When Hongli disobeyed Consort Xi for the sake of Lady Su, Emperor Yongzheng did not reprimand him but instead helped him, because it was indeed Consort Xi who was causing trouble at that time.
Emperor Yongzheng tacitly allowed Hongli to dote on the woman he loved, but when it came to matters of great importance concerning the court, he still hoped that his son could be more rational and not let personal feelings affect his decisions, which was the most taboo thing for a ruler.
Hongli never expected that his father would threaten him with the throne! Was it really necessary to make such a fuss over such a trivial matter?
In Hongli's eyes, this was just his private matter, but in Yongzheng's eyes, it was no small matter. Hongli's choice was extremely important to Yongzheng!
When the political situation clashes with his personal will, how Hongli chooses to act is the criterion for judging whether he can become a qualified successor.
That year, the emperor said Su Yushan was not qualified, and Hongli did his best to promote her family. Now that all the requirements have been met, the emperor still refuses, favoring the Gao family.
If Father Emperor was unwilling to promote Yu Shan's rank, why did he say those words? He gave him a glimmer of hope, made him rack his brains to plan and strategize, full of expectations, only to have it all come to nothing!
"Father, you only care about the big picture and only tell your son what a prince should do. You have never cared about what your son really wants."
Hongli's questioning reminded Yongzheng of his own mindset when he was young. Back then, had he not resented and questioned the injustice of Emperor Kangxi?
But after he became emperor, he only cared about the big picture, and so-called family ties had to take a back seat.
"When I was still a prince, did the late emperor ever consider my feelings? No one can do whatever they want, especially not the imperial family. No matter how unwilling we are, we must bear the responsibilities on our shoulders!"
He could understand Hongli's dissatisfaction, but he could not grant Hongli's wish. Even if he was resented, Yongzheng accepted it, because he believed that one day Hongli would understand the purpose of his arrangement.
If Hongli fails to understand his good intentions and remains stubbornly unenlightened, then Yongzheng should really consider reconsidering the matter of summoning him.
The matter had reached a stalemate. Hongli did not agree, but simply bowed and took his leave, angrily departing from the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Witnessing his son's departure, Yongzheng closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose, and asked himself, "Did I do something wrong?"
No, there will be many more difficult choices to come, and Hongli will have to face them all. If he can't even compromise on such a trivial matter as personal feelings, how can we expect him to take over the country?
This time, Hongli had to make a decision; Yongzheng could no longer be soft-hearted and grant his wish!
After returning to the mansion, Hongli remained silent. Su Yushan, seeing his state, guessed the outcome. She did not ask any questions, but instead went to the small kitchen to make a dish of braised chicken feet. At noon, she ordered someone to bring a pot of wine and personally poured it for him.
Hongli has many social engagements, so the two of them rarely drink alcohol when dining alone. Today, knowing that he was in a bad mood, Yushan took the initiative to say that she wanted to drink.
The chicken feet had been braised for an hour and a half, making them incredibly flavorful. They were spicy yet tender, and the meat easily fell off the bone. Eating the spicy chicken feet and drinking strong liquor, Hongli felt his entire stomach burning.
Yu Shan chatted with him casually, mentioning some things about Yan Yan. Hong Li smiled and responded, but deep down he felt uneasy.
His smile seemed forced, so Su Yushan didn't say anything more and silently picked up some food.
He didn't know how to bring up today's events, but he had already made a confident promise to Yu Shan, and it would seem unreasonable not to give an explanation.
After hesitating for a long time, Hongli finally spoke, "Yushan, I spoke to Father Emperor today..."
Knowing he was in a difficult position, Su Yushan didn't wait for him to continue and took the initiative to reply, "I know, it's okay."
Hongli looked up in surprise, "I haven't even repeated it yet, how do you know what I'm going to say?"
"If it were a different outcome, you would have announced it the moment you walked in." So the answer is obvious.
It turned out she had already guessed it, but hadn't asked. Hongli felt increasingly guilty, feeling he had let her down. "I'm sorry, I couldn't keep my promise and disappointed you."
With a gentle smile, Su Yushan's expression was relaxed and calm. "If I were disappointed, how could I have the leisure to make you braised chicken feet? In fact, I never expected it at all."
This attitude only made Hongli more doubtful of his ability to carry out his orders in her eyes. "You don't believe I can do it?"
With a slight shake of her head, Su Yushan's starry eyes shone with tenderness as she chuckled, "It's not that I don't trust you, it's just that I know my own limitations and won't expect too much."
Today's events are like vines binding him, making it hard for Hongli to breathe. "Father Emperor has threatened me that if I don't obey his arrangements and promote Gao Xiuwen to the position of concubine, I am not worthy of being the heir to the throne. He is unwilling to compromise, and I will not back down!"
Emperor Yongzheng would actually utter such harsh words? No wonder Hongli was so indignant. Su Yushan's heart tightened, and she couldn't help but remind him:
"He is the Emperor, and also your father. Do you intend to defy the Emperor? What if he really changes the imperial edict?"
"Third brother has passed away. Now Father Emperor only has two sons left, me and Fifth Prince. It will be either me or Fifth Prince. Fifth Prince has no interest in politics. Do you think Father Emperor will make him the crown prince?"
Back in the Kangxi era, there was a fierce struggle for the throne among nine princes, but now, in the Yongzheng era, there are only two princes left, and the imperial lineage is extremely scarce. Su Yushan immediately understood, "So you think the Emperor is just trying to scare you?"
On the way back, Hongli pondered for a long time, feeling that his father's threat was unlikely to be valid, "He had no other choice."
Although Su Yushan was certain that Yongzheng would not live a long life and that Hongli would be the one to ascend the throne, history had changed too much since she arrived. She was unsure whether this would affect Hongli and their father-son relationship.
If this incident changes Yongzheng's view of Hongli and thus alters history, wouldn't she become a sinner?
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