章 16: Daily life - 13

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10th Prince – Meng Yi (POV)

Greetings, my name is Meng Yi. Today, I'd like to share a glimpse into my daily life and the little adventures that color my days.

My morning typically begins with a brisk walk or run alongside my older brother, Victor ɡēɡē. (Author's Note: In Chinese, "ɡēɡē" means elder brother.) Victor is a year older than me, yet he carries himself with a maturity that belies his age. His silence speaks volumes, and while he doesn't engage in much conversation, he always makes time for me.

After our morning exercise, I head to the newly built children's bathrooms, a recent upgrade I'm particularly thrilled about. The old bathrooms were dreadful—smelly and unsanitary. I even had a near miss with the old, open pit once. But the new bathrooms are a marvel of luxury, constructed with granite and marble. Water flows effortlessly from the taps, and I have an array of fragrant shampoos and body washes to choose from. I often find myself playing with the bubbles, which adds a playful touch to my morning routine.

The Emperor, my father, has even had a special bathroom built just for me. It features a granite tub that surpasses the old wooden ones in both aesthetics and comfort. The smooth surface feels incredibly soothing, and the help of my servants ensures I'm dressed promptly and neatly.

My days are filled with lessons from the imperial lecturer. The subjects are challenging, but I'm determined to excel. My afternoon is devoted to studying mathematics. Recently, I've been learning the multiplication tables, a concept introduced by the Emperor. The teacher praises my progress, calling me a genius for my understanding of addition and subtraction. I've managed to master up to two multiplication tables so far, but my competition with ɡēɡē in this area often leaves me feeling outmatched. His knowledge seems boundless, and I'm often left in awe of his intellect.

In the evening, Victor and I indulge in some of the delightful snacks from Bamboo Village, accompanied by tea. These snacks are a favorite of mine, and I keep a secret stash in my room for late-night treats. Our time together is a highlight of my day, filled with laughter and enjoyment.

When I'm not in class, Victor and I explore various activities. We play chess, though I usually lose to him. Despite my losses, I remain hopeful that one day I'll manage to win. We also spend time with pandas, their soft fur and gentle demeanor providing a perfect contrast to our more rigorous activities. Occasionally, we practice swimming, and I'm proud to have mastered backstrokes.

One of my favorite pastimes is keeping the identity of my favorite fruit a secret. But, oh, I nearly forgot—I was supposed to bring the new snack ɡēɡē bought today. I'll make sure to remember for next time.

Unbeknownst to me, two of my younger sisters, the 5th Princess Meng Ying and the 6th Princess Meng Ting (who are twins and only three years old), have taken to following Victor and me. Their curiosity is evident, though they are uncertain about how to approach us.

Meng Ting, always the more outspoken of the two, said to Meng Ying, "Shouldn't we go and talk with elder brother Yi and elder brother Victor?"

Meng Ying hesitated, replying, "I don't think we should disturb them. They seem busy."

Meng Ting countered, "But if we keep following them, we'll never get a chance to speak with them."

Their argument about whether to approach us was both endearing and slightly amusing. Victor, however, had long noticed their presence but chose to ignore it. He was content with the small circle of friends he had, preferring not to engage in unnecessary relationships or entanglements. His disinterest in forming connections with others, especially in matters of affection or romantic involvement, was evident from his interactions with the palace maids and his general demeanor.

The news of the twin princesses following Victor reached the Emperor's ears. Concerned for their well-being and recognizing the potential complications of their affections, he decided to intervene. His thoughts were practical; the idea of his daughters falling for someone with Victor's immortal-like lifespan was impractical and could lead to future complications. The Emperor knew that Victor was disinclined towards relationships and polyandry, and he wanted to ensure that his daughters' feelings did not become a source of trouble for Victor.

To avoid future complications, the Emperor planned to speak with Concubine Zi Yi, instructing her to warn the twins to keep their distance from Victor. His decision was driven by a desire to prevent any potential emotional turmoil and to maintain a sense of order and practicality in the palace.

Emperor – Meng Tian (POV)

I felt a pang of regret for my daughters. Victor, despite being a remarkable child, was not the right match for them. Their feelings, while genuine, were likely to cause more trouble than joy. I had witnessed the disastrous consequences of misplaced affection through the tragic story of Queen Lu Zhi, whose own ambitions and misplaced love had led to her downfall. I was determined to spare my daughters the same fate.

As part of my efforts to secure the future stability of the dynasty, I had announced plans for a new palace in the capital, a retirement project that would surpass even the grandeur of the Dracula castle in Bamboo Village. The new palace would be constructed using modern materials such as cement, glass, and metal, ensuring its strength and safety. The design was set to accommodate all royal family members and include innovative features like new gardens and fountains. The project was expected to take five to six years, but it would be worth the wait.

The construction of this new palace symbolized a new era for the Meng dynasty, one marked by progress and modernization. The future, though uncertain, held the promise of continued growth and stability.

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Author's Note: Thank you for following along with the story. Please consider leaving a review or comment; it helps me immensely and allows me to continue sharing these chapters with you. See you in the next update!