Chapter 8: What Should Be Taught?

“Is this a poem about chrysanthemums?”

Changsun Wugou was indeed a talented woman. As Wen He finished speaking, she discerned the surface meaning of the poem, though she still hesitated.

“But why is there a certain solemn and chilling aura in the verses? And it doesn’t quite fit the season, does it?”

It was only early June, yet the poem spoke of September, the season when chrysanthemums bloom.

Wen He glanced at Li Shimin and gave a mysterious smile.

“Though it’s a poem praising chrysanthemums, it’s actually not about the flower itself. For this moment, one might say it’s barely appropriate.”

“This poem isn’t yours, is it?” Li Shimin narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing him.

He vaguely sensed something unusual within the poem, especially the line: “The soaring fragrance pierces Chang’an, the city adorned in golden armor.”

It spoke of chrysanthemums, yet somehow it seemed not to be about them at all. It faintly resonated with his current predicament.

Wen He smiled ambiguously.

“What difference does it make?”

After all, by the time Huang Chao rose, no one would know where it was buried. Besides, can the work of scholars truly be called plagiarism?

It’s called inspiration.

“Mother, is this poem good?” Little Li Tai didn’t dare ask Li Shimin directly and timidly tugged at Changsun Wugou’s sleeve.

“Hmm, very good. So Qingque must not be arrogant and must learn diligently from the teacher.” Changsun Wugou affectionately ruffled his hair.

Li Tai let out a small “Ah” and looked at Wen He with a face full of grievance.

“You two come as well, come together to pay respects to the teacher.”

Li Shimin beckoned Li Chengqian and Li Ke.

Though both brothers were only a year older than Li Tai, their demeanor was worlds apart; they already looked like little grown-ups.

After all, they were raised by Changsun Wugou and the former Sui princess—children of ordinary families could never compare.

“Greetings, teacher,” the two bowed with cupped hands.

Watching them, Wen He couldn’t help but think of their fates.

One would be demoted to a cripple, the other falsely accused by Changsun Wuji and perish.

“How pitiful,” he sighed, only to realize he had inadvertently spoken his thoughts aloud.

The two children and Changsun Wugou were taken aback.

Pitiful? What is he talking about?

Only Li Shimin understood and shot Wen He a scolding glare before slapping his head.

---

“Damn, are you trying to kill me?” Wen He jumped up, clutching his head in shock from the sudden slap.

“If you speak recklessly again, don’t blame me for being ruthless!” Li Shimin warned him sternly.

Wen He rubbed his head indignantly. Knowing it was his own slip-up, he didn’t argue.

Besides, Li Shimin held back—otherwise, with his strength, Wen He would have been knocked unconscious.

“Pfft, hahahaha!”

Suddenly, discordant laughter broke out. Everyone turned to see Li Tai pointing at Wen He, laughing uproariously.

“You deserved that hit.”

That little chubby fellow was actually gloating!

If I can’t deal with your father, how could I possibly not handle you?!

“Your Highness, Princess Consort, since I will be their teacher from now on, shouldn’t I also be responsible for their health?”

“What do you mean?” Li Shimin and Changsun Wugou exchanged puzzled glances.

“I see this young boy—so young yet stout and chubby. That’s not good; it will make him prone to illnesses in the future, many of which are difficult to cure.” Wen He raised an eyebrow at Li Shimin, confident he would understand.

Previously, Li Shimin had asked if Changsun Wugou’s illness could be cured in later ages; Wen He had said no.

Now, he said it was hard to cure, implying even in the future it would remain so.

Li Shimin’s gaze darkened, misunderstanding him.

He thought Wen He meant Li Tai would suffer serious illnesses later.

Come to think of it, he almost forgot to ask what happened to Qingque after being driven out of Chang’an.

Could it be that she fell ill?

He pondered for a moment, his eyes sharp as he looked at Li Tai, but asked Wen He instead: “Is there a way to prevent this?”

“Eat less meat, exercise more. I think the Qin Prince’s mansion is good; have little Qingque run two or three laps around the estate every day.”

Let me laugh at your schadenfreude!

“No, no, that won’t do, Father, Mother has no meat to eat, Qingque can’t finish her meals, and running is also impossible.”

Li Tai’s face changed drastically as he shook his head anxiously.

Li Chengqian wanted to comfort his brother but seeing Father and Mother deep in thought, he closed his mouth again.

Li Ke tilted his head, gazing at the distant sky as if something marvelous was happening there.

“It’s nothing. People can go three days without food and be fine. Missing a few meals won’t kill you; without meat, even grass would be eaten. But being too overweight makes one prone to diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension—these are all incurable diseases.”

Wen He spoke sincerely, as if truly concerned for Li Tai’s wellbeing.

Changsun Wugou was confused; she had never heard of such illnesses before.

She looked at Li Shimin, who grew increasingly solemn, seemingly convinced.

Her heart jolted: could it be that what this young man said was true?

---

“Guanyin Maid, starting tomorrow, Qingque’s meals shall be light. Also, at the hour of Chen each day, have someone wake him to run three laps around the mansion. If he refuses, apply the family’s discipline.”

The order of father and son was absolute; even Changsun Wugou could not alter what Li Shimin had decreed.

Li Tai’s eyes welled with tears; biting his lip, he looked thoroughly aggrieved.

He dared not blame Li Shimin, so he cast a fierce glare at Wen He instead.

Wen He was unfazed. With Li Shimin backing him, what was there to fear from this little fatty?

“Since that’s settled, classes begin tomorrow. By the way, have you decided what to teach them first?” Li Shimin asked Wen He.

Though he had resolved to make Wen He their teacher, he remained somewhat worried.

This brat spoke without filters; he hoped he wouldn’t say anything inappropriate later.

“Play first.” Without hesitation, Wen He blurted out.

“Play?” Li Shimin was taken aback, instantly regretting his decision.

Changsun Wugou was stunned too.

Isn’t it supposed to be studying?

How did it turn into playing?

Li Chengqian pursed his lips, a hint of joy shimmering in his eyes.

Li Tai struggled to hold back his tears even more dramatically.

Li Ke still tilted his head, gazing at the sky beyond the tall walls, as if oblivious to everything.

“Exactly, play first,” Wen He nodded firmly. Seeing Li Shimin’s expression falter, he hurried to explain, “Of course, not aimless playing. You can rest assured about my methods. If you’re not confident, then I won’t take the position.”

He put on a casual demeanor, forcing Li Shimin to swallow his rebuttal.

Although annoyed, Li Shimin consoled himself silently: perhaps children in the future all learned this way.

So he didn’t press further and nodded in agreement.

Changsun Wugou widened her eyes in disbelief.

How could His Highness agree so easily?

“Isn’t this a bit reckless? Letting a child teach Gao Ming and the others is one thing, but allowing them to play together?”

She truly could not understand today’s His Highness.

Li Shimin smiled reassuringly.

Suddenly, footsteps approached outside the door.

A servant appeared, bowing respectfully. “Greetings, Your Highness, Princess Consort. There is someone outside the mansion with urgent news for Your Highness.”