Font Size:
“Xiao He, are you feeling sorry for the Empress?” Su Yu asked.
In an ordinary family, the two could have spent their lives together as a devoted couple.
But alas, the Emperor belonged to the royal family. If he had a strong enough power base, there would be no fear.
However, when the Emperor ascended, the power of the relatives was dominant.
With the Xie family holding too much power, the Emperor had to maintain balance within the court.
“In truth, the Emperor has felt guilty towards the Empress over these years,” Su Yu sighed softly.
This is the helplessness of being in the imperial family.
As the Emperor, the prosperity and stability of the nation are paramount, while personal feelings must take a back seat.
“The Emperor has done his best to make amends to the Empress, but…”
But what Su Yu didn’t explicitly say, Wang Jinhe understood without words.
Some things cannot be fully compensated for.
“I don’t feel sorry, just regretful. But now, they’re doing well. With a beloved partner by his side, along with you and eldest brother, and two obedient and sensible children, the Emperor isn’t standing alone at the pinnacle, experiencing the loneliness of being in a high position,” she reflected. Being an Emperor is ultimately a lonely position.
However, Xuan Feiran was fortunate. He had a loving partner, friends, loyal ministers to support him, making his burden lighter.
“You’re right. With the Empress by his side, the Emperor can take a break when things get tough.”
They exchanged a glance and couldn’t help but chuckle, “Now we’re getting involved in the Emperor’s affairs. He’ll surely scold us again once he finds out.”
“We’re doing this for his own good, don’t you think?” Su Yu managed to say with a suppressed smile.
“You’re absolutely right.”
“The reason I chose companions for Hong Yi at this time is to ensure that he has a few truthful and trustworthy individuals by his side, especially considering Xiao Bao and Xiao Zhi,” Su Yu explained.
Wang Jinhe nodded in agreement, realizing how burdensome it is to be alone on the throne. Having someone by your side could indeed make things much easier, benefiting Hong Yi’s future as well.
“You’ll have to put in extra effort for this.”
“Of course.”
“These children actually have great respect for Hong Yi, not just because he is the Second Prince but also due to his own charisma,” Su Yu mentioned, a recent observation.
Intrigued, Wang Jinhe looked at Su Yu curiously and asked, “What do you mean?”
“Hong Yi is just over three years old this year, but he excels in both martial arts and academics. His resilience and endurance surpass the other four. Sometimes when they are too tired to speak, Hong Yi is still practicing basic skills. Initially, they may resist, but over time, they will be won over by his dedication,” Su Yu explained simply to Wang Jinhe.
After listening, Wang Jinhe nodded somewhat ambiguously, “What you are saying seems to make sense.”
“Naturally, it’s correct.”
“Well, you know what you’re doing. This isn’t my area of expertise,” Wang Jinhe shook her head.
Seeing Wang Jinhe’s amused expression, Su Yu couldn’t help but smile. How could his wife be so adorable?
Observing her husband’s continuous laughter, Wang Jinhe, looking slightly annoyed, asked, “What’s so funny?”
“It’s not that funny. I just find my wife too adorable.”
Giving Su Yu a playful glare, Wang Jinhe didn’t say much, “I’m going to rest for a bit. Feeling a bit tired.”
“Alright.”
After Wang Jinhe went to rest, Su Yu left to observe the children practicing martial arts. Along the way, that little fellow, Yu Mosun, also arrived.
“I want to join too, Brother-in-law.” Seeing Hong Yi, who was not much older than him, starting while he couldn’t do anything yet, made him, as an elder, feel quite embarrassed.
Su Yu looked down at the determined child and sighed, “What are you doing here?”
Yu Mosun, displeased, looked at Su Yu, “Does Brother-in-law talk to his own nephew like this?”
Amused by Yu Mosun’s reaction, Su Yu playfully tapped his head, ” I remember that I did ask some people if they wanted to join earlier. What did you say then?”
Feeling guilty, Yu Mosun turned his head, “I don’t remember.”
“You can join if you want.”
“Really?” Yu Mosun looked at Su Yu excitedly.
Su Yu nodded, “Of course, I keep my word. But once you start training with me, you can’t quit anymore.”
Hearing Su Yu’s words, Yu Mosun suddenly felt conflicted. Should he agree to his brother-in-law’s condition?
If he agrees, there’ll be no time for play; declining means he can’t join Hong Yi and the others in martial arts practice.
Yu Mosun’s young mind began contemplating ways to slack off.
After pondering for a while and failing to come up with a good idea, Su Yu could tell that the boy was up to something mischievous.
“Have you made a decision?” Su Yu asked calmly, not rushing the young boy.
“Brother-in-law, is there any more rest time?” Yu Mosun inquired.
“There is. You get one day off every five days.”
“Ah? Just one day? Can’t it be a bit longer?”
“How about two days off every ten days?” Su Yu suggested, looking at Yu Mosun for an answer.
Xiao Bao and the others looked at Yu Mosun, wondering if he would agree.
Just as Xiao Bao was contemplating, Yu Mosun immediately nodded and agreed, “Okay, two days off is better than one.”
Xiao Bao and the others were left speechless, finding Yu Mosun’s seemingly less intelligent decision-making quite surprising.
To think he got swayed by their Su Yu’s words. What expression would he have once he realized?
“Since you’ve agreed, join Xiao Bao and the others now and start training with them from this moment.”
“No problem.”
Initially, Yu Mosun thought he could just play around, but as soon as he joined Xiao Bao and the others in their training, Su Yu transformed, becoming extremely strict, correcting even the slightest mistakes.
Su Yu stood in front of Yu Mosun and said, “Today is just a trial. I will correct your mistakes starting from tomorrow, and if you keep making errors, you’ll face consequences.”
Yu Mosun shuddered. Why did his brother-in-law suddenly become so frightening? Should he just give up?
“Thinking of leaving? Yanxi is already interested in martial arts, while Yanchen is keen on music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. They will start learning in the second half of the year. Do you want to be outdone by your little nephew and niece?” Su Yu remarked coldly.
The sarcastic tone made Yu Mosun quite uncomfortable.
But he understood a crucial point—he was already behind Hong Yi, and if he lagged behind Yanxi and Yanchen as well, he would truly be left behind.
With that in mind, Yu Mosun straightened up immediately, “I won’t give up.”
Su Yu raised an eyebrow, observing Yu Mosun’s silence, while Xiao Bao’s mouth twitched as he looked at him.
This uncle seems too easily persuaded. He just believes whatever his daddy says. What is he thinking?
Xiao Bao contemplated whether to inform Yu Mosun about being tricked during the break later. Just as he considered this, he felt a gaze on him and saw Su Yu looking at him with a knowing smile.