Chapter 003: The Beauty
The two of them were chatting when they saw an old man with white hair push the door and walk in. Huangfu Ming was immediately startled and stood up obediently, calling out: "Father"
Huangfu Ming was immediately intrigued: "Oh, 'Xiaoyao You'? What kind of book is that? Why have I never heard of it before?"
Fu Shuo entered the room, and it seemed that Fu Mingyu had heard the sound. She lifted the quilt that covered her head and, upon seeing Fu Shuo, tears streamed down her face as she said: "My dear son, what shall we do? Today, a fortune teller said that I would not survive the night! It would not matter much if I were to die, but I cannot bear to leave you and your mother..."
Then another young girl stepped forward slightly and greeted, "Miss Song has met the gentleman"
Fu said to quickly return the courtesy, and in his heart he praised, what a beautiful young girl. Even though in the original world there was an explosion of information, with countless images of beautiful women flooding the internet, this kind of lively charm is something that pictures and videos can never convey!
Fu Shuo quickly bowed again, and he did not dare to look at the ladies any longer, so he hurriedly took his leave. This provoked another round of delicate laughter behind him! Fu Shuo shook his head and chuckled, not expecting that just a few days after arriving in this world, he had already become accustomed to being a bookworm.
A young girl named Jiao Na quickly ran out, gracefully lifted her skirt to greet Fu Shuo, and nimbly ran back behind Duke Huangfu.
Not long after, someone delivered a set of satin clothes, shoes, and socks. It is likely that Duke Huangfu, upon hearing Fu mention that this gentleman was dressed poorly, sent someone to deliver them
Fu did not dare to look more, and quickly returned a salute, only to hear Duke Huangfu say: "This is my daughter Jiao Na, who has been spoiled since childhood and has no proper demeanor. This is Jiao Na's cousin Song Niang!"
Fu said with a chill, only then recalling that others sought him out for instruction, not for him to resolve their doubts: "Young Master Huangfu is indeed extraordinary; what I am reading is precisely an essay titled 'Xiaoyao You'"
Fortunately, before Fu arrived, I had already prepared myself and smiled, saying: "Once, I had a dream in which an immortal told me that I possessed celestial bones and advised me to serve my parents well at home. When the time comes, he would return to take me into the mountains to cultivate my path! This scripture was taught to me by that immortal!"
To my surprise, Young Master Huangfu furrowed his brows upon hearing such a story and asked in confusion, "Sir, what is an immortal?"
Fu could tell at a glance that this white-haired elder was the parent of Huangfu Ming, and he quickly stood up to pay his respects. The elder Huangfu hurriedly returned the greeting, saying: "My son is unruly, and I am deeply grateful that you, sir, do not mind coming to teach him. I hope you will instruct my unworthy son well; if he is disobedient, feel free to discipline him as you see fit"
What my father said is nonsense, which fortune-teller dares to predict life and death? It is certainly a scam and utter nonsense
Before I had even arrived home, I saw his mother walking over in a state of panic, exclaiming: "Dalang, quickly go check on your father. I don't know what has come over him today; he returned home so early, not saying a word, and went to sleep with his head covered. I wonder if he is unwell?"
Fu was somewhat embarrassed, unable to believe that this world could actually be devoid of immortals. How could this be possible? He forced a smile and said, "Perhaps, after all, I am just dreaming"
Upon hearing these words, Fu was instantly rendered speechless, unsure of how to respond. Could it be that those legends were all false, and that there were no deities or demons at all? It shouldn't be the case; after all, the old man Yu next door had accidentally broken his leg, and his condition had worsened. From Fu's perspective in that world, it was a severe infection with numerous complications, and it seemed that not only was his leg beyond saving, but his life was also in jeopardy. Yet, in a temple dedicated to the Green Robed Goddess, he had obtained a packet of incense ash, which he mixed with water and consumed, and astonishingly, his illness was cured. Such a situation, if placed in Fu's previous world, would have been absolutely impossible; that was the age of the end of the Dharma!
Since you are able to remember this piece "Xiao Yao You", it must not be a dream; it should be that a shadowy spirit entered your dream and imparted it to you
He returned home in a new outfit. Originally, Duke Huangfu had arranged a banquet, but he declined, merely stating that his parents were still at home waiting for him, and he did not want to trouble them. This greatly impressed Duke Huangfu, who remarked that scholars are indeed knowledgeable and reasonable, understanding the importance of filial piety. He also presented Fu Shuo with numerous gifts to take back home for the elders.
The position of a clerk in the yamen is not a formal job, but rather a temporary one, typically hired at the expense of the newly appointed county magistrate to assist with tasks such as copying documents. Sometimes, additional help is sought during busy tax collection periods. It seems that this job in the yamen, while respectable, is not very secure, which is why Fu immediately thought of this when considering the matter
As Fu Shuo was about to take his leave, he heard a few peals of laughter that resembled the sound of silver bells. Two beautiful young girls floated in like butterflies among the flowers: "Father, father. Is this the gentleman you found? Why isn't he an old man with a white beard?" While speaking, one of them hid behind the venerable Huangfu, revealing half of her charming face that was both delightful and pouting, her large, expressive eyes blinking like a fawn, making Fu Shuo feel a bit dizzy.
Fu said that his father in this life is named Fu Mingyu, and he works as a clerk in the yamen, a straightforward and honest man. Fu's mind raced with thoughts, could it be that his father is unemployed? He recalled that when he encountered unemployment in that world, he also displayed such a demeanor
Fu did not refuse the good intentions of Duke Huangfu, thinking to himself: "I will teach Huangfu Ming well. Although I do not understand much of the knowledge of this world, in that world, I was indeed a top student in the philosophy department."
This statement indeed made Fu feel somewhat awkward. He and Huangfu Ming were conversing like friends, so it was impossible for him to adopt a demeanor of a teacher. Fu was submissive, listening to Huangfu Taigong's incessant chatter for half a day before finally leaving.
Fu believed that his words were flawless in this world where the principles of the Dao are manifest. Today, there are reports of thunder and fire punishing demons, and tomorrow, there will be divine responses. It seems that crafting a story about encountering immortals in a dream would serve as a good prelude for his future pursuit of the Dao.
Jiao Na, do not be rude! Hurry up and greet the gentleman!
Oh, I see. The mountain dweller is an immortal; you are referring to the hermit in the mountains, aren't you?" Huangfu Ming furrowed his brow and thought for a long time before finally speaking.
She is also an extraordinarily beautiful woman, her movements exuding a quiet grace. At first glance, she may seem unremarkable, so much so that even Fu did not notice her at first. However, the more one looks at this young lady, the more beautiful she becomes, the more captivating she appears, especially with her pair of gentle eyes resembling the soft waves of spring water beneath her mountain-like dark eyebrows
Fu was even more delighted to hear this and wanted to ask a few more questions. However, he heard Young Master Huangfu ask: "What books do you read aloud every day, sir? How is it that your words are so exquisite, making one feel as if they are transcending the mundane world?"
***