Chapter Nine, Engagement

I nodded in confusion: "It is indeed quite bad"

Affected by the sound of crying, Madam Zhou also let out a cry, rushing forward to embrace Zhou Shao, repeatedly uttering only four words: "My son..."

The white-clad nurse rushed over with a broom in hand, exuding an imposing aura as if one man could hold back a thousand. She continuously struck Zhou Shao's head, saying: "You good-for-nothing who lacks skills, don't think I don't know about your past misdeeds of bullying the weak and oppressing the villagers. Get back! Don't even think about taking advantage of my master!"

Zhou Shaosong shrugged his shoulders, indifferent

Outside, Bai Guan urged: "Master Sister, that rascal Zhou Shao has climbed the wall again!"

On the second day, the housekeeper of the Zhou family sent over four hundred taels of silver as a gift, insisting that I accept it.

The maidservants were busy accompanying their mistress in shedding tears, while also continuously offering comfort.

Old Master Zhou exclaimed angrily: "Nonsense! Everyone be quiet!"

Master, you do not accept my tribute, yet you give me so many good things. Could it be that you have ulterior motives?

I am just joking, please do not take it seriously

The Zhou couple rubbed their eyes, unable to believe it; they rubbed their eyes again, still unable to believe it

Zhou Shaochun shook his head and said, "There is no such thing, children should not guess randomly, later your senior brother will buy you some candy to eat"

Zhou Shaoting puffed out his chest and said, "Little brat, I am a head taller than you!"

Bai Guan cast a disdainful glance at him, then conscientiously ground the ink, picked up the brush, and earnestly wrote several impressive large characters on the white paper. I felt that his calligraphy resembled that of his master, yet it lacked the master's elegance and restraint, being extremely bold, infused with a hint of arrogance and an imposing sharpness.

I am covered in pear blossom petals, my face feels hot, filled with both fear and doubt, and I am unable to make a decision for a long time

Zhou Shaonu angrily said: "A bunch of useless fellows! If you don't put in some effort, once I leave, don't expect me to take you to the Chuge Building for fun and pleasure!"

Bai Guan: "Pah! How many words of the sage can you know?"

Zhou Shaocan smiled brilliantly and said: "I see, it was my junior brother who was rude, please forgive me, senior brother"

The members of the Zhou family fell silent once again upon hearing this

I shook my head and said: "I am incapable in every aspect, but I excel in patience. If I cannot learn it in one year, I will study for two years; if I cannot learn it in two years, I will study for three years. As long as I persist in studying for one or two thousand years, there will be nothing in the world that I cannot learn."

"Enough of the noise," I said, feeling utterly drained, and I sought to put an end to their antics. Rubbing my forehead, I contemplated the grim future of my life as a teacher, sitting in the rattan chair, lost in thought for a while. Finally, I took out pen and paper and stated, "Whether intentional or unintentional, fate is predetermined by heaven. Since I have accepted you as my disciples, I shall treat you all equally and teach you with diligence. You should also adhere to the principles of the teacher-disciple relationship, respect your teacher and value the way of learning, and refrain from harboring any thoughts of transgression; otherwise, I will not show mercy."

Old Master Zhou glanced back at Zhou Shao, who was struggling in his parents' arms, and frowned, saying: "He is an only son and has always been spoiled. His reputation within a hundred miles is utterly ruined. He has reached the age for marriage, yet no respectable family with a good name is willing to betroth their daughter to him. As for those families with dubious reputations or who seek to climb the social ladder, I do not regard them either. Therefore, both his parents and I are nearly worn out with worry over this matter. Next year, I will be promoted to governor and plan to seek a marriage proposal from a prominent family in the region, hoping to find a capable and beautiful wife to properly discipline him. At the very least, I hope that in these two years, he can temper his temperament, allowing me to speak favorably of him in front of others, claiming that he has reformed and improved."

Old Master Zhou said again: "When he was not yet born, the Zhou family's health was somewhat poor. After his birth, the illness immediately improved, and I was promoted repeatedly, with our family's circumstances getting better day by day. The fortune teller said that this child brought good luck, so the family members dote on him particularly, which has fostered his spoiled nature"

I believe that it must be the Medicine Master Buddha who is protecting him

Old Master Zhou looked at my face, then at his grandson's face, as if he had come to a realization. He hurriedly invited me to the corner of the wall for a private conversation

Bai Guan was knocking on the door outside, anxiously calling out.

The steward eagerly expressed loyalty, overwhelmed with emotion, and with tears streaming down his face said: "Master, the young master has finally seen the light"

Perhaps my response was too quick, causing Old Master Zhou to pause for a moment, then he became very pleased, nodding repeatedly and saying: "Sir understands the matter well, that is good. I will have someone send two hundred taels of silver as a gift. While you are in this town, if you encounter any difficulties, you may come to me and speak about it; I will certainly help if I can. If Shao'er can pass the examination and become a scholar, I will definitely recommend you for an official position to the court."

I hinted, "Minister Zhou, please rest assured, Zhou Shao is a blessed person, destined to be wealthy and prosperous in this lifetime, with all his wishes coming true"

Zhou Shao: "I also know that it is difficult to raise a petty person!"

After Zhou Shaoting listened, with the determination of a warrior cutting off his own wrist, he took the brush and ink, and awkwardly began to copy the characters from the model I provided. Each character he wrote turned out round and plump, and he accidentally splattered a drop of ink. I watched for a while beside him, somewhat astonished, thinking that a child from a scholarly family, having grown up to such an age, would rarely write so poorly. His level of ignorance and incompetence was truly remarkable.

Old Master Zhou looked at me with a peculiar gaze and smiled broadly, saying: "You are Zhou Shao's teacher, and this child is particularly unruly, which is certainly not easy. I will definitely offer you a generous remuneration, and I ask that you do not be lenient with him. A strict teacher produces outstanding students; if he deserves to be punished, then punish him; if he deserves to be scolded, then scold him. If he bullies others and behaves in any 'unreasonable' manner, please do not hesitate to inform me. I will reward you handsomely and instruct my son to discipline him properly."

Full of contradictions, like an entangled thread of embroidery, I feel that there is nothing about this matter that makes sense

Zhou Shao does not believe: "You are just teasing me. I play every day, do not study, and my parents dote on me without ever forcing me. Naturally, my writing is poor. How could you be so serious and still not surpass me after three years?"

Zhou Shao shamelessly said: "It is precisely because I am unlearned and incompetent that I come to study diligently with my master. I am determined to reform myself, to turn over a new leaf, and to no longer bully the weak or oppress the villagers."

One is to be delivered, and one is to be pushed, causing an uproar that cannot be resolved with illustrations and books

Old Master Zhou nodded: "I know what he is thinking, but regardless of his intentions, it is always a good thing to be willing to learn, and it sounds better when spoken of. Since he is willing to listen to you, I kindly ask Mr. Yu to overlook past grievances, take on more responsibility, and properly restrain him, so as not to further tarnish his reputation."

I hurriedly put on my clothes, simply gathered my long hair at the back of my head, rushed out of the room, rinsed my mouth with salt water, and splashed my face with cold water vigorously, forcefully suppressing all discomfort, regaining my composure, and adopting the demeanor of a master to go check the wall.

I was left speechless, unable to utter a word

Bai Guan: "Master, your sister is noble and dignified, so quickly put away your lewd thoughts!"

He is marrying a wife, and I am both happy and delighted, immediately agreeing: "He indeed needs a beautiful and capable wife to take care of him"

I secretly thought that it must be the Dragon King who was specially assigned to watch over this matter

Reflecting on the past, I am filled with a sense of melancholy. No matter what I learned, I could not grasp it. In those days, I was known as the dullest celestial apprentice in the heavenly realm, a title not earned in vain. It was thanks to my master's great patience, who never gave up on teaching me, that I have achieved what I am today. As a master now, I cannot lose my patience simply because my disciples are clumsy; I must invest even more effort in their education.

I have no concept of money and do not take it to heart. I smiled in response and then said: "I take on disciples because of fate. Although Zhou Shaoren is lazy, he has a good heart, and he is favored by the heavens... Hmm, if he can learn well, I will be happy. What reason is there to charge money?"

I explain: "Naturally, in the practice of immortality, one must first cultivate one's character. Practicing calligraphy is the most tempering of one's disposition. Your master once said that you should grind the ink slowly, write with care, patiently outline the framework, and concentrate fully, ensuring that every stroke is flawless. These are all skills that require long-term refinement. The way one writes reflects one's character; it is better to say that one observes the heart through the writing. Whether the characters are well-written or not is not the main concern; what is most important is to calm your restless heart..." The way one writes reflects one's character; it is better to say that one observes the heart through the writing. Whether the characters are well-written or not is not the main concern; what is most important is to calm your restless heart..."

"Wait a moment! I will get up right away." It is truly inappropriate to oversleep in front of my disciple. I am making amends for my negligence. While I responded loudly, I quickly jumped out of bed, tidied my clothes, and made the bed. During this process, a pure white pear blossom petal secretly slipped out from the bed and gently floated to the ground. I was astonished as I picked up the petal, only to find it fresh and tender, with a clean break that did not resemble a fallen flower, but rather seemed as if someone had plucked it from the tree.

I sprayed ... ...

Old Master Zhou reminisced about the past, his joy evident: "He has never even caught a cold from childhood to adulthood"

Bai Guan asked me about the conversation with Old Master Zhou at that time, and then looked at me with a very strange expression, whispering: "Old Master Zhou is afraid that you... might seduce his grandson for money, or be seduced by his grandson. It is better to plug the hole first, so that you can focus on teaching and absolutely not entertain any other thoughts"

The demon race is bloodthirsty and ruthless, never concealing their desires. This fierce man, resembling a wolf, must be a high-ranking member of the demon race

Seven or eight servants, four or five maids, along with the old master of the Zhou family and Zhou Shao's parents, stormed into my house with great fury, intending to capture the rebellious son and demand an explanation.

I have waited for you

I insist: "Humans are not stubborn stones, and even stubborn stones can be influenced one day." Hasn't this piece of jade also become a celestial being

I took out the pen and ink, carefully divided them into two portions, and spread them out on the table. I said solemnly: "Brothers should live in harmony; it is truly inappropriate to quarrel. From now on, this must never happen again. Since Zhou Shao has the intention to do good and has come here today to seek knowledge, he should copy books and practice calligraphy together with Bai Guan, cultivating both character and disposition."

A group of people, fierce and imposing, turned into stone sculptures, their mouths wide open, almost large enough to fit the salted duck egg I bargained for yesterday at five wen.

I couldn't help but laugh: "I studied writing for three years in my childhood, and I wrote worse than you do now..."

Bai Guan saw me, quickly dropped the broom, and with her adorable bun face came to report: "He is bullying the children"

I see that both of them are ambitious, so I feel at ease to go to the kitchen. Following the cooking method taught by Leqing, I first take the measuring tools to weigh the rice, then throw it into the pot. I open the seasoning packet he prepared for me and carefully cook the vegetable porridge for everyone—this is currently the only dish I can make that is palatable for everyone.

"Master, how can you speak of your own grandson in such a manner?" The steward looked at Zhou Shao with a hint of disbelief for a while, "Shall we find a Taoist priest to take a look?"

This magical power is formidable, with just three moves, it can bring me to the brink of defeat. With his capabilities, if he truly wanted to invade me, he could easily succeed. Why then, does he tease and pressure me twice, yet remain inactive?

A troublesome child requires special attention

His subordinate replied weakly: "Young Master, when the Master confined you, he punished us all together. Each of us received thirty strokes, and our rations of fish and meat were reduced. How can we eat our fill these days? Moreover, we have already raised our hands high enough; if you try to climb up again yourself, it will only make things worse."

Bai Guan: "I heard him say he wants to eat Master’s sister's tofu"

Old Master Zhou had served in officialdom for many years, and was quite experienced. Coming to his senses, he quickly walked over to inspect and confirmed that Zhou Shao had copied "The Book of Songs: The Mouse," rather than any lascivious poetry or erotic literature. He was once again taken aback, stammering as he asked the steward: "Could it be that he has been possessed by a ghost?"

Zhou Shao greatly benefited from it, writing with increasing seriousness. Bai Guan remained silent, rewriting the small characters, which increasingly went beyond the lines. After a moment, he said: "Master, I am not good at writing small characters; you should also teach me."

Old Master Zhou spoke at length about sex, rambling on for more than half an hour before finishing. The Zhou couple came over to express their gratitude profusely, while only Zhou Shao wore a frown, practicing his calligraphy with great impatience. Under my stern gaze, he obediently returned home.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and he sighed, saying: "Don't mention it, I know very well what kind of character my own grandson has. Why would he come here to study earnestly?"

Zhou Shaozheng climbed over the wall using both his hands and feet, occasionally shouting to the other side of the wall: "Have you all eaten enough? Put in some effort! Lift it a bit higher! Otherwise, I won't be able to get over!"

Zhou Shao: "The sage has said, 'Food and sex are inherent to human nature!' I am but an ordinary person; do you wish to extinguish humanity?"

I know that it must be the Three Star Gods of Blessing, Prosperity, and Longevity watching over us in secret

Bai Guan said: "The master's sister plays the flute exceptionally well"

Old Master Zhou's eyes turned red: "Finally understands."

Recalling his actions from last night, I feel a slight pain in my chest, as if that cool and rough hand is still wandering over my body without restraint, bringing the terror of being bound like a snake. His solid and hard body pressed against mine, like rock, like iron, instilling a shiver, a desire that devours everything, making me realize for the first time the difference between men and women, the disparity in strength, and that with a mere gesture, he could plunge me into an abyss from which there is no return. His solid and hard body pressed against mine, like rock, like iron, instilling a shiver, a desire that devours everything, making me realize for the first time the difference between men and women, the disparity in strength, and that with a mere gesture, he could plunge me into an abyss from which there is no return.

Did I have another spring dream again

The rules for accepting disciples in the mortal realm are truly remarkable

I agree: "Exactly."

Old Master Zhou, seeing that I remained unperturbed by honor or disgrace, was even more delighted, saying: "Indeed, you are a true gentleman."

The cold wind blows fiercely

When I became an apprentice, I did not give my master a single penny; now, my disciple is forcing me to collect money, which I absolutely cannot do

Old Master Zhou stroked his beard and smiled: "He is indeed a blessed one; since his birth, this place has enjoyed favorable weather and has never suffered from famine"

A weak man's voice followed: "Father, I had a child in my middle age, and the Zhou family has only this one descendant. If you kill him, won't that mean the end of our lineage? It's fine if he doesn't read books; after all, our family is prosperous and can support him. In the future, we can hope for great-grandchildren."

Sister Master, have you not gotten up yet

If he wants me, why doesn't he take action

Bai Guan's expression darkened, and he lowered his head.

Upon hearing this, the group of servants immediately joined forces and lifted him a little higher to assist him in climbing over the wall

I live alone at the Worry-Free Peak, rarely going out, and I have never met anyone from the Demon Clan. Why would he need to use a voice-altering technique

Bai Guan let out a cold laugh from the side, but did not respond

Zhou Shao: "I haven't started yet! Is it not acceptable to just think about it in my heart?"

I groggily opened my eyes in the warmth of my bed, only to be pierced by the midday sunlight streaming through the loosely covered window, causing my eyes to ache. My mind went blank once more, vaguely recalling the events of last night, which felt dreamlike and ephemeral, as if they were a fleeting moment, devoid of any reality

Then came the woman's cries: "Father-in-law, this is my only son, and I rely on him to support me in my old age. If you are going to kill him, you might as well kill me first. It is the mother's fault if the son is not taught properly."

Bai Guan also turned his gaze over. I played with the teacup in my hand and said with embarrassment, "My talent is truly lacking; I have studied the piano for twenty years just to distinguish the five tones, and I have studied characters for ten years to discern good from bad."

Outside the door, a cacophony of noise erupted, and the voice of the old master of the Zhou family thundered like a clap of thunder: "Where is that little rascal?! Where has he gone to squander his time again? It is all because of your ineptitude that he has become so unruly and unrestrained. In the future, it will be he who brings disgrace to the Zhou family. It would be better to put an end to him now, to prevent future troubles!"

Bai Guandun paused for a moment, raised his head to scan him from top to bottom, elongated his tone, and coldly laughed, "So you are still an adult?"

I immediately appeared to correct Zhou Shao's mistake: "Bai Guan entered the field earlier than you; he is your senior brother"

Zhou Shao wore a face full of苦相, scratching his head and saying: "Do I need to study to cultivate immortality? I... I have never liked reading, and I am not good at writing either"

Bai Guan helplessly pressed his forehead and pulled me into the room, saying: "Master, it is customary for a master to charge a fee when accepting disciples. If you do not charge, they will think you are not dedicated. This four hundred taels of silver is the annual income of twenty middle-class families, which is not a small amount. Clearly, the Zhou family places great importance on that scoundrel."

The butler, with a worried expression, advised softly: "Sir, do not rush, speak slowly, and what kind of decorum is it to shut your mouth and speak nonsense"

Is this still a dream

I approached Zhou Shao, took his pen, and carefully demonstrated and explained according to the calligraphy model. After returning the pen, Zhou Shao patiently wrote a few more characters and sighed, saying: "Master Meiren is truly remarkable; your writing is even better than my grandfather's. Unfortunately, I am clumsy, and no matter how I am taught, I cannot succeed."

Zhou Shaozheng struggled with the brush, causing him to tremble all over. A few drops of ink splattered on him, yet he did not dare to wipe them off. He lowered his head and said: "Grandfather..."

Zhou Shao, unwilling to show weakness, closed his eyes, trembled as he jumped down from the wall, and rushed over to report: "He is bullying my junior brother!"

Zhou Shao felt embarrassed to the point of going to his grandmother's house, his expression quite flustered. He shrugged his shoulders, patted his own backside, and said with righteous indignation: "I feel that my usual waywardness has hurt my grandfather and parents' feelings too much. I am determined to study diligently under Master Yu Yao from now on, to refrain from wrongdoing, and to focus on my studies."

The phrase "not in accordance with common sense" was pronounced with great emphasis, as if he were stressing something, which left me quite perplexed

More importantly, I have never descended to the mortal realm, and I have rarely left the Peak of Solace. How does he know me? Why does he wait for me?

Bai Guan was so angry that his face turned pale

Am I confused: "Isn't it true that mortals love money the most? Why do I not want it, yet they still try to shove it into my hands?"

Old Master Zhou saw that I was quite unapproachable, gritted his teeth, and emphasized further: "My grandson, although he has no major faults, often flirts and makes advances towards young wives and daughters in public. Even handsome men... he too... sigh, to speak of it is to tarnish the family reputation"

I held Zhou Shao's hand and taught him to write stroke by stroke

If he does not want me, why does he pressure me night after night

Could it be that...

Could this not be a dream

Bai Guan scolded, "You just want to bully my master!"

I believe my disciple is not dead, they are crying uncontrollably. I hurriedly stepped out from the shadows and bowed to Old Master Zhou, saying: "I have had an in-depth conversation with Zhou Shao, he deeply regrets his past actions and is willing to study diligently, therefore I have come to seek your guidance, hoping that the old master will grant his request"

The devilish man, he restrained the words of desire and temptation that repeatedly surfaced in his mind, yet felt unreal. It was as if the voice had been altered by a sound-changing spell, one of the most basic minor spells, which almost everyone, whether deities, demons, or spirits, could perform, making it difficult to discern. The Vine Flower Fairy and I often used this spell to play tricks on each other.