Chapter 5: A Loving Mother's Strict Teaching

After waking from the dream, there are too many significant matters to contemplate, and naturally, such trivial matters are overlooked; otherwise, Chu Xian would have certainly made preparations earlier

There was no other way; Chu Xian extended one hand, palm facing up. In the next moment, the ruler, polished to a shine, had already landed in the palm of his hand

After rinsing the leftover rice at home, Chu Xian cooked a pot of porridge and also prepared some wild vegetables from the fields, mixing them into a small dish to accompany the meal. At this moment, Chu Huang finally got up and, upon seeing that her son had already prepared breakfast, was naturally filled with astonishment

What she means is that such menial tasks are not meant for men to do; Chu Xian should focus on studying and learning the law, striving to enter officialdom and engage in significant matters

However, this is not something that can be said; if spoken, one would likely face a scolding. It is better to nod in agreement while thinking that even if these trivial matters are handled well, they are of no real consequence. The pressing issue is to find ways to earn money, as this is the only way to improve my mother's health

Leaving the room, Chu Xian returned to his own quarters, pretending to read, but in reality, he was deep in thought

Xian'er, your mother knows that you care for her, but please do not engage in such matters in the future. As a man in this world, you should focus on studying and learning the law, establishing a great career, and accomplishing significant deeds. Just like in the past, when Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty angrily rebuked the gods and viewed humans as mere ants and weeds, and also scolded the ghosts and deities of the underworld, including Yama, for not respecting humanity. It was then that he took up his sword to question heaven and earth, forcing the gods to bow their heads and intimidating Yama into submission. Thus, he created the path of saints and immortals for humanity, earning equal renown with the gods and Yama, and rectifying the names of the living for the sake of all beings in the world. This led to the glorious Tang Dynasty that lasted for five thousand years. This is what a man should do; one must not neglect their studies for trivial matters. If that were to happen, your mother would be a sinner of the Chu family.

Students pursuing their studies and seeking official positions must go through the "County Examination" to test their literary talents, followed by the "Provincial Examination" to qualify as successful candidates.

This thing was brought by the mother to punish for one's own mistakes, so upon seeing it, Chu Xian is immediately filled with fear

Due to this matter, Feng Kuaicai and Chu Xian are in a state of mutual hostility.

Just as Chu Xian was deep in thought, a commotion arose outside the courtyard, as if many people were talking. Hearing the noise, Chu Huang went out to take a look. Just as Chu Xian stepped out of the room and was about to go see, he noticed that Chu Huang had already returned with a dark expression.

Chu Xian returned yesterday out of concern for his mother's worries, which is why he did not speak the truth. Unexpectedly, someone spread the news.

He is not skilled in business matters, but when it comes to ways of making money, he does know a thing or two

Chu Xian was momentarily taken aback, yet he followed and re-entered the room. The Chu Huang family entered the house without uttering a word, instead rummaging through the boxes and retrieving a ruler.

"How could this happen? How can the examiners at the Imperial Examination do this? Mother, go confront them." Upon hearing this hidden truth, Chu Huang was filled with concern for her son, and with her brows furrowed, she immediately prepared to go out to the Imperial Examination Hall to seek an explanation.

Kneel down

It is the most fundamental form of body training. Chu Xian practiced a technique he learned by chance in a dream from a master of martial arts, known as "Ghost Gate Cloud Rising Fist"

The examination has already been missed, and there is no point in discussing this matter. Moreover, since the chief examiner of the examination hall has not publicized this incident, it is certainly because he fears being implicated.

Chu Xian recalled that Feng Kuai was a classmate of his, both hailing from Ling County. However, Chu Xian and Feng Kuai followed different paths. Feng Kuai came from a well-off family and had always been overshadowed by Chu Xian in terms of knowledge, which led him to seek to outdo Chu Xian at every turn. Regarding the recent incident of the examination room collapse, the Gongyuan did not publicize it, and the examination records merely noted that Chu Xian was absent. Feng Kuai, having somehow learned of this news, returned and began to spread it widely, attempting to use it to "undermine" Chu Xian.

Three years ago, during the "Wencai" examination, Chu Xian's essay "On Strategy" outshone Feng Kuai, securing the top position in that year's county-level Wencai examination, which can be said to have garnered much attention. It is said that in order to win the first place in the county examination, Feng Kuai spared no expense, seeking out renowned teachers for study, consulting the insights of previous first-place winners, and even boasting that he was determined to achieve first place.

In the previous life, Feng Kuai held great power, and Chu Xian had no means to deal with him. However, in this life, Chu Xian has numerous ways to confront Feng Kuai and even the Feng family.

In a short while, Chu Xian felt a sharp pain on his body, and he immediately stopped to check, quickly understanding what was happening

Hand

In the end, Chu Huang's expression was stern, his gaze as cold as frost

Before the dawn light appeared, the figure of Chu Xian practicing his punches could be seen. At times, he advanced swiftly with a punch, at times he drew his elbows in to guard, at times he moved with the agility of a snake or monkey, and at times he stood as steady as a mountain. This set of punches, which Chu Xian had practiced for over ten years in his dreams, was indeed familiar to him. At this moment, as he executed it, it naturally appeared as if he had been practicing for a long time, moving with ease and familiarity.

Over the years, it has been his mother who has risen early and stayed up late to take care of his diet and daily needs. As Chu Xian awakens from his dreams, he naturally understands the hardships his mother has endured, so he plans to take on the responsibility of caring for her from now on

In that case, whether to go or not is no longer important. Moreover, the injuries have already healed over at the Gongyuan. What matters most is that if it weren't for that beam striking me, how could I have experienced that dream that was almost a glimpse into the future, nor would I have grasped the divine sea and divine powers

Feng Kuai

Upon seeing this ruler, Chu Xian's heart skipped a beat, secretly thinking that it was not a good sign

Chu Xian no longer concealed the matter, as it was not his fault to begin with. Therefore, he recounted how the collapse of the room caused him to faint and fall into a deep sleep, which led to his missing the first four subject examinations.

Xian'er, Feng Kuai, who went with you to take the provincial examination, has returned. He said that you missed four subjects and only took the last subject on strategy. Is that true or not?

Clap ... ... Clap ... ...

On weekdays, even if my son wakes up early, he still has to read and study the law. Why has he changed his behavior today, suddenly pulling Chu Xian into the house to talk

This boxing technique may sound ordinary, but in reality, it is extremely powerful, being a legitimate method of the immortal path for body refinement. The ghost gate serves as the sweat pore, while the cloud rising represents the sweat vapor. When this boxing technique is mastered, it can regulate the five internal organs and six bowels, strengthen the tendons, bones, and marrow, enhance physical fitness, refine vital energy, and can also be used in combat to defeat enemies. When executed, a mist envelops the entire body, resembling the descent of an immortal.

Thus, it is only after realizing that he has missed four subjects that his mother becomes so angry

It is also heard that the Feng family has a distant relative who is a sixth-rank official in the Ministry of Personnel, someone who can be spoken to. Therefore, this year's candidates from Ling County have flocked to the Feng family, bringing generous gifts, all in hopes of relying on a significant connection to secure a promising future.

Chu Xian hurriedly stopped him, persuading him with various arguments until he was finally convinced. After all, in this matter, even if one were to reason it out, what difference would it make?

Xian'er, even if you do not perform well in the exam, your mother will not blame you. However, being absent from the exam is unacceptable, as it pertains to character and attitude. Speak up, why were you absent? If you cannot explain, then you will be punished!" Chu Huangshi looked at her son's palm, her eyes filled with a hint of reluctance, yet she still asked in a stern voice.

However, Chu Xian could only surpass Feng Kuai in terms of knowledge; beyond that, in terms of family background, the Feng family was immensely wealthy in Ling County, which Chu Xian could not compare to. Moreover, because Feng Kuai was rich and powerful, he had many sycophants around him who often bullied Chu Xian. This time in the provincial examination, Feng Kuai had already made it clear that he was determined to succeed. With the financial resources of the Feng family, as long as he passed and became a top scholar, securing a good official position would not be a difficult task.

The Chu Huang family also stated

It is imperative to take care of the mother's health.

In the world, the methods of cultivating to become an immortal or a sage are numerous, and Chu Xian understands many of them. However, the path to immortality and sagehood also requires a strong physique. In his dreams, Chu Xian first practiced the Daoist arts, and only after eight years did he begin to train in martial arts. Not only did he miss the optimal age for training, but he also reversed the order of importance, which is why his cultivation later faced obstacles in breaking through.

Xian'er, come in, your mother has something to ask you

After persuading her mother to return to the house, Chu Xian's expression changed abruptly

Chu Xian was eager to express that no matter how significant the matter, it could never surpass the duty of filial piety towards one's mother

Chǔ Huáng said with a dark expression, and Chǔ Xián did not dare to disobey his mother's orders, kneeling on the ground

This is Chu Xian's greatest secret. Speaking of which, one must thank the collapsed room; otherwise, too many regrettable events would have occurred, and Chu Xian would not have possessed nearly thirty years of foresight.

Chu Xian's palm has become somewhat red and swollen

Even after just a short practice, Chu Xian was already drenched in sweat and felt pain all over his body. At this moment, the sky was just beginning to brighten, and the roosters had started to crow. Chu Xian wiped his sweat and headed home.

I almost forgot that this is the same person as the one in the book

It seems that one should eat rice bite by bite; being greedy will lead to problems

Encouraging his mother, the latter gently touched Chu Xian's swollen palm with a pained expression: "Xian'er, you can see, that is a good thing. It's alright, at worst, you can take the exam again next year. With my son's talent, if you take the exam again next year, you will surely be among the top scholars."

He jogged all the way to the martial arts training ground in the west of the city. This place was spacious and, at this hour, particularly quiet and deserted, so Chu Xian began his practice.

However, in Chu Xian's view, it is unreasonable to blame oneself when it is you, Feng Kuai, who lacks academic rigor and skill. Yet, there are indeed such people in this world

Martial arts

Ling County is not large, and there are only a few dozen students from the same year. Due to his mother's strict discipline and his own diligence, Chu Xian's knowledge is undoubtedly among the best of his peers. Naturally, Feng Kuai, who enjoys competing and is eager to show off, finds Chu Xian displeasing in every aspect.

Exactly ten times, as always

The outcome is predictable

On the mother's side, there is an extreme emphasis on her academic performance. Chu Xian does not understand why her mother, who is so good to her in every way, is particularly strict and unyielding when it comes to her studies, with demands that are even exceedingly rigorous.

However, Chu Xian currently has no time to deal with the other party, as he has more important matters to attend to

In my dreams, I have practiced martial arts for over ten years, and my body has naturally developed a foundation, so there should be no problem. However, upon waking, this is my first time practicing this set of boxing techniques, and my body is still quite weak, with insufficient energy and blood, and my meridians not yet opened. How can I possibly sustain this entire set of body-strengthening boxing techniques? I have been a bit too hasty.

Seek them out for a theoretical discussion, perhaps justice can be served, but there will undoubtedly be a cost, for if a group of officials were to suffer misfortune in this matter, how could they possibly let themselves off the hook