novelraw Chapter 92: Storms
Chapter 92: Storms
Chapter 92: Storms
While the Tao family's uncle and nephew analyzed Wengu's intentions, Wengu and his companions had already arrived at Old Master Hong's home.
Large families like the Hongs, with many members, also had many affairs. Relatives who served outside their hometown returned home, which was a time for strengthening bonds and social engagements.
Old Master Hong was also swamped with matters.
This was Wengu's last visit before the Lunar New Year; the next would be after the holiday.
The wind was a bit strong outside today, so the Old Master was not practicing swordplay in the courtyard but was diligently writing in his study.
Little Brother He did not get to see the sixty-year-old man practicing swordplay in the snow. However, seeing Old Master Hong's demeanor, he knew he was indeed vigorous. He not only felt no trace of the weariness of old age but even had more fighting spirit than the young people.
In the study, there were only the teacher and student at this moment.
Without looking at what the Old Master was writing on paper, Wengu sat aside. Seeing the man's energetic state, as if he had been injected with chicken blood, he could roughly guess the reason.
When the Old Master finally stopped writing, Wengu asked, "Did you pass?""Yes!"
Old Master Hong responded with a powerful affirmation.
The Zhao family had agreed to the establishment of the academy and offered their support.
"However, it won't be established in any of the existing districts; a new one will be created."
The Old Master informed Wengu about the location where the academy would soon be built.
Wengu had a map of the city's market districts in his hand. Listening to the location Old Master Hong mentioned, he quickly pinpointed it in his mind.
It was also a vacant district, close to the inner city wall. If viewed on the market map, it was symmetrically distributed with Jingxing District along the central axis, located on either side of the axis.
"It's close to our Jingxing District."
It wouldn't take long for Wengu to walk there from Jingxing District.
Relatively speaking, Old Master Hong lived a bit farther.
This was not an issue at all for the Old Master. While others took carriages or sedan chairs, he could probably reach it in a short while by riding a horse.
Besides, once the academy was built, teacher dormitories would certainly be constructed. At that time, with Old Master Hong's ambition, he would very likely move there directly.
Since the Zhao family had agreed to Old Master Hong establishing a branch of "Centai Academy" here, they would allocate a batch of money, food, and supplies for construction, which also included the creation of "school emblems."
It was estimated that in the future, people holding "Centai" swords would be everywhere in the city.
"When will construction begin?" Wengu asked.
"After the weather warms up, an auspicious day will be chosen to start construction," Old Master Hong replied.
Wengu thought to himself: Starting construction so soon implies that Old Zhao has quite a bit of extra money, food, and supplies! I can grab some more.
Old Master Hong became excited when he talked about the academy.
He told Wengu that he had already contacted several old friends in the city to get the blueprints for the library and academy.
Wengu also followed the Old Master's topic, offering a few small suggestions.
However, as the Old Master spoke, the excitement on his face subsided, replaced by a hint of seriousness.
"As a teacher, one must understand the heart of their student to correct their mistakes."
Although he had not formally accepted Wengu as a disciple, he was still a student learning from him, and he had to offer a reminder when necessary.
He looked at Wengu and said,
"A tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind; a person who excels above others will be criticized by the crowd. This Xin Prefecture City is neither small nor large. Although this branch academy is established by me, anyone who investigates will quickly discover that your shadow is also behind it."
How long had Wengu been in Xin Prefecture City?
He only arrived this winter, and the Lunar New Year had not even passed, yet his reputation had already spread!
There were indeed clever and capable merchants who could make money for the Zhao family.
And there were many excellent scholars who could manage various districts.
The benefits Wengu brought to some people also blocked the interests of others.
Excessive sharpness would inevitably cause harm.
"If the storm becomes too strong, you can come to the academy to take refuge."
Old Master Hong meant for Wengu to study calligraphy and painting there, assist in managing the academy, and lay low for a while.
Wengu stood up and bowed: "Thank you, Teacher!"
He appreciated the Old Master's good intentions and understood the reminder in his words, but...
Was this considered being too sharp?
He hadn't even exerted much effort yet.
Wengu had no intention of restraining himself.
If a storm arises, he would find someone to stand in front to withstand it!
Old Master Hong had expected that after his reminder, Wengu would be restless and agitated. However, while painting, he did not seem to be as the Old Master had imagined.
The young man sitting there was focused and concentrated, gracefully wielding his brush, showing no signs of restlessness or anxiety.
Old Master Hong smiled with satisfaction.
What he admired most about Wengu was this very quality: he could calm his mind and remain composed!
After praising him silently, Old Master Hong walked over to look at the painting.
"..."
The Old Master's face was full of question marks.
What was this painting of?
After looking for a while longer, he felt he understood.
Wengu was currently painting two objects: one was a bell.
A bronze cast bell was solemn and upright, its resonant sound clear and far-reaching, just like a gentleman's virtue, firm and unwavering, adhering to his true nature.
The other object depicted in the painting looked like a cloth shirt.
It was not ornate but rather simple, lacking a bit of elegance and possessing more robustness.
Simple and upright, the demeanor of a gentleman!
Old Master Hong stroked his beard and nodded.
When Wengu stopped painting, the Old Master's face was kind: "Does this painting have a title?"
Wengu: "Golden Bell Shield, Iron Cloth Shirt!"
"..."
Old Master Hong was momentarily bewildered.
He did not understand, but he could sense that the meaning of the painting seemed different from what he had imagined.
"What is the meaning of this painting?"
Wengu said, "I just suddenly remembered a folk legend I heard during my travels, two protective martial arts."
Old Master Hong did not know if such divine skills existed among the folk and asked, "Can it protect you from being scratched or bitten by evil creatures and not become possessed by them?"
Wengu thought for a moment: "I don't know."
"...Go! Practice swordplay! Stop thinking about folk legends whose truth or falsity is unknown!"
Until the end of the lesson, when Wengu left, Old Master Hong remained in the study, gazing at the painting Wengu had done, pondering for a long time.
Was the boy painting the literal meaning, or was it a metaphor?
He always felt that his reminder today seemed ineffective.
...
Jingxing District.
Little Brother He returned to the public office with his mind full of thoughts. Cheng Zhi asked him, "Did you gain some experience by following along this time?"
Little Brother He sincerely said, "I gained a lot of experience!"
The human heart is unfathomable, and truth is hard to discern!
He did not say much, until the next day when Tao San came to the public office for an interview.
Since Wengu personally recruited him, the interview was conducted by Wengu and Zhou Shan together.
After the initial assessment, there were no problems, and Tao San entered the probationary period.
He Da: "Holy cow!"
Having just entered the probationary period, Tao San was still very well-behaved, displaying his upright and courteous side.
Two days later, Wengu called Tao San over.
He first asked how Tao San was adapting to his new environment and then asked about the living conditions of local residents like the Tao family.
Tao San replied cautiously, "This year is actually much better than last year. This year, each district was given two coal stoves, a batch of honeycomb coal, and some relief food. If used sparingly and with mutual support, everyone can get through it..."
Wengu understood the general situation at the grassroots level.
"What will be the biggest difficulty for you after spring arrives and the weather warms up?" Wengu asked again.
Tao San thought for a moment and said, "The biggest difficulty when the weather gets warmer... is probably gathering firewood."
In terms of food and supplies, they could earn some by doing manual labor. He heard that the villages in Xin Prefecture had been allocated more land for farming and were given farming tools, so agricultural output would increase next year.
However, with the invasion of various epidemics, even drawing water from the public wells in the district was not safe; firewood was needed to boil water and cook. But the areas around Xin Prefecture City had already been nearly depleted of firewood.
Wengu nodded. Overall, water and firewood were still major issues.
The supply of coal remained limited, and poorer districts would receive even less.
The cleanliness of the water sources could not be guaranteed either.
"It will get better," Wengu said.
Tao San wondered in his heart if Wengu's words were just for comfort or if they conveyed some information.
As he was thinking, he heard Wengu say, "Before the Lunar New Year, Jingxing District will hold a small internal banquet to liven things up. The public office plans to find some people to perform plays. Can you take charge of this matter?"
Tao San was taken aback and quickly replied, "No problem!"
His anxious heart was finally put to ease.
Foreman Wen must have seen my acting skills!
He thought he would be assigned an important task and felt a little disappointed. The technical difficulty was too low, not allowing him to showcase his outstanding talent!
Although it was below his expectations, there was indeed work to be done, and Tao San knew this was his first test.
If he did well, after becoming a full-fledged member, he would be a part of the Jingqing Public Office!
The officially registered kind!
Tao San perked up.
"Regarding the cast, will we select people from within Jingxing District?" he asked.
"There are no restrictions. You can also recommend suitable people from your local community."
Tao San boldly said, "Yes! There are people of all ages, men and women. Some have worked as stooges for others, and some have performed funeral wails. They know a bit of miscellaneous entertainment. They are not as good as professional actors, but they are passable compared to ordinary people."
"Choose whomever you think is suitable, not exceeding nine people," Wengu said.
Local residents might still have some clothing and props at home that were not burned. It would be perfect to use them.
There was not much time for rehearsal. When people were struggling to eat and stay warm, where would they have the energy for other things?
Therefore, Wengu did not give them complex requirements, instructing Tao San to select popular folk performances and prepare a few programs.
The performers would be provided with one meal, and they would also receive remuneration, but the remuneration would be paid in Jingxing District food ration tickets.
Tao San was overjoyed.
They would be provided with meals and food ration tickets!
He understood Wengu's intention; this was an opportunity for him to help his fellow villagers.
He repeatedly assured Wengu, "We will prepare well and make everyone happy!"
Hosting banquets during the New Year would naturally involve festive programs, including some entertaining plays and singing short tunes.
The nobles might not be interested, but the district chief also said that it was for the residents of the district. Most of them were commoners, and they just wanted to have a good time.
Having received permission, Tao San ran off to choose people and prepare the programs.
Wengu looked at the district's plan.
During the days leading up to New Year's Eve, he would not be in Jingxing District. His aunt and uncle had invited him to the Zhao family's home to spend the New Year together.
After everyone in the district had a New Year's Eve dinner, he would have to leave.
The Zhao family had a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve.
Immediately after, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, there would be another grand banquet, inviting various dignitaries and prominent families in the city.
The banquet arrangements during those days would be tight, making it inconvenient to travel back and forth. Therefore, Wengu would take Tietou and stay directly at the Zhao family's residence.
Coincidentally, the New Year's gifts were also almost ready.
The Zhao family's reunion dinner was secondary; the grand banquet on the first day was the main event.
In such an occasion, there were rules about which table to sit at.
He did not want to sit at the "children's" table.
(End of Chapter)