to affect this simple-hearted young man. After his period of collapse, he was forced to continue attending the Imperial College.
The upheaval in the Su Family was caused by his "one-sided love." Su Yaoqi had profoundly reflected on this and vowed to his father that he wouldn’t let emotions get the better of him from now on.
However, some verbal promises ultimately can’t compete with a fleeting glance from the person in his heart.
Upon seeing Wen Wan again, what Su Yaoqi thought had faded was unexpectedly rekindled, and he approached Wen Wan’s carriage without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Wen Wan had just finished instructing Song Yuanbao and was preparing to head to Hongwen Academy across the street when a voice suddenly called, "Miss, please wait a moment."
Wen Wan didn’t know many outsiders, and given the unique tone of a young man’s voice, she immediately recognized who it was and chose not to respond.
"I’m Su Yaoqi." Afraid she might have forgotten him, he quickly introduced himself.
Wen Wan had no intention of engaging in a deep conversation with him, her voice devoid of any emotion, "Fourth Young Master, the class time at Hongwen Academy is approaching. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave."
Before Su Yaoqi could say another word, the carriage swiftly departed.
He could only look at Song Yuanbao beside him, his face holding a very polite smile, "This young brother, who is that young lady to you?" The source of thɪs content is 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝔫𝔢𝔱
Song Yuanbao thought for a moment and said, "She’s my aunt."
He knew that his mother held the "young lady" status in Hongwen Academy and shouldn’t be exposed. Clearly, this young man also mistook his mother for an unmarried girl.
Su Yaoqi’s eyes brightened slightly, "Really?"
Song Yuanbao asked him, "Who are you, and why are you inquiring?"
Realizing he was too outward with his emotions, Su Yaoqi coughed and said seriously, "I’m a friend of hers. I just came up to say hello after unexpectedly seeing her at the Imperial College."
Song Yuanbao wasn’t foolish; he could clearly see the admiration Su Yaoqi couldn’t hide in his eyes. With a sparkle in his eye, he said, "If you want to know more about my aunt, take me to report to the scholar."
Su Yaoqi was eager for this, "Okay, follow me."