Chapter 497: Chapter 38: Fusing Kyushu’s Cultures, Li Chengqian’s Transformation

In the past, poetry and songs, which were once considered as "unorthodox" and unappreciated, are now increasingly popular.

Almost all of them praise the flourishing times.

This is completely different from the literary development in actual history.

In actual history, the literary development of Huaxia was extremely lengthy.

Starting from the instructional role of the Book of Songs, to the emotional intensity, free form, and strong personal color of works like the Chu Ci continuously being produced.

This was like two factions.

During the Han dynasties.

The so-called "orthodox" literature was mainly prose and rhapsodies, mostly serving the court for political purposes.

While others were considered unorthodox.

Although they were extraordinary in the realm of art, they received no attention.

The major turning point for all this change was during the Wei Jin Southern and Northern Dynasties.

The chaos at the end of the Han, the rise of metaphysics shook Confucianism.

Then, Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi, proposed "Articles are a great work of the country, an immortal achievement," elevating literature to the same level of importance as establishing merits and achievements.

Especially with the subsequent gatekeeper system.

The powerful families had control over cultural discourse, making literary talent a crucial tool for demonstrating status.

It was precisely due to this series of factors, overturning the so-called "orthodox unorthodox" divide, which gave rise to the prosperity of Tang poetry.

However, now it is entirely different.

In fact, all this began to change when Gu Kang established his words, laying the foundation for "practical learning."

This made the literary creation called "unorthodox" even less appreciated.

In addition, the emergence of Gu Chen affected the establishment of the family system.

All this kept the entire literary world unchanged.

But indeed, it fulfilled the saying that when everyone has enough to eat, humans begin to pursue other things.

This is exactly the case now!

— Simply put, the prosperity of Tang poetry in the past was nurtured in the tragedies of Kyushu’s people over generations.

And now, it is because the national power is too strong.

This naturally includes the contributions of Li Shimin, who not only played a commemorative role but also composed many poems himself.

This move, invisibly, influenced the entire world, especially young people like Gu Lei who loved literature.

This is also why he could propose to build the Yunshao Pavilion.

To this, Gu Yi could only sigh that new brains are really useful. Although people like Gu Quan and Gu Zi have attributes much higher than Gu Lei, they could not conceive of such ideas.

In the long run, this matter greatly influences the entire Gu Clan.

With the influence of the Gu Clan.

The Yunshao Pavilion will surely become a holy place all literati of Kyushu cannot bypass, and the Gu Clan can use this to collect their masterpieces.

Poetry and songs—definitely it’s a splendor that cannot be erased from Huaxia’s history.

And even for the current Great Tang, this matter bears profound significance as well.

When this building stands tall.

Whether people of this era or later generations, they will all be able to marvel at the strength of the Zhen’guan era through this building.

...

In Chang’an, at the Champion Marquis Mansion.

Li Chengqian was currently discussing military books with a group of Gu family members.

Although the Gu Clan is now very prosperous, the ones who can study alongside the Crown Prince are naturally the elite.

Among the current generation of the Gu Family, the most talented person is named Gu Jing.

He was the eldest son of Gu Quan.

But unlike Gu Quan, who was only good at commanding troops and fighting, he excelled in politics, with attributes reaching as high as 82 points.

Just like Gu Xi of past years, he was a master of political maneuvers.

His personality was very similar to Gu Quan’s.

He was cold on the outside but passionate within, appearing extremely aloof daily, unlike other lively children.

The key was, he was an all-rounder.

His internal affairs attribute reached 71 points, and leadership as well, even his weakest martial force was up to 69 points.

The other family members’ talents weren’t lacking either.

With the wheels of history returning to their course, the Gu Clan has finally produced talents generation after generation.

Li Chengqian is now twenty years old.

With participation in state affairs over the years coupled with the influence of the Gu Family’s education, his momentum has become increasingly extraordinary, resembling Li Shimin of yesteryears.

If there was a point of lacking.... it would be his lame leg.

But now no one cares about this.

Li Shimin letting Li Chengqian into politics indeed silenced everyone’s thoughts, and no one dared to think otherwise.

At this time, Li Chengqian was carefully reading the military books of Gu Quan.

His frown was deep.

The requirements Li Shimin had for him were clearly for mastery in both literature and martial arts, and Li Chengqian could clearly see the extraordinariness within.

"Mingyan." He looked at Gu Lei who was beside him and asked, "Who in the Gu Clan wrote this book?"

Gu Lei actually had no interest in military strategy; his reason for coming to study differed from others. He aimed to understand some military tactics so that he could create unparalleled works one day on the battlefield, and thus wasn’t very focused.

Upon hearing this, his expression changed slightly, he hesitated for a moment, but eventually shook his head without saying much.

Li Chengqian didn’t think much of it either.

Seeing Gu Lei did not speak, he looked back at the military book in his hand and couldn’t help but sigh: "This person understands the foreign races so well; if he were alive, he would surely help my Great Tang achieve a grand cause everlasting!"

A simple statement, full of grandeur!

This is the change in Li Chengqian.

Despite his young age, he was no longer like in original history, being very resolute and determined, already exhibiting the demeanor of becoming an emperor.

The hall was silent.

After an hour, everyone started answering the test papers.

This was a simulated war devised by Gu Quan.

At their age, they naturally no longer needed the kind of guided education from the Gu Clan, but needed to develop their adaptability through various simulated battles.

Li Chengqian answered seriously, then discussed it with everyone after setting down the paper, then went to visit Gu Zi, who had now resigned, and finally walked out of the Champion Marquis Mansion.

There was already someone waiting outside the mansion.

Li Gang, the Crown Prince’s mentor, saw Li Chengqian and immediately approached with a strange expression.

"Sir."

Li Chengqian was about to salute.

But Li Gang immediately stopped him, saying seriously with a strange look: "Your Highness, return to the palace quickly."

"Huh?" Li Chengqian frowned, noticing something unusual in Li Gang’s expression, and asked: "What happened?"

Li Gang hesitated for a moment, then, seeing no one around, lightly sighed and said in a low voice: "Your Highness, His Majesty has just granted Prince Wei the power to establish a Literature Hall and recruit scholars."

His expression was very complicated.

Prince Wei, Li Tai, had too much power now.

Although he was in the Capital City, he remotely oversaw the Xiangzhou State, commanding the military of Xiang, Wei, Li, Wei, Ming, Xing, and Bei seven states.

This kind of power was truly intimidating.

Now with Li Chengqian gradually involved in state affairs, the Crown Prince’s faction was slowly forming, and Li Gang was one of them, naturally uneasy.

"Is it because of that Kuodi Records?" Li Chengqian’s expression didn’t change at all, he only slightly frowned.

Li Gang nodded.

Upon seeing this, Li Chengqian immediately waved his hand, faintly smiling: "Sir, there’s no need to worry about this."

But how could Li Gang be at ease?

Although it was merely the recruitment of talents, this move immediately reminded him of the former Li Shimin, who was once the Crown Prince Jiancheng’s chamberlain.

This reality was too sensitive for him.

"They don’t know what kind of emperor Father is." Li Chengqian remained fearless, "Nor do they understand what kind of successor Father wants."

After speaking, Li Chengqian didn’t bother with Li Gang and immediately went towards the carriage.

Before reaching the carriage.

He glanced at the somewhat mediocre carriage and shook his head, saying to the eunuch beside him, "Such a mundane thing, too ordinary, change it next time."

Indeed, his character has changed somewhat.

Although he didn’t become eccentric and irresponsible like in actual history, he began to indulge in luxury.

But this is also a normal phenomenon.

The lame leg was like a thorn for Li Chengqian. Though no one would talk about it, in his heart, he couldn’t help but imagine.

From ancient to modern times, where has there been a lame Crown Prince or Emperor?

He needed these external objects to demonstrate his exceptionalism.

Such is also a part of human nature. ...

....

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