The Su family was a great clan that managed military horses. Officials who managed weapons, provisions, and military horses always seemed to stand a level above others.
The Su family’s position in military horse management was illustrious. Since the founding of the Ming Qi Dynasty, they had always managed everything impeccably. Marquis of Pingnan, Su Yu, was no exception. In his view, the Su family was flourishing and would certainly continue to prosper for generations. Perhaps all loyal ministers had this kind of thinking: as long as they served loyally, the imperial family would surely not mistreat them.
But since ancient times, serving a ruler has been like accompanying a tiger. Who could truly predict the ways of the world?
Su Yu was over forty years old and had a loving relationship with his wife. Although he had several concubines, all his concubines had given birth to daughters. He had only two legitimate sons, so he was particularly strict with their education.
His eldest son, Su Mingfeng, had entered official service at a young age and, like his father, wielded authority over military horses. In the past half year, he had even performed more brilliantly than Su Yu. Recently, Su Mingfeng had consulted with veterinarians from the Imperial Medical Academy to reform some regulations for military horses. As a result, the number of military horses dying from equine plague each year had been reduced by half—a significant achievement. Once the military horse statistics were reported to the court next month, Su Mingfeng would surely be rewarded for this.
The reward itself was secondary; what mattered was the honor it represented. Su Yu was already past forty, and Su Mingfeng was now at the perfect age to inherit his father’s position and expand his reputation. If Su Mingfeng performed even more admirably, he might become a trusted talent left for the next crown prince.
With his eldest son performing so excellently, Su Yu was naturally delighted. However, his younger son gave him headaches. Perhaps because Su Minglang, his younger son, was born when his wife was quite old, she doted on him excessively, resulting in a spoiled temperament. Far from being as outstanding as his elder brother, he often lagged behind others his age.
Since Su Minglang was not the eldest son and didn’t need to inherit the position of heir, being somewhat foolish didn’t matter. But Su Yu had a stubborn personality and couldn’t tolerate any shortcomings in his sons. So whenever his younger son returned from Guangwen Hall with exam results, he would be scolded, his mother would protect him, and the household would be in an uproar.
On this day, Su Yu was in his study discussing matters with Su Mingfeng. Father and son had endless topics to discuss regarding military horses. Old Master Su was quite pleased—having such an excellent son, what more could he ask for? As they talked, they mentioned that next month, rewards for Su Mingfeng would be forthcoming.
“In my view, His Majesty will certainly bestow an official title this time. Setting aside jewels and other rewards for now, I only hope that your official career proceeds steadily. With the Huns growing restless, the power of our cavalry must be emphasized. Mingfeng, as long as you gain His Majesty’s attention, our Su family will only go further. Your brother is still young—the Su family needs you to shoulder the heavy burden.”
Su Mingfeng nodded in agreement. He was in his youth, with righteousness evident in his features. Yet his eyes couldn’t help but reveal a hint of pride—young men are at their most ambitious stage. Moreover, receiving affirmation from his father made him bloom with joy, despite his usual composure in official matters.
Both father and son were in good spirits when they heard a servant calling from outside the door: “Master, the Second Young Master has returned.”
It was time for the second young master, Su Minglang, to return from school. Every day when Su Minglang returned, he would be called to Old Master Su’s study to have his lessons tested, and today was no exception.
Old Master Su pressed his forehead with a headache, looking at his excellent eldest son and then at his second son, who was as foolish as a little pig—it was truly comical. Su Minglang’s daily visits to the study would invariably end with Su Yu in a state of extreme agitation.
Today was no different.
Su Minglang slowly entered the study, pursed his lips, and called out: “Father, Elder Brother.”
He was like a round, rolling ball, foolishly adorable. Su Mingfeng smiled and patted his brother’s head: “Minglang, did you have a good day at school?”
Su Minglang pursed his lips and said nothing. Whenever he did this, it meant he hadn’t had a good day—not good at all. He had been scolded by the teacher.
Old Master Su put on a stern face and said to Su Minglang: “Hold out your palm.”
Su Minglang shrank back a little, then reluctantly stretched out his hand. On his fair, tender palm were several red marks—what else could they be but the marks of a caning?
Old Master Su wore an expression that suggested he had expected this all along. Su Mingfeng, however, felt sorry for his brother and asked: “Why did the teacher hit him so hard? He’s just a child.”
“It’s precisely because you all spoil him like this that he’s been ruined!” Upon hearing this, Old Master Su flew into a rage and demanded: “What mistake did you make today?”
Little Su Minglang hesitated before saying reluctantly: “The teacher asked me to write out the four characters for ‘when the rabbit dies, the fox mourns,’ but I couldn’t do it…”
“What am I to do with you!” Old Master Su looked heartbroken. “You can’t even write out characters. Look at other young masters your age—which one is like you? When your elder brother was your age, he was already studying military strategy. You’re bringing shame to our Su family!”
Su Mingfeng was about to try to mediate when he heard his second brother sobbing: “Although I couldn’t write out the four characters for ‘when the rabbit dies, the fox mourns,’ I could write out the six characters for ‘when the crafty rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked.’ That’s two more characters. Since they have the same meaning, isn’t writing out ‘when the crafty rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked’ the same?”
“Nonsense.” Old Master Su was at a loss for words. Su Mingfeng smiled and said: “Second Brother, these two phrases don’t have the same meaning.”
“Then what do they mean?” Su Minglang looked up with his small face and asked.
“‘When the rabbit dies, the fox mourns’ means that when the rabbit dies, the fox feels sad because it sees itself sharing the same fate. ‘When the crafty rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked,’ on the other hand, means that once the rabbit is dead, the hunting dogs used to catch it lose their value and are also cooked. It suggests that once something no longer has utility or can’t be used for profit, those tools can be discarded. ‘When the crafty rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked’ is similar to ‘dismantling the bridge after crossing the river.'” Su Mingfeng was a good brother and patiently answered his younger brother’s question.
But Su Minglang shook his head, still looking confused: “If both situations happen after the rabbit dies, shouldn’t they be the same? In any case, the rabbit is dead.”
Su Mingfeng was about to explain when he saw his father’s expression suddenly change, and he softly repeated: “The rabbit is dead?”
“Yes,” Su Minglang held out his palm, his round, chubby face still wearing an innocent yet stubborn expression. “In any case, the rabbit is dead. Don’t these phrases mean that once the rabbit is dead, both the fox and the dog are in trouble? Since everyone is in trouble, aren’t these phrases saying the same thing?”
When the crafty rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked—these are indeed the rules. Fables are fables because they reveal great truths about life.
When the rabbit dies, the fox, being smarter than the dog, can probably foresee its fate. But who is the hunting dog? What fate awaits the dog that helps its master catch the rabbit?
Su Yu’s expression gradually darkened.