Mini spoiler dump~
-okay, so Queen Mother is actually good for ML because she keeps close watch over him. I got that part wrong, MC must be weepy at idea of starting over again with ML or thinking about potential enemies of ML.
-royal family (Emperor, Queen Mother) thinking about education and potential playmates/studymates for the princes. MC is elected to be among those going to the palace.
-when MC receives news, he's at first not very happy. Then his tutor (grandpa) mentions that ML will be there and he lights up. LOL. Even old tutor catches on, even though MC spins some BS about meeting the 'light of the Queen Mother's eyes.'
-old tutor grandpa worried about MC getting caught in palace struggles
-MC determined not to let ML waste a decade conquering the world/getting the throne. Already thinking of hubby, huh? XD In last life, MC didn't manage to join this elite study group, so MC didn't meet ML that early.