ATPnovel Chapter 16: The Most Outstanding Figures Are Yet to Come
Chapter 16: The Most Outstanding Figures Are Yet to Come
Xia Chengzong began to recite:
"The northern landscape is a scene of ice and snow stretching for thousands of miles. Looking beyond the Great Wall, all that remains is a vast expanse of white; the Yellow River, both upstream and downstream, has lost its mighty flow."
"The mountains dance like silver snakes, the plains gallop like wax elephants, vying with the heavens for height. On a sunny day, behold the red-clad and white-draped scenery, exceptionally enchanting."
Xia Chengzong paused slightly at this point.
Prince Chungshun hurriedly said, "Yes, yes, that's exactly half of the poem. I wonder how you plan to continue with the second half?"
Prince Zhongcheng spoke up, saying, "This half of the poem is indeed very well written, but it was agreed that it would be a birthday poem."
"You're clearly describing the scenery, not writing a birthday poem. If you can't make sense of the second half, it'll be off-topic and won't count."
Prince Chung-shin nodded and said, "That's absolutely right. The topic is a birthday celebration, but you wrote about a snow scene."
"And it was written beforehand; what kind of logic is that in composing poetry?"
"This makes one highly suspicious; did you really write this poem?"
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed slightly.
Xia Chengzong smiled slightly and said, "Sixth Imperial Uncle, please be patient. You'll understand after hearing the second half of this poem. No one dares to write this poem for you!"
Prince Zhongkang frowned and said, "Zong'er, you're being too arrogant. What kind of words do you have that you dare to say no one would dare to write them for you?"
Prince Zhongshun said, "Eighth Prince, you haven't even heard what he wrote yet, and you're already questioning it. It's not too late to speak after you've heard it all!"
Prince Zhongkang flicked his sleeve and said, "Very well, I want to hear just how astonishing his second half is, daring to utter such outrageous words!"
Xia Chengzong smiled slightly, cleared his throat, and recited:
"This land is so beautiful, it has attracted countless heroes to bow down in admiration."
"It's a pity that Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han were somewhat lacking in literary talent."
hiss!
Upon hearing this, someone gasped in shock.
"Emperors Taizong of Tang and Emperor Taizu of Song were slightly inferior in style."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed.
No wonder this little guy dares to spout such arrogant words; no one would dare to write them for him.
Indeed, I dare not. This is a critique of past emperors, and of course, of exceptionally wise and capable ones.
If things go wrong, this could be a capital offense. Who would dare to write such a poem?
This little guy, at such a young age, dares to comment on virtuous and capable rulers throughout history? Who gave him the courage?
"Genghis Khan, the proud son of heaven, only knew how to bend his bow and shoot eagles."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yonglong's face lit up with anticipation.
"All that is past; to find truly remarkable figures, look to the present."
After reciting the poem, Xia Chengzong bowed to Emperor Yonglong.
Upon hearing this, almost everyone in the room gasped in shock.
They were all stunned and amazed.
Three words welled up in their minds: sycophant!
This flattery hit the nail on the head, striking a chord with the emperor.
This flattery is truly unprecedented and will never be repeated!
As expected, Emperor Yonglong's eyes lit up, and then he burst into laughter.
The laughter, filled with boundless joy, lasted for a long time, and eventually even brought tears to their eyes.
Emperor Yonglong finally stopped laughing after a long while.
The Empress rushed over and took a handkerchief to wipe away the tears from the corners of his eyes.
Emperor Yonglong exclaimed in praise, "Excellent, excellent words!"
"This poem is exquisite and unparalleled; it can be considered the finest poem in our Great Qian Dynasty!"
"Dai Quan, have someone spread this poem far and wide, to bring fame to my grandson!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Emperor Yonglong looked at Xia Chengzong with eyes full of affection.
"Zong-ge'er, from now on you will stay by your grandfather's side, and he will personally teach you."
"Keep you in the manor, or your good-for-nothing father will corrupt you."
Upon hearing this, Xia Chengzong was overjoyed and quickly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."
After a pause, he continued, "My father is certainly excellent, but naturally he cannot compare to my grandfather."
"By following my grandfather, I can learn more principles and will be able to serve my grandfather and father well in the future!"
Emperor Yonglong said with satisfaction, "Excellent! He truly is my good grandson!"
永隆帝正面情绪+1+1+1+1+1
Prince Chungjang's positive emotions +1 +1 +1
……
Prince Chungshun's positive emotions +1 +1 +1
Crown Prince's negative emotions +1 +1 +1
Xia Chengxu's negative emotions +1 +1 +1
Loyal Prince's negative emotions +1 +1 +1
Xia Chengli's negative emotions +1 +1 +1
Having reaped several hundred more emotional points, Xia Chengzong was overjoyed.
I originally thought that receiving a robe as a reward would be a pleasant surprise, but I never expected to receive an unexpected bonus.
Emperor Yonglong actually wanted to personally take him under his wing and teach him!
With this step, he has taken another solid step on his path to the throne.
Now, perhaps only he himself knows that his father will one day ascend to the throne.
Even Emperor Yonglong himself probably didn't know at that time that he would pass the throne to his father.
Xia Chengzong had often pondered the reasons behind this.
The final conclusion was that the Emperor suddenly fell seriously ill, and he did not have time to properly select and train a successor.
Ultimately, I chose my father not because he was particularly wise and intelligent, but rather because of his mediocrity.
When Emperor Yonglong was old, he enjoyed pleasure and squandered the national treasury.
Therefore, the current Qianlong dynasty can no longer withstand any more turmoil and needs a steady and mediocre ruler to maintain the status quo.
And coincidentally, the King perfectly fits this description.
Knowing this, Xia Chengzong's task was to make both outsiders and his father realize this.
He was able to become emperor because of his good grandson.
He was able to become emperor because of himself.
Then his chances of ascending to the throne in the future will greatly increase!
Now that his grandfather was taking care of him, it perfectly matched this impression, so Xia Chengzong couldn't help but be overjoyed.
永隆帝正面情绪+1+1+1+1+1+1
Ok!
One of my own poems has turned my grandfather into a perpetual motion machine.
Xia Chengzong knew, of course, why he was so happy.
When Emperor Yonglong was young, he was a good emperor who reduced taxes and levies and worked hard to govern the country.
But as they get older, they begin to crave pleasure and yearn for old relationships.
The indulgence of corrupt officials led to an empty treasury and widespread discontent among the people.
Therefore, Emperor Yonglong is now beginning to worry about his posthumous reputation.
For him, his own composition of the poem "Qinyuanchun: Snow" was undoubtedly a timely help.
Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han were somewhat lacking in literary talent; Emperor Taizong of Tang and Emperor Taizu of Song were slightly inferior in poetic flair. Genghis Khan, the proud son of heaven, only knew how to bend his bow and shoot eagles.
All that is past; to find truly remarkable figures, look to the present.
This is a case of belittling the past and praising the present, elevating his status to a level even higher than that of ancient sage rulers.
Of course, Emperor Yonglong knew this in his heart.
The ranking of monarchs cannot be determined by a single poem.
But at least when later generations mention this poem, they will mention him and compare him to the ancient sage rulers.
This poem will definitely improve his reputation considerably.
Even centuries from now, who will know about the mistakes he made in his later years?
I had taken advantage of my grandfather's mentality.
It can be said that he was the biggest winner at this birthday celebration.
Of course, he had made sufficient preparations beforehand.
Opportunity always favors the prepared mind.