"Upon hearing that Your Majesty had come in person, my husband wished to rise and welcome you, but he has not yet recovered from his illness and truly lacked the strength. Please forgive him, Your Majesty."
As she spoke, she took Guo Yi's hand, and mother and son deeply kowtowed once more.
Although she knew her husband enjoyed the Son of Heaven's profound trust, what an immense honor it was for the Son of Heaven to visit a subject's residence in person!
Among all the civil and military officials at court, those who had received such an honor could be counted on one hand.
"Rise. There is no need for such ceremony."
A gentle smile appeared on Liu Xie's face. He waved a hand and said, "Fengxiao contracted this illness by exhausting his mind and strength to ease my burdens. How could I blame him?"
As he spoke, his gaze fell on Guo Yi, his eyes full of curiosity and appraisal. "I was just wondering why this child had Fengxiao's bearing. So he is Fengxiao's son... He looks clever. How old is he this year?"
Guo Yi timidly raised his head. Seeing Liu Xie's kindly expression, he grew a little bolder and answered in a clear voice, "Your Majesty, your subject is eight this year."
Liu Xie nodded slightly, then asked, "Would you like to enter the Palace Academy as the Crown Prince's study companion?"
At these words, Lady Dong was both astonished and delighted.
Entering the Palace Academy to study alongside the Crown Prince was an opportunity countless people sought in vain, yet now the Son of Heaven had actually bestowed it upon Guo Yi!
"Hurry and thank His Majesty!"
Seeing Guo Yi standing there blankly without speaking, Lady Dong could not help growing anxious and urged him in