20demayo Chapter 238 The Warmth of the Imperial Study
Chapter 238 The Warmth of the Imperial Study
The royal palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, bathed in the warm morning light, seemed shrouded in a golden veil. The Imperial Study, nestled deep within the palace, was surrounded by tranquility, broken only by the gentle breeze rustling the leaves, further emphasizing its serenity. Towering bookshelves stood laden with a dazzling array of books, from yellowed ancient texts to pristine scrolls, each bearing the weight of a thousand years of wisdom and history.
Xiao Nanyao wore a delicate pink silk dress, the hem embroidered with lifelike butterflies that swayed lightly with her steps, like butterflies dancing among flowers. A pale pink ribbon, adorned with tiny pearls, tied in her hair, shimmered softly in the sunlight. Nine-Tails, pure white with nine tails like flowing ribbons, obediently followed beside her.
"Little Nine, hurry up, let's go see what brother is doing." Little Nan Yao skipped along, turning back to urge Nine Fox Cat. Her voice was clear and melodious, like a string of silver bells, echoing in the quiet corridor.
Nine-Tanuki squeaked twice and quickened its pace to keep up with Xiao Nanyao. Soon, they arrived at the door of the Imperial Study. Just as Xiao Nanyao was about to push the door open, she heard Xiao Jingchuan's voice coming from inside.
“Yi’er, your understanding of this passage is very profound. Now tell me, what did you learn from ‘A gentleman who is not dignified will not command respect, and learning will not be solid’?” Xiao Jingchuan’s voice was steady and powerful, full of authority.
Xiao Nanyao blinked and gently pushed open the door. Inside the imperial study, Xiao Jingchuan sat upright at his desk, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe embroidered with majestic golden dragons, exuding a kingly aura. Xiao Nanyi stood to the side, dressed in a royal blue brocade robe, her posture upright, earnestly answering questions.
"Father, I believe that a gentleman's words and actions should be dignified in order to establish authority and earn the respect of others. The same applies to learning; only through focus and thorough study can knowledge be solidified." Xiao Nanyi's voice was clear and firm, demonstrating his maturity and composure.
Xiao Nanyao's eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but say, "Brother is right!" Her voice broke the silence in the imperial study, and everyone's eyes turned to her.
"Yao'er, what brings you here?" Gu Liuli asked with a smile. She sat to the side, dressed in a light purple gown embroidered with delicate peony patterns, looking noble and elegant.
Xiao Nanyao quickly walked to Gu Liuli's side, took her hand, and said, "Mother, Xiao Jiu and I were playing outside when we heard brother answering questions, so we wanted to come in and see." As she spoke, she looked at Xiao Nanyi, her eyes full of admiration: "Brother, you are so amazing!"
Xiao Nanyi smiled and patted Xiao Nanyao's head: "Yao'er, you're amazing too."
Xiao Jingchuan looked at Xiao Nanyao with affection in his eyes: "Yao'er, now that you're here, how about I test you?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Nanyao immediately perked up, straightened her body, and said loudly, "Great! Father, test me! I've recently learned to recite the 'Standards for Being a Good Student and Child'!" Her face was beaming with a confident smile, and her small chest was held high.
Xiao Jingchuan nodded slightly: "Then you can memorize the part about 'filial piety when entering the home'."
Little Nan Yao stood ramrod straight. She first gently patted her chest with her small hands, then cleared her delicate voice, as sweet as a nightingale's song, and began to recite, word by word, in her childish voice: "When parents call, answer without delay; when parents command, act without laziness. When parents teach, listen respectfully; when parents reprimand, accept obediently..." With her clear and resonant recitation, each word seemed to be given life, leaping from her cherry-like lips, landing precisely in the air, and then, like lively musical notes, drifting leisurely throughout the imperial study.
When she recited the lines, "In winter, keep warm; in summer, keep cool; in the morning, inquire after one's health; in the evening, settle down," she paused slightly. Her large, bright, sparkling eyes, like black gemstones, blinked, like dazzling stars in the night sky. Then, she raised her delicate, rosy face and looked at His Majesty the Emperor sitting at his desk, saying in a sweet, soft voice, "Father, I understand what this means! It means that we children must be filial to our parents. In winter, we must find ways to keep them warm; in summer, we must ensure they can enjoy the coolness. Every morning, we must greet them; and when night falls, we must make sure they can sleep soundly. Just like me, every morning I respectfully greet Father and Mother, and every evening I will obediently say goodnight to you!" As she spoke, Xiao Nanyao excitedly waved her chubby little hands, gesturing as she continued, her rosy cheeks beaming with a sweet, proud smile.
Xiao Jingchuan smiled and nodded: "Yao'er understands very well. Now tell me, what would you do if your parents were sick?"
Xiao Nanyao tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said earnestly, "I will stay by their side, bring them medicine, feed them water, and tell them fun stories so they can get better soon." Her eyes were filled with innocence and determination, and her little heart was full of love for her parents.
Hearing this, Gu Liuli hugged Xiao Nanyao tightly, saying, "Yao'er is so sensible, she's truly your father and mother's little darling."
Little Nan Yao laughed happily and snuggled into Gu Liuli's arms. At this moment, the Nine-Tails jumped onto the desk, looking at Little Nan Yao curiously and squeaking as if cheering her on.
When Xiao Nanyao saw Jiu Li Mao, she smiled and said, "Xiao Jiu, are you cheering me on too?" As she spoke, she patted Jiu Li Mao's head.
Xiao Nanyi watched this heartwarming scene with a smile, his heart overflowing with joy and satisfaction. He said softly, "Yao'er, you recited so well just now! Let's study hard together from now on, okay?" His words were full of expectation and encouragement.
Hearing her brother's praise, Xiao Nanyao nodded happily and replied in a clear voice, "Okay, brother! I really want to learn lots and lots of interesting things with you!" Her big, watery eyes shone like bright stars in the night sky, sparkling with a strong desire for knowledge. That light seemed to pierce through all darkness and illuminate the path to learning ahead.
Following this, Xiao Jingchuan, standing nearby, also asked Xiao Nanyao several questions about the *Di Zi Gui* (Standards for Being a Good Student and Child). Xiao Nanyao straightened her small frame, concentrating intently on each question, and then answered earnestly in her clear, childlike voice. Although some of her answers still revealed a child's unique innocence, her focused and diligent attitude was truly gratifying.
In this imperial study filled with knowledge and love, Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi, under the tutelage of Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli, continuously absorbed knowledge and grew strong. The companionship of the Nine-Tails added a unique touch to this heartwarming learning experience.