The family of four sat in the pavilion discussing matters, it being summertime.
Cheng Hao had inquired around and found five or six academies in the capital to be quite good.
He asked his childhood sweetheart which one she thought was best.
Su Miaomiao, holding Chenxi, directly stated, "If we must choose, the imperial academies are naturally the best. I'm just worried the children might offend someone."
Although their business had grown immensely by then, and they had successfully established themselves in the capital, they were not comparable to those whose families held official positions. Their closest connections were with imperial merchant families, and the bureaucracy was rather chaotic.
The couple had avoided interacting with those in official circles, focusing instead on accumulating wealth in secret. In the past, during their escape, they had hoarded food; now, they began hoarding gold and silver.
Within their spatial realm was a grand treasury filled with the treasures the couple had accumulated, piled high like small mountains, offering a strong sense of security.
Cheng Hao understood Su Miaomiao's concerns but still felt it wasn't entirely suitable. Finally, he proposed, "How about we teach them some subjects ourselves, and then hire a few tutors to teach them later? We can send them to an academy when they're older."
They were currently just over four years old, and the couple's own teaching was going reasonably well, as the children were very intelligent.
It was merely their foundational education. Once they were taught sufficiently, they could let the children choose where they wanted to go and have them take the entrance exams themselves.
Moreover, it was rumored that Cheng Xiaotian had indeed rendered meritorious service, completely pacifying the old country. It remained to be seen if he would be granted a general's title upon his return to the capital.
They had only been exchanging letters in recent years, and this young man was indeed remarkable. However, more details would have to wait until he returned; letters were insufficient for conveying everything.
Everyone was happy for him.
Cheng Hao thought that if Cheng Xiaotian managed to secure an official position, it would provide some connections, and the children's future education issues could be resolved.
For now, they would continue teaching them themselves.
The children were still young. Normal formal schooling in this region began at six or seven years old, so there was no rush.
Su Miaomiao felt a little guilty about this. She had no pressure teaching others, but teaching her own children was a different matter entirely; the pressure was immense. She relied on her childhood sweetheart for this!
She signaled him to do his best.
Cheng Hao felt it wouldn't be too much of a problem and decided on the plan.
Chenxi and Zhaoyang also expressed no objections. Both were exceptionally intelligent children who were already learning a great deal, as the couple taught them things regularly.
Zhaoyang would often call out "Daddy, Mommy," and occasionally "Daddy, Mummy." No one suspected anything.
The couple would sometimes tell them stories about modern times, and the children listened with rapt attention.
Su Miaomiao had a knack for writing storybooks, so when the children inadvertently let slip something unusual, people didn't find it strange, assuming it was just another of her imagined tales.
Since they had finally decided that four-year-olds should first receive foundational education at home, why not go on a trip? Last year, they had spent only half a year conquering the former capital and another half year reorganizing. It was now fully restored, and life there was gradually stabilizing.
The Northern Yan Kingdom had become sufficiently strong, establishing relations with all surrounding kingdoms without annexing them, but rather engaging in friendly diplomacy.
Even the islands near the Northern Yan Kingdom were now connected by shipping routes, and many people traveled for leisure.
Su Miaomiao was also tired of staying in the capital. She wanted to take advantage of the children's young age and the absence of academic pressure to travel and see more of the world. She also wanted to explore.
Cheng Hao had no objections. He felt that as long as the family was together, it was fine. They already spent some time traveling around the Northern Yan Kingdom each year; this was just going a bit further, abroad. The main concern was safety, so traveling was not an issue.
The two children also loved adventure. Hearing their mother's suggestion, their eyes lit up. Chenxi even asked, "Really? We're going on a trip?"
Zhaoyang cheered, "Hooray! Hooray! I want to see the islands too!"
The Tao family next door had recently returned from a trip and described it as very fun, which had already made the children very eager.
Su Miaomiao was also excited, and the three of them looked at Cheng Hao in unison.
Cheng Hao smiled and said he would make the arrangements.
He then proceeded to make all the preparations.
When others heard the news, they were not surprised at all, as many people had been traveling recently. They simply wished the family of four a happy journey.
After all preparations were complete, they did not bring any guards this time, as they were only planning to visit nearby islands. Furthermore, the Northern Yan Kingdom was very safe. Travel routes and boats were managed by the official postal stations of the Northern Yan Kingdom. They could simply follow these.
The family of four set out in their carriage, embarking on a new chapter in their lives.
The end.