In the magnificent palace, sunlight filtered through carved window lattices, casting golden beams where dust danced freely, adding a dreamy hue to the entire hall. At fifteen years old, Prince Li Muyang sat quietly in the spacious and bright study, flipping through an ancient book. His posture was upright, and the elegant robe he wore further highlighted his dignified bearing. Yet in his eyes shone a calmness beyond his years and a deep hunger for knowledge.
"Your Highness, it is time for meals," came the gentle voice of the elderly eunuch Wang Fu from outside the door, breaking the study's silence.
Muyang raised his head, furrowing his brows slightly, as if still immersed in the world of the ancient book and reluctant to emerge. "Grandpa Wang, I want to read a bit longer," he said softly, his tone carrying a subtle yet unyielding firmness.
Wang Fu entered the study with a kind smile. "Your Highness, you have been reading all morning. It is time to rest and eat—do not exhaust yourself."
Muyang reluctantly closed the book, stood up, and stretched. "Alright, Grandpa Wang, let us go to the dining hall." As he spoke, he followed Wang Fu toward the dining hall.
During the meal, Muyang's mind remained elsewhere. He recalled the scenes he had witnessed while traveling incognito with his father, the Emperor, among the people—the hardships of their lives had deeply pierced his heart. He secretly vowed to become a good emperor and ensure all commoners lived happy lives.
Muyang studied cultural knowledge diligently under his mentor, cherished the opportunity to learn statecraft from Li Yi, and even stole moments to study medicine with Lin Yue whenever he could.
Following Wang Fu's guidance, Muyang saw a small courtyard surrounded by tall trees, exuding peace and tranquility. He quickened his steps and knocked gently on the door. "Who is it?" a clear voice called from within. "It is your son, Muyang, Mother. May I enter?"
Upon Lin Yue's permission, Muyang and Wang Fu entered the courtyard, where various medicinal herbs grew, emitting a faint fragrance. "Mother, you have so many herbs here!" Muyang exclaimed in admiration.
Lin Yue smiled. "These are the herbs I use to treat illnesses daily—I know them as well as my own children." Her eyes were filled with love for the herbs.
Muyang looked at Lin Yue earnestly. "Mother, I wish to learn medicine from you carefully. Would you accept me as your disciple?" Lin Yue was slightly taken aback; she had not expected the prince to make such a request. "Yang'er, studying medicine is not easy. It requires a great deal of time and energy—are you certain?" she asked seriously.
Muyang nodded firmly. "Mother, I have thought about this for a long time. I hope to learn medicine to help more people in the future." His eyes revealed unwavering resolve.
Seeing Muyang's determined gaze, Lin Yue was moved. "Since Yang'er is so determined, I will accept you as my disciple." She smiled.
Whenever he had free time, Muyang would memorize medical books and study the properties and effects of various herbs. Lin Yue taught him how to distinguish genuine herbs from fakes and how to prescribe suitable remedies based on patients' symptoms.
Once, a seriously ill elderly man arrived in the village, coughing incessantly and suffering from a high fever. Lin Yue took Muyang to diagnose him. Muyang carefully felt the old man's pulse and, based on his studies, stated his diagnosis. "Mother, I believe this elder has an external wind-cold infection combined with internal heat, causing his cough and fever. We can treat him with herbs that clear heat and relieve exterior symptoms," he said confidently.
Lin Yue nodded. "Yang'er is correct, but we must still consider the dosage carefully. The elderly are frail—we cannot use overly strong medications." She patiently guided Muyang. Under Lin Yue's meticulous instruction, Muyang's medical skills improved rapidly. He not only learned to treat common illnesses but also developed his own insights into complicated and rare diseases.
At the same time, Muyang did not neglect his studies of statecraft with Li Yi. He often visited Li Yi's quarters during Lin Yue's free moments to discuss state affairs. Li Yi was deeply gratified to see the prince's thirst for knowledge. He recounted historical rises and falls, analyzed current national issues, and taught Muyang how to formulate reasonable policies and govern the people.
"Yang'er, governing a country is like managing a large family. You must care for everyone's life and make the people feel the court's concern," Li Yi said earnestly. Muyang listened intently, nodding frequently. "Father, I understand. I will always prioritize the people's interests and strive to be a good emperor," he declared firmly.
However, the path of learning was not without obstacles. Once, Muyang disagreed with Li Yi on how to handle a complex political issue. He advocated using tough measures, while Li Yi preferred a gentle approach. "Yang'er, tough measures may solve problems in the short term, but they easily arouse public discontent and are detrimental to long-term stability. We must put the people first and resolve conflicts peacefully," Li Yi explained patiently.
At first, Muyang did not understand, feeling his father's method was too weak. But after much thought and discussion, he finally grasped Li Yi's good intentions. "Father, I was thoughtless. I understand now that governing requires not just power but also wisdom and compassion," he said sincerely.
As time passed, Muyang made significant progress in both medicine and statecraft. His wisdom and kindness gradually won the recognition of all. Villagers praised him endlessly, saying he would surely become a good emperor.
During a harvest season, the village held a grand celebration. Villagers sang and danced, their laughter echoing throughout the village. The Emperor, Lin Yue, and Muyang attended together. Watching the happy smiles on the villagers' faces, Muyang felt a deep sense of accomplishment.
"Father, Mother, thank you for your guidance—without it, I would not have progressed so far," he said gratefully. Lin Yue and Li Yi smiled at each other. "Yang'er, this is all due to your own efforts. We believe you will become a great emperor and lead the country to prosperity," they said, their eyes filled with expectation.
Muyang gazed into the distance, his heart brimming with vision for the future. He knew his journey was long, with much knowledge left to learn and many responsibilities to bear. But he was not afraid, for he had wise mentors like Lin Yue and Li Yi and a heart dedicated to seeking happiness for the people.
Back in the palace, Muyang studied even harder. He delved not only into medicine and statecraft but also widely explored poetry, strategy, and military tactics, hoping to become a well-rounded individual and fully prepare for inheriting the throne. In his interactions with ministers, Muyang displayed exceptional wisdom and a humble attitude. He listened carefully to their opinions and earnestly adopted reasonable suggestions. Gradually, the ministers respected him more and more, recognizing him as a worthy heir.
Yet peaceful days did not last long. The country was suddenly struck by a severe drought, leaving many areas with no harvest and commoners in dire straits. Upon hearing the news, Muyang was anxious as if on fire. He immediately sought an audience with his father, who convened ministers to discuss countermeasures and decided to inspect the disaster area personally.
In the disaster zone, Muyang witnessed the commoners' miserable lives. They were emaciated, their eyes filled with despair. His heart ached, and he vowed to help them through this crisis. He ordered the opening of granaries to distribute food and personally led soldiers to dig wells and search for water sources. Despite the scorching sun, he participated in disaster relief efforts, sharing hardships with the people.
During the relief work, Muyang fully applied his knowledge and wisdom. He rationally arranged the distribution of disaster relief supplies to ensure every victim received timely aid. He also organized the commoners to carry out production self-help, encouraging them to plant drought-resistant crops and reduce losses.
After sustained efforts, the situation in the disaster area gradually improved, and people's lives returned to normal. They were deeply grateful to Muyang, praising him as a kind and benevolent prince. Through this disaster relief operation, Muyang gained a deeper understanding of his responsibilities and mission. He realized that as an emperor, one must possess not only wisdom and talent but also a compassionate heart for the people.
Back in the palace, Muyang continued to study and work hard, constantly improving himself to strive toward becoming a great emperor. He knew the road ahead was long and filled with more challenges, but he was fearless—for he was fully prepared to use his wisdom and strength to create a bright future for the country and its people.