The Fierce Teacher of Zhenguan: Starting with Teaching the Crown Prince to Make a Comeback

Chapter 19 made me even happier!
Li Chengqian was intimidated by Li Yichen's imposing presence and subconsciously asked, "How should we retaliate?"

Li Yichen gave a cold laugh and said, "Your Highness must directly refute this, defining it as a 'discussion of sacred learning,' not something an outsider can presume to discuss! Your Highness may speak—"

He paused slightly to make sure Li Chengqian's full attention was focused, then spoke in a calm yet highly persuasive tone.

"Your Highness's questions that day were all drawn from the Book of Documents and the Analects. Every word and phrase is a sage's instruction and an age-old question! The story of Emperor Shun, the ultimate in filial piety, the distinction between loyalty and righteousness, what is concealment, what is filial piety, what is expediency, what is the Great Way? These are fundamental questions concerning the foundation of governance and the basic principles of human relations. As the crown prince and the future ruler of the world, Your Highness should study diligently, think deeply, and seek guidance from your sovereign. What is wrong with that?"

Li Yichen's gaze was fixed on Li Chengqian, as if he wanted to imprint these words into the depths of his soul.

"Could it be that the teachers have been wrong in teaching Your Highness to study diligently and ask questions? Or do they feel that the way of the sages is not worth learning or asking? Your Highness's questions are precisely aimed at delving into the profound meanings of the sages' words, so that you can distinguish right from wrong and govern the country properly in the future! This is the Crown Prince seeking advice from his father on the great principles of governing the country, and it is a common occurrence for the father and son of the imperial family to discuss knowledge and refine their thoughts!"

His voice suddenly rose in pitch, carrying a sharp edge.

"You foreign officials, ignorant of the facts and unversed in the classics, how dare you presume to speculate on the academic disputes within the imperial family, or to comment on the Crown Prince's thirst for knowledge, with your shallow worldly views? Let alone use this to criticize His Highness's lack of virtue? Are you questioning His Majesty's authority to educate the Crown Prince? Or are you questioning the worthlessness of studying the classics? Have you truly considered the weight of this matter?"

His words came out like a barrage of cannon fire, forceful and logically sound. First, he occupied the moral high ground by quoting the words of a sage, elevating his personal behavior to the level of discussing the great principles of governing the country. Then, he questioned the motives and qualifications of the person who launched the attack. Finally, he directly threw the question back at the other party, accusing him of questioning the emperor and the sage's way!
Li Chengqian was stunned, his blood seemed to ignite instantly!

Li Yichen's words seemed to possess a magical power, sweeping away the lingering fear and uncertainty in his heart, replacing it with a sense of sudden enlightenment, excitement, and an eager impulse to try!

"Good! Good! Well said!" Li Chengqian suddenly stood up, pacing excitedly in front of the table, repeatedly pondering every word Li Yichen said. "Why didn't I think of that! I was asking the words of the sages, seeking advice from the emperor and father, what business is it of theirs! Yes! That's it! Rebuke them! Let's see who dares to say another word!"

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that the plan was ingenious. It not only resolved the crisis, but also turned the tables on those potential troublemakers!
He could almost see himself in the imperial court, uttering these words with righteous indignation, leaving the officials speechless and dumbfounded!
"Yichen! This strategy is even more satisfying than the one in Xizhou..." He couldn't find the right words for a moment, so he waved his arm forcefully, "...it makes me feel even more exhilarated! It's as if I've finally vented my anger!"

Li Yichen remained calm as he reminded him, "Your Highness, this is not about venting your anger, but about self-preservation and, more importantly, about seizing the right to speak. If Your Highness responds in this way tomorrow, you must pay attention to your demeanor and tone. You should appear sincere and perplexed, as if genuinely puzzled as to why your studiousness has been criticized, rather than being aggressive. You should occupy the high ground of 'reason,' not the dominance of 'force.' Only in this way can you evoke the greatest resonance, or at least the suspicion, of His Majesty and the neutral court officials, and let those who have made trouble bring shame upon themselves."

Li Chengqian sat down heavily, his eyes gleaming, barely able to contain his excitement: "I understand! I will certainly keep a proper distance! My sincere request for guidance, my bewilderment at being attacked... Haha, brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!"

He seemed to be eagerly anticipating tomorrow's court assembly, and even secretly hoped that someone would step forward and cause trouble, so that he would have the opportunity to throw back his rehearsed words!
"Your Highness," Li Yichen said again, his voice lowering as he looked at his excited expression, "In addition, I have another concern."

"Is there anything else?" Li Chengqian was now completely obedient to Li Yichen.

"The attackers may not be just one person, and they may be approaching the issue from different angles. Besides directly criticizing His Highness's misconduct, they may also be launching a roundabout attack," Li Yichen calmly analyzed.

"For example, some people say that Your Highness's actions were instigated and misled by treacherous people, and were not of your own volition. Their purpose may be to test you, or to force you to reveal my existence."

Li Chengqian's expression hardened: "They dare!"

“They definitely will,” Li Yichen said with certainty.

Li Chengqian was speechless at Li Yichen's words.

That's right! What else wouldn't they dare to do? They've never hesitated to criticize him, the crown prince, on a daily basis.

"If someone says such a thing, Your Highness must remain calm. Your Highness can reply: 'It is only natural for Your Highness to consult the sovereign and father when you read the classics and have questions. Do you think Your Highness is so dull-witted that you have no opinions of your own and need to be instigated in everything? Are you belittling Your Highness, or are you belittling the results of His Majesty's choice of teachers?'" "Return the question to the emperor and emphasize your independent thinking ability as the crown prince, as well as the legitimacy of His Majesty's teachings."

Li Chengqian nodded repeatedly, making sure he remembered these words: "That's right! How could I be someone who can be manipulated by others!"

Li Yichen continued, "In fact, some people might try to ask specific questions about the details of that day, such as 'What exactly was Your Highness thinking at the time?' Such questions seem ordinary, but they actually contain traps. No matter how Your Highness answers, they may be misinterpreted."

"Then how should I deal with this?" Li Chengqian asked hurriedly.

"Your Highness need only answer: 'Your Highness has already fully informed His Majesty of his thoughts and intentions at the time. The specific details are matters of conversation between the Emperor and his son, and are not convenient to discuss with foreign officials. If you have any questions about the words of the Sage, you may study the classics or consult His Majesty, rather than pressing him about the conversation between Your Highness and His Majesty.'"

"In this way, we not only avoided falling into a linguistic trap, but also reiterated the nature of this matter as a foreign official's forbidden entry, thus maintaining His Majesty's authority and protecting ourselves."

Li Chengqian felt greatly reassured, as if he had a thousand troops protecting him. All his previous anxiety was replaced by a strong sense of confidence and anticipation.

He looked at Li Yichen, his eyes filled with indescribable joy and reliance: "Yichen, with you by my side, I feel as if I have 100,000 soldiers! No, you are better than 100,000 soldiers!"

Li Yichen bowed slightly: "Your subject dares not. This is all my duty, to help Your Highness secure your position as heir apparent, and also to protect my own life and future."

Li Chengqian greatly appreciated Li Yichen's honesty.

The sound of drums came from outside the palace; the night was already deep.

Li Chengqian, however, was wide awake and in high spirits.

He pondered Li Yichen's words repeatedly, imagining the various situations that might arise in the court the next day and how he would respond. The more he thought about it, the more excited he became, feeling as if all the pent-up emotions in his chest had been released and an unprecedented sense of power filled his entire body.

"Tomorrow at the grand court assembly, I'll see who dares to bring up old grievances and invite further humiliation!"

Li Chengqian slammed his hand on the table, his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

Li Yichen watched him quietly, knowing that this Crown Prince was growing rapidly in a dangerous but necessary way.

The cold water he poured on Li Chengqian and the flames he ignited were both pushing him down a path completely different from what is recorded in history.

Tomorrow will be the first and crucial step in testing all of this.

"Your Highness, it is late. Please rest early and get enough rest to prepare for tomorrow's court session," Li Yichen advised at the opportune moment.

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(End of this chapter)