Chapter 679: The Education of the Princes

Wenhua Hall, located near the Three Institutes, had originally been used only to pile up miscellaneous items, until last spring, when Liu Chengyou ordered it cleaned up for the princes to study in. By now, four princes were studying in Wenhua Hall: the eldest, Liu Xu; the second, Liu Yang; the third, Liu Xi; and the fourth, Liu Fang.

Inside and outside the hall, apart from some palace attendants and guards, there was only that one teacher and four students, which looked rather quiet and lonely. Raising a hand to make a silencing gesture to the eunuch who had bowed, he stood beneath the curtain, observing the situation inside.

Zhang Zhao was holding a book, leading the princes in reciting, studying the *Analects*: "The Master said: 'The gentleman does not seek to eat to fullness, nor seek comfort in his dwelling; he is diligent in affairs and cautious in speech, and seeks the company of the virtuous to correct himself. Such a one may be called fond of learning.'"

Liu Chengyou had inquired and learned that Zhang Zhao's instruction of the princes was still at the foundational stage, primarily teaching the *Thousand Character Classic*, the *Classic of Filial Piety*, and the *Analects*. However, in Liu Chengyou's view, the foundational texts were still too few.

In light of this, Liu Chengyou had ordered the Academicians of the Three Institutes to compile a reader suitable for children's enlightenment, and had made demands based on the *Three Character Classic* and the *Hundred Family Surnames*. There was no help for it — he could only recite the first few lines of both those books, so he had to commission the court's learned scholars to custom-make one.

The several princes studied fairly earnestly; the only one whose attention wandered, looking utterly bored, was the fourth prince, Liu Fang, who had shown a restless disposition ever since before he could walk.

Looking around, he immediately spotted Liu Chengyou standing behind him, and his dark eyes lit up — but upon seeing his father's stern expression, he gave a start, immediately straightened his attitude, and sat up ramrod straight.

Liu Fang's unusual behavior naturally drew the attention of the others; their gazes turned, and the sound of reading ceased at once.

"Your Majesty!" Zhang Zhao came forward to greet him.

The several princes, in neat formation, stepped forward to pay their respects.

"Rise, Minister Zhang!" Liu Chengyou looked at Zhang Zhao with magnanimity and said, "I have interrupted your lesson!"

"Your Majesty is too kind!"

His gaze fell upon his several sons. Liu Xu was already seven, like a little adult, with proper bearing. Liu Yang and Liu Xi were six; though young, the natural nobility about them — the confidence of the imperial house could already be seen on their two youthful faces.

As for Liu Fang, he was the youngest but the most energetic, coming forward ingratiatingly to hug Liu Chengyou's leg, looking up at him with wide eyes: "Father, have you come to watch us study?"

Facing that adorable gaze tinged with a hint of cleverness, Liu Chengyou vaguely remembered the scene of this child wiping his snot on his imperial robe; now, he was growing up day by day.

"Yes!" Patting his head, Liu Chengyou revealed a slight smile: "It's just that the moment I arrived, I saw you not concentrating on your studies, your mind elsewhere!"

Liu Fang pouted and said, "What Master Zhang teaches, I can't understand at all!"

The moment those words fell, Zhang Zhao's expression changed abruptly — wasn't this saying that he, the teacher, didn't know how to teach? He blew on his beard in some embarrassment.

After all, he was a five-year-old child, and children speak without restraint. Liu Chengyou instructed him: "It's fine if you don't understand — first learn to read, learn to write, learn to recite. Master Zhang is a learned scholar; what he teaches you are the words of the sages. When you grow a bit older, you'll naturally understand."

These words of Liu Chengyou's made Zhang Zhao feel much better.

His expression turning stern again, Liu Chengyou asked Liu Fang: "How much of the *Thousand Character Classic* can you recite?"

At the question, Liu Fang was taken aback, released Liu Chengyou's leg, thought for a moment, then answered confidently: "I can read it."

Faced with his clever non-answer, Liu Chengyou was amused. Looking at his other three sons, Liu Chengyou said to Zhang Zhao: "Minister Zhang, I'll borrow these students of yours for a while!"

Bright sunlight spilled between the palace halls, shining upon a sharp precious sword and reflecting a dazzling gleam. Liu Chengyou held the sword with both hands, able to feel its heavy weight, and moved it in measured, deliberate strokes.

The forms he wielded were the basic drill movements of the Great Han's imperial army. Off to one side, the four princes each held a wooden sword, following along under the urging and guidance of their instructor.

That's right — Liu Chengyou had "borrowed" the princes to bring them here to practice martial arts and strengthen their bodies, and the instructor he had found for them was Duke of Fen, Yao Yuanfu.

Clearly, compared to sitting in Wenhua Hall studying, practicing martial arts was more interesting — but after a long time, the monotonous movement drills became less comfortable than sitting behind a desk...

They say the sword moves lightly, but after concentrating and swinging for a long time, one's arms grow sore. By the time Liu Chengyou finished practicing five sets of the "Imperial Army Eighteen Forms," fine sweat had appeared on his forehead, and his back felt hot.

Returning the sword to its sheath and handing it to a palace eunuch to put away, Liu Chengyou took a silk handkerchief to wipe his sweat, then stood with his hands behind his back watching his sons practice. Liu Xu, being the oldest, had the most strength. Liu Yang moved slowly but with standard posture. Liu Xi was clumsy, clearly trying hard to do well. As for Liu Fang, his movements were full of liveliness...

"Duke Yao, what do you think of my princes' aptitudes?" Summoning Yao Yuanfu, Liu Chengyou asked.

"Descendants of the imperial house, with the bearing of dragons and phoenixes!" Yao Yuanfu naturally said flattering things, responding: "Especially the fourth prince — his talent is outstanding!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou also revealed a smile — praising his son clearly made him happier than praising himself: "Then from now on, I must trouble Duke Yao to come to the palace and teach them on my behalf!"

"Yes! This old minister will certainly impart everything he knows!" Yao Yuanfu replied with a hearty laugh.

Yao Yuanfu was already past seventy, and although he refused to admit his age and his body remained healthy, in these years at Kaifeng he had also seen that the rising stars in the Great Han's army were springing up like bamboo shoots after rain, constantly emerging — there was basically no chance of him returning to the battlefield.

Now, the Emperor had given him an opportunity to teach the princes martial arts, so he was naturally more than willing.

"Alright, everyone stop and rest a moment!" Walking forward, Liu Chengyou had the princes stop.

Looking around, each one was panting heavily, sweat on their cheeks and backs. Palace eunuchs immediately presented tea. Liu Chengyou said: "From now on, besides studying literature with Master Zhang in Wenhua Hall, you will also practice martial arts with Duke of Fen. You must not slack off — I will conduct periodic examinations!"

"Yes!" The answer came quite uniformly.

Liu Chengyou continued: "Studying isn't easy, but practicing martial arts is even harder!"

"Your son is not afraid of hardship!" Liu Xu said thus.

"I want to be accomplished in both letters and arms like Father!" Liu Yang seemed to be making a resolution.

"If Father wants me to practice martial arts, I'll practice diligently!" Liu Xi revealed a simple, honest smile.

"I like practicing martial arts!" Liu Fang looked full of enthusiasm.

Liu Chengyou took in the princes' reactions at a glance; the upward curve of his lips reflected his good mood. He sat down on a chair placed at the side and summoned his sons to his knee.

His face regaining some solemnity, looking at the several youthful faces, Liu Chengyou said: "The Great Han founded its state through arms. Now the realm is not yet pacified, the barbarians of the four seas remain rampant, and the ancestral lands of China are still lost. I originally intended to use twenty years to suppress the rebellions, repel foreign aggression, and bring peace to the world.

Now, nearly half that time has passed, and the various states still remain. If I cannot accomplish the great enterprise of the dynasty, in the future it will fall to you brothers. Therefore, you must study literature earnestly and practice martial arts diligently!"

"Yes!" Although they understood only a fraction of Liu Chengyou's words, seeing their father so serious, they all nodded in a daze.

Liu Fang's eyes rolled around, and a look that seemed to be hesitation appeared on his small face: "Father, you'd better not pacify the realm too early."

"Why?" Liu Chengyou became somewhat interested.

"If you do, then when I grow up, I won't get to conquer the world for you!" Liu Fang tilted his head and said.

"Heh heh! This innocent talk is rather amusing!" Pointing at Liu Fang, Liu Chengyou said to Yao Yuanfu.

Yao Yuanfu also laughed aloud and said: "Though the fourth prince is young in years, his ambition is commendable!"

"For those very words!" Liu Chengyou turned his head and said to Liu Fang: "In the future, I'll definitely give you a chance to conquer the world for me!"

"Your Majesty, Li Yun, the Light Chariot Commandant, requests an audience!" At this moment, Zhang Dejun, who had received the news, stepped forward and reported quietly to Liu Chengyou.

"Li Yun."

He murmured the name, his expression shifting, then Liu Chengyou rose to his feet, gave the princes a few more words of instruction, and made his way toward Chongzheng Hall.

On the way, Liu Chengyou gave Zhang Dejun an additional instruction on the spot: "Issue an edict: from among the sons of civil and military officials of the fourth rank and above in the capital, select those of suitable age to enter the palace and serve as study companions at Wenhua Hall. Have Zhang Zhao and Yao Yuanfu be responsible for the selection!"

"Yes!"