Chapter 3: Little Horse Muluque

If Zhao Fubo cannot attain the dual abilities of both literary and martial prowess, then the Zhao family will never have the opportunity to hold their heads high.

He slightly raised his head and quietly glanced at his father. Zhao Wuji received his son's pleading gaze and couldn't help but feel a twinge of resentment towards his son's lack of ambition. However, if Zhao Erlang were to win in this situation, he would naturally take the lead. Feeling indignant, he hurriedly left his seat and approached San Niang, bowing respectfully as he greeted her.

Shu Yuer did not dare to utter a single word, merely kneeling upright beside Zhao Fubo. Her delicate little face was now pale as snow, devoid of any color, and her long eyelashes trembled incessantly

It is not the third lady, but who could it be...?

In comparing the artistic achievements of the Zhao family sons, it is not akin to those landlords who return once a year. Instead, evaluations occur each season, regardless of whether it pertains to civil or military arts. Any individual who fails to meet the standards will have their monthly allowance for that season halved, and they will be prohibited from leaving the house for a month and a half.

Zhao, the landlord, please do not mind

Xinzhi Shuyu Er was annoyed with herself, yet she did not dare to voice a defense. She could only bend down, supporting herself with both hands on the ground, waiting for the arrival of the rattan. At the same time, she loudly recited the family rules, and when she opened her mouth, everyone would discover that the Zhao family's rules were uniquely strict.

Two bows of respect, as the years pass by, caring for the multitude of people

The eldest in the west room is a person of scholarly potential. However, the literature he engages with is merely frivolous and poetic, and his family understands that such pursuits are of little practical value. In contrast, this second son, Fubo, is a man of both martial prowess and intelligence, but unfortunately, he lacks parental guidance and is a dullard who does not enjoy studying

During their upbringing, in addition to learning the combat skills specific to the Mamluk cavalry, they also needed to acquire the fighting techniques of the Central Plains people. As for those who were eliminated, they were trained according to the methods prescribed by the Arabs, being castrated and then trained to become the Mamluk cavalry required by the caliphs or provincial governors.

Qiao Shengsheng stood beside San Niang, looking at Zhao Fubo, secretly worrying for San Niang in her heart

Fury rises to the crown, leaning against the railing, as the drizzling rain ceases

Upon learning this, San Niang found that Shu Yu'er was diligent and attentive in her studies, but Er Lang was dull-witted, unable to remember the earnest teachings and only knowing how to indulge in play. Er Lang pleaded with San Niang to spare Shu Yu'er, stating that he was willing to bear all the punishment himself

Having finished the worship of the golden hammer, it is now time to assess the progress of the Zhao family's sons in their skills and achievements

Zhao Fubo, kneeling there with his head lowered, clearly began to feel anxious, his posture entirely suggesting that he was prepared to face punishment. This made Shu Yuer unable to help but pout her lips and furrow her brows, feeling quite uncomfortable inside.

"Lady San, this is the strongest among the warriors in our Yulin Manor's Yulin Guard, who are of similar age to the two young masters."

She quietly lifted her forehead, her gaze sweeping over her own eyebrows to glance at San Niang. Upon seeing San Niang at that moment, still with her pale head bowed, pressing her forehead tightly against the polished floor, she felt a deep sense of confusion.

Looking at Erlang's appearance, San Niang let out a soft sigh. She understood Erlang's temperament; it was more effective to give him a few slaps than to mention reciting his lessons. She struck the dragon-headed cane against the ground twice.

The large and seemingly beautiful chair, which serves as the master seat, has returned to its original place. The large map of the Song Dynasty on the wall behind has naturally transformed back into a depiction of the dragon traversing the nine provinces. As for the third lady, she has naturally leaned on her dragon-headed cane and returned to the chair.

Although San Niang is already advanced in age, her eyesight is clear and her hearing is sharp—she is neither visually impaired nor hard of hearing. When she speaks, her voice remains powerful. Especially when she is scolding little monkey cubs like him, her tone is as cold as iron.

His elder brother, Zhao Xu, is one year older than him, sporting thick curly hair, and his large eyes often reveal a hint of arrogance. He performs well in his studies, though his skills cannot compare to Zhao Fubo, yet he is still the eldest son in the family

With lofty ambitions, I hunger for the flesh of the barbarian, and in jest, I thirst for the blood of the Xiongnu

This is a boy approximately 15 to 16 years old. His Caucasian descent gives him fair skin, and beneath his flaxen hair are a pair of nearly green eyes. He is dressed in a thick vest-style leather armor and is holding a sharp two-handed longsword, which is clearly made in Huangsha City.

Hmph, little beast, is this the book you have been neglecting for so long? Xiaoyu, and you as well. You were supposed to supervise his studies, and this is the result? Do you think you can deceive me, San Niang? Someone, bring me a rattan stick, and you two kneel down properly and recite the family teachings!

For Zhao Fubo, being beaten is no longer a painful experience. Having grown accustomed to hardship, he is not afraid of being hit; however, he cannot bear to drag down Shu Yuer, the only person who has treated him well.

Very well, regarding the civil examination, Erlang, since your civil skills are somewhat lacking, you may go ahead and take the examination first

"How bold of you, you insolent servant, to neglect your own duties while only knowing how to protect the beautiful maid. What use do I have for you, a little beast that only knows how to indulge in debauchery and play? Today, I shall kill you, so that you do not become a source of trouble in the future"

The master of Ruiyu Manor, Shu, stroked his long beard with a serene expression. Hasan, twirling his mustache with his fingers, appeared indifferent to the situation. Wei Zhen, with wide-open eyes, clearly showed his reluctance. After observing this, San Niang paused again at the dragon-headed cane and issued a command in a loud voice.

The young lady surveyed the little horse, Mulu, with satisfaction, knowing that Wei Zhen had brought this young man here merely to boast about his excellent military skills. When Zhao Wuji came out to speak, she assumed it was because he had noticed the shortcomings of this soldier before her.

Upon hearing that he was to recite first, Zhao Fubo's mind was struck as if by a thunderclap. Despite countless pleas, this rule had not changed in the slightest.

San Niang did not speak; she has never been an authoritarian person. She turned her gaze towards several landowners.

Upon learning this, I, the humble servant, reflect on how the Emperor of the Song Dynasty established the nation with archery and horseback riding, yet ruled the world with benevolence and civil governance. I wonder if today's examination should prioritize civil matters first. Please provide your guidance, esteemed lady

Thirty years of fame reduced to dust and earth, eight thousand miles of journey through clouds and moonlight

The shame of Jingkang has yet to be avenged. When will the resentment of the subjects be extinguished

San Niang is not an unreasonable person, and this is something Er Lang is well aware of. As long as the argument is sound, she will certainly not disregard the facts of the matter.

Raising my gaze, I look to the sky and let out a long howl, filled with intense passion.

When this Mamluk cavalry appeared before everyone, it was truly a sight to behold

"Lady San, please listen to the words of your unworthy second son."

As his eyes followed the dry and scorching wind sweeping through the courtyard, they landed on the faces of the landowners and the leaders of the household guards who were staring at him, and he felt increasingly despondent. Particularly upon seeing the smile on his second uncle's face, a wave of anxiety surged within him.

Do not wait idly, as youth fades away, leaving only empty sorrow

Lady San, may I be permitted to speak a word

His words were met with a forceful slap from San Niang on the armrest of the chair, followed immediately by an even harsher reprimand.

In the following contest, Erlang's martial prowess was displayed. At this moment, Wei Zhen was introducing the warriors he had brought to San Niang and the others present.

My Bodhisattva of Books, why don't you say something? Even if you don't speak a word, just uttering a single character would be enough to save my life!

Upon hearing this, Zhao Fubo realized that it was bad; Shu Yuer was likely to escape this ordeal. As he turned to look back, what he saw was Shu Yuer's disdainful glance and the triumphant smile that had already appeared on his second uncle's face

Zhao Fubo was not concerned about the competition; at this moment, he remained kneeling there, simply waiting for San Niang to give the word, so he could step forward and take action. However, his elder brother Zhao Xu felt a twinge of unease in his heart. He secretly worried that he might not be a match for that fellow. Meanwhile, the wild boy stepped forward, eager to gain many benefits.

In his cold green eyes, it was impossible to discern any thoughts. The long knife in his hand was held aloft, its tip slightly above the ground. His gaze was fixed on the two brothers, who stood as his opponents, resembling a monstrous creature poised to choose its prey.

You speak!

As for the Zhao brothers, one is inept in literature while the other is lacking in martial skills, which is often a source of frustration for their mother, San Niang

This is the rule of the Zhao family: those who are weak in literary pursuits will be tested in literature first, while those who are weak in martial skills will naturally compete in martial arts first. Upon understanding this rule, Shu Yuer's heart immediately lifted.

Three bows of respect

As Zhao Fubo was introspectively questioning himself, suddenly, Shuyu'er, who was already kneeling behind San Niang, called out the progression of the ceremony in a clear voice. Everyone in the hall, upon hearing this voice, began to bow their heads in an orderly manner.

Zhao Fubo was so anxious that his heart trembled, and his knees, kneeling on the blue brick floor, also felt a sharp pain. A few days earlier, Shu Yuer had brought the books he carried, but it seemed that, along with this pain, they had been forgotten in Java, as he could not recall a single word.

Drive the long carriage, treading upon the gaps of Helan Mountain

Wei Zhen trained the Mamluk cavalry at Yulin Manor, but unlike the Arabs and the books, he did not castrate them all. From each batch of purchased Caucasians, he selected those with strong physiques and keen minds to become members of the Imperial Guard. They were taught Chinese from a young age, as well as the principles of hierarchy and respect prevalent in the Central Plains, but more importantly, they were instilled with an unwavering loyalty to the Zhao family

The long sword has a slight curve, with a blade tip designed for penetrating armor like an axe edge. The slightly curved blade is advantageous for slashing from horseback. At a length of 12 meters (in metric units, as I do not wish to trouble anyone, nor myself), it does not appear heavy in the hands of the tall Caucasian youth.

A bow of respect, the years are magnificent and resonate with the heart of heaven

The thought of the stern gaze of the Third Mistress made him tremble involuntarily. If he were to consider the household rules enforced by the Third Mistress, the skin on his body would become exceedingly tense.

The eyes quietly found Shuyu Er's figure in the courtyard, but she stood there as if she were a clay statue. Her delicate face was tightly drawn, and she lowered her eyes, only looking at her own feet. No matter from which angle one looked, she did not resemble the charming girl who had been smiling gently in the eastern courtyard.

Thinking of San Niang, Zhao Fubo's heart couldn't help but thump loudly. If San Niang were to discover what he and Shu Yuer were doing in this grand hall, he feared that he would not be able to keep his skin intact.

Er Lang, recite the military strategies you have memorized. If you cannot recite them, you shall not leave the house for three months, and your monthly allowance will be halved

Zhao Fubo's gaze stealthily swept from the corner of his eye, quickly assessing the situation around him

When San Niang gets angry, no one in the Zhao family is not afraid. Not to mention others, even Zhao Fubo is already afraid.

Zhao Wuji holds a special position among the four estate owners. Although he was not as accomplished in both literature and martial arts as his elder brother in the past, he is still a member of the Zhao family. Therefore, whether it is the Third Lady or the other estate owners, they must secretly show him some respect.