Chapter 145 The Child's First Education
After Gu Sheng's 100-day celebration, life in the Duke's mansion gradually returned to its usual rhythm, but some changes were quietly taking place within the mansion. The most obvious change was that the education of the heir apparent, Gu Mingxuan, was officially put on the agenda.
In the beautiful spring sunshine of March, the pear blossoms outside the study were in full bloom, like snow. On this day, Mr. Zhou Wenqian, a retired scholar of the Hanlin Academy, whom Gu Yangui had personally selected as Mingxuan's tutor, officially came to the mansion to begin the young master's early education.
In the early morning, Mingxuan changed into a newly made scholar's robe, his hair neatly combed, his face showing a mix of nervousness and seriousness. Su Wanrou personally straightened his collar and gently encouraged him, "Xuan'er, don't be afraid. Master Zhou is a great scholar. Just listen carefully and study diligently."
“Mother, I will study hard.” Mingxuan nodded firmly, his eyes resolute. He knew that from this day forward, he was no longer just a child who could be spoiled in his mother’s arms, but the heir to the Duke’s mansion who would bear the future responsibility.
Gu Yangui, unusually, stayed at the mansion and personally led Mingxuan to the study that had been specially prepared in the outer courtyard. Old Master Zhou was already sitting upright in the hall, his hair and beard all white, his face serene, but his eyes were bright and piercing.
"Student Gu Mingxuan pays respects to his teacher." Mingxuan performed the formal apprenticeship ceremony according to the etiquette his father had taught him.
Old Master Zhou accepted the greeting, stroked his beard, nodded slightly, and showed a hint of approval in his eyes: "Your Highness, please rise. Now that you have entered this gate, you should know that the key to learning lies in perseverance. I hope Your Highness will strive for it."
"The student will keep in mind the teacher's teachings."
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Mr. Zhou, Gu Yangui left the study, leaving the space to the teacher and student. However, he did not go far. Instead, he stood under the pear tree in the courtyard, his hands behind his back, gazing in the direction of the study, his expression serious yet carrying a hint of barely perceptible expectation.
Su Wanrou was also somewhat restless in the inner courtyard, and would occasionally send her maid to the front yard to inquire about the situation. She both hoped that Mingxuan could receive guidance from a renowned teacher and become successful as soon as possible, and felt sorry that her child had to bear pressure at such a young age.
"Don't worry, Madam. The young master is very intelligent and will adapt quickly," Granny Zhou comforted her from the side.
Around noon, news came from the front yard that the first day of classes had ended. Su Wanrou quickly took some snacks to the study.
Mingxuan was sitting upright at his desk, his small hands holding a calligraphy brush, carefully copying a simple calligraphy model, his expression focused. Old Master Zhou watched from the side, occasionally offering pointers. Seeing Su Wanrou enter, Mingxuan immediately put down his brush, stood up, and bowed, saying, "Mother."
"Are you tired? Take a rest and have some snacks." Su Wanrou put the food box aside and patted her son's head tenderly.
Mr. Zhou smiled and said, "Madam, the young master is intelligent and eager to learn. He has already learned dozens of characters today, and he has also learned the correct way to hold a pen very quickly. He is truly a promising talent."
Su Wanrou was overjoyed and quickly thanked the old gentleman, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, sir."
"It's my duty," Old Master Zhou stroked his beard and said. "Although the young prince is young, he is calm and composed, and is a good candidate for studying. However, at the beginning of his education, he still needs to lay a solid foundation and should not be rushed."
"What you say is true, sir," Su Wanrou agreed wholeheartedly. She gave Mingxuan a few more instructions before leaving, so that the master and disciple could continue their studies.
During lunch, Mingxuan was noticeably quieter than usual, his little face showing a thoughtful expression. Gu Yangui asked him a few questions about what he had learned that day, and Mingxuan answered them one by one, clearly and logically.
“The opening lines of the Thousand Character Classic are ‘Heaven and Earth were dark and yellow, the universe was vast and boundless.’ The teacher said that this is the beginning of all things, and he wanted his students to think carefully about the vastness of heaven and earth and the boundless nature of knowledge.” Mingxuan repeated the teacher’s words, his eyes bright.
Gu Yangui nodded without saying much, but simply picked up a piece of steamed sea bass that Mingxuan liked and put it in his bowl: "Eat more, you still have to practice calligraphy this afternoon."
Watching the interaction between the father and son, Su Wanrou felt comforted. She knew that Gu Yangui had high expectations for Mingxuan, but these expectations were not demanding; rather, they were calm attention and guidance.
Since that day, Mingxuan's life has become much more regular. Every morning he gets up first to pay his respects to his parents, and then goes to the study in the outer courtyard to study with Mr. Zhou. In the afternoon, he practices calligraphy for an hour. In the evening, if Gu Yangui has time, he will test his basic skills in riding and archery.
The child had visibly lost weight, but his eyes were becoming increasingly clear, and his demeanor showed a maturity beyond his years. Su Wanrou felt a pang of heartache, but she knew this was a necessary part of growing up. She could only take even better care of his daily needs, gently encourage him when he encountered difficulties, and generously praise him when he made progress.
That evening, Su Wanrou went to the study to bring Mingxuan a late-night snack and found him frowning as he faced a copy of "Di Zi Gui" (Standards for Being a Good Student and Child).
"What's wrong? Is there something you don't understand?" Su Wanrou put down the food box and asked softly.
“Mother, ‘Even small matters should not be done without permission, for if one does so, one fails in one’s duty as a son.’… The teacher asked me to understand the meaning of this and to reflect on my own faults.” Mingxuan said with some distress, “I know the literal meaning of the words. Even small matters should not be done casually. If one does so without permission, one fails in one’s duty as a son. But… I can’t think of any faults I have committed.”
Su Wanrou sat down beside him and patiently guided him: "The master is not trying to find fault with you. He wants you to understand that you need to be careful in your words and actions, and even seemingly small things can reflect a person's character. For example, did you move the paperweight on Father's desk without permission yesterday?"
Mingxuan paused for a moment, his face slightly flushed, and he said in a low voice, "Yes... I saw that the jade paperweight was exquisite and lovely, so I picked it up to look at it and then put it back."
“That’s it.” Su Wanrou smiled and patted his head. “Although the paperweight is small, it is Father’s beloved possession. Things in the study should not be moved at will. You did not mean to, but this action is indeed ‘unauthorized’. In the future, you should think more carefully before acting and inform your parents or teachers. This is the principle of ‘not acting without authorization’.”
Mingxuan suddenly understood, and the confusion in his eyes disappeared: "I understand! Thank you for your guidance, Mother!" He immediately picked up his pen and wrote down his understanding and reflections neatly.
Looking at her son's focused profile, Su Wanrou felt a surge of emotion. A child's growth is accomplished through these small, gradual understandings.
Later, Su Wanrou told Gu Yangui about it. After listening, Gu Yangui was silent for a moment, then said, "Mr. Zhou's teaching is excellent, and you have guided him very well as well." He paused, looked at his wife, and said, "Mingxuan is fortunate to have a mother like you."
Su Wanrou felt a warmth in her heart and said softly, "It is my blessing to be able to accompany Xuan'er as he grows up."
Time flies, spring turns to summer. Mingxuan's studies are progressing smoothly. He can now recite the "Three Character Classic," "Hundred Family Surnames," and "Thousand Character Classic" fluently, and his handwriting is quite neat. What makes Su Wanrou even more gratified is that her child has not become dull due to the heavy workload. In addition to completing his homework, he is still the lively and cheerful boy who would pester his father to go horseback riding, would carefully tease his babbling younger brother, and would run to her immediately to share the good news when he received praise from his teacher.
On this day, Gu Yangui took a day off and, after checking Mingxuan's homework, showed a rare expression of satisfaction.
"Not bad, the foundation is solid." He closed his son's calligraphy practice book and looked at Mr. Zhou. "Thank you for your help, sir."
Mr. Zhou smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Excellency is too kind. It is the young master's own diligence that is the reason."
Gu Yangui nodded and said to Mingxuan, "The weather is fine today, no need to stay cooped up in the study. Go change your clothes, and I'll take you to the horse farm."
Mingxuan's eyes lit up, and he immediately replied, "Yes, Father!" Then he ran off like a happy little bird.
Su Wanrou happened to be carrying Gu Sheng, who had just woken up, over when she saw him and couldn't help but chuckle: "Look how happy he is."
Gu Yangui took his second son from her arms. Gu Sheng could now sit steadily and was very dependent on his father's familiar embrace. He rested his little head on Gu Yangui's shoulder and looked at Mr. Zhou with curiosity.
Watching this heartwarming scene, Old Master Zhou stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "The young master is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and is kind-hearted. Given time, he will surely achieve great things. The young master is also intelligent and healthy. The Duke is truly blessed."
Looking into the pure eyes of his youngest son in his arms, and then thinking of his eldest son's academic progress, Gu Yangui glanced at his gentle and virtuous wife beside him, his heart filled with an indescribable sense of satisfaction. He had once thought that his life was destined to be filled with battles and political intrigue, and had never dared to hope that he could have such a simple yet genuine happiness.
The beginning of a child's education is not only the start of their learning, but also a symbol of a family's hopes and legacy. The future of the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion, like the early summer sun, is warm and full of vitality, quietly unfolding before our eyes.
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