Eleven thousand and eleven

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The thought of seeing the emperor in person excited Fu Yuzhang so much that he almost lost sleep. Fortunately, his sleep quality was excellent these days; after the initial excitement, he closed his eyes and slept soundly until dawn. He woke up full of energy, quickly changed his clothes, and ran off to urge Fu Yuan and Xie Yao-niang, shouting, “Father, Mother, I’m here!”

Fu Yuzhang could now run steadily on his own and refused to be carried by his wet nurse. His little legs moved swiftly, and even before he arrived, his energetic voice was heard. Fu Yuan and Xie Yao-niang, who had just finished tidying up inside, heard Fu Yuzhang’s robust call.

Fu Yuan shook his head and said, “I don’t even know whose temperament Zhan’er inherited.”

Xie Yao-niang nervously rubbed her nose but then confidently replied, “Children with lively temperaments are more endearing. Look at how much Lady Deng adores him!”

Fu Yuan remained silent.

Hand in hand with his younger brother Fu Huai’an, Fu Yuzhang entered the main courtyard. The family of four dressed in matching snow-blue silk robes embroidered with golden patterns, and went to the Hall of Honor and Longevity to pay respects to the Old Madam.

When the Old Madam first heard that the Jing Shuo Emperor wanted to see the two children, she was momentarily flustered. But as a formidable figure who had single-handedly raised the children and managed the Changping Marquisate for over a decade after her husband’s death, she quickly regained composure and immediately sent someone to instruct Fu Yuzhang in proper etiquette and manners.

As long as the manners were correct and they were not disrespectful, she could put most of her worries aside.

The nanny assigned by the Old Madam pressed Fu Yuzhang to practice his manners. Knowing the era was one of absolute imperial power, no matter how tiring or tedious, he endured silently and earnestly perfected every gesture without slacking off.

In this earnest state, Fu Yuzhang naturally had no time to ponder questions like “What is the normal progress for a one-year-old child learning etiquette?” The nanny, who had spent decades in the palace and witnessed many grand occasions, was amazed by his learning speed and thought to herself that prodigies were truly extraordinary and astonishing.

Fu Yuzhang also realized the advantage of having an older prodigy brother: no matter how many things he did beyond his age, after the initial shock, everyone would automatically find a reason for it—he was a prodigy, so some supernatural traits were quite normal; why make a fuss?

A prodigy was like a basket in which all kinds of excuses could be placed.

Realizing this, Fu Yuzhang happily let himself go, letting his learning pace depend entirely on his mood. He could speed up when he wanted or slow down when he wished. After all, his age was there; if necessary, he could always bluff his way through with his cuteness.

Happy!

The vermilion palace gates slowly opened. Fu Yuan held Fu Yuzhang in one arm and held Fu Huai’an’s hand with the other. The three of them shared a resemblance—six or seven points for the father and sons, but wearing matching outfits, they looked eight points alike. The guards looked on and thought that this was clearly the Changping Marquis, the little Changping Marquis, and the even littler Changping Marquis; it was easy to imagine how the Marquis looked as a child.

Fu Yuzhang obediently nestled in Fu Yuan’s arms, his eyes curiously scanning the vermilion palace walls on either side. Suddenly, he spotted a plump orange tabby cat strutting proudly along the wall.

Fu Yuzhang sat up straight immediately. Palace cat!

No one knew which palace the cat belonged to. It wasn’t afraid of strangers, sitting dignified on the wall, tilting its head to appraise Fu Yuzhang and his party.

Fu Yuzhang smiled and waved at it. The chubby orange cat stretched its body, arched its back, let out a soft meow, glanced at Fu Yuzhang, then leisurely jumped down from the wall and disappeared.

Fu Yuzhang felt a little regretful. That big orange cat looked so pettable, but he hadn’t gotten to stroke its head. What a pity.

Fu Yuan gently pinched Fu Yuzhang’s bottom. Fu Yuzhang instantly snapped back to attention, puffed out his cheeks, and obediently rested his chin on Fu Yuan’s shoulder, wide eyes fixed on the vermilion walls, hoping to see more cats.

Unfortunately, not a single other cat appeared along the narrow palace path.

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Fu Yuzhang lowered his head in disappointment, curiously looking ahead.

Fu Yuan soon followed the palace attendants past the palace walls, walked by the Hanging Arch Hall, and entered the Waiting for Announcement Chamber.

The palace attendant bowed and smiled politely, “Marquis, please set down the young master. We will perform a customary inspection.”

Fu Yuzhang looked up in confusion as Fu Yuan placed him on a nearby round chair. Two attendants approached carefully and gently checked Fu Yuzhang and Fu Huai’an to ensure they weren’t carrying anything forbidden.

Fu Yuan also removed the scented pouch from his waist. The attendants opened it and sniffed carefully. After confirming everything was in order, they apologized with a smile and led the three father and sons to the Funing Palace.

Fu Yuzhang instantly became excited: finally, he was going to meet the emperor! Thrilling!

The Jing Shuo Emperor was reviewing memorials when he saw Fu Yuan entering the hall slowly, holding one child and leading another by hand. The emperor smiled and said, “My minister is truly blessed to have such intelligent and charming children.”

Fu Yuzhang respectfully bowed to the emperor with Fu Yuan. When the emperor called him by name, Fu Yuzhang curiously looked up.

After all, he was just a child now and could look directly at the dragon’s countenance as he pleased. The emperor wouldn’t punish such a little one for so trivial a matter!

Fu Yuzhang was bold and met the emperor’s gaze head-on.

Hey, this emperor was quite handsome!

The Jing Shuo Emperor appeared not much older than Fu Yuan, not yet in his forties. He had long brows and phoenix-like eyes, a slight smile on his lips, and eyes as black and bright as deep, bottomless pools, which could intimidate at a glance. Yet his demeanor was gentle and refined, and his figure somewhat slender, more resembling a scholar at first sight. He wore no formal court robes but a scarlet regular garment embroidered with a fierce five-clawed golden dragon that seemed ready to burst through the fabric. In the sunlight, the golden threads shimmered, casting a halo around him and adding a measured distance.

Fu Yuzhang tilted his head and gave the emperor a big, bright smile. “May Your Majesty enjoy blessings and longevity.”

The emperor’s eyes brightened with amusement. He reached out to touch Fu Yuzhang’s tender cheek, then looked at Fu Huai’an who was standing with composed manners. Smiling, he teased Fu Yuan, “You are the envy of the capital now, having these two rare prodigy sons. You need not worry for the rest of your life.”

Indeed, this was a rare occurrence. For the Jing Shuo Emperor, prodigies were not a difficult rarity to encounter. In his twelve years on the throne, prodigies from all over the realm were brought to the capital almost every year to pay respects. Prodigies, to the emperor, were as common as chives in a field, appearing regularly and hardly surprising.

That was why the name of Fu Huai’an, the prodigy, was known throughout the capital, yet the emperor had not asked Fu Yuan to bring him to court before. He was simply used to seeing so many prodigies and felt no curiosity. He only offered a casual congratulation upon hearing that his favored minister had a prodigy son.

But having two prodigy sons at once was different. Even an emperor ruling the four seas had never seen such a wonder, which was why Fu Yuan was allowed to bring both sons into the palace for the emperor to see.

Looking at the elder son’s steady demeanor and the younger’s lively spirit, both inheriting their parents’ good looks, the emperor’s heart softened slightly. He smiled and offered Fu Yuan a seat, personally pushing a dish of buttered abalone snails toward Fu Yuzhang. “The imperial kitchen makes excellent buttered abalone snails. The Crown Prince likes them too. Try some.”

Fu Yuan respectfully thanked the emperor.

Fu Yuzhang happily took the dish, first offering one to Fu Huai’an, then taking one for himself. Holding it like a little squirrel, he nibbled delicately, eating neatly.

The emperor’s smile deepened. “Your brotherly bond is quite good.”

Mentioning this, Fu Yuzhang beamed with pride. “Brother is awesome! He gives me lots of gifts and teaches me to read!”

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A truly great older brother of the Great Qi! He definitely has a place in his brother’s heart!

Although he still stumbled over long sentences, after persistent effort and speaking more slowly, Fu Yuzhang could now say a couple of longer sentences!

This was a huge progress, truly worth celebrating!

The Jing Shuo Emperor heard this and looked toward Fu Huai’an, who sat upright and composed, nodding inwardly. “Such a young age and already caring for your younger brother, your character is excellent.”

Fu Huai’an put down his buttered abalone snail and respectfully replied, “‘The Book of Songs’ says: The flowers of the pear and crabapple trees bloom beautifully; among all people today, none are like brothers. Since my younger brother is still young, I, as the elder, must set an example and protect him. Family harmony is a sign of prosperity.”

Fu Yuzhang happily chimed in, “Brothers united, their strength can cut through metal!”

As an emperor with nine sons, the Jing Shuo Emperor was delighted to hear this. He asked Fu Huai’an in surprise, “Have you begun studying ‘The Book of Songs’ already?”

Fu Huai’an answered respectfully, “Only recently.”

“A fine example of brotherly love!” the emperor clapped and laughed. “Brotherly friendship and younger brother’s respect are exemplary. It’s a pity Zhan’er is too young. Otherwise, you two could study together in the imperial study with the other princes.”

Fu Yuan nearly broke out in a cold sweat and quickly stood up, saying, “I’m afraid my sons are unruly and might disturb the princes.”

“Such well-behaved children, how could they be unruly?” The emperor shook his head with a smile. “The Crown Prince is even younger than An’ge by one year and not yet of age to start studying. You two are about the same age. It’s just that An’ge began his education early and served as the Crown Prince’s companion reader, which delayed his own studies.”

Fu Yuan knew the emperor had made up his mind and dared not speak further, fearing the emperor might change his mind and allow Fu Huai’an and Fu Yuzhang to become royal companions.

Being a companion reader to a prince was indeed a coveted position; wealthy families in the capital fought fiercely for such opportunities. But Fu Yuan was truly reluctant to have his sons become companion readers in the palace. No matter the benefits, he was not tempted. His children had been carefully raised at home; palace rules were strict, and the princes were high-status. If conflicts arose, tutors dared not punish the princes, but might they hesitate to punish the companion readers?

With one son four years old and the other barely one, how could Fu Yuan have the heart to let them become companion readers in the palace?

Fu Yuzhang blinked and suddenly thought of an important figure—the Crown Prince!

In the original story, the Crown Prince had narrowly escaped being deposed multiple times and ultimately ascended the throne smoothly with Fu Huai’an’s support. The Crown Prince and his ministers enjoyed decades of harmony, and Fu Huai’an began his path as a powerful minister, becoming the Crown Prince’s junior tutor. When the new emperor ascended, he became the imperial tutor, elevating the prestige of the Changping Marquisate.

Now, the future emperor, currently the Crown Prince, was still a three-year-old toddler?

Fu Yuzhang’s interest was piqued again. The next emperor, his brother’s good boss—he really wanted to meet him!

Just as he thought this, a palace attendant respectfully reported, “Your Majesty, the Crown Prince requests an audience.”

Wow! Fu Yuzhang immediately grabbed Fu Huai’an’s sleeve, “Brother, look! Your future boss is here!”