Chapter Fourteen: Fang Xuanling Teaches His Son

The Fang Residence.

News arrived that the second young master had gone to a brothel and ended up fighting with His Highness Prince Qi, resulting in His Majesty summoning him to the palace. Instantly, the household was thrown into chaos.

Early that morning, Fang Xuanling had gone to court and had yet to return. It was likely that the snow disaster in Guanzhong had complicated matters, causing His Majesty to keep him at the palace.

Though the patriarch was a meritorious minister of the emperor, assaulting a prince was a grave offense. Even if it did not lead to execution, the punishment would hardly be light. Being exiled to Lingnan or conscripted into the distant military was tantamount to a death sentence.

All this was because of that wretched Prince Qi, who had a notorious reputation and surely bullied our second young master. Our boy was always respectful and well-behaved—perhaps a little slow in his studies—but obedient nonetheless. His tongue might be clumsy and unable to defend himself, so naturally the eldest brother stepped in with his fists.

The entire Fang household viewed the incident as the second young master merely defending himself against bullying, much like Emperor Li II would have behaved.

Without the head of the family present, and with such a serious matter at hand, the servants ran about like headless chickens.

Though Madame Lu was sharp-tongued, she was still a woman and lost her composure in times like this, unable to properly manage the servants. Upon hearing that Chancellor Cheng Chubi was also present, she hurriedly sent trusted servants to the Duke Lu’s residence to implore Cheng Yaojin to petition the emperor.

When the servants returned, they brought back Cheng Yaojin’s words: “So what if they fought? It’s a trivial matter!”

Furious, Madame Lu cursed Cheng Yaojin as a fool. Assaulting a prince was not something to be taken lightly.

But then she reconsidered: one boy had the backing of Duke Lu, the other had the support of the current Chancellor—both pillars of His Majesty’s court and loyal followers with years of distinguished service. Surely neither would face death or exile to Lingnan.

This thought comforted her somewhat.

She warned the household servants to mind their duties and not to gossip, while sending people to the palace to gather news.

When the message finally came, it confirmed that their young master was unharmed, while Prince Qi had been severely beaten by His Majesty and received thirty lashes with a rod. However, the patriarch was still dealing with disaster relief and would return late.

Only then did Madame Lu finally relax.

Her resentment toward Prince Li You was boundless. That damned scoundrel had nearly caused trouble for their son. Fortunately, His Majesty was wise and discerning.

One could imagine that, aside from quietly enduring the sting of the rod, Prince Qi might be cursing the ill-timed snowstorm. If only it were the sweltering heat of June instead—snowflakes dancing in the sky would have been refreshing.

When Fang Jun finally stepped through the door, servants had already informed Madame Lu. She ordered a maid to bring prepared food while rummaging through the bedroom to find a feather duster.

As soon as Fang Jun entered and said, “Mother...,” Madame Lu’s brows shot up. She charged forward, striking him relentlessly with the feather duster. Fang Jun howled in pain, desperately protecting his face and begging for mercy.

Only when Madame Lu grew tired and calmed down did she wave her hand: “Eat!”

Rubbing his sore backside, Fang Jun ate the delicious food, silently lamenting: Damn this “carrot and stick” approach—it must have come from my mother.

After tussling all day and even getting into a fight, he was truly hungry and devoured the meal with flying chopsticks.

Madame Lu worried aloud, “Slow down, slow down, child. Be careful not to choke. That Prince Qi is always causing trouble, but our second son is so honest and well-behaved—what could he have possibly done to offend him?”

Fang Jun nearly choked on his food. Prince Qi was truly wronged, beaten for no reason, yet everyone blamed him...

He couldn’t help but worry that by continuing down this path of self-disgrace, he might one day become as infamous as Prince Li You.

“Aiyah, child, I told you to slow down, why are you so impatient? Qiao’er, quickly bring tea to your young master. That foolish girl has no sense...”

Madame Lu spoke quickly and anxiously, but her words brimmed with genuine affection.

Trouble deserved punishment, but afterwards, the child still needed to be spoiled. After all, he was her own flesh and blood.

Hearing his mother ask Qiao’er to bring tea, Fang Jun shuddered. That stuff could kill a person.

He hurriedly took a few more bites, then set down his bowl and said, “I’m full now. Qiao’er, bring the tea to my room. I’ll drink it before bed.”

Madame Lu was displeased: “Who drinks tea only before bed? Drink it now!”

Fang Jun sighed. Even his tea-drinking was micromanaged. Was this not overbearing?

Yet inside, his heart was warm.

Though the greasy tea, tinged with the taste of scallions and ginger, made him want to gag, he drank it as if it were ambrosia.

Having someone nag you, critiquing this and that, is not always annoying. Only those who truly care about you will concern themselves with whether you eat well or sleep soundly...

Just as he was basking in this maternal love, his father, Fang Xuanling, returned.

Entering the house, Fang Xuanling saw Madame Lu gripping their second son anxiously, inspecting him closely, asking repeatedly if Prince Qi had injured him, warning that any wounds must be treated promptly.

Humph! The loving mother spoils her son!

Fang Xuanling sat down silently in the main hall, then glared at Fang Jun: “Have you anything to say to me?”

Fang Jun was taken aback. Oh dear, has Father seen through everything? But since he was aiming to ruin his own reputation, there was no need to lie. If Emperor Li the Second thought he understood the truth behind appearances, what did that have to do with him?

The emperor liked to beat his sons; who dared to stop him?

Just as he was about to speak, a fierce shout startled him, making his hand tremble and nearly sending him to the floor.

“What do you mean by that?”

Madame Lu’s eyebrows rose sharply as she glared at Fang Xuanling, snapping, “You old fossil, you don’t dare fart in front of His Majesty but come home to lord it over us women? No way! If not for His Majesty’s wisdom, according to your idea, we’d have been better off killing our son to settle this!”

Fang Xuanling’s face flushed scarlet as he stammered.

He had no comeback because he was speechless! Just moments ago in the Shenlong Hall, he had intended to discipline his son to settle the matter quietly. Since he was present, the emperor would not punish too harshly.

Who would have thought His Majesty would instead severely beat Prince Qi without a word?

Fang Xuanling still heard Prince Qi’s pained groans from the punishment—he truly was wronged...

But after being scolded by his wife, Fang Xuanling found it hard to keep his composure and glared at her angrily.

He knew she was formidable and was willing to submit, but could she at least spare him some dignity before the children? If she wanted to curse, why not do it in her room under the covers?

Yet he dared not argue. Madame Lu’s noblewoman temperament was not to be trifled with, so he took out his frustration on their son.

Fang Xuanling glared at Fang Jun: “One must be upright in both conduct and heart. Do you not feel ashamed to exploit others’ goodwill to achieve such despicable ends?”

“Bang!”

Madame Lu slammed the table.

“Fang Xuanling, do you want to die? Our son was bullied outside, and instead of defending him, you scold him with a sour face. What are you trying to do? Our son has always been too much like you—big and burly but soft-hearted as a woman. No one dares to provoke him, and he never speaks up. He endures bullying silently, and it infuriates me! With that nature, he’ll be a doormat when he marries. I don’t care. Our son acted rightly; whoever bullies him, he must fight back! You, a grand chancellor, can’t even protect your own son. What’s the use of you?”

Fang Jun was dumbfounded.

My mother... is incredible!

No wonder she refused to let Father take a concubine, even if it meant drinking poison.

She was wise beyond measure. The original Fang Yi’ai had been crushed by Princess Gaoyang because of his soft nature, unable to resist even the deepest humiliation, and tragically, he even guarded his wife during her trysts...

Fang Xuanling nearly died of anger.

His once refined face was flushed crimson.

He was lecturing his son, yet his wife was the one schooling him.

A hen commanding the roost—did she think he was made of clay?

Fang Xuanling rose in fury, flinging his robe and shouting, “Hmph, I tire of this nonsense. You’re beyond reason!”

Angry, he stormed off to his study.

If I can’t win against you, don’t think I’m afraid.

Tonight, I won’t sleep with you...