Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 10

He Lang appeared indifferent and detached, but in reality, he yearned for the bustling world outside the palace.

Having died in the palace in his previous life and now serving as the close tutor in this one, He Lang was constantly bound by the constraints of the imperial court. Despite living without pressure, he still longed for the vibrancy of everyday life.

So, whenever possible, he would find ways to get some fresh air.

Having agreed to accompany Zhen Puyang on an outing, they seized the opportunity to sneak out.

Although Zhen Puyang usually maintained a mature demeanor, his inner child couldn’t be contained once they were outside.

He Lang had never dealt with children before, but he knew what they might like. However, he forgot that his companion was already a young adult, not a child.

Upon reaching the streets, they encountered numerous vendors calling out their wares. The lively sounds filled the bustling streets.

One vendor, holding a wooden stick tied with straw and topped with a row of bamboo skewers, offered the popular candied hawthorns.

He Lang’s eyes brightened slightly as he looked down and asked, “Candied hawthorn, Your Highness?”

These candied hawthorns were well-made, with large, round hawthorns strung neatly and coated with a glistening yellow sugar that sparkled in the sunlight. They looked quite appealing and surely tasted pleasantly sweet and sour.

Zhen Puyang pouted, showing disinterest in such childish treats, though his gaze remained fixed on the bright red candied hawthorns.

He Lang shook his head and smiled lightly, pulling out a small coin from his pocket to buy a串 (skewer) of the treats.

Zhen Puyang nodded in satisfaction, thinking that his teacher did know how to please him. Just as he was about to take it with a bit of reluctance, he saw He Lang bite into it himself.

“Teacher, you?!” Zhen Puyang exclaimed in surprise.

He Lang licked his lips, wiggled the candied hawthorn in his hand, and smiled with a hint of teasing, “Didn’t Your Highness say you didn’t want it? But I enjoy it.”

Zhen Puyang, with a stern face, found himself at a loss for words. When did the tutor become so mischievous, playing tricks on him?

“I don’t care!”

Seeing his teacher’s smug and delighted expression, he yelled and lunged at He Lang, grabbing the hand holding the candied hawthorn and biting into it.

Afterward, Zhen Puyang realized that He Lang had already taken a bite.

He Lang, with a deliberate smile, asked, “How does it taste?”

He initially thought Zhen Puyang would spit it out in disgust or respond harshly. But instead, Zhen Puyang chewed thoughtfully and, with a hint of pink creeping into his ears, said calmly, “It’s delicious!”

He Lang blinked and laughed out loud.

The Ninth Prince rarely expressed that something was delicious, even when enjoying rare delicacies in the palace. To hear such high praise for a simple treat was surprising.

The street was filled with a variety of goods. As He Lang and Zhen Puyang continued down the street, they came across a stall selling handcrafted items.

The vendor, an elderly man with graying temples, skillfully carved wooden figurines of people from small wooden blocks with rough hands, capturing the details of their faces and expressions vividly.

Thinking that Zhen Puyang might want a souvenir from the outing, He Lang asked the vendor to carve a figurine resembling the prince.

But Zhen Puyang shook his head, saying he wanted a figurine of He Lang.

He Lang was slightly surprised as he watched the vendor place the carved wooden figure of himself into the prince’s hands. He felt a mix of emotions.

Noting the darkening sky, He Lang hurriedly took Zhen Puyang back to the palace.

By the end of the day, Zhen Puyang had to admit that he was pleased. Not only had he enjoyed something rare from the palace, but he also had a wooden figurine of his teacher.

He found it strange to have a figurine that resembled himself. He could always look in the mirror for that. A figurine of his teacher seemed better.

As he placed the figurine by his bedside, a palace servant came to announce that the Emperor wanted to see him.

His heart fluttered with curiosity. Was the Emperor calling him due to their secret outing? 

Fortunately, the Emperor’s tone was normal. He invited Zhen Puyang to play chess and even asked about his recent studies and whether he had been diligent in his studies.

“Father, I have been studying,” Zhen Puyang replied.

Zhen Puyang confidently made a move, pleased with himself for his progress under the constant supervision of the tutor. He felt he had improved considerably.

Upon hearing his response, the Emperor nodded in satisfaction and stroked his short beard. “Recently, I’ve heard some praise for you from the palace. I was wondering when you’d become more sensible. I suspect it’s thanks to the tutor. How do you find his teaching?”

Although the Emperor asked this, he already had his own answer. He knew that after the civil examination, Zhen Puyang had given the prized horse he had awarded him to the tutor within a day. Wasn’t that an indication?

Such questions were common to him, and Zhen Puyang casually replied, “It’s acceptable.”

The Emperor understood his son’s nature; if he said it was “acceptable,” it meant it was actually very good.

He admired the tutor’s skills, saying with a smile, “It seems the tutor is quite capable. Even my little tiger’s claws have been softened.”

The Emperor smiled slightly, his face wrinkling with both contentment and teasing.

Zhen Puyang, feeling a bit uncomfortable with his father’s comments, quickly changed the subject. “Why talk about him? Father, let’s continue the game.”

The game continued with back-and-forth moves, but Zhen Puyang’s mind was troubled, causing him to lose focus and ultimately lose the match.

Feeling slightly discouraged, he bowed to his father and left.

As he watched his son’s retreating figure, the Emperor turned to his attendant and pondered aloud, “It seems the tutor is quite skilled at teaching the princes. I can trust him with Ren’er now.”

Fusheng looked up, scrutinizing the Emperor. “Your Majesty, are you really going to let the Twelfth Prince be taught by the tutor?”

He found it hard to believe that Zhen Puyang would behave as expected. Despite the complaints from others, the Emperor remained convinced that his son had a gentle and kind nature and would get along well with his brothers.

Although the Emperor knew the tutor was highly knowledgeable, he had been reluctant to let him teach other princes due to Zhen Puyang’s unruly behavior. But now, seeing the tutor’s competence, he felt reassured.

The Emperor sighed as he thought of the child he rarely saw. Memories long buried under dust began to resurface, and he squinted his weary eyes with a hint of nostalgic affection.

The child’s features resembled those of a woman he once loved, and the boy had always been obedient, staying quietly in the palace without causing trouble. Although he had shown no notable talent and remained unremarkable, that was enough. The Emperor’s expression softened with these thoughts.

Perhaps as he approached old age, his heart had changed from the coldness of his youth. He felt a sense of wanting to make amends with his children, especially since he had never given them or their mother much attention.

**Author’s Note:**

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