Chapter 007: Going to School

Jia Lian settled down, patted Jia Ke's shoulder in front of him, and said: "Hearing that my elder brother's illness was quite serious, I was worried for quite a while. Now that I see my elder brother is better, I can rest assured." Just as Jia Ke was about to thank him for his concern, he heard him continue to speak to himself: "Elder brother Ke, during the days you were away, I have suffered greatly. The teacher used to scold me, and you, elder brother, would accompany me in my punishment. With your illness, I was the only one to bear the brunt of the scolding, and there was not a single day of relief." He then heard him continue to speak to himself: "Elder brother Ke, during the days you were away, I have suffered greatly. The teacher used to scold me, and you, elder brother, would accompany me in my punishment. With your illness, I was the only one to bear the brunt of the scolding, and there was not a single day of relief."

The two brothers exited Rongxi Hall and arrived at the front courtyard, where there was a yard to the left of the main entrance. The main house consisted of five rooms, with wing rooms on both sides, a deer-shaped roof, and numerous pathways connecting it all, along with covered corridors. This was the study of the Jia family.

As soon as he finished speaking, he began the lecture. Although it was said to be a lecture, the teacher still took care of Jia Zhu's progress, leaving Jia Ke and Jia Lian utterly confused.

The Jia brothers entered the study courtyard, where a young servant had already taken the packages from their hands and led them to the east side of the main room. Upon entering, they saw a high table above, with a grand master's chair behind it. Below were four low tables and small stools. The two of them each sat at the front two low tables, took out their books, and began to review their studies while waiting for the teacher to arrive.

What are you saying, Brother Zhu? My dear brother, you should know how to treat your elder brother. My dear brother possesses the integrity and demeanor of a true gentleman, which surpasses that of many elder brothers. As your elder brother, I must also express my gratitude to you, Brother Zhu, for your numerous visits before this.

Jia Ke held Chun Cao's hand in the past and said apologetically, "It is my fault, I forgot the time, it will not happen again in the future"

Having hastily finished breakfast, I arrived in front of Lady Wang's room, listening to the sounds coming from within. I knew that Jia Zheng and Lady Wang had just risen. At the foot of the steps stood a young man, with a refined appearance and an elegant demeanor, making one forget the mundane world upon seeing him. He was probably slightly younger than Jia Ke, yet his demeanor was mature, looking at Jia Ke as if he were a younger brother; this was Jia Zhu.

After Jia Zheng finished speaking, Lady Wang gave some further instructions, which were nothing more than matters related to meals and clothing. After that, she let the brothers go.

At that moment, Jia Ke and Wang Furen were flattering Jia Mu while chatting and laughing. Just then, they heard a young maid report from outside: "The eldest madam has come to pay her respects to the old lady." As the door curtain was lifted, a young woman in her twenties entered. Jia Ke recognized her as Xing Furen, the new wife of Jia She.

Jia Ke was just about to exchange a few jokes with him when a middle-aged man entered. The man had a tall and upright stature, exuding an imposing presence; this was Mr. Li.

Jia Ke replied that it is already done

During dinner, Chun Cao showed even more concern for Jia Ke, no longer as reserved as before. She served him dishes and rice, and her smile never left her face. Jia Ke felt that if Chun Cao's loyalty to him were measured in a game, it would surely be above 90.

Currently, Jia Ke, Jia Zhu, and Jia Lian are not attending the clan school but have invited the scholar Li Wenbin, who is preparing for the imperial examination in the capital, to teach them privately. Mr. Li possesses a grand demeanor, is not rigid, and has a quick mind. Jia Zheng holds him in high regard; if Mr. Li were to advocate for them, it is likely that their matters would be resolved with an eighty to ninety percent chance. If he could appropriately demonstrate his talent in martial arts, he would surely impress Jia Zheng, allowing him to practice martial arts openly and soon master the techniques, weapons, and skills of the valiant Lü Bu. He could also dedicate time each day to cultivate his vital energy and practice the methods of guiding and directing it.

Regarding Jia Ke, Jia Zheng only mentioned a few words about his need to work harder, and did not say much else. It seems he is disappointed with Jia Ke's talent, yet cannot blame him because he studies very diligently. However, considering that Jia Zhu has great talent, it is understandable that Jia Ke will assist Jia Zhu in managing household affairs in the future

While the two brothers were conversing, a maid came out and said to them: "The master and the mistress request that you both go in to respond."

Seeing Jia Ke approach, Jia Zhu waved to him and softly said: "Elder brother has arrived, but have you recovered from your illness?"

Just as the two had just taken their seats, a sudden commotion erupted outside, chaotic and noisy, and in an instant, the door was flung open. A handsome young man entered, and it was none other than Jia Lian.

Jia Ke recalls that Jia Zhu often visited when the original body was seriously ill. Later, he stopped coming, likely because Wang Fu Ren was concerned that the original body was nearing death and did not want Jia Zhu to be affected by the illness. From the perspective of the original body, Jia Zhu was a modest gentleman, and even from Jia Ke's current viewpoint, Jia Zhu still possesses the demeanor of a gentleman

After a while of laughter and conversation, everyone dispersed. Lady Wang took Jia Ke and Aunt Zhou back to the eastern side of the Rongxi Hall, where they usually resided, while instructing Jia Ke to return and review his studies

Jia Zheng looked at the harmonious relationship between the brothers with great satisfaction. He couldn't help but offer a few words of encouragement, and then inquired about Jia Zhu's studies. Seeing Jia Zhu respond fluently, he was very pleased and advised Jia Zhu not to become arrogant or complacent. Jia Zhu agreed.

Jia Ke looked at Chun Cao, the first woman he saw upon waking. Although she was not beautiful, she was graceful. What moved him the most was her unwavering devotion to him, prompting him to blurt out: "If you do not mind that I am a son of a concubine, I will certainly give you an explanation in the future"

The original Jia Ke's studies were quite similar to those of Jia Lian, and neither was as proficient as Jia Zhu. Therefore, they shared a sense of mutual sympathy, and their relationship was even better than that with Jia Zhu. As a result, there was much concern for Jia Ke.

He thought to himself that he would no longer read, and called for Chun Cao to help guard the door. At present, the maid Chun Cao was only responsible for serving him, and she was a few years older than Jia Ke. She was aware of some matters and knew that she would certainly become one of Jia Ke's household members in the future. Moreover, Aunt Zhou had secretly promised Chun Cao that she would definitely give her a recognized status in the future, so Chun Cao was increasingly diligent in her service to Jia Ke.

Jia Zhu further stated: "A few days ago, I heard that you have been unable to eat or drink, and that you have a high fever that does not subside. I intended to visit you, but my mother and the nurse did not allow it. Please do not take offense, elder brother."

Jia Ke smiled and replied to Madam Xing, "My illness has already been cured, thank you for your concern, Aunt. I also miss Lian very much, and I will personally thank him at school tomorrow"

Jia Lian saw that there were only the two of them, and since the teacher had not yet arrived, he let out a sigh of relief. Only then did he tidy up his clothes and calmly sit down behind Jia Ke

Early the next morning, around 5 o'clock, Jia Ke was awakened by Chun Cao. Looking out the window, he saw that the sky was just beginning to brighten. From the memories of his original self, he knew that this marked the beginning of a day for students in ancient times

Chun Cao was pulled by Jia Ke, her face flushed, and she shyly said: "I am yours, so naturally I must take care of your affairs."

The brothers entered and together paid their respects to Jia Zheng and Wang Fu Ren.

Uncertain how much time had passed, Jia Ke awoke from his meditation to see Chun Cao anxiously peering in from outside the door, her expression one of great concern. Upon seeing Jia Ke awake, she hurried inside and said: "Sir, what has happened? Since returning from the morning greetings, it is almost sunset and you have only just awakened. The lady has inquired several times, and I am nearly at my wit's end."

Jia Ke went to observe the spring grass, stood up, and stretched his body. He felt that his physical fitness had significantly improved, especially his speed, which had increased the most. If this continued, in three years, he would absorb all of Lü Bu's bravery, and at that time, his speed would be terrifying. No wonder many generals in the Three Kingdoms could charge into battle and maneuver freely among thousands of troops; if their speed were not fast, how could they face attacks from all directions

Jia Ke returned to the small courtyard and took out the books that had not been touched for many days. He began to examine them carefully. At first, it was manageable, but before long, he felt dizzy and could not comprehend a single word. Although Jia Ke had acquired the memories of his original self, he was still fundamentally a modern person, and facing a pile of knowledge from Zhihu was overwhelming.

After Madam Xing paid her respects to Grandmother Jia and took her seat, Jia Ke immediately stood up to pay his respects. Madam Xing nodded and smiled, saying, "Ke'er, this is wonderful. Your younger brother Lian has mentioned you several times these past few days."

As soon as Mr. Jia Ke arrived, Jia Lian immediately fell silent and sat up straight. Upon seeing Jia Ke, Mr. Jia said: "Your coming today signifies that you have recovered from your illness. Although you claim to have been unwell, you have fallen behind in many subjects. In the future, you must make an effort to catch up, and if there are any topics you do not understand, you may come to seek me after class"

Jia Ke and Jia Zhu entered the room one after the other. They saw a kang table placed horizontally on the front kang, piled with books and tea utensils, and against the east wall, there was a somewhat worn blue satin backrest pillow. Jia Zheng sat at the head of the eastern side, while Lady Wang sat at the foot of the western side accompanying him

Upon hearing such words from Jia Ke, Chun Cao felt that all her suffering was worth it. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she did not want them to fall. She turned to walk outside, saying, "I will go get you dinner"

He threw the book aside and contemplated how to persuade Jia Zheng to abandon literature for martial arts. After much thought, he concluded that the only way was to explain it to Mr. Li, their professor.

This further solidified Jia Ke's determination to abandon literature for martial pursuits. According to the information gathered during this period, Jia Zhu only had a possibility of passing the imperial examination, and the gap between himself and Jia Zhu was akin to that between a high school student and an elementary school student. A high school student still has a chance to enter university, while an elementary school student can only dream. Jia Ke felt that he should just continue with whatever he was doing.

Jia Ke was alone in the room, practicing for the first time. He did not dare to be careless, focusing his mind and slowly following the route of the technique to transport the formless energy within his body. At that moment, the light sphere representing Lü Bu's bravery became even brighter. With each cycle, the light sphere brightened a little more, and the energy assimilated into Jia Ke's body increased correspondingly, strengthening his physical form incrementally.