His eyes sparkled as he looked up at the branches of the plum tree. He reminisced about the times he spent with Zhong Junming, how Big Brother Ming would buy him candy figurines, how Big Brother Ming would climb trees with him, and how Big Brother Ming would always tell him to wait for him before leaving...

Ming Xi smiled foolishly. Just as he finished watering the plants and was about to get up, two voices suddenly came from behind him.

Qin Mama, this is the young master.

He turned around and saw the housekeeper, Chen Jiu, walking towards him with a slightly older nanny who was heavily made up.

He couldn't help but shiver, standing dumbfounded in place while holding onto the wooden barrel.

"These past few days, Young Master has entrusted Madam Qin for guidance."

Chen Jiu brought the nanny with him and scrutinized her closely.

When Qin Rong approached Ming Xi, she saw his dirty face and furrowed her brows. She said, "You're so filthy, like a beggar. It's doubtful that the 6th Prince would like you." With a disdainful look, she took half a step back.

Mingxi lowered her head with a hint of grievance and softly retorted, "Xier is not dirty..."

As soon as his words fell, Qin Rong slapped him across the face.

"You have no manners...! Yet you dare to talk back! With such a look, how can any man possibly find you attractive...!"

Mingxi didn't understand why he had to always seek people's favor. He simply covered his swollen face and shook his head helplessly, saying, "I'm not arguing..."

"You still dare to defy...! I will teach you the meaning of rules later."

Qin Rong frowned and gave him a glare before asking Chen Jiu, who was next to her, "I see that this young master truly doesn't know the rules. Did the lord give any instructions on how to educate him?"

Upon hearing these words, Chen Jiu quickly responded, saying, "It doesn't matter how you teach as long as you can be obedient and sensible in front of the Sixth Prince."

Upon hearing this, Qin Rong immediately had a clue in her heart.

The rumors spread throughout the mansion that the young master is not favored. Looking at this dilapidated courtyard, and seeing the tattered clothes worn by Mingxi, one can confirm that these rumors are not false.

No matter how she "disciplines" him, as long as no one ends up dead, it seems that nobody will care.

Thinking of this, Qin Rong smiled at Chen Jiu and said, "I understand, thank you for your guidance, Steward Chen."

Chen Jiu responded to her with a smile and then left the courtyard.

After he left, Qin Rong took a few steps forward and sized up Ming Xi by circling around her. She said, "With this appearance, you still want to serve the Sixth Prince?"

"Mmm..." Mingxi didn't understand what it meant to "serve," so she instinctively looked at her own hands. They were covered in calluses, dirt, and mud. Her shoes had several holes, exposing her frozen, purple feet.

He knew that he was not good-looking at all, far inferior to the people in the theater. However, being mocked like this still left a bitter taste in his heart.

Qin Rong saw him remain silent, with a scornful expression, saying, "When I ask a question, the answer should be given. Does Young Master Xia understand?"

Mingxi's face still stung with a fiery pain. Seeing her stern tone, he hastily replied.

Qin Rong, pleased with the situation, nodded with satisfaction. Her gaze glanced at the wooden barrel next to his feet. "What is the young master doing with a water bucket?"

"I…water the plum tree…" Mingxi timidly responded.

Then, he immediately felt a cold sensation on his head, a whole bucket of ice-cold water pouring over his body, causing him to uncontrollably shiver from the freezing cold.

"The young master has gotten so dirty, from what this old servant can see, he should be properly washed with water."

After pouring cold water on Mingxi's body, Qin Rong casually threw the wooden bucket aside. Seeing Mingxi's pale face, she lightly flicked her sleeve with a cheerful mood.

Today, this servant's guidance for the young master is just this much.

"Young Master, just remember not to talk back. Starting from tomorrow afternoon, please go to the administration room alone to learn the rules and etiquette."

Qin Rong's expression darkened as she spoke, "If Young Master doesn't come, this old servant won't show mercy like I did today."

She finished speaking without waiting for Mingxi's reaction, lifted her foot and kicked the wooden bucket away, then hurriedly left the courtyard.

Mingxi saw her leaving and panickedly picked up the wooden barrel. After closely examining it, she saw that the barrel wasn't shattered, which finally put her at ease. She tightly hugged the wooden barrel and burst into tears.