The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 310 In terms of talent, I always surpass others, today better than yesterday. Regarding the past, we should reflect. Regarding the road ahead, let us drift along.
That night, the moon was bright and the wind was gentle.

Li Yi slowly walked out of the study, and Yuan Ying walked towards him.

Looking back at Li Yi, he didn't see Zhi'er following him out.

She then parted her lips slightly and asked:
"...Husband, has Zhi'er admitted his mistake?"

Li Yi waved his robe and said:
“I have already given him a little admonishment and said a few words to him. I think he is reflecting on himself in his room.”

"This child is teachable and will surely achieve great things."

"May you not worry, Madam."

Upon hearing this, Madam Yuan frowned and said with some surprise:

"In my opinion, this son is too strong-willed and not as gentle as A Dou."

"A Dou would correct his mistakes upon hearing them and never talked back."

"I very much wish that my son would follow his example."

"If I could have a son like this, what more could I ask for?"

Clearly, Yuan Ying preferred the latter's personality to that of Li Zhi and Liu Shan.

Because A Dou knew his mistakes and corrected them, and never talked back.

This saved him a lot of suffering.

On the other hand, Li Zhi was too stubborn. He would never admit his mistake unless the reasons were explained to him clearly.

In Yuan Ying's opinion, such a personality is really too foolish.

Regardless of right or wrong, why don't you first bow your head and admit your mistake to your father, and you'll avoid punishment?

Why suffer that pain for nothing?
Your father is a very strong-willed person.

Apart from Liu Bei, to whom in the whole world has he ever bowed his head?
As a mother of two herself, Yuan Ying felt that her two sons were not as good as her older sister.

This made her, as the younger sister, feel a little embarrassed.

Thinking of this, Yuan Ying couldn't help but roll her eyes at Li Yi.

Because she spends the most time with the children, she should logically be in charge of educating them.

Even amidst her busy schedule, Li Yi still made sure to take the lead in her child's education.

On matters of principle, Yuan Ying had absolutely no say.

Yuan Ying felt that Li Yi was to blame for turning Li Zhi into this person.

"Humph~"

Yuan Ying reached out and pinched Li Yi's arm.

"What?" Li Yi asked.

Yuan Ying pouted, "I always feel that there is something wrong with how my husband raises our children."

"Zhi'er has been arrogant since childhood. If this continues, what will become of him in the future?"

"For example, tonight, if A Dou had admitted his mistake early on, he would have avoided being burdened with trouble."

"On the other hand, when it comes to treating children, one should stick to one's own opinions."

"It not only wastes your time, but also causes trouble for both you and your son."

"Isn't this your fault?"

Yuan Ying, who was usually lectured by Li Yi, finally caught him in the act today.

She also imitated his usual behavior and turned the tables on her husband.

"When you teach An'er again in the future, my husband must never do the same thing again."

"I should be the one to educate him, otherwise..."

"Hmph." Yuan Ying glanced at him and snorted softly, "I fear that both of you have been misled by your husband."

Unexpectedly, Yuan Ying challenged Li Yi for control of the education of their third son, Li An.

Upon hearing this, Li Yi clapped his hands and laughed:
"Excellent! My wife has finally been able to teach her husband a lesson today!"

Just then, Liu Shan and Yuan Ying walked towards them.

Yuan Ying had already treated Liu Shan to dinner and then stopped by to check on Li Zhi.

The lanterns under the eaves swayed, reflecting off the boy's face, making it appear as beautiful as jade.

Li Yi then straightened his clothes and gave the instructions:
"Now that the young master has finished eating, he should quickly go to bed and rest."

"There are morning classes tomorrow, so don't be late."

Liu Shan hesitated for a moment, glancing at the study and then at the expressions of Li Yi and his wife.

Yuan Ying had a kind expression, while Li Yi looked serious.

After hesitating for a moment, I still mustered up my courage and asked:

"...Father, where is Aruo now?"

"What do you plan to do with her?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Ying and Li Yi exchanged a glance.

Yuan Ying gently covered her lips and said softly with a smile:
"Adou, this is not something a child like you should concern yourself with."

"Listen to your father, go back to sleep."

"But……"

Liu Shan seemed about to speak again.

Li Yinai said in a deep voice:
"As your aunt said, it's not something you should be asking about Aruo's matter."

"You don't need to know."

Oh ~
Liu Shan obediently nodded, took his mother's hand, and retreated timidly, his back view showing a hint of resentment.

Seeing this, Yuan Ying gently tugged at her husband's sleeve and complained:

"My husband is really something. Why is he treating A Dou with such a stern expression?"

“I see that this child, though he has repented, still retains the heart of a child.”

"For example, the fragrance of plum blossoms becomes stronger after being exposed to frost and snow."

"If this is not a fine child, then who is?"

Yuan Ying praised Liu Shan's character highly; she liked this kind of obedient child.

Furthermore, even after Liu Shan admitted his mistake, he did not forget his original intention and showed concern for A Ruo.

One thing at a time, this shows that the child is not a bad person.

Li Yi stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the moon, and saw—

The clouds part to reveal the moon, flowers cast shadows, the wind shakes the lamp, and jade shines.

After a long silence, he finally sighed softly:
"Madam, you should know that educating children is like sharpening a sword; too much gentleness will be detrimental."

"I have always been very satisfied with Zhi'er's education."

Yuan Ying raised her eyebrows, revealing a look of surprise.

"satisfy?"

"This child is so stubborn and often talks back to you."

"You're actually satisfied?"

Li Yi nodded and smiled, saying:
"Although Zhi'er is as tough as iron, he has a strong backbone."

"Although his words were fierce when he argued with me, he had his reasons and his arguments were clear."

"This shows that this young man has a clear vision, is capable of taking responsibility, and can make his own decisions, which is truly a good thing."

"He is truly no ordinary child."

Li Yi still admired his son's integrity.

Because he felt that the child was responsible and had his own ideas.

He did not immediately bow down and admit his mistake out of fear of the power of the prime minister and his father.

He has his own independent thinking.

Regardless of whether this line of thinking is right or wrong.

Li Yi was already very satisfied that an eight-year-old child could do this.

Yuan Ying frowned slightly, fiddling with a willow branch, and said softly:
"I fear that he is too stubborn and will make mistakes in the future."

"Isn't this what you've been worried about all along?"

Li Yi smiled and said, "After this incident, I'm not so worried anymore."

"Oh? What do you mean by that, my husband?"

Yuan Ying found it increasingly difficult to understand Li Yi's thoughts, feeling that his thinking was always different from that of ordinary people.

"A Dou was kind-hearted and knew how to correct his mistakes."

"Isn't this the kind of character one should have when inheriting a family business?"

Li Yi stroked his beard and shook his head.

"Madam is mistaken."

"Didn't you see A Dou come to ask about A Ruo's condition just now?"

"This shows that the boy is not truly repentant."

"He only admitted his mistake early because he was afraid of my punishment."

In fact, A Dou had already wanted to admit his mistake from the moment Li Yi began punishing the two children.

However, Li Yi remained silent and did not ask any questions.

He didn't even have a chance to admit his mistake.

After being punished by grinding ink for two hours, Li Yi finally asked if he knew he had made a mistake.

Therefore, Liu Shan immediately admitted his mistake.

Li Yi walked slowly into the courtyard, pointed to a newly sprouted pine tree, and said:
"I see Zhi'er as this pine tree—"

"Though its branches are gnarled and twisted, it stands upright against the rock."

"Given time, he will surely become a pillar of society."

After saying this, Li Yi turned to look at Yuan Ying, seemingly quite pleased with himself.

"In fact, my way of educating my son is neither about literature nor martial arts."

"In my opinion, none of these are the most important things."

"Then what is the most important thing?" Yuan Ying asked.

"It's responsibility!"

Li Yi answered decisively, the word "responsibility" resonating powerfully.

“I see responsibility and a sense of duty in this child.”

"These are the qualities I most hope to see in children."

"Among all the sons, Zhi'er already possesses this quality."

“This is exactly what I admire, even though he is stubborn.”

"But if a good teacher guides him step by step and teaches him patiently, he will surely become a great man in time."

While strong ability is certainly important for inheriting a family business, the most important quality to have first and foremost is a sense of responsibility.

If an heir lacks a sense of responsibility and accountability, then no matter how capable they are, it doesn't matter.

Li Yi was willing to hand over his family business to a mediocre person.

"As for Adou..."

Li Yi frowned. "Although this child is kind, he lacks his own opinions."

"He is too easily swayed by others."

"If he dares to argue with me today, I will look at him differently."

Yuan Ying chuckled and couldn't help but scold in a coquettish voice:
"You're a really strange person."

“You admire Zhi’er for talking back to you.”

"You think that A Dou listens to you but doesn't have his own ideas?"

"If others find out, won't they laugh at you?"

Li Yi, however, had a serious expression and solemnly said:
How do you know that?

"The larger the family business, the more it needs successors who are responsible and have their own opinions."

"Otherwise, trouble will surely follow!"

“My Li family is just one of millions of families, while A Dou will inherit a vast land.”

How can we not be cautious?

"...This is precisely what I have been deeply concerned about."

There has always been a great deal of controversy surrounding Liu Shan.

Those who praise him can elevate him to the status of Duke Huan of Qi, a peerless and wise ruler.

Those who criticize him can also portray Liu Shan as a muddle-headed, incompetent fool who knows nothing.

In fact, Liu Shan himself would probably just laugh it off if he heard such a debate.

Liu Shan was neither a wise ruler nor a foolish one.

He's just a person, a normal person.

Looking at Liu Shan's reign as a whole, we can see that his reputation varied in the early, middle, and late periods.

This is actually related to the people Liu Shan used.

He delegated power to Zhuge Liang in the early stages, and Zhuge Liang governed Shu well, earning a good reputation.

During the mid-term, he appointed Jiang Wan, Fei Yi, and Dong Yun, who were recommended by Zhuge Liang, and their reputation was still acceptable.

Later, not knowing who to use, he let Fei Yi, Jiang Wei, Qiao Zhou, and others fight amongst themselves.

He heavily relied on the eunuch Huang Hao, indulged in pleasure, and had no idea how to handle disputes among his subordinates.

How to unite the already weak Shu Kingdom and increase team cohesion.

Qiao Zhou, whom we all know as the "big brother of investment," wrote "On Hatred of the State."

In fact, he once advised Liu Shan to reduce the amount of sightseeing and construction, and to work hard to govern the country.

It also stated the possibility that "the weak can overcome the strong".

We're in a losing situation; if we don't give it a shot, what hope do we have?

But Liu Shan was not interested in this.

This incident shows that even the Qiao Zhou family wanted to make a comeback and fight alongside Liu Shan again.

But Liu Shan himself gave up, and even the leader himself abandoned the idea.

What need is there for people like Qiao Zhou to make any more effort?
This actually aligns with Liu Shan's "non-aggressive" personality.

Therefore, regarding the evaluation of Liu Shan,

He gives good reviews when his subordinates are good.

When his subordinates are incompetent, his evaluation of them is also poor.

He lived his entire life within the framework set up for him by Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang.

This child is truly obedient and has truly fulfilled Liu Bei's dying wish—

“Do not refrain from doing good deeds even though they are small, and do not commit evil deeds even though they are small.”

The talented individuals recommended by Zhuge Liang in his "Memorial on Dispatching the Troops," such as Xiang Chong, Fei Yi, Jiang Wan, and Dong Yun, were all indeed given important positions by Liu Shan. However, it was precisely because this child was too obedient that he lacked independent thought and a sense of responsibility.

After Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang had squandered all the political legacy they left to Liu Shan...

You will then see the Shu Kingdom in its later stages, where it has become stagnant and its people are suffering from famine.

Because once this framework collapses, Liu Shan will no longer be willing to continue making trouble.

Therefore, when faced with Deng Ai's army at the city gates, Liu Shan chose to give up resistance and surrender by "binding himself," which was actually his compromise with himself.

When answering Sima Zhao, "I am so happy here that I do not miss Shu."

Rather than being wise in a seemingly foolish way, it's more accurate to say that Liu Shan left himself with his final words after relinquishing his family, the fate of the nation, his responsibilities, and the immense burden of history.

He sank to the bottom of the water and was finally able to surface for a breath.

Therefore, Liu Shan was a normal person and a good person.

But in chaotic times, isn't being a good person also a kind of tragedy?
"No one can predict what the future holds."

Li Yi stroked his beard and said solemnly, "A Dou's strengths lie in his kind nature, his obedience, and his refusal to act recklessly."

"His understanding of human nature and his resourcefulness surpass even his father's."

Besides being obedient and not causing trouble, Liu Shan's other advantages included high emotional intelligence.

In this respect, Liu Shan was even better than Liu Bei.

Whether it was dissuading Jiang Wan or calming Xiahou Ba, Liu Shan demonstrated his high emotional intelligence.

Because Shu Han could be considered Xiahou Ba's father's killer.

Therefore, when Liu Shan met him again, he first explained that in the battle between the two armies, swords and spears have no eyes, and casualties are inevitable.

Xiahou Yuan died in the chaos of battle, not by Liu Bei's own hand.

A few words, a few simple details, are enough to erase past grievances.

Then, Liu Shan tried to establish a kinship with Xiahou Ba, pointing to his son and saying:
“This is Xiahou’s nephew; we are all family.”

In terms of emotional intelligence, Liu Shan demonstrated his exceptional abilities.

These two advantages were recognized by Li Yi.

As for the drawbacks...

"My lord's will is unyielding and will never bow down."

"It is a pity that Liu Shan did not inherit his talents."

Li Yi sighed.

Liu Shan lacked a sense of responsibility.

Regardless of what predicament Chengdu ultimately faces,

It is unlikely that the situation would be as critical and difficult as when Liu Bei lost Xuzhou and was defeated at Xinye.

If Liu Bei had hesitated even slightly back then, how could there have been the Shu Han dynasty later on?
Such is the fate of a nation.

Li Yi believed that Liu Shan already possessed most of the qualities and advantages of a second-generation successor, but lacked only his own opinions and sense of responsibility.

Of course, if managed well, it could leave Liu Shan a substantial political legacy.

So even if someone lacks their own opinions, it doesn't mean they can't smoothly hand over power.

After all, after Zhuge Liang's death, Jiang Wan, Fei Yi, and others still managed to hold on to Shu Han.

After listening to Li Yi's analysis, Yuan Ying also fell into thought.

After a long silence, she finally spoke:
"What if Zhi'er persists in his mistakes and refuses to correct them in the future?"

Li Yi stroked his beard and smiled, gazing at the distant mountains:
"In the past, Confucius executed Shaozheng Mao, and Zichan did not destroy the village school. How can right and wrong be definitively judged?"

"As I said before, we are in high positions and cannot act according to ordinary principles."

"Only consider one's stance, regardless of right or wrong."

"Although Zhi'er is now on the opposite side of me, he is able to stick to his principles and fight bravely."

"Isn't this also a wonderful quality?"

"Doesn't this child's temperament perfectly match Mencius's spirit of 'I will go even if there are thousands of people against me'?"

In Li Yi's view, Li Zhi's starting point was not wrong.

He's just young and hasn't developed a broad perspective yet.

They won't have as many concerns, considerations, or even calculations as adults.

He was simply revealing his own insights and true feelings to his father without any concealment.

This spirit of critical thinking is something that Li Yi greatly admires about him.

Based on this alone, Li Yi no longer needs to teach him any more about modern thinking.

Because modern ideas, when applied to ancient times, are sometimes considered "dross."

Therefore, Li Yi gradually began to live like an ancient person.

He spends a lot of time reading books and classics every day.

The more classics he read, the more his views on the ancients changed.

Because he was surprised to find that,

The ancients not only understood those practical principles, but also explained them very clearly.

It's just that many people won't listen.

Including the matter of Aruo, the same knowledge came to Li Zhi as he grew older.

Li Yi believed he would have a different understanding.

After all, at only eight years old, he was able to quote classical texts and connect the Sima clan behind Aruo with the classics of the State of Qi.

We will surely see a deeper side in the future.

Before going to bed, Yuan Ying couldn't help but go to the study window to take one last look at her son.

The moonlight filled the courtyard, making Li Zhi's silhouette as he read through the window appear even more refined and elegant.

Even though it was so late, Li Zhi still hadn't gone to sleep, but instead chose to continue reading.

These were all books that Li Yi recommended to him.

Looking at her son's determined efforts, Yuan Ying felt both bitter and helpless.

After gazing at him for a long time, she couldn't help but sigh to Li Yi, "My husband is absolutely right about one thing."

"This child is really proud."

……

The next day, at 3:45 AM, before the sun had fully risen in the east, the dew in the courtyard was still heavy.

Although Li Zhi read until the third watch of the night, he still forced himself to get dressed and go out despite his exhaustion.

His eyes were slightly red and his face was pale, but he walked steadily.

Turning around the corridor, I suddenly saw my father standing with his hands behind his back under the ancient cypress in the courtyard, looking at the pine tree.

Li Yi was dressed in plain clothes, with a jade belt around his waist, and his patterned boots were soaked with morning dew.

Seeing his son get up on time for his morning class, a flash of satisfaction crossed Li Yi's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Did you understand what I said last night, my son?"

Li Yi asked in a low voice.

Li Zhi bowed deeply, his sleeves fluttering in the wind:
“I remember my father’s strict instructions and will never forget them.”

"Of course..."

The boy paused slightly, then looked up and stared directly at his father. "I am dull-witted, and there are still things I do not understand."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi threw his head back and laughed loudly, the sound shaking down several cypress leaves.

"It is common sense not to understand the formula."

“You have lived a life of luxury since childhood and have never experienced the hardships of life.”

"Under the protection of my family, how could they know of the peril of survival or the path of life and death?"

He suddenly stroked the wrinkled bark of the tree trunk and said, "Take this ancient cypress, for example. How could it have such a strong and resilient structure without being subjected to the harshness of wind and frost?"

"What my father said was a matter of life and death..."

Li Zhi frowned, still unable to understand.

Suddenly a morning breeze swept by, making his thin clothes flutter.

Li Yi took off his fur coat and draped it over his son, saying gently:
It doesn't matter if you don't understand.

"Come to my office at Chenshi (7-9 AM) tomorrow to observe the administration."

Pointing to the new nest in the tree, he sighed:

"A fledgling must eventually leave the nest to know how vast the sky and earth are."

Just then, as dawn broke in the east, Zhen Mi had already gotten up.

Although she had married Li Yi, she still held the position of secretary in the Prime Minister's residence.

Not long after completing her postpartum confinement, she returned to work at the Prime Minister's residence.

As soon as I stepped outside, I overheard the conversation between the father and son, and couldn't help but jokingly remark:
"The Prime Minister is really something, how old is Zhi'er?"

"Why should he be asked to go to the government office to observe the administration?"

Li Yi glanced at Zhen Mi and smiled:

"I think he already has the ability to observe politics."

As he spoke, he reached out and touched Li Zhi's forehead.

"Zhi'er, remember your father's words."

"Lift your head up, and you will have a wider world to explore."

"The world is eager to hear the stories of young achievers."

“It now belongs to me and His Highness King Qi.”

"But sooner or later, it will belong to you, to your generation."

"As your father, I don't ask you to accomplish anything extraordinary, but I hope you can fulfill the responsibilities of your generation."

Zhen Mi listened from the side and thought to herself that with Li Yi's achievements, how could his descendants possibly surpass or even match them?
Although the Prime Minister often said, "Talented people emerge in every generation, each leading the way for hundreds of years."

The waves behind the Yangtze River push the waves ahead, and the new people in the world drive out the old ones.

But it's likely that the Prime Minister himself knew that it would be difficult for his descendants to surpass him.

It's also difficult to be like him, able to control the overall situation and be thorough in every aspect.

Know when to advance and when to retreat, be aware of the times, and understand destiny.

Zhen Mi understood Li Yi; she knew why Li Yi was so willing to risk his life to do things, and why he was always reluctant to relinquish power.

Because he never believed in the wisdom of later generations.

Although Li Yi never said it, that's at least what Zhen Mi thought.

He felt that Li Yi simply wanted to do everything he was supposed to do before he died.

Heaven bestows great responsibilities upon those who are capable. With Li Yi's abilities, isn't he also fulfilling his historical responsibilities?

"When we grow old, we will be buried in the yellow earth."

"I hope to leave my descendants a paradise."

"the same as you."

Li Yi said softly to Li Zhi:
"I hope that after we die, we can both say with a clear conscience—"

"We've done our best."

"Hey! What are you talking about, dying or something, so early in the morning?"

"How unlucky!"

Yuan Ying also got up and came upstairs to find the father and son had reconciled, which put her in a great mood.

Although Zhi'er's personality is stubborn, he already possesses the following qualities at such a young age:
These are the qualities of loyalty, filial piety, propriety, righteousness, benevolence, and virtue.

Although these qualities are not yet fully developed.

But countless eight-year-old children spend their days riding horses and playing archery, without understanding basic manners.

This is the result of the joint efforts of Li Yi and Yuan Ying.

Because Yuan Ying came from a family that had produced four generations of high-ranking officials, she valued etiquette very much.

As for other qualities, Li Yi had his child read many ancient books and explained the principles behind them to him.

"Zhi'er, come here."

Li Yi strode into the courtyard and came to a three-foot-tall sapling.

These are the pine and cypress trees that he and Yuan Ying admired last night.

This young pine tree stands tall beside the rock, its needles glistening with dew.

On the side of a protruding rock, half of its roots are embedded in the cracks of the rock, and the other half are deep in the fertile soil.

Although the branches are thin, they already show signs of vigor.

"This is my father's most cherished possession."

Li Yi brushed away the dewdrops from the pine needles, his fingertips trembling slightly.

“When I was eight years old, about your age, my father… well, that is, your grandfather.”

"I once gifted my father a young pine tree..."

At this point, Li Yi suddenly stopped.

He took out a silk handkerchief from his bosom and carefully wiped the dust off the pine needles.

Li Zhi had never seen his father treat people with such gentleness, and he was stunned.

Just as he was about to ask, he saw Li Yi suddenly unfasten the jade pendant from his waist and hang it on the branch.

"Now I give you this same pine tree, hoping you will grow strong and healthy like it."

As he spoke, he beckoned to his servants.

The servant understood and turned to fetch the inkstone.

One person holds the inkstone, and the other holds the scroll.

Zhen Mi held a writing brush in her hand and personally handed it to Li Yi.

Upon seeing this, Yuan Ying smiled radiantly and giggled:

"Is my husband going to compose a poem again?"

Li Yi ignored her and instead spoke seriously to Li Zhi:
“Your grandfather once gave me this poem.”

"Now, I, as your father, also present this poem to you."

After speaking, he took the brush and ordered someone to spread out a plain silk cloth on the stone table under the pine tree.

A spring breeze swept by, ruffling a few strands of his hair.

Li Yi focused his mind and, suddenly, with a flourish of his brush, wrote down the poem his father had given him—

Half leaning against the mountain cliff, half in the purple courtyard.

The last patch of green in the world.

Where the spring breeze passes, nothing can rival its beauty.
Listen carefully when the winter snow comes.

……

(End of this chapter)