Chapter 10, Living Plan

Zhu Changxun did not expect that the seven-year-old Zhu Yousong would understand his meaning, but to his surprise, Zhu Yousong replied: "I understand my father's intention. In the future, I will seek land and property, and act with authority."

Zhu Changxun's reminder was certainly well-intentioned, so Zhu Yousong replied: "Although my son cannot be undeterred by wind and rain, he will certainly strive to do his best!"

The prince reads without seeking deep understanding, but Zhu Youzong does not wish to waste time on repetitive memorization

Zhu Yousong responded: "Very well, that child shall come to pay respects to the King and Queen after having his meal (breakfast)"

The Prince of Fu laughed heartily: "You certainly look like an elder brother!"

Prince Fu originally did not wish for Zhu Yousong to learn any archery or martial arts, but Zhu Yousong's intention was to strengthen his body rather than to compete on the battlefield. Therefore, after some consideration, he agreed: "Son, the great way is simple, and the value lies in persistence. I hope you can follow through on your words!"

Zhu Yousong replied calmly: "Father has been busy managing affairs in the residence these past few days, and I do not dare to disturb him. Moreover, regarding my studies, I have my own views, so I kindly ask Father to allow me to find a teacher on my own."

The face of Ding Wei, who was sent by the Eastern Factory, suddenly changed, and he hurriedly replied: "This servant knows what to do!"

The Prince of Fu nodded and said: "Certainly!"

The Duke of Fu smirked and said: "Song'er, isn't it too late to get up at 3:45 AM? And isn't it too early to rise at the end of the hour of the rabbit?"

Zhu Changxun looked at Ding Weidao and said: "Everyone has heard it, when can we gather all the companions and teachers?"

"The teacher does not need to be highly learned; a scholar is acceptable, as are those with genuine talent and knowledge, but they must not be mere rote learners like the old Confucian masters," Zhu Youceng replied. "The child does not wish to read the same book a hundred times to understand its meaning."

Yao also nodded and smiled lightly over there, at this moment Zhu Yousong stood up and respectfully addressed the King of Fu and Yao: "Father, Mother, I would like to arrange my own studies!"

Having determined the time for rising early and morning reflection, Prince Fu skipped the meal section and continued reading. He saw written on the paper: "Between the hours of Chen and Si, practice writing fifty to eighty essays, and additionally, walk briskly around the royal residence for half an hour."

Zhu Changxun nodded slightly and continued to read further. He saw the paper stating: "After lunch, take a half-hour rest, begin reading at the beginning of the hour, and stop at the hour of Shen. Occasionally pay respects to the King and Queen Mother, enjoy a meal together, return to bathe, and study for another half hour before going to sleep"

Yao said: "There is no need to be so hasty. When selecting the best teachers and assistants, one must not allow the unlearned and the unruly to enter the residence and waste the opportunity for prosperity."

Although it is not possible to stay at Dabaos, having many children and grandchildren is always a good thing. Therefore, Zhu Changxun joyfully said to the Yao family, "You have worked hard!"

The Prince of Fu said: "Given his level of laziness, in this world, in the future ... ... "

Zhu Yousong replied: "Originally, I intended to practice martial arts with the guards of the Wang residence for an hour, thinking it would strengthen my body. However, I am currently weak and fear that I cannot endure such hardship. Therefore, I first take brisk walks around the Wang residence for fitness. Once my body has slightly developed, I will study some of the most basic archery and equestrian skills."

As a prince of the Ming Dynasty, one may not be well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, but one must certainly be proficient in writing. Therefore, it is only natural to practice calligraphy every day. However, what is the meaning of walking briskly around the royal palace three times? Thus, Prince Fu questioned, "Cong'er, why do you want to walk around the royal palace?"

Zhu Changxun signaled with his eyes, and Ding Wei obediently retreated. At this moment, Zhu Changxun lamented, "As long as Father Emperor is still around, these dog servants do not dare to overstep their bounds. However, if that day truly comes, the Crown Prince is likely to not tolerate us! Therefore, Song'er, do not take your studies too seriously, and do not practice martial arts too diligently; it is wise to just get by and protect oneself!"

Zhu Yousong handed over a schedule and then said to Prince Fu: "This is not related to Li Banban; it is indeed the child's own idea"

Zhu Changxun spoke: "It should be so, my son, a noble scion of heaven, there is no need to learn the posturing of a pedant"

The Left Minister Ding Wei of the Fuwangfu, serving the Fuwang and the Yao family, congratulated, saying: "Your Highness, the esteemed physician has just examined her, and the princess is once again with child"

Yao turned to the little adult-like Zhu Yousong and asked, "Fuba, do you want a younger brother or a younger sister?"

Upon seeing Zhu Changxun agree to seek out a teacher according to his own requirements, Zhu Yousong further requested: "Additionally, the child wishes to have fifteen to twenty companions of similar age for study, please grant permission, Father!"

Indeed, it is too early; Prince Fu is still resting in his high chamber

Thus, Prince Fu cleared his throat and changed the subject, saying: "Very well, I will allow you to rise at 3:45 AM, but there is no need to come for the morning audience so early; you may come again at 7:00 AM instead"

Ding Wei immediately assured, "Please rest assured, Your Highness and the Young Master, I will gather everyone within three days!"

The Prince of Fu asked in surprise, "At such a young age, what opinions do you hold of your own? Could it be that Li An is instigating you?"

When King Fu reached this point, he suddenly found himself unable to continue. Indeed, in this world, there is no longer a place for him and his son. Therefore, being overly diligent may instead invite attacks from those purists who would accuse him of harboring unextinguished ambitions

Prince Fu blinked and sighed, saying: "Father, I momentarily forgot to arrange for you to study!"

In the poem "Encouragement to Study" by Yan Zhenqing from the Tang Dynasty, it is written, "The lamp is lit at midnight, and the rooster crows at dawn; this is the time for a young man to study." However, Zhu Youceng does not need to take the imperial examination, and moreover, he is only seven years old, still growing and in need of more sleep. Therefore, without him needing to argue for himself, the nearby Concubine Yao spoke up to refute, "Your Highness, Fuba is still young; why should he get up so early?"

Zhu Changxun stared blankly at Zhu Yousong and sighed again: "Ah, Zhaojia, it is a pity that Father is incompetent and cannot hand over the picturesque rivers and mountains to you; it is Father who has let you down..."

Of course, it doesn't matter if it cannot be done; after all, Zhu Youzong has no other way out in this life except for the sound of bells and the clatter of dishes.

The Prince of Fu took the schedule and saw that it was written in the childish handwriting of Zhu Youzong

Prince Fu calculated that this afternoon, Zhu Youzong would read for an hour and a half. Although this is quite little compared to the average student, it can still be considered diligent. Therefore, he agreed: "You may act according to my son's wishes, but my son, what kind of teacher do you desire?"

Rise at 3:45 AM, wash up, and pay respects to my father and mother around the end of the hour of the Rabbit

The hour of the Rabbit refers to the time from 5 AM to 7 AM. In another context, this time is neither early nor late; it is approximately when most people wake up, have breakfast, and go to work. However, during the Ming Dynasty, this time was somewhat different, as the official offices had already begun their duties, which means they were already at work. Therefore, in the Ming Dynasty, people generally woke up during the hour of the Tiger, which is from 3 AM to 5 AM.

Zhu Changxun also said: "What the princess said is very true. Let it be this way, a limit of ten days. If it is accomplished within ten days, that will be it! If there are any requests for favors during this time that lead to a major mistake, you shall return to Beijing to face the consequences!"

Zhu Yousong responded: "Younger brothers and sisters, all the children like it"