Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 451 Developing an Educational Plan, but Implementation Hindered

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling were well aware of the heavy responsibility entrusted to them by the emperor. For the sake of the princes' future, they devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the formulation of the education plan.

The two first conducted a more in-depth and detailed analysis of the princes' personalities, interests, and talents. They spent a great deal of time with the princes, observing their daily behavior and preferences.

“The Crown Prince is fond of riding and archery, so we will arrange a special instructor for him in this area, and at the same time guide him to transform this enthusiasm into the study of military strategy,” Xiao Ling discussed with Su Jinxiu in the study.

Su Jinxiu nodded slightly and continued, "The Second Prince has a talent for poetry and prose. We can provide him with more classic works and organize poetry gatherings so that he can have the opportunity to showcase and exchange his talents."

For the introverted third prince, they decided to take a gentle and patient approach, encouraging him to participate more in group activities to cultivate his self-confidence and communication skills.

"We must also focus on cultivating the princes' moral character, making them understand the importance of benevolence, justice, and responsibility," Su Jinxiu added.

Xiao Ling deeply agreed: "That's right. We should set aside a certain amount of time each day for them to study the ways of the sages and use real-life examples to help them understand how to practice these virtues in their daily lives."

In terms of knowledge acquisition, they developed a rigorous curriculum. It not only covered classics, history, philosophy, and literature, as well as astronomy and geography, but also practical subjects such as mathematics and agriculture.

“Princes cannot only know book knowledge; they also need to understand the hardships of the people. Only in this way can they become capable monarchs in the future,” Xiao Ling said.

In addition to classroom learning, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling also planned a variety of practical activities. For example, they involved the princes in handling court affairs to understand the workings of the country; and they arranged for them to visit the countryside to experience the lives of ordinary people.

“We need to make the princes understand that, as future rulers, their decisions will directly affect the well-being of the people,” Su Jinxiu said.

They were equally rigorous in physical training. A daily morning exercise plan was devised for the princes, including martial arts, horseback riding, and other activities, to ensure they had healthy and strong physiques.

"Health is the foundation of governing a country; we cannot allow our princes to be weak and powerless," Xiao Ling said firmly.

However, they also encountered many difficulties in the process of formulating the plan.

Some traditional scholars questioned their new plan, arguing that it was too radical and did not conform to traditional educational concepts.

“Tradition is important, but times are changing, and education must keep pace with the times,” Su Jinxiu argued.

Xiao Ling also stood his ground: "We are doing this for the future of the princes and for the prosperity of the country. We cannot stick to the old ways."

Meanwhile, some factions within the court also attempted to interfere with their work, hoping to incorporate content that would benefit them into the educational program.

"Don't even think about making us compromise. Our plan is for the growth of the princes, not to satisfy the selfish desires of some people," Su Jinxiu said firmly.

After countless discussions, revisions, and improvements, a comprehensive and detailed education plan was finally presented to the emperor.

After carefully reviewing the document, the emperor smiled with satisfaction.

"Very good, very good, let's proceed with this plan," the emperor said.

But Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling knew that this was just the beginning, and the real challenges were yet to come.

Although the prince's education plan, meticulously devised by Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling, was approved by the emperor, it encountered numerous obstacles during its implementation.

As soon as the plan was implemented, some concubines in the palace began to obstruct it. They worried that their princes would suffer too much under the new education plan or lose the opportunity to impress the emperor, so they all advised the emperor to try to change some parts of the plan.

"Your Majesty, I feel that this plan is too tiring for the princes. I hope Your Majesty can reduce their workload," a concubine said sweetly.

The emperor hesitated, "This..."

Some court officials, driven by their own interests, obstructed the implementation of the plan.

“General Xiao, this educational plan goes against tradition, I’m afraid it’s inappropriate,” a minister said to Xiao Ling in a sarcastic tone.

Xiao Ling said solemnly, "This plan is for the overall development of the princes and for the future of the country. What's wrong with it?"

The minister snorted coldly: "Hmph, General Xiao, do not be so willful."

Meanwhile, some of the teachers responsible for instructing the princes also had reservations about the new plan. They were accustomed to traditional teaching methods and felt uncomfortable with the new requirements and approaches.

"These daily practical activities are too tedious and are affecting the normal teaching progress," one teacher complained.

Su Jinxiu patiently explained, "Only through practice can one gain true knowledge, which is crucial for the growth of the princes."

But the teachers didn't buy it and responded passively in their teaching.

Even worse, some princes also expressed resistance to the new plan.

"They won't let me do this, they won't let me do that, it's so boring," the eldest prince muttered.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling saw this and were very anxious.

To overcome these obstacles, they decided to split up and act separately.

Xiao Ling argued his case in court, explaining the importance and long-term significance of the new plan to the emperor and his ministers.

"Gentlemen, the nation is facing many challenges. If the princes do not receive a comprehensive education, how will they be able to shoulder the great responsibility of governing the country in the future?" Xiao Ling's words were resounding.

Su Jinxiu went deep into the inner palace to communicate with the concubines and try to dispel their concerns.

"Your Majesties, the growth of the princes is related to the rise and fall of the nation. We should prioritize the greater good."

For those teachers who were uncooperative, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling strengthened supervision on the one hand, and provided more training and guidance on the other hand to help them adapt to the new teaching requirements.

As for the princes' resistance, they adopted a patient approach of guidance and encouragement.

"Your Highness, if you can make progress in your new studies, His Majesty will surely look at you with new respect."

However, their efforts did not yield immediate results. Obstacles from various forces persisted, and in some cases even intensified.

Just when they were at their wits' end, another piece of bad news arrived.

Due to the teachers' passive teaching, the princes performed poorly in an assessment, which made the emperor doubt the new plan.

"This is the new plan you've been pushing forward? It seems the results aren't ideal." The emperor's tone was tinged with dissatisfaction.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling immediately knelt down to beg for forgiveness: "Your Majesty, please calm down. This is only a temporary setback. We will definitely improve."