Chapter 151: I Need to Tell You Something

Su Jingluo found herself at a loss for words, unable to refute. The confrontation between the two nations was indeed complex, entangled with numerous interests, and at times even aimed at intimidating a third party. Thus, she felt it was difficult to pass judgment. Yet, when had Xiao Jingxuan and Yun Bai become so close as to discuss battlefield deployments and strategic assaults?

“Do you think war doesn’t require brains? War demands the sacrifice of many lives. Sometimes, you don’t even have to fight to inspire fear. You’re still young and don’t understand many things. Besides, one cannot rely on others; it’s best to learn to protect yourself. Your mother is like that, and so must you be.” Su Jingluo gently pinched Yun Bai’s still-upturned chin. The softness and warmth of it were comforting in her hand—so plump and tender. Children were undeniably adorable, but raising them was truly a challenge, and education was a monumental issue.

“Does Mother think Father is unreliable and untrustworthy?” Yun Bai’s small face twisted in resistance to Su Jingluo’s teasing, wriggling but unwilling to defy. He could only speak to divert her attention.

“Not exactly. I just don’t want to be a burden to others. Your father is tired, and Mother sometimes feels useless.” Yun Bai’s little mind worked differently from others. While Su Jingluo spoke of self-reliance, Yun Bai interpreted it as distrust toward his father.

“Then let me protect you. I won’t be tired.” Yun Bai thumped his small chest with determination, trying to appear grown-up.

Su Jingluo pressed her palm to her forehead. Why did her daughter see her as so fragile and incapable of caring for herself, dependent either on her husband or her son? Fine, she decided not to argue any further; reasoning was futile.

“Oh, aren’t you supposed to be learning martial arts from Zhuo Yue’an? Go on, finish your lessons. When you're done, dinner will be ready.” Eager to discuss serious matters with Xiao Jingxuan, Su Jingluo wanted to send Yun Bai away. Hearing that Yun Bai intended to protect her gave her the perfect excuse to do so.

At the mention of martial arts training, Yun Bai’s face turned pale. Zhuo Yue’an was known to be strict, making him hold horse stance for half an hour at a time. Yet Yun Bai couldn’t even endure the incense stick’s length—every training session, he feigned stomach or headache pains, managing to avoid practice nine times out of ten.

Zhuo Yue’an’s expression was equally grim. If the prince’s son was too strict, the prince would frown; if lenient, the boy would exploit it. Besides, he feared that if reprimanded harshly, Yun Bai might tamper with poisonous insects or herbs.

“Your Highness, could we assign a different instructor for the Crown Prince?” Zhuo Yue’an asked awkwardly, casting a glance at Su Jingluo, who glared at him, forbidding him from complaining. The threat was unmistakable.

“Why? Xiao Jingxuan said you’re the best martial artist in the entire capital.” Su Jingluo was puzzled by Zhuo Yue’an’s reluctance.

“That’s true—the best in martial skill doesn’t necessarily mean the best teacher. So… well… I admit…” Zhuo Yue’an found Yun Bai’s stubborn lip-biting and eye-rolling amusing yet intimidating, and reluctantly took responsibility.

“You’re right. But we don’t have other options at the moment. Teach him for two hours today; I’ll speak to the prince about finding someone else later.” For now, just keeping this mischievous child occupied for a couple of hours would suffice.

Zhuo Yue’an frowned but felt relieved. There was no room for leniency with the prince, but at least he could reason with the princess. That was progress.

Compromise was not a bad thing. Both Zhuo Yue’an and Yun Bai were satisfied and happily went off to practice horse stance.

Only then did Su Jingluo have the chance to return to Xiao Jingxuan’s side, sitting down beside him with solemnity.