Rabbit dies, dog gets cooked

The Su family was a prominent clan managing military horses. Officials in charge of weapons, provisions, and military horses always seemed to be a step above others.

The Su family's status in military horse management was remarkable. Since the founding of Mingqi, they had managed everything smoothly.

Su Yu, the Pingnan Earl, was no exception. In his view, the Su family was flourishing and destined to last forever. Perhaps loyal ministers always had this belief: as long as they served faithfully, the royal family would not mistreat them.

But as the saying goes, keeping company with the emperor is like keeping company with a tiger. Who can predict the affairs of this world?

Su Yu was over forty, and he and his wife were quite affectionate. Although he had several concubines, all their children were daughters. He only had two legitimate sons, so he was particularly strict in educating them.

His eldest son, Su Mingfeng, entered officialdom at a young age and took over the power of managing military horses just like him.

In fact, in the past six months, he performed even better than Su Yu.

Recently, Su Mingfeng discussed reforms with the veterinarians of the Imperial Medical Institute regarding some regulations on military horses.

As a result, the number of horses dying from horse plague was halved, which was a significant achievement. Once the statistics on military horses were reported next month, Su Mingfeng was bound to receive rewards.

Rewards were secondary; the honor they represented was more important.

Su Yu was over forty, and Su Mingfeng was at the right age to inherit the family business and expand his reputation. If Su Mingfeng excelled further, he might become a trusted talent left for the next crown prince.

With such an outstanding eldest son, Su Yu was naturally delighted. However, his youngest son caused him headaches.

Perhaps because Su Minglang was born when his wife was quite old, she doted on him immensely, resulting in a spoiled nature. Not only was he far from being as excellent as his elder brother, but he also lagged behind his peers.

Since Su Minglang wasn't the eldest son, he didn't need to inherit the position of heir, so being a bit stupid didn't matter.

But Su Yu had a stubborn personality and couldn't tolerate any flaws in his son.

Every day after returning from Guangwen Hall, Su Minglang was scolded for his homework. His mother protected him, causing chaos in the household.

This day, Su Yu was discussing matters with Su Mingfeng in the study.

Father and son had endless topics to discuss regarding military horses. Master Su was very proud of having such an excellent son. While talking, they mentioned the upcoming rewards for Su Mingfeng next month.

"In my opinion, the Emperor will definitely grant him an official position. As for jewels and other rewards, let's not talk about them for now.

I only hope your career path will be smoother. With the Huns becoming restless, military strength needs more attention.

Mingfeng, as long as you gain the Emperor's favor, our Su family will only prosper further. Your younger brother is still young, and the Su family still needs you to shoulder the heavy responsibilities."

Su Mingfeng nodded in agreement. He was in his youth, with a righteous and dignified demeanor.

However, a hint of pride couldn't help but show in his eyes.

Young men were at their most competitive period. Moreover, receiving affirmation from his father, even though he was usually calm and composed in official matters, made him feel elated.

Both father and son were in good spirits when they heard a servant call from outside, "Master, the second young master has returned."

It was time for the second young master, Su Minglang, to return from school. Every day, Su Minglang would be summoned to Master Su's study for a review of his lessons. Today was no exception.

Master Su pressed his temples with a headache, looking at his excellent eldest son and then at his piglet-like youngest son, finding it somewhat comical.

Every time Su Minglang came to the study, he would leave Master Su fuming.

Today was no different.

Su Minglang slowly entered the study, pouted, and called out, "Father, Brother."

He was like a round, rolling ball, adorably silly. Su Mingfeng smiled and patted his brother's head, "Minglang, how was your day at school?"

Su Minglang pursed his lips and didn't speak. Whenever he acted like this, it meant things hadn't gone well. He had been scolded by the teacher.

Master Su frowned and said to Su Minglang, "Show me your palm."

Su Minglang shrank back reluctantly and extended his hand.

Sure enough, there were several red marks on his tender palm, clearly signs of being beaten.

Master Su looked unsurprised, but Su Mingfeng felt a bit sorry for his younger brother and asked, "Why did the teacher hit you so hard? He's just a child."

"It's because you spoil him every day that he's become so spoiled!" Master Su exploded in anger upon hearing this, shouting, "What did you do wrong today?"

Little Su Minglang hesitated for a moment before mumbling, "The teacher asked me to write the four characters 'rabbit dies, fox mourns,' but I couldn't remember them…"

"What can I say about you!" Master Su looked heartbroken.

"You can't even remember characters! Look at other young masters your age. Which one is like you? When your brother was your age, he was already studying military strategies. You're almost ruining the Su family's reputation!"

Su Mingfeng was about to console him when he heard his younger brother sobbing, "Even though I couldn't remember 'rabbit dies, fox mourns,' I remembered 'when the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog gets cooked.' In fact, it has two more characters. Since they mean the same thing, isn't remembering 'when the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog gets cooked' the same?"

"Nonsense." Master Su didn't know what to say. Su Mingfeng smiled and explained, "Brother, these two phrases don't mean the same thing."

"What do they mean?" Su Minglang tilted his head and asked.

"The meaning of 'rabbit dies, fox mourns' is that when the rabbit dies, the fox feels sad because it sees its own fate.

On the other hand, 'when the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog gets cooked' means that once the rabbit is dead, the hunting dog used to catch it becomes useless and is cooked.

It implies that once something loses its utility and can no longer serve interests, those tools can be discarded. 'When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog gets cooked' is somewhat similar to 'crossing the bridge and dismantling it afterward.'"

Su Mingfeng was a good older brother and patiently answered his younger brother's questions.

However, Su Minglang shook his head, still looking confused, "Since both happen after the rabbit dies, shouldn't they be exactly the same? After all, the rabbit is dead."

Su Mingfeng was about to explain when he saw his father suddenly pause, softly repeating, "The rabbit is dead?"

"Yes," Su Minglang spread his palms, his round, chubby face still showing a naive and stubborn expression,

"In the end, the rabbit is dead. Don't these meanings imply that once the rabbit is dead, both the fox and the dog are doomed? Since everyone is doomed, aren't the meanings of these phrases the same?"

"When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog gets cooked" is naturally the rule. Fables are fables because they reflect profound truths in life.

Once the rabbit dies, the fox, being smarter, might foresee its own fate. But who is the hunting dog? And what happens to the dog that helped the master catch the rabbit?

Su Yu's expression gradually darkened.