Chapter 6, The Leisurely Swimmer in the Wild

Although the other party clearly had excellent swimming skills, Wang Fulin still served as a volunteer lifeguard by the river for three days. On the fourth day, after he waited for people to come ashore and was about to turn and leave as usual, a voice came from behind: "That person... hey, I'm talking to you."

In this Songming Mountain village, nine out of ten families are Wang. How could you not go and meet the elders, allowing them to make decisions on your behalf

Standing in the spacious study, seeing the neatly stacked books on the shelves, and the paper and pen on the square desk, Jinbao felt an overwhelming excitement. He instinctively swallowed and then stammered, "Father, is it really possible to..."

Once, that little fellow with eyes on the top of his head, who was solely focused on the Four Books and Five Classics, has unexpectedly become so interesting

Wang Fulian had just finished his set of exercises when the man who had just jumped into the river for a swim returned. Seeing him safely ashore, he was busy drying himself and getting dressed by the round stones, showing no intention of coming over to greet him. Not wanting to pry, he turned and went home. He initially thought this was merely a chance encounter, but for three consecutive mornings thereafter, he encountered the same person swimming in the same Fengle River. Such behavior, which would be commonplace in later generations, was quite rare at this time. After all, ordinary people went into the river either to cool off or to catch fish; who would have the leisure to swim in the early morning just for practice?

In this day and age, the common people have the least amount of leisure time

Jin Bao styled his hair like a chick pecking at rice. Upon seeing Wang Fu Lin sit down at the desk to write something, he quickly picked up a feather duster and earnestly began to clean the study. Wang Fu Lin paid him no mind, wrote a letter, sealed it, and included the document he had obtained from the clan leader before finally getting up and turning to leave.

He said, how many people who jump into the river to end their lives still have the interest to take off their clothes, shoes, and socks, and neatly fold them? It truly looks like they are going for a swim! However, just by looking at the attire, one can tell that the swimmer is an educated person, and moreover, comes from a well-off family. In this day and age, it should be quite rare to find scholars with such interests, right?

Seeing the little fellow nodding in gratitude without saying anything else, Wang Fulian smiled and said: "First, copy ten pages every day. With the remaining time, I will read the Four Books to you again."

Seeing that Jinbao could no longer speak any other words, Wang Fulin approached and squatted down in front of him, looking at this little fellow whose fate would undergo a tremendous reversal in the future with a complex expression. He was not a do-gooder and would not blindly accept everything that Wang Fulin had done, such as the autumn maple that was delivered to him, which he had mercilessly rejected; however, he would not neglect those friends and family who could provide him with a stable and leisurely life, like this little fellow who diligently served him every day. He gently touched Jinbao's forehead, where the bruise had faded, and smiled at him. But he would not neglect those friends and family who could provide him with a stable and leisurely life, like this little fellow who diligently served him every day. He gently touched Jinbao's forehead, where the bruise had faded, and smiled at him.

Wang Fulintong immediately stopped. He turned around and, for the first time, came face to face with the man who had been swimming in the wild early that morning. The man appeared to be around twenty-five or twenty-six years old, with clear and bright features. However, when he spoke, there was no trace of politeness: "You have been watching me dive in for three days now; do you think this act is wild and unrestrained?"

The young man raised his eyebrows and spoke more directly: "So you are afraid that I will drown?"

In fact, it is because I do not recognize who you are at all. To avoid revealing any flaws, it is best to quickly say a few flattering words and make a discreet exit.

After saying this, he walked away without looking back. However, a certain individual who prided himself on being free-spirited clung to him like a stubborn piece of gum, and before long, he had caught up with him.

If you think this way, then I can only say that caution prevents major mistakes. This is my principle in life. Farewell

Looking at the clear little river, Wang Fulian felt a bit restless for some reason. However, considering that the weather had not yet reached its hottest point and that he was on the path to recovery, he had to temporarily resist this temptation. But the person who had swum to the opposite bank had not yet returned, and at this moment, there was no one else on either side of the river. In his previous life, when he was a child swimming in the river, he had once been rescued due to a cramp in his leg. Now, with no one around, if something went wrong, there would be no one to help. He could not help but think of being cautious, so he decided to do some exercises for a while longer while keeping an eye on things.

By the way, consider it a review for myself, in preparation for the grand master of education who is likely to return from Ningguo Prefecture soon! Although he does not wish to continue the examination, this hurdle must still be overcome

Seeing Wang Fulian leave with a flourish, the young man with hair still damp and glistening with water droplets could not help but reveal a hint of a smile

You are currently in such a predicament, yet you still have the time to concern yourself with such trivial matters

Is there really someone in this world who embellishes themselves in such a way? Is swimming in the wild truly considered being free-spirited?

It is evident that the other party knows who he is, while he does not recognize them

In the days that followed, Wang Fulian continued his morning exercises as he had in the past. Jin Bao would jog alongside him for half an hour before returning to practice calligraphy, leaving Wang to continue his routine under the locust tree at the village entrance. After more than half a month, having consumed a variety of all-natural, pollution-free fresh vegetables, eggs, and meat, he could clearly sense that both his body and his health were rapidly recovering. Not only had he gained two pounds, but his physical strength had also significantly improved. After completing a set of exercises and wiping the sweat from his brow with a soft towel draped over his shoulder, he suddenly noticed what seemed to be someone by the Fengle River. Intrigued, he walked over.

Work hard!

In the yard, Wang Erniang and Wang Xiaomei were engrossed in playing with string. Today, having once again enjoyed the candied hawthorn from Song Bo, the sisters were evidently in high spirits, their brows arched in smiles, no longer showing the previous gloom. He did not disturb them, quietly moving ahead to summon the only male servant in the household, Wang Qi, who was in his forties, and instructed him to deliver a message to their uncle, Wu Tianbao, who lived at the foot of the southern mountain in Yan Town.

Although separated by only a river, Wang Fulin had never visited Xixinan Village on the opposite bank since his awakening. Each time he ventured out of the village to gaze across the river, he noticed that the area was more prosperous than Songming Mountain Village, evident from the larger and more numerous private gardens. Of course, where there are the wealthy, there are also the poor, and naturally, there were more dilapidated old houses.

Upon hearing this simple encouragement, Jinbao could no longer hold back his emotions, and tears streamed down his face. He suddenly knelt down on the ground, bowed twice, and then, with a choked voice, said: "Thank you, Father, thank you, Father"

Wang Fulian cupped his hands in salute and turned to leave. However, just a few steps away, he heard the person behind him speak again.

As he spoke, the young man stroked his chin with great interest, his expression shifting unpredictably.

Wang Fulian smiled and said noncommittally: "This time I was injured, but I have gained insight from misfortune—one must not rely on others in times of trouble, nor be alone in times of peace. In all matters, one should first seek oneself, and then seek others. Farewell."

In light of this situation, Wang Fulian felt quite helpless. Not to mention that he was left with only the disordered memories of the original owner regarding the Four Books and Five Classics and the Eight Harmonies, even if he merged other memories, as a bookworm who did not understand the ways of the world, he did not expect to recognize the person before him. Therefore, he simply chose not to turn around and stood there, casually saying: "If I were to sigh and lament, losing sleep and appetite, it would only please those with ulterior motives. Life is lived by oneself, and as long as one is at ease, that is enough."

It is because you were attentive and persistent while eavesdropping at school in the past that you have achieved what you have today; you need not thank me. From now on, after jogging with me every morning, you should return and first practice copying the calligraphy, do not waste time

This person is truly difficult to deal with

After adjusting his breath with effort, Jinbao stepped forward, ground the ink, dipped the brush, and carefully wrote the character "汪" on a piece of calligraphy paper. Wang Fulian glanced at it and immediately said, "In the past, you learned characters by copying discarded papers, without ever practicing from a calligraphy model. You also practiced writing with a twig in the mud, which has led to some bad habits that need to be corrected. Therefore, I have organized the calligraphy models from your previous studies. You should start by copying the works of Ouyang Xun."

Upon witnessing this scene, Wang Fulian was taken aback. He hurriedly took a couple of quick steps to catch up, first glancing at the neatly stacked clothes on the round stone, and then looking out over the river. In just a moment, the person had already vanished, as if they had sunk straight to the bottom. He suppressed his anxious feelings and patiently waited for a moment longer. Soon, he heard a splash, and a head emerged from the water, followed by the person paddling their hands and feet, swimming towards the opposite bank.

"Actions speak louder than words." Wang Fulian patted the thick stack of paper, noticing the little one was overjoyed. He then put away his smile and said meaningfully, "Don't be too happy too soon; first, write a character for me and the library to see."

Jinbao was almost driven mad with joy. Happiness had descended upon him so suddenly that, having been scolded and beaten by his brother since he became aware of the world, he could hardly believe this was real. He instinctively pinched the flesh on his arm hard, and immediately grimaced and let out a soft hiss, but in his heart, he finally confirmed that all of this was real

At the end of the stone path at the entrance of Songming Mountain Village stands a wooden pavilion, seemingly only a few decades old, old yet sturdy, as if it was built around the same time as the stone walls and gatehouse that surround the village. Further ahead is the stone bridge that leads directly to Xixi South Village. At this moment, a tall man stands with his back to Wang Fulin, positioned about ten steps away from the bridge by the riverbank, seemingly lost in thought. In an instant, he swiftly removes his clothes, shoes, and socks, placing them on a nearby stone, and with a splash, he jumps into the water.

Wang Fulian finally turned to glance at the other person, then stood firm and cupped his hands in greeting: "In the past, I only knew how to work in isolation, to the extent that I am not very familiar with many elders, peers, and juniors in the clan. Nowadays, I do not dare to shamelessly disturb them. If I am truly forced to the edge of a cliff, I will naturally have to seek the strength of the clan."

So, you are not yet pushed to that extent, and you are confident about the future

Wang Fulian twitched the corner of his mouth and then said with utmost seriousness: "I am merely taking precautions. As the old saying goes, those who are skilled at swimming are often drowned in water. If you had come with companions, that would be one thing, but to come alone to swim in the Fengle River early in the morning, I have no choice but to waste some time guarding this place for three days. Not to mention anything else, even in the summer heat, getting into the water can lead to cramps, let alone in this kind of weather where the water temperature is even colder"