Passing through a few very long corridors with steps.
Walking through some big flowery gardens and passing through a few large pools with ten circular fenced doors, Hong Yi followed behind the head housekeeper. Walking for no less than the time it took to eat a meal, he finally arrived at the center and official residence of the manor.
“Entering the manor is like entering a deep ocean.” This comment describes Marquis Wu Wen’s Manor perfectly. Indeed, even Hong Yi is confused by the corridors; if it weren’t for the head housekeeper showing the road, he could get lost by losing his sense of direction. Of course, this is because Hong Yi lives in a nook and cranny of the manor, and he does not have any experience traversing the manor.
His status in the manor doesn’t allow him to travel much either.
Only when he was young did he follow his mom to the main manor. This alienation is like a blade of frost: it symbolizes that the manor is not his home.
“Why can’t I seem to stabilize my spirit?”
Right before arriving at the front of the main manor, Hong Yi suddenly feels anxious and frightened. He knows it’s because his father’s manor’s imposing aura is too heavy. If he were to suddenly call him here, he wouldn’t know what they will be talking about.
“Scholars need to stabilize their spirit. One’s face should not turn red, not even before the collapse of a mountain,” Hong Yi thought internally, calming his anxious state of mind. He followed behind the head housekeeper, and finally stepped into the main manor.
The marquis’ main manor is constructed to seem very imposing and formidable. The manor was decorated with the same monochrome colored large Artemisia Argyi plants, and limestone floors that are as flat as mirror and hard as iron.
In the main lounge there existed a row of simple and unadorned chairs. At the center, on the other hand, there existed a large character with a font that reminded one of oppression.
It is the character “礼(ceremony).”
Below the “礼” character there is a red sandalwood table for ceremony purposes that is large enough to allow 4 or 5 people to lie down on.
There were many goods and commodities on the table for sacrificial offerings, and they were all covered by a sacrificial bright yellow colored satin. It’s evident that the goods were bestowed by the emperor.
To the left of the tribute table, a person wearing embroidered flowery clothes and a purple crown sat atop a chair.
This person had grizzled hair on his temples, and his hands were currently pressing down on the armrests of the chair. He had a spotless, pure white-like demeanor, untainted by even a speck of dust. He gave others the feeling that he grasped in his hand inexhaustible power.
Once this person sat over there, a terrifying aura immediately appeared, causing people to be incapable of meeting his face head on and forced to lower their heads like obedient children.
He is the master of the entire Wu Wen manor: he is the manor’s Hong Xuanji. He is one of the pillars of the court, and the Great Qian Dynasty’s Martial Saint.
“Hong Yi, stand to the right side. I have words I want to say to you.”
Seeing the housekeeper bringing in Hong Yi, the Marquis pointed his fingers at the spot he wanted Hong Yi to stand at.
Hong Yi complied with the command. He walked to the right side of the manor and stood there. He clearly uttered, “father do you have some sort of instruction for me?”
Just as Hong Yi was speaking, the head housekeeper that retreated to the edge of the room by the door suddenly had a disbelieving look in his expression. Hong Yi’s calm air was a bit beyond expectation because even if it’s the eldest son of the marquis’ manor, in front of Hong Xuanji, even if he wasn’t trembling frightfully, he wouldn’t dare to release an imposing aura.
“I heard you used cursive when writing Duchess Yong Chun a poem? Why didn’t you use a normal and formal writing style? Displaying your writing style and poem making ability. Why do you not use your time to go study the classic literature, rather than do these disrespectful deeds?”
Marquis Wu Wen asked. His freezing tone caused people to tremble and shiver.
Although he knew that keeping calm as mountains collapse is the virtue of a scholar, Hong Yi couldn’t help but break out in cold sweat.
“En?”
Seeing Hong Yi not replying, the Marquis let out a cold en sound.
Once this sound was made, the entire temperature in the room abruptly lowered. Hong Yi felt his legs soften, and he almost collapsed onto the ground.
If he hadn’t of learned the demonic bull strengthening punch, which strengthened his body a bit, the Marquis’ aura would have probably caused him to collapse onto the ground.
“Father’s words are right, I will definitely not dare to do it again in the future.”
Hong Yi lowered his head.
He knows that he can’t refute in front of Hong Xuanji: even if his reasoning is right, he can only capitulate.
The Marquis Manor focuses a lot on rules and regulations. Hong Yi knows, if he were to retort, the lightest punishment would be one of his bones being broken, while the heaviest, wouldn’t even be weird if it were – death.
The Marquis rules over his home with an iron fist. There are rules that are even famous in the imperial courts. They even managed to obtain appreciation from a few scholarly officials.
“En.”
The Marquis once more made another en sound, but it wasn’t a cold one. The tone eased a bit, and Hong Yi felt as if the temperature in the room increased a bit, and he felt that his legs and stomach didn’t feel as weak anymore.
You violated the rules of the house. Normally the punishment would be hitting you with a rod 20 times, but you possess scholarly honor and will be taking the provincial test in the spring of next year. The country has set a law about you needing to participate, so I will pardon you for now. If you are successful in the provincial examination, then the punishment will naturally be written off with one stroke. But if you aren’t’ successful, then the rules of the house will be executed.” The Marquis was expressionless as he explained Hong Yi’s paths.
“Yes, father.” Hoong Yi lowered his head once more.
“My verses from the poem may not be righteous, but one can definitely feel a sense of shrewdness in my train of thought. But the verses you made are still unpresentable.” The Marquis continued, “You are already 15 years old this year, so based on the laws of the Great Qian, you are already an adult. What plans do you have?”
“Father, I want to learn archery and horseback riding. I hope father can help.” Hong Yi felt the warmness in his father’s aura, thus he bravely stated his plans.
Horseback riding and archery is something Hong Yi can’t afford to learn. He may have 10 pink gold coins, but even with those, he can afford a good bow, but not a good horse. Not to mention the costs of raising a horse, and the need of a groom to take care of the horse. After all, Hong Yi definitely cannot constantly groom and maintain the horse himself.
The first problem is status. After all,a scholar grooming a horse would make him infamous.
The second problem is tending to a horse is exhausting. Even at night one needs to wake up to feed it, while choosing the best feed. This activity consumes too much time and energy.
“You still haven’t fully mastered classic literature, so how can you want to learn something like archery and horseback riding! Once Marquis Wu Wen heard, his brows scrunched up for a moment. It was apparent that he did not approve of Hong Yi learning archery and horseback riding. In a single breath he completely rejected Hong Yi’s idea. “First master the classic literatures. Moving onto the martial arts before mastering classic literature is stupid. Please don’t bring it up again in the future, got it?”
I understand.” Hong Yi didn’t refute like before.
“Alright, then you can go. Head housekeeper Wu, take him to the accounting office and give him one hundred taels of silver to allow him to prepare for the test.” After saying this statement, the Marquis waved his hand saying, “Go!”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
“Why won’t he let me learn martial skills. Could it be that he is afraid of me becoming a successful candidate of the imperial examinations and performing outstanding service in the army, thereby becoming royalty? My mother would become titles a Dame disrupting the order and laws of the palace.
On the way back to his residence, Hong Yi closed his eyes and heavily exhaled.
If he could pass the highest level of imperial examinations, enter the army, and perform outstanding accomplishment for the military, he will be able to become a noble, and his mother a dame. At that time his mother’s memorial tablet will be immediately placed side by side among the other compassionate Dame’s. Even father at that time will need to light incense for mother during the ceremonies on making offerings to the gods and one’s ancestors.
This point, will fiercely damage the manor’s rules. Simply put, it is a change that’s like inverting heaven and earth itself.
This change would not be something the rule following marquis would be able to bear.
Hong Yi guessed that this is the fundamental reason his father wouldn’t let him learn martial arts.
Hong Yi maybe someone that has passed the county level imperial exam, and preparing to pass the highest level of examinations, but he is still a huge distance away from securing a firm foothold and gaining merit in the military. But it is something he has huge faith in doing.
“I definitely have to do it. I have to strive to give my mother the title of a Dame, and let the Marquis’ Manor, the entire manor see the prestige!” Hong Yi clenched his fists, and secretly made an oath.
“But returning to topic, Ziyue is a Martial Saint, and even an spiritual immortal. But when being face to face with him, why didn’t I not feel much pressure. Could it be he suppressed the pressure? Sure enough, it’s me that doesn’t have the strength and stamina. The term scholars shouldn’t fear even when the mountain has collapsed now feels a bit empty and superfluous.
When before the imposingness of my father, Hong Yi at last understood. If one doesn’t have real power, a scholar’s calm and righteousness will always be superfluous and empty.
“If I was a Martial Saint, I would definitely dare to argue for what’s right when facing him. Only the strongest under the heavens can speak. If one is strong, a child can argue with his father. With true power, even a minister can argue against the ruler!”
“The ruler can admonish mistakes, not listen, and change the laws and regulations! The thought process of surrendering to my father, goes against the path of a scholar. But how can I strive forward with my reasonings?”
Hong Yi thought internally.
The emperor has faults, a scholar needs to advise the emperor. If the emperor repeatedly ignores the suggestions, clinging to his dignity, then the emperor needs to abdicate.
These are the true reasonings of a scholar! Unfortunately, without power though, none of these thoughts can be upheld and executed.
Thinking about this, thinking about that, Hong Yi walked back to his courtyard. As he was closing the door, he was still calmly deep in thought. Then looking at the top of the table, he suddenly felt pity about the “Dao Scripture” book that got burned.
Hong Yi’s line of sight can’t help but land on the burned Dao Scripture on the fire pan.
“Huh? What’s that”
Not looking at this is good, but once he looked, he noticed the ashes in the fire pan contained a golden scripture.
Hong Yi walked over, and used a tong to grab the scripture page. Noticing the scripture unexpectedly seemed to look like a silk scroll. Bringing up the large but thin object, he saw it was completely packed with characters. In the center there was an golden image of a buddha sitting upright among a void of innumerable suns, moons, and stars constantly revolving.
It’s not known what material this scroll is made of, but not even fire can burn it.
Hong Yi immediately saw the name of the scripture once he looked at the scroll.
Mituo Sutra!
Passing through a few very long corridors with steps.
Walking through some big flowery gardens and passing through a few large pools with ten circular fenced doors, Hong Yi followed behind the head housekeeper. Walking for no less than the time it took to eat a meal, he finally arrived at the center and official residence of the manor.
“Entering the manor is like entering a deep ocean.” This comment describes Marquis Wu Wen’s Manor perfectly. Indeed, even Hong Yi is confused by the corridors; if it weren’t for the head housekeeper showing the road, he could get lost by losing his sense of direction. Of course, this is because Hong Yi lives in a nook and cranny of the manor, and he does not have any experience traversing the manor.
His status in the manor doesn’t allow him to travel much either.
Only when he was young did he follow his mom to the main manor. This alienation is like a blade of frost: it symbolizes that the manor is not his home.
“Why can’t I seem to stabilize my spirit?”
Right before arriving at the front of the main manor, Hong Yi suddenly feels anxious and frightened. He knows it’s because his father’s manor’s imposing aura is too heavy. If he were to suddenly call him here, he wouldn’t know what they will be talking about.
“Scholars need to stabilize their spirit. One’s face should not turn red, not even before the collapse of a mountain,” Hong Yi thought internally, calming his anxious state of mind. He followed behind the head housekeeper, and finally stepped into the main manor.
The marquis’ main manor is constructed to seem very imposing and formidable. The manor was decorated with the same monochrome colored large Artemisia Argyi plants, and limestone floors that are as flat as mirror and hard as iron.
In the main lounge there existed a row of simple and unadorned chairs. At the center, on the other hand, there existed a large character with a font that reminded one of oppression.
It is the character “礼(ceremony).”
Below the “礼” character there is a red sandalwood table for ceremony purposes that is large enough to allow 4 or 5 people to lie down on.
There were many goods and commodities on the table for sacrificial offerings, and they were all covered by a sacrificial bright yellow colored satin. It’s evident that the goods were bestowed by the emperor.
To the left of the tribute table, a person wearing embroidered flowery clothes and a purple crown sat atop a chair.
This person had grizzled hair on his temples, and his hands were currently pressing down on the armrests of the chair. He had a spotless, pure white-like demeanor, untainted by even a speck of dust. He gave others the feeling that he grasped in his hand inexhaustible power.
Once this person sat over there, a terrifying aura immediately appeared, causing people to be incapable of meeting his face head on and forced to lower their heads like obedient children.
He is the master of the entire Wu Wen manor: he is the manor’s Hong Xuanji. He is one of the pillars of the court, and the Great Qian Dynasty’s Martial Saint.
“Hong Yi, stand to the right side. I have words I want to say to you.”
Seeing the housekeeper bringing in Hong Yi, the Marquis pointed his fingers at the spot he wanted Hong Yi to stand at.
Hong Yi complied with the command. He walked to the right side of the manor and stood there. He clearly uttered, “father do you have some sort of instruction for me?”
Just as Hong Yi was speaking, the head housekeeper that retreated to the edge of the room by the door suddenly had a disbelieving look in his expression. Hong Yi’s calm air was a bit beyond expectation because even if it’s the eldest son of the marquis’ manor, in front of Hong Xuanji, even if he wasn’t trembling frightfully, he wouldn’t dare to release an imposing aura.
“I heard you used cursive when writing Duchess Yong Chun a poem? Why didn’t you use a normal and formal writing style? Displaying your writing style and poem making ability. Why do you not use your time to go study the classic literature, rather than do these disrespectful deeds?”
Marquis Wu Wen asked. His freezing tone caused people to tremble and shiver.
Although he knew that keeping calm as mountains collapse is the virtue of a scholar, Hong Yi couldn’t help but break out in cold sweat.
“En?”
Seeing Hong Yi not replying, the Marquis let out a cold en sound.
Once this sound was made, the entire temperature in the room abruptly lowered. Hong Yi felt his legs soften, and he almost collapsed onto the ground.
If he hadn’t of learned the demonic bull strengthening punch, which strengthened his body a bit, the Marquis’ aura would have probably caused him to collapse onto the ground.
“Father’s words are right, I will definitely not dare to do it again in the future.”
Hong Yi lowered his head.
He knows that he can’t refute in front of Hong Xuanji: even if his reasoning is right, he can only capitulate.
The Marquis Manor focuses a lot on rules and regulations. Hong Yi knows, if he were to retort, the lightest punishment would be one of his bones being broken, while the heaviest, wouldn’t even be weird if it were – death.
The Marquis rules over his home with an iron fist. There are rules that are even famous in the imperial courts. They even managed to obtain appreciation from a few scholarly officials.
“En.”
The Marquis once more made another en sound, but it wasn’t a cold one. The tone eased a bit, and Hong Yi felt as if the temperature in the room increased a bit, and he felt that his legs and stomach didn’t feel as weak anymore.
You violated the rules of the house. Normally the punishment would be hitting you with a rod 20 times, but you possess scholarly honor and will be taking the provincial test in the spring of next year. The country has set a law about you needing to participate, so I will pardon you for now. If you are successful in the provincial examination, then the punishment will naturally be written off with one stroke. But if you aren’t’ successful, then the rules of the house will be executed.” The Marquis was expressionless as he explained Hong Yi’s paths.
“Yes, father.” Hoong Yi lowered his head once more.
“My verses from the poem may not be righteous, but one can definitely feel a sense of shrewdness in my train of thought. But the verses you made are still unpresentable.” The Marquis continued, “You are already 15 years old this year, so based on the laws of the Great Qian, you are already an adult. What plans do you have?”
“Father, I want to learn archery and horseback riding. I hope father can help.” Hong Yi felt the warmness in his father’s aura, thus he bravely stated his plans.
Horseback riding and archery is something Hong Yi can’t afford to learn. He may have 10 pink gold coins, but even with those, he can afford a good bow, but not a good horse. Not to mention the costs of raising a horse, and the need of a groom to take care of the horse. After all, Hong Yi definitely cannot constantly groom and maintain the horse himself.
The first problem is status. After all,a scholar grooming a horse would make him infamous.
The second problem is tending to a horse is exhausting. Even at night one needs to wake up to feed it, while choosing the best feed. This activity consumes too much time and energy.
“You still haven’t fully mastered classic literature, so how can you want to learn something like archery and horseback riding! Once Marquis Wu Wen heard, his brows scrunched up for a moment. It was apparent that he did not approve of Hong Yi learning archery and horseback riding. In a single breath he completely rejected Hong Yi’s idea. “First master the classic literatures. Moving onto the martial arts before mastering classic literature is stupid. Please don’t bring it up again in the future, got it?”
I understand.” Hong Yi didn’t refute like before.
“Alright, then you can go. Head housekeeper Wu, take him to the accounting office and give him one hundred taels of silver to allow him to prepare for the test.” After saying this statement, the Marquis waved his hand saying, “Go!”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
“Why won’t he let me learn martial skills. Could it be that he is afraid of me becoming a successful candidate of the imperial examinations and performing outstanding service in the army, thereby becoming royalty? My mother would become titles a Dame disrupting the order and laws of the palace.
On the way back to his residence, Hong Yi closed his eyes and heavily exhaled.
If he could pass the highest level of imperial examinations, enter the army, and perform outstanding accomplishment for the military, he will be able to become a noble, and his mother a dame. At that time his mother’s memorial tablet will be immediately placed side by side among the other compassionate Dame’s. Even father at that time will need to light incense for mother during the ceremonies on making offerings to the gods and one’s ancestors.
This point, will fiercely damage the manor’s rules. Simply put, it is a change that’s like inverting heaven and earth itself.
This change would not be something the rule following marquis would be able to bear.
Hong Yi guessed that this is the fundamental reason his father wouldn’t let him learn martial arts.
Hong Yi maybe someone that has passed the county level imperial exam, and preparing to pass the highest level of examinations, but he is still a huge distance away from securing a firm foothold and gaining merit in the military. But it is something he has huge faith in doing.
“I definitely have to do it. I have to strive to give my mother the title of a Dame, and let the Marquis’ Manor, the entire manor see the prestige!” Hong Yi clenched his fists, and secretly made an oath.
“But returning to topic, Ziyue is a Martial Saint, and even an spiritual immortal. But when being face to face with him, why didn’t I not feel much pressure. Could it be he suppressed the pressure? Sure enough, it’s me that doesn’t have the strength and stamina. The term scholars shouldn’t fear even when the mountain has collapsed now feels a bit empty and superfluous.
When before the imposingness of my father, Hong Yi at last understood. If one doesn’t have real power, a scholar’s calm and righteousness will always be superfluous and empty.
“If I was a Martial Saint, I would definitely dare to argue for what’s right when facing him. Only the strongest under the heavens can speak. If one is strong, a child can argue with his father. With true power, even a minister can argue against the ruler!”
“The ruler can admonish mistakes, not listen, and change the laws and regulations! The thought process of surrendering to my father, goes against the path of a scholar. But how can I strive forward with my reasonings?”
Hong Yi thought internally.
The emperor has faults, a scholar needs to advise the emperor. If the emperor repeatedly ignores the suggestions, clinging to his dignity, then the emperor needs to abdicate.
These are the true reasonings of a scholar! Unfortunately, without power though, none of these thoughts can be upheld and executed.
Thinking about this, thinking about that, Hong Yi walked back to his courtyard. As he was closing the door, he was still calmly deep in thought. Then looking at the top of the table, he suddenly felt pity about the “Dao Scripture” book that got burned.
Hong Yi’s line of sight can’t help but land on the burned Dao Scripture on the fire pan.
“Huh? What’s that”
Not looking at this is good, but once he looked, he noticed the ashes in the fire pan contained a golden scripture.
Hong Yi walked over, and used a tong to grab the scripture page. Noticing the scripture unexpectedly seemed to look like a silk scroll. Bringing up the large but thin object, he saw it was completely packed with characters. In the center there was an golden image of a buddha sitting upright among a void of innumerable suns, moons, and stars constantly revolving.
It’s not known what material this scroll is made of, but not even fire can burn it.
Hong Yi immediately saw the name of the scripture once he looked at the scroll.
Mituo Sutra!
