The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 95

After arriving at the pond alone, Xu Tian lifted his clothes and casually threw the fishhook in his hand into the pond.

At this moment, lotus flowers swayed in the pond, truly rising from the mud unsullied, but Xu Tian didn't even glance at them, instead silently fishing like Jiang Taigong.

Everything was quiet around him, and no one bothered Xu Tian. Xu Tian frowned slightly, feeling that something was wrong.

What's going on? Why didn't those robbers come this time?

He was puzzled and confused. Had he made a mistake in his judgment?

If he creates the opportunity himself and the robbers don't come, what other options does he have?

It seems I have no choice but to go back now. I didn't expect to catch a single fish today.

Xu Tian thought to himself.

Thinking this, he got up and left. He packed everything up and headed back the way he came. To his surprise, even as he was about to leave, the group of robbers didn't make a sound. Perhaps they really hadn't come?

If he didn't come, then all his efforts were in vain.

It didn't matter at all; Xu Tian was very open-minded, and afterwards he returned to the study unharmed.

The night passed quickly. Xu Tian had originally planned to play the long game, but so far he hadn't encountered a single robber, and the night had gone by peacefully.

He got out of bed, realizing his plan had failed, and simply went to school.

Regardless, he will continue in his teaching and nurturing role.

Soon, it was time for class.

Many students are now gathered in the classroom, chatting with each other, their faces beaming with joy.

They were naturally excited when we told them that we were going to talk about Lao Tzu.

At the beginning of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu of Han used the strategy of "rest and recuperation" to bring peace to the country, which had been plagued by war and social unrest, and laid the foundation for the prosperous reign of Emperor Wu of Han.

Xu Tian looked out the window at the students filling the hall, then stepped inside.

In an instant, the students who had been laughing and joking quickly lowered their heads and solemnly greeted, "Hello, teacher."

When they said these words, their expressions were mostly respectful, not fearful.

Xu Tian chuckled and nodded slightly.

"Today we're going to talk about some things from the previous dynasty, and you all seem to be having a great time," Xu Tian said.

The students remained silent, simply watching Xu Tian intently, waiting for him to continue.

"Alright, then I'll talk about the Han Dynasty." Xu Tian picked up the book, put one hand behind his back, and began softly, "The Han Dynasty's policies of recuperation and development consolidated the political power of the Western Han Dynasty and greatly improved the economy of the people, thus ensuring social stability..."

He spoke loudly, and many students listened with great interest.

Suddenly, he stopped, raised an eyebrow slightly, and looked at the handsome but youthful-looking student in front of him.

This student is none other than the one Li Er brought yesterday, named Li Zhuozhi.

Li Zhuozhi was lying on the table with his eyes half-closed, almost falling asleep. When he noticed Xu Tian looking at him, he not only didn't react, but even turned over and continued to sleep.

Seeing this, Xu Tian smiled and asked, "Why don't you learn?"

Li Zhuozhi then raised his head, glanced at Xu Tian, ​​sighed, and said helplessly, "I already know all of these, Master, I've learned them."

"You've studied it?" Xu Tian nodded. "Okay, then let me ask you."

Li Zhuozhi then became somewhat interested, tilting his head slightly to look at Xu Tian, ​​wanting to hear what an ordinary teacher could ask.

"Why did Emperor Gaozu of Han propose recuperation and restoration instead of governing the country according to Confucian doctrines?" Xu Tian asked.

When Li Zhuozhi heard this question, he was stunned for a moment.

He looked somewhat embarrassed, frowning as he looked at Xu Tian, ​​his face showing a hint of shame and annoyance. He said, "I don't know what this is. I've never learned it."