TPITWOHEF

Chapter 108

In the practice field, Cheng Qian squatted in a horseback archery stance while listening to Xiao Luzi recite from a book.

He occasionally corrected him, "A gentleman does not crave fullness in eating nor settled comfort in dwelling, but is quick to act and cautious in speech."

"A gentleman has no excessive demands for food and drink, as long as he is full..." Cheng Qian taught Xiao Luzi sentence by sentence.

He did not want Xiao Luzi to become a second Wei Zheng in the future.

Wei Zheng had no ill intentions, but lacked sufficient learning to correct the flaws and mistakes of the Imperial Father.

Cheng Qian hoped that Xiao Luzi could become his assistant.

Moreover, when his Younger Sister, the precious Chu Chu, grew older, he would personally teach her to read as her brother.

Xiao Luzi was just being used for practice first.

"If you don't understand something, just ask me anytime, don't be too shy to speak out," Cheng Qian said to Xiao Luzi.

"Do you know how to write the word 'prudent'?"

After completing half a session of horseback archery, Cheng Qian took a knife and drew the complex character on the ground to show Xiao Luzi.

"Remember it. Prudent, cautious in speech and action. If one's words and deeds are rash, one will pay the price. Whether it's the imperial family or common people, one must think thrice before acting."

Xiao Luzi looked miserable, but he had no choice but to learn.

"Today, you'll copy it three times, and I'll test you tomorrow."

Xiao Luzi was struck by a bolt from the blue.

But as he followed Cheng Qian away from the practice field, he did not know that someone was enviously watching him.

Only when they were out of sight did the spying figure jump down from the beam and stand in front of the character 'prudent'.

"Think thrice... before acting..."

"Prudent..."

The figure's lips moved, producing a hoarse sound to repeat the words.

Squatting in front of the 'prudent' character, this agile figure clumsily traced it with the right hand three times before reluctantly leaving.

"Your Highness, will you wake up half an hour earlier tomorrow too?" Xiao Luzi asked tentatively.

Cheng Qian nodded, "Yes."

"But the Emperor said the princes should get enough sleep for better health..."

Cheng Qian paused. "If the children in the common households of Jing Country cannot grow up safely, intelligent and healthy, with national peace and prosperity, then what's the use of me growing tall?"

The figure following behind them froze.

Cheng Qian frowned. He knew that his Younger Sister was said to be as lovely as a celestial maiden reincarnated, and what she said about the benefits of sufficient sleep for health was probably true.

If he were an ordinary child from a commoner's family, he should naturally follow that principle.

But if he were to ascend to that position one day, a single word from him would affect all the common people under heaven.

How could he be negligent?

If he did not work hard today, he might wrongly trust the ministers' advice tomorrow, fail to discern right from wrong, and make mistaken policy decisions.