Emperor Chen was a man of vast experience; he naturally recognized the origin of the jade pendant. His gaze gradually drifted, as if he were reminiscing about the past.
"Back then, when my eldest Imperial Brother was still alive, he loved a lively atmosphere. The Late Emperor had Grand Tutor Cheng instruct him, and the tutor, generous in his teaching, allowed the Imperial Tutor to open his lectures to others. That is how we, the princes born of concubines, were able to enjoy the privilege of being taught by the Crown Prince’s tutor. Su Jie was the Crown Prince’s study companion back then."
Emperor Chen gently rubbed the tiger head carved onto the pendant. "Once, the Late Emperor came to the Imperial Academy to inspect our progress. He posed a difficult question: whoever wrote the best poem would be awarded a tiger-patterned jade pendant."
Chapter 169