The Mad Prince of Zhenbei Is Putty in His Sickly Tutor’s Hands

Xie Linyuan lowered his eyes and turned the book in his hands, his fingertips lightly brushing the pages. Not a ripple crossed his features as he said calmly, “Father, there’s no point talking to him. He’s stubborn to the extreme and won’t listen to reason.”

“But he stands outside our residence with his personal guards every day, from dawn till dusk. Making such a spectacle of himself is bound to cause a huge commotion sooner or later. If word reaches the court, our Xie family won’t be able to escape blame!” Xie’s father sprang to his feet and paced back and forth. The discomfort in his chest grew stronger, and he couldn’t help covering it as he gasped for breath.

Xie Linyuan looked up. A trace of helplessness flickered in his eyes, but he still refused to yield. “Things have come to this. There’s nothing else we can do. No one can drive him away.”

“My boy, my heart is already weak. I can’t take this kind of fright. I’ve been on tenterhooks all day, and I don’t think I can hold out much longer.” Xie’s father sat back down, his expression pained as he pleaded. “Just go out and talk to him for a few minutes. Even a few dismissive words would be better than letting him keep blocking the gate.”

Xie Linyuan looked back down at his book, his tone firm and leaving no room for discussion. “I’m not going.”

“He’s the mighty Prince of Zhengbei! Xiao Jinghan, who guards the northern frontier and protects the peace of our Great Sheng’s borders!” Xie’s father raised his voice, sweat breaking out on his forehead. “If we anger him, our entire Xie family will be doomed!”

“He’s the Prince of Zhengbei. What does that have to do with me, Xie Linyuan?” Xie Linyuan replied coolly, as if he were stating some trivial fact. An aloof arrogance radiated from him.

Looking at his son, who refused to listen no matter what, Xie’s father finally gave up. His voice broke as he said, “Your father still wants to live a few more years and see the Xie family lead a peaceful life…”