novelraw Chapter 90: In His Prime
Chapter 90: In His Prime
Chapter 90: In His Prime
By: Chen Ci Lan Diao
Chapter 90: In His Prime
The sword light flashed, leaving behind dappled snow shadows.
As Wen Gu watched, the elderly man practicing his sword seemed like a solitary crane between the sea and sky, his fierce moves concealing a pent-up frustration and loneliness.
Wen Gu had been waiting quietly under the eaves. Only after the elder finished his sword practice did he step forward.
He bowed respectfully, "Student Wen Gu greets Mr. Wuyuan!"
Old Master Hong, whose sobriquet was "Wuyuan," had also used this name for the stamp he applied to Wen Gu's work.
The elder handed his sword to a servant beside him and looked up at Wen Gu.
He's too frail for his age."Come inside first."
Don't catch a cold.
Wen Gu took the book box from Tietou and followed Old Master Hong into the study. Cheng Zhi and Tietou waited in the outer hall and would leave soon.
The courtyard wasn't large; Old Master Hong had sectioned it off himself. According to the information Wen Gu had gathered, the elder had some conflict with his family and lived here with his old servant and two followers.
Housing conditions were limited nowadays, and one couldn't move far. They could only simply section off a courtyard.
Inside the study now, only Old Master Hong and Wen Gu were present.
A brazier was placed inside the room.
The sixty-year-old elder, wearing a simple training outfit, had ruddy cheeks and a few beads of sweat on his forehead.
The twenty-year-old youth, in a thick cloak, possessed an elegant demeanor, the typical appearance of a fair-skinned scholar.
Old Master Hong wiped his sweat and looked at Wen Gu again, his brow furrowing deeper.
"From now on, besides studying calligraphy and painting, you will also practice sword fighting with me!"
Saying this, he took out a sword he had prepared earlier.
Wen Gu set his cloak aside and respectfully accepted the sword with both hands.
The sword's craftsmanship was not exquisite, but it was quite elegant overall.
Carved with patterns like layered mountain ridges, the blade also bore the characters "Cen Tai."
"Different moss, same peak; the friendship is as deep as the mossy peaks."
It symbolized shared ideals and kindred spirits.
The academy Old Master Hong had founded previously was called "Cen Tai Academy."
This sword was the standard issue for teachers and students of Cen Tai Academy.
Before the chaotic times, swords carried by scholars were more symbolic; nine out of ten were never drawn.
Old Mr. Hong was fond of swords, and Cen Tai Academy had many swords made for its teachers and students.
Teachers and students wore swords to temper their minds.
These custom-made swords were akin to school badges.
Now, in these extraordinary times, the symbolic had finally turned practical.
When the chaos began, the teachers and students of Cen Tai Academy dispersed, and their swords could also serve as weapons. However, it was unknown how many had survived.
This was likely a burden on Old Master Hong's mind.
Although the elder had no intention of formally taking a disciple, Wen Gu, by studying calligraphy and painting with him, had become an ordinary student of Cen Tai Academy.
He could officially wear the "school badge."
Perhaps because it had been imbued with the academy's essence, the sword carried a faint scent of ink.
"The so-called scholar, capable of bringing peace to the realm with a brush and securing the nation on horseback. Especially in these chaotic times, we should emulate the ancient sages and possess both literary and martial skills!"
"Student remembers!"
Seeing that Wen Gu showed no signs of reluctance, Old Master Hong was rather satisfied. Indeed, Wen Gu had journeyed north from the south, braving dangers with other survivors, so his understanding would only be deeper.
Old Master Hong then picked out some academy rules to discuss, saying they were adapted for the current situation.
Considering Wen Gu's status and influence in Xin Prefecture, Old Master Hong added, "Perhaps more classmates have survived. If you encounter them later and there are no conflicts, you can help each other."
In chaotic times, people's hearts are unpredictable. Self-preservation is the priority. Old Master Hong only hoped that when there was no threat of harm, alumni could help one another.
Wen Gu readily agreed.
Fellow students, should we start an alumni association?
If I meet them, I definitely will...
After his breathing stabilized, Old Master Hong began lecturing on painting techniques.
He had already observed Wen Gu's brush control through his paintings.
First, solidify the foundation and rebuild training.
When he spoke of painting techniques, the elder truly only discussed that. Wen Gu also did not bring up other topics and diligently followed along.
Until break time.
The elder inquired about some of Wen Gu's experiences during his journey north. Wen Gu shared, focusing on the stories of Cheng Zhi and Little Brother He.
Seeing the elder looking down thoughtfully, Wen Gu glanced at some of the paintings in the study.
There were no issues with the painting skills; the techniques were proficient, and similarly, the content was evident.
The elder's heart was not at peace!
The room was quiet, filled with the aroma of ink.
A light sigh was heard, and Wen Gu asked, "Sir, have you ever considered establishing a branch of Cen Tai Academy in Xin Prefecture City?"
Old Mr. Hong snapped back to attention, his gaze sharp.
Wen Gu's voice remained steady as he continued, "The knowledge taught in past academies cannot meet the survival needs of chaotic times. Now, with evil epidemics rampant and people's hearts unsettled, ignorance breeds fear."
Old Master Hong's gaze felt heavy as if bearing a thousand pounds.
Under such a stare, Wen Gu maintained his composure, his answering gaze more sincere, as if merely speaking his mind:
"Many scholars are not unskilled; they simply haven't adapted to this strange world and are at a loss. If there were an academy to guide them, it could open up more survival choices."
Wen Gu further cited Cheng Zhi and Little Brother He as examples.
Of course, he didn't explicitly mention Cheng Zhi's monstrous memory but only said that this individual was good at memorization.
After some targeted training, these two now serve as clerks, assisting in district management, and are doing a good job.
They can apply their knowledge, earn a living, and contribute to the stability of this place.
Living examples were right before them.
"If the academy can be established, it will not only impart knowledge but also preserve a spark of hope!"
Old Master Hong was touched.
He took to heart what Wen Gu had said.
Not every scholar knew how to deal with epidemics or manage people during an evil plague.
Upon reflection, it was indeed possible to establish new disciplines based on the needs and demands of the chaotic times, promoting a new educational system and creating more opportunities for confused students.
Wen Gu didn't press the matter further, quietly sipping his tea.
Old Master Hong had experience running an academy; he would quickly grasp the core elements of what Wen Gu had suggested.
If the Zhao family were to expand their territory in the future, they would undoubtedly need a large number of skilled and management talents.
Even members of noble families might not have sufficient abilities to deal with the current situation. If there were a place for them to further their studies, he believed they would be willing to support it.
There would certainly be opposition, but the Zhao family would definitely support it!
Although the imperial examinations were suspended, they had been in place for many years. Those in power understood their importance and couldn't rely solely on members of noble families.
Under absolute force, who would dare to object?
This matter of the academy, if not established now, would be established in the future.
If Old Master Hong didn't do it, the Zhao family would. It was only a matter of time to consolidate their rule.
Old Master Hong pondered, remaining silent, but his thoughts were in turmoil.
After a long while, just as Wen Gu thought they would discuss establishing the academy, the elder suddenly stood up and boomed, "Come, let's practice sword fighting!"
Wen Gu: "..."
Fine.
However, Old Master Hong, carrying his sword to the courtyard, became so engrossed in his swordplay that he forgot about everyone else, clearly lost in thought.
His sword moves were still sharp, but upon closer inspection, they were much more open and expansive than before, like a trapped beast spreading its wings, or clouds parting to reveal the blue sky.
Wen Gu stood by, observing with the "school badge" in hand.
Judging by Old Master Hong's reaction, he must have contemplated establishing a school before, but had suppressed the idea for various reasons. Perhaps his family wasn't supportive, making him apathetic.
Wen Gu's mention today had reinforced the elder's resolve.
Excellent!
Let's get things moving!
When Wen Gu first received the information, he knew this old man, though not talkative, was not one to sit idly!
Still vigorous in his old age!
So much energy, it's clear he can establish an academy!
Given the elder's preoccupation, his teaching was brief, and Wen Gu's first day of learning was short. However, the amount of information exchanged was substantial.
Returning to Jingxing District.
Cheng Zhi and the others noticed that the district head seemed in good spirits, even carrying a sword back.
"What is this?" Cheng Zhi asked.
"Identity authentication."
Wen Gu explained the significance of the Cen Tai Academy's sword.
Little Brother He hadn't gone with them today and hadn't seen the elder practicing sword in the snow. He only knew that the elder was around sixty, had been a high-ranking official, and later resigned to establish an academy.
Sixty years old!
In their small county town back home, many people didn't even live to sixty. It was hard to imagine a sixty-year-old man practicing sword in the cold weather, struggling even to walk?
Little Brother He couldn't help but exclaim, "At the old man's age..."
"That's where you're wrong!" Wen Gu said. "Ask Cheng Zhi, with the elder's physique, he could take down the three of us with one sword strike!"
Cheng Zhi nodded vigorously, "He could take down ten people like me! Much faster than I chop firewood!"
Wen Gu didn't mention the branch academy to them, as it wasn't confirmed yet and it was best not to spread the word.
He looked with satisfaction at his newly acquired "school badge," wiping the melting snow from the characters "Cen Tai."
He thought to himself: To all surviving alumni, your junior Wen Gu has joined the alumni group today!
The elder's ability to act should be consistent with his temperament; he is a decisive person and will not disappoint.
The Cen Tai Academy Xin Prefecture Branch will soon appear in the city.
Sixty years old, how is that old?
He has fame, reputation, seniority, and fighting spirit.
He is in his prime!
His robust physique means he can at least serve as dean for another twenty years!
The timing is also perfect now.
The Zhao family's warehouses are overflowing with supplies. Instead of letting them sit there, some should be allocated to establishing the academy.
And for those talented individuals who cannot leave Xin Prefecture City for various reasons, instead of lamenting their fate at home and wasting their time, they should contribute their part.
Everyone, come out and get to work!!
(End of this chapter)