Everyone was astonished as well. Although each had their own motives for proposing punishment, even the ministers close to the Li Family who had argued against them had only offered excuses such as Li Hao being young and ignorant, or spoiled by favor and inevitably a little rash.
Where had all this talk of soaring ambitions and concern for the country and its people come from?
Getting these sour, musty scholars to offer such praise was no easy feat.
The Grand Preceptor said respectfully, "Your Majesty, a few days ago, a student of mine returned from Qingzhou City with a collection of poems. According to him, every poem in it was composed by the young master of the Li Family. He verified it through multiple sources; there is no falsehood whatsoever!"
"Oh?"
The Yu Emperor was surprised. That boy could compose poetry too?
Then he thought about it. The boy already knew how to play chess-what was so difficult about composing poetry?
In his mind, chess was far harder than poetry.
Of course, he could never reveal that opinion to the scholars of the Hanlin Academy before him. Otherwise, they would argue until his skull split open, insisting on settling the matter.
"Upon receiving this collection, I felt nothing but shame. We scholars spend our days reading the books of sages and surveying the rivers that span ten thousand miles beneath heaven, yet in the end, our talent and breadth of spirit fall short of a child who sits in his courtyard all day. I truly have no face to stand before Your Majesty."
At this point, the Grand Preceptor raised a hand slightly to cover his face, looking mournful and regretful.
Everyone stared, dumbstruck.
Had the old fellow truly been bewitched?
When had they ever heard the word "shame"