Transmigrated into Li Chengqian, he effortlessly ascended the throne and became emperor.

Li Gang lived to be nearly seventy years old and taught three crown princes. All the civil and military officials in the court treated him with utmost respect.

But never before has anyone been able to express the true essence of the relationship between ruler and subject in such simple yet profoundly insightful words as this eight-year-old child before us.

Trust is a virtue, and honest advice is loyalty.

This is not something an eight-year-old child should say.

This is clearly the kind of insight that only a crown prince with profound political acumen could have after careful consideration!

Li Gang's hand holding the book trembled slightly.

Looking at the exquisitely beautiful, innocent-looking child before him, a storm of emotions surged within him.

I originally thought it was just a rough jade that needed to be carefully carved, but I never expected that it was not a rough jade at all, but a He Shi Bi that was already shining brightly!

"These...were also taught to you by His Majesty?" Li Gang's voice was somewhat dry, even trembling slightly.

Li Chengqian blinked, then once again resorted to his universal shield: "Father didn't teach me these things. But Chengqian sees Father doing just that. Father is so fierce to Uncle Wei, but then he rewards him with delicious food. Chengqian thought, 'This must be the principle they talk about in the books,'"

"Heaven hasn't forsaken me! Heaven truly hasn't forsaken me!"

Li Gang suddenly closed his eyes, and two lines of tears slid down his cheeks.

Good heavens!

Could it be that in my old age I will truly encounter an unparalleled wise ruler?

The fates of the first two crown princes remain a permanent pain in Li Gang's heart.

He often blamed himself, wondering if he had failed as a teacher or if he was too old-fashioned.

But today, looking at the intelligent and insightful Crown Prince before him, who still retained the heart of a child, Li Gang's heart, which had been dead for many years, suddenly began to beat violently.

If it's this child...

If it were this child who could see through the true nature of rulers and ministers at a glance...

Perhaps, he really can break that damned curse and become a sage ruler!

Li Chengqian was startled when he saw the old man crying.

Oh no, did I go too far with my showing off? I'm afraid I might upset the old man.

He quickly stood up, took small steps to Li Gang's side, took out his silk handkerchief, and awkwardly wiped away Li Gang's tears.

"Sir, why are you crying? Did Chengqian say something wrong? Chengqian won't dare to say anything reckless again, Master Li, please don't be angry..."

The little hands were soft, and the handkerchief had a faint milky scent.

Li Gang grabbed Li Chengqian's small hand, looking at him with tears streaming down his face. His eyes no longer held any sternness, but were filled with excitement and fervor.

"No... Your Highness is right... Your Highness is absolutely right..."

Li Gang stood up shakily, pushed back his chair, and solemnly bowed deeply to the child who only reached his waist.

"Sir! What are you doing!" Li Chengqian was startled and quickly went to help him up.

This is just too much!

Li Gang insisted on completing the bow, and when he raised his head, his eyes shone brightly, as if he had become ten years younger.

"This old minister, Li Gang, has learned a great deal today."

"Your Highness is exceptionally intelligent and possesses a compassionate heart capable of discerning the subtleties of the world. This old minister... this old minister is willing to dedicate all my knowledge to assisting Your Highness in becoming a wise and benevolent ruler!"

At that moment, the stale and decadent air about Li Gang vanished completely.

The way he looked at Li Chengqian was like that of a fanatical sculptor who had seen a peerless piece of jade, a determination to carve it into a masterpiece even at the cost of his life.

Li Chengqian looked at the excited old man in front of him, feeling somewhat helpless.

It seems I won't be able to slack off on my studies anymore.

In the grand scheme of history, Li Gang was a tragic figure.

But he was also a pure person.

"Mr. Li, you flatter me." Li Chengqian put away his playful smile and returned the bow solemnly. "Chengqian is young, and if he is naughty, please punish him severely, Master Li. Just... just don't hit his palms, it hurts."

Li Gang burst out laughing, his originally serious and rigid face now blooming with a radiant smile like a chrysanthemum.

"Alright, alright, we won't fight. As long as Your Highness is sincere, this old minister would never be willing to fight."

When Li Gang sat back down at his desk and looked at Li Chengqian again, his gaze had completely changed.

This is a treasure! A treasure of the Tang Dynasty!

"Since Your Highness has such insight into the Analects, then we will not discuss the literal meaning of the text today." Li Gang waved his hand, displaying the vigor of an old man suddenly feeling young again. "This old minister will tell Your Highness the stories of those rulers and ministers who upheld 'propriety' and 'loyalty' throughout the rise and fall of dynasties."

……

This lesson was not boring at all.

Li Gang quoted extensively from classical texts, no longer simply reciting from the book, but combining historical examples to explain things in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

Li Chengqian listened with great interest, occasionally interjecting with a few sharp comments from a modern perspective, which always impressed Li Gang, who considered him a kindred spirit.

The sun was high in the sky when it was time for get out of class to end.

Li Gang, however, still seemed reluctant to let go, holding onto Li Chengqian's small hand tightly.

"Your Highness, please come early tomorrow. This old minister still has many things to say."

Looking at the old man who had just been saying "I'm going to discipline you strictly" but was now saying "Please come to school quickly," Li Chengqian chuckled inwardly, but nodded obediently on the surface: "Okay, Chengqian will definitely come early. Teacher, please remember to use that hand warmer so your legs don't get cold."

After seeing Li Chengqian off, Li Gang stood at the entrance of Chongwen Hall, watching the small figure disappear at the end of the corridor, and remained lost in thought for a long time.

"Sir?" the pageboy beside him called softly.

Li Gang took a deep breath, turned around, and wore a smug smile on his face.

"Prepare the car."

"Oh? Where are you going, sir?"

"To the Hall of State Affairs!" Li Gang slammed his cane down so loudly it shook his beard. "That old scoundrel Fang Xuanling is always bragging about how strong his son Fang Yi'ai is. Du Ruhui always says how clever his son Du He is. Humph! They've never seen the Crown Prince!"

"Today I will show them what true intelligence is!"

"What truly defines the bearing of royalty!"

"Heaven has not forsaken me, Li Gang! I have finally encountered a truly wise and capable crown prince who cares deeply for the world!"

"I'll show them that the future of the Tang Dynasty is secure!!"

On this day, Li Gang's rare hearty laughter echoed through the Hall of State Affairs. It is said that Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui were sprayed with saliva by this old gentleman, but they had no choice but to smile and listen to him praise the eight-year-old crown prince to the skies.

At that very moment, Li Chengqian, who had just returned to the East Palace and was about to take a nap, suddenly sneezed loudly.

"Achoo!"

He rubbed his nose and pulled the blanket tighter around himself.

"It must be some old man eyeing my homework again..."

Li Chengqian turned over and finally fell into a deep sleep.