Ever since Xiao Che painstakingly and diligently drafted the groundbreaking "Top Secret Curriculum for the Development of the Potential of the Imperial Heirs of Liang from 0 to 3 Years Old," daily life in Kunning Palace has entered a completely new and even more absurd phase.
According to Xiao Che's "curriculum," the first and most important step in prenatal education was named by him as "the cultivation of literature and political intrigue."
In his words, "For the descendants of emperors, poetry and songs are merely icing on the cake. Only by understanding checks and balances and strategizing can one remain invincible. This is the foundation of an emperor, and it must be cultivated from the very beginning!"
So, starting from the afternoon of the next day, a strange, discordant sound would be heard in the study of Kunning Palace on time.
The afternoon sun was warm and gentle, shining through the glass windows and casting a tranquil glow on the rosewood bookshelves. Lin Wanwan leaned back in the chaise lounge, which had been made for her and was covered with thick cushions, feeling drowsy.
Beside her, the emperor of the Great Liang Dynasty sat upright, holding not a gentle collection of poems or a classic text of sages, but a book with an ancient cover that exuded the aura of war and conquest—"The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.
He cleared his throat and, with his magnetic, deep, and melodious voice—enough to make any young girl in love swoon—begin his daily "Emperor's Voice" prenatal education lesson to Lin Wanwan's high, protruding belly.
"Ahem... Listen carefully. Today, we will discuss the 'Planning' chapter."
Xiao Che began the speech in a serious manner, and then his charming voice began to read out content that seemed completely out of place on a cozy afternoon.
"War is a matter of vital importance to the State; it is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected..."
His voice was melodious and full of emotion. For ordinary people, reciting military strategy is dry and somber, but when he recited it, it was as if he were telling an epic story.
Lin Wanwan initially found it interesting, but as she listened, her eyelids began to droop. The hypnotic effect was more potent than any calming melody.
However, Xiao Che was completely unaware of this.
Jue was completely immersed in his role as a teacher and a father, and even incorporated his own "classroom interactions".
When he reads, “Warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when you are capable, pretend you are incapable; when you are active, pretend you are not active…” he deliberately slows down his speech, his voice carrying a hint of mysterious persuasion, as if a wise and experienced sage is passing on a secret to his successor.
"Did you hear that?" He would stop, look down at his stomach and "explain," "A ruler must know how to show weakness; this is the best way to deceive the enemy. Just like Father, who usually pretends to be sick, that's the principle."
Lin Wanwan stood to the side with her eyes closed, her lips twitching involuntarily.
Are you faking illness? You were really poisoned! And is it really okay to tell this to an unborn child?
When Xiao Che reads the passage from Han Feizi, "If the laws are clear, personal favors are eliminated, and rewards and punishments are made fair, then both the virtuous and the unworthy will do their utmost," his voice instantly becomes righteous and indignant, filled with the majesty and unquestionable authority of an emperor, as if he were standing on the throne, instructing the entire court.
"The way of a ruler lies in impartiality!" he said loudly, his voice echoing in the study. "Whether you become rulers or ministers in the future, you must always remember that the law is the cornerstone of the nation and must never be shaken by personal feelings! Even your father is no exception!"
As he spoke, he couldn't help but glance at Lin Wanwan, as if to say, "Look, I am such a fair and just emperor."
Lin Wanwan completely ignored him, turned over, and went back to sleep.
The little ones inside seemed to have no interest in these strategies and tactics. Apart from occasionally wriggling unconsciously, they remained quiet and unresponsive most of the time.
The entire "classroom" became a one-man show by Xiao Che.
This "teacher" was not discouraged by the students' "indifference" at all. On the contrary, he often got so engrossed in his lecture that he became excited.
Sometimes, when he reads a brilliant battle strategy, he can't help but applaud, as if he were personally on the battlefield, commanding thousands of troops. Other times, when he reads profound Legalist thought, he falls into deep thought, even picking up a red pen to write his own insights in the margins.
Lin Wanwan was once awakened by his excited voice. She opened her eyes sleepily and saw him looking down at his stomach, pointing at the world with a proud expression.
Above his head, in his designated emoji area, a chibi-style little emperor wearing a doctoral cap and small glasses is holding a pointer, pointing at a small blackboard covered with the words "deceptive ways" and "rule of law," his face full of pride as a teacher.
[My son, did you understand? These are all important points; they'll be on the test! .jpg]
Lin Wanwan looked at the meme, then at the man in front of her who was seriously lecturing his stomach on military strategy, and finally couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Xiao Che was interrupted and turned around with some displeasure: "What are you laughing at? I am giving a serious lesson!"
"Yes, yes, yes," Lin Wanwan suppressed a laugh and waved her hand, "His Majesty teaches very well, but... I just don't know if the babies can understand."
“How could my children not understand?” Xiao Che retorted immediately, his face full of self-righteousness. “They are born with the qualities of dragons and phoenixes, and should naturally understand these things. It doesn’t matter if they don’t understand now, just engrave them in their blood, and they will naturally understand them in the future!”
He spoke with great conviction, as if it were the truth of the matter.
Lin Wanwan completely gave up on trying to reason with him. Looking at the emperor, who was completely immersed in the role of "super dad and imperial mentor," a warm feeling welled up in her heart.
Although the method was somewhat...unusual, this clumsy yet sincere fatherly love was profound.
So, for the next three days, the Kunning Palace Study became the most "hardcore" place in the entire palace.
In the morning, while the Grand Tutor was in the Eastern Palace instructing the imperial family members on the principle that "human nature is inherently good," in the afternoon, His Majesty the Emperor was in the Kunning Palace, explaining to his unborn child the principle that "warfare is based on deception."
In the morning, while court musicians played soothing string and wind instruments, in the afternoon, Xiao Che used his magnetic voice to explain the necessity of "burning books and burying scholars alive" and the cruelty of "Shang Yang's reforms."
This unique "imperial-level" prenatal education caused all the palace staff in Kunning Palace to have deep "worries" about the future prince's personality.
How cunning and powerful will the princes/princesses become after growing up under such rigorous political intrigue?
However, just as Xiao Che was full of confidence in his teaching results and was preparing to advance the course to the "Art of Strategic Maneuvering," an unexpected "teaching feedback" made him fall into deep thought.
That day, after waking up from her afternoon nap, Lin Wanwan jokingly said to Xiao Che, who was preparing for "class":
"Your Majesty, I've noticed that the babies seem... to have been much quieter these past few days."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Che immediately perked up, a smug expression of "just as I expected" appearing on his face: "Of course! They must have understood my teachings, gained some insights, and are currently pondering and digesting what they have learned!"
"Is that so?" Lin Wanwan suppressed a laugh and deliberately drew out her voice, "But why do I feel that they might be... too scared to move because of Your Majesty's military strategy?"
"Nonsense!" Xiao Che retorted without hesitation.
But after he finished speaking, he froze.
He looked down at Lin Wanwan's quiet belly, and then recalled the reduced fetal movements over the past few days. His brows slowly furrowed.
Could it be... that they were really frightened by my murderous aura?
This shouldn't be! How could my child be so timid?
Or perhaps... my teaching methods are too radical?
For the first time, Xiao Che had deep doubts about his "top-secret course schedule".
He looked at Lin Wanwan's slightly teasing smile, then at the well-worn copy of "The Art of War" that he had read so many times, and fell into a long, deep contemplation.
Perhaps... he should switch to another subject?
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