High Achievements Threaten the Sovereign

She remained silent for a moment, then asked in a low voice:
"Why do you think that Lord, so loyal and devoted, met such a tragic end?"
Master Ning pondered for a moment, then asked in return:
"In your opinion, why did the Lord meet such an end?"
Zhao Chang Ge considered for a while, then slowly replied:
"His merit overwhelmed the sovereign. Or perhaps, the problem lay in whether the superior was willing to share glory and wealth."
Hearing that answer, Master Ning sighed softly, his tone somewhat melancholic:
"Indeed... Merit overwhelms the sovereign."
In those years, that marshal was once renowned throughout the land, enjoying boundless glory, yet he could not withstand the treacherous hearts of men.
Looking at her master's sorrowful expression, Zhao Chang Ge narrowed her eyes slightly. Could it be... he once had a connection with the Lord?
But after all, Master Ning was now her master. People always said, "a teacher for a day, a father for life"; a bond had long been established between her and her master. Thinking too much about the past was useless.
Moreover, through her master, perhaps the Zhao family also had some connection with Pei Yan. Who knew, in the future, this might become a guarantee for her family.
As for offending Pei Yan? As long as she was here, she would never let the Zhao family fall into a hostile situation with him.
Thinking of this, her mood gradually stabilized.
Perhaps Pei Yan was busy with something; otherwise, during their last encounter, he wouldn't have been so indifferent.
At this moment, Master Ning emerged from his reverie. Seeing the slight smile on Zhao Chang Ge's face, he shook his head and thought to himself: *Youth without worries, knowing not the taste of sorrow!*
***
Today's lesson passed faster than usual. When leaving, Zhao Chang Ge deliberately took a few books from Master Ning's place.
Upon returning to her room, she immediately sat down on the daybed, picking up a book to read.
To her left was a beautiful pot of Violet Spring Orchid, and to her right was a plate of fresh fruit and several exquisite pastries.
Zhao Chang Ge read her book, unconsciously reaching for fruit or snacks to put in her mouth, looking utterly relaxed.
This scene happened to fall into Zhao Chang Xing's eyes as he entered.
He said nothing, walked forward, pulled the book from her hand, casually flipped through a few pages, then clicked his tongue in admiration:
"Indeed, being close to Master Ning for a long time, one also gains a bit of a scholar's demeanor."
With that, Zhao Chang Xing comfortably sat down to one side, showing no politeness with his sister's snacks. Especially the fruit plate, which was almost half-eaten by him in a blink of an eye.
Zhao Chang Ge pouted, immediately retorting:
"How can I compare to Second Brother? You have so many masters teaching you, so busy you don't even have a moment of leisure. I've never seen Second Brother so diligent before."
Zhao Chang Xing chuckled, reaching out to lightly tap her forehead, a gesture of reproach, but the force was as gentle as a dragonfly skimming water.
"You really don't yield to your brother at all!"
Zhao Chang Ge snorted:
"Isn't it always Brother who yields to me?"
"Alright, I yield." Zhao Chang Xing raised an eyebrow and smiled, his eyes full of doting affection.
Then, he changed the subject:
"I heard you bought a lot of things yesterday? In your front courtyard, I saw quite a few new flowers planted haphazardly. Recently, have you developed a particular fondness for planting orchids?"
"Mother gave me a pot of orchids yesterday, and I thought it wasn't bad, so I bought a few more. If Second Brother likes them, feel free to take a few pots." Zhao Chang Ge said casually.
"Is it this pot?" Zhao Chang Xing pointed to the Violet Spring Orchid beside her.
"Mm."
"Then I'll just casually take two pots back."
"I'll have someone send them over to you later." With that, Zhao Chang Ge looked at her brother and asked directly: "Did you come to find me for something?"