Chapter Nine, I am a Jinyiwei

Seeing Liu Chengfeng in a state of confusion, Xian'er smiled and said: "It is the esteemed father-in-law of the son-in-law"

At that moment, Xian'er entered from outside and said: "Young master, the master requests your presence in the study."

Liu Chengfeng found it strange and thought: Does he even manage such matters? This cheap father-in-law truly seems to have come from the Jinyiwei, could it be that he wants to give me a warning?

However, today is different; there is no longer a need to write according to the wishes of others. At this moment, holding the pen, I find myself at a loss as to how to begin writing

Liu Chengfeng replied: "I have only practiced some characters at home"

However, Wen Zheng had called him for a reason. After pondering for a moment, he finally asked: "What have you been doing at home today?"

Liu Chengfeng was entirely absorbed in his thoughts about calligraphy, hesitatingly responding with a few words. At that moment, a sudden idea struck him: could he learn the cursive style of Dong Qichang and incorporate Dong Qichang's aesthetic into his own calligraphy?

Liu Chengfeng felt embarrassed and said, "It is better not to lose face; let's wait until there is real progress to discuss it."

To work in the Jinyiwei, if it were the previous Liu Daizi, he would most certainly refuse. Scholars often possess a certain fastidiousness; once they lose their titles, they are reluctant to engage in such sordid affairs. However, for the current Liu Chengfeng, there is not much resistance. He is entirely dependent on the Wen family for his livelihood. Although he lives in luxury, there is always a slight discomfort in his heart. Now that an opportunity has arisen, why not give it a try? He does not aspire to be a prince or a high official, nor does he seek positions such as a thousand-household or a deputy. He only hopes to establish a career in the future that can support his wife and children, providing them with shelter from the wind and rain, and that is sufficient for him without needing to rely on others.

When Liu Chengfeng went out, he couldn't help but let out a sigh. This father-in-law held deep prejudices against him, as if even saying one more word to him was an act of charity. Facing him made Liu Chengfeng feel a sense of discomfort all over.

Liu Chengfeng smiled and said, "Let's practice writing; I haven't touched a pen for several days, and I've become unaccustomed to it."

Wen Chenxi smiled in response, yet she carefully blew dry the ink marks and took a brocade box to store them one by one.

Liu Chengfeng placed his brush back into the holder, stretched lazily, and couldn't help but smile wryly to himself. This era has its own advantages; the temptations of materialism are fewer, and the greatest entertainment often amounts to little more than visiting brothels. However, with a delicate and beautiful woman by his side, Liu Chengfeng naturally had no desire to venture into such places, which allowed him to fully immerse himself in the art of running script.

This young girl is quite concerned about Liu Chengfeng, who smiled and said, "It's nothing, just go back." However, despite saying this, Liu Chengfeng was still filled with worries on his way back.

Wen Zheng forced a slight smile and said indifferently: "A man of great stature should not spend all day cooped up at home reading and writing. The old lady has given instructions for me to find you something to do. Seeing that you seem restless, I have arranged a task for you. Tomorrow morning, you will report to the Qianhu Office in the inner west city to receive your badge. From now on, you will work in the Beizhen Prefecture Office."

Liu Chengfeng pondered for a moment and decided to transcribe the Four Books and Five Classics from memory. The entirety of these texts was deeply ingrained in the memory of the former Liu Shudai, to the point of being second nature. With just a slight thought, Liu Chengfeng began to write, his brush moving fluidly across the rice paper. A line of characters flowed effortlessly onto the page, beginning with the opening of the Analects: "The Master said: To learn and to practice what you have learned at the right time, is it not a joy..."

What should I write? Liu Chengfeng was momentarily taken aback

Liu Chengfeng sat down as instructed and called out to him, "Taishan." Wen Zheng responded with some reluctance, not exactly enthusiastic, merely making an effort to appear not overly indifferent.

Dong Qichang's calligraphy, which Liu Chengfeng had observed in a previous life, was not given much thought at that time. However, now that he has become proficient in the art of writing, he cannot help but feel a sense of longing when he recalls the forms of his characters.

After a while, fine beads of sweat had formed on Liu Chengfeng's forehead. Taking advantage of the moment when Liu Chengfeng was finishing his writing, Wen Chenxi wiped his sweat and said, "After you finish practicing your calligraphy, let's go take a shower."

In this era, entertainment is inherently scarce, and practicing calligraphy gradually became a preference for Liu Chengfeng. The fluidity with which he writes these characters gives Liu Chengfeng a subtle sense of accomplishment

Wen Zheng's gaze was deep and distant, his indifferent eyes seemingly trying to see through this hopeless scholar. However, noticing that this fellow had a rather thick skin, there was a faint sense of helplessness in his inability to penetrate Liu Chengfeng's intentions. Wen Zheng could only smile wryly and said, "Alright, go to the roll call at the hour of Chen tomorrow, and get to bed early." He paused for a moment, his tone becoming a bit more severe, and continued, "Remember carefully, if you break the rules in the guardhouse, no one will be able to save you. Do not think that anyone will back you up."

However, Liu Chengfeng quickly dismissed this thought. It was not that he despised piracy, but rather that he felt his current level still lacked a certain maturity. He believed that only when his writing skills became more solid would he be able to imitate effectively and achieve better results.

Sitting behind the desk was Wen Zheng, whose face resembled a tranquil autumn lake. It seemed that Wen Zheng had been waiting for a while. Upon seeing Liu Chengfeng enter, he lightly set down the book in his hand, displaying an indifferent demeanor, and said: "Sit."

Xian'er went to fetch a lantern, guiding Liu Chengfeng as he moved through the residence. They stopped outside a solitary side room, and she whispered, "Young Master, the Master is very fierce; you must be a bit cautious."

Wen Chenxi smiled gently at him and said, "Husband, why have you not yet put pen to paper?"

Liu Chengfeng hardly hesitated and readily agreed, believing that having something to do is far better than idly sitting at home. A man who relies on his wife and her family to fill his stomach, without any means of his own, lacks the spirit to stand on his own. Liu Chengfeng certainly intended to seize this opportunity

Xian'er nodded

At this moment, the sky had completely darkened, and Xian'er was indeed still there, waiting in the small pavilion in the distance with a lantern in hand. The wind at night was somewhat chilly, and Xian'er hugged her arms, stomping her feet and blowing warm air into her hands. As soon as she saw Liu Chengfeng come out, she immediately joyfully brought the lantern over and said, "Young master, did the master scold you?"

Liu Chengfeng set down the running script in his hands and raised his eyes, saying: "Master?"

Liu Chengfeng writes with a certain precision and formality. He was once an outpatient doctor, possessing ample patience. Whether in his posture or grip on the pen, there is no hint of carelessness. When he begins to write, he focuses intently, his clear eyes fixed on the tip of the pen, gradually immersing himself in a state of complete absorption.

At this moment, what did he ask me to do? Liu Chengfeng was completely puzzled, and then stood up, saying: "Xian'er, please guide me."

Wen Zheng cast a glance at Liu Chengfeng, observing his poised and confident demeanor. However, he still felt a sense of discomfort within, thinking to himself: indeed, he is a bookworm, unaware of fear, and lacking in the sense of caution and discretion.

Liu Chengfeng was taken aback, as he never expected that in this day and age, it was still popular to arrange jobs for wives. This is far superior to the later practice of arranging jobs for university graduates.

Oh. Liu Chengfeng suddenly remembered that although he had been married for a few days, he had almost no impression of his father-in-law. In his mind, this father-in-law was a person of little significance, and moreover, it seemed that this father-in-law harbored a bit of hostility towards him

At this time, Dong Qichang had not yet been born, and his character in history is also marked by numerous flaws. However, his calligraphy is regarded as the highest achievement of the entire Ming Dynasty, making him one of the most outstanding masters of running script. The characteristics of his running script almost integrate the calligraphy of various renowned masters throughout history, thereby creating his own unique style

Wen Zheng felt even more displeased upon hearing that Liu Chengfeng was idly writing at home. His impression of Liu as a bookworm deepened. Although Wen Zheng had some knowledge of literature, he inherently looked down upon those scholars who engaged in lofty discussions, especially someone like Liu Chengfeng, who had lost his official title. What use was practicing calligraphy when he had lost his status? Would he still set up a stall to sell his calligraphy on the street in the future?

Wen Zheng originally hoped that Liu Chengfeng would refuse to work in the Jinyiwei, but seeing Liu Chengfeng agree so readily, he had nothing more to say. He simply remarked, "Once you enter the Jinyiwei, many things will be different. The Jinyiwei has its own rules, so make sure to learn them well."

However...! ... Liu Shusheng's future career unexpectedly involves hiding in a corner during dark and windy nights to eavesdrop on conversations or, perhaps, grinning with bared teeth to extort money from others.! Upon reflecting on this, Liu Chengfeng felt a sudden sense of shame.

As soon as Wen Chenruo left, the room fell silent. Wen Chenxi had a quiet disposition; she asked Xian'er to bring some embroidery, and while threading the needle, she moved the brocade stool to the table, calmly saying to Liu Chengfeng: "If my husband feels bored, I can have someone fetch some books from the study for you to read."

Wen Chenxi quietly watched from the side, occasionally putting down her embroidery to help Liu Chengfeng grind ink. When Liu Chengfeng finished writing a piece, she couldn't help but pick it up to take a look, smiling as she said, "Why not have someone mount them? Your handwriting is already taking shape."

After he loosened his muscles and bones, he walked to the bed and saw Wen Chenxi sleeping peacefully. He did not want to wake her, so he tucked her in and went out to find Xian'er. He had Xian'er light the lamp while he sat there, staring blankly at the cursive script he had just written. He reflected on his shortcomings and, after a moment of contemplation, it seemed he had gained some insights.

Liu Chengfeng said: "Chengfeng understands."

Xian'er brought the ink, brush, paper, and inkstone. As he re-dipped the brush and lifted it, Liu Chengfeng suddenly felt as if he were in a different world. In the past, he was reluctant to practice calligraphy, as ink and paper cost money. For someone like him, a poor scholar struggling to make ends meet, practicing calligraphy was a luxury. Therefore, he usually only touched the brush when he had the opportunity to write letters for others, writing whatever they needed.

Liu Chengfeng, when engaged in work, exhibits a somewhat obsessive nature, often neglecting sleep and food. His calligraphy is not particularly skilled, but once he puts pen to paper, he cannot stop. After two hours, he is drenched in perspiration. When he finally lifts his gaze, he realizes that the day is nearly over. Wen Chenxi must be feeling unwell and has likely gone to rest on the couch. Outside, the sun has set, and the room has grown considerably dimmer.

Liu Chengfeng smiled at her and said, "This mansion is so large, and it is pitch dark. I did not remember the way when I came here. Please wait outside for a moment, and we will return together shortly."

Liu Chengfeng did not feel any fear towards his father-in-law; after all, having lived two lives, he was no stranger to the storms of life. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door to the study and walked in confidently. The study was not as luxurious as Liu Chengfeng had imagined; instead, it exuded a sense of simplicity, consisting merely of a bookshelf, a desk, and a lamp.