Iron Dynasty Chapter 1005

In the grand Imperial Garden, Xiao Ming examined Xiao Yi’s studies.

As the eldest son, Xiao Yi had reached nine years old, equivalent to a third-grader in today's world. In this time when marriage at thirteen was common, no one viewed his age as childish anymore.

Thus, both Fei Yuer and Xiao Ming devoted more focus to Xiao Yi’s learning. They carefully instructed him in subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, literature, and history. With the discreet aid of the technology crystals, Xiao Yi grasped far more knowledge than peers his age.

“Australia lies in the South Pacific, formed by one vast continent. It boasts plentiful mineral wealth, holding the world's top bauxite reserves. Next, resources like lead, tantalum, gold, iron ore, anthracite, lithium, manganese ore, nickel, silver, uranium, and zinc abound in great quantities. Truly, it's a land rich with treasures beneath its soil. Currently under British nominal rule, Australia once served as Britain's penal colony, yet from the arrival of the initial free settlers, Britain founded its earliest outpost there, called Wales…”

To Xiao Ming, Xiao Yi carefully recited details about Australia. Following that, he continued with geographic facts on various other nations.

“Well done, you've grasped it solidly, but avoid complacency,” Xiao Ming said with a smile after Xiao Yi flawlessly covered the landscapes of sixteen countries.

Upon Wang Xuan’s departure, Xiao Ming headed back to the inner palace and ran into Xiao Yi emerging from Fei Yuer’s chambers. Realizing he hadn’t overseen his lessons in a while, he summoned Xiao Yi for a check.

“I thank Imperial Father for the commendation. Your son won’t slack off,” Xiao Yi replied, exhaling softly in relief. Truthfully, Xiao Ming’s presence always made him uneasy, as his father’s stern expression lacked the warmth of Fei Yuer’s kind smile.

Xiao Ming gave a small nod. He sensed the respect and fear Xiao Yi held for him. As the old proverb states, ‘a kind mother and a strict father.’ Balancing tenderness and discipline prevents spoiling the child.

Content with the review, Xiao Ming prepared to dismiss Xiao Yi when he spotted his son keeping hands hidden behind. Frowning at once, he commanded, “Show your hands forward.”

Xiao Yi paled instantly, his actions reluctant, yet under Xiao Ming’s intense stare, he extended and revealed them. “Imperial Father, this little sparrow got hurt, so your son found it. I only meant to bandage its injury and free it once healed.”

Xiao Ming paused briefly. He gazed at the bird in Xiao Yi’s grasp, then at his anxious boy. At last, he stated, “You can return now, but curb your playfulness. Never forget your studies.”

Xiao Yi seemed granted amnesty. He bowed deeply and hurried off, dreading a recall from Xiao Ming.

Helplessly shaking his head, Xiao Ming strolled via the Imperial Garden toward Fei Yuer’s empress palace. There, Fei Yuer perused reports from the Girls’ Academy.

Noticing Xiao Ming, Fei Yuer raised her eyes and beamed, “Has Your Majesty met with Yi’er earlier?”

“Indeed, I have,” Xiao Ming answered softly.

Fei Yuer detected something unusual in Xiao Ming’s voice. She set aside her work and inquired, “Is something amiss? Did Yi’er displease Your Majesty?”

“Not at all; Yi’er studies diligently and shows kindness, truly an exceptional child,” Xiao Ming assured, pausing before adding, “However, raised in the palace’s comforts since infancy, he might develop a touch of softness. I’ve considered placing him in charge of the Eastern Palace.”

“The Eastern Palace? Does Your Majesty intend to name Yi’er as Crown Prince?” Fei Yuer questioned, astonished.

Observing Fei Yuer’s reaction, Xiao Ming felt a pang of sorrow. Despite her wisdom and virtue, when it came to her son’s future throne, Fei Yuer couldn’t escape personal biases.

“The Crown Prince secures the realm’s core. Should misfortune strike me, he could at least hold the empire steady, safeguarding what I’ve built through toil from collapse.”

“Your Majesty, such ominous talk! All in this realm pray for your longevity, long live, long long live!” Fei Yuer softly clasped Xiao Ming’s hand.

With a sigh, Xiao Ming remarked, “Past empires cried ‘Long live,’ yet few reached a century. At over thirty now, how many more decades await me? Lately, I fret over the Empire’s fate, wondering if Yi’er can bear the weight of this immense domain after my time.”

In recent times, the Empire’s inner conflicts had surfaced, with factions budding quietly. Xiao Ming pondered the state of affairs when Xiao Yi might ascend.

Without his firm control, he feared greatly for his children’s very survival.

This very concern drove him to teach Xiao Yi the perils of court intrigue early, preparing him for potential upheavals in the Empire ahead.

Fei Yuer squeezed Xiao Ming’s hand firmer. “Your Majesty, Yi’er will enjoy a tranquil path.”

Gently nodding, Xiao Ming smiled. Resolved to assign Xiao Yi the Eastern Palace, he planned to groom him rigorously in governance.

His ability to rule this land ultimately rested on fate.

Regarding his own path forward, uncertainties loomed. For years, he’d mulled over the technology crystals. One fact stood clear: they tied directly to his crossing over. He believed the crystal, as an energy form, housed his very soul.

With the crystal intact, so would his essence remain. Should this prove true, future wonders might arise, though all remained speculative. The morrow defied foresight.

With the Crown Prince decision set, the following court session saw him declare it to officials. As anticipated, none opposed.

After all, Xiao Yi’s brilliance echoed across the realm. As the rightful firstborn, and no longer a mere youth, opposition lacked ground.

“Your Majesty, with the Crown Prince named, the nation’s base is firm. Henceforth, the Empire stands unshakable like Mount Tai,” Fei Ji declared, voice trembling with emotion, tears flowing freely.

He’d urged the Crown Prince matter repeatedly, only for Xiao Ming to deflect, fueling his anxieties. Now resolved, relief washed over him, ensuring that any sudden mishap to Xiao Ming wouldn’t plunge the Empire into factional strife from a vacant succession.

Pang Yukun had long favored establishing a Crown Prince too, yet whenever Fei Ji raised it, Xiao Ming sidestepped, so he stayed silent and abided by Xiao Ming’s lead, aware his sway over such choices was nil.

Now, with Xiao Ming initiating it himself, Pang Yukun rejoiced.