Chapter 114: Extraordinary Measures for Extraordinary Times

Xing Qi cast a sidelong glance at Shen Zijiao. "Is that so? If you truly keep your word, why won't you let our mistress take your pulse? Are you hoping that if the poison takes effect, you’ll be spared from having to learn those things?"

"I didn't! I didn't! I already told you I didn't! I just..." Shen Zijiao gritted his teeth, his head spinning. "My mother poisoned me—am I not even allowed to be sad about it?"

"You are. If it were truly your mother who poisoned you, then being sad is perfectly reasonable. Not just for a moment, but for a long time—that would be normal."

Before Shen Zijiao could respond, Xing Qi continued, "But in truth, that Princess Consort is not your biological mother. She is merely a thief—a thief who stole someone else's child and claimed him as her own."

"Of course, you were only an infant when you were taken, knowing nothing of the world, so this cannot be blamed on you."

"However, if she had stolen you and treated you with love and meticulous care, then your sorrow would be justified. But in the Prince’s residence, did she care for you? Did she spend time with you? I expect not. If she had shown even a shred of concern, you wouldn't be as you are now..."

Xing Qi looked him up and down. Shen Zijiao bristled with indignation. "What is that supposed to mean? How am I now?"

Xing Qi shook his head. "Nothing. You aren't particularly terrible, just a bit fat, a bit dim-witted, a bit clumsy, and completely lacking in any real skills."

"Besides, if she had ever truly regarded you as her own child, she wouldn't have been willing to poison you. Since she treated you this way, why do you still pine for her? Why are you still grieving for her?"

Shen Zijiao clenched his jaw, his eyes filled with confusion.

Observing his expression, Xing Qi gave a light cough. "I understand, actually. You likely don't know how a normal mother treats her child, do you?"

Xing You chimed in quickly, "I’m older now, so my mother doesn't fuss over me much, but when I was small, she ate every meal with me. She worried about whether I was a picky eater, made sachets to keep mosquitoes away, and taught me to read, write, and practice martial arts. If I fell ill, she would feed me medicine and soothe me to sleep." Xing You tilted his head, looking at Shen Zijiao. "Has that mother of yours ever done any of that?"

Shen Zijiao pressed his lips together, remaining silent.

"And you have many friends, don't you? Have you never seen how their mothers treat them?"

Shen Zijiao remained silent.

"So, what is it that you miss about her?"

"She is my mother," Shen Zijiao whispered, biting his lip. "Even if she did nothing, she is still my mother."

Xing You blinked. "But she isn't. You heard it yourself just now. She admitted it with her own lips, and she even used you to threaten your real mother."

"Have you ever thought about how heartbroken your biological mother must have been when her child was stolen? Have you thought about how she has spent all these years?"

Xing You pursed his lips. "It was one thing to speak up for Tan Yunge when you didn't know the truth, but now that you know—now that you've heard with your own ears how she treated you—you’re still defending her?"

Xing Qi quickly interrupted, "That’s enough. The young master has just received quite a shock; let's not pester him anymore. Let him think it over for himself."

Xing You nodded. "Fine. Think it over carefully. But don't forget our wager. I have the least respect for those who fail to keep their promises and go back on their word. I hope you aren't that kind of person."

With that, Xing You and Xing Qi left the courtyard together. Just as they reached the entrance, they ran into Tan Qingjiu.

"Mother..." Xing You started, but quickly corrected himself: "Mistress."

"Is the mistress going in to see the young master?"

Tan Qingjiu shook her head. "I’ll have Qing Dai keep an eye on things here. As Xing Qi said, this is likely a significant blow to him. It is better to let him process it on his own for now."

Xing You’s eyes lit up. "Mistress, did you hear what my brother and I said? Hehehe, we’re clever, right? My brother said Shen Zijiao is prideful, so we had to provoke him. We had to make him remember our bet so he’d find a tutor as soon as possible. If he keeps himself busy, he won't have time to dwell on this, and he’ll get over it soon."

Tan Qingjiu laughed. "I heard. You two were singing in harmony, just like actors on a stage."

"It was a brilliant performance! You can rest assured, Mistress—leave the eldest brother to us!"

Xing Qi looked at Tan Qingjiu and added in a low voice, "I’ve thought it over. Given the eldest brother's temperament, we need to play different roles—one to play the villain and provoke him into changing, and one to show him genuine care."

"Xing You and I are better suited to play the kind ones; you, Mother, should play the stern one."

"Given Tan Yunge’s character, although she raised him, she never truly cared for him. His reaction just now confirmed that."

"You must let him feel your genuine concern, Mother."

Xing You nodded, chiming in, "Exactly! You need to show him what a real mother is like. When he compares your gentleness, kindness, and talent to Tan Yunge, who merely tossed him to the servants and ignored him, the difference will be clear, won't it?"

Tan Qingjiu looked at the two little ones and smiled. "Very well, I will follow your plan."

Xing You chuckled. "Oh, and Mistress, do you want to take his pulse? I have a feeling that poisoning the eldest brother is something Tan Yunge is truly capable of."

"Especially since she’s willing to use every dirty trick in the book to manipulate him and threaten you."

"I know," Tan Qingjiu replied. "But he probably doesn't want to see me right now. I’ll find an opportunity to check his health."

"Rest assured, you aren't the only ones who can act." She glanced at them. "Winning over a child is not difficult for me."

"Extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures." Tan Qingjiu’s lips curled into a smile. "I will go and check on him tonight after he has fallen asleep."

"After he’s asleep?" Xing Qi and Xing You exchanged a look. If she checked on him while he was asleep, how would he know? And how could they continue their performance?