novel-bin 51, I invite
51, I invite
"That's really strange. This man doesn't seem like a warrior; he seems more like a scholar."
Zhou Jinwen said with a smile.
The Great Zhou Dynasty was founded on military strength. Although scholars could take the imperial examinations and become officials, their power was often overshadowed by those who were military men.
Therefore, the elite sons from prominent families are mostly skilled in both literature and martial arts.
He himself was accomplished in poetry, prose, law, and strategy, but his own abilities were insufficient, so he could only work as a secretary.
"Both wise and brave"
Fang Yanping smiled and said that his appreciation for Fang Yanping grew stronger, and he was in a very pleasant mood.
Ren Qingshan's third point was about martial virtue, which meant that one should see oneself and all living beings, and that one should use martial arts to protect the country, bring peace to the people, help the world, and spread the Way... etc., which resonated deeply with him.
Although it might seem like I'm talking to myself, it doesn't matter.
The fact that these reflections can be summarized demonstrates a sound stance and upright conduct.
Compared to the other two worshippers, he was a breath of fresh air, a truly insightful person.
……
During class.
Ren Qingshan selected several disciples to ask questions in turn, setting an example for others using this method.
After the lesson ended, homework was assigned.
Set lofty goals, set short-term goals for the next five years, summarize your own strengths, and clearly identify your own weaknesses... Everyone must go back and write a summary, which will be presented during the lecture three days later.
Then get out of class ended.
Ren Qingshan breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Although a few disciples seemed unimpressed by this approach, most of them listened attentively, and some even showed expressions as if they had been enlightened... In short, it was worth my monthly salary of fifty taels of silver.
"Attendant Ren, Lord Fang requests your presence."
After class, Zhou Jinwen came to invite him.
Following him into the room, Ren Qingshan saw Fang Yanping still studying the medicinal herbs. He greeted him with a smile, "Lord Fang, is there any progress on the matter of expelling the insects?"
"Yes, I've developed a prescription, and it's working quite well."
"This matter is likely caused by demons. I have already sent people to investigate and have also informed the Demon Suppression Bureau. We will know the answer soon."
Demon?
Ren Qingshan was slightly taken aback.
On second thought, since we never had parasites before, it's quite possible that we suddenly have them now.
"I listened to what you said today, and it was very good."
"Master Pang is a martial arts fanatic, Master Zhao is fierce, but you are wise and reasonable, which is just right to balance the two of them. I can finally rest assured about the Martial Virtue Academy."
Fang Yanping didn't mince words and spoke directly.
Ren Qingshan said a few words of modesty, and chatted with him for a while longer. Seeing that there was nothing else to discuss, and that he was only praising the lesson he had taught that day, Ren Qingshan figured that since they had only known each other for a few days, they wouldn't be too familiar with each other and would not speak too intimately. So Ren Qingshan politely took his leave.
This class...
Appreciated by superiors, able to learn from colleagues, and having disciples who are either rich or powerful, with a monthly salary of fifty taels of silver and a three-day work week... it's truly comfortable!
……
It was evening.
Lu Qingyi, still disguised as a man, met Ren Qingshan and told him about the several alternative weapons she had seen that day.
Ren Qingshan and she went to each of the weapon shops to check them out and quickly made their choices.
The bow is a ten-stone bow, with a bow body made of secret meteorite iron and a bowstring made of the tendon of a python demon, bonded together with century-old shark glue. It took a year and a half to forge. It can be infused with true energy without breaking. It is priced at 1,800 taels. There is also a meteorite iron arrow, priced at two taels of silver each. It can also be infused with true energy and is both stable and sharp.
The knife has a handle made of lightning-struck wood and a blade made of stardust. It has been forged countless times and can cut through iron like mud. It is priced at 1,200 taels.
The dagger is small and sharp, capable of cutting through a hair with a breath, and comes with a dragon-skin sheath. It's inexpensive, costing only three hundred taels.
Unfortunately, there were no hidden weapons or soft armor.
These are often custom-made, with no ready-made products available, and the imperial court controls them, with government offices conducting regular spot checks and filings.
Unless you order a year or two in advance, it's hard to buy.
Even these three items, which are of "premium" quality, must be verified to be genuine, with a proven track record, and not be wanted criminals by the imperial court before they can be purchased.
Even sleeping potion was hard to come by, so Lu Qingyi ordered Steward Li to find a veterinarian in the countryside to make it. Lime powder, on the other hand, was easy to obtain.
Three thousand three hundred taels.
Martial artists truly spend money like water.
Ren Qingshan couldn't help but feel a pang of longing. He wished a wealthy woman could see through his bravado and warm his heart.
I owe you three thousand three hundred taels.
Carrying a bow and arrows and holding a precious sword, Ren Qingshan looked at Lu Qingyi and said solemnly.
"No rush, wait until you have more money."
Lu Qingyi said softly, thinking of the five pawn tickets in her purse. Today, she had pawned five pieces of the precious jewelry her parents had given her since she was a child, and that was how she managed to raise this amount of money... But there was no need to tell him about it.
"Want some candied hawthorn berries? My treat."
A vendor selling candied hawthorns walked towards them, and Ren Qingshan decided to be generous.
Lu Qingyi glanced at the vendor's hands and saw that the skin was cracked and black. She instinctively disliked it. She had been pampered since childhood. Even if she wanted to eat it, she could just go home and tell the cook, and the chef would make it.
but……
"Um."
She nodded gently.
A man, munching on a skewer of candied hawthorns, walked along a bustling street in the outer city. Passing a stall selling offal, with a large, greasy pot of broth, Ren Qingshan asked again, "Want some lamb offal? My treat?"
Lu Qingyi glanced at the stove, took a slight breath, and hesitated for a moment before replying, "Hmm."
"Haha, never mind."
"Let's go buy groceries. I'll cook chicken for you; my cooking skills are unparalleled."
Ren Qingshan noticed her obsession with cleanliness and, not wanting to make things difficult for her, simply invited her to his home and cooked for her himself.
It's not surprising that he can cook, but is it a bit of an exaggeration to say that he's unparalleled in the world?
Lu Qingyi's eyes flickered slightly, and she was immediately surprised.
……
"Your disciple pays his respects, Master Ren."
Carrying two slaughtered chickens and other meat and vegetables, Ren Qingshan walked home. He passed a pharmacy and went in to buy astragalus and ginseng. As soon as he entered, a young man in green clothes greeted him.
He immediately recognized him as a disciple of the Martial Virtue Academy named Li Jueming.
He was fourteen years old and at the early stage of the Iron Bone Realm. His family background was almost at the bottom of the Martial Virtue Academy, but his elders were skilled in medicine and were guests of Fang Yanping, which is why he was accepted into the academy. He was also diligent in his studies.
During today's lesson, he was one of the students who gave the best feedback.
"Haha, what a coincidence. I'm buying medicine, not making a home visit, so there's no need to worry."
Ren Qingshan laughed and said, "Give me some astragalus and ginseng root, one ounce each, I'll cook chicken with them."
Two shop assistants and several customers in the pharmacy overheard this conversation and were all taken aback by the word "offering."
Li Jueming scratched his head and smiled, quickly weighed the medicinal herbs, and handed them over respectfully, but was a little embarrassed to mention the price.
"How much?"
Ren Qingshan shook his head and smiled.
"I...I have been deeply moved by your teachings today, and it seems that all the fog before my eyes has been cleared away, pointing out a clear and bright path..."
Li Jueming said, his face flushed.
Learning martial arts from a poor family has always been difficult. The Li family has been practicing medicine for generations and, although they have achieved some success, they are not wealthy. Although Li Jueming was lucky enough to enter the Martial Virtue Academy, he was far behind those around him and often felt lost. However, after hearing Ren Qingshan's words today, he was truly encouraged, as if he had been struck on the head, and had a clear path forward.
"It's good that we've gained something. Let's focus on the present and make sure we pay the bills."
Ren Qingshan estimated the price, placed a dozen or so coins on the counter, and turned to leave with a smile.
Lu Qingyi watched the whole scene and was genuinely surprised.
On his first day of teaching, his disciples were almost completely convinced and their confusion was dispelled.
What is this about?
"What did you tell your disciples?"
After taking a few steps, she asked with curiosity and doubt, her beautiful eyes fixed on Ren Qingshan without blinking.
……
……