Chapter 4, reading is relatively easy

Gao Shao shook his head and continued, "The second question is, if I were to give each of you one or two silver coins now, but you had to buy something worth five silver coins, would you buy it?"

In the temple, there are naturally people to boil water for me, as my status is high

Since you wish to practice martial arts, why do you want to come to the academy

Zhou Huaili looked up to the sky and sighed: "What a pity for that piece posted on the Sparrow Terrace."

Zhang Xiaolin said: "Do not say five taels, even ten taels can be bought."

Zhou Huaili breathed a sigh of relief upon entering the study and seeing that no one else had arrived. He smiled and bowed respectfully, saying, "Sir, I have brought the child."

Does the master really not want me anymore

Liu Shengying said: "I need to go home and ask my parents if they can give me some more silver."

... ...

This time, the three children answered in unison: "Xiwen is important"

Li Diudiu shook his head: "If the gentleman is such a gentleman, why should I come to the academy?"

The other three children all looked at Li Diudiu with expressions of disdain, considering Li Diudiu's words to be nothing but nonsense

Li Diudiu does not like a person named Zhou Huaili, but the master has said that since he is helping, one should not show a sour face to him. However, Zhou Huaili mentioned that he does not like to hear about his master.

Gao Shaowei glanced at the four children and waved his hand, saying, "Everyone else, except for the four children, please leave."

Li Diudiu lowered his head and after a while, managed to force a smile, saying: "Master, you see, you still need me to take care of you in your daily life, like boiling water and washing your feet. Without me, you would find it hard to adjust."

Of course, Mr. Gao from the Four-Page Academy is regarded as a literary leader throughout the Great Chu. The students he has taught are exceptionally talented, with the Governor of Jizhou, Lord Zeng, being one of his disciples. Would you say that is impressive? I do not expect you to become a governor, but it would suffice if you could hold a respectable position.

Reading and writing, the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, divination and fortune-telling

The Long-Browed Daoist pondered for a moment and shook his head: "That won't be the case. There is a Wuwei Temple in Jizhou, and the temple master is an old friend of mine. After I send you to the academy, I will register at the temple, and you can live your good life while I live mine."

Gao Shaowei's brows furrowed deeper and deeper, this child... He somewhat disliked it, just this one sentence my master hoped I would come, he wanted this child to leave right now

Master, I can assist you in reading fortunes for others. Look, our previous collaboration was so seamless, like a perfect fit.

The third question is, do you think that the study of literature is more important than the study of martial arts?

Even Zhang Xiaolin, who has practiced martial arts since childhood, chose not to respond with martial arts

Will there really be a bright future after graduating from the Four-Page Academy

Zhou Huaili glanced at Li Diudiu and sighed: "Well, just do your best."

Do not say anything more

Li Diudiu fell silent for a moment and replied: "The three of them consider the study of literature important because they do not need martial arts; there will always be someone to protect them when they go out. I am different. Without martial arts, I cannot protect myself, and I cannot protect my master. My master is already very old. Ten years ago, he could carry me, but now he needs to rely on a cane to walk"

Then he added, "Reading is too easy; practicing martial arts is somewhat more difficult"

No, no.

The Long-Browed Daoist's tone suddenly became serious, as he fixed his gaze on Li Diudiu's eyes and said word by word: "Can you not have a bit more ambition? If you succeed in your studies and become capable in the future, wouldn't it be good to support me?"

Deceiving others is not a sustainable strategy; I will no longer deceive anyone in the future, and you should also refrain from deceiving others.

Gao Shao frowned again

I suppose so

Gao Shao glanced at him and said: "Is he indeed the son of your old acquaintance?"

Gao Shao pondered for a moment and nodded: "If he is indeed a person of talent, I will not concern myself with his background and will certainly keep him in the academy. If he is not worthy of cultivation... then so be it, I will let him stay in the academy as a servant, which is certainly better than wandering in the wind and rain."

Ah?

After taking a few steps, he asked again: "What has your master taught you?"

Gao Shaowei sighed, saying: "The calligraphy of Mr. Songming's 'Deng Que Tai' was also sent to you by that late friend of yours, wasn't it? You brought the calligraphy here for this child.

Gao Shao frowned

The Long-Browed Daoist waved his hand and said, "It is not easy to have the opportunity to send you out."

The three children looked at Li Diudiu again, and this time their faces showed not only disdain but also sympathy. This was a prestigious academy, yet he claimed that martial arts were more important. Such a foolish answer could only be uttered by a wild boy like him. "Cultivating literature to govern affairs"—this is one of the two phrases inscribed on the shadow wall of the academy.

Li Diudiu answered truthfully

Li Diudiu nodded vigorously and said: "Be a person of integrity and honor"

Before long, the few distinguished children arrived at the academy one after another, totaling four. Li Diudiu was the youngest, while Sun Rugong was the oldest. Among the four, he came from the best family background, as his grandfather was a legitimate fourth-rank official. Zhang Xiaolin was more than half a head taller than Li Diudiu, indicating that he had been practicing martial arts for some time, and he appeared quite robust. Liu Shengying was about the same height as Li Diudiu. The three children were dressed splendidly, while Li Diudiu's clothes were all patched but impeccably clean, making him seem like he belonged to two different worlds compared to the other three children.

He followed Zhou Huaili all the way into the academy, which was a secluded courtyard. The renowned scholar Gao Shaowei resided there. Zhou Huaili instructed Li Diudiu to wait there while he entered first, his voice cold and icy as if he were about to strike.

Martial arts practice

Oh ... ...

My master wishes for me to come

After being brought in by Zhou Huaili, Li Diudiu found his eyes insufficient to take in the surroundings. The academy was vast, with pavilions and towers, all beautifully adorned. Most importantly, the disciples here appeared so clean and refined, dressed in light blue academy robes, either walking in pairs or reading under the trees. Compared to the refugees scattered outside the city, this place seemed like a paradise. Li Diudiu even developed a sense of illusion, feeling that this place was not of the mortal realm.

However, he still asked one more question: "Why do you think martial arts are important?"

Zhou Huaili pointed his hand towards the gate of the Four Pages Academy and said: "If it weren't for your master helping me back in the day, would I set aside my own dignity to come and ask you for a favor? If you are not satisfied, you can turn around and leave, or you can just shut up"

What if my master has the status of Gao Shaowei

Previously, the master had said not to keep him, but now suddenly mentioned that he should learn and support the master. Li Diudiu suddenly felt a stir of emotions.

Oh ... ...

Zhang Xiaolin's first response: "One must certainly intervene when witnessing injustice. As a person of value, if one does not even dare to address injustice, how can one have the courage to go into battle and fight the enemy in the future"

Gao Shao, who had just slightly eased his expression, immediately widened his eyes and exclaimed: "Is studying easy?! Children should not speak so arrogantly!"

Zhou Huaili spoke as he walked: "This time, accompanying me to meet Mr. Gao are three individuals: one is the eldest grandson of the military affairs commissioner of Jizhou, whose surname is Sun; another is the son of the deputy governor of Jizhou, whose surname is Liu; and the third is the grandson of the chief of the water affairs department of Jizhou, whose surname is Zhang. These three..."

Enough, enough, no more talking

One hour later, at the Four Pages Academy

That ... ...

Do not bring shame upon your master

Li Diudiu answered

Li Diudiu opened his mouth but held back

Li Diudiu asked: "Master, will you leave Jizhou?"

Sun Rugong smiled and said: "That is the bravery of a reckless man. One should certainly intervene when witnessing injustice, but one must not act rashly. It is important to first ascertain the reasons behind the situation before deciding whether to intervene. One must use their intellect."

In a little while, you must remember not to be timid. Answer whatever Mr. Gao asks, and do not speak nonsense, as Mr. Gao does not appreciate people lacking decorum

While others are encouraging, Zhou Huaili cast a glance at Li Diudiu, said only one sentence, and then stepped out the door

Zhou Huaili, however, did not sit down; he remained bent over, speaking humbly: "Sir, this child is lonely and poor, with a wild temperament. He speaks without restraint or decorum, but the child is clever and has learned many things. If he inadvertently offends you later, I hope you will be understanding."

Gao Shaowei looked into Li Diudu's eyes and asked a question

I will pose questions, and you will answer. Just say whatever comes to mind without any concerns

Zhou Huaili paused his steps, turned his head with a stern expression, and said to Li Diudiu: "Are you speaking to me? Do you know what your status is?"

Gao Shaowei sat down and had the four children stand in a row in front of him. After a brief moment of contemplation, he said: "The first question is, if you encounter an injustice while traveling alone, should you intervene or not?"

Li Diudiu is still thinking carefully. The master said that one must not speak nonsense, and Zhou Huaili also said that one must not speak nonsense. Therefore, he carefully considers each question several times before responding

Zhou Huaili once again bowed deeply and said: "Thank you, sir"

Early the next morning, the Longbrow Daoist brought Li Diudiu to the doorstep of Zhou Huaili's home, waiting there. Along the way, he repeatedly advised Li Diudiu, emphasizing that when they meet the renowned Mr. Gao, he must not be disrespectful, and should keep his nonsense to himself and not act recklessly

Zhou Huaili said: "That year, I was transferred from Yongqing County to Jizhou for my duties. On the way, my wife fell seriously ill and was on the verge of death. It was this child's master who saved her and accompanied us all the way to Jizhou. This child is an orphan taken in by my late friend, who treated him as his own child."

Good

Liu Shengying said: "I am still young, I should go home and tell my family, or report to the authorities"

He asked Zhou Huaili: "Then does my master still need to rely on others? My master may not be inferior to Gao Shaowei, it is just that his background is beyond his control"

... ...

Li Diudiu appeared to have a poor complexion; he did not wish to attend the Sijie Academy, but only wanted to accompany his master

Gao Shao stood up and said: "Come, let's sit down and talk first"

The Great Chu governs the country through culture, and it is often said that those who excel in literature can govern others, while those who excel in martial arts are governed by others. Although the Great Chu was founded on military strength, that was several centuries ago. The highest rank for civil officials is the first grade, and there are even ranks above the first grade. However, the highest rank that a military general can achieve is only the third grade, and the State of Chu has not had any military officials of the third grade or above for several hundred years

Please wait a moment; I will assess them once everyone has arrived

Li Diudiu pondered for a moment and replied: "If it can be managed, then manage it; if it cannot be managed, then do not manage it"

Master, I ... ...

Even if your master is formidable, he still has to send you to the Four-Page Academy

Little Li murmured to himself in a very soft voice: "There are also medicine techniques, acupuncture, sword skills... My master is truly formidable"

Zhou Huaili said: "Sir, the Zen practitioners say that saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. This child has a spirit in his eyes, and he is willing to endure hardship and eager to learn. His master saved his life, which is better than building a seven-story pagoda. But what about changing a life? You, sir, are the one who changes his fate; you are the one who changes the fate of all the disciples in the academy."

Sun Rugong said: "Why should you, sir, pay for the items you wish to purchase?"

Li Diudiu chose to remain silent, and the child, around ten years old, told himself that one day in the future, if he achieved success, he would allow his master to feel proud and vindicated.

Cultivate virtue to establish oneself, and study literature to govern affairs

Gao Shaowei looked at the silent Li Diudiu, waiting for the child to provide an answer.

The Long-Browed Daoist softened his tone: "Master hopes that you can be a person of integrity and righteousness"