Determining the Number of People Departing

Barak City Royal Palace, Royal Study.

Tang Ling was silently staring at her nominal uncle.

The reason was that early this morning, Third Prince Xue Qingxi had rushed into the Royal Study without warning, throwing a tantrum and demanding to study in Notting City instead of attending Barak Royal Academy.

After enjoying his son's spoiled antics, Xue Yang had not agreed. Instead, he asked why he had such an idea.

Then he had been so angered by the answer, "I don't want to be separated from my friends," that he laughed.

Xue Yang immediately had a servant lead the Third Prince to the rear hall to copy books, then summoned Tang Ling into the palace.

Once Tang Ling arrived at the Royal Study, learned of the matter, and expressed her agreement, the two fell into this stalemate.

"You're not afraid of me, are you?" Xue Yang withdrew some of his scrutinizing gaze and looked at the child before him with interest.

"Uncle said we're family, so naturally I wouldn't be afraid of my own uncle." Tang Ling raised her head with a smile, meeting his gaze without the slightest fear.

"Since we're family, why do you agree with Qingxi leaving Barak City?" Xue Yang's voice suddenly turned stern, his tiger-like eyes widening roundly.

"That's because staying in Barak City doesn't necessarily mean he'll be safe." Tang Ling remained composed, looking at him with a sincere smile. "Qingxi has the same martial soul as you.

He is only six this year, and he has two adult brothers above him.

As king, you should know how fierce royal competition is. Not many people sincerely want him to grow up. Some want to cripple him, while others may even want to kill him."

"But there are those who support him, and this king can certainly keep him safe." Xue Yang still looked stern as he gazed at her confidently.

"But can Uncle be certain that those supporting him truly wish him well?" Tang Ling tilted her head, looking innocent and kind. Though she wore a smile, her voice was full of chill. "Qingxi is young.

If someone deliberately spoils him into ruin, then although they may appear to support him, he won't be far from being controlled.

Although Uncle cares for him, state affairs keep you busy. You can't keep watch over him every moment, nor can you investigate every person who comes into contact with him.

So leaving this place for Notting City is the best choice. At least Uncle can be certain of A-Xuan's and my character."

Xue Yang looked at the obedient, well-behaved child across from him and suddenly burst into laughter, his hearty voice echoing through the front hall.

After laughing, Xue Yang looked at Tang Ling with appreciation and delight. "You really are impressive! Not only are you outstanding in business, but your political instincts are remarkably advanced as well!"

Then he sighed sourly, "That brat Tang Ye is truly lucky. Not only did he catch my sister's eye, but he also gained such an excellent daughter as you!

Why couldn't you have been a daughter of the Xue family?"

"Though my surname is Tang, my uncle's family name is Xue. I'm still part of Uncle's family." Tang Ling blinked, mischief glinting in her eyes.

"Good!" Xue Yang shouted excitedly, then solemnly instructed, "Qingxi is in your hands now. With your intelligence and talent, I believe you can raise a qualified heir for your uncle."

"Rest assured, Uncle. I will do my utmost!" Tang Ling bowed, her smile fading as she spoke solemnly.

"Good. In three days, Uncle will personally see you off!" Xue Yang nodded in satisfaction, smiling at her.

Though such a clever and capable child was not part of his family and could not marry into it, she was willing to help his child improve. That was still a good thing!

Then he quietly added, "This time, I will send a Soul Douluo with you to Notting City.

I know you have certain methods, but I need peace of mind as well. This is not to monitor you. You can rest assured and let him accompany you."

"Since I'm stepping into these murky waters, it means I trust Uncle. Besides, Uncle has excellent judgment, and Qingxi is well suited for it." Tang Ling smiled sincerely at him.

"Good! Go back and pack your things. You're busy too, so Uncle won't keep you any longer!" Xue Yang laughed heartily, reached out to pat Tang Ling's head, then rubbed her soft hair.

Tang Ling nodded with a smile, allowing him to do as he pleased. Then, under her nominal uncle's satisfied gaze, she followed the servant outside.

When she returned to Princess Manor, Tang Ling immediately spotted Tang San anxiously waiting outside the main hall.

The moment Tang San saw her approach, his face lit up. "Senior Sister, you're finally back! Nothing happened, right?" As he spoke, he hurried over and carefully examined her from head to toe.

"I'm fine. Don't worry!" Tang Ling raised a hand and patted Tang San's head, then led him toward the dining hall. "You haven't had breakfast yet, have you? Uncle summoned me into the palace to discuss matters, and there was no telling how long it would take. How long were you planning to starve while waiting?"

Meeting his senior sister's reproachful gaze, Tang San guiltily rubbed the tip of his nose before answering weakly, "I wanted to eat with Senior Sister, so I only waited a little while."

"If I'm busy next time, eat your fill first. You can wait for me afterward." Tang Ling flicked his forehead, then looked at him affectionately. "And when I'm eating, you can sit beside me and eat pastries. That still counts as eating with me!"

"That's right! How did I not think of that?" Tang San's eyes widened, and he looked at Tang Ling in chagrin.

Seeing his little expression, Tang Ling laughed as she entered the room and took a seat, calling for the servants to bring food.

After the meal, the two went to the rear hall of the small study. Each held a cup of hawthorn juice as they lounged lazily on the soft couch.

"Uncle has agreed. Xue Qingxi will leave with us for Notting City in three days." Tang Ling took a sip of juice, her eyes fixed on the leaves drifting beyond the window.

"Do you have anything for me to arrange, Senior Sister?" Tang San set his juice on the small table beside him and looked at Tang Ling seriously.

Tang Ling felt his gaze and turned to look at him. "Not at the moment. You only need to get along with him properly. But if he provokes you, don't hold back.

Uncle has entrusted him to me for guidance, so he counts as my disciple, which makes him your martial nephew.

He may be my most suitable choice at present, but he isn't the best. So there's no need to fear his status."

"Alright, I'll listen to Senior Sister!" Tang San immediately broke into a broad smile, and the faint unease in his heart vanished in an instant.

"You will always be the most important one to Senior Sister!" Tang Ling spoke gently, her gaze firm as she looked at Tang San. She had raised him herself; no one else could compare to him.

"Senior Sister is the best! You're also the most important person to me, even more important than myself!" Tang San gazed back at her with blazing eyes, then lowered his head and pressed it against her hand resting beside the couch, rubbing against it excitedly.

Tang Ling looked at him, so excited yet so cautious, and laughed. She set down her juice as well and reached over to rub his head.

Despite his stubborn temperament, this boy's hair was exceptionally soft and pleasant to touch.

Tang Ling rubbed it again with great interest before finally releasing his hair. When Tang San looked up again, his face had already turned red, though it was impossible to tell whether it was from happiness or embarrassment.

"Should we bring servants with us to Notting City this time?"

After downing the rest of his juice, Tang San touched his still-warm face and simply gave up worrying about it. It was not the first time he had blushed before Senior Sister anyway.

Then he scooted slightly to one side with a smile and asked about the matter.

Tang Ling picked up her juice again and took a sip. "Tang Yiyin, Tang Ersui, and Steward Roger will all come with us. Uncle will definitely arrange a residence for us within the academy.

Ersui is a level sixty-eight Soul Emperor, while Yi Yin is a level eighty-six Soul Douluo. Together with the Soul Douluo Uncle is assigning, that will be more than enough for a small place like Notting City.

Besides,"

Tang Ling blinked at Tang San and lowered her voice slightly. "Three years have passed, and I have reached the late Fusion stage. Little Heavenly Dao analyzed it for me. With my current strength, I can fight a Super Douluo.

And the highest combat strength in this world is only a level ninety-four Titled Douluo. In other words..."

"In other words, Senior Sister is invincible in the world now!" Tang San's eyes widened in shock, then he looked at the calm and composed Tang Ling with utter admiration. "I'm so lucky! Such an incredible person is actually my senior sister!"

"You're always fooling around." Tang Ling smiled and tapped his forehead, then looked at him seriously. "I'm telling you this so you can feel at ease.

But if you use my backing to do bad things, I definitely won't spare you! Don't forget, Little Heavenly Dao has a daughter too."

"Don't worry, Senior Sister! I'll listen to you and won't act recklessly!" Tang San immediately wiped the smile from his face and raised a hand in a solemn oath.

"Good, as long as you behave." Tang Ling patted Tang San's head and smiled again. Though she trusted her own judgment, she still had to give him a warning.

"Then, Senior Sister, can you only choose me and not look for that Daughter of the Heavenly Dao?" The moment he saw her smile, Tang San immediately pressed his advantage. He grabbed the hem of her clothes and looked at her pitifully.

"Alright, only you." Tang Ling nodded, looking at him with a gentle smile.

Of course, she would not tell him that she was only trying to scare him. A sense of crisis would make him perform better.

This world revolved around the Son of the Heavenly Dao, so even if Tang San disobeyed, she would only use some methods to control him. She would never choose to abandon him.

"Then it's a promise!" Tang San held out his little finger, his eyes burning as he watched her. Tang Ling scolded him with an "Immature," but obediently hooked fingers with him.

Tang San stared at their intertwined fingers, his gaze firm.

He silently promised himself that he would shoulder his responsibilities, obediently grow up healthy, and never let anyone else replace his place!

Three days later, morning. Ten-Mile Pavilion outside Barak City.

King Kundera and Queen Aurora personally left the palace to see off Xue Qingxi as he departed for Notting City to study.

"Ling'er, Xi'er is in your hands now. He has a troublesome temperament. If he makes a mistake, feel free to beat or scold him. Your uncle and I will definitely stand by your side." Meng Zhao crouched down to meet Tang Ling's eyes, looking at her earnestly.

"Don't worry, Aunt. I'll do my utmost!" Tang Ling smiled as she held her hand. "Besides, Qingxi is clever. He certainly won't cause trouble."

"Don't worry, Mother. I'm already this grown up. I definitely won't go out and cause trouble! I'll remember everything Tang Ling says like sacred teachings!" Xue Qingxi cheerfully squeezed between them, wrapped his arms around the queen, and rubbed his hair against her neck.

"What kind of way is that to speak? Ling'er is your master now!" Meng Zhao had initially looked pleased, but the moment she heard how her son addressed Tang Ling, she immediately slapped Xue Qingxi on the head.

Then she took a deep breath, silently repeating, He's my biological son, he's my biological son, before lifting her head with a smile toward Xue Yang.

Xue Yang caught her questioning look and raised an eyebrow. Internally approving of his wife's tact, he pulled Xue Qingxi over with a smile. "You and she are like elder sister and younger brother, but she is also your teacher. From now on, you will address her as Master."

"No need to be so formal, Uncle. We're family. Qingxi can simply call me Teacher." Tang Ling waved a hand dismissively, offering a token refusal.

It was merely a form of address, and Tang Ling did not care much about it. But since others cared, she was happy to go along with it.

"Then we'll listen to Ling'er." Meng Zhao and Xue Yang exchanged a glance, smiling as they gently pushed their son forward.

"Teacher!" Xue Qingxi's expression did not change as he called out earnestly.

"Mm. Teacher will teach you well from now on, and I hope you'll listen attentively." Tang Ling responded with a smile, meeting his sincere eyes.

Xue Qingxi nodded solemnly.

Afterward, the three of them seriously bid farewell to the couple standing side by side, then boarded the carriage bound for Notting City.

The first rays of dawn shone upon the faces of everyone present, filled with reluctance but also hope. The future would surely be bright.

"Teacher, the advance party has sent back word. The principal of Notting Junior Soul Master Academy has prepared a separate courtyard for us behind the mountain. We'll enter through the back gate."

After the convoy had traveled for half a month, Xue Qingxi had become accustomed to calling Tang Ling Teacher.

At first, Xue Qingxi had not cared about the form of address. Yet within half a month, he had completely submitted to his teacher's knowledge.

"Good. Let's keep a low profile and send the convoy back." Tang Ling looked up from her documents with a smile, then gestured for him to sit. "Take a rest."

Xue Qingxi responded and sat down, leisurely sipping his tea. Yet his eyes secretly drifted toward the pile of documents on Tang Ling's desk.

Teacher truly was an existence beyond the reach of ordinary people! Xue Qingxi could not help but sigh.

Along the way, she had not only checked his and Tang San's studies but also handled the shops' affairs. She had even expanded the business, leaving her with more and more official work to deal with.

"My lord, we've arrived."

The guard's voice outside the carriage interrupted Xue Qingxi's thoughts. He hurriedly set down his teacup and looked at Tang Ling.

"Then let's head to our residence first." Feeling two pairs of eyes on her, Tang Ling obediently set down her pen.

"I'll listen to Senior Sister." Tang San rose with a smile, gathered the stack of documents to one side, then followed them out of the carriage.

"The surroundings look quite nice." Tang Ling carried the shoulder bag she had brought with her and surveyed the area.

The carriage had stopped beside the academy's back gate. Seeing people arrive, the two guards at the entrance hurried forward to inquire.

"May I ask if you are Princess Chloe?" Remembering the principal's instructions, one of the guards stepped forward and stood a short distance from the group, looking at the noble-looking young lady standing at the front.

"I am." Tang Ling smiled at the guard.

Upon hearing her reply, the guard hurriedly ushered everyone through the gate and had the other guard inform the principal.