Fortunately, Lin Daying did not disappoint the Emperor and came up with a solution for him.
It was to establish a Royal Kindergarten, eliminating the adverse influence of mothers on the princes right from the start. When the princes and princesses reached the age of three, they would attend the kindergarten and receive a unified education. As for when they grew up, their abilities would speak for themselves.
Initially, the Emperor’s several brothers were at odds with each other since childhood, largely influenced by their mothers. These concubines would be constantly whispering in the princes’ ears to compete, to grab opportunities, to perform well in front of the Emperor, and to outshine the other princes. With such daily brainwashing, it naturally became deeply rooted in the young princes that they were rivals, even enemies.
Now Lin Daying provided a suggestion, and the Emperor found it feasible. Each day, the concubines could drop off and pick up their children from school, and if worried, they could watch their children from outside the kindergarten, but they absolutely could not interfere with the children’s classes. If any concubine dared to instill bad ideas in her child, the child would be taken away and raised by another concubine. Yes, that’s how it shall be done! The Emperor made up his mind.
However, the term ’kindergarten’ was quite intriguing. Infant, garden. Separated, it was easy to understand. The Emperor silently mused.
The five pregnant concubines were resting peacefully in their palaces.
At this time, the border was urgently calling for help. Although the father of Concubine Rong led troops to repel the foreign invaders, it was clear the enemy would not relent, preparing to attack again.
Hearing this, the Emperor couldn’t allow it to continue. He intended to lead the army himself, and no advice or persuasion could deter him.
The pregnant concubines became frantic, each rushing to Tianmiao, hoping she could persuade the Emperor not to lead the army personally. They were all afraid, wondering what they would do if something happened to the Emperor.
Lin Daying also felt fearful. It was the first time she realized so clearly that the Emperor was her everything. In the inner palace, without the Emperor’s favor, her life would be very difficult. The fate of the child in her womb was uncertain; in her view, only the Emperor could ensure her safety. The Emperor’s recent favor had certainly drawn a wave of hatred, especially from Concubine Shu, whose glances at her were always unusual. As just an ’agreement,’ how could she oppose a high-ranking concubine like Concubine Shu? Even if the Empress Dowager protected her, could it be foolproof all the time?
Tianmiao leisurely drank tea and looked at the anxious concubines seated before her, speaking slowly: "There’s no need to worry. Go back and take care, but don’t stay indoors all day, still get some exercise."
Seeing the Empress Dowager’s calm demeanor, the concubines assumed she would advise the Emperor. However, before they left, the Emperor arrived and the Empress Dowager did not offer any advice.
The Empress felt anxious: "Mother..."
Tianmiao gently raised her hand, smiling, "No need to worry. Just go back."
The Empress, seeing this, could only rise and, with the concubines, respectfully leave.
The Emperor frowned, watching the Empress and concubines depart, then turned to Tianmiao angrily, saying, "Mother, are these ignorant women trying to get you to persuade me not to lead the army personally?"
"Indeed they are. But I believe my son is brave and mighty; his presence on the battlefield would surely awe the world, defeating the enemy decisively. Why would I dissuade my son from doing what he wishes?" Tianmiao smiled kindly.
"Mother understands me best, Mother is the best to me." The Emperor, hearing this, was no longer angry, but rather pleased and profoundly moved, as everyone else tried to stop him, only his mother supported him.
Tianmiao wore an enigmatic smile. There was no need for advice; the Emperor would not actually lead the army personally. Her fortunate son had overwhelming destiny, and anyone who plotted against him would be the first to suffer. The foreign invaders at the border would soon be dealt with without the need for the Emperor’s intervention.