Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 237 The Time of Learning in the Imperial Study of the Nanzhao Kingdom

Bathed in the gentle light of dawn, the royal palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom resembled a golden, dreamlike castle. The Imperial Study, nestled deep within the palace grounds, was solemn and elegant, exuding a rich aroma of ink. Tall bookshelves were filled with all kinds of books, from classics and historical texts to military strategies—a veritable treasure trove of knowledge.

Xiao Nanyi was dressed in a royal blue brocade robe embroidered with exquisite golden dragon patterns. A jade belt was tied around his waist, inlaid with a warm jade pendant that tinkled melodiously as he moved. He walked briskly into the imperial study, his eyes revealing a hint of nervousness, but even more so, a thirst for knowledge and an anticipation of challenge.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty." Xiao Nanyi bowed respectfully to Xiao Jingchuan, his voice clear and resonant, displaying the majesty and demeanor of the imperial family.

Xiao Jingchuan sat calmly before the huge and exquisitely carved desk. His bright yellow dragon robe shone brilliantly in the candlelight, and the meticulously embroidered golden dragon pattern on it was so lifelike that it seemed as if it would break free from its restraints and soar into the sky at any moment.

Xiao Jingchuan's face was sharply defined, as if carved by a knife and axe, exuding an imposing aura without anger, yet at the same time revealing a hint of gentleness that was difficult to detect. At this moment, his deep, pool-like eyes were fixed on Xiao Nanyi before him, filled with earnest expectations and high hopes for this young boy.

Xiao Jingchuan spoke in his deep, magnetic voice, "Yi'er, please rise! Today, your father wishes to examine your recent academic progress." Though his voice was not loud, it resonated like a great bell in the spacious imperial study.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Nanyi, who was standing below, quickly straightened his slightly hunched body. His bright eyes instantly shone with unwavering determination, and he responded without hesitation, "Thank you, Father! Your subject is fully prepared. Please, Father, give me your test." As he spoke, Xiao Nanyi unconsciously clenched his hands tightly together, making the slightly bulging veins on the back of his hands clearly visible. Clearly, even the exceptionally intelligent Xiao Nanyi couldn't help but feel a little nervous about the test his father was about to conduct; however, admirably, despite his inner turmoil, a confident smile remained firmly on his face.

At this moment, Xiao Jingchuan gently extended his right hand and slowly opened the yellowed and old copy of the Analects on the desk. His gaze paused briefly on the pages, as if he were considering which sentence to choose as the test question, before he slowly said, "'Is it not pleasant to learn with constant perseverance and application? Is it not delightful to have friends coming from afar?' Yi'er, tell your father what your understanding of this sentence is."

Xiao Nanyi pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Father, this means that learning knowledge and reviewing it frequently is a joyful thing, isn't it? And having like-minded friends come from afar is also very gratifying, isn't it? I believe that learning is a process of continuous accumulation and progress; only through frequent review can we truly master knowledge. Furthermore, communication and sharing among friends allows us to learn even more, and also lets us feel warmth and happiness." Xiao Nanyi's voice was clear and fluent, every word filled with thought and understanding.

Xiao Jingchuan nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "That's right. So how do you usually put this into practice?"

Xiao Nanyi answered earnestly, "Your subject gets up early every day to recite the classics, reviewing what you've learned to gain new insights. When I'm with my classmates at the academy, I also share my reading experiences with them, learning from each other and making progress together." His eyes revealed sincerity and effort, making people feel his serious attitude towards learning.

Xiao Jingchuan then asked several more questions about the Analects, which Xiao Nanyi answered fluently, demonstrating solid knowledge and profound understanding. Xiao Jingchuan was secretly pleased and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

Then, Xiao Jingchuan took out a map of the Nanzhao Kingdom and spread it on the desk. "Yi'er, look at this map. If you were to govern the country in the future, what do you think would be the most important thing?" Xiao Jingchuan's eyes were fixed on Xiao Nan Yi, anticipating his answer.

Xiao Nanyi walked to his desk, carefully examined the map, and after a moment's thought, said, "Father, I believe that the most important thing in governing a country is to care about the people's hardships. The people are the foundation of the nation; only when the people live in peace and prosperity can the country flourish. We must reduce taxes and corvée labor to ensure that the people have enough food and clothing; we must build water conservancy projects to ensure irrigation for farmland; and we must also emphasize education to cultivate more talent." Xiao Nanyi's voice was firm and powerful, and his eyes shone with wisdom and responsibility.

Xiao Jingchuan was very pleased to hear this: "Yi'er, I am very pleased that you have such insights. Governing a country is a complex and arduous task that requires wisdom, responsibility, and benevolence. You must remember that as the Crown Prince, you will have to shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting the country and its people in the future."

Xiao Nanyi nodded solemnly: "Your subject remembers. Your subject will definitely study hard and live up to Father's expectations." His voice was full of determination, as if he were making a vow to Xiao Jingchuan.

At this moment, Gu Liuli entered the imperial study. She wore a light purple gown embroidered with delicate peony patterns, exuding nobility and elegance. Seeing Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Jingchuan, she smiled and said, "Your Majesty, Yi'er, what are you discussing?"

Xiao Jingchuan said with a smile, "I'm testing Yi'er's academic performance, and he's doing very well."

Gu Liuli moved gracefully to Xiao Nanyi's side, then bent down slightly, extending her fair and soft hand, as white as mutton-fat jade, to gently stroke Xiao Nanyi's jet-black hair. She said softly, "Yi'er, your performance this time has been so outstanding. Your mother is truly overjoyed and proud!" Her beautiful eyes were filled with loving affection, as warm as the gentle sunshine of spring and as soft as a babbling brook; and the encouragement in her eyes was like the twinkling stars in the night sky, bright and firm, inspiring courage in those who saw them.

Upon hearing his mother's praise, Xiao Nanyi's face immediately blossomed into a radiant smile, revealing his two adorable little tiger teeth, making him appear exceptionally playful and lively. He excitedly replied, "Thank you for your praise, Father and Mother! Your son will certainly work even harder to live up to your expectations!" His clear and melodious voice, like a nightingale's song, was melodious and captivating.

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli sat opposite Xiao Nanyi and began discussing with him various philosophies and methods of governing the country. Xiao Jingchuan spoke first, using his calm and profound voice to recount the governing principles of emperors throughout history, analyzing and explaining them in the context of the current national situation. Gu Liuli nodded in agreement from time to time, occasionally interjecting a word or two to supplement the explanation or offer her own unique insights.

Xiao Nanyi listened intently to his parents' teachings, his big eyes wide and unblinking, afraid of missing any important details. When he encountered something he didn't understand, he would raise his little hand without hesitation, humbly asking for guidance. And whenever he raised his own thoughts or questions, Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli would patiently answer them, guiding him to think more deeply and further expand the breadth and depth of his thinking.

And so, the family of three engaged in a lively discussion in the imperial study, their voices sometimes filled with laughter, sometimes lost in deep thought. The entire room was permeated with a rich atmosphere of learning, as if a treasure trove of knowledge was being slowly opened, from which endless light of wisdom poured forth. Their ideas and methods of governing the country, like countless stars, intertwined and collided in their exchange, ultimately transforming into a blazing flame that illuminated Xiao Nanyi's future path.