Hongli's tone was too fierce, and Yonghuang was frightened, remaining silent for a long time, probably because he had some concerns. Su Yushan gently advised from the side:
"Your imperial father just wants to know the whole story. You don't need to hold back, just tell me. As long as you tell the truth, your imperial father won't be angry."
With his mother vouching for him, Yonghuang finally revealed the truth: "That day, Yonglian made a mistake in reciting a sentence, and his teacher punished him by making him copy the text five times. I noticed that he didn't look well, so I touched his forehead and found that he seemed to have a fever. I told him to tell his teacher that he was sick, but he refused to say so."
He felt that if he told his master he was uncomfortable at this time, his master would definitely think that he was making excuses to avoid punishment, so he insisted on being punished.
It was lunchtime, and he couldn't eat until he finished writing. I noticed he didn't seem to be in good spirits, so I wrote it twice in his handwriting so he could rest earlier.
Hongli had assumed it was Yonglian's idea, never expecting it to be Yonghuang's initiative. Upon learning the truth, Hongli was greatly disappointed and sneered:
"Yonghuang, you're only ten years old, and you've already started helping others to lie and fabricate stories. You and your brother have conspired to deceive your master. You're really something! You've completely forgotten all the things I taught you!"
His father was furious and flew into a rage. Yonghuang was terrified, but he still had to explain, "Father, this was all my idea. Yonglian did not ask me for help. I wrote it on my own initiative. Father, you may punish me if you wish, but please do not punish Yonglian."
Seeing this, Su Yushan was filled with emotion. This child wasn't afraid of being punished by his father, the Emperor, and was only thinking about pleading for Yonglian. It seemed that the two brothers had a good relationship. It was just a pity that the Empress had a problem with Yonghuang, so they were destined not to get too close.
Hongli ignored his request and said coldly, "You are all at fault, and no one can escape punishment! Since you love copying homework so much, then copy it twenty more times. You are not allowed to eat or sleep until you finish copying it!"
Upon hearing this, Su Yushan immediately panicked, feeling that the punishment was too harsh.
“Your Majesty, Yonghuang has already explained that Yonglian was unwell and unable to concentrate, which is why he made a mistake. Yonghuang shouldn’t have helped with the cheating, but he meant well and had no malicious intent. You can reprimand him; there’s no need to make him copy it twenty more times, is there?”
"He committed two offenses: first, he shouldn't have lied; second, he shouldn't have associated with Yonglian. If I don't take real action, he won't learn his lesson. He must be punished today. Don't plead for him anymore; indulging him is only harming him!"
Dinner is almost here. If he really has to copy it twenty times, it will take at least an hour and a half. Isn't Hongli making things difficult for the child?
However, since Hongli had already spoken, it would be inappropriate for her to argue with him at this moment. Su Yushan was still thinking about how to persuade him when she saw Yonghuang lower his head and reply:
"Your subject has made a mistake and is willing to accept punishment. Your subject will go back to the room to write now."
After saying this, he returned to his room dejectedly.
Seeing this, Su Yushan felt very uncomfortable. Hongli thought she would resent him and argue with him, but she said nothing. She walked to the window and looked out of the courtyard without saying a word.
This situation was unexpected, and he suddenly felt uneasy. He walked up to her and sighed softly.
"Are you angry with me because of the children?"
She was Yonghuang's mother and Hongli's woman. Her dual identity made her emotions particularly complicated at this moment. "Yonghuang did make a mistake, and it is right for you to punish him. I have no reason to be angry."
She said she wasn't angry, but there wasn't a trace of a smile on her face. Hongli was still guessing what was going on.
"It's precisely because there's no reason, but you're genuinely unhappy and have found a way to vent that you feel so suffocated."
Feeling stung, Su Yushan was even more at a loss for words. She sighed and rubbed her forehead, "Just let me be alone for a while."
Although she didn't complain, he could tell she was very upset. After hesitating for a moment, Hongli decided to explain things to her again.
“Yonghuang is our child. Not only do you feel sorry for him, but I also feel bad when I punish him. But this is not a small matter. If we let it go so easily, he will continue to secretly associate with Yonglian in the future. If nothing happens, it will be fine, but if something unexpected happens, the Empress will make a fuss, and Yonghuang will have to bear this crime for nothing.”
This is exactly what Su Yushan is most worried about. "I understand the reasoning, but ask yourself honestly, aren't you being too harsh on him? Even if you want to punish him, can't you punish him five or ten times? Why does it have to be twenty times? You weren't like this with Yonghuang before. You've become increasingly harsh in the last two years, and I really don't understand why!"
Ultimately, it all comes down to the change in status. "Before, I was a prince and he was the grandson of the emperor. I could spoil him and pamper him, and he could live a carefree life. But after I ascended the throne, I became the ruler of the country, and his status changed. He is now the prince of the current dynasty and my eldest son."
I only have three or four sons in total. The other two weren't the ones I wanted. Yonghuang and Yongzhang are my favorites, so naturally I have higher hopes for them and am stricter with them. I hope they can become outstanding children in all aspects, so that they can shoulder heavy responsibilities in the future, share my burdens, and solve problems for the family, the country, and the people.
Hongli believed that his son should be a role model for everyone and should not make mistakes, but Su Yushan did not think so.
“I don’t expect him to excel in everything. I only hope that he is safe and healthy, kind-hearted, and can retain his own preferences and opinions, instead of being molded into the shape that others want him to be like clay, and ultimately losing himself.”
Her views have always been inconsistent with orthodox education. Hongli could understand this, but he was unable to implement them.
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