HLnovel Chapter 998 The Struggle for the Empress's Position
Chapter 998 The Struggle for the Empress's Position
Hearing this, Zhang Ping'an couldn't help but smile. He rubbed his tired temples as he sat down, casually pulling his two grandsons into his arms. He glanced at his son nonchalantly and said:
"You're supposed to be a top scholar, yet you don't know the story of 'pulling up seedlings to help them grow'? I know you're anxious and want your two children to succeed, but no matter how anxious you are, you can't drag a one-and-a-half-year-old to the front yard to read and write with them. They learn quickly but forget quickly too; that's clearly unrealistic."
I wasn't too keen on sending my eldest son to the clan school so early to begin his education, but since you're his father and insisted, I couldn't say anything. But this second son absolutely cannot be sent in the same way.
The second child isn't as patient as the eldest. I think it would be better to find him a martial arts teacher to temper his temperament when he gets older before sending him to school.
Seeing his father's protective attitude, Xiaoyuer had a headache. He was a high-energy person who had been exceptionally talented and intelligent since childhood. He had never thought that studying was a difficult thing, so naturally he hoped that his child could also win at the starting line and stand out as soon as possible.
He never even worried that his child was stupid; he naturally felt that each generation was better than the last, and that his son would at least not be worse than him!
Even before the children were born, he had already developed two different education plans for his son and daughter.
However, his plan proved utterly ineffective in the face of his father's strong resistance.
We can only wait until the daughter-in-law steps in. Generally, fathers are more accommodating because of their daughters-in-law.
Seeing their father's frustrated and helpless expression, the two little ones nestled in Zhang Ping'an's arms and covered their mouths with laughter.
The eldest brother smiled more cautiously, pursing his lips tightly and not showing his teeth, with the smile only visible in his eyes. The second brother, on the other hand, grinned and laughed without any restraint, making Xiaoyuer's hands itch again.
"Oh, Grandpa is so good, Grandpa is the best," Little Zhang Zhuo flattered, showing his still-growing baby teeth.
Zhang Ping'an couldn't help but chuckle and gently pinched his little nose. "What a clever little rascal!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Madam Li, supporting her large pregnant belly and aided by her maid, walked over and said, "Xiao Heng, Xiao Zhuo, what are you two doing? Didn't I teach you to sit and stand properly? What kind of posture is this, snuggling in your grandfather's arms like this? Come and sit down properly!"
Seeing their mother approach, the two little ones quickly ran over and sat down to the side, not forgetting to show concern for their unborn younger brother and sister.
Ms. Li is about to give birth, and the frequent births have taken a toll on her health. This pregnancy has been very difficult for her, so she doesn't look too well. However, she still shows great patience in the face of her two children's concern. No matter how outlandish or naive the questions the children ask, she answers them very seriously and gently.
After answering the questions and sending the two children out to play, Xiaoyuer asked, "How are Grandpa and Grandma doing today? Are they in good spirits?"
When this was mentioned, Li looked slightly worried. "They seem to be in good spirits, but my grandparents didn't eat much today. Perhaps they're suffering from a lack of appetite due to the summer heat. I've asked the cook to prepare a few appetizers, which I'll bring over tonight at dinner to see if they can eat more of them."
For the past two years, Li has been primarily responsible for the daily care of the two elderly people. Zhang Ping'an has observed whether she has been putting in the effort, and he highly approves of his daughter-in-law's performance. As a daughter-in-law, she has done a commendable job.
Especially since Zhang Lao Er and Xu Shi have gotten older in the last two years, they don't like to bathe or move around much, and they inevitably have an old-age smell. Even with servants to take care of them, the smell is not pleasant. However, Li Shi never complains when she goes to take care of them.
Zhang Ping'an found this to be quite remarkable.
As for preventing concubines from bearing children, this is a common practice among wealthy and powerful families, and Zhang Ping'an will not interfere much. A country has its laws, and a family has its rules; without rules, there can be no order.
"You've worked hard! The doctor said you're deficient in qi and blood during this pregnancy. Just tell the servants to do whatever you need to do and try to avoid overexertion," Zhang Ping'an said with concern.
"Yes, please take good care of yourself," Xiaoyuer said. "In the past few years, my great-grandfather, great-grandmother, third great-grandfather, third great-grandmother, and great-aunt have all passed away. Now that my grandparents are in such good health, my dad and I were prepared. As long as they eat and drink whatever they want, as long as it's not too greasy or harmful to their health, we'll let them be. As long as they're happy!"
"Yes, I know. I'm usually careful. I know how to handle things at home," Li replied gently, touching her belly.
Seeing that the father and son didn't look too good, and recalling the recent rumors, he couldn't help but ask, "I heard that His Majesty is going to hold another selection of concubines?"
“That’s right,” Little Fish nodded.
He slammed down his teacup in anger and continued, "These past few years have seen frequent natural and man-made disasters. His Majesty has issued several edicts of self-reproach. Seeing signs of refugees rising up everywhere, instead of trying to appease the refugees and provide relief to the people, His Majesty is thinking of holding a selection of concubines. I just don't understand. You haven't seen it, but everyone in the harem is fighting like madmen, all eyeing the empress's position. I wonder who will win in the end. Humph!"
Speaking of this, Xiaoyuer couldn't help but think of Cui Rong, who had given him a black satin gift when he got married.
They thought that after using some trick to disfigure her, this person would be destined to grow old and die in the harem for the rest of her life.
Who would have thought that this person could make a comeback after four years and now enjoy the favor of the emperor in the harem? It's infuriating just thinking about it.
Zhang Ping'an glanced at his son upon hearing this: "We'll talk about these things later in the study, father and son. Don't let the family worry about it, especially now that Li is about to give birth."
He knew very well that no matter who became empress, even if they sat on that throne, their ability to hold onto it ultimately depended on which of the remaining two princes they supported.