Chapter 3: Cultivating the Mind and Body

In the "Analects of Confucius · Wei Ling Gong," it is recorded that the Master said: If a craftsman wishes to do good work, he must first sharpen his tools

He finds it strange; isn't the boss lady supposed to hate men? How could she suddenly be so nice to that kid Qin Zhiyong?

Qin Zhiyong found Jin Xiangyu, and he believed that he was familiar enough with her to ask for guidance on martial arts. Several times before, he had wanted to seek her advice, but each time the words were on the tip of his tongue, only to be swallowed back.

Diao Buyu smiled at Qin Zhiyong and nodded, saying: "Of course... it would be best if you could come to help."

Diao Buyu said: "I chop vegetables quickly... I haven't delayed my work"

Knowing when to stop leads to determination, and with determination comes tranquility, which in turn brings peace

Even the instructor of the Imperial Guard, Zhou Huai'an, when teaching the soldiers martial arts, actually taught the fundamental internal skills and the Taizu Long Fist.

Reading "The Great Learning" now indeed brings a somewhat different feeling

It is merely that Qin Zhiyong was born at the wrong time, having grown older, making him unsuitable for cultivating internal skills, which is quite regrettable. However, that is something beyond one's control

Basic internal skills and Taizu Changquan are the most fundamental martial arts in the martial world. Every sect and martial arts school possesses them

Qin Zhiyong has already memorized the "Great Learning" and has gained considerable insights from his reading

Neither the gold-inlaid jade nor the shopkeepers laughed at it

Lord Qian nodded, believing in the abilities of Jin Xiangyu. Upon seeing the stranger Qin Zhiyong, he inquired, "Who is this pretty boy?"

The waiter announced, "Young Master Qin, it is time for lunch."

This morning

Is this the Dragon Gate Inn? If one were to be killed by a single stroke, who would one seek to reason with

Wow

The grip on the knife has been corrected, and Diao Buyu signaled to Qin Zhiyong that he could proceed with the cut

... ...

Chopping vegetables and wielding a knife is an art. Qin Zhiyong does not understand it and needs Diao Buyu to teach him step by step.

Approaching Diao Buyu, Qin Zhiyong inquired: "I wonder if you could teach me how to chop vegetables?"

The method of reading consists of three essentials

Those who can achieve the unity of knowledge and action are even fewer

Jin Xiangyu sneered, "You do have a bit of self-awareness. This is the Gobi Desert; if you don't understand martial arts, even if you don't encounter bandits or robbers after going out, it will still be a dead end for you. You have no money, so of course you can't eat and drink for free here. Go help out in the kitchen."

Reading requires dedication

The shopkeeper said: "Madam, that Qin Zhiyong is indeed a scholar. Just a moment ago, he seemed dazed, and now he suddenly starts reading. Could it be that he truly wishes to go to the capital to take the imperial examination and become a top scholar?"

A tall middle-aged man clad in armor entered the inn, accompanied by more than ten guards. The innkeeper, Diao Buyu, and the waiter immediately greeted him respectfully, saying: "We have the honor of meeting General Qian."

The Four Books and Five Classics have been passed down for thousands of years, and the knowledge contained within them is naturally profound and extensive, embodying deep principles

When one does not possess the strength to protect oneself, it is essential to remain low-key, low-key, and again low-key

Therefore, Jin Xiangyu gave these two sets of martial arts techniques to Qin Zhiyong without any hesitation

I have finished reading "The Great Learning"

Return to the room

Yang Yuxuan's son and daughter may be dispatched here, possibly passing through Longmen Inn on their way out. Although Yang Yuxuan is dead, he had several loyal experts under his command, especially the chief instructor of the Imperial Guard, Zhou Huai'an, who is said to possess exceptional martial skills. I fear he might come to abduct someone. In any case, you all should be cautious.

The first thing Qin Zhiyong needs to do is to cultivate his composure. As for "tranquility" and "security," those are higher levels of attainment and are not to be considered at this moment

The butcher, Diao Buyu, is cutting meat

The shopkeeper quickly replied, "Alright, Madam Boss"

It is merely that the world does not engage in research

Upon entering the kitchen, Qin Zhiyong detected a faint smell of blood. It reminded him of the scene of the murder that had occurred in the morning

Jin Xiangyu took out two books to give to Qin Zhiyong

Jin Xiangyu said nonchalantly: "Oh. Qin Zhiyong, he is a new assistant I hired, helping with some odd jobs in the kitchen"

Calm, serene, peaceful

The sound of reading emanated from the guest room. Jin Xiangyu and the innkeeper were taken aback upon hearing it

Qin Zhiyong studied history, not classical literature. However, he is still able to understand the Confucian classic "The Great Learning." In the past, Qin Zhiyong had some understanding of the Analects, the Doctrine of the Mean, and the Great Learning, but he had not read them in detail

The relationship between Jin Xiangyu and Lord Qian Zong is quite extraordinary. Jin Xiangyu's ability to open a shop here is largely thanks to the support of Lord Qian Zong

Such a change has indeed increased the speed of the cutter significantly

Qin Zhiyong said: "I want to stay."

Qin Zhiyong leaned against the table and vomited

Qin Zhiyong wants to learn martial arts, and Jin Xiangyu is not surprised at all

The way of the university lies in the cultivation of virtue and the illumination of moral character

This is the way of survival

Jin Xiangyu shot him a glance and said, "Qin Zhiyong has a pure heart and no evil thoughts; he is not a hypocrite. He is a true scholar. When delivering his lunch, make sure to include a couple of extra dishes."

Lord Qian chuckled and said, "I did not come this time to sleep with you; I have an important matter to inform you. The court has sent a secret letter. Minister of War Yang Yuxuan intended to rebel and was captured by Cao Shaoqin of the Eastern Depot with evidence and executed"

What kind of person Qin Zhiyong is, they all know. When they practice their skills, they are not as focused as Qin Zhiyong. Even if Qin Zhiyong's movements are slow and comical, they feel they have no right to mock him

Qin Zhiyong took the kitchen knife and struck down directly

One must have insight and trust in all matters

At the beginning, Qin Zhiyong cut very slowly and his knife was unsteady. After making a dozen cuts, Qin Zhiyong began to adjust his body and change his standing posture to make his body more upright and balanced

The thickness of the meat slices is uniform

It is easy to settle the body, but to calm the heart is an exceedingly difficult task

The shopkeeper said beside him: "Young Master Qin, you do not know, this fellow Diao Buyu is nothing but a lazy person. He would be more than happy to have someone help him chop vegetables and meat. If you ask him to teach you how to chop vegetables, it would be exactly what he desires."

Jin Xiangyu said with a smile: "Practice well. If a miracle occurs, perhaps you can become an unparalleled master in the martial world"

Diao Buyu shook his head and corrected Qin Zhiyong's grip on the knife

Qin Zhiyong turned and walked towards the kitchen. Jin Xiangyu watched his back, the corners of her mouth slightly curling up, revealing a smile on her face

Staying in the guest room, Qin Zhiyong could not calm his heart. Suddenly, he saw the books on the table, which were the Four Books and Five Classics left by the scholar earlier.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

"Madam Boss, may I ask if you could teach me martial arts? I am as weak as a chicken and wish to practice for self-defense," Qin Zhiyong asked, gathering his courage.

These are words of comfort for Qin Zhiyong

Jin Xiangyu smiled and said, "Lord Qian, how do you have the time to come to my small shop?"

A gold-inlaid jade is sharp in speech but soft in heart

Qin Zhiyong stopped practicing his boxing and joined the shopkeeper and others in bowing.

The Taizu Changquan can indeed be practiced. However, without the internal strength to master the techniques, no matter how well one practices Taizu Changquan, it is merely a display of flashy moves and ornamental postures

Diao Buyu brought a piece of meat and handed the kitchen knife to Qin Zhiyong, asking him to cut it.

Jin Xiangyu and the shopkeeper both like him very much

The three levels of self-cultivation in Confucianism

Regardless of the era or social environment, one must be sweet-tongued and diligent in action to secure a foothold

Jin Xiangyu does not believe that Qin Zhiyong can cultivate internal strength

Otherwise, it will be impossible to continue.

Seeing the sheep's head and bones on the chopping board, Qin Zhiyong felt somewhat relieved. As long as it wasn't human flesh

Qin Zhiyong nodded without hesitation: "Yes"

After Qin Zhiyong helped out in the kitchen for seven or eight days, he became familiar with the proprietress Jin Xiangyu, the shopkeeper, the waiter, and Diao Buyu. Qin Zhiyong was diligent, working hard without complaint, and did not possess the arrogance or haughtiness often associated with educated individuals.

The shopkeeper said: "Isn't this a bit exaggerated? Young Master Qin, rest assured, this is not human meat, it is mutton"

Upon seeing the meat on the plate, Qin Zhiyong thought of the three men who had been killed in the morning, and his face instantly turned pale, feeling a wave of nausea.

After having lunch, Qin Zhiyong walked out of the guest room and said to Jin Xiangyu, "Madam Boss, I have no money on me and cannot eat and drink for free here. I will help you with some work."

Qin Zhiyong expressed his gratitude, saying: "Thank you"

She said to Qin Zhiyong: "Are you not planning to leave the inn?"

When he practices his boxing, his movements are slow, his punches lack power, and his hand-foot coordination is not in place, which makes him appear somewhat comical. However, his demeanor is so focused, as if he is truly immersed in the art of boxing

Everyone likes diligent people

With adequate preparation, one can handle tasks with ease and achieve twice the result with half the effort

Unbeknownst to him, Qin Zhiyong straightened his posture, aligning his body properly. As he corrected his posture, he felt that his breathing became more unobstructed. His mindset gradually calmed down as well

A positive mindset prevents one from becoming restless. When reading, one can focus, and naturally, memory will improve.

Qin Zhiyong's secret path: "To cultivate oneself, one must first rectify the heart. When the heart is rectified, the body will be upright. The 'Great Learning' is not an ordinary text, but a method for self-cultivation and the cultivation of the heart."

Qin Zhiyong said with a smile, "I am very happy to be able to help everyone"

What Qin Zhiyong needs to do is not to practice immediately, but to memorize the boxing manual and the internal martial arts principles.

One must not flaunt individuality

Jin Xiangyu's eyes flashed, and with a smile, he said: "My Lord Qian, you can rest assured. I, Jin Xiangyu, have encountered people from all walks of life in my business. Even if something were to happen, I would be able to handle it."

Qin Zhiyong picked up a book titled "The Great Learning" and began to read it

The shopkeeper sighed, shook his head, and took away the lamb.

Which internal martial arts master did not begin meditative practice from a young age? Those who start cultivating internal skills in their twenties have almost no hope

It is a pity that Qin Zhiyong is already advanced in age and is no longer suitable for practicing internal skills. Otherwise, Qin Zhiyong would undoubtedly have become a top expert in the martial world

However, these two manuals are a matter of life and death for Qin Zhiyong. He took the books and expressed his gratitude, saying: "Thank you, Madam Boss"

In recent days, Qin Zhiyong has been reciting the Four Books and Five Classics every day in addition to his work.

Diao Buyu's knife skills are extraordinary. The kitchen knife in his hand transforms into streaks of light, and a large piece of meat is quickly sliced to perfection

... ...

... ...

The shopkeeper and Diao Buyu are martial arts experts, especially Diao Buyu, who is particularly skilled at using a knife to cut vegetables. When Qin Zhiyong is cutting meat, his gaze is extremely focused, and coupled with his slight adjustments in posture, he stands very upright. They all feel that Qin Zhiyong has an astonishing level of comprehension

Qin Zhiyong only took half a day to memorize the internal martial arts principles and the boxing manual

Qin Zhiyong nodded and said: "Yes, Madam Boss"

She said: "I have long seen that you wish to practice martial arts. You follow Diao Buyu every day, chopping meat and vegetables to hone your knife skills; I have observed it all. Unfortunately, it is too late. Your meridians are blocked, and you are already of advanced age, making it impossible for you to cultivate internal energy. However, I do have basic internal energy techniques and Taizu Changquan. If you want them, take them. As for whether you can succeed in your practice, that will depend on your own fortune."

Qin Zhiyong waved his hand and said, "I do not eat meat. Take the meat away."

One book is a manual on internal martial arts principles, and the other is a boxing manual