eurekapd Chapter 146 Xiao Jingchuan is proud to be a father
Chapter 146 Xiao Jingchuan is proud to be a father
Grand Tutor Li stepped into the Imperial Study and, upon seeing Xiao Jingchuan, immediately bowed: "Your Majesty, I have come today to report on the outstanding performance of Prince Xiao Nanyi in the Imperial Study." His voice trembled slightly, and his eyes gleamed with excitement.
Xiao Jingchuan put down the memorial in his hand, a concerned expression on his face: "Oh? Tell me about it."
Grand Tutor Li stepped forward and said, “In today’s poetry class, we were discussing Li Bai’s ‘Quiet Night Thoughts.’ At that moment, a gentle breeze was blowing outside the window, rustling the leaves, as if softly singing along with the ancient melody. Suddenly, Prince Nan Yi asked a question, inquiring why Li Bai bowed his head and thought of his hometown, and where his hometown was. That was a novel question; none of the other students had thought of it, which shows his unique and active thinking. The moment he spoke, the previously noisy birdsong seemed to fall silent, as if they too were listening to this insightful question.” Grand Tutor Li gestured as he spoke, as if he were back in the classroom.
Grand Tutor Li stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with an unusual light, and said, "Today in class, I taught the princes the *Di Zi Gui* (Standards for Being a Good Student and Child). At first, I recited it word by word, with intonation and rhythm, 'Di Zi Gui, the teachings of the sages. First, filial piety and brotherly love; next, diligence and trustworthiness…' I intended to have the children read it a few more times to deepen their impression, and then explain its profound meaning in detail." Grand Tutor Li recalled the scene, his face full of emotion.
"But who could have imagined that after reading it only once, Prince Xiao Nanyi had already memorized the entire text? Just as I was about to recite it again, he suddenly stood up and began to recite it in a clear and loud voice. His voice was like a nightingale singing in a valley, clear and melodious. Every word was perfect, and he even imitated the rhythm and cadence of my recitation without any mistakes." Grand Tutor Li said, gesturing excitedly as he spoke.
"At that time, all the princes in the study were stunned, and I was so shocked that I couldn't speak for a long time."
Such a photographic memory and the ability to apply knowledge to new situations are truly unprecedented in my life. If this child can be carefully nurtured, he will surely become a great man and make unparalleled contributions to our dynasty! Grand Tutor Li became more and more excited as he spoke, and his voice unconsciously rose a few decibels.
"There was also a calligraphy class. I taught him to write the character '仁' (ren, benevolence). The fragrance of flowers wafted in from outside the window, accompanied by a gentle breeze. Prince Nan Yi observed carefully and wrote the character with neat structure and powerful strokes. His understanding of calligraphy far surpassed that of his peers."
When he focused intently on writing, the entire study seemed to be infected by his seriousness, becoming exceptionally quiet, with only the soft scratching of the brush on the paper. Grand Tutor Li's eyes were full of admiration, praising Xiao Nanyi's performance highly.
As Xiao Jingchuan listened, a gratified smile gradually appeared on his face: "It seems that Nan Yi is indeed exceptionally intelligent, which is inseparable from the Grand Tutor's careful guidance."
Grand Tutor Li quickly waved his hand: "Your Majesty flatters me. The young Prince of Nanyi is intelligent, diligent and eager to learn. He is a rare talent with great potential. If he is properly nurtured, he will surely become a pillar of the nation and make great contributions to our dynasty."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingchuan smiled with satisfaction, his eyes filled with pride: "Nan Yi has been intelligent since childhood, and now it seems that this is indeed the case. This is inseparable from the Grand Tutor's careful guidance."
Grand Tutor Li quickly bowed and said humbly, "Your Majesty flatters me. Prince Nan Yi is exceptionally talented and diligent in his studies, which is due to his own efforts and innate ability. I have only done my best to guide him."
Xiao Jingchuan nodded slightly, and after thinking for a moment, said, "I'll have to trouble you, Grand Tutor, from now on!"
"Your Majesty, I obey your decree and will do my utmost to live up to your expectations," Grand Tutor Li replied solemnly.
After Grand Tutor Li took his leave, Xiao Jingchuan remained seated on the dragon throne. He leaned back slightly, a smile he could hardly conceal on his face, a smile full of fatherly pride and expectations for his child's future.
His fingers tapped lightly on the armrest, the image of the clever Xiao Nan Yi constantly flashing through his mind. He thought to himself: Such good news must be shared with the Empress as soon as possible.
A moment later, he turned to look at the path beside him, where people stood with their hands at their sides, and said with a hint of pleasure in his voice, "Let's go to the Queen's Palace."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingzi immediately straightened his back and responded loudly in a high-pitched voice, "Yes, Your Majesty, proceed!" The voice echoed in the spacious imperial study, causing a slight ripple.
Before long, Xiao Jingchuan, surrounded by a group of guards and eunuchs, set off on the palace road leading to the Empress's palace.
It was afternoon, and sunlight filtered through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
A gentle breeze rustled the flowers and plants along the palace path, making them sway lightly as if dancing a joyful dance. Even the air was filled with a faint fragrance of flowers, seemingly celebrating Xiao Nan Yi's intelligence.
Xiao Jingchuan walked briskly, occasionally looking up at the sky, his heart filled with warmth. He couldn't help but smile as he thought of Xiao Nanyi's intelligent appearance when he recited the "Standards for Being a Good Student and Child".
Soon, they arrived at the Empress's palace. The palace maids at the palace gate saw the Emperor from afar and immediately curtsied, their voices clear and loud: "The Emperor has arrived!" This announcement spread like ripples throughout the palace.
The Empress was handling palace affairs inside the palace when she heard the announcement. Her hands paused for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She quickly rose and hurried to the palace gate. As Xiao Jingchuan entered the palace, she gave a slight curtsy, performing a standard courtly gesture, and said softly, "Your Majesty, what brings you here today? Have you finished your palace duties?"
Xiao Jingchuan waved his hand with a smile, his smile growing wider, and gestured for the Empress to rise. He said, "Empress, I have some incredibly good news to tell you today. I can't contain myself and must tell you right away."
The Empress's eyes were full of curiosity. She blinked gently and asked, "Oh? What good news has made Your Majesty so happy? I can't wait to hear it."
Xiao Jingchuan took the Empress's hand and led her to a chair in the hall. He then vividly recounted to the Empress what Grand Tutor Li had said: that little Nan Yi could recite the entire *Di Zi Gui* (Standards for Being a Good Student and Child) after hearing it only once. "That child Nan Yi stood ramrod straight, his eyes wide open, listening intently to the Grand Tutor's recitation. As soon as the Grand Tutor finished, he recited it fluently, not only without a single mistake, but his intonation and rhythm were exactly the same as the Grand Tutor's." As Xiao Jingchuan spoke, his pride was evident, and he couldn't help but gesture as he described little Nan Yi reciting.
Upon hearing this, the Empress was both surprised and delighted, tears welling up in her eyes. She gently covered her mouth with her hand, saying, "This is truly a blessing for my son and a good thing for our dynasty. Such a bright child will surely achieve great things in the future." As she spoke, her eyes reddened slightly, her excitement overflowing.
Afterwards, the two had an in-depth discussion about the upbringing and future plans for Xiao Nanyi. Xiao Jingchuan frowned slightly and said seriously, "I think we need to find more famous teachers for Nanyi. They should not only teach him the classics, history, philosophy, and literature, but also horsemanship, archery, and the art of governing a country."
The Empress nodded gently and continued, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. It will broaden the children's horizons." The two chatted back and forth, their faces always beaming with happy smiles.