Yu Qijian almost laughed out loud, but forced it back. “His Majesty is wise. So—governing a state and managing a household actually follow the same principles. If a problem appears, it’s better to communicate early and clarify boundaries. That’s far better than settling accounts afterward, and it also causes less emotional harm.”
Zhao Yan nodded seriously, then asked, “But what if a mistake has already been made? Like… the Yu…”
He stopped himself in time, blinking as he looked at Yu Qijian.
The child was sharp—he had clearly sensed the rising storm around the Yu Clan.
Yu Qijian sighed inwardly. This tutoring session had turned into a real-life case study.
“If a mistake has already been made,” she said, “then the person must first acknowledge it, actively correct it, make amends where needed, and bear responsibility where required. As for how to deal with it afterward, that depends on the law, on reason, and also on the heart of the one holding the blade.”
Then she raised her voice slightly. “Since Chief Eunuch is already here, why not come in and listen to His Majesty’s questions? You have broad experience—perhaps you can explain more thoroughly.”
Fang Jinxian only then walked in slowly and properly bowed.
“His Majesty is diligent and inquisitive. It is a blessing for the realm.”
Hearing his perfectly formal tone, Yu Qijian almost burst into laughter and had to bite her lip hard to suppress it.
After getting used to bickering with this troublesome man, hearing him suddenly speak so properly always felt like watching someone perform on stage. Her only thought was: Is this even your line?
Fang Jinxian glanced at her briefly, then continued flatly.
“The matter of Zheng Bo concerns the balance between sovereign authority and kinship, between long-term and immediate interests. What His Majesty feels—that it is not worth the cost—is indeed the key point. Allowing wrongdoing is not true indulgence, but nurturing evil until the moment it must be cut down. However, this text is dangerous and may distort moral order; it is not the first choice for a wise ruler. His Majesty’s compassion in asking this question is commendable.”
Yu Qijian silently gave him a thumbs-up.
As expected—ancient people really knew how to speak.
Fang Jinxian: “……”
Zhao Yan looked between them, then finally sighed. “Being an Emperor is hard. Being Chief Eunuch and Mother Empress is also hard. There are so many things to manage, and also troublesome… relatives who don’t behave.”
He emphasized the word “relatives” lightly, his gaze drifting toward Yu Qijian.
Her heart softened immediately. She knew the child was comforting her, so she patted his head.
Zhao Yan was already used to such affection and naturally leaned into her embrace instead.
Yu Qijian felt warm inside. “Yun Zhi really is like a human heating pad. Such a thoughtful little cotton jacket.”
Zhao Yan blushed and gave a reserved “Mm.”
Just as Yu Qijian was enjoying this brief moment of maternal harmony, she glanced over and saw Fang Jinxian staring without blinking.
She teased, “Unlike our Chief Eunuch, cold as ice. Who knows who he’d freeze to death. Even touching him would probably give you a chill.”
Fang Jinxian: “……”
He had never even been touched—on what basis was she saying this?
Feeling annoyed, he lowered his gaze. “This minister is here to inspect His Majesty’s recent studies.”
So Zhao Yan’s playtime was ruined. Though slightly disappointed, he obediently brought over his assignments.
Yu Qijian smiled gently. “Yun Zhi, go play for a while. Shuanglan and Mo Fang can accompany you today.”
Zhao Yan’s eyes lit up. “But my homework…”
“I’ll go through it with the Chief Eunuch. Go ahead and play. We’ll have lunch soon.”
Seeing Fang Jinxian not object, Zhao Yan left happily for the back courtyard.
Only the two adults remained in the warm pavilion. The atmosphere quieted slightly.
Fang Jinxian stood by the desk, flipping through Zhao Yan’s work.
Yu Qijian poured herself tea and walked to the window. Outside, Zhao Yan was preparing to fly a kite with Shuanglan.
“Have you noticed?” she said lightly. “The child has become much more cheerful.”
“Mm,” Fang Jinxian replied without looking up.
“That’s good, right? I don’t really understand—do emperors have to suppress their nature?”
After a moment, he said, “If one is capable, any temperament can produce a good emperor.”
“Oh wow,” Yu Qijian laughed. “Chief Eunuch Fang, your logic is finally self-consistent. You’re not blindly sticking to rigid rules anymore.”
Fang Jinxian: “……”
After finishing her tea, Yu Qijian leaned over the desk, peering at the papers in his hand. “How has His Majesty been doing?”
She stood a little too close. A faint, clean scent drifted over him.
Fang Jinxian’s fingers paused mid-page, then subtly curled.
“Acceptable. His writing is more stable, and his ideas, though immature, show independent thinking.” He placed the page down and picked up another. “However, his essay on river transport is too vague and does not touch the actual systemic problems.”
“He’s only eight,” Yu Qijian immediately defended. “It’s already good enough that he knows what river transport even is.”
She reached to take the paper.
Their fingers accidentally brushed.
A brief, cool touch.
Fang Jinxian abruptly pulled his hand back. The movement was so sudden it felt almost like a reflex.
Yu Qijian raised a brow, confused, and looked at him.
Fang Jinxian had already turned slightly aside, gaze fixed out the window. Only his expressionless profile remained.
“You are right, Your Majesty. It was this minister who was too demanding.”
Yu Qijian: “……Fang Jinxian, did you take the wrong medicine today?”
Fang Jinxian: “……Did I offend you again?”
“What was that reaction just now?” she pointed at his hand. “I barely touched you and you acted like you got electrocuted. And what is this ‘this minister is at fault’ tone? Is that your line? We’re discussing serious matters—can you stop suddenly switching into official, dismissive mode? Who can stand that?”
She frowned at him, scrutinizing him like something was off.
Fang Jinxian looked at her clear, bright eyes. Something in his chest tightened again for no reason.
She really didn’t feel anything—or didn’t care at all.
“No dismissal,” he said, lips pressed tight, a trace of irritation in his voice. “I’m just not used to it.”
“Oh, so you’re not used to being touched. I’ll be careful next time,” Yu Qijian said considerately.
Fang Jinxian: “……”
That somehow made it worse.
He turned back to the documents with a cold face.
Yu Qijian studied him from the side. “Something’s wrong. Very wrong.”
“Hmm?” he replied, a little stiffly.
She suddenly realized something and brightened. “Are you still angry about what I said yesterday—about male consorts? Do you think I’m being improper, so you don’t want to talk seriously with me?”
That bizarre leap in logic somehow landed exactly on part of the truth.
Fang Jinxian’s ears turned faintly red. He stiffened his jaw and said, “I wouldn’t dare.”
“See? There it is again.” Yu Qijian sighed dramatically. “If you keep saying ‘I wouldn’t dare’ and ‘I am guilty’ every time, how are we supposed to work? Efficiency? Communication cost? Hello?”
She launched into her familiar theory of teamwork again. “Efficient teams need honest communication. Less emotional overhead. We’re already allies—just speak directly and everything will be faster.”
Fang Jinxian stared at her blankly for a long moment.
Then, as if finally giving up, he said flatly, “Then don’t touch me.”
Yu Qijian: “……”
Well.
What was she supposed to say to that.