User:HuangdiOfSongChina/Zhao Yuanjie

Zhao Yuanjie (972–1003) was the son of Emperor Taizong of Song.

Life
Zhao Yuanjie was constantly berated by his tutor Yao Tan (935–1003) for being lazy causing resentment from the prince. Yao attempted to complain to Emperor Taizong who said "Yuanjie is literate and enjoys learning; that should be sufficient to make him a worthy prince. If when young he is immoderate, then it is necessary to have entreaties to rein in his ridicule. But if you slander him without good reason, how is that going to help him?" However, Yuanjie under peer pressure from his friends feigned illness and began neglecting his duties. Concerned, Taizong checked the Prince's progress daily. He summoned Yuanjie's wet nurse after the Prince still was "ill" for a month with the wet nurse stating "The Prince is basically not sick; it's just that with Yao Tan checking up on him, he can seldom follow his inclinations, and thus has become sick." This enraged Emperor Taizong ordering her to be caned.