Situ Yan, having no talent for scholarship, prepared to reject Emperor Changwu's unreasonable request. Unexpectedly, Situ Jue quickly produced a masterpiece, his brush dancing across the paper, and in the blink of an eye, a five-character quatrain appeared. Situ Yan's heart sank. Although he couldn't judge the quality of the poem, he could discern the beauty of the calligraphy.
Regardless of Situ Jue's literary talent, his calligraphy was undoubtedly leagues ahead of Situ Yan's.
Even more frustrating was that after Situ Jue, the other brothers were also inspired. Even Situ Sheng, who was solely focused on the battlefield, showed no hesitation.
Looking at the poems, each with its distinct style, a large drop of sweat fell from Situ Yan's brow. Excellent, he was the only one who hadn't written a poem.
Situ Sheng's gaze was peculiar. After returning to the capital, the most he had heard about was the deeds of this seventh brother. How could someone who had risen to prominence in just three years be unable to write a single poem?
Situ Lang's expression was listless, his poem written quite perfunctorily, as if none of this concerned him.
The Crown Prince hid the mockery at the corner of his lips and said solicitously, "Seventh brother, hurry and write, only you are left."
Situ Jue then shoved the brush into his hand, "Indeed, seventh brother, Father Emperor's time is very precious; we cannot delay it because of you alone."
Situ Yan frowned slightly. He also wanted to write a poem for Situ Jue to see, but his literary knowledge was simply too limited. After struggling for a while, he gave up. He put down the brush and said, "Father Emperor, your son did not like to study when he was young, especially poetry. How about I recite one for you?"
Emperor Changwu's mouth twitched, "Let this be the only time."
Situ Yan blurted out instinctively, "...There's a next time?"
Everyone: ...
After all, he had spent many years in the academy; if he couldn't write a poem, reciting one was not a problem.
Lotus Flower
Lotus flowers, like court beauties adorned,
Lotus leaves, like green silk garments donned.
Last night, the air grew cool as water deep,
Envy them, as if from water they did leap.
Situ Yan's calligraphy was barely passable. If taken on its own, it was acceptable. But with the exquisite works of the other princes displayed, this calligraphy was simply unbearable.
Emperor Changwu grabbed a teacup and threw it, "Bastard! If you can't write a good poem, can't you even write good characters? Starting tomorrow, you will serve in the Hanlin Academy. You may leave only when you can write a beautiful poem."
Situ Yan's mouth gaped in disbelief, "Father Emperor, your son is not adept at literary pursuits. Would it not be inappropriate to go to the Hanlin Academy?"
Those were all old scholars.
"Hmph, if you were adept, why would I send you to learn? The calligraphy you wrote has utterly disgraced the ancestors of eight generations."
Situ Yan's face turned red with indignation, "Every man has his specialty; your son..."
"Stop making excuses. Look at your imperial brothers; don't they all hold important positions? And look at their calligraphy and literary talent. You truly anger me to death." Emperor Changwu ignored him and diligently examined the masterpieces of his four sons. After commenting, he pointed out the shortcomings of each and, in the end, rewarded each with a treasure.
Only Situ Yan, with empty hands, not only received no reward but was also forced to study.
The Hanlin Academy, filled with old scholars, how much would they dislike him?
After so many years away from the academy, this was the first time he had suffered the consequences of his lack of culture. For a moment, he even disregarded the scornful glances of the Crown Prince and Situ Jue.
After the banquet, he went to the Imperial Study to argue with Emperor Changwu. He either served in the Dali Temple or the Ministry of Justice, or fought battles outside; why did he need to read so many books? Furthermore, if he went to the Hanlin Academy, what would happen to the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice?
Emperor Changwu remained unperturbed, stating that his son absolutely could not be illiterate.
"How am I illiterate? Your son can read. Isn't it enough if I can understand military texts and laws?"
Emperor Changwu patiently said, "I don't expect you to be proficient in all poetry and songs, but at least you must have a thorough understanding of the Four Books and Five Classics. Go, I will have Gu Li teach you, and try to guide you more. As for the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice, haven't you already arranged for successors? If Song Ming and Meng Changdong truly can't manage, I will help you replace them."
A higher rank crushes a lower one, let alone when the one suppressing is the sovereign and father.
Situ Yan spoke until his mouth was dry, but he couldn't get his beloved Father Emperor to change his mind. In the end, he slumped his head and dejectedly returned to his residence.
Lu Nianfu was startled by his appearance, "What's wrong?"
"Father Emperor asked our brothers to write poems for amusement, and I was the only one who couldn't."
Lu Nianfu's mind was also struggling. Ever since Situ Yan returned to the capital, he had not concealed his dislike for studying. Why would Emperor Changwu suddenly ask him to write a poem, and then punish him for not being able to? After a long while, she finally uttered a sentence, "Why did Father Emperor have such an interest today?"
Didn't he know his own son's character?
If he truly wanted amusement, why write poems? Making him perform a sword dance or a set of punches would be more reliable. She patted Situ Yan's shoulder to comfort him, "It's alright. Anyway, everyone knows you dislike studies, so being punished for this is not a big deal. By the way, what did Father Emperor punish you with?"
Situ Yan sighed, his resentment deepening, "He punished me by sending me to the Hanlin Academy to study with Second Uncle."
Lu Nianfu: ...