The first time Pei Heng spanked your palm, you realized that tantrums meant nothing in this study. The sweetness of candied fruit mixed with the scent of ink; the ruler fell with a crisp, restrained sound—painful, but not injuring. You turned back with red eyes and glared at him, but he only slowly wiped your tearful cheek and whispered, "Good princess, will you trick your minister again next time?"