Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 11

Soon after, a new figure entered their world.

On that day, Zhen Puyang arrived early at the study where they usually prepared lessons, only to find an unfamiliar person occupying his favorite reading spot, completely unaware of his intrusion.

The stranger seemed rather taciturn. Upon seeing Zhen Puyang, he merely stood up in a daze, never meeting his gaze. “Who are you? Why are you here?” Zhen Puyang asked with a tone that was far from polite.

This was the place where the tutor taught; it was unusual for unauthorized people to be here. However…

Upon a closer look, Zhen Puyang recognized the figure and suddenly realized this was his younger brother, the twelfth prince, who was younger than him. No wonder he looked somewhat youthful.

However, his attire was quite plain—a plain green robe without any embellishments. In the palace, even the servants were dressed in fine silk and satin, so he didn’t initially recognize him as one of his siblings.

Indeed, his identity was soon confirmed when an attendant came in and explained.

“Your servant greets His Highness, the Ninth Prince! I report to Your Highness that the Twelfth Prince has been entrusted by His Majesty to Tutor He for instruction and is here to report to the study.”

Zhen Puyang, who had been calm, immediately widened his eyes upon hearing this, his displeasure apparent. He didn’t care whether the person in question was still present and bluntly refused, “Send him to the Zishan Hall to learn. Why is he bothering my tutor?” His anger was rising, and his tone was harsh.

Typically, princes went to the Zishan Hall to be taught by the tutors there. His tutor, He, was specifically assigned to him alone and did not teach other princes. Why should someone suddenly intrude on his exclusive privilege?

The attendant, flustered by Zhen Puyang’s demand, was sweating profusely and stammered, “This… because Scholar Li is unwell, so…”

Scholar Li must have been the tutor originally assigned to Zhen Puyang’s younger brother.

Zhen Puyang was still unsatisfied with this explanation and continued to question, “Temporarily?” Does this mean that once Scholar Li recovers, he will be gone?

The attendant, under the pressure of Zhen Puyang’s intense gaze, shook his head, sweating even more, “This… this servant does not know.”

Zhen Puyang’s expression darkened.

Knowing his elder brother wasn’t welcoming, Zhen Puyang wasn’t disheartened, as he had expected this. He flung his sleeves with an indifferent expression and headed directly to see the Emperor.

Fortunately, the Emperor was free after court and was soon found by the impatient Zhen Puyang.

Ignoring formalities, Zhen Puyang got straight to the point. “Father, why did you entrust the Twelfth Prince to my tutor?”

The usually composed young prince was now panting and approaching the Emperor as if he were a petulant child.

The Emperor was slightly displeased with his son’s rashness but still responded.

“Your younger brother is frail and not suitable for studying with others. His usual tutor is ill, and since Tutor He is outstanding and available, it’s most appropriate for him to teach.”

He added with a hint of parental affection, “You have a kind heart, Puyang. I trust you will be considerate of your younger brother, won’t you?”

The Emperor, who exuded authority in court, was now warm and patient with his child, giving a thorough explanation.

“But if Scholar Li is ill, why must it be my tutor? There are still Scholar Zhang, Scholar Chen, and Scholar Lin. Why must my tutor be the one?” Zhen Puyang persisted.

His frustration grew, and he bit his lip, feeling regretful for letting others know of the tutor’s abilities.

Seeing Zhen Puyang’s discontented expression, the Emperor chose not to elaborate further.

In reality, the decision wasn’t originally his; it had come from Zhen Puyang’s younger brother, who had made the request to him some time ago. The Emperor couldn’t reveal this true reason, fearing it might lead to trouble with Zhen Puyang.

Remaining calm, he forced a smile. “I have high expectations for Tutor He.”

Zhen Puyang remained expressionless. “Tutor He is already exhausted teaching me. I don’t want him to become overworked.”

Although surprised by Zhen Puyang’s consideration, the Emperor knew that as a ruler, decisions once made could not be easily reversed. He didn’t want to change what had been decided for another son.

The Emperor patted Zhen Puyang’s increasingly sturdy arm and continued to comfort him. “Tutor He is not busy with state affairs and is quite free. I believe in his ability. Even if two more princes were added, he could handle them well, wouldn’t he? Hehe.”

Upon hearing those words, Zhen Puyang’s eyes widened in disbelief. Could it be that the Emperor intended to let other princes share his tutor as well? Wasn’t one Zhen Purin enough?

He frowned, realizing that if this conversation continued, more annoying siblings might be added to the mix.

Zhen Puyang knew his limits and could read his father’s expressions and moods. This was one of the reasons he was favored.

But now, seeing his father so unyielding and impervious to his complaints, he gritted his teeth and reluctantly gave up.

After all, that dimwit wouldn’t be able to outshine him anyway. Zhen Puyang quickly calmed his previously agitated heart.

Seeing that he was finally giving up the argument, the Emperor smiled warmly, rose, and led him to the door. “You’re brothers. Studying together, you’ll have company. Isn’t that nice?”

Zhen Puyang nodded, thinking that Tutor He must have arrived by now. He gloomily bowed and took his leave.

After this commotion, He Lang also arrived at the study. On the way, he had heard the gist of what had transpired.

As soon as he stepped into the room, he saw Zhen Puyang’s displeased expression and another unfamiliar face. Without needing to guess, he knew who it was.

Zhen Purin was only about ten years old, frail, and looked even more delicate. His pale face bore little expression, and he seemed refined and quiet—not the talkative type.

He Lang looked down at the boy, who was much shorter than him, only able to see his thin shoulders.

He had heard a bit about the Twelfth Prince before this—how his birth mother had died in childbirth, and how he was quickly forgotten amidst the joy of other princes being born, with no one to care for him.

As a result, he had been the target of ridicule, but with a sensitive and delicate heart, he became withdrawn and avoided the spotlight whenever possible.

Over time, Zhen Purin built a defensive wall around himself, accustomed to being alone and developing a quiet and reserved personality.

Fortunately, the Emperor, out of pity for his mother, showed him some care, though it could hardly be called love.

Thinking about this, He Lang felt a surge of sympathy for this unfortunate child. He softened his gaze, bent down slightly to meet him at eye level, and asked kindly, “What books have you read?”

Zhen Purin was startled. The first words this person spoke upon entering were directed at him?

He looked up to see He Lang’s clear and handsome face, along with his attentive gaze. He wanted to look longer but shyly lowered his eyes.

He had received many disdainful and pitying looks before, all of which made him uncomfortable and pressured. But now, under this genuinely gentle gaze, he felt at ease.

He was slightly pleased. This person really was as kind as he had imagined.

Zhen Puyang pressed his lips together, trying hard to suppress the smile that naturally formed at the corners of his mouth, not wanting to show his delight.

At the same time, the hand that had been nervously gripping his clothes relaxed, and he calmly returned the gaze.

“The Emperor had me study under Scholar Li for two years, but I am dull and have only learned a few characters.”

As soon as he spoke, he referred to himself as “student,” instantly stepping into the role, which made Zhen Puyang’s eye twitch in disbelief at this person’s shamelessness.

He Lang nodded. So that was it—Scholar Li had recently returned home to recuperate, which was why this child had been entrusted to him by the Emperor.

But the child’s humility, without any arrogance from being a prince, made him rather likable.

His heart was fully devoted to His Highness, and all other princes were just competitors. He had initially intended to handle this matter perfunctorily, but if this child genuinely wanted to learn, he wouldn’t mind taking some time to fulfill the Emperor’s request.

However, just as he decided to take on the child, he immediately heard a cold snort from behind, belonging to Zhen Puyang, who seemed a bit troubled.

It seemed that His Highness didn’t like this younger brother very much?

**Author’s Note:**

I think it’s natural for the protagonist to start off weak. I don’t like it when things are too easy right away, with overpowered abilities and smooth sailing. But as the story progresses, he should become more adept and learn to leverage his strengths. It’s a process, not something that happens suddenly. If this isn’t your cup of tea, I apologize. qwq