Chapter 3, both the person and the book have aged.

"Here you go." Sun Shao stood up, went downstairs, and handed the bamboo slips to Zhou Xun, who was waiting. Zhou Xun took a glance at them and exclaimed, "Great calligraphy! Aunt has been putting in quite a bit of effort lately; the writing has become increasingly refined." He did not think of Sun Shao's own calligraphy at all, as Sun Shao's handwriting was as rough and unappealing as his character, vastly different from the characters he was now observing.

"However, if you were to pursue an official career in the future..." Daqiao paused at this point, immediately regretting her somewhat careless words. Sun Shao's unique status determined that he had no opportunity to serve in an official capacity, and what frustrated him the most was precisely this matter. Since last year, he had repeatedly petitioned his uncle Sun Quan to lead troops into battle, but each time he was rejected by Sun Quan. The last time, he was so enraged that he fainted, and it had taken him several days to recover. It was indeed inappropriate to bring up the matter of an official career again. She cast a worried glance at Sun Shao and, seeing that he showed no reaction, continued, "Or perhaps engaging with others and learning a bit of music would be beneficial. Although I do not know much, I can still teach you some basic knowledge. Would you... be willing to learn?"

"Xiao Yue'er, go fetch my knife," Sun Shao said without turning his head, waving his hand.

Looking at Sun Shao, who was dumbfounded, Daqiao felt somewhat helpless. In the past, whenever it was mentioned to teach him music theory, he would shake his head faster than anyone else. Now, wanting to learn and apply it on the spot was indeed a bit difficult for him. However, attending the banquet at the Zhou residence, it was inevitable for the host and guests to engage in singing and dancing. The three children of his sister were quite adept in music theory, and if Sun Shao were to be cornered by them, it was hard to guarantee that he wouldn't become angry out of embarrassment

Aman, why don't you just compromise and learn a song?

Hehe..." Sun Shao chuckled while stroking his chin, causing Zhou Xun's heart to chill and the veins on his forehead to throb. In the past, whenever Sun Shao smiled at him like this, it usually meant he was planning to take revenge, and Sun Shao's method of revenge typically involved challenging him to a martial arts duel. To be honest, although Zhou Xun was well-versed in both literature and martial arts, and his skills were not lacking, he would still end up at a disadvantage in a one-on-one match against Sun Shao. It was not his fault; the so-called martial arts of their aristocratic families were fundamentally different from the martial arts of a humble family like the Suns. While their concept of martial arts included personal combat skills, it more significantly referred to military strategy. In terms of military strategy, he could make Sun Shao feel utterly ashamed, but when it came to personal combat skills, Sun Shao could equally defeat him soundly, leaving him battered and bruised. Therefore, he usually avoided one-on-one challenges with Sun Shao, unlike his younger brother Zhou Yin, to prevent embarrassment. Upon seeing Sun Shao's demeanor today, he did not think much further, clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and turned to take his leave.

Sun Shao hurriedly caught up: "Young brother, walk a little slower, let me see you off."

Sun Shaozheng was pleased: "Of course I am willing"

Sun Shao did not defend himself; with a somewhat malicious intent, he forcefully patted Zhou Xun's shoulder and said, "Little brother, are you trying to say that my mother is an old book?"

Sun Shaojian noticed the helpless expression on Daqiao's face, and he felt somewhat troubled as well. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly had a thought: "Mother, do not worry, I have my own way."

Young master, what do you need the knife for? Even if you cannot master the musical notes, there is no need to...

Sun Shao nodded: "I have noted it down." Although he prided himself on having some research in music, he had never encountered music from the Han Dynasty, and it was uncertain whether it would be useful. After searching through the memories of that violent child, it seemed that apart from a few disjointed shouts, there was indeed no musical talent to speak of.

The bridge is speechless, Sun Shao is speaking the truth, the banquet is to be held tomorrow, and it is indeed too late to study with * illustrations * now

The bridge looked at Sun Shao in confusion and asked, "Do you have a solution?"

Daqiao let out a sigh of relief

"Very good, the calligraphy is excellent, and the choice of words is much more elegant." Daqiao originally intended to praise Sun Shao a few words to enhance his interest in studying literature. Now, seeing this beautiful handwriting, he naturally did not hold back his compliments and genuinely praised him a few times. Only then did he hand the bamboo slip to Sun Shao: "Go back to A Xun, and then come back. I have something to discuss with you."

Sun Shao shook his head: "Mother, even if you teach with all your heart and I study diligently, I fear that I won't be able to learn anything substantial in a short time."

Sun Shao secretly smiled, knowing that the calligraphy he had diligently practiced for many years was not merely a hollow reputation. Although it is true that most calligraphers are from ancient times, not everyone in ancient times was a calligrapher. Moreover, during the late Han and Three Kingdoms periods, running script was just beginning to emerge. His own skill in running script, learned from Wang Xizhi, was indeed commendable; otherwise, he would not have taken the initiative to present his work.

"Young master, do you have any solutions?" Qiao Yue hurriedly asked.

"You flatter me," Sun Shaoqian said with a humble smile

What are you talking about?" Sun Shao turned his head, looking both amused and exasperated at the anxious Qiao Yue, "I want to cut a bamboo pole. What do you think I'm going to do? Commit suicide?"

Zhou Xun dared not ask him to stay, while shouting "Elder brother, please wait!" he quickened his pace, and in the blink of an eye, he had disappeared without a trace, showing no semblance of the courteous and humble demeanor typical of a scion of a noble family

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xun's handsome face immediately turned bright red, and he awkwardly shook his head repeatedly, saying, "You have misunderstood, you have misunderstood."

With a few sounds of "deng deng deng," Sun Shao went upstairs again, grinning as he sat in front of the grand bridge. The grand bridge waved his hand to signal Qiao Ying, and then said to Sun Shao: "This time when you go to your aunt's residence, there will certainly be singing and dancing during the banquet. You have never liked these things, so if A Xun and the others say anything at that time, you need not take it to heart"

"Hmm," Sun Shao said with a smile as he stood up, "You should rest for a while; I will go make some preparations now." After saying this, without waiting for Daqiao to respond, he turned and left. Daqiao and Qiao Ying exchanged glances, unsure of what Sun Shao was up to, and only gestured for Qiao Yue to follow him out. Qiao Yue was equally puzzled and hurriedly followed. When she reached the ground floor, she saw Sun Shao wandering around a pile of bamboo poles he had stacked in the corner of the backyard.

"Be quiet already, look at what you look like." Qiao Ying said irritably. Upon hearing this, Qiao Yue stuck out her tongue, cautiously stood to the side, and stole a glance at Da Qiao. Seeing that Da Qiao did not appear angry, she finally felt relieved

While the two were conversing, Qiao Ying and Qiao Yue, mother and daughter, had already moved over several musical instruments, including a xiao, a se, and a yu. However, apart from the qin that Da Qiao had just touched, these instruments were covered in dust, clearly having not been used for a long time. Sun Shao scanned the area several times and felt somewhat embarrassed. Although he claimed to be a refined person and had some knowledge of traditional musical instruments, he was completely at a loss with the instruments before him. He had never seen a se or a yu, and although there were similar xiao and qin in later generations, they were fundamentally different from those he was seeing now. Even if he wanted to learn, he wouldn't be able to pick it up in such a short time.

Qiao Yue was watching Zhou Xun flee in a panic from upstairs, unable to suppress her laughter, letting out a "giggle." Although Daqiao could hear the two talking below, he could not see the situation. Seeing Qiao Yue laugh so joyfully, he assumed that Sun Shao had gained the upper hand, and couldn't help but smile slightly as well. Sun Shao and Zhou Xun often faced off, and it was more common for Sun Shao to be at a disadvantage. Opportunities like today, where Zhou Xun fled, were rare. As Sun Shao's personal maid, and being treated like a younger sister by him, Qiao Yue would always feel indignant whenever she saw Sun Shao at a loss. Today, seeing Sun Shao in a favorable position, she naturally became a bit overly excited.