Chapter 166 A biased view: Hongyan no longer goes to the Imperial Study to study…
Hongyan was particularly excited about no longer having to study in the Imperial Study. Although he didn't verbally express how happy he was, it was obvious to anyone with eyes that he was extremely pleased. In Cheng Qianyue's opinion, if Hongyan were a character from a comic book, he would probably be surrounded by twinkling starlight right now.
Cheng Qianyue said, "The worst thing a person can do is to be all talk and no action. When you enter the Wenhua Hall, first observe how your brothers act. Furthermore, I have another piece of advice for you: do not jump to conclusions without knowing the whole story."
Don't think that just because you've studied for several years, you're all that great. Studying broadens your horizons, but when it comes to actually doing things, you still need to be practical and pragmatic. Don't be like some of the parachuted-in leaders in modern companies who have never been to the front lines and don't know the actual situation. They just think they're amazing and their brains are spinning like crazy, but their castles in the air can't take root at all, and they might even ruin the whole company.
Of course, even if Hongyan expressed his opinions on political affairs, Yinreng would most likely not adopt them. Cheng Qianyue just wanted to give Hongyan a heads-up, to make him always maintain a humble attitude of seeking advice.
Hongyan replied to her, "Mother, I understand. Father Emperor summoned me to the Wenhua Hall because he wants me to learn more and ask more questions. Don't worry, I certainly won't do anything reckless."
After receiving some pre-job training from her, Hongyan went to the Wenhua Hall for his "internship." Occasionally, when Cheng Qianyue asked, he would reply that it was going well there, and he could hear a lot about court affairs. Especially in the last few days, he even went out of the palace to visit the Cheng family. His visit to the Cheng family wasn't just a simple visit; he went to the countryside to inquire about tenant farmers and taxes. It seemed that the Ministry of Revenue had taken some action, and he wanted to go to the grassroots level to understand the situation.
Cheng Qianyue thought to herself, "That's right."
After he returned, Cheng Qianyue asked a few questions about what was happening outside, and then inquired about the Cheng family, "Not long ago, your Granny Guo Luo had leg pain, so I called the imperial physician to examine her and prescribe medicine. How is her leg now? Is it any better?"
Hongyan said, "Granny Guoluo said she's much better. She used to be in so much pain that she couldn't walk, but now she can get out of bed after applying the plaster. It's just that she walks with a shaky gait and needs to use a cane."
Cheng Qianyue sighed, "From now on, you should take your younger brother and sister to visit them more often. It's really inconvenient for me to call them in from the palace; there's no way I can make a fuss." After thinking for a moment, she added, "I don't know how your uncle is doing these past two years. Ask your father when he'll be transferred back. That way, your maternal grandfather and nanny will have someone to take care of them."
Hongyan nodded and took out a booklet from his bosom: "This was given to me by Guoluo Mafa and Guoluo Mama. They said it contains records of people who have recently come to see Guoluo Mafa, and asked me to give it to Mother."
Cheng Qianyue took it and glanced at it. "There are a few people who are quite close to you, Guo Luomafa. They visit you from time to time over the years to play chess and appreciate paintings with you."
Hongyan said, “There is something I would like to discuss with Mother. I have grown up and am now learning to participate in politics. Some matters involve outside the palace, and I cannot do them personally. Although I can send my servants, Haha Zhuzi, to handle them, I am afraid that listening to only one side of the story would be biased. Therefore, I would like to recruit a few traveling servants.”
This meant looking among the people the Cheng family knew. Cheng Qianyue thought about it and thought it was a good idea. They say time reveals true character; those who have remained loyal to the Cheng family despite not having gained anything over the years should have some sincerity, so mentioning them would be acceptable. She nodded and said, "You can keep that book yourself. To be honest, your mother only needs these to look at; they're not of much use. Do whatever you want with them. After you marry your wife, you'll be able to establish your own household in a few years, and you'll have many more servants than you need. Consider this a good early practice."
After a while, she asked again, "How did the trip to investigate the farmland go? You've only been at Wenhua Hall for a short time, and you're already learning to do practical things. It seems your two older brothers really treat you well."
Hongyan lowered his eyes and said softly, "My eldest brother is more concerned about my studies. I only found out about the matter at the Ministry of Revenue because my second brother brought it up. Afterwards, I specifically asked my master, who said that what you learn from books is never enough and suggested that I go out and see the world."
Cheng Qianyue paused for a moment, her smile fading slightly, and said softly, "So that's how it is." Seeing Hongyan's indifferent expression, she softened her tone and said gently, "Hongyan, your mother hopes you won't overthink this matter. Your father only has a few sons, so he hopes that you brothers will have a good relationship. Your eldest brother... perhaps he thinks you are still young and that it would be better for you to study more."
Continuing the conversation would seem like she was trying to cover it up, so she stopped talking and instead said, "Alright, you must be tired after leaving the palace. Go back and rest."
But after Hongyan bowed and took his leave, Cheng Qianyue frowned with worry, and after a long while she couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
They say you can see the big picture from small things, and know the truth from the details. Could it be that Hongxi has become so wary of Hongyan? She wondered.
As Hongyan walked back from Yongshou Palace, he first pondered which people in the register he could use, thinking of visiting the Cheng family another day to meet them. But as he walked, his thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Hongyan now knows that Hongxi doesn't like him. When he was younger, he didn't feel it so much; he just felt that Hongxi was rather cold towards him. However, at that time, Hongxi was focused on his studies and was quite aloof to everyone, so he never took Hongxi's attitude to heart. But in the past few years, he has clearly sensed Hongxi's dislike for him.
Sometimes Hongyan really doesn't understand. Why do you hate me so much? Over the years, Father has treated us all equally. And when it comes to schoolwork, Father values you more; whenever he asks about their studies, he always asks you first. So what are you dissatisfied with?
Was there something I did wrong? Was I not respectful enough to you? Or is it because my mother is so favored that you're so wary of me? But if that's the case, why doesn't my second brother treat me the same way you treat me?
Thinking of these troubling matters, Hongyan's eyes were filled with a deep sorrow. He was not unaware of the atmosphere in the palace before, but he simply did not want to think about whether Hongxi had been involved. But now, this thorn in his side was indeed happening to him.
The Emperor had asked them to write down their views on land and taxation under the pretext of land surveying, but Hongxi hadn't mentioned it to him at all. He wouldn't have known if his second brother, Hongjin, hadn't brought it up. If he hadn't known and hadn't submitted his writings, what would the Emperor think of him? Would the Emperor think he was lazy and unfit for important tasks?
Hongyan walked slowly with his hands behind his back, and soon arrived at the Fifth Residence of the Eastern Palace. The first four residences were where the princes lived. Hongyan's residence was in the middle, with Hongxi and Hongjin in front and Hongchao behind. He gazed at the first residence and thought to himself: "Brother, I never intended to compete with you, but why do you lack even this much tolerance? Have you completely ignored Father Emperor's many teachings on unity and friendship?"
——
That day, Hongxi walked out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation and returned to the Hall of Literary Glory. He couldn't help but blush. Just now in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Emperor said that Hongyan's submitted article was well-reasoned and supported by evidence, and praised him for teaching his younger brother well. He also told him not to be stingy with showing Hongyan his memorials regarding court matters. He immediately understood that the Emperor was giving him a warning, a reminder not to keep anything to himself.
Recalling what had just happened, Hongxi's face flushed crimson. But he insisted to himself, "I didn't do anything wrong, and I don't think I did anything wrong. How old is Hongyan? I was studying at Hongyan's age, so what's wrong with letting Hongyan continue his studies? There's nothing wrong with it!"
Hongxi gathered his strength for a while, and his complexion gradually returned to normal. He continued to think: Besides, he couldn't show the memorial to Hongyan without any scruples; he couldn't do it.
Thinking of this, Hongxi's heart was churning like boiling water. He couldn't understand why the emperor favored Hongyan so much. He married late and entered politics late, finally managing to get involved in court affairs a step ahead of Hongyan, but in less than two years, Hongyan caught up.
Hongyan has far more than him. Not only does he have a Consort Gui as his mother, but he's also been betrothed this year. Hongyan's maternal family rose to power through military achievements, and now he has another family of military nobility. How could he not be wary of Hongyan? Therefore, he couldn't bear to watch Hongyan continue to thrive in the court.
At this moment, Li Changning, Hongxi's attendant, walked in from outside and said, "Master, the Dragon Boat Festival gifts have been sent out of the palace."
Hongxi let out a breath and looked at his cousin. His original "Haha Zhuzi" (a type of disciple) didn't have much of a family background, so he brought this cousin to his side. Sure enough, this cousin was much more useful than the other "Haha Zhuzi," and efficient in handling matters. Most importantly, this cousin, like his mother, was on his side, which was truly rare.
Hongxi said, "You've gone to a lot of trouble. Go down and collect your reward later."
Li Changning readily bowed and smiled, saying "Yes."
After a while, Hongxi said again, "I will send these memorials to the Third Prince later."
Li Changning's expression changed. If he were to ask who in the palace he most hoped would be well, it would undoubtedly be the First Prince. But if he were to ask who he hated most in the palace, it would be the Consort and the Third Prince. What was the Cheng family compared to the Li family? His aunt had served the Emperor the longest and had even given birth to the First Prince, yet the Consort had unexpectedly surpassed her. Their family's limelight had been completely stolen by others; how could the Li family accept this? Therefore, their only hope lay with the First Prince.
Li Changning gently advised, "Your Majesty, why are you so concerned about the Third Prince? The more outstanding he is, the more your situation will become..."
Hongxi interrupted him: "I have no choice but to do what Father Emperor ordered." After a long pause, he slowly explained: "They are all minor memorials. Let him take a look and practice with small matters first."
Li Changning was relieved and replied with his eyes lowered, "Yes, Third Prince is still young, and many things cannot be accomplished overnight. There is a saying that great things are achieved through small steps. I hope Third Prince can understand your good intentions."
Hongxi was happy about his decision for only a few days before he received devastating news. That noon, a servant from the Emperor's side came to the Wenhua Hall to receive the rewards. Hongxi was very puzzled, because in the past, whenever there were rewards, the servant would always come to him first. Why had he gone to Hongjin first? Before he could figure it out, he saw the eunuch who had come to deliver the rewards come out from the opposite side and then leave.
Hongxi was startled by this turn of events and immediately sent someone to inquire. After a while, his eunuch Delu cautiously reported back: "This servant has found out that the Emperor rewarded the Second Prince with some writing materials because the Second Prince had given the Third Prince much guidance."
Hongxi was incredulous: "Hongjin...recommending Hongyan?" When did they become so close? Then he thought back to how Hongyan found out about what he'd kept from him last time. Could it be...?
Hongxi unconsciously glanced across the room and saw Hongyan, a smile on his face, quickly walk into the house. Hongxi's eyes narrowed, feeling a strong sense of betrayal.
Then a thought suddenly popped into my head:
Hongjin... Could it be... Is Hongjin trying to win over Father Emperor with his uprightness and love? When, from what point did Hongjin become different from before?
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