Chaos of the Three Kingdoms Summons

Chapter 2681 The Seventeenth Prince, a Man of Outstanding Talent
"The Great Learning teaches us to manifest our bright virtue, to love the people, and to abide in perfect goodness. Knowing where to rest, we can be resolute; being resolute, we can be calm; being calm, we can be at peace; being at peace, we can deliberate; deliberating, we can attain. Things have their roots and branches; affairs have their beginnings and ends. Knowing what comes first and what comes last, we are close to the Way."

The one reciting the Great Learning in the hall was the seventeenth prince, Li Che, born to Zhou Ehuang.

Generally speaking, those of royal blood are usually quite good-looking. They may lose their looks as they get older, but at least when they are young, they are usually very pretty and adorable.

It is clear that Li Che has perfectly inherited the genes from his parents, although it is very likely that he inherited more from his mother.

After all, even though the officials and concubines always praised the emperor for his handsome and extraordinary appearance.

However, Li Xiang is self-aware; his appearance is only average, at least not the kind that stands out in a crowd.

Li Che, who was only seven years old, showed a kind of talent from a young age that most of his brothers did not have.

His seventeenth son, Li Che, had an extraordinary affinity for poetry and prose.

From the moment the prince was sent here for his early education, the Grand Secretary Su Shi praised this exceptionally talented prince on more than one occasion, saying that this boy would surely become a great man in the future.

Li Xiang could discern whether the praise his subordinates gave to their son was genuine or not. Su Dongpo's praise was clearly heartfelt, and even if there was some exaggeration, it wasn't much. At the very least, he genuinely liked this student.

Emperor Li Xiang of Jin, like most ordinary fathers, was very pleased with this.

Not long ago, while carrying this little guy, I strolled through each of the literary halls and proudly declared to those learned scholars, "I am confident in my great talent, which is why I pacified the world. However, I am lacking in literary skills. Fortunately, the royal family has a seventeenth son."
It was from that time onward that the spiritual power of the seventeenth prince, Li Che, began to spread.

In the height of summer, August, Li Xiang left the palace to avoid the massacre. In addition to choosing a few concubines to accompany him, it was also a good opportunity for the relatively young princes who were still studying to have a break and enjoy a half-day of leisure.

Today, on a whim, Li Xiang summoned Li Che to test his academic knowledge. Hearing that Li Che was reading "The Great Learning," he asked him to explain it to him.

"Cao Cao's sons, Cao Pi and Cao Zhi, were both talented poets from a young age, and Cao Zijian was even known as having eight dou of talent!"

"However, I think my son is no less capable than him!" He picked up the boy and pinched his chubby cheeks.

Undoubtedly, compared to the earliest-born princes, the later princes were relatively more fortunate.

His earliest batch of princes were born when Li Xiang was often away on military campaigns, and he wasn't by their side. Even their names were chosen after he returned from his campaigns.

However, by the time these later princes were born, the Great Jin Dynasty had grown increasingly powerful, and Li Xiang no longer needed to personally lead expeditions. Therefore, he was able to witness the births of these children.

Faced with his father's praise, Li Che shook his head and said, "Brother Zihuan and Brother Zijian are both worthy of respect for their knowledge and character. How can I compare to them!"

Back then, Cao Pi seized the opportunity to climb the social ladder, which resulted in Li Xiang gaining an adopted son out of nowhere.

Therefore, Li Che addressed them as elder brothers. In recent years, Cao Mengde's two sons, especially Cao Pi, have behaved very well in Luoyang, appearing as moral exemplars and virtuous ministers.

Although Li Xiang knew it was most likely an act, after all, in history, his character had nothing to do with that of a moral exemplar.

However, as long as he can behave himself and keep up this facade for the rest of his life, it wouldn't matter if Li Xiang posthumously honored him as a moral exemplar!
However, Li Xiang, who was holding his son, was even more amused when he heard Li Che say that. "At such a young age, he already knows humility; that's equally rare!"

"You have studied diligently, and I should reward you. Tell me, what do you want?" Today, Li Xiang seemed to be in a very good mood, so he winked at Li Che and asked generously.

However, to Li Xiang's surprise, Li Che shook his little head, looked at Li Xiang with his clear eyes, and said seriously, "My mother told me that studying is for the purpose of gaining wisdom and knowledge, and cultivating moral character. If I receive a reward from Father, wouldn't that mean I'm studying for the sake of the reward?"

Hearing the little guy say that, Li Xiang was naturally delighted. He vigorously rubbed the little guy's head and then said with a smile, "It's rare for me to give someone a reward on my own initiative. You little rascal, if you refuse now, don't regret it later!"

Li Che shook his head firmly again and said, "No regrets!"

"Haha!" Li Xiang was very happy. Looking at his son, who already had a scholarly air about him, he thought for a moment and said, "You deserve praise for your good studies, but as a descendant of the imperial family, you must not neglect your martial arts. You must be proficient in both literature and martial arts!"

"Yes!" Although he agreed, Li Che's face turned bitter in that instant.

Heaven gave him a talent for literature, but not for martial arts.

I couldn't learn archery, horsemanship, swords, spears, or halberds at all.

"Now that you're out of the palace, relax and play with your brothers and sisters!" Li Xiang said affectionately.

"Thank you, Father!" Li Che exclaimed joyfully upon hearing this, then bowed, slowly retreated, and turned to run away. He was still just a child at heart, naturally playful.

"Your Majesty, the Seventeenth Prince is truly a man of exceptional talent and intelligence!" Seeing Li Xiang's gaze fixed on Li Che's figure, the head eunuch beside him smiled and offered his compliments.

Upon hearing this, the smile on Li Xiang's face gradually faded. After pondering for a while, he sighed and said, "Being a prince in peaceful times in the future would not be a bad thing!"

Although he showed more affection for his seventeenth son compared to his other sons, that was about it.

The position of Crown Prince is crucial to the foundation of the nation. If the Crown Prince is without fault, then not only the seventeenth prince, who is only seven years old, but even the most capable prince among all the princes, the Prince of Jin, has no chance.

The Prince of Jin was the one most like him, and he truly lived up to the title bestowed upon him.

Among all the princes, he was the most accomplished in both literature and martial arts.

On the contrary, the crown prince is unlike his father.

However, if a choice had to be made for the emperor, the crown prince would be more suitable than the Prince of Jin.

"Last year, didn't Bai Qi present you with a piece of white jade?"

"Go and deliver the imperial decree to bestow this upon Lady Da Zhou!" Li Xiang said, raising a finger.

"Yes!"