Chapter 8: The Prince of Qin Mediates the Dispute
Qin Zhiyong was eating a steamed bun, chewing it until it was mushy, and slowly swallowing it
Qin Zhiyong felt a bit embarrassed under her gaze and asked, "Madam Boss, why are you looking at me like that?"
Cao Tian's knife skills are ruthless and domineering, extremely cunning, and possess immense lethality
Being able to persuade Jin Xiangyu, Qin Zhiyong felt that he had done a deed of immense merit
Jia Ting and Lu Xiaochuan stood by, watching without any intention to intervene. Clearly, they did not intend to take Qiu Moyan's life. After all, Zhou Huai'an had not yet appeared. Qiu Moyan was merely a figure from the underworld, posing little threat; capturing Zhou Huai'an was the priority.
However, being with the three masters from the Eastern Depot makes Qin Zhiyong feel somewhat uneasy, fearing that they might draw their swords and plot against him
Jin Xiangyu glanced at Qin Zhiyong and scoffed, "You came? Are you really not afraid of death?"
Jin Xiangyu nodded and said: "Alright. I trust you. Come here."
After Qin Zhiyong delivered food to the people of the Eastern Depot and Qiu Moyan, he returned to the kitchen to have breakfast with the shopkeeper Diao Buyu and the others
Qin Zhiyong said with a smile: "The martial arts of both esteemed guests are truly astonishing, making a scholar like me deeply envious. If I had the opportunity to learn from you both, it would indeed be an honor for me. I genuinely wish to continue observing your splendid duel. However... the inn is a place for lodging and dining, and it is truly not suitable for fighting"
However, now is not the time to contemplate these issues
... ...
The filling of the steamed buns is not made from human flesh, but rather from lamb and pork. Due to the persuasion of Qin Zhiyong, Jin Xiangyu no longer uses human flesh for the filling of the steamed buns
Jia Ting said to Cao Tian: "Cao Tian, stop. You alone cannot handle her."
It can truly be said that it is easy to obtain the "Way," but difficult to uphold the "Way"
The shelf is quite large, looking down on others
Qiu Mo Yan's martial arts skills are slightly superior to Cao Tian's abilities
Qin Zhiyong spoke in a calm tone, saying: "I do not possess internal martial arts; I am merely a scholar. I pose no threat to them. Even if they are wary of me, their vigilance is not strong. As stated in books, in both conduct and action, one must have a righteous heart and sincere intentions. What is righteousness? A heart free of prejudice is righteousness. Those who come to the inn to stay and dine, regardless of who they are, are our guests. We must treat them equally. We should receive them with genuine sincerity. In this way, there will be no difficult guests to serve." Those who come to the inn to stay and dine, regardless of who they are, are our guests. We must treat them equally. We should receive them with genuine sincerity. In this way, there will be no difficult guests to serve.
Diao Buyu has even taken the kitchen knife in his hand
Jin Xiangyu intended to intervene. Although her martial arts skills were not superior to those of Jia Ting and Qiu Moyan.
Diao Buyu nodded and said: "What the shopkeeper said is..."
Cao Tian glanced at Qiu Mo Yan, snorted coldly, and said: "Brother Qin, the three of us are the same."
Jin Xiangyu walked up to Qin Zhiyong and said, "Qin Zhiyong, you really managed to persuade them, which truly impresses me. I thought you would be like those pedantic scholars, spouting some lofty principles and moral arguments."
Cao Tian struck with a knife, hitting Qiu Mo Yan's sword, and quickly retreated a few steps back to his own camp. Qiu Mo Yan also used the force from Cao Tian to 'float' backward, returning to the side of Tie Zhu and He Hu.
Being with beautiful women brings joy to any man
Jin Xiangyu said: "Qin Zhiyong, you may leave. I will have Diao Buyu escort you into the pass and back to the Ming Dynasty. You shall depart today."
Without the meat filling, just steam plain white buns
At that time, Jin Xiangyu used hidden weapons, specifically flying daggers, and the final strike was delivered with lightning speed. Qin Zhiyong did not even have a chance to see clearly, and the battle was over.
With Qin Zhiyong present at the Longmen Inn, perhaps due to his scholarly demeanor, the atmosphere in the establishment seems to have been alleviated significantly. The hostility that once lingered appears to have dissipated, allowing a glimmer of "sunshine" to emerge in the hearts of Jin Xiangyu and Diao Buyu.
One's heart is filled with joy, yet it cannot find its rightful place
... ...
Qin Zhiyong said: "Reading is not for the sake of learning some esoteric knowledge, but to absorb the wisdom contained in books. The wisdom of the ancient sages is all recorded in books; it depends on whether we, the later generations, can learn from it. There is nothing wrong with benevolence and righteousness. However, benevolence and righteousness are meant to be demanded of oneself, not to be imposed on others. If one is not benevolent and righteous oneself, what right does one have to demand it from others?"
Qin Zhiyong picked up half a bowl of porridge and stood up
Outside the inn lies the desert, with a spacious area ample enough for all esteemed guests to engage freely. How about we invite all esteemed guests to continue the competition outside? Our landlady has stated that whoever wins will receive a complimentary roasted lamb from our establishment at noon. By the way, the roasted whole lamb served at our inn is truly exceptional
Jin Xiangyu looked at Qin Zhiyong
Qin Zhiyong wants to appreciate it as if watching a play
Thoughts determine actions
Qin Zhiyong nodded and said: "Esteemed guests, please wait a moment. I will bring the food right away"
When inviting Qiu Moyan, Qin Zhiyong feels pleased, after all, Qiu Moyan is even more beautiful than the boss's wife
Among the entire Longmen Inn, only Qin Zhiyong lacks internal strength. Even when practicing martial arts, he merely performs "fancy moves and decorative techniques." Furthermore, since Qin Zhiyong harbors no malicious intent towards others and maintains a proper mindset, it can be said that he is the least aggressive person in the entire inn
When eating, one must not be hasty; it should be done slowly. Chewing thoroughly will significantly alleviate the burden on the digestive system. Knowing how to eat is the most important principle of health preservation.
Qin Zhiyong slept very soundly, and after waking up, he felt refreshed and did not have bad breath. In the past, when Qin Zhiyong woke up in the morning, he had a bitter taste in his mouth and bad breath
After Qin Zhiyong finished washing up, the three masters from the Eastern Depot and Qiu Moyan finally exited the guest room
The struggle between Qiu Moyan and Cao Tian had a profound impact on Qin Zhiyong's psyche
The shopkeeper and Diao Buyu stood behind the golden-inlaid jade; as soon as she gave the order, they would take action
The shopkeeper chuckled, "A bowl of porridge instead of wine? How unusual. Come, let us drink to that"
Qin Zhiyong said: "Madam Boss, are you trying to drive me away?"
Jia Ting smiled at Qin Zhiyong and said to Cao Tian and Lu Xiaochuan: "We are full. Let's go back to our rooms to rest"
Qin Zhiyong took a deep breath and said, "Madam Boss, if you take action, things may become worse. Force is not necessarily the only way to solve problems. Why not let me persuade them."
The innkeeper sighed and said, "Young Master Qin, you are a true scholar. It is too much of a pity for you to be working in an inn. Someone like you should be taking the imperial examination and becoming an official. If all officials were like you, Young Master Qin, then the lives of us common people would be much better."
The rectification of one's mindset is crucial for the enhancement of physical fitness. Cultivating one's character is secondary; nurturing the mind is of primary importance
What are you all talking about? You seem so happy," Jin Xiangyu asked.
At this moment, Jin Xiangyu walked into the kitchen
As long as the heart is righteous, one's actions will naturally be proper
Wishful thinking
A first-rate martial artist engaging in combat is a highly perilous endeavor
Dao Li, Qin Zhiyong has already understood. However, to truly be free of prejudice, he is still far from achieving that.
Qin Zhiyong said with a smile: "I do not feel wronged. I study not to become an official. I, Qin Zhiyong, have fallen into such misfortune, and I am grateful to the landlady and everyone for their hospitality; otherwise, I might have already become a pile of bones in the desert. Moreover, I have learned many things from all of you that will benefit me for a lifetime. Great kindness needs no words of thanks; come, I will toast you all with a bowl of porridge instead of wine."
Qin Zhiyong clasped his fists and said: "Gentlemen, may I ask if you could pause for a moment and listen to my words?"
Diao Buyu nodded in agreement with the shopkeeper's words
Qin Zhiyong has encountered and killed three bandits with his golden-inlaid jade weapon
Qin Zhiyong warmly said: "Good morning, esteemed guests. Please freshen up first. Our establishment offers thin porridge, steamed white buns, meat buns, and exquisite side dishes in the morning. You will be well satisfied."
Qin Zhiyong has been practicing the heart method of Confucianism, maintaining a correct mindset. It was only yesterday that he truly entered the door. As long as his mindset and thoughts do not waver, his spirit and thoughts will become increasingly pure, and it is entirely possible for him to reach the state of 'Ding' in Confucianism in the future
Qiu Mo Yan said: "Brother Qin, please bring each of us a portion of thin porridge, steamed buns, and side dishes."
Qin Zhiyong said, "I am afraid of death. Let me do it instead." His gaze was sincere, not resembling a joke.
If one has a cold, throat inflammation, and bad breath will become more severe
Qiu Mo Yan's movements are graceful and agile, with a sword technique that is extremely fast; however, each strike of his swordsmanship unleashes tremendous power
The sounds of fists, feet, and weapons clashing came from the living room
Qin Zhiyong stepped out of the kitchen and saw Cao Tian engaged in a duel with Qiu Moyan
Jin Xiangyu said: "They have started fighting. Just don't break anything in my shop. If things get damaged, even if they compensate with money, there will be no place to buy new ones."
The shopkeeper said: "Qin Zhiyong, Young Master Qin, you are truly remarkable. Just yesterday, a guest (Cao Tian) scolded you. Today, however, he seems to be much more amiable towards you. The proprietress mentioned those three top-notch experts; although they are dressed like people from the rivers and lakes, I can sense an air of officialdom about them. Such individuals are the most difficult to serve."
Qin Zhiyong, the shopkeeper, Diao Buyu, and the waiter had a bowl of porridge. Everything was left unspoken
Qin Zhiyong thought to himself: "How can a person be so powerful to such an extent? The jumping ability, explosive power, balance, reaction speed, and velocity all surpass the limits of humanity. Is internal energy really that miraculous?"
It is indeed quite difficult to please officials
The encounters of top-tier martial artists, with their power and level of danger, far exceed Qin Zhiyong's imagination
Individuals with good physical fitness often have fresh breath and do not suffer from halitosis
Sleep until dawn
Bang, ding
Qiu Mo Yan sheathed her long sword and said to He Hu, Tie Zhu, and the others, "Let us go." After speaking, she turned and ascended the stairs, heading towards her guest room
Poor physical fitness and being in a sub-healthy state, experiencing bad breath upon waking is a normal phenomenon
Qiu Moyan also looked towards Qin Zhiyong
Clang
Jin Xiangyu shook his head and said: "It is not that I am urging you to leave. It is that you are not suited to stay at the Longmen Inn. You should return to the Central Plains, pursue your studies, participate in the imperial examination, and take up an official position. People like you are too rare. Once you become an official, you will surely treat the common people well and seek their welfare."
He Hu and Tie Zhu each returned to their respective guest rooms
It is evident without even looking that the two groups of people have started to fight again
Practice requires utmost diligence. With every step taken, one must proceed with great caution, as if walking on thin ice
Cao Tian stared at Qin Zhiyong and asked coldly, "Qin Zhiyong, do you have anything you would like to say?"
... ...
Qiu Mo Yan and Tie Zhu did not take action against He Hu. However, their hands were both gripping the knife handles
Neither of them wanted to continue the struggle, and it was just right to use Qin Zhiyong's words as a stepping stone to back down
Jia Ting and Qiu Mo Yan both noticed that Qin Zhi Yong's mental state this morning was slightly different compared to yesterday. A hint of surprise flashed in both of their eyes
If Tie Zhu and He Hu take action, Jia Ting and Lu Xiao Chuan will definitely not stand by and watch