Disagreements, they’re no big deal, really. I mean, which couple doesn’t argue or bicker when living together, right? Life’s gotta have some bumps, or else it’s just too sweet all the time, and who wants that?
But here’s the thing, these two people who are quarreling aren’t just any ordinary couple; they’re the Emperor and Empress. If they have a spat, what if it messes up things in the court?
Especially considering there’s precedent for this. Remember when Prince Lu raised an army back then? Why he suddenly changed his mind and became the Empress, nobody could figure out.
Guess it all comes down to the power of love.
Right now, the ministers are hoping that love can work its magic again and patch things up between them quickly.
As for how outsiders speculate about the Emperor and Empress’s relationship, Qin Yuanxi has no clue.
He doesn’t even think he’s had a fight with Lu Bohuan.
At most, they just don’t see eye to eye, and it’s all on Lu Bohuan’s end. Qin Yuanxi can tell the guy’s sulking, acting like a kid.
Normally, Qin Yuanxi would’ve taken the lead, whether it’s through verbal sparring or playful teasing. He wouldn’t let himself be in this passive position.
But recently, Lu Bohuan gave him a scolding, and he hasn’t quite resolved his own issues yet. His book isn’t finished either, so he’s not feeling too confident.
Lu Bohuan is really dedicated when it comes to Xiao Bao’s education, and Qin Yuanxi knows his intentions. Lu Bohuan wants to raise a wise and virtuous monarch, grooming a qualified heir.
Plus, Lu Bohuan used to be a tutor to emperors, so he’s got loads of experience. Naturally, he won’t listen to Qin Yuanxi when it comes to how to educate the crown prince. Lu Bohuan has his own ideas about that, and no matter how much Qin Yuanxi hints or suggests making things easier for Xiao Bao, Lu Bohuan won’t budge.
Moreover, because Qin Yuanxi overly indulged the crown prince, loving your child is fine and all, but educating a qualified emperor isn’t just about spoiling the child; it’s about preparing them for the responsibilities ahead. When the crown prince takes the throne someday, he’ll need to endure hardships when necessary, and can’t be overly pampered.
Lu Bohuan has always had reservations about this and has been wanting to have a chat with Qin Yuanxi for a while now.
In the study, after they sorted out official matters and then coaxed the little crown prince out to play, they began their conversation as parents.
Given the importance of this discussion, Qin Yuanxi even set up the scene, tidying up the desk. They sat facing each other, with Qin Yuanxi preparing pen, ink, paper, and inkstone for taking meeting notes.
After the preparations were done, both of them fell into silence, as if by mutual agreement.
“You go first,” Qin Yuanxi took the lead, “Say whatever’s on your mind. Don’t keep it bottled up, looking all grim like I owe you money or something.”
Lu Bohuan snatched the pen from his hand, “I do have something on my mind, but it’s not as big as yours. Who’s the one with the sour face, looking like they’re owed something?”
“You mean me?” Qin Yuanxi obviously wouldn’t admit to it, “If you didn’t have that stern, keep-your-distance look, how could I?”
“Fine, forget it,” Qin Yuanxi jumped in first, “I know you have issues with me spoiling Xiao Bao, well, I also have issues with you being too strict with him!”
Qin Yuanxi gave Lu Bohuan a disapproving glare, “Could you please recognize Xiao Bao’s age? He’s still a child! You’ve already started teaching him the Confucian classics. Can our kid understand those?”
Wait, his kid actually can understand them.
Though Qin Yuanxi disagrees with exposing children to such advanced education so early, he has to admit, Xiao Bao’s knowledge is quite impressive. He’s nothing like the wild child Qin Yuanxi was at his age.
When he was Xiao Bao’s age, he couldn’t even remember ‘Goose, goose, goose’!
His son truly inherited Lu Bohuan’s excellent genes; he’s definitely a little genius.
But being a genius isn’t cultivated like this; children need to have the nature of children!
There’s a really bad example right in front of us!
“Back in our hometown, children Xiao Bao’s age, if they can read a couple of characters and recite a couple of ancient poems from children’s books every day, it’s already impressive enough. Kids need a happy childhood. We advocate for quality education, happy education,” Qin Yuanxi clarified his thoughts, feeling much more confident: “Instead of stuffing their brains with knowledge like you do, regardless of whether they understand or can digest it, you force-feed them everything. Your teaching method, the child can’t accept it at all. He’s still so little; you’re spouting such profound truths, which are utterly useless!”
With his confidence boosted, Qin Yuanxi’s voice grew louder, his eyes widening, glaring angrily at Lu Bohuan. His demeanor seemed to say, ‘Apologize to me quickly, and I might consider forgiving you.’
“He understands,” Lu Bohuan remained much calmer by comparison, “Royal heirs have been taught like this since ancient times. Not to mention, he’s the crown prince. He’ll shoulder the responsibility of the nation in the future. Even the sons of ordinary nobles would have started discussing books at his age. You’re just overly protective of him.”
“He’s my son; of course, I have to protect him.”
“A doting mother spoils her child.”
“Say that again!” Qin Yuanxi was thoroughly enraged, bristling with anger, ready to argue with Lu Bohuan. His initial plan of peacefully exchanging thoughts and communicating might not work out.
Qin Yuanxi huffed in frustration, “Let me tell you, Lu Bohuan, this matter won’t be decided by you alone. Don’t even think about imposing your methods on my son. Have you even considered what kind of childhood you had? My son won’t follow in your footsteps. Let me tell you, you’re wrong! You better think about that!”
After tossing out his lackluster harsh words, Qin Yuanxi stormed out of the study, his sleeves flapping in his wake.
The inaugural Parent-Teacher meeting ended in disagreement.
Ministers waited outside the study for a response. The attendants only mentioned that His Majesty and the Empress were discussing important matters and asked them to wait outside. As they waited, they could hear the argument inside escalating, causing anxiety among the ministers.
They say the Emperor and Empress aren’t getting along, but how did they manage to witness their argument? Should they just leave?
Before they could decide, the door to the study opened, and His Majesty came out, clearly annoyed. Spotting someone waiting outside, he couldn’t help but wonder if his argument with Lu Bohuan had been overheard. He felt a pang of discomfort.
“Minister Liu, what are you doing here waiting?” His Majesty asked with a scowl.
“I-I have, uh, something to discuss,” Minister Liu stuttered.
Seeing His Majesty’s furious expression, Minister Liu knew his request was probably doomed.
“Well, spit it out then,” Qin Yuanxi said, hands behind his back, taking a few steps away from the study’s entrance. He had no intention of returning inside, opting to discuss matters with Minister Liu right there at the doorway.
It was rather informal.
Minister Liu didn’t dare object. Wherever His Majesty wanted to talk was fine. As long as he didn’t spill the beans, no one would know that His Majesty, feeling embarrassed after arguing with the Empress, didn’t want to enter the study. Thus, he had no choice but to discuss matters with ministers at the doorway.
“My daughter is getting married the day after tomorrow, and I’d like to request two days off to attend the wedding,” Minister Liu said.
“Requesting leave? Isn’t that the Ministry of Personnel’s jurisdiction? Since when did I have to manage your leave and attendance? Do I look that idle to you?!” Qin Yuanxi retorted, displeased.
Minister Liu quickly explained, “The Ministry of Personnel informed us of a new reform system. Officials above the third rank now require the imperial seal of either Your Majesty or the Empress for leave to be effective. This is to ensure that leave requests don’t interfere with any summonses or official duties from Your Majesty or the Empress.”
“Is that so?” Qin Yuanxi pondered for a moment; it did sound familiar.
It’s mainly because officials above the third rank hold considerable power and might harbor some privileged thoughts. Qin Yuanxi figured adding an extra procedure would remind them to abide by the rules, preventing them from relying on their status for special treatment.
However, he hadn’t personally dealt with this matter.
Seeing His Majesty looking a bit bewildered, Minister Liu quickly added, “I’ve heard that in the past, it was the Empress who approved leaves. For such minor matters, it shouldn’t trouble Your Majesty.”
Qin Yuanxi gave him a sidelong glance, “Are you implying that the Empress is more diligent and competent than me? That he can handle every detail appropriately?”
“Of course not, Your Majesty. I mean, Your Majesty attends to countless matters daily, with varying degrees of importance. Minor matters like leave requests from us ministers shouldn’t bother Your Majesty,” Minister Liu replied, sweating profusely.
He realized he had picked a really bad time to come today. Why couldn’t he have chosen a better time to request leave? Why did it have to be during a quarrel between His Majesty and the Empress? Wasn’t he just asking for trouble?
Now, this was a mess. Such a trivial matter as requesting leave, and if he wasn’t careful, he might lose his official position.
“Hmph,” Qin Yuanxi snorted, “Fine, your leave is granted. No need to butter me up. And by the way, the Empress is indeed very competent. That’s a fact. You can praise him; I won’t mind.” Qin Yuanxi said this with a hint of pride, “After all, he’s the Empress I personally chose. My judgment is impeccable.”
He was quite pleased with himself, as if he hadn’t been the one arguing with Lu Bohuan just a moment ago.
As soon as the words fell, Qin Yuanxi turned his head and saw Lu Bohuan coming out of the study.
Qin Yuanxi’s expression immediately changed again. Deliberately avoiding speaking to Lu Bohuan, he walked away with the attendant, trying to maintain a proud and imposing demeanor. But little did he know, with his head held high and chest puffed out, he missed the steps. With one careless step, he found himself stumbling.
In that moment, Qin Yuanxi’s heart skipped a beat. It wouldn’t have been a big deal to fall; he’s a grown man, after all. But the embarrassment would be unbearable. In front of so many people, who knows how many were watching, openly or covertly? If he fell, not only would it damage the dignity of the emperor, but also his own personal dignity!
They say time flies when you’re in trouble. Minister Liu felt his vision blur for a moment, and before he could comprehend what was happening, the Empress had already sprinted past him. When Minister Liu regained his senses and looked again, the Empress had firmly caught the Emperor in his arms, and he couldn’t help but notice a slight blush on the Emperor’s ears.
“Who said you could hug me?!”
Qin Yuanxi landed safely, but ended up in Lu Bohuan’s arms, looking somewhat embarrassed. “We’ve made up, so you’re hugging me.”
“I wanted to hug you myself. Can’t I hug you even if we haven’t made up?” Lu Bohuan retorted.
Completely ignored, Minister Liu retreated into the corner, thinking, Who said the Emperor and Empress were at odds? Is this it? At odds? They’re acting all sweet and affectionate! This isn’t being at odds; it’s more like lovey-dovey! These two aren’t having a falling out; they’re flirting!
These youngsters really know how to play the game.
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
