Chapter Four, Three Character Classic
Sitting in the sedan chair, the speed of travel was swift, and before long, they arrived in front of the Taiji Palace. Li Er was waiting for Li Yi in the study. After a routine inspection by Yida Tong, Li Yi entered under the guidance of a guard
Li Yi pondered left and right but could not come up with a good solution. In desperation, he could only go to find his mother, Empress Zhao Yuan. However, Empress Zhao Yuan was also not in the Yuan Zhen Hall. Just as Li Yi was in a difficult situation, a eunuch approached him, saying that the Emperor wished to see him
"It is gone," Li Yi said, bowing slightly.
Little Fatty, help me a bit
"Emperor Gaozu of Tang, leader of the uprising. He eliminated the chaos of the Sui dynasty and established the foundation of the nation. Twenty generations, three hundred years. The Liang dynasty extinguished it, and the nation was thus transformed." This is something that absolutely cannot be spoken aloud
Having walked past the screen blocking the doorway, Li Yi finally saw the man whose name would be etched in history
I have seen my father, my mother, and my teacher
As he reached the door, Li Yi noticed that his palms were slightly sweaty. Behind the door was none other than the historically renowned Emperor Li Er, also known as Li Shimin, the supreme leader of the entire Tang Empire. Although he was the father of Li Yi in this life, Li Yi had no impression of Li Shimin at all.
Li Er appeared to be nearly 40 years old. In terms of appearance, he was not particularly handsome, with a square face that exuded a certain ruggedness. He wore a simple outfit consisting of a narrow-sleeved, round-collared robe, a nine-loop belt, and six-harmony boots, all of which formed a straightforward set of everyday clothing
"Is this... your handwriting?" Li Er asked, pointing at the writing on the paper with a hint of surprise.
Wei Zheng certainly does not believe that such a catchy three-character classic was conceived by Li Yi himself; it must have been taught to him by someone. It is rumored that His Highness the Ninth Prince is somewhat simple-minded, which is why he cannot study alongside the other princes and princesses. It is also possible that His Majesty requested a great scholar to provide special instruction for His Highness the Ninth Prince. However, it remains unknown which great scholar authored such an easily comprehensible and catchy work for enlightenment.
Li Yi nodded at the old eunuch, then pushed open the door and walked in
Li Yi felt a bit displeased, his eyes caught sight of the book in his hand, and he realized that he was holding it upside down
He was asked a few more minor questions, which were merely some simple elementary learning questions, including arithmetic and questions from the "Classic of Filial Piety" and the "Analects." Li Yi answered them all without any mistakes.
Oh, so this is how it works? Li Yi suddenly realized, allowing Gao Bao and another eunuch to carry him out.
However, in addition to farming, there are many other matters to prepare for. Just thinking about it makes Li Yi feel a bit overwhelmed. He took a charcoal pencil and paper, sketching and writing on the blueprints displayed on his laptop.
In my impression, this brother named Li Yi seems to be a fool, right? How is it that today he can not only recite such a long passage but also looks not foolish at all?
It is akin to a child holding a real gun; others might assume it is merely an ordinary toy. The same applies to Li Yi; people may find it somewhat strange but will not delve too deeply into it. Calligraphy is an art that requires in-depth study to grasp its essence. Merely writing a few characters does not reach the level of astonishing others. However, observing Wei Zheng requesting Li Er to give him the paper, Li Yi estimates that Wei Zheng will soon approach him regarding issues related to the font.
Oh? Are you calling me?
Li Yi stopped abruptly here, his scalp tingling, exclaiming, "It's exploded, it's exploded! The 'Three Character Classic' was written by Wang Yinglin during the Song Dynasty! Wang Yinglin is not even two cells now!"
However, Wei Zheng made a round of inspection, and soon everyone quieted down again
Cough cough
Li Yi was directly presented with one of them, marveling at how attentive the service of the eunuchs and palace maids was, far surpassing that of any five-star hotel
This was written by the son of the subject
Your Highness, the King, please enter; His Majesty has been waiting for a long time
I see, then you should take more time to rest. Li Er nodded, looking quite pleased; after all, his foolish son had returned to normal. Forgetting a few things is nothing, considering that when he was foolish, he probably didn't remember much at all.
Li Zhi, who was frowning beside me, was also carried out by two eunuchs.
Forget it, this is a万能油, Li Yi decided to make good use of it
"Your Highness, the King, please think carefully. If you remember anything, inform me at the first opportunity." Wei Zheng felt a bit disappointed, but it was alright; he was already about eighty percent sure that it was likely the Emperor who had someone enlighten him. He could find an opportunity later to bring this up with the Emperor and inquire about the matter.
"Your servant wishes to leave the palace to take a look around" Li Yi stated directly without any circumlocution
Yier, no need for formalities. I heard from your mother that you have mostly recovered from your illness, and your performance at Hongwen Pavilion today was quite good.
"By the way, His Highness King Zhou asked you to transcribe the Three Character Classic that you just recited for me." Wei Zheng did not explain the reason, but Li Yi could mostly guess it; he certainly wanted to take it home to ponder over it carefully. After all, the Three Character Classic has been passed down for over a thousand years and is still in use today, having withstood the test of history. The knowledge contained within it is naturally not something that can be easily articulated in just a few words.
Upon hearing Li Yi's words, Li Er turned to the side to look at Princess Zhao Yuan.
Li Shimin then smiled and said: "I heard from Duke Zheng that you were particularly quick-witted at the Hongwen Pavilion today, not at all as dull as before. You even recited a Three-Character Classic, which was quite interesting. Recite it for me to hear."
What comes next?
Observing the increasingly broad smile of His Majesty Emperor Li Er before him, along with Wei Zheng who was incessantly stroking his beard and nodding, Li Yi felt that the moment had arrived
We should remember the words of the sage, for you are the proud children of heaven, and must awaken yourselves. Well then, let us conclude the lessons for these few days
With fists clasped, he performed a bow and said, Li Yi:
Li Yi finally breathed a sigh of relief. After kneeling for so long, he knew he absolutely could not get up. At this moment, he could not care less that the chubby boy sitting next to him was the future Emperor Gaozong of Tang. He reached out, wanting Li Zhi to pull him up, but when he turned his head, he saw a pained expression on Li Zhi's face. Li Zhi was also kneeling on the ground, motionless, just like Li Yi. Looking around, he noticed that the other princes and princesses in the classroom were also still. What was going on?
Having prepared the materials, Li Yi stepped out the door with the blueprints in hand. However, just as he took his first step outside, he found himself in a bit of a dilemma. In order to transform these blueprints into tangible objects, he would need to find craftsmen to create them. It was certain that there would be no craftsmen within the palace, so he would have to venture outside the palace to find them.
"Your Majesty, do not indulge Yi too much; this is what he ought to do," said Empress Zhao Yuan, smiling brightly at Li Yi, though she still felt the need to say this.
The Northern Yuan Wei was divided into East and West. The Yuwen clan of Zhou coexisted with Gao Qi. By the time of the Sui dynasty, it became a unified territory. It was no longer transmitted, and the lineage was lost
This thing was memorized in Li Yi Kindergarten, and after the time travel, the memory is quite clear, allowing for a verbatim recitation. However, the more I recited, the more I felt that everyone's expressions were increasingly strange, especially Wei Zheng's expression, which seemed to convey a sense of being deeply immersed and unable to extricate himself, as if he were not listening to the Three Character Classic, but rather to some beautiful song.
Does Li Er want to see me
I have forgotten; ever since the last head injury, I have forgotten many things
A strong scent of sandalwood incense wafted through the air, so pungent that Li Yi couldn't help but furrow his brow
Wei Zheng said expressionlessly
Yi Er has just recovered from a serious illness, and being able to catch up on studies in such a short time brings me great comfort. If you have any requests, feel free to speak up. Li Er appears to be in very good spirits.
Li Yi was momentarily taken aback, only to realize that he was still sitting cross-legged, which was rather too casual. He quickly stood up and bowed respectfully, saying:
Indeed, this is a small parent-teacher meeting
Li Yi responded with a sound and passed through the situation without any danger. He sat down and imitated the kneeling posture of the chubby Li Zhi. At first, it was fine, but later Li Yi wished he could give himself a couple of slaps on the face. Why bother pretending to be sophisticated when he could simply sit cross-legged? Now, his legs had gone numb from kneeling, feeling as if they were no longer his own. The key issue was that Wei Zheng, that old man, kept droning on and on on stage without any break. Wasn't he tired? Didn't he have any awareness of others' fatigue? Why bother pretending to be sophisticated when he could simply sit cross-legged? Now, his legs had gone numb from kneeling, feeling as if they were no longer his own. The key issue was that Wei Zheng, that old man, kept droning on and on on stage without any break. Wasn't he tired? Didn't he have any awareness of others' fatigue?
Wei Zheng understood that this was a matter concerning the imperial family, and wisely chose to remain silent
After Wei Zheng finished speaking, he bowed to the group of children, and the princes and princesses also knelt on their cushions and bowed to Wei Zheng
Li Yi felt a bit uneasy; generally, when encountering such a situation, it often means that the teacher is looking to create trouble for him. It seems he hasn't provoked the teacher, has he? Could it be that the teacher has heard about the past when Li Yi was a fool who deliberately sought trouble?
An elderly eunuch with a beaming smile, bent over, said to Li Yi, who was standing at the door.
Finally finished speaking? Class is over? Li Yi was taken aback, estimating that he had spoken for more than an hour, the old fellow really can talk
Li Yi actually did not care about what book he was holding in his hand, since he was here to learn the basics, he was merely reading the Three Character Classic and the Hundred Family Surnames, could it be that he was reading "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"?
Li Er nodded slightly and then handed the paper to Wei Zheng beside him. Wei Zheng glanced at it from top to bottom and smiled as he offered a few compliments, praising the calligraphy as vigorous and powerful, crisp and neat, with a striking presence, among other remarks
The emperor's summons must not be neglected; there was no time to return a large pile of drawings and items to the room, and thus, he was hurriedly escorted away by a group of eunuchs and palace maids.
As Wei Zheng's words fell, there was a long silence, and no one responded
Li Shimin was taken aback, slightly furrowing his brow, and it was evident that he was somewhat displeased
No problem, no problem
Who taught you this
In addition to Li Er, there were two other individuals in the room, which took Li Yi by surprise. One was Wei Zheng, and the other was his mother, Empress Zhao Yuan.
Wei Zheng asked a few more questions about when Li Yi learned to practice such characters. Li Yi naturally brought out the amnesia remedy to respond. After being encouraged a few more times, no one finally dwelled too much on the matter of the characters.
Mr. Gui, I am reciting the Three Character Classic
One cannot take a sedan chair on the way to school, but once one exits the Hongwen Pavilion, there are no significant issues, as there are already sedan chairs waiting at the entrance for the numerous princes and princesses.
Li Yi was swaggeringly carried away, while the other princes and princesses felt somewhat perplexed
Li Yi certainly understands what is being said; he studied traditional Chinese culture when he was young
Li Yi was feeling quite strange, and as a result, the eunuchs and palace maids waiting outside entered in succession. Pairs of them walked to the side of the prince and princess, and one could see the eunuchs and palace maids skillfully assisting the kneeling palace maids to rise. Some of the slightly older children managed to stand up on their own, but they still held onto the hands of the eunuchs and palace maids in order to walk towards the classroom.
Returning to Father Emperor, the illness of the son has almost recovered, but regarding the past events, the memories are somewhat vague and not very clear
Li Yi greeted each person in the room with a bow
Seeing the emperor, the concubines, and the ministers all in the same room, Li Yi had already guessed that it was likely related to the Three Character Classic he had recited today
If it has to be, then so be it. After all, I have no notable qualities and my skin is thick enough. Casually putting away the book, Li Yi began to recite the Three Character Classic.
Your Majesty, the imperial physician has stated that Yi Er has suffered a head injury, and the blood stasis is difficult to clear. It is possible that he may forget some past events. A prescription for calming the mind and soothing the spirit has already been prepared.
Father Emperor, in fact, I have a small request.
The chubby Li Zhi nudged Li Yi's arm with his elbow from the side
Exit the palace
Exiting the palace is a significant issue
Li Yi's sudden pause left Wei Zheng feeling somewhat lost and disheartened, prompting him to ask eagerly, as the previous sense of sternness had dissipated
However, no one would be foolish enough to approach Li Yi and ask him why he is not acting foolishly
Wei Zheng turned around, but after recalling something, he turned back and looked at Li Yi
Li Yi responded with a sound, thought for a moment, and then recited the Three Character Classic, of course omitting all parts related to the Tang Dynasty. As Li Er listened to Li Yi reciting, his eyes sparkled with excitement. Wei Zheng, who had already heard it, shook his head and seemed lost in thought. Empress Zhao Yuan was laughing to the point of tears, which might be described as weeping for joy. After finishing, Li Yi presented his handwritten version of the Three Character Classic, which he intended to give to Wei Zheng, to Li Er.
Your Highness, King Zhou, what book are you reading
However, as soon as Li Yi finished speaking, the surrounding princes and princesses began to whisper among themselves, causing the room to suddenly become somewhat noisy
Upon returning to the Yuan Zhen Hall, Li Yi immediately immersed himself in the room, first transcribing a copy of the "Three Character Classic" from memory, which should be sufficient to satisfy Wei Zheng. As long as he could continue his studies at the Hongwen Academy, it did not matter what he did in the Yuan Zhen Hall; the Empress Zhao Yuan would not inquire about it. This made things easier. In addition to planting potatoes in the large vat, he could also cultivate a piece of land to grow corn. It was uncertain whether potatoes and corn from over a thousand years ago could still be cultivated.
Li Er smiled in front of him; if it weren't for the fact that he remembered he was the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yi would have almost thought he was a somewhat more authoritative parent
"Three Character Classic? Why don't you read it to me?"
Li Yi bowed and said, since this era has not yet seen the slender gold script, he did not intend to change his writing style to learn the script of the Tang Dynasty, and it would take time to change; he had already become accustomed to his own writing style