jdhmnovel Chapter 272 Having fun
Chapter 272 Having fun
The morning light, like a golden veil, gently filtered through the carved window frames and into the spacious living room of the Jiang family home.
Jiang Xiaobao was dressed in a brand-new indigo brocade robe with playful cloud patterns embroidered on the hem, and a bright yellow belt around his waist. He looked very energetic.
Today, he was going to recite the "Standards for Being a Good Student and Child" in front of Jiang Liushen and Jia Xiaoyan. He was both nervous and excited, his heart pounding like a little rabbit.
At this moment, Jiang Liushen sat on a carved armchair, dressed in a deep purple official robe. The jade pendant at his waist swayed gently with his movements, exuding a composed aura. Jia Xiaoyan sat on an embroidered stool beside him, wearing a moon-white silk skirt embroidered with delicate peonies, appearing gentle and charming.
Jiang Xiaobao took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. Then he took small steps to the center of the living room, bowed to his parents, and said in a clear voice, "Dad, Mom, I'm starting to recite."
Jiang Liushen smiled and nodded, his eyes full of encouragement: "Okay, Xiaobao, don't be nervous, memorize it slowly."
Jiang Xiaobao cleared his throat, and his childish voice rang out crisply in the living room: "The Rules for Students, the teachings of the sages. First, filial piety and brotherly love; next, diligence and trustworthiness. Love all people, and be close to the virtuous. If you have spare energy, then study literature..."
He recited it with perfect pronunciation and rhythm, each word seemingly leaping with vibrant life. Jiang Liushen and Jia Xiaoyan listened quietly, their smiles growing wider, their eyes filled with satisfaction.
When Jiang Xiaobao recited the lines, "When parents call, answer without delay; when parents command, act without laziness," Jia Xiaoyan couldn't help but look at Jiang Liushen, her eyes sparkling with emotion. She said softly, "Our Xiaobao has really grown up. Not only can he recite the 'Standards for Being a Good Student and Child' so well, but he's also becoming more and more sensible. Every time we call him, he responds immediately, and he never slacks off when asked to do anything."
Jiang Liushen nodded in agreement: "Yes, it seems that You'an's daily teachings and the teachers' careful cultivation have not been in vain."
Jiang Xiaobao continued reciting, and when he came to the line "The hat must be straight, the buttons must be fastened. Socks and shoes must be tight," Jia Xiaoyan noticed that Jiang Xiaobao was dressed exceptionally neatly today. His hat was straight, the buttons were fastened meticulously, and his socks and shoes were also neatly arranged. She smiled and said to Jiang Liushen, "Look, Xiaobao can not only recite, but also put these principles into practice in his life."
Jiang Xiaobao recited the entire "Standards for Being a Good Student and Child" in one breath, his face flushed red with nervousness and excitement. He looked at his parents anxiously and asked, "Dad, Mom, did I recite it well?"
Jiang Liushen stood up, walked to Jiang Xiaobao's side, gently patted his head, and praised him, "Xiaobao, you recited it so well! Not only did you recite it word for word, but your understanding of the 'Standards for Being a Good Student and Child' is reflected in your daily actions, which is the most important thing."
Jia Xiaoyan also came over, hugged Jiang Xiaobao, and kissed him on the cheek: "Xiaobao, you are your parents' pride. I hope you can always remember these principles and be a person of good character and responsibility."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiaobao's face lit up with a bright smile, his eyes curving into crescents: "Dad, Mom, I definitely will! When my brother taught me the 'Standards for Being a Good Student and Child,' he also told me a lot of interesting stories, which I've all memorized."
"Oh? What are the stories?" Jiang Liushen asked with great interest.
Jiang Xiaobao jumped down from Jia Xiaoyan's arms and began to vividly recount the stories of Kong Rong sharing pears and Huang Xiang warming the bed for his family. As he spoke, he gestured wildly, and his lively expressions and adorable actions made Jiang Liushen and Jia Xiaoyan laugh heartily.
"Xiao Bao explained it so well. It seems you really understand the lessons in these stories," Jia Xiaoyan said with a smile.
Just then, Jiang Youan walked into the living room. Seeing the family enjoying themselves so much, he asked curiously, "What happened? Why are you all so happy?"
Jiang Liushen smiled and said, "Xiao Bao just memorized the entire 'Standards for Being a Good Student and Child' and told the stories of Kong Rong sharing pears and Huang Xiang warming the bed for his child in great detail. This is all thanks to your daily teaching."
Jiang Youan walked to Jiang Xiaobao's side and looked at him approvingly: "Xiaobao,"
You're amazing! Your brother is so proud of you.
Jiang Xiaobao was overjoyed, jumping up and down in the living room: "I want to learn more knowledge in the future and become an excellent person like my brother!"
Looking at his energetic son, Jiang Liushen said with emotion, "I hope Xiaobao can always maintain this thirst for knowledge and ambition. The road ahead is long, and we will accompany him as he grows up."
The winter sun struggled to pierce through the thick clouds, casting a hazy golden hue over the Xijing Kingdom's palace.
Inside the Imperial Study, the charcoal brazier was burning brightly, and the warm red flames illuminated the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls, adding a touch of softness to the originally solemn space.
Xiao Jingchuan, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat upright at his desk, his vermilion brush moving swiftly across the memorials, dealing with the mountain of official business.
Just then, a eunuch's shrill voice announced from outside the door: "Minister of Rites, Lord Li, requests an audience!"
"Announce!" Xiao Jingchuan put down his pen, his voice steady and powerful.
Li Zhengfeng, the Minister of Rites, dressed in a scarlet official robe, walked respectfully into the Imperial Study.
He was slender, with a neatly trimmed beard, and his eyes revealed wisdom and competence.
Upon entering, Li Zhengfeng lifted the hem of his official robe, knelt down, and bowed: "Your Majesty, I have come to present the results of this year's civil service examination and bring the good news of the top scholar."
Xiao Jingchuan nodded slightly, gesturing for Li Zhengfeng to rise: "Minister Li, please rise. This imperial examination is a major event concerning the selection of talent for the nation. Please explain in detail."
Li Zhengfeng stood up, took out a scroll from his robes, unfurled it, and said, “Your Majesty, this year’s imperial examination was unprecedented in its scale, with talented individuals from all over the country gathering in the capital, making the competition extremely fierce. After rounds of selection, the top scholar in the liberal arts category has emerged victorious: Su Yichen. This man is quick-witted and exceptionally talented. His essays are rich in classical allusions and insightful, demonstrating not only profound literary skills but also deep reflections on governance, leaving the examiners who reviewed his papers in awe.”
A flicker of interest crossed Xiao Jingchuan's eyes. He reached out and took the scroll, carefully perusing Su Yichen's writing. Sometimes he frowned slightly, lost in thought; other times he nodded gently, revealing an approving expression. After finishing, Xiao Jingchuan placed the scroll on the table and said, "Indeed, a fine piece. Who is this Su Yichen?"
Li Zhengfeng replied, "Su Yichen comes from a scholarly family and has been exceptionally intelligent and diligent since childhood. He is well-versed in the classics and historical texts, and not only has a high level of literary skill, but also has considerable knowledge of astronomy, geography, military strategy, and tactics. In this imperial examination, he passed all the tests and won the title of top scholar with his outstanding talent."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingchuan smiled with satisfaction: "Such a talent is truly a blessing for our Nanzhao Kingdom. Minister Li, arrange for Su Yichen to enter the palace to meet the Emperor tomorrow. I want to test him personally."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Li Zhengfeng replied.
The following morning, sunlight streamed onto the glazed tiles of the palace, reflecting a dazzling light. Su Yichen, dressed in a brand-new crimson robe and wearing a golden scholar's hat, was led by a eunuch to the imperial study. He was tall and handsome, with confidence and composure in his eyes.
Arriving at the entrance of the Imperial Study, Su Yichen straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and then knelt down to pay his respects: "This humble subject, Su Yichen, greets Your Majesty! May Your Majesty enjoy good health and live ten thousand years!"
"Rise." Xiao Jingchuan's voice came from inside the study.
Su Yichen stood up and walked into the imperial study. He looked around and saw that the study was simply and solemnly furnished, with bookshelves filled with books and calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls, showcasing the majesty and cultural heritage of the imperial family.
Xiao Jingchuan sized up Su Yichen, finding him to be dignified and imposing, and was quite satisfied. He asked, "Su Yichen, I have read your article, and it is indeed exceptionally talented. But I would like to hear more of your insights into the current situation of my Nanzhao Kingdom."
Su Yichen bowed slightly and said calmly, “Your Majesty, although the Nanzhao Kingdom is currently in a period of peace and prosperity, the surrounding situation is complex, and we cannot be complacent. In terms of the economy, we should further encourage commercial development, expand trade routes, and strengthen trade with neighboring countries to increase the country's fiscal revenue. In terms of the military, we should strengthen the army, improve the soldiers' combat effectiveness, and at the same time pay attention to intelligence gathering to know ourselves and our enemy. In terms of people's livelihood, we should focus on the people's basic needs, build water conservancy projects, develop agriculture, and reduce the burden on the people. Only by doing these things can the Nanzhao Kingdom achieve long-term stability and prosperity.”
Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Jingchuan's eyes. He hadn't expected that Su Yichen, at such a young age, would possess such a profound understanding of the national situation. "Su Yichen, your insights are unique and insightful. I ask you, if you were to govern a county, what would you do?"
Su Yichen pondered for a moment and said, “Your Majesty, if I am fortunate enough to govern a county, I will first thoroughly understand the local conditions, listen to the voices of the people, and solve their practical problems. At the same time, I will rectify officialdom, severely punish corruption, and select capable and virtuous officials to serve the people. In addition, I will vigorously develop education, cultivate talents, and lay the foundation for the long-term development of the county.”
Xiao Jingchuan nodded in satisfaction: "Good! Su Yichen, I appoint you as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, responsible for compiling the national history. If you perform well in the future, I will definitely give you an important position."
Su Yichen immediately knelt down to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty! This humble subject will do his utmost to live up to Your Majesty's expectations."
At this moment, Li Zhengfeng, the Minister of Rites, said from the side: "Your Majesty, Su Yichen is not only exceptionally talented, but also of noble character. During the imperial examinations, he refused the attempts of many powerful officials to win him over, and insisted on relying on his own abilities to obtain official rank."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingchuan admired Su Yichen even more: "Su Yichen, I hope you can always maintain this original aspiration and contribute your strength to the development of the Nanzhao Kingdom."
Su Yichen said firmly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this humble subject will certainly remember Your Majesty's teachings, be honest and upright, and dedicate myself to the country and the people."