jdhmnovel Chapter 269 Dreaming of the Future
Chapter 269 Dreaming of the Future
Standing atop the city tower, gazing upon the bustling capital, Xiao Nanyi felt an even stronger sense of mission.
He turned to face Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli, his eyes shining with determination, and said earnestly, "Grandpa Emperor, Grandma Emperor, I will definitely study hard and protect the Nanzhao Kingdom like you in the future."
Little Nan Yao nodded vigorously, her childish voice filled with unwavering determination: "Me too, I want to protect our country too!"
Xiao Jingchuan smiled with satisfaction and gently patted Xiao Nanyi's head: "Yi'er, protecting the country is not an easy task. It requires not only profound knowledge and superb martial arts skills, but also a heart that cares about the people and is fair and selfless."
Gu Liuli looked at the two children tenderly and added, "Moreover, you will encounter all sorts of temptations and difficulties in the process. You must stay true to yourselves and not be swayed by the outside world."
Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao nodded as if they understood, though they couldn't fully grasp the deeper meaning of these words, they kept every word firmly in their hearts.
From then on, they studied even harder.
In addition to daily academic classes and martial arts training.
Xiao Nanyi began to actively read various books on governance strategies. When he encountered something he didn't understand, he would pester Xiao Jingchuan and the court officials for advice.
While learning light-body skills and hidden weapon techniques, Xiao Nanyao...
She strives to cultivate her observation and adaptability skills, often simulating various unexpected situations in the Imperial Garden to hone her coping abilities.
As Xiao Nanxuan and Xiao Nanyue grew up, they also began to develop a strong interest in their older siblings' studies.
Xiao Nanxuan always looked at Xiao Nanyi's sword dance with wide, admiring eyes.
One time, she couldn't help but tug at Xiao Nanyi's clothes and said in a childish voice, "Brother, I want to learn this too, so I can protect my sister in the future."
Xiao Nanyi looked at his adorable younger brother, smiled, and patted his head: "Okay, when you're a little older, your older brother will teach you."
Xiao Nanyue liked to follow Xiao Nanyao and watch her practice her light-footed skills, imitating her as she hopped and skipped around in the garden.
Xiao Nanyao always patiently guided her from the side, teaching her some simple movements.
During this process, the Nanzhao Kingdom did not have a smooth journey. The power of neighboring countries continued to expand, posing a certain threat to the borders of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli were busy all day discussing countermeasures with their ministers and strengthening border defenses. Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao felt very sorry for their grandparents who were working so hard.
Xiao Nanyi volunteered to participate in some simple political discussions to help his grandfather.
Seeing the determination in his eyes, Xiao Jingchuan agreed to his request.
So, Xiao Nanyi began to attend some morning court sessions and government meetings with Xiao Jingchuan.
At first, he simply listened quietly to the ministers' discussions, but as he gradually gained a better understanding of government affairs, he also began to express his own opinions.
Once, during a discussion about how to deal with trade barriers imposed by neighboring countries, Xiao Nanyi recalled some trade strategies he had read in a book and boldly said, "Grandpa, I think we can try to establish closer trade relations with other countries to diversify trade risks."
At the same time, we encourage the development of distinctive domestic industries to enhance the competitiveness of our products.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingchuan's eyes flashed with surprise. He hadn't expected Xiao Nanyi to have such unique insights. He praised him on the spot and instructed the ministers to study these suggestions in depth.
Xiao Nanyao was not idle either. She used her agility to frequently move among the palace guards, observing their training and patrols.
On one occasion, she discovered that a corner of the palace was poorly defended and promptly informed Xiao Jingchuan.
Xiao Jingchuan immediately sent people to strengthen the defenses there and praised Xiao Nanyao for her careful observation.
Xiao Nanyao said happily, "Grandpa Emperor, I also want to do my part to protect the palace."
As they grew older, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao gradually became capable assistants to the Nanzhao Kingdom. Xiao Nan Yi's abilities in political affairs became increasingly outstanding. He assisted Xiao Jing Chuan in handling various documents, participated in the formulation of national policies, and won the recognition and respect of the ministers. Xiao Nan Yao, on the other hand, became a special member of the palace guards. Her light-footed skills and hidden weapon techniques made her play an important role in protecting the safety of the palace.
Meanwhile, Xiao Nanxuan and Xiao Nanyue thrived under the influence of their older siblings. Xiao Nanxuan showed a keen interest in military affairs, often learning military strategy and tactics from the generals, dreaming of one day leading the Nanzhao army to defend the borders. Xiao Nanyue, on the other hand, possessed a unique talent for culture and art. She excelled in painting and poetry, and her works were frequently exhibited in the palace, adding a vibrant touch to the culture of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
On a grand festival, the Nanzhao Kingdom held a solemn celebration. The palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the people took to the streets to celebrate. Xiao Nanyi, Xiao Nanyao, Xiao Nanxuan, and Xiao Nanyue stood on the city wall of the palace, watching the lively scene, their hearts filled with emotion.
Looking down at the joyful people, Xiao Nanyi said to his younger siblings, "We must work hard to ensure that the Nanzhao Kingdom remains prosperous forever, so that all the people can live happy lives." Xiao Nanyao, Xiao Nanxuan, and Xiao Nanyue nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with anticipation and determination for the future.
At this moment, Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli walked over. Looking at the four children, Xiao Jingchuan was filled with pride and joy: "Children, you have all grown up. The future of Nanzhao Kingdom depends on you." Gu Liuli also smiled and said: "No matter what difficulties you encounter, you must unite as one and face them together."
On behalf of his younger siblings, Xiao Nanyi replied, "Grandpa, Grandma, we definitely will!" Amid the lively festive atmosphere, the four children secretly made a vow.
The grand festival celebrations came to a close amidst laughter and joy, but Xiao Jingchuan knew that the children's growth was closely linked to the future of the Nanzhao Kingdom, and the important task of educating them could not be delayed. The day after the celebrations ended, Xiao Jingchuan summoned the four children to the Imperial Study.
Inside the Imperial Study, the air was filled with the sweet fragrance of sandalwood incense, and rows of bookshelves were overflowing with precious books, creating a rich scholarly atmosphere. Xiao Jingchuan sat in the main seat, his expression gentle yet solemn, looking at Xiao Nanyi, Xiao Nanyao, Xiao Nanxuan, and Xiao Nanyue standing before him. The four children, still carrying the excitement of the festival, stood obediently at their feet, their eyes filled with anticipation for their grandfather's teachings.
“Children, you saw yesterday’s celebration. The people of Nanzhao were so happy. This peaceful and prosperous era was achieved by our ancestors after countless hardships.” Xiao Jingchuan spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful. “But this prosperity did not come easily. You bear the heavy responsibility of protecting and developing it.”
Xiao Nan Yi nodded first, saying earnestly, "Grandpa Emperor, I understand. I will definitely study hard and live up to your and the people's expectations." Xiao Nan Yao quickly followed suit, "Me too, I will protect everyone." Although Xiao Nan Xuan and Xiao Nan Yue were young, they also nodded vigorously. Xiao Nan Xuan said in a childish voice, "I want to be as powerful as Grandpa Emperor in the future and protect the country!" Xiao Nan Yue blinked her big eyes and looked at Xiao Jing Chuan firmly.
Xiao Jingchuan smiled with satisfaction. He picked up a copy of "A Comprehensive Mirror for Governing the Country" and opened it to a page: "Yi'er, come here. This book records a famine in the previous dynasty. Due to the court's inadequate response, many people were displaced and the country's vitality was severely damaged. Tell me, if you were in that situation, what would you have done?"
Xiao Nanyi walked to Xiao Jingchuan's side, took the book, and began to read it carefully. After a moment, he looked up, thought for a moment, and said, "Grandpa Emperor, I think we should first open the granaries as soon as possible to solve the people's food and clothing problems. Then we should organize people to repair the water conservancy projects to prepare for next year's planting. We should also appease the people to prevent anyone from taking the opportunity to cause trouble."
Xiao Jingchuan nodded in satisfaction: "That's right. As the future crown prince, caring for the people is your primary responsibility. But there are many details to pay attention to, such as the quantity and distribution of grain, and how to ensure that the grain truly reaches the people and is not embezzled by corrupt officials. These all require careful planning."
Then, Xiao Jingchuan turned to Xiao Nanyao: "Yao'er, if the palace is attacked by assassins, and you are responsible for protecting the harem, how would you plan to proceed?"
Xiao Nanyao's eyes lit up, and she said with great interest, "I will first arrange for guards to guard all the entrances and exits of the harem, and then use my lightness skill to patrol the palace. Once I find any trace of an assassin, I will attack with hidden weapons and at the same time send a signal to notify the other guards."
Xiao Jingchuan smiled and said, “The idea is good, but you must understand that assassins are often cunning and may set traps to lure you in. Before taking action, you must calmly analyze the situation, understand the assassin’s purpose and possible routes, and know yourself and your enemy. Moreover, protecting the harem is not just about armed confrontation, but also about calming the emotions of everyone in the harem and preventing panic from spreading.”
When it was Xiao Nanxuan's turn, Xiao Jingchuan took out a military map, pointed to the border defense line on it, and said, "Xuan'er, you have always been interested in military affairs. If the enemy invades this area, how do you plan to defend it?"
Xiao Nanxuan looked at the map, his eyes sparkling with excitement: "Grandpa, I will set up ambushes in strategic locations, and attack the enemy from both sides once they enter the encirclement. We can also use the terrain to roll logs and rocks down the mountains to block their advance."
Xiao Jingchuan patted Xiao Nanxuan's head: "Your courage is commendable, but war is by no means that simple. You have to consider the enemy's strength, equipment, and tactics, as well as pay attention to logistics and the cooperation of friendly forces. A victory is often the result of a combination of factors, so you must not underestimate the enemy or advance rashly."
Finally, Xiao Jingchuan said to Xiao Nanyue, "Yue'er, you like poetry and painting, so what do you think culture means to a country?"
Xiao Nanyue tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said, "Culture can make everyone happier, and it can also make the Nanzhao Kingdom more famous."
Xiao Jingchuan smiled and said, "That's right, culture is the soul of a country. Poetry and painting can cultivate people's sentiments and pass on our history and values. You should use your talent to show the customs and culture of the Nanzhao Kingdom and the various aspects of people's lives, so that more people can understand and love our country."
In the days that followed, Xiao Jingchuan dedicated time each day to teaching the children. He took Xiao Nanyi deep into the countryside, visiting farmers and merchants, allowing him to experience firsthand the lives of ordinary people, understand their hardships, and learn how to formulate reasonable policies to promote national economic development. In the fields, Xiao Jingchuan pointed to the working people and said to Xiao Nanyi, "Yi'er, the people are the foundation of the nation. They work hard, and what we must do is create a good environment for them so that they can live and work in peace and contentment."