.Li Chen stood up and said, “General, you go first. This palace will go see an old friend and be there shortly.”Su Zhending didn't ask the prince who he had met on this important day when he was about...Chapter 1289: Unyielding to One's Original Aspiration

Never forget your original aspirations.

The four characters literally mean exactly what they say, without any fancy wording or embellishments.

Shouldn't one write something grander, like "patriotism and the world," on such a massive stone

"Why is it always 'not forgetting the original intention,' and not some other phrase"

Li Chen's voice came at the right moment.

He said, “You all understand the lofty ideals and big pronouncements. You’ve heard too many words about serving the country.”

Perhaps many of you have been told time and again to put the country first, but this palace would say, before serving the country and benefiting the people, you must first remember your original aspirations.

"In the future, some of you may enter officialdom, while others may return to their hometowns to teach. Some of you may travel through mountains and rivers. Each of you will have your own experiences and journeys."

These things, big or small, happy or sad, will all influence your thoughts, thinking, and behavioral habits. Those who see evil become evil, and those who see goodness become compassionate. That's basically the principle of it.

"What these four characters represent is my hope that no matter what you experience, what you are going through now, you will never forget the day you first picked up a book, the day you first stepped into the classroom, the day you first arrived at the Royal Academy. Remember your thoughts and dreams, your aspirations, your hopes for the future, your yearning for something better. Even if all the resources invested in you by the court today may not yield returns."

"Remember the original aspiration, live up to the original intention!"

"Once again, on behalf of the Li royal family, the imperial court of the Great Qin Empire, and all the staff of the Royal Academy, I wish you that one day, like a great peng bird soaring with the wind, you will rise to the sky and reach ninety thousand miles high!"

"I wish for you all to at least reach the heights of Lingyunzhi, who once vowed to be the first among humans!"

As the last word left his mouth, Li Chen gracefully turned and stepped off the stage.

Below the stage, cheers rose like waves and applause thundered.

After Li Chen, it was the speech of Dantai Jing, the first dean of the Royal Academy.

Compared to Li Chen's speech, Dantai Jing's words sounded much more official and elder-like.

All you hear are platitudes and clichés.

But the presence of Dantai Jingzhi's name there made it impossible to treat him lightly. Coupled with Li Chen's brilliance preceding him, the students also showed him immense respect.

After the opening ceremony, there were other arrangements and preparations. Li Chen, who was busy with everything, did not attend.

He then convened a brief meeting with most of the faculty of the Royal Academy.

"Your Highness's previous words have truly shamed us."

A renowned literary figure, feeling ashamed, said: "Thinking about myself today, compared to my youthful exuberance, I realize that time has slipped away unnoticed. I have truly failed the mountains and rivers, and the people."

His words echoed the sentiments of many, and everyone felt a sense of shared sorrow.

Li Chen smiled and said, "You're all too kind. This palace was simply moved by the moment and spoke my mind. If it can inspire any of you or others, then it would be a good thing."

Li Chen showed great respect to these teachers.

Not only did he lack the majesty he commanded in front of all the civil and military officials at court, but he also appeared surprisingly approachable.

Besides some teachers of the Book of Poetry, those attending this conference included artisans from the Ministry of Works and skilled craftsmen known for their extraordinary skills.

As a time traveler, Li Chen knew very well that these craftsmen and artisans were the seeds of science. Their importance far surpassed those who studied classics like the Book of Songs and the Analects., but it was too late. Worse yet, Li Chen, this devil, was still pulling her deeper and deeper into the abyss.With a light chuckle, Li Chen raised his hand to fold it together. He said, "This palace...