Chapter 432: Got an Insight?

"So... does that mean war is coming?"

When everyone was silent, Li Lizhi whispered a question.

Prince Wei sighed, "Although there's no evidence, I think Mr. Chen is right; perhaps war is indeed imminent."

"I believe Mr. Chen!" Du Gou said without hesitation.

Last year, Chen Yan said a flood was about to come; people were half‑believing, but when the flood arrived, everyone could only feel relieved.

They were relieved that, despite some doubts, they had followed Chen Yan's plan and prepared flood defenses, preventing massive loss.

"Then... should we inform Father Emperor now?" Li Lizhi said, clearly getting anxious.

Since it concerns war, of course it must be reported immediately.

But the others were indifferent; even Sizi, that little fellow, remained completely calm.

"Jiezou Jie, didn't you just hear big brother say? Even if a foreign nation doesn't invade, Aye will strike first. Doesn't that show that Aye definitely knows about this?"

"Jiezou Jie, you're a bit slow today; big sister Gao Yang has taken the lead."

Li Lizhi: "......"

"Pfft!" Gao Yang couldn't hold back, laughing, "Sizi, I've actually been wanting to ask, how did the nickname Jiezou Jie come about?"

"Do I even need to ask?" Sizi said with a grin, "Of course it's because she has her own rhythm!"

"Then there's Yi Huo Ge... hmm, and this smiling Zhi Jiao Ge."

Du Gou: "......"

Li Yifu: "......"

Chen Yan felt a headache coming on, seeing Li Lizhi getting angry, and hurriedly said, "Alright, that's enough for today's history lesson. I want you to remember that understanding the essence and patterns behind historical events is more important than memorizing dates and incidents."

"Only by truly grasping these underlying logics can you use history as a mirror and avoid repeating its tragedies and regrets."

"Because only after you understand all this can you truly take it as a warning and prevent historical tragedies or regrets from playing out!"

"You should read more, observe more, think more. Fill your minds with all useful knowledge, broaden your horizons and outlook; knowledge and thinking will be your firmest support when facing any storm in the future."

"Especially you few," Chen Yan's gaze fell on the Xianlya officials around Ma Zhou, "If any of you aim to rise higher in the future, there is still much to learn."

"Take the imminent war, for example; the ministers in the palace may have already seen the situation clearly, yet you act as if you know nothing, unable even to practice basic vigilance, lost in the imagined glory of the nation's forthcoming prosperity."

"That won't do!"

They understood Chen Yan was looking out for them and nodded repeatedly in comprehension.

Prince Wei smiled and said, "Mr. Chen, you're being too demanding; remember, most of them are young—how can they compare to the officials at court?"

"They're already excellent enough."

Chen Yan blinked, "What about me?"

Li Tai: "......"

He was at a loss for words, wanting to say that not everyone is as twisted as you.

"Everyone's just ordinary people."

"Just kidding," Chen Yan laughed, "But if Du Gou and the others want to spend their whole lives as low‑level officials in Xianlya, then consider that I never said anything."

"Being clueless and ignorant can actually make life very easy."

Everyone: "......"

"......"

After class, Chen Yan, fearing Li Lizhi would beat Sizi, quickly pulled the increasingly mischievous little fellow away.

Walking away, he scolded, "You little girl have become more and more lawless lately; that sister who has loved you since childhood—what do you call her, Jiezou Jie?"

"She would definitely beat you up."

Sizi complained helplessly, "Big brother, I don't want to either, but big sister is just so ungrateful, always taking things in stride. You gave her so many chances, and I encouraged her, yet she wasted them all."

"Sometimes when you turn back and wait for her, she doesn't even dare to seek you out. If you take the initiative to approach her, saying a few limp sentences, even the topics you bring die in conversation."

"You ask why I have such a dumb older sister?"

"Can I get a different one?"

Chen Yan: "......"

It was clear the little fellow was indeed trying his best, but Li Lizhi was truly disappointing, leaving the youngster with resentment.

He sighed, finding it hard to say anything.

He planned to have a proper talk with Li Lizhi another day.

Chen Yan guessed that Li Lizhi's disappointment stemmed not only from guilt toward Gao Yang but also from her inability to conceive a child, causing... well, that sort of thing.

Since the problem had arisen, it had to be solved immediately, lest a small issue grow into a big one over time; this has always been Chen Yan's way of handling matters.

However, while Sizi was complaining, as the tall and short pair walked forward, they suddenly sensed footsteps behind them.

They turned their heads in confusion and saw Li Lizhi staring at them with unblinking eyes.

Sizi was startled, muttered internally 'not good,' and hurriedly hid behind Chen Yan.

She hadn't thought of running, because if Li Lizhi heard what she just said, Li Lizhi would probably be truly angry.

If Li Lizhi were truly angry, it wouldn't matter where she ran; only by Chen Yan's side would she be safe.

Chen Yan, seeing this, tugged at his mouth corner and gave an awkward smile, "Lizhi, when did you arrive?"

"Since you said I'd beat her," Li Lizhi said softly.

Sizi: "......"

Chen Yan: "......"

From that moment on, weren't all the little fellow's words heard?

Chen Yan immediately gave the little fellow a look of pity.

You probably won't escape unscathed!

Sizi looked at him pleadingly.

Even if she said nothing, Chen Yan could still understand what she wanted to say.

"Ah brother, save! Save me!"

He covered his face, both annoyed and amused.

Now you know fear?

Just now, when you kept calling Jie Zou Jie, how could you not be scared?

He silently sighed in his heart, planning to try to see if he could save.

Chen Yan raised his head and asked tentatively: "Lizhi, you came to find me...... is there something?"

Li Lizhi originally wanted to come and properly ask Chen Yan about the impending war, but now she didn't want to ask, and continued in a faint tone: "Can't I come find you if there's nothing?"

Huh?

Sizi started, peeking her little head out from behind Chen Yan.

Has Jie Zou Jie opened her apertures?

"......"