“Chapter 147: The Mighty Need No Pity”

"Chapter 147: The Mighty Need No Pity"

"Tang Shuyi spent five or six days reading through 'Shuowen Jiezi', carefully annotating it. She then had it sent to the imperial palace, mentioning that once the Seventh Prince had finished this book, she would send others."

"That very night, the Seventh Prince received the annotated 'Shuowen Jiezi', along with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone, and a book of calligraphy samples. The wet nurse who delivered the books relayed, 'Lady Yongning Hou said that once Your Highness has finished this book, to let her know and she will send more.'"

"Li Jingyi's hands trembled as he held the book. Upon seeing the annotations, his heart swelled and his nose tingled with emotion. No one knew how desperately he yearned to study; his father, the emperor, once told him that reading enlightens one on reasoning, ancient and modern knowledge, and the governance of a country."

"But since arriving in this courtyard, he had only a 'Thousand Character Classic' to read, which he had perused thousands of times, yet his understanding remained vague. He didn't want this; he longed to comprehend reasoning, understand the past and the present, and even learn statecraft."

"How could he not be moved by Lady Yongning Hou not only sending him books but also providing annotations?"

"Steadying his emotions, he said, 'Please tell Lady Yongning Hou that I will forever remember her kindness.'"

"After the wet nurse left, Li Jingyi took the book to his desk and began to read greedily. Encountering things he didn't understand, he pondered for a moment before deciding to jot them down on paper, thinking of asking Lady Yongning Hou for explanations later, though he wondered if it would bother her."

"After writing a few characters and comparing them with the annotations, he realized how unsightly his handwriting was, almost embarrassingly so. With a pursed lip, he persisted, accepting the potential embarrassment."

"On Tang Shuyi's end, since she had decided to invest in the Seventh Prince, she wouldn't do so half-heartedly. She made a special trip to the Duke Tang's residence to discuss her annotating books for the Seventh Prince. After hearing her plans, the Duke looked at his daughter in a new light, impressed by her far-sightedness."

"Seeing her father's approval, Tang Shuyi inquired about the usual education for princes and the books they read. Though Duke Tang had never tutored princes, he was knowledgeable and shared the details with her. After returning home, she formulated a detailed plan."

"She didn't keep this matter from Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuming, including her investment-driven motives. This was also a way to implicitly teach them to approach problems with an investor's mindset."

"In the blink of an eye, another ten days passed. This time, Xiao Yuchen's letter arrived through the courier agency, accompanied by some novel trinkets for Tang Shuyi, Xiao Yuzhu, and Xiao Yuming."

"Upon reading the letter, which spoke of well-being and amusing anecdotes, Tang Shuyi felt greatly reassured and reflected internally that children really need to venture out; they grow faster once they do."

"That evening, after dinner, while Tang Shuyi was chatting with Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuming, Steward Zhao delivered a thick letter from the palace. Upon opening it, Tang Shuyi burst into laughter—it was really poorly written!"

"Her laughter drew Xiao Yuzhu's attention, who leaned in to peek. Seeing the characters on the paper, she remarked, 'So even princes can have such terrible handwriting!'"

"'Princes are just like us, with a nose and two eyes, so why can't they write poorly?' Tang Shuyi sighed, 'It's because he hasn't been taught or had the chance to practice. But this Seventh Prince is very diligent.'"

"After pausing, she sighed again, 'Sometimes, in order to survive, one can unleash potential they never knew they had.'"

"He's quite pitiable," said Xiao Yuzhu.

Tang Shuyi glanced at her and said, "Who knows, maybe this is a trial given to him by the heavens? Besides, he probably doesn't need others' pity, but respect — genuine respect from the heart."

Xiao Yuzhu was somewhat puzzled, and Tang Shuyi explained softly, "Only the weak seek the mercy of others to gain sympathy and assistance. But the strong, even in adversity, believe in their own eventual rise. Do you think such people would want others to pity them?"

Xiao Yuzhu shook her head, "No, they don't need it."

Tang Shuyi looked at the ugly handwriting in her hand and said, "I believe, this Seventh Prince will become a strong figure in the future."

And so, he's worth investing in.

The next day, she earnestly explained the questions the Seventh Prince had written in his letter. That very evening, she had them delivered to the imperial palace, along with an annotated copy of "The Great Learning" and related notes from Xiao Yuzhen.

In fact, annotating the books for him had also greatly benefited Tang Shuyi.

When Li Jingyi received these items, he heaved a great sigh of relief. In truth, he was anxious when he sent his queries out, fearful that Lady Yongning might find him troublesome, reluctant to continue enlightening him.

Yes, he regarded those annotations as lessons, and in his heart, he saw Tang Shuyi as his teacher.

Looking at the items in his hands, his heart was warmed, and he felt empowered. As long as he persevered, some things might not be impossible.

The night was late, the weather poor, and a fierce wind blew outside, causing the window lattices to tremble. Despite the biting spring chill, he rubbed his stiff hands and continued reading at his desk.

The elderly eunuch, seeing this, draped a cloak that Lady Yongning had sent over a few days ago over him and said, "Should I spend some money tomorrow to get some charcoal for warmth?"

Li Jingyi shook his head, "No need, I'm not cold. Isn't it much better now than before?"

The elderly eunuch nodded, knowing that bringing in charcoal could attract unwanted attention. If discovered, not only would his lord have no books to read, but Lady Yongning's estate might also be implicated.

"I'll get you some hot water," the elderly eunuch said as he walked out. They had money now but dared not spend it!

And Li Jingyi truly didn't feel cold; on the contrary, his heart was warm. He continued to read and note down his queries, accumulating them to send to Lady Yongning's estate.

On Tang Shuyi's end, receiving his letters, she would explain what she understood, seek out knowledgeable people for what she didn't, and then clarify for him. In this way, they exchanged back and forth: one taught, one learned.

…………

P.S.: Happy Labor Day!

Is everyone out playing? Or have you become one of the many going with the flow?