PDLP Chapter 257 Consort Fucha
Chapter 257 Consort Fucha
Although Hongshi wasn't particularly intelligent, he had heard his mother's constant admonitions over the years.
He always remained wary of Hongli.
Aside from Hongli, Hongshi was very kind to his younger brothers and sisters.
Although he harbored resentment towards Hongli, Hongshi would not show him any coldness.
Hongshi felt somewhat displeased upon hearing Hongli's words, but he did not dare to show it.
He pondered for a moment and said, "Fourth brother, sixth brother is indeed very outstanding, and it is only right that Father Emperor values him."
We're all brothers; we should support each other.
Hongli smiled slightly, his tone carrying a hint of persuasion:
"Third brother, that's not what I meant."
I just feel that we can't fall behind others.
Wouldn't it be better if we could share more of the burden with Father Emperor, just like our sixth brother?
Perhaps Father will value us even more.
Hongshi wavered slightly, but he remained cautious and replied:
"Fourth brother, I'm not as clever and quick-witted as you."
I'm worried that I won't do a good job and will displease Father Emperor.
Seeing that Hongshi hesitated, Hongli continued:
"Third brother, don't worry, I will help you."
We can start with small things and gradually accumulate experience.
"If we can achieve something, Father Emperor will definitely be happy."
After listening to Hongli's words, Hongshi felt that there was some truth to them.
So he nodded and said:
"Okay, let's give it a try."
Hongli was secretly delighted, but outwardly remained calm and continued:
"Third Brother, let's go find Father Emperor."
When Hongshi heard that he was going to see his father, the Emperor, he hesitated again.
He was still somewhat afraid of his father, the Emperor, after all, his father was always dignified, which made him feel a little scared.
Hongli noticed Hongshi's concerns and quickly comforted him:
"Third Brother, I'm here with you, what are you afraid of?"
Father Emperor surely hopes we can proactively share his burdens.
After Hongli's repeated persuasion, Hongshi's fear and hesitation were temporarily dispelled.
She promised to go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation with Hongli at that time.
Then Hongshi suddenly remembered that the two of them were together, and it wouldn't be good to leave his fifth brother out.
Hongshi said to Hongli, "Fourth brother, I think we should invite fifth brother to go with us."
Upon hearing this, Hongli's eyes flickered slightly, and a smile appeared on his lips.
This third brother is indeed foolish.
Unfortunately, Father Emperor preferred to value Third Brother, this foolish man.
His efforts are also not visible.
Hongli said, "Fifth Brother has always enjoyed having fun, so he probably won't be too interested in this kind of thing."
Inviting him might cause him trouble and disrupt our plans.
In my opinion, my brother and I should go first, and after we've achieved some success, we can invite our fifth brother to join us.
Hongshi shook his head and insisted:
"I think it would be better to ask my fifth brother for his opinion."
After all, it wouldn't be right for the three of us brothers to leave out our fifth brother.
Hongli said, "Third Brother is right. Let's go ask Fifth Brother then."
The two, accompanied by their young eunuch, quickly arrived at Hongzhou's residence.
Hongzhou's little eunuch, Xiaoshunzi, saw them from afar.
He hurried over and bowed, saying, "Greetings to the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince."
Hongshi nodded slightly, while Hongli smiled amiably.
"Little Shunzi, is Fifth Brother here?"
Xiao Shunzi replied, "Fifth Prince is playing with the birds in the courtyard."
Hongshi and Hongli entered the courtyard and saw Hongzhou sitting next to the swing set.
In front of me was an exquisite birdcage, inside which was a brightly colored parrot.
Hongzhou gently teased the parrot with a small wooden stick, laughing heartily.
Hongshi coughed, and only then did Hongzhou notice them, quickly rising to bow.
"Third Brother, Fourth Brother, what brings you here?"
Hongli smiled and stepped forward, patting Hongzhou on the shoulder:
"Fifth brother, it's been a long time since we brothers played together. Today I've come to find you so we can go see Father Emperor together."
Hongzhou asked with some confusion, "Looking for Father Emperor? Is there something you need?"
Hongshi said, "It's like this, Father Emperor recently asked Sixth Brother to handle some government affairs, and we, as the elder brothers,..."
We cannot fall behind.
My fourth brother and I wanted to go together to plead with Father Emperor, and also to share his burdens.
Upon hearing this, Hongzhou frowned and glanced subtly at Hongli, who was standing behind Hongshi.
What is Hongli plotting now that he's perfectly fine?
Hongzhou waved his hand and said, "If Father Emperor wants us to do things, he will naturally make arrangements."
However, I'm not cut out for this, so I'd better not anger Father Emperor.
Hongzhou was trying to remind Hongshi, but unfortunately Hongshi didn't understand.
Seeing this, Hongli quickly advised again:
"Fifth brother, we are all Father Emperor's sons, and it is our duty to share Father Emperor's burdens."
How will you know you can't do it if you don't even try?
"Maybe even Father Emperor will praise you for being sensible."
Hongzhou remained unmoved and said with a smile:
"Fourth Brother, I know my own limitations. I really have no such intention. You may go."
Seeing that Hongzhou was adamant, Hongshi did not press the matter further.
Hongli was somewhat displeased, but he couldn't show it.
His eyes darted around, and he smiled again:
"Since Fifth Brother doesn't have this idea, then we won't force you."
"Once we achieve something for Father Emperor, Fifth Brother, don't be envious."
Hongzhou smiled but didn't say anything.
Hongshi and Hongli then left Hongzhou's residence.
As Hongzhou watched them leave, he became secretly wary.
He knew that Hongli had no good intentions, and only hoped that Hongshi wouldn't be taken advantage of too badly by Hongli.
As soon as Hongshi and Hongli left Hongzhou's residence, they began to hesitate again.
"Fourth brother, maybe we shouldn't go."
Hongli's face darkened for a moment, but he quickly smiled again and said:
"Third brother, what's wrong with you?"
We've already come this far, how can we back down now?
We've already discussed it. If we don't go now, wouldn't Father Emperor think we're irresponsible?
Hongshi gritted his teeth and said:
"I'm not scared, I just feel like something's not right."
Fourth brother, are you really sure this is the right thing to do?
Hongli cursed Hongshi's stupidity in his heart, but on the surface he patiently said:
"Third Brother, don't worry, I've thought everything through."
We're just going to ask Father Emperor to share some of his administrative duties. What's wrong with that?
If you don't even have this much courage, how will you ever be able to hold your head high in front of Father Emperor again?
Hongshi hesitated for a moment, but was eventually persuaded by Hongli and said:
"Okay, let's give it a try."
But fourth brother, if anything goes wrong, you have to help me.
Hongli sneered inwardly, but still nodded with a smile and said:
"Third Brother, don't worry, with me here, I will definitely not let you suffer any losses."
So, Hongshi and Hongli went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
The chubby orange cat was reviewing memorials, while Zhen Huan sat on the couch nearby reading a book, when she heard Su Peisheng's report.
The two exchanged a glance and raised their eyebrows slightly.
I wonder why these two brothers came to the Hall of Mental Cultivation today.
The chubby orange cat kept moving its hands and said, "Let them in."
Su Peisheng responded and quickly led Hongshi and Hongli into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Upon seeing the large, chubby orange, Hongshi and Hongli quickly bowed and said:
"May Your Majesty be blessed. May Your Majesty be blessed."
The chubby orange cat raised its head, its gaze sweeping over the two faces, and frowned slightly as it said:
"Why are you here?"
Hongshi was very nervous at this moment and didn't dare to speak for a moment.
Seeing that his father wasn't looking at them, Hongli quickly gave Hongshi a meaningful look.
He then tugged at Hongshi's clothes.
Hongshi swallowed hard and said, "Your Majesty... Father..."
Your Majesty and your fourth brother are thinking about how hard Father works every day to manage state affairs.
As your sons, we also want to share your burdens.
Big Fat Orange narrowed its small eyes and glanced at Hongshi and Hongli.
The two of them broke out in a sweat from being stared at by the chubby orange cat.
The chubby orange cat smiled slightly, its tone calm yet carrying a hint of scrutiny:
"You want to share my burdens? Tell me, what are your plans?"
Hongshi, can you recite the university textbook yet?
Hongshi felt a little guilty under the gaze of the chubby orange cat, and lowered his head slightly, not daring to look directly at it.
She deeply regretted listening to Hongli's words.
Hongshi stammered, unable to utter a complete sentence for a long time, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Big Fat Orange: "Hongshi, recite the university motto for me."
Hongshi secretly groaned, and stammered, "The way of the Great Learning lies in manifesting one's bright virtue."
To be close to the people, to strive for the highest good. Knowing when to stop leads to stability; stability leads to tranquility…
He recited it haltingly, clearly not having memorized it.
After listening, the chubby orange cat shook its head slightly, its tone tinged with disappointment:
“Hongshi, you can’t even recite the Great Learning properly, yet you want to share my burdens?”
Do you know that the principles discussed in "The Great Learning" are the foundation of governance?
"If you don't even understand these things, how can you handle government affairs?"
Big Fat Orange has always held high hopes for his eldest son, Hongshi.
But Hongshi was truly hopeless.
Hongshi blushed deeply after hearing what the chubby orange had said, and lowered his head, not daring to look at it again.
My heart is filled with regret. If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have listened to Hongli's instigation.
Upon seeing this, Hongli quickly stepped forward and respectfully said:
"Father, Third Brother may have been nervous today, which is why he didn't memorize it well."
Actually, what my son and third brother meant was that sixth brother is still young.
However, he handles government affairs with ease, and we, as the older brothers, cannot fall behind.
"I can't do anything else, but I can still run errands."
The chubby orange cat narrowed its eyes slightly; it seemed that Hongli had quite a few ambitions.
However, he genuinely disliked this son.
At this moment, Zhen Huan, who had been quietly reading,
With a slight smile, she put down the book in her hand and said softly:
"Your Majesty, I believe that the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince's ideas also stem from their filial piety."
Their willingness to share the emperor's burdens is truly commendable.
They may lack experience, but with more practice, they will grow.
After hearing Zhen Huan's words, the chubby orange cat nodded slightly, its gaze returning to Hongshi and Hongli.
After pondering for a moment, he said:
"Since you have such good intentions, I cannot refuse your filial piety."
Alright then, Hongshi, starting tomorrow, you will go to the Ministry of Works.
Learn a bit, starting with some basic tasks to accumulate experience.
"Hongli, go to the Ministry of Rites."
Hongshi was overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately knelt down to express his gratitude.
Hongli was very unwilling. He looked at Zhen Huan, hoping that his adoptive mother would speak up for him.
Zhen Huan saw the look in Hongli's eyes and sneered inwardly. This adopted son truly had no self-awareness whatsoever.
Given the Emperor's dislike of him, it would be quite an achievement to even be assigned to the Ministry of Rites.
She smiled slightly and said:
"Your Majesty is wise. I believe that the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince will live up to Your Majesty's expectations."
Hongli was disappointed that Zhen Huan had not managed to secure a better position for him, but there was nothing he could do about it.
They could only kneel down to express their gratitude.
Big Orange continued, "You should all go to your respective departments to learn first."
Once I've accumulated some experience, I'll see if I can handle some government affairs.
I hope you can truly share my burdens, not cause me trouble.
Hongshi and Hongli hurriedly replied in unison, "Your subjects will certainly not fail your father's expectations."
The chubby orange cat nodded slightly, signaling them to leave.
After they left, the chubby orange cat looked at Zhen Huan and frowned slightly, saying:
"Huanhuan, what do you think?"
Zhen Huan smiled slightly and said softly:
"Your Majesty, I think that although the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince have good ideas, they do lack experience."
However, it's a good thing to let them learn and gain experience first.
After all, they are also the emperor's sons; if they can share the emperor's burdens, it will be a blessing for the Qing Dynasty.
It was only then that the fat orange cat remembered that his two sons had been married to their wives for so long.
Why haven't we heard any good news yet?
He then asked:
"Hongshi and Hongli have been married to their wives for some time now, so why is there still no news of a child?"
Zhen Huan's heart skipped a beat; she didn't know anything about this Third Prince Hongshi.
Hongli, however, could never have any more children in his lifetime.
Zhen Huan smiled and said:
"Your Majesty, the matter of having offspring cannot be rushed. The Third Prince and the Fourth Prince are perhaps still young, and their time has not yet come."
Furthermore, they are currently attending departmental training, and their minds are focused on government affairs, so it's inevitable that they might neglect some aspects.
Why not have the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital examine the two princesses more often?
"Take care of your health, and maybe good news will come soon."
Big Fat Orange nodded and said, "What Huanhuan said makes sense."
Su Peisheng, convey my decree: order the imperial physicians of the Imperial Medical Academy to examine Hongshi and Hongli's wives carefully.
Then send the medicine over first.
Su Peisheng accepted the order and left.
Zhen Huan smiled and said again:
"Your Majesty, perhaps it won't be long before we hear good news from the residences of the two princes."
Upon hearing this, the chubby orange cat became cheerful and laughed, "I hope so."
The two chatted for a while longer, and Zhen Huan watched as the chubby orange finished using the golden pill.
He then got up to say goodbye.
After leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Hongshi and Hongli walked along the palace path.
Hongshi was all smiles, but Hongli had a gloomy face.
Hongli did not expect that his father would simply assign him to such an unimportant department as the Ministry of Rites.
Thinking of Hongchang, and thinking of himself, Hongli felt resentful.
Hongchang has already begun handling state affairs, while Father Emperor has started taking elixirs.
This proves that Father Emperor's health is already poor.
If anything were to happen to the Emperor, Hongchang could rightfully inherit the throne.
How could this not make Hongli anxious, and how could he be willing to accept it?
Seeing that Hongli's expression was unpleasant, Hongshi cautiously said:
"Fourth brother, what's wrong?"
Hongli composed himself and said, "Third Brother, don't you think Father is being too biased?"
Hongshi shook his head and said to the three of them, "I don't think so. I think it's fine this way."
"I'm not as clever as my sixth brother. Father Emperor sent me to the Ministry of Works to study; this is a great opportunity."
Hongli secretly resented Hongshi's dullness, feeling that he was truly beyond saving.
Hongshi said, "Fourth brother, I'm leaving now. I need to tell Mother this good news."
Hongli watched Hongshi's retreating figure, a sinister smile curling at the corner of his lips.
Even Hongshi's Ministry of Works is better than his Ministry of Rites; Father Emperor is truly biased!