Li's Memory 1: A Father's Approval

Li saw a younger, bright-eyed version of himself wearing fake, wooden facsimiles of his family’s ancient, missing Gavel armor. He recalled turning to see his father's face smiling at him wearing the armor.
Father: “Son of my heart, it fits you perfectly. You have done well, I can see no inaccuracies in your very fine armor. The armor is indeed fine and the Gavels are the strongest arm of our noble lands, but there are many ways to bring great honor to the house of Shen. The mountain that must be climbed to see a true suit of armor, not one so beautifully crafted as yours of course, back upon one of our name is a tall mountain indeed. You hold many talents, my truest heart. Honor need not be won through the strength of your arm alone...nor truly at all. Is your body not weak without a strong liver? Strong lungs? A strong heart? Are these any less of value than the showy muscles or brain itself? No, my young heart, honor is found in doing whatever is set before you to the very best it can be done by your hands with true diligence.”
Father: “Your dedication to bringing honor to our name cheers my heart, my son, but do not be so taken by the dream of being a strong arm that you fail to be the best heart you can be. Now set aside your fine suit of armor and don your suit of respect. We leave for Bochi Macam in but an hour to bring respects to the ashes of your [great] uncle.”
He turned to leave and looked back with a wink. “And store that fine suit somewhere that your mother won’t discover what fate truly befell her beloved OkanTree.”