As soon as he entered the main hall, Li Hao heard poetry being recited inside.
"White feathers float on emerald water, red feet stir the clear ripples... haha, delightful, delightful!"
"Did Tenth Child write this after seeing the big geese in the courtyard pond? So vivid and detailed! Haha, my son can compose poetry at four!"
"Master Kong said my son has a poetic talent seen once in a century. With proper nurturing, he might even place second in the imperial examinations!"
His "father," Li Tianzong, was pacing around the hall with a sheet of paper in his hand, his face wreathed in smiles.
Chen Hefang sat nearby, smiling gently. "Look how happy you are. They're only a few poems. Since when did you take a liking to these scholarly pursuits?"
"If my son made it, I like it."
Li Tianzong laughed. "There are plenty of generals who can lead troops into battle, but how many can write poetry? Later, I'll recite these poems to those fellows. Heh, those brutes are only fit to listen to a child's poems, and they might not even understand what my son meant!"
As he spoke, he noticed Li Hao walking in and immediately beckoned.
"Tenth Child, come here."
Li Hao was slightly taken aback. Since the man had indulged his painting earlier, he had expected him not to dislike poetry either. He just had not imagined he would be this delighted.
A few children's poems written at four had put a broad smile on this father's face.
Yet the boy who had become renowned across the world at fourteen had received nothing but a resounding slap.
"Mm."
Li Hao walked over.
Li Tianzong scooped Li Hao up, found a chair, and sat him on his lap.
"Come, tell your father about this poem