Li Er chuckled, patting their heads.
"Chengqian, Tai'er, did you read today?"
"Reporting to Father Emperor, we did. Today Master Wei taught us the Analects. If you don't believe me, I'll recite it for you, Father Emperor."
"The Master said: 'If a man be filial and courteous, and yet is disposed to rebel against his superiors, such a thing never happens. The superior man develops his character by attending to the root of things. Being filial and courteous, is it not the root of all benevolent actions?'"
Li Chengqian recited the Analects, shaking his head.
"Hmm, not bad. Tai'er, what about you?"
Li Er nodded with satisfaction and then asked.
"Your subject has also learned it. Your subject knows the meaning of this sentence and will tell Father Emperor."
"A person's character, filial to parents, respectful to elders, yet always inclined to offend superiors, is rare. One who dislikes offending superiors but likes to cause trouble, such a person does not exist. A gentleman focuses on the root; once the root is established, the Way emerges. Filial piety and respect for elders are the roots of benevolence!"
Seven-year-old Li Tai was no less capable than his elder brother, explaining it eloquently.
"Good, good, good! Study diligently, learn these principles of conduct, and you will be able to accomplish great things in the future! Alright, go play."
Empress Zhangsun watched Li Er test his children, her face beaming with happiness.
Yang Fei, however, merely watched all this with a distant gaze.
She was Yang Guang's daughter, so her child was destined to have no claim to that position. If Li Ke dared to display extraordinary abilities, even if Li Er remained silent, the ministers in court would not tolerate him. After all, the Li Tang dynasty had been taken from Yang Guang's hands! Therefore, Yang Fei's hope was for Li Ke to live peacefully. Compared to that, the Emperor's favor was truly unimportant.
Li Chengqian and Li Tai, under the care of palace maids, went to the courtyard.
Li Er smiled and looked at Yang Fei.
"Your sisters have such good relations. How is Ke'er's studies lately?"
"His Majesty is thoughtful. Ke'er is quiet by nature and can sit still while studying."
She didn't say how well he studied, only that he could sit still while doing so.
"That's good. Only with a calm mind can one achieve things and later assist Chengqian well."
"Your Majesty, this concubine only wishes that Ke'er can live peacefully in the future."
Yang Fei smiled, then continued, "There are some matters in this concubine's palace, so I will not disturb Your Majesty and my sister."
After speaking, she bowed to Li Er and Empress Zhangsun and withdrew.
Li Er watched Yang Fei leave, his face full of helplessness.
He understood the meaning behind Yang Fei's words.
"Your Majesty, don't blame her. After all, she is still of the Yang family. Even if we don't mind, there are always people in the court watching her."
Empress Zhangsun helped Li Er remove his outer robe.
"Let's not talk about him. Do you still remember that young fellow I told you about last time?"
Li Er sank onto the couch and stretched.
"Lately, I've felt like my body has been completely drained."
"You mean that captain who presented the qipao to me? What is it?"
Empress Zhangsun poured Li Er a cup of water and asked with a hint of confusion.
"Last time, I asked you to relay a message to Fu Ji. Today, that brat had Zhi Jie bring him to Fu Ji's place and immediately asked for five hundred shi of iron ore monthly. I just heard from Fu Ji when he came over, and good heavens, I was shocked!"
"My! Five hundred shi, so much? What does he, a mere captain, a minor official, want with so much iron ore? Surely not?"
"Hahahaha, Guanyin, your reaction was the same as Fu Ji's. But don't worry about that. Even if he were an idiot, he wouldn't buy things from my elder brother-in-law and then turn around and plot against me. He said it's for farming tools, and they've already been made, which can double the speed of plowing!"
Li Er took a sip of water, smiling.
When he spoke of farming tools, his eyes radiated anticipation.
Years of war had led to a sharp decline in population.
At the beginning of the dynasty, the most important thing was to recuperate.
Being able to double the speed of plowing meant that the cultivated area could be greatly increased, which was incredibly important to him!
Plowing meant taxes, and this was a matter directly related to the prosperity of the nation.
"Is this true?"
Empress Zhangsun found it hard to believe.
She and Zhangsun Wuji had been raised by their uncle and had seen farmers tilling the land when they were young.
Even now, the Eastern Palace had a piece of land used for growing vegetables.
She and Li Er sometimes experienced a life of male farming and female weaving.
One was to experience life, and the other was to save.
The national treasury, so empty it could drive away rats, always made her and Li Er try their best to save money and grain.
"That's what he said, anyway. We'll know if it's as good as he says when it's delivered."
Li Er spread his hands. Fang Er said so, and Zhangsun Wuji also reported it to him. Only by seeing the actual product would they know if it was true.
"Your subject heard that Your Majesty visited Fangjia Zhuang last time? Since there's nothing else to do, why not go and see? If it's true, then let the Ministry of Works learn from it. If it's false, then he can't be allowed to demand so much iron ore."
Empress Zhangsun offered Li Er a suggestion.
"Hmm?"
Li Er was stunned after hearing this, then slapped his forehead.
"I forgot about that. Duke E is expected to return in a few days. Since there's nothing else to do, tomorrow, I'll take you with me. It can also be considered a trip out to relax with you."
"Then this subject thanks Your Majesty first."
Empress Zhangsun was also very happy to hear that she could leave the palace.
The next morning.
Li Er, dressed in plain clothes with Empress Zhangsun, accompanied by guards, rode in a carriage to Fangjia Zhuang.
"Discipline of the disciples, the Master's teaching. First, filial piety and brotherly love, then trustworthiness. Love all beings, and draw near to benevolence. If there is spare capacity, then study literature."
Facing the main entrance of the school, there was a classroom, and the sound of reading came from there.
Li Er quietly walked to the classroom door.
Zhang Zhimin was walking among the children.
Over a hundred children sat neatly below, looking at the content on the blackboard, reading in unison.
After reading a few times, Zhang Zhimin returned to the podium.
"Children, now, I will explain to you the meaning of these words you just read."
"The book 'Disciples' Rules' was compiled by our Headmaster, Captain Fang Anzhi, based on the teachings of the most sage teacher, Confucius, as a guide for daily life. First, in daily life, one must be filial to parents, and love brothers and sisters... ..."
Zhang Zhimin spoke eloquently, explaining his understanding of the book.
Li Er, listening from outside, grew increasingly astonished.