"A moment's impatience could ruin a grand design."
Having thought it through, Prince Qi began pacing slowly. The sky was dark, and raindrops fell, making the leaves shiver and rustle. He had been uneasy, but as he listened to the rain, he gradually calmed down.
Xie Zhenqing seemed not to have noticed that Prince Qi had begun contemplating killing the donkey once it had finished turning the mill-or perhaps he would not have cared even if he knew. With all the letters "sent" and the starting date decided, Xie Zhenqing followed him a few paces. Watching Prince Qi's steps change from slightly flustered to unhurried and composed, he could not help nodding.
Worthy indeed of the founding emperor's bloodline!
Prince Qi's performance today made him see the prince in a new light. His earlier panic had, in truth, been only human nature. Searching his own heart, Xie Zhenqing knew that if he were merely a mortal faced with such circumstances, he too would have panicked.
The difference was that heroes could master their emotions, while mediocre men could not.
Outstanding intelligence makes a man brilliant; exceptional courage makes him mighty.
Prince Qi does have some aptitude!
But that was all. Xie Zhenqing bowed and gestured as he told Prince Qi, "When facing a great undertaking, one must remain calm."
"It is late. Since the urgent matters have been settled, Your Highness may retire first."
"One must meet every great undertaking with a tranquil spirit!"
Prince Qi understood this well enough and nodded. Though his excitement had yet to fade, fatigue and drowsiness swept over him as soon as he relaxed. "I shall go cultivate now. This great undertaking will depend heavily on you, sir. You should rest early as well!"
"I shall trouble you again tomorrow morning!"
With that, Prince