"promise!"
Not long after, Li Zhi was summoned to the Ganlu Palace.
"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty!"
"Rise!"
"Thank you, Father Emperor!"
"I summoned you for no other reason than to test your studies."
There is a saying in the Analects: "When the father is alive, observe his will; when the father is dead, observe his conduct. If for three years he does not deviate from the way of his father, he may be called filial."
How do you interpret this passage?
Upon hearing this, Li Zhi immediately looked at Changsun Wuji with a face full of surprise.
My uncle is amazing! He actually knew in advance that His Majesty was going to test me on the Analects!
“Father, I believe this passage means that when a father is alive, he observes his son’s ambitions; when a father is gone, he observes his son’s virtues. If a son does not change his father’s teachings after three years, then he can be called filial!”
Li Shimin was very satisfied with this explanation. His biggest worry was that after his death, the new emperor would cause trouble.
If Li Zhi could really do what he just said, he could die in peace.
"Grand Tutor, what do you think?"
Whatever Changsun Wuji thought, he naturally agreed.
"good!"
"His Highness the Crown Prince is absolutely right!"
"The Analects mentions filial piety in many places, this is just one of them. There are also sayings such as 'While parents are alive, one should not travel far; if one must travel, one should have a fixed destination. Our bodies, hair, and skin are given to us by our parents, so we dare not harm them,' and so on."
"However, in my humble opinion, there is no greater filial piety than this."
"To carry on one's father's will is true filial piety; all else is trivial!"
"If Your Highness can uphold His Majesty's will and continue the prosperous era of Zhenguan, that is what His Majesty most desires to see!"
Li Shimin laughed so hard his mouth almost reached the back of his head when he heard this. After all, Changsun Wuji understood him. His only worry in this life was his successor.
If the succeeding emperor destroys my prosperous Zhenguan era, I will not be able to close my eyes in peace even after I die!
Upon hearing Changsun Wuji's teachings, Li Zhi felt deeply grateful to his uncle.
This was not only a way of teaching himself, but also a subtle way of consolidating his position as crown prince in front of his father!
"Thank you for your guidance, Uncle!"
"Please rest assured, Father and Uncle, I will strictly abide by the rules and never ruin the Zhenguan era. I will make sure that the Zhenguan era continues under my rule!"
"good!"
"With your good intentions, I am at ease!"
Li Shimin had a good discussion with the two men before letting them leave.
A month later, Li Shimin felt he was finally fully prepared and immediately went to Xianyang under the pretext of inspecting Jiuzong Mountain.
This time, however, he not only brought the Crown Prince with him, but also his favorite concubine, Xu Hui.
Li Shimin first toured Jiuzong Mountain and, seeing that the various projects of the imperial mausoleum were well-constructed, rewarded officials and craftsmen at all levels before leading his large army to the temporary palace in Xianyang to stay.
"Your Majesty, it's getting late. Shouldn't we prepare dinner?"
"There's no rush for dinner. You'll come with me to a place in a little while. Once we're there, don't address me as Your Majesty. Just call me Master!"
"Uh?"
"Does His Majesty wish to travel incognito?"
I guess so!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
