Changning carefully chose his words and slowly began to speak: "The Zhenguan Zhengyao once said that the way of a ruler is to first care for the people. If you want to bring peace to the world, you must first rectify yourself."
Hongyan blinked. He had read this sentence before, but it was from the chapter on the Way of the Ruler, which his master had never taught.
Changning knew that the people eyeing that position were still the princes; the grandsons hadn't yet developed any ambitions, at most thinking about the future position of heir apparent. To talk to them about the struggle for the throne would be utterly absurd.
However, it is still very beneficial for those in high positions to cultivate their character.
“Hongyan, you must know that those in positions of power must fulfill their duties and responsibilities. Your Aisin Gioro clan is the imperial family of the Qing Dynasty, bearing the heavy responsibility of the nation. Therefore, you must put the well-being of the people first. Because the actions and words of those in high positions can affect tens of thousands of people. Your mother does not ask you to have a broad vision or long-term perspective yet, but to be down-to-earth first.”
Hongyan nodded, intending to keep his mother's words in mind and think them over carefully.
That evening, when Hongzhao and the others came over again, Hongyan had regained his composure. Being with his mother, sisters, and brothers made him feel incredibly relaxed.
Today we have a new dish, made by someone ordered by Changning: candied sweet potatoes.
It was sweet and had a stretchy texture, and the children all enjoyed it very much.
After finishing their meal, Hongzhao pulled Hongyan aside and said that he would go with him to his maternal grandfather's house the next day to play with Duoxihui and Alin Agangan.
Hongyan glanced at Yinzhen, and seeing his father nod, he finally agreed. The two brothers then walked away hand in hand, affectionately.
After the children had all left, Yinzhen and Changning sat down together to talk.
Yinzhen frowned: "Hongyan is a bit too well-behaved this time. He's probably been training in the palace."
Changning was also heartbroken: "Of course, there aren't that many rules to follow when it comes to your own father and mother."
Yinzhen sighed, "The atmosphere in the palace is getting increasingly tense; no wonder the children are frightened. I wonder what's wrong with Father Emperor lately..."
What else could it be... getting old... getting more and more stubborn as you get older. Changning thought to himself.
Despite his complaints, Yinzhen still cared about his father, the Emperor, but worried that his father might misunderstand him. However, his immediate priority was his two sons who had just returned to the palace.
The next day, Yinzhen went to see his two sons and called Honghui and Hongyan to his study, saying he wanted to test their knowledge. However, he later had a heart-to-heart talk with them, which also comforted the two boys' restless hearts.
Hongyan and Hongzhao were going to the Fucha residence, and Hutuli insisted on going along as well. Honghui, not wanting to go, returned to the main courtyard alone.
The Fujin was making clothes for him. In the winter, the wind was strong and the snow was heavy. Honghui was weak and could not easily catch a cold. He could not ride horses or ski outside. Therefore, the stitches had to be tight and the fur had to be of the best quality, carefully selected by the Fujin.
As soon as Honghui entered the door, he saw that his mother had finished making a cloak, and judging from the size, he knew it was for him. He felt a warmth in his heart and quickly went over to her.
“Mother, it’s dark and the light is poor in winter. Please make fewer clothes for me; I still have enough to wear.”
The princess smiled gently: "Silly child, there are never enough clothes. Your mother sees that you have grown quite a bit taller this year, so this cloak needs to be made a little bigger. It's just that you've lost a bit of weight. The palace is not like the manor, the rules are much stricter. This time at the manor, you can eat more of what you like to eat and nourish your body. Your mother just had them stew some warm porridge for you, have a bowl to warm yourself up."
Honghui nodded obediently and sat down beside his wife to do needlework.
Chaoxia brought over a small bowl of steaming hot porridge. This warm porridge had been simmering for a long time, and all the ingredients had dissolved. There was a thick layer of rice oil on top. When you stirred it with a spoon, the red beans had turned into a paste. There were also some medicinal herbs to nourish blood and qi. Taking a bite, it was sweet and warm.
The princess felt a sense of peace she had never known before. Snowflakes were falling outside, a charcoal brazier was burning inside, and her beloved son was drinking porridge beside her. It was a scene of perfect harmony and joy.
Honghui thought so too.
He loved this warm atmosphere; it healed him better than any elixir.
He thought he would always remember his gentle-smiling mother, the mother who sewed and mended his clothes, the snow falling outside the window, and this bowl of sweet, warm porridge.
"Mother, Mother!"
In Qingzhi Courtyard, there were also two little kids calling for their mother.
With his older siblings out, Hongmin and Hongchen, with their short legs, came to cling to Changning again.
A few days ago, Fucha Changrong sent over a pair of rabbits. They were white, plump, and fluffy, and were immediately welcomed by everyone in Qingzhi Courtyard.
Tuantuan was originally very dissatisfied with this short-haired creature that had stolen her charm and glory, and often went to the rabbit burrow to scare them.
To everyone's surprise, these two rabbits were incredibly timid, trembling at the slightest provocation. Tuantuan found it particularly boring and decided to just consider them as two little brothers he had gained, ignoring them completely since they were just two mindless and stupid creatures.
Besides, she had her own maids and eunuchs. Yuzhu took care of her every day, making her clothes, and Xiaokangzi shoveled her poop every day.
Those two stupid rabbits who can't understand human speech do nothing but eat and poop.
That's too low-level.
Tuantuan, once again swaggering arrogantly, is now surveying its territory.
However, she was followed by her husband and three children.
Now the three kittens have grown into two-year-old cats, and they are gradually taking on a cute, round appearance.
In Hutu, the kitten Taxue is the only female cat. Like Tuantuan, she has a proud and vain personality and loves to lick her fur every day. Hutu takes good care of her, and she always smells nice.
Hongzhao named the kitten he chose "Lamb Leg". Now it is plump and strong, the fattest of the three kittens, probably weighing about ten pounds. It sleeps with Hongzhao and plays with him every day.
Hongyan's cat, Wangchen, had been with Changning, but now that Hongyan is back, he can take care of it himself.
As for Tuantuan, she'll always be Changning's youngest daughter, her darling. Yuanyuan, well, he's just a tool, a son-in-law; as long as the daughter's happy, that's all that matters.
And so, Tuantuan nestled in Changning's arms, enjoying the petting, squinting her eyes, wagging her tail, looking particularly relaxed.
As a result, as soon as Hongmin and Hongchen arrived, they wanted to take Changning to see the rabbits.
Tuan Tuan was a little unhappy and kept meowing.
Changning was both amused and exasperated. She coaxed Hongmin and Hongchen to go see the rabbits themselves, while she continued to pat Tuantuan's belly and couldn't help but complain.
"You, how old are you? Still fighting with a rabbit for attention, aren't you ashamed? Sigh, what can I do? I can only spoil my own daughter. Tuantuan, you have to be more assertive. I've seen Yuanyuan clinging to you these past few days. Don't forget he stole your chicken leg."
Listening to Changning's rambling, Tuantuan squinted and started snoring again.
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