Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved
Chapter 279 Founding Elders Take Disciples

Chapter 279: Chapter 279 Founding Elders Take Disciples

The promise of the Prince of Yundian was to devote the entire strength of Yundian.

He was the greatest vassal king in Great Yan, wielding real power. Even if he wanted to rebel and declare himself king, the Imperial Court was helpless. In the eyes of the locals, there was only one Emperor, and that was the Prince of Yundian, not an emperor yet akin to one.

The people of Great Yan also knew this, often secretly referring to him as the local Emperor of Yundian.

The sides were so harmonious only because the Yundian Royal Mansion lacked ambition; otherwise, it would have been the greatest trouble for the Imperial Court.

However, Jun Yuyan and Murong Jiu had never thought of exploiting the Prince of Yundian.

They rescued Xiao Wen, treated him well out of pure intentions, without harboring any ulterior motives.

As long as the Prince of Yundian was not exploited by other princes, that was enough.

After sending Xiao Wen away, Murong Jiu felt down for a couple of days.

The distance between the two places was indeed too vast, and every time the Prince of Yundian visited, he arrived covered in dust. With Xiao Wen gone, it was uncertain when they would meet again.

Watching Xiao Wen grow up and transform bit by bit, she felt a sense of achievement. Moreover, sometimes Xiao Wen was so understanding it tugged at her heartstrings. He treated people with sincerity and a heart full of integrity. Such a child, no matter where he went, was always likable.

Her master also liked Xiao Wen, or else he wouldn’t have taught him Medicine nor would he have gifted him several personally transcribed precious medical books before leaving.

It was said that Xiao Qin from Chang Chonghai’s family was particularly heartbroken, her eyes swollen for days.

Embarrassed, Chang Chonghai explained to Murong Jiu, "Previously, we were avoiding our enemies and did not socialize with others. Xiao Qin had no friends; Xiao Wen was her only friend, which is why she’s very upset. Alas, it’s our fault as parents."

Murong Jiu knew that Xiao Wen and Xiao Qin often studied together with the tutors at the Prince Mansion, exercising together in the morning. The two were of similar age and had quickly become friends.

She then said to Chang Chonghai, "Don’t mention Xiao Qin being upset; my heart also feels empty with Xiao Wen gone. I always feel he might run over to greet me anytime. How about this, see if Xiao Qin would like to come over. Although Xiao Jin and Xiaoyu are young, they are gradually becoming interesting. Let her come over and play when she’s free from her studies."

Chang Chonghai became even more embarrassed, "Xiao Qin’s tutors are still hired from the Prince Mansion. Now that Xiao Wen has left, and we are only teaching her, my wife and I were thinking maybe we shouldn’t have Xiao Qin study anymore..."

"How can that be, I had asked Xiao Qin before, and she is very willing to learn. Plus, she is intelligent and quick-witted. Learning more will broaden her horizons so she won’t be tricked by a cunning scoundrel in the future. Plus, now that Xiao Wen has left, Xiao Qin spends most of her other time with Lady Jing in the Glazed Pavilion. It’s too boring for her, being so young and tending to plants. Let her come over occasionally to chat with me."

Chang Chonghai still wanted to refuse, understanding that if Xiao Qin could be raised under the wings of the Prince Mansion, even if she didn’t learn much, her status would raise significantly, and she might match with better families in the future. The Princess Consort certainly had this in mind, but he and Lady Jing didn’t want to impose on the Princess Consort.

"Since it’s the Princess Consort’s desire, then let Xiao Qin come over occasionally."

At that, sitting nearby and reviewing documents, Jun Yuyan set down his papers and made a final decision.

Only then did Chang Chonghai agree.

Xiao Qin was sent over that afternoon, her eyes indeed still red; she was a girl of deep feelings and loyalty.

Murong Jiu affectionately stroked her head.

"From now on, when you’re bored, just come over here. Xiao Jin and Xiaoyu will definitely like you, their big sister."

Xiao Qin nodded obediently, "I will definitely take good care of my little brother and sister."

Murong Jiu could not help but laugh, there were four wet nurses and four maids specially selected by Jun Yuyan himself to take care of the twins, all skilled in martial arts and as loyal as Hong Yi; thus, there was no need for Xiao Qin to look after them.

However, thinking of the shy Xiao Qin, she smiled and nodded, "Then, I will trouble you to take care of your little brother and sister."

Xiao Qin pursed her lips and nodded hard, her eyes much brighter than before.

At that moment, Jun Yuyan was not present, he rarely left for a few shichen, which meant he must have had some important matters to attend to, while the twins were also sleeping in the next room. With nothing else to do, she asked Xiao Qin if she wanted to learn the guqin.

Just a few days earlier, Chun Tao had found the old guqin that the Empress Dowager had gifted her while cleaning up and had cleaned it thoroughly. It was now sitting on the guqin stand.

Xiao Qin had a beautiful name—Chang Lingqin.

Ling meant cool or having a clear, melodious sound, which, combined with the character for guqin, carried quite a meaning.

However, by the afternoon, Murong Jiu realized that Xiao Qin truly had no talent for the guqin but instead greatly enjoyed playing chess, both Go and Xiangqi, which she was good at and quick-witted. Playing chess with her was quite interesting.

So, she had Chun Tao put away the Lv Qi and set up the chessboard outside, waiting for the next time Xiao Qin visited to play chess with her.

Xiao Qin left with a much brighter countenance than when she had arrived.

Jun Yuyan had returned just when the two of them were playing chess. After the guests left, he praised, "Xiao Qin has a good knack for chess, her mind is nimble, and she’s improved rapidly. I’ve heard that Old Duke Huangfu has plans to take on disciples and that we could send Xiao Qin to him."

Murong Jiu suddenly thought of something, "Are you talking about the same Old Duke Huangfu who is already over ninety this year?"

Jun Yuyan nodded, "Exactly. People from the Huangfu family generally live long lives. The Old Duke is still very robust. I had just seen him a few days ago, he was beaming and mentally sharp."

He had indeed lived long; at least in her previous life, Murong Jiu had died while the Old Duke was still alive.

The Old Duke was considered a founding elder, having fought by the side of the founder from his teens, and had once single-handedly infiltrated enemy camps to kill their leader. The incompetent emperor of the previous dynasty was killed by him. Later, as rewards were given for military services, he was granted the title of duke, becoming the youngest in history, and survived through three reigns, outliving two emperors.

It was precisely because of this that the Old Duke held great sway, although he seldom took part in the Imperial Court’s politics anymore. His favorite pastime was playing chess, and he was exceptionally skilled at it.

Unfortunately, he felt that his own descendants lacked the talent; no matter how much they were taught, they couldn’t surpass him, so he decided to take on a disciple, hoping to teach someone with high natural talent.

In her last life, the Second Prince, upon learning this, gathered many skilled at chess to be taken as disciples, one of whom the Second Prince favored greatly—a child from the Yun Family—whom the Old Duke had protected during a crisis. Later on, the support of the Old Duke played a role in the Second Prince becoming the Crown Prince.

A three-reign elder was not as simple as he appeared; who would have thought he was still sharp despite being halfway into the grave?

Murong Jiu almost forgot about this matter; had it not been for Jun Yuyan bringing it up, she wouldn’t have considered it.

"It’s possible, but since Xiao Qin is a girl, would the Old Duke accept her?"

If the Old Duke took her as a disciple, it would be a great opportunity for Xiao Qin. Apart from anything else, just being able to learn his chess skills would benefit her for life.

Jun Yuyan smiled and said to her, "If Xiao Qin’s skills in chess were mediocre, I naturally would not have mentioned it. She has great talent, and the Old Duke cherishes talent. At his age, he doesn’t care much about gender."

"Then, shall we give it a try?"

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