The Regent's Concubine is Crazy

Chapter 240

Shangguan Ziling left the Prime Minister's Mansion only after finishing lunch.

Shangguan Ziling thought of Xiaojun's group of children. Seeing that it was still early, she said to Qiu Kui, "It's still early. Go buy some cakes and study supplies, and we'll go see those children."

Qiu Kui went away and prepared some cakes and study supplies.

Half an hour later, when the group arrived at the courtyard outside the city, they heard the sound of reading aloud inside.

Shangguan Ziling listened outside for a while, then walked in.

She saw the group of children sitting in the yard, reading attentively.

Shangguan Ziling walked among the children and asked with a smile: "Children, what books are you reading?"

Xiaojun looked up at her and answered excitedly, "Princess, we are reading The Analects of Confucius!" His voice was clear and pleasant, full of confidence and pride.

Shangguan Ziling was very pleased to hear Xiaojun's answer. She knew that these children were born in poverty, abandoned by their parents, and some were orphans. She encouraged them, "Children, study hard and you will definitely be able to make a name for yourself in the future."

The gentleman bowed respectfully to Shangguan Ziling and said, "Princess."

Shangguan Ziling nodded slightly.

The teacher announced, "Okay, that's all for today."

When the children heard this, they put down their books and started chattering around Shangguan Ziling.

Shangguan Ziling looked at these lively and lovely children, and a warm feeling surged in her heart.

She asked Xia Yu and Qiu Kui to distribute the cakes and study supplies they brought to the children.

The children received the gifts with happy smiles on their faces and expressed their gratitude.

Shangguan Ziling asked Xiaojun and the others about their recent situation with concern, "Xiaojun, have you been okay these days?"

Xiaojun replied, "Sister, we are fine. We have enough food and warm clothes, and we know a lot of words. We will also learn martial arts later." His face was filled with confidence and pride.

Then, Xiaojun said excitedly: "Sister, look, I will squat for you to see."

As he spoke, he half squatted down, spread his feet shoulder-width apart, raised his hands flat in front of his chest, leaned forward slightly, and maintained a stable posture.

When the other children saw Xiaojun squatting in front of Shangguan Ziling, they were eager to try and imitate Xiaojun's movements.

They stood straight, their feet shoulder-width apart, their hands raised to their chests, their bodies slightly leaning forward, maintaining a stable posture. Their eyes flashed with determination, as if they were showing Shangguan Ziling their strength.

A few children even clamored to wrestle for Shangguan Ziling to see. They were rubbing their hands together, eager to try.

Shangguan Ziling was very touched when she saw these children. She knew that although these children came from poor families, they had a strong desire for knowledge and ambition.

Shangguan Ziling commented on the children, pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of each child, and gave suggestions for improvement.

She told the children that to become an outstanding military general, one must not only have a strong physique and superb martial arts, but also a firm belief and an indomitable spirit.

Then she taught the children some fighting techniques.

She demonstrated how to exert force, how to defend, and how to attack, and let the children try them one by one.

The children studied very hard, imitating Shangguan Ziling's movements and practicing over and over again. Their faces were filled with smiles of excitement and confidence, as if they had mastered new skills.

Shangguan Ziling felt very gratified when she saw the progress of these children.

She knew that these children had unlimited potential, and as long as they were given the right guidance and help, they would be able to become useful talents.

As the sky grew darker, Shangguan Ziling had to say goodbye to these lovely children.

She stuck her head out of the carriage window and said to the children, "Don't send me off. Practice the fighting skills that I taught you well. I will come to check on your proficiency next time." Her voice was full of encouragement and expectation.

Xiaojun stood in the front, his eyes gleaming with determination. He answered loudly: "Sister, we will practice hard. When I grow up, I want to be a general and protect you." His words were full of longing for the future and loyalty to his sister.

Shangguan Ziling was deeply moved by Xiaojun's words. She smiled and said to the children, "Okay, goodbye! Go back!" Her voice was full of warmth and love.

However, the children did not seem to hear her words. They still stood there, watching the carriage leave.

Shangguan Ziling looked at these motionless children and felt helpless. She said to Qiu Kui, "Let's go!" Qiu Kui drove the carriage and ran away.

The carriage sped along the road, its wheels rolling forward, as if to leave all troubles behind.

Xia Yu sat in the car, sorting Shangguan Ziling's clothes while muttering, "Princess! Look, it's getting late. What if something happens on the way? I told you to leave early, but you insisted on playing with those naughty kids."

There was a hint of blame and worry in her words, and she was obviously somewhat dissatisfied with Shangguan Ziling's willful behavior.

Shangguan Ziling just smiled after hearing what Xia Yu said and didn't care.

She felt that Xia Yu was too worried. After all, she had walked this road many times and had never encountered any danger.

Shangguan Ziling said to Xia Yu, "You crow's mouth, why are there so many things to worry about?" Her tone was relaxed and she didn't care at all.

However, at this moment, the carriage suddenly stopped. Qiu Kui tightened the reins and said nervously, "Princess, there is a fight ahead." Her words revealed a sense of uneasiness, and she was obviously shocked by the situation.

Shangguan Ziling and Xia Yu looked at each other, both of them showed surprised expressions on their faces.

Shangguan Ziling's mouth twitched slightly, and she realized that she might really be wrong. She said to Xia Yu, "Xia Yu, you have a bad mouth." There was a hint of embarrassment and self-mockery in her tone, and she was obviously regretting her previous contempt.

Xia Yu covered her mouth nervously, her face full of worry. She didn't know what was going on ahead, nor did she know how to deal with it. She could only pray silently that everything would be safe.

There was complete silence in the carriage, with only the sound of clashing weapons outside echoing in the air.