The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 290

Su Shichang, the head of the Hanlin Academy, nodded in agreement.

"I have never seen such an interesting thing before. I made two shuttlecocks and brought them back to the manor. My wife and son liked them very much. Even my grandson loves them very much and holds onto a shuttlecock all day long."

Lu Deming had played a lot of football in the past few days, so his face had become tanned. He said with his hands behind his back, "The reason why we have suffered repeated defeats in our battles against the Turks is because the physical condition of our Tang soldiers is not up to par. Unlike the Turks, who grow up eating mutton and beef, they are physically strong and powerful. In addition, the harsh climate makes our battles extremely fierce."

But now, the students at my Hongwen Academy have learned level two soccer, level two jump, and even long-distance running.

Badminton, to a certain extent, improves the physical fitness of students. If they continue to practice, they will be physically strong and skilled in both literature and martial arts when they take the imperial examinations.

"His military prowess in stabilizing the nation and his literary skills in securing peace are truly remarkable achievements that benefit both the country and its people. We deeply admire Master Xu."

Xu Tian felt a little embarrassed by what was being said; in modern times, such a sport was really too common.

Moreover, as a form of entertainment, sports are entirely for physical exercise and national defense, and have nothing to do with sports. However, he did not expect that although Zhang Yunlie and Gu Zhihuai were not good at academics, they were actually quite good at sports. They not only created footballs and badminton, but also basketballs.

For a time, these four young masters from Wu County promoted sports in the Tang Dynasty.

Xu Tian thought that the materials used for soccer balls and badminton shuttlecocks were quite difficult to find. Especially soccer balls, which ordinary people made from cowhide and sheepskin, stuffing them with sand to resemble soccer balls.

Throughout history, any policy or novelty that is difficult to implement has always originated among the nobility and then been imitated by the common people. Unexpectedly, his unintentional actions have led to the development of Zhang Yunlie and Gu Zhihuai, laying the foundation for the development of a strong physique for the Chinese people.

Moreover, the Crown Prince's tutor, Yao Silian, was deeply moved by this scene. He never expected that the small Hongwen Academy could change the atmosphere of the academy, and that students would develop comprehensively not only in spirit but also in physique.

He wanted to tell His Majesty this good news, so he immediately returned to his residence.

Madam Yao said, "Where are you going, sir? Dinner is almost ready."

Yao Silian immediately said, "Steward, prepare the carriage. I need to go to the palace immediately to tell His Majesty about these matters."

Yao Silian, a disciple of the Vermilion Bird Gate, drove his carriage directly to the palace gate and barged in without even announcing his arrival.

Li Er had already finished reviewing the memorials and was preparing to return to the Taiji Hall to rest when Yao Silian suddenly knelt down in the hall and said, "Your Majesty!"

As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.

Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince's tutor was now so fragile. Li Er then said somewhat guiltily, "Is the Crown Prince really so unruly? Please forgive him, tutor."

I know that the Grand Tutor is a man of upright character and a rare talent. If even the Grand Tutor is unwilling to teach him, what should we do?

Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince's tutor, Yao Silian, shook his head and said, "His Majesty's grace is boundless, having raised me from humble beginnings, for which I have never forgotten. His Highness the Crown Prince has always been good! Moreover, His Highness the Crown Prince already possesses the qualities of a heir apparent. He is intelligent, studious, decisive, and will never be swayed by treacherous officials. He has independent opinions. Furthermore, His Highness the Crown Prince is the chosen one of Heaven, how dare I speak ill of him?"

"Why is that?"

"I have come here today to report another matter to Your Majesty. These days I am teaching at the Hongwen Academy, which was founded by Grand Tutor Xu, also known as Prince Rui."

However, they discovered a series of unusual things about this library. In the past, the scions of this aristocratic family were arrogant and haughty!