Chapter 4, The warmth of family bonds brings comfort to the heart

I just came back to see Amu. Furthermore, a companion from this subject invited me to gather at the Meeting Immortal Tower. Cui nodded, and before resting at night, she wrapped the remaining silver from the last pawned pearl headpiece and gave it to Master Rong San, allowing him to socialize. The couple had their own intimate conversations at night, which shall not be mentioned.

Ah Wu was not polite either; when Master Rong San was testing his daughter, did she not want to gauge the depth of her "father's" capabilities as well

On this day, Awu was once again practicing calligraphy in the east room of the Cui residence, as the lighting in this room was better than that in her courtyard. She always liked to occupy a corner there. Meanwhile, Cui, with affection, sat beside her, doing needlework while keeping her company.

Because Awu has now become accustomed to practicing every morning upon waking, she is adept at this breathing technique, quickly harmonizing it with the rhythm of her calligraphy practice, which has led Master Rong San to repeatedly praise her for her perceptiveness and rapid progress

Awu was tossing and turning in his bed. Early the next morning, he got up and went to the main room, where the five family members had a harmonious meal together. Master Rong San then went out for social engagements.

As they were speaking, they heard the maid repeatedly saying that the Third Master had arrived home

Elder Rong San spotted Awu from a distance and broke into a smile, quickening his pace. "Awu, are you feeling much better?" Elder Rong San gently touched Awu's hair, which was styled in a bun, and remarked, "You have a bit of color in your face now."

How could her progress not be significant? The essence of her calligraphy had already taken root in her heart long before she became Awu. During her time as Awu, due to physical limitations, she could only practice a few strokes each day, and her strength could not penetrate the paper. However, Awu was inherently strong-willed; she had thoroughly examined the calligraphy and paintings stored in the manor, and even received special permission from her uncle, the emperor, to view the royal collection. Such opportunities are not something others could easily obtain. Therefore, Awu had unknowingly practiced her calligraphy countless times in her heart long before. It is only now, as Awu, that she can finally translate her practice onto paper. The essence is already present, and given time, her calligraphy will surely develop strength and form.

Awu is passionate about practicing calligraphy, which is not a bad thing. However, Cui is concerned that she might strain herself and is about to offer some words of advice. Just then, he leans over to take a look and is taken aback, saying, "Your handwriting has improved significantly."

Oh. Master Rong San had no surprises. A Wu was accustomed to admiring Rong Wu, but in Master Rong San's eyes, Rong Wu's ideas were merely half-baked. At such a young age, he often liked to showcase his abilities by discussing the works of great figures. Although his niece had gained some reputation in the capital, Master Rong San merely regarded it as a talent suited for the boudoir, not worthy of commendation

Before Awu had the chance to respond, Rong Ying interjected, "Sister, you have become quite remarkable now, starting to critique the works of calligraphy masters."

Ah Wu herself is not too young, and her wrist strength is gradually taking shape. In the first few days of practicing calligraphy, she appeared somewhat unskilled, but she practiced diligently without interruption. In recent days, once her writing became smooth, its essence and intricacies were clearly revealed. The progress made in this early stage can indeed be described as rapid, which is no wonder that the Cui family was astonished. However, Ah Wu knows that as she progresses further, the improvements will become increasingly minor and more difficult. To truly master the art of writing well, it is absolutely impossible without decades of hard work.

Liu Changchun's seasonal pastries are also quite renowned in the capital, yet they are not particularly rare. However, Master Rong insists on personally carrying them and does not allow the servant to take them, which adds special significance to his intentions.

Elder Rong San handed the oiled paper bag in his hand to Awu, saying, "This is Liu Changchun's pear flower cake, our Awu's favorite to eat"

In the previous life, the delicate and weak character truly did not match the name of the talented woman Awu, and in this life, with the sudden resolution of her inner demons, it is no wonder that Awu is so demanding of herself.

Awu turned her head and held onto Cui's hand, lowering her head and saying: "Madam, I spoke incorrectly"

Cui and his three children suffered from ailments and health issues, which he personally attended to whenever he had the time, hence the mention of Ah Wu taking the pulse.

"It is unknown how many lifetimes of good fortune it took for him to be able to invest in Madam's belly; Madam should not say such things anymore." Awu got off the bed, went around to Cui's side, buried his head in her arms, and clung to her like a piece of taffy.

Does the lady also practice calligraphy? As soon as Awu spoke, she realized she had asked the wrong question. Deep down, she likely still regarded the Cui family as outsiders, not considering her as her own mother. In her heart, she only longed for the mother from the Princess's residence. Thus, Awu continued to view the status of the Cui family's concubine daughters through the lens of her past, assuming that they had not received any proper upbringing.

Master Rong San first examined the studies of Rong Jie and Rong Yan. Now, Rong Jie has begun learning to write contemporary essays under the guidance of his teacher, and he has made considerable progress in both the introduction and the main argument, which greatly pleased Master Rong San. Rong Yan has completed his studies of the "Great Learning," and the teacher is currently instructing him in the "Analects." After asking a few questions, Master Rong San found his answers quite satisfactory, and his laughter could be heard even at the Cui residence in the western corner.

In ancient times, scholars emphasized the importance of being well-read and knowledgeable, often delving into the principles of 易理 (Yijing) and traditional Chinese medicine. However, some approached these subjects superficially while others pursued them with dedication. Master Rong's concubine passed away early, leaving him in a state of solitude and frailty from a young age. Whenever he experienced any discomfort, as long as it was not a serious illness, he would endure it himself. After studying, he devoted considerable effort to medical theory, and whenever he had a headache or a cold, he would prescribe a remedy for the servant to fetch without involving the housekeeper or the lady of the house. In this way, he cultivated a wealth of insights into the art of medication.

Cui touched Awu's forehead and sighed, "It is I who have implicated you; if you were not nestled in my womb, I suppose..."

Awu dipped her brush in ink and wrote the phrase "Is it not a joy to learn and practice what you have learned?" Just a few characters made Master Rong San's eyes widen. It was not that Awu's calligraphy was exceptionally good, but rather that compared to her previous level, it was truly a world of difference.

Cui's heart sank; such beauty may not necessarily be a good thing

The two mothers and daughters welcomed Master Rong San into the house, while Mrs. Cui busied herself with preparing tea and a cloth to wipe Master Rong San's face, her heart entirely focused on her husband.

Master Rong San had seen A Wu during his illness. As Master Rong San was preparing to take the imperial examination in Mingchun, which coincided with his study period, he decided to retreat to the Dongshan villa to focus on his studies, with the consent of the old lady and the old gentleman. However, due to A Wu's illness, he returned two or three times, and this time he came back again to check on A Wu's condition

Turning his head, Master Rong San handed another oil paper package to Mrs. Cui, gazing at her for a long time as if he wished to retrieve a piece of longing from her eyes. "Your favorite, Lao Wang Ji braised duck wings."

Master Rong San has indeed hit the nail on the head. Currently, A Wu's mastery of strength is still insufficient, and she often feels a sense of helplessness when putting pen to paper. Seeing Master Rong San discern her shortcomings with just a few characters, she feels a trace of admiration rising from the depths of her heart

This breathing technique is not unfamiliar to Awu. When she was weak and ill, her mother, the long princess, sought out deities and prayed fervently, even finding a high monk from the land of India. The monk, upon invitation, taught Awu a set of skills that emphasized body stretching and meditation, aimed at strengthening the body while maintaining the grace expected of a young lady. Within that set of skills was a breathing method, and unexpectedly, Master Rong San actually applied it to calligraphy.

Ah Wu originally thought that Master Rong San would definitely return home in a drunken stupor, but to his surprise, he came back completely sober. It was still not too late, and after changing his clothes, he called all three children to his study to assess their studies

The method taught by Master Rong San is to breathe in the opposite manner than usual; when inhaling, one should gently expand the abdomen, and when exhaling, one should forcefully contract the abdomen. Each stroke and dot should be coordinated with the breath, which is most beneficial for health and can also enhance one's internal energy

Then why don't you write a few words for me to see

The seals on those two pieces of calligraphy both read "Nanshan". Although Awu does not know who the author is, upon observing the characters, they exhibit a free and unrestrained style without losing their grandeur, being both beautiful and devoid of vulgar charm, embodying the strengths of various schools, and are truly refined.

Awu took the pastries from Grandpa Rong San's hands and smiled sweetly, "Thank you, Grandpa"

Cui blushed as she accepted it, wearing a sweet smile. It is no wonder that Master Rong San cannot let her go; although she is in her thirties, her skin is as white as snow, and her face is as beautiful as a flower, truly a great beauty.

It is indeed beneficial. Master Rong San was increasingly gratified; he knew his daughter well. Although she possessed beauty, her inner substance was lacking. Now, to see such improvement, he felt it was unexpectedly good. However, the strength of her brushwork was insufficient, the ending strokes were weak and insubstantial, and the transitions were not guided by her heart.

Cui and her daughter Awu quickly got up, each tidying their clothes as they went to the door, where Master Rong San and Rong Jichang entered the courtyard

Due to Awu occupying Rong Wuyou's body, there was a sense of guilt in his heart. Furthermore, upon learning about the story between Rong Wuyou and the Cui family, he felt that it was not easy for the mother of the Cui family. Therefore, he had already made up his mind to properly show filial piety towards Rong Wuyou.

In recent days, the Cui family has truly felt that their daughter seems to have changed into a different person. Although she remains as taciturn as before, her thoughts are clearer than they used to be, and her actions have become much more poised. At the very least, she no longer walks with her head down as if burdened by three hundred taels of silver.

Master Rong San is also not one to keep secrets, "Back in the day when I was practicing calligraphy, my teacher taught me the method of breathing and regulation. I have also guided your brothers in this. If you master this method, not only will you improve your calligraphy, but you will also strengthen your body"

Awu did not expect to have a share of it; this is probably the special emphasis that literati place on their children's academic pursuits

When Awu entered the study of Master Rong San in the inner courtyard, he saw that the chicken wing wood writing desk by the window was neatly arranged with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, as well as a blue-and-white porcelain brush holder, a brush washer, and a paperweight, along with a bamboo armrest carved with the pattern of a successful scholar. On the wall hung a painting titled "Snow on the Peaks" along with two calligraphic works, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and detachment.

Cui set aside the needle and thread in her hands, rubbed her neck, and raised her head to look at Awu, who was practicing calligraphy under the window. Awu maintained a serious posture with her back straight and wrist suspended, and she had likely been in this position for half an hour. The soft light filtered through the window, illuminating Awu's small cheeks, making the fine down unique to young girls distinctly visible, adding to her cuteness, while also bestowing upon her complexion a breathtaking beauty.

Seeing this, Cui quickly changed the subject, "Third Master, is there anything you need to discuss upon your return?"

Although Awu's words may not be entirely sincere, they do contain a measure of genuine feeling. In recent days, it is evident that Cui truly cherishes her, holding her in the palm of his hand for fear of her falling, and keeping her in his mouth for fear of her melting. Even a heart of iron has its moments of tenderness, let alone Awu's heart, which is made of flesh.

Having taught his two sons, Master Rong San stroked the stubble on his chin and, with a pleasant expression, asked A Wu: "A Wu, what new things have you learned recently?"

Cui was taken aback, feeling a slight sting to his pride, but since the one asking was Awu, he did not take it to heart. "I also studied in the school for a few years when I was young, but I have become rusty over the years"

The daughter is also worried about this. Father, do you have any guidance for your daughter? Ah Wu is now seeking a mentor

Master Rong San naturally enjoyed the attentive service of his beautiful wife and lovely daughter. In the end, he also took Ah Wu's pulse, saying, "The pulse seems to be better, but the constitution is still weak and needs some nourishment." Upon saying this, Master Rong San let out a low sigh, his face showing a hint of guilt

The more Master Rong San spoke in this manner, the more intrigued A Wu became. She was interested in all methods that were beneficial for the body, and it was uncertain whether this was due to her frail health in her previous life, leading her to somewhat overcompensate in this life.