8 Chapter 008
◎Study hard◎
The candidate for Master Wen was quickly decided.
After the court meeting, Xie Changfeng casually asked Chang Wei a question, and Chang Wei nodded in agreement.
However, he modestly admitted that he was not good at teaching, and hoped that His Majesty and the Princess would forgive him if he had been negligent. He also asked if, if he was too busy with work and could not spare the time, he could ask his students or other talented people to take his place.
What else can the father and daughter say?
Asking a cabinet chief minister to start teaching from enlightenment books is a waste of talent. One cannot ask for too much.
Xie Mingzhuo sat in the Wenhua Hall waiting and picked up a copy of "The Analects of Confucius" to read.
This is where the prince studies. There is a special room used as a school, and the collection of books is quite rich.
The little old man was wearing a crimson official robe, holding a round blue and white porcelain jar in his right hand and his left hand behind his back, as he walked in calmly and steadily.
He first performed the salute of a subject to Xie Mingzhuo, and Xie Mingzhuo then performed the salute of meeting his teacher to him, and then they both sat down.
Chang Wei placed the round jar on a corner of the desk and said casually, "Princess, what have you learned?"
Xie Mingzhuo said without a trace of guilt: "I read through the Three Character Classic and the Thousand Character Classic last night."
Princess Rong'an had some education, but she had only read "The Analects of Confucius" and "Mencius" at most. She only studied them hastily without studying them in depth. Later, she studied books like "Instructions for Women" and "Biographies of Women", which were of little significance to Xie Mingzhuo.
She plans to learn from scratch.
Fortunately, she had a good memory in her previous life, and her memory improved after traveling through time, so memorizing was no problem for her.
Just to understand and comprehend it, you need the teacher's careful guidance.
Chang Wei: “…”
He had seen a lot of things, so he remained calm and said, "Did you remember everything?"
"I remember."
"Recite it and listen to it."
Xie Mingzhuo began to recite, and the whole process was smooth and fluent without any stumbling.
Two people approached quietly and heard the sound of reciting from inside through the gap in the window. They looked at each other and felt a pang of disgust.
"Tiezhu is amazing." Xie Mingshuo patted his chest, still feeling a lingering fear. "Luckily she's here, otherwise I'd be the one doing all the talking and talking here. I'm most afraid of classical Chinese."
Xie Mingxuan agrees: "Physics is still simple and clear."
“…” Xie Mingshuo’s face was distorted.
"Am I wrong?"
"How can physics be so easy?!"
"Oh, I almost forgot, you got 59 points in physics on the high school entrance exam."
"Oh, you also failed the history exam."
The two brothers looked at each other with disgust and turned their heads away at the same time.
"Why do you say Shaoshao is not here and you are the one studying here?" Xie Mingxuan was puzzled.
Xie Mingshuo spread his hands: "It's obvious, you are a fool, so I can't inherit the throne?"
"Does being an emperor require reading these books?"
"As expected of a poor history student," Xie Mingshuo explained. "Although the book we're in is fictional, Xiao Wang's is clearly modeled after the Ming Dynasty. Everything about it is largely the same. The princes study classics, history, and miscellaneous texts every day, and also practice calligraphy, horseback riding, and archery. There are no winter or summer vacations. The emperor has to go through 'daily lectures,' 'noon lectures,' and 'imperial banquets' every day. He also has to review memorials and play tricks on ministers. Don't you think it's tiring?"
"Tired." Xie Mingxuan couldn't help but say, "We can't let Shao Shao bear it all alone."
Xie Mingshuo was amused: "When she started her business, did she ever complain about being tired?"
"No."
"As the company grows, have you ever felt tired?"
"No."
"She likes these." Xie Mingshuo put his arm around his shoulders. "That's why I say it's a good thing she's here, otherwise I would be the one suffering."
Xie Mingxuan frowned. "Is it possible that Shao Shao is tired and just holding it in?"
“…”
"how?"
Xie Mingshuo pointed and said, "Look carefully. Doesn't she look like she's trying to suppress her reluctance to attend class?"
Inside the house, Xie Mingzhuo stood up straight, his eyes bright, and his whole body exuded a sense of excitement and ambition.
It was like my dad seeing an authentic Chinese painting, my mom discovering a new type of chemical material, my second son encountering news that shocked the whole country, and myself making new progress in physics experiments.
Xie Mingxuan understood instantly.
Shaoshao has his own ideals and is working hard for them.
"Your Highnesses, would you like to come in with us?" Chang Wei asked with a smile, stroking his beard and looking out the window.
Xie Mingshuo was startled: "No, no."
After saying this, he slipped away.
Xie Mingxuan followed closely behind.
"I'm going to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Why are you following me?"
"What are you going to do at the Tongzhengsi?"
"Look at the newspaper."
"Palace bulletin?"
"The legendary official newspaper," Xie Mingshuo stopped, "Why are you still following me?"
Xie Mingxuan said innocently, "Oh, I just got enlightened. There are many things I don't understand, and I'm eager to learn."
"Hiss, don't try this on me, it's corny." Xie Mingshuo stroked his goosebumps, "Okay, let's go together."
When the three siblings were thirsty for knowledge, Lu Lian took the imperial edict and appointment documents, packed his bags, rode a fast horse, and rushed to Kaifeng, Henan like a meteor.
Yesterday, the decree for the "Wheat Harvest Plan" was issued and sent to the three locations at an expedited 800-li distance. Taiyuan, Shanxi, is nearly 1,000 li from the capital, and can be reached in a day and a half; Xi'an, Shaanxi, is over 2,000 li away and can be delivered in three days.
It takes only two days to travel from the capital to Kaifeng, Henan, which is about 1,300 miles.
He set out a day later, and by the time he arrived in Kaifeng, the government decree should have been sent from the Provincial Administration Office to all prefectures and counties.
Farmers have half a month to harvest wheat.
Of course, this is the result of everything going well.
Lu Lian traveled light and spent all his time on the road except for eating and sleeping. On the last day, he even rode all night and entered Kaifeng at the crowing of a cock.
The sky was clear, but even though he was wearing three layers of clothes, he still felt a little cold.
Originally, he did not believe the warning of "snowfall in April", but now that summer is about to come and the unusual cold weather is coming, he cannot help but feel a little hesitant.
There is still more than half a month left until mid-April, and the climate is already so abnormal. If the warning is true, the court's move can be said to have saved the lives and property of thousands of poor people.
Lu Lian stopped his horse and paused. Villages dotted the road on both sides, and wheat fields flourished neatly. This place wasn't far from the Feng Mansion. According to the time, the government decree should have reached the villagers by now.
However, he did not see the implementation of the "Wheat Harvesting Plan".
Something must be wrong when things are abnormal, so he has to go to the capital city as soon as possible to find out.
In the palace's martial arts arena, Xie Mingzhuo and his second brother drew their bows and arrows together.
The one who taught them was Master Jiang, who was the most skilled archer. It was said that when he was young he could shoot an arrow through an arrow from a hundred paces away, and was a highly gifted archer.
Master Jiang is over forty years old, with a lean build and a tanned face. He looks at people with an honest gaze and is very attentive when teaching archery.
He is a good teacher to Xie Mingshuo, but has some minor shortcomings to Xie Mingzhuo.
When correcting Xie Mingshuo's posture, his movements were very smooth, but in front of Xie Mingzhuo, he was always extremely cautious and didn't even dare to touch her clothes, making it impossible to correct her accurately.
Xie Mingzhuo had no choice but to put down his bow and said gently, "Master Jiang, please correct me. I will forgive you."
"Thank you, Princess, for your forgiveness."
Master Jiang thanked her politely, and then he did what he had to do, but he didn't dare to touch her wrists and shoulders.
Archery training is already like this, what about horse riding?
She released the bow again, stared at the bull's eye, and said, "Master Jiang, are you unwilling to teach me?"
"I dare not!" Master Jiang knelt hurriedly. His fingers accidentally touched the hem of her skirt and he retracted them as if burned by fire. "Your Highness the Princess is worth a million dollars. I, I, I..."
"Alright." Xie Mingzhuo lowered his eyes and looked at him. "I don't care what your reasons are. If you can't teach me well, it's your dereliction of duty. Got it?"
Master Jiang knocked his head to the ground and said, "I dare not desecrate the body of Her Royal Highness the Princess. I beg Her Royal Highness to forgive me!"
"It's no big deal, is it that serious?" Xie Mingshuo threw away his bow and arrow, frowning as he walked over. "I'll teach you whatever you want, Rong An. I've already told you I'll forgive you, so why are you so stubborn?"
Master Jiang still lowered his head: "I beg Your Highness to forgive me."
Forget it, let’s not make things difficult for the humble royal workers.
It was because she hadn't changed her mind just now. In her previous life, if she had pointed out a few things when the employees did something wrong, they wouldn't have worried about losing their heads.
Xie Mingzhuo said with a dull look, "Then find someone who can teach."
As a result, the latter ones are not as good as Lao Jiang.
Xie Mingshuo saw her disappointment and consoled her: "If it really doesn't work out, we can find a female instructor who's good at riding and shooting."
"Um."
The two left the training ground side by side.
I was sweating all over and had to go back and take a bath to prevent myself from catching a cold. In ancient times when there was a lack of medical care and medicine, a cold could be fatal.
Suddenly, someone hurried up from behind and said, "Your Highness, I have a favor to ask of you."
It’s Lao Jiang, why did you suddenly become so brave?
Xie Mingzhuo turned around: "What's the matter?"
"Your Highness, I have an only daughter in my family. She's named Jiang Qing, and she's twenty years old. She's been wielding swords and spears since she was young, and her riding and archery skills are even better than her parents'. However, her appearance isn't as pretty as the average girl, and her temperament isn't gentle enough. So far, we haven't found a marriage. I'm worried that I won't be able to take care of her in her future due to my age, so I'm asking Your Highness to give my daughter some advice."
Master Jiang fell to his knees, sweating profusely.
He had just heard that His Highness was looking for a female teacher, so he mustered up the courage to find a future for his daughter.
Although it is said that serving the king is like serving a tiger, and following the princess may also lead to being wronged, it is better than being depressed at home all day long.
Xie Mingzhuo felt his father's deep love and also had a high opinion of his language skills.
He did not directly say "My daughter is good at riding and shooting, and she can be your martial arts master", but used a pleading tone to "find a way out" for his daughter.
Those who can survive in the palace should not be underestimated.
Xie Mingzhuo said indifferently, "Since you are such a kind father, bring her to see me tomorrow."
"I thank the princess for her grace."
After returning to the prince's residence, taking a bath and practicing calligraphy for a while, Xie Mingzhuo went to the Qianqing Palace for dinner.
She has a foundation in soft brush calligraphy.
My father is the president of the city art association and is good at painting. Every time he finishes a painting, he has to write an inscription. If the handwriting is ugly, it will not match the painting. Therefore, painters who are good at painting usually also have good handwriting.
Xie Mingzhuo practiced with him when he was a child, but later he gave up due to busy studies and work. Now he picked it up again and it is quite easy for him.
At dinner time, the five of them sat around the table and dismissed the eunuchs and palace maids.
Xie Changfeng first expressed his thoughts today: "Do you know what I saw in Wenyuan Pavilion today? An authentic work by Gu Kaizhi of the Eastern Jin Dynasty! It's an authentic work!"
The excitement is beyond words.
"Eastern Jin?" Xie Mingxuan turned to Xie Mingshuo, "Aren't you talking about a hollowing out?"
Xie Mingshuo rolled up his ink-stained sleeves and nodded perfunctorily, "That's right, the Qi Dynasty is fictional, but the world in the book will fill in its own history. The same writing, the same traditions, you can't ask Xiao Wang to create his own history."
"Is this possible?"
"Xiao Wang's writing makes no sense."
"Okay, let's eat first." Meng Qi greeted the father and his two sons. "No matter how precious the original is, you can't take it with you when the country is destroyed."
Xie Changfeng: “…”
Yes, now is not the time to appreciate famous paintings.
"I even played a round of hand-to-hand with Lao Chang at Wenyuan Pavilion," he began to raise his brows again, "and I didn't expect that I would win. Haha, I beat the Grand Secretary."
Four people: "..."
Forget it, I won’t point out the truth and attack this lousy chess player.
"Lao Chang also praised Shao Shao to me, saying that Shao Shao had an excellent memory, studied very hard, and completed his homework meticulously."
Meng Qi smiled and picked up some food: "Shao Shao is really good, eat more."
Xie Mingxuan scooped up the soup: "Thank you for your hard work, Scoop."
Xie Mingshuo looked left and right, seeing no room for him to intervene, so he said, "When my newspaper is printed, I will definitely give you a front-page headline and make Princess Rong'an famous throughout the world."
"It's full, pour it back a little."
"Okay, then let's make it famous throughout the capital."
Xie Changfeng: "It's good to praise Shao Shao, but please also praise me. I won the game."
"Eat more fish roe." Meng Qi scooped a large spoonful.
Xie Changfeng happily took it: "Thank you, wife."
But he didn't stop there. After finishing his heart-warming fish roe, he spoke again, "Old Chang also said that since Mingxuan has awakened, we shouldn't waste the Taoist's guidance. Mingshuo has also become more stable than before. Why don't they both go to Wenhua Hall to study?"
"Old Chang still has evil intentions!" Xie Mingshuo reacted fiercely, "I knew he was still coveting me!"
Xie Mingxuan: "Tell him to be more open-minded."
"What do you mean by more open-mindedness?" Xie Changfeng pointed at them. "It's not good to have a dislike for studying."
Xie Mingshuo retorted, "If you don't mind studying, why did you avoid the lecture yesterday using the excuse of a headache?"
"..." Xie Changfeng's old face flushed, "I'm old, and I don't have as much energy as you young people."
"Mother!"
"Okay, you want to abdicate, but you still force Ming Shuo and others to become emperors?" Meng Qi glanced sideways.
Xie Changfeng complained: "When did I force them to become emperor?"
"That's what Chang Wei meant," Meng Qi said sternly. "Before, the Prince of Qi was foolish and the Prince of Jin was a playboy, neither of them qualified candidates for the crown prince. But things are different now. I'm afraid those ministers have already decided to take sides."
Xie Changfeng's eyes widened: "Isn't Shao Shao learning well?"
“This is ancient times.”
Xie Changfeng was immediately deflated. "Forget it, forget it. From now on, I will only focus on winning the game. I won't listen to a word they say."
Xie Mingzhuo peeled a shrimp for him and said with a smile, "You still have to listen. Write it down and tell us when you come back."
"Okay, I'll listen to Shao Shao." Xie Changfeng swallowed the shrimp in one gulp. "It's delicious."
【Author’s words】
Send 100 red envelopes~
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