jdhmnovel Chapter 236 School Days
Chapter 236 School Days
In the early morning at the Xijing Kingdom's palace, sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the floor. Inside Jiang You'an's bedchamber, his wet nurse was dressing him in a brand-new, plain-colored brocade robe. The hem of the robe was embroidered with delicate scroll patterns, making him look even more lively and adorable. Jiang You'an opened his large, watery eyes, gazing around curiously, his little head filled with anticipation for the new day.
"Young prince, His Majesty will be testing you on the Three Character Classic today, so you must perform well," the wet nurse said gently as she straightened his collar.
Jiang Youan nodded vigorously and said in his childish voice, "Nanny, I will memorize it well, I have learned it all!" His voice was clear and loud, full of confidence, and his little face was filled with an expectant smile.
A moment later, Jiang Liushen strode into the palace with steady steps. He wore a black dragon robe embroidered with golden dragon patterns, which made him look majestic and solemn. When he saw Jiang Youan, a loving smile appeared on his face: "Youan, are you ready? Your father will test you today."
Jiang Youan rushed to Jiang Liushen's side, grabbed his big hand, and said excitedly, "Father, I'm ready, please test me!" His eyes were bright and sparkling with a desire to be recognized.
Jiang Liushen led Jiang Youan to the study, which was filled with the faint scent of ink. The bookshelves were filled with various books, and the walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings by renowned artists, giving the room an antique and elegant feel. Jiang Youan looked around curiously, his eyes brimming with a thirst for knowledge.
"You'an, recite the Three Character Classic for your father first." Jiang Liushen sat upright in the exquisitely carved sandalwood chair, a warm smile on his face, looking at the child in front of him with loving eyes, speaking softly and gently.
Upon hearing his father's words, Jiang Youan immediately straightened his small body, standing as upright as a pine tree. He tilted his head slightly, his clear, bright eyes shining with confidence and determination. Then, he coughed lightly to clear his tender throat, and began to recite aloud: "At birth, man's nature is good. Their natures are similar, but their habits differ. If not taught, their nature will change..."
That clear and melodious child's voice was like a bird singing merrily in spring, melodious and pleasant; it was also like the sound of a babbling brook flowing in a mountain stream, clear and pure. Every word that came out of his mouth was so clear, accurate and rhythmic, that one couldn't help but be captivated by it.
Jiang Liushen listened quietly to his son's recitation with a smile, his eyes full of approval. As Jiang Youan recited the classic lines fluently, Jiang Liushen thought to himself, "This child is truly exceptionally intelligent!" Just then, when Jiang Youan recited the line, "Xiang Jiuling, able to warm the bed. Filial piety to parents, what should be upheld," Jiang Liushen suddenly raised his hand, signaling his son to stop.
"You'an, do you know what these sentences mean?" Jiang Liushen asked.
Jiang Youan tilted his head and thought for a moment, then said seriously, "I know, it means that when Huang Xiang was nine years old, he knew how to warm his father's bed in winter. We should learn from him and be filial to our parents." His eyes were filled with innocence and determination, as if he wanted to show that he also wanted to be a filial child.
Jiang Liushen nodded in satisfaction: "You'an is very smart, you understand very well. Can you tell me how you usually show filial piety to your father and mother?"
Jiang Youan blinked and said, "I will massage Mother's back and save the best snacks for Father. Last time I even helped the wet nurse make tea for you!" He gestured as he spoke, his face beaming with pride.
Jiang Liushen smiled and patted his head: "You'an did a great job. I hope you will always remember that filial piety is the foundation of being a good person."
Then, Jiang Youan continued reciting. When he recited "Rong was four years old, and he could share pears. He should know first when giving to his elder brother," Jiang Liushen asked him a question again.
“You’an, what does this story tell us?” Jiang Liushen asked.
Jiang Youan immediately replied, "It means that when Kong Rong was four years old, he knew to give the bigger pear to his older brother. We should learn to be modest." His voice was loud and clear, and his answer was without hesitation.
"So, if you're playing with other children and there's a fun toy, what would you do?" Jiang Liushen continued to guide them.
Jiang Youan thought for a moment and said, "I will play with the other children. If there is only one toy, I will let them play with it first." His eyes revealed kindness and understanding, and the seeds of virtue had already been planted in his young heart.
Jiang Liushen smiled with satisfaction: "You'an is so sensible, Father is very happy."
Jiang Youan, praised, recited even more enthusiastically and finished the Three Character Classic in one go. Jiang Liushen clapped and praised, "Youan recited it wonderfully, without a single mistake, and his understanding was also very thorough."
Jiang Youan smiled happily, his face beaming with joy: "Thank you for the praise, Father. I will study even harder in the future!" His voice was full of energy and enthusiasm for learning.
At this moment, Jia Xiaoyan also entered the study. Seeing Jiang Youan's excited expression, she smiled and asked, "Youan, did Father praise you?"
Just then, Jia Xiaoyan walked lightly into the study, which was filled with the faint scent of books. The moment she stepped inside, she saw Jiang Youan's face, which was brimming with excitement. Jiang Youan's cheeks were slightly flushed with excitement, and his eyes sparkled with joy, as if he were completely immersed in an atmosphere of extreme pleasure.
Seeing this, Jia Xiaoyan couldn't help but smile gently and asked softly, "You'an, look how happy you are. Did you just receive praise from your father?" As she spoke, she walked to Jiang You'an's side and gently patted his head with her jade-like hand.
Upon hearing his mother's question, Jiang Youan nodded eagerly, then ran to Jia Xiaoyan's side like a cheerful little bird. He grabbed her sleeve and began to vividly and eloquently recount everything that had just happened. From the cause to the process to the final outcome, every detail was described clearly, as if afraid of omitting any important information.
Jia Xiaoyan listened quietly to her son's story, a kind smile always on her face. After Jiang Youan finished speaking, she gently patted his shoulder and softly praised him, "My Youan is truly amazing! Your mother is so proud of you for such an outstanding performance!"
Hearing his mother's words of praise, Jiang Youan felt as sweet as if he had eaten honey. Overjoyed, he tightly grasped Jiang Liushen and Jia Xiaoyan's hands, shaking his arms and pleading, "Father, Mother, I want to hear you tell me more stories. Please?"
Jiang Liushen and Jia Xiaoyan exchanged a glance and smiled knowingly at each other. Then, they sat down together, pulled Jiang Youan into their arms, and began to tell him ancient and wise stories of sages.
Jiang You'an listened intently to every word his parents spoke, his bright eyes fixed on them, never looking away. Whenever he heard something exciting, he couldn't help but show surprise; and when he heard something funny, he would laugh heartily like a child. The entire study echoed with the happy laughter of the family of three.