"What did you learn at the Guozijian today?" Princess Xinyang shifted the topic and asked about his studies.
"Today, I learned the ’Classic of Filial Piety’." Little Jingkong recited everything from the class and then explained it in his own words.
Princess Xinyang nodded in approval. Everything was correct.
She patted his small head, "What a clever child."
Little Jingkong’s eyes twinkled, "Am I clever or is brother-in-law clever?"
Princess Xinyang was amused by him, "Both are clever."
Little Jingkong frowned deeply as if burdened with great hatred.
Why was the troublesome brother-in-law also clever?
Clearly, the troublesome brother-in-law always came last in exams.
In fact, just by asking this question, he subconsciously admitted that the troublesome brother-in-law was quite clever; he just hadn’t realized it himself.
He straightened his little body and declared, "I’ll become the top scholar earlier than brother-in-law!"
At that time, little Jingkong didn’t know that he indeed became the top scholar earlier than the troublesome brother-in-law, but not the top literary scholar.
"Jingkong! It’s time to go archery!"
Xu Zhuzhu’s voice came from outside.
"Oh no! I forgot I promised to go archery with them!" Little Jingkong jumped off the stool, politely saluted Princess Xinyang, "Princess, I have to go now. I’ll visit you another day."
"Alright." Princess Xinyang nodded gently with a warm gaze, letting Yujin escort Little Jingkong to the carriage.
When Yujin returned, Princess Xinyang was tidying up the small garment that a maid had soiled.
"Jingkong really looks like Ahen when they were young." Seeing Jingkong was like seeing a half-young Ahen, which made Princess Xinyang very nostalgic.
Yujin chuckled, "Isn’t that true? Both are smart, both love to be first, yet both are quietly mischievous."
When Xiao Hen was young, he didn’t look as obedient as he seemed. If you told him not to climb trees, he’d secretly climb them; if you forbade sweets, he’d sneak into the kitchen with Long Yi.
Sometimes when Princess Xinyang couldn’t suppress her anger and wanted to spank him, he would know to ask Long Yi to take him away, returning only when she had calmed down.
Thinking about Xiao Hen’s childhood antics, at first, Princess Xinyang found it amusing. But after a while, her expression carried traces of sorrow.
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