Shen Jingxian still had to go to school.
Just because Duan Shaoguang and the Emperor hit it off, both believed Shen Jingxian was a genius!
The Princess had no need for enlightenment and could be directly sent to the National Academy to receive a more advanced education ahead of schedule!
Both of them said so.
Shen Jingxian raised her hand in protest, stating that she couldn't even recite the Three Character Classic completely and was a complete waste of material.
But Duan Shaoguang stopped her words, his face stern and upright, astonishing the crowd, "The Princess does not need to be modest. To be frank with the Emperor, what the Princess said today in school was deafening and clear, to be so aware at a young age is truly remarkable. Besides the good teachings of the Empress and Emperor, the Princess herself is exceptionally gifted!"
The Emperor was intrigued and asked Duan Shaoguang what his beloved daughter had said.
Upon hearing that Shen Jingxian boasted of her pride as a Princess and wouldn't bully others through someone else's hand, the Emperor clapped and cheered, indicating he would assign more guards to Shen Jingxian, so whatever she wished to do, she could command them directly, sparing herself the effort.
Almost outright telling Shen Jingxian, "Daughter, stay strong when you bully others!"
Shen Jingxian again expressed refusal, stating she didn't want to go to school anymore; her fragile heart was hurt, and she must drop out to heal!!
She looked at the Emperor with her big, round eyes, tears pooling in her eyes, appearing pitiful yet adorable.
Shen Jingxian knew, given the Emperor's affection for her, as long as she persisted in acting cute, the Emperor would surely soften.
Sure enough, it wasn't long before the Emperor was about to relent.
"If Yi Fen doesn't want to go, then..."
"Emperor." The voice of the Empress suddenly came from behind the screen, stopping the Emperor from continuing.
After being married for many years, the Emperor could tell just from the scent of the Empress's flatulence what she had eaten today, let alone the tender and moving way she called him Emperor (while not actually). It was so captivating it made one pledge life and death, instantly making the Emperor understand his wife's intention.
He swallowed the second half of his words, forcing himself to shift his gaze from Shen Jingxian back to Duan Shaoguang, asking, "I wonder what Mr. Duan's thoughts are."
"Emperor, please allow me to take the Princess to visit the National Academy tomorrow."
The National Academy has a strong atmosphere of learning, with many interesting subjects. He could see that the Princess was now resistant to attending school, only because her genius level made the children in the Enlightenment Hall seem immature. If the Princess could meet some remarkable children, she would surely rekindle her interest in learning!!
The Emperor pondered for a moment, after analyzing the Empress's intention a second time, reached a conclusion, and nodded to Duan Shaoguang, "Permission granted."
At this moment, Shen Jingxian was very distressed.
And the Emperor was even more distressed; he misunderstood the Empress's intention, and today was punished to sleep in the study.
The Empress called him to find a legitimate reason so the daughter wouldn't need to go to school, not leave ministers the chance to say they spoil their daughter, harming Princess Yi Fen's reputation.
Unexpectedly, this oblivious one!!
The Emperor's words were as irretrievable as a galloping horse, and Shen Jingxian didn't want to make things difficult for her Emperor father, so ultimately agreed to go see the National Academy.
But the next day, Shen Jingxian regretted it.
Duan Shaoguang hadn't told her that Song Yan would be there too!!
Wait, National Academy, Song Yan, Shen Jingxian...
Could this be the plot of the first encounter between the male and female lead?
In the original text, because Song Yan demonstrated extraordinary talent after rebirth, the teacher confirmed it and decided to let Song Yan skip grades, thus leading her to visit the National Academy, where she met the male lead.
In the original text, Shen Jingxian also tagged along, unwilling to let Song Yan enter the National Academy earlier, acting coquettish and rolling around to make the Emperor command the teacher to bring her along too.
At that time, the unwilling one was the teacher, and now, the unwilling one is Shen Jingxian.
Indeed, no matter how she struggles, the plot always returns to the track.
She wore a grim princess face, her whole body screaming the word dissatisfaction, yet Duan Shaoguang patiently coaxed her, although his expression was still strangely awkward due to unfamiliarity.
"Princess, don't sulk, the teacher promises, you will like the National Academy."
Shen Jingxian snorted arrogantly and started climbing the pole, "Then what if I don't like it."
Duan Shaoguang didn't answer directly, only repeated, "The Princess will like it."
Hmm, old fox.
Usually, Shen Jingxian would ride the Empress's carriage when leaving the palace, but today when leaving with Duan Shaoguang, no carriage was prepared. It was Duan Shaoguang's suggestion, hoping the Princess could truly see the citizens of Yunyi Country. Besides, the Imperial College wasn't very far from the Imperial Palace, making it a perfect distance for a walk.
The Empress Emperor have always taught Shen Jingxian to respect teachers and the teachings, so naturally, they wouldn't undermine Duan Shaoguang's reputation, only adding a few more guards to accompany Shen Jingxian.
On Duan Shaoguang's left and right were two Xiao Doudings, one of whom was particularly adorable, attracting quite some public attention along the way.
While in the palace, because the Palace Attendants knew Shen Jingxian's identity, they restrained themselves somewhat. But outside, Shen Jingxian's cuteness still caused quite a stir.
"Oh, Mr. Duan! When did you get married, and not a word, your daughter is already this big, truly adorable! Good child, this skewered candied fruit is for you!"
Shen Jingxian received it, and softly thanked.
Acquired candied fruit x1.
"Cute little girl, this rabbit is for you… Holding a rabbit looks even cuter!"
Acquired rabbit x1.
"Little child, do you like these paper-made trinkets? Call me Granny, and Granny will give them all to you!"
"Granny."
"Hey! Good child!"
Acquired unknown origami animals x n.
"Child, do you like cakes? Come, come, try them!"
Shen Jingxian was taught from a young age not to eat food given by strangers casually, so she didn't eat it, only placed it in her little bag, planning to take it back to placate the Emperor.
If it's not poisoned.
Acquired cakes x n.
Shen Jingxian's cuteness attracted more and more onlookers, initially only a few, but eventually became a dense crowd.
Duan Shaoguang regretted it too, he only thought of taking the Princess out for a look but forgot how cute the Princess was; such a degree of cuteness, even he couldn't resist.
Seeing Shen Jingxian's swelling little face again, Duan Shaoguang felt a bit guilty.
This time, the Empress probably wouldn't let him off easily.
Contrary to Shen Jingxian's attention, Song Yan seemed forgotten; not even when she left for a short while did anyone notice.
Here, interactions with Shen Jingxian had already upgraded from giving things to pinching cheeks and further to abducting.
Faced with those abduction lies, Shen Jingxian was dismissive; she was no ordinary child, could such words fool her?
"Child, I see a disaster of blood befall you, not living past 18, but you are indeed fated with Tao. Would you follow me to the mountain for cultivation to avoid calamity?"
Upon hearing this, Duan Shaoguang wasn't concerned; such an obvious scam, the Princess couldn't possibly fall for it. Earlier, there were several more tempting conditions the Princess rejected, how could she possibly go for a mere disaster of blood...
"I'm willing!"
Duan Shaoguang: ?
His stern face rarely appeared shocked, "Princess?!!"
Shen Jingxian, "I'm willing!! Quick, take me away!"
Farewell dear mother, tonight I set sail ~