Xu Wan saw a few children emerge, and all three of them seemed unharmed, except for Xiao Mohuang, who had a few red marks on his head, likely from either being scratched or hit, clearly having charged to the front lines.
She grabbed Xiao Mohuang's arm and inspected the back of his neck, relieved to find no new wounds.
Zong Jincheng, being fiddled with, not only didn't show displeasure but couldn't suppress a grin, replying, "I'm fine. We were four against Liu Xu, so he got more hits. Qin Shi and I even kicked him a few times."
Xu Wan: "……"
So it was a group taking on one.
No wonder they only got such minor injuries while fighting with the martial arts students.
Madam Qin, hearing this, was incredulous and asked Qin Shi, "You really fought?"
Qin Shi nodded, "I was the first to strike, but it was Liu Xu who first blocked my way."
Initially, it was just Liu Xu alone, but others were spurred on by Zong Jincheng. However, in the end, Zong Jincheng came to help him, not Liu Xu.
Qin Shi didn't quite understand Zong Jincheng but seemed to grasp a bit of it.
Qin Ye stepped forward and said, "Brother, you did the right thing. If you encounter such people again, whether by fighting back or yelling back, don't let them think you're easy to bully, or it will never end."
Qin Shi smiled bitterly, "I understand, Xiao Ye."
He realized that his fear of wasting time and his desire to catch up to his brother had led him to endure, only gaining momentary respite. Over time, he subconsciously stopped resisting, whether being scolded or hit.
Qin Shi approached Zong Jincheng and sincerely said, "Thank you for helping me today."
Xiao Mohuang turned his head and replied, "No need to thank me. Just change; I don't want to see you getting bullied for the fourth time. I'm tired of watching it."
Qin Shi chuckled, "It won't happen again."
Xu Wan exchanged a few pleasantries with Madam Qin, who then took her two children home. Before leaving, Qin Ye deeply glanced at Zong Jincheng.
Xiao Mohuang felt it was a provocation and quickly glared back with a loud huff, trying to assert dominance.
Qin Ye's gaze turned cold, and without looking back, he left.
"Hmph, how arrogant. I'll beat you one day!" Xiao Mohuang mock-punched and kicked his retreating back.
Xu Wan patted his shoulder, "Little one, let's handle your matter."
Zong Jincheng turned around, confused, "What matter?"
The yamen officials looked at him coldly, "Impersonating the Crown Prince's jade pendant."
Zong Jincheng: "!"
Xiao Mohuang's face turned beet red as he howled, "This was given to me by the Crown Prince himself! At the hunting grounds earlier this year, my mother knows about it!"
He had even shown it to Xu Wan back then, boasting that with this jade pendant, no one would dare harm him.
Xu Wan examined the jade pendant he held up, confirming it was indeed the one the Crown Prince had given him. However, upon closer inspection, it looked more like a woman's accessory. Maybe the Crown Prince merely thought it was pretty and suitable for a child?
Smiling, Xu Wan told the officials, "The jade pendant was indeed a gift from the Crown Prince, but it might just be an ordinary one, not one symbolizing his status, which could explain the confusion."
The officials exchanged glances and discussed, "True, a jade pendant symbolizing the Crown Prince's identity would be too valuable to give to a child."
"Besides, the Zong family is a noble household, and it's reasonable for the Crown Prince to casually gift an ordinary jade pendant to a child he likes."
Xiao Mohuang only grew more frustrated. The Crown Prince had clearly said the jade pendant was powerful, so why were these people insisting it was ordinary? Did they have no eye for quality?
Just as he was about to argue, Xu Wan grabbed him and pushed him behind her.
Xiao Mohuang's rising anger was instantly quelled.
Fine, since my mother has already intervened, I won't bother arguing with you.
The officials told Xu Wan, "Alright, it's settled. Take him home. With the year-end checks being stricter, don't let the kids fight in public or claim random jade pendants are from the Crown Prince, or you might end up here again."
"Understood, we'll make sure to properly educate the children. Thank you all for your trouble," Xu Wan said, handing some silver to Cui Zhi to give the officials.
They left the yámiàn without further incident.
Seeing He Zheng was fine, Madam He quickly returned to the Ministry of Rites, fearing Minister He might notice He Zheng had been brought to the Yamen if she was gone for too long.
Meanwhile, in the carriage, Xu Wan took the three children home.
Finally, with some peace and quiet, He Zheng began questioning, "Jincheng, weren't you just bullying Qin Shi earlier? Why did you end up helping him beat Liu Xu? My fist almost didn't pull back in time. And Wenxiu, how did you know Jincheng wanted to target Liu Xu?"
Xu Wan raised an eyebrow, ready to listen to the gossip.
Zong Wenxiu explained the whole story, including how they had previously helped Qin Shi.
He Zheng finally understood and commented, "So Qin Shi is a bit naive. He never fights back, even when being bullied. If it were me, I'd rather get beaten to death than not retaliate against Liu Xu."
Xu Wan smiled gently, "It's a matter of personality. Qin Shi is gentle by nature, dislikes conflict. Even with good grades and a decent background, he's easily bullied because people see him as the easiest target."
He Zheng nodded in full agreement, then asked, "What does 'giving a man a fish' mean exactly? Jincheng mentioned it twice, but why not just give the fish?"
Xiao Mohuang paused, recalling himself from half a year ago, when he too had asked about 'fish.' His mother had explained it to him back then.
Now, he repeated her words to He Zheng: "It means giving someone a fish is less effective than teaching them how to fish, providing a more lasting solution."
He then looked at Xu Wan.
These were her exact words, she must recognize them, right?
Does she still remember?
Xu Wan remembered, though not in great detail, she could guess that with his photographic memory, he hadn't changed a single word.
Half a year ago, he hadn't understood it at all, even secretly envying Wenxiu for understanding. Now, he could not only use the phrase fluently but also teach it to He Zheng.
An incredibly rapid transformation.
Xu Wan affirmed, "Jincheng is correct."
Xiao Mohuang swelled with pride.
She praised me, she thinks I'm impressive, she must be incredibly proud to have such a smart and capable son!
The little boy was overjoyed, kicking his legs gleefully.
He Zheng, being kicked, didn't dare move.
He meekly said, "I see now. Jincheng, Wenxiu, you're both so amazing. I want to be as great as you someday!"
Xiao Mohuang laughed triumphantly, "Of course, we're the best in our top class!!"
The children's excitement nearly lifted the carriage roof. Xu Wan rubbed her temples, both amused and helpless.
