Chapter 5, The Spirit Sparrow
I am looking forward to going to school
Saying this, the mischievous child did not wait for Feng Bingwen to respond, but instead handed the purple-tailed sparrow in his hand to him, and with a beaming face, ran off to show off to the other little ones
As they grow a few more years older, those little ones who play with him, some from relatively affluent families, will be sent to the county school, while others will follow the adults to the fields to learn how to farm
Just
However, my mother said that there isn't enough money, so my father asked me to inquire with you if your grandfather could speak to the academy about allowing tuition to be paid in grain
If Feng Bingwen remembers correctly, this fellow was still clean and tidy when he left the house in the morning. Yet, in less than half an hour, he was covered in dust.
Although he is small in stature, Feng Bingwen is very content
My father wants me to go to the school in the county to learn to read and write
Hehe, it's nothing, Brother Wenzi, do you think this sparrow I caught is beautiful
After taking another glance at the pitifully few merits he had accumulated, Feng Bingwen calmed his mind, dispelling any chaotic thoughts, and soon fell into a deep sleep, breathing evenly
Block the calamity, perform good deeds, five!
The child released their palm, and the purple-tailed sparrow flapped its wings and flew into the sky. It circled once in the air, seemingly taking a serious glance at Feng Bingwen, before fluttering its wings and flying away.
I see!
... ...
chirp
The two elderly individuals at home instructed him not to run to the back of the village, and he always remembered that. However, on that day, the few little kids he was playing with got really carried away and, without any consideration, dashed straight to the back of the village. Fearing that those kids might cause some trouble, he followed them.
This volume of celestial scripture seems to have existed since his birth, and he stumbled upon it accidentally during a moment of unintentional meditation. At first, he was extremely excited, believing it to be an extraordinary treasure
Feng Bingwen pondered for a moment, and under the tense gaze of the mischievous child, he slowly nodded
Living a stable and secure life is quite good
Upon hearing that he would be beaten when he got home, the little fellow, resembling a muddy monkey, instinctively shrank his head. However, seeing his current disheveled state covered in mud, he no longer cared. After all, it was certain that he would be punished at home, so he might as well enjoy himself a little now.
Good thing
Feng Bingwen sat up from the bed, stretched comfortably with a yawn, and then obediently dressed himself.
When he was still able to remember things, his father tried to teach him to recite poetry and literature. Although Feng Bingwen could memorize them quickly, he subconsciously felt that it was inappropriate to do so; he did not want to enter the school so early
Turning back another page, looking at the little good deeds he has accumulated since birth, Feng Bingwen felt a deep sense of helplessness. At first, he was quite excited, but now he has adopted a more relaxed attitude
At present, Feng Bingwen is a free individual, and children of this age do not need to go to the fields to help
Feng Bingwen nodded in approval, stating that in this era, even if one cannot achieve academic success, as long as one can read and write, it is still possible to find a decent job. With a bit of cleverness, one might even manage to secure a low-ranking clerical position in the government office to make a living.
Oh oh oh
The mischievous child smiled cheerfully and generously extended his hand forward, yet there was a hint of reluctance in his eyes
A loud noise came from beside him. Lost in thought, Feng Bingwen turned to look, and a big, painted face grinned at him, proudly displaying the spoils in its hands.
Upon reviewing the records in the celestial book, good heavens, isn't it the case that he shielded those companions from calamity?
Suddenly, large sections of ancient seal script appeared on the smooth pages of the book, with each line meticulously recording the good deeds that Feng Bingwen had once performed. Having long been familiar with the events listed below, Feng Bingwen glanced at the topmost line.
As for the outcome, those fellows had nothing to do, but he ended up having bad luck, lying in bed for a whole day and night, even having nightmares, feeling utterly miserable.
Let's go, but don't let anyone catch you again, not everyone is as kind-hearted as I am
The sparrow, held tightly in the hands of the mischievous child, trembles slightly, emitting frantic cries, appearing extremely frightened
Although studying can indeed change one's destiny and bring glory to one's ancestors, isn't he still too young? Why is he putting himself through such turmoil at such an early age? The title of a prodigy may shine brightly in the beginning, but it can become a very heavy burden later on
I will go home and ask my grandfather to see if we can come up with a compromise that allows you to attend school
Accompanied by the powerful crowing of a rooster, the sun rose in the east, and sunlight streamed through the window, casting its rays onto the floor and illuminating a slender child with bright, clear eyes, who was with a picture book.
Er Gou, you have gotten yourself so dirty again. When we get home, your mother will definitely scold you
The mischievous child fidgeted slightly, seemingly feeling shy, but upon recalling a certain matter, he still spoke up
What is the use of this, after all
Sleep, sleep
Well, apart from the few beautiful feathers on its tail, Feng Bingwen did not notice anything particularly special. It was just that the bird's eyes resembled two black crystals, polished to the point that they seemed as if they could drip water.
You, my friend, usually I have to persuade you to let the frogs go, but today you seem to have a heightened awareness. Speak up, what is it that you wish to ask of me
Um
Moreover, participating in the imperial examination does not necessarily mean striving to achieve the highest honor of the top scholar; being able to pass and become a xiucai would suffice to ensure a life free from worries about food and drink. If one were to pass and become a juren, it would truly mean a life of abundance and blessings for three generations
It is indeed quite beautiful
Brother Wenzi
Feng Bingwen scrutinized the sparrow clutched in the hands of his monkey-like little companion. The size was not much different from an ordinary sparrow, but the tail feathers of this little sparrow were a striking deep purple, shimmering with a magnificent violet light under the sunlight
And then there was nothing more. This volume of celestial scriptures seems to be merely a simple record, and the accumulated good deeds have not brought him any benefits; he remains an ordinary mischievous child, slightly special, capable of having some strange dreams
Brother Wenzi, do you want it? If you want it, I will give it to you!
Thank you, Brother Wenzi, this bird is a gift for you
Feng Bingwen was silent and unassuming. Since his birth, he had been the model child of the village, the type of child that others would envy. Whatever the adults said, as long as it was reasonable, he would comply without question, generally causing no trouble or disturbance.
Seeing his companion's innocent and carefree appearance, Feng Bingwen couldn't help but laugh. However, soon the chirping of the birds drew his attention back to his hands, where he examined the unusual sparrow.
As a result, he groped for seven years without discovering any purpose. Well, whether intentionally or unintentionally, when he did some good deeds, this heavenly book would record them, adding a little bit to his merit.
Brother Wenzi
His aspirations are not high; being able to become a successful scholar would be quite satisfactory for him
Feng Bingwen smiled as he looked at the mischievous child; at such a young age, even if there were thoughts, they could not be hidden.