Da Tang Si Zi: My Six Super Rich Little Nuggets!

Chapter 381 Vermilion Bird Soars: The Princess's Decree for a Prosperous and Healthy Life

Zi'an, the Vice Minister (assuming he was the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue or the Ministry of Works, in charge of finance or engineering), sat upright on a folding chair in his duty room in the Ministry of Personnel, with the orderly rooftops of the neighborhoods of Chang'an visible through the window.

He unfolded a copy of the fiscal report, neatly transcribed in regular script, his brow furrowed beneath his turban.

He addressed Zou Canjun (an important subordinate of the Vice Minister) who bowed as he entered, saying in a deep voice: "Canjun Li, this year's revenue is more than 30% less than last year! The market strategy proposed by Wang Zhubu (a mid-level official in charge of specific affairs) has been completely ineffective. The situation is urgent, and if there is no turnaround, I will find it difficult to report back to the Prime Minister and my colleagues. Immediately convey my order: all officials above the level of the six departments must gather in this office at 3:45 PM for a meeting. There must be no delay!"

Military Advisor Zou clasped his hands and bowed, replying, "I will obey Your Excellency's command!" He then quickly withdrew to make the arrangements.

On the eighth day of the eighth month of the twenty-third year of the Kaiyuan era, in Chang'an City.

It was a crisp autumn day, and the walls on both sides of Zhuque Street were already bustling with people.

Today marks the seventeenth anniversary of the "National Health Day," which was established by the sage to promote the health and well-being of all people.

The East and West Markets closed for half a day. Following orders from the Jingzhao Prefecture, various neighborhoods set up playing fields for wrestling, cuju (ancient Chinese football), wooden archery (similar to bowling), foot polo (similar to hockey), and kite flying in open areas. Furthermore, Hu women from the Shandaofang neighborhood taught newly introduced polo footwork techniques, attracting countless young men to watch and cheer.

A grand performance of various acrobatic acts and martial arts demonstrations is being held in the square outside Danfeng Gate of the Imperial City.

On the high platform, Princess Jinyang, dressed in a neat nomadic riding outfit, leaned on the railing and gazed into the distance. Watching the people of the streets, young and old, enthusiastically participating, some racing, some playing, their faces radiating youthful vigor, she smiled and said to the court lady beside her, "The sage once said, 'The foundation of a prosperous age lies first and foremost in the health and well-being of all people.' This 'People's Health Day' is not merely about strengthening muscles and bones, but also about enabling the people of our Great Tang to live more energetically and feel more at ease and prosperous. Only with strong bodies and healthy minds can we truly enjoy this glorious era."

Her thoughts drifted back to decades ago.

At that time, he was still a child, and he accompanied his father, Emperor Taizong Wen Li Shimin (the prototype of Zian), on an inspection tour of Hebei Province.

In the spring of the eighteenth year of the Zhenguan era, Hengyang County in Dingzhou (present-day Zhengding, Hebei, which belonged to Dingzhou during the Tang Dynasty) held its first county-wide gathering of outstanding young men since the founding of the dynasty. She still remembers that more than a thousand young men from the surrounding villages gathered on the simple ball game field of the county school.

Horseback archery, wrestling, tug-of-war, race walking, archery, and even the rustic folk dances—the events, though simple, ignited the passion in the hearts of countless farmers, craftsmen, and students. The beads of sweat rolling down their dark faces and their hearty laughter remain vivid in my memory to this day.

At that time, the Emperor, dressed in ordinary clothes, stood on the high platform, looking at the lively scene below. He was overjoyed and said loudly to the Prefect of Dingzhou and the Magistrate of Hengyang who were standing by his side: "The way to govern a country is to promote both 'sufficient granaries' and 'prosperous rites and music'! The people's 'purses' must be full, their spirits must be abundant, and their bodies must be strong! Only in this way can they truly appreciate the blessings of living in a prosperous era."

"This action today is a meritorious deed for the present and a benefit for future generations; it is of the highest virtue!" The emperor's words, like a gentle spring breeze and nourishing rain, not only inspired Hengyang County but also sowed the seeds for the imperial court to promote such health-preserving events in prefectures and counties in the future.

Her thoughts drifted back to the Danfeng Gate Square, where a group of young men were playing Cuju (ancient Chinese football), their nimble movements drawing cheers. Princess Jinyang's gaze softened as she accepted a bamboo whistle kite offered by a maid, softly saying, "There is no greater joy in a prosperous age than this. May all the people of my Great Tang be like this kite, riding the winds of this prosperous era, soaring high, healthy and happy, forever enjoying peace and well-being!"

After speaking, she lightly raised her hand, and a huge paper kite painted with a vermilion bird pattern rose into the sky, joining countless other kites soaring above Chang'an City to form a magnificent picture of universal joy and vibrant life.

A wave of cheers erupted from Danfeng Gate.

Little Sizi's gaze swept over those agile figures, and he seemed to hear in his ears the earnest instructions of his father and the imperial edicts of recent years:

"Without the health and well-being of the people, how can there be peace and prosperity in this golden age!"

"By promoting health and fitness among all people, we can achieve a state of well-being and well-being for all!"

"We should build better public facilities for health and well-being, so that all people can benefit!"

These maxims, which originated from imperial edicts or memorials to the prime minister, were spread among the people by the officials of the capital prefecture and taught in village schools by scholars from various prefectures and counties. They gradually took root in people's hearts.

Today, from nobles and high-ranking officials playing polo on the field to ordinary people practicing the Five Animal Frolics under the shade of locust trees, and even the daily drills of soldiers in border towns, this new trend of "everyone participating and everyone getting fit" can be seen everywhere.

The princess had been well-versed in this principle since childhood.

In her youth, she often practiced ice skating on the ice rink by Taiye Pond, her figure as light as a swallow; she also loved to play Cuju (ancient Chinese football) with palace maids and guards in the Forbidden Garden, proving that women are just as capable as men.

After reaching marriageable age, in her spare time from official duties, she persisted in swimming in the hot springs of Huaqing Palace to relax her muscles and bones, and repeatedly climbed to the summit of Zhongnan Mountain to broaden her mind. It was precisely because of these personal experiences that she possessed an extraordinary insight into the importance of physical health for both the individual and the nation.

"A truly well-rounded scholar," the princess solemnly addressed the accompanying Director of the Imperial Academy (in charge of education) and Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau (in charge of medical care), "must be well-versed in literature, knowledgeable in etiquette and righteousness, and cultivate his character. He must also be mentally and physically strong to shoulder important responsibilities. The court's promotion of physical fitness aims, in its profound purpose, to enhance the fundamental vitality of the people of our Great Tang!"

Her gaze fell on a group of young students learning archery in the distance, then shifted to several somewhat frail children being carefully protected by their families. A hint of worry crossed her brow: "What worries me most right now is the increasing number of 'bookworms under the dim light' and 'spoiled young men' in the schools." She used two slightly worried yet vivid terms: "Many children, their eyes glued to books, are confined to the carved window frames, needing 'ai'ai' (an ancient term for eyeglasses) to see at a young age. Moreover, they rarely run and jump, their muscles and bones are not active, and their strength is weak. If this continues, how will they inherit the glory of our Great Tang Dynasty?"

The princess's voice was clear and firm, echoing across the high platform: "My father once gave a clear instruction: 'Civilize the mind, toughen the body!' What I mean by 'toughen the body' is not to be crude and uncultured, but to fill the muscles and blood of young people with a strong and vigorous spirit! Strengthening the body is of utmost urgency!"

She then turned to the Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau and the Director of Studies of the Imperial Academy: "From this day forward, the Imperial Medical Bureau shall thoroughly study methods for eye care and health maintenance, and promulgate them to schools in all prefectures and counties. The Imperial Academy must clearly stipulate its regulations, and regardless of whether it is an official school or a private academy, physical education courses such as riding and archery, wrestling, cuju (ancient Chinese football), and race walking must not be abolished! We must ensure that all students are not only well-versed in the classics and history, but also skilled in archery and horsemanship, becoming true pillars of the future of our Great Tang!"

The princess's decree, like a pebble thrown into a pond, quickly created ripples.

Officials from the Imperial Medical Academy and the Imperial College accepted the order with folded hands and solemn expressions. On the square, a group of children, encouraged by their parents to join the Cuju (ancient Chinese football) team, were laughing joyfully. Their running figures, under the autumn sun, appeared particularly vibrant, which was the prototype of the perfect fusion of "civilized spirit" and "wild physique" that Xiao Sizi had hoped for.