Chapter Nine, Theft

In the previous life, Pei Ziyun was completely ignorant.

This person smiled and said: "There is no need to worry, the manuscript I wrote is meant for others to read. As long as someone inherits my literary thoughts, whether or not they are my son, I will be completely satisfied."

In my dream, I became a scholar, possessing a modest plot of land of about a dozen acres, not engaged in commerce or farming, but solely devoted to studying

Zhang Yun insisted on giving a gift, stating that there was nothing else, but it was meant to supplement his senior brother before his departure, in hopes of bringing glory to the Meng Pavilion. Pei Qianshi could not decline any further, and thus accepted it.

The young man with sword-like eyebrows raised an eyebrow, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes as he coldly stated: "There are dozens of village warriors in the village, and with the mud walls in place, why should we fear these Black Wind Bandits? As long as we employ some military strategy, if these Black Wind Bandits dare to come, we will ensure they have no return."

Zhang Dashan originally felt somewhat drowsy, but suddenly noticed a shadow appearing. Thinking it was the Black Wind Thief, he was startled awake. However, upon seeing that there was only one person and no alarm was raised, he waited for the figure to come closer. He then saw that the person was wearing animal skins, not a green robe, and there was no embroidered black wolf head.

But now everything is completely different, and there is no need to recall; everything is vividly present in Pei Ziyun's mind

The entire set of processes, including the meanings of ink, the classics of calligraphy, the inquiries of strategy, the compositions of poetry, and most importantly, the meanings of the classics, is all present in the mind

Zhao Ning was taken aback, then smiled silently and said, "There aren't that many blessings. However, since you, as my junior brother, have said so, once this provincial examination is over, I will test him myself.

Holding the bow, he drew the arrow back and, with a trembling voice, shouted at the person by the wall: "Who are you, and what are you doing here?"

At this moment, he seemed like a scholar who had immersed himself in this field for decades, as if he were a thread stringing together countless scattered pearls, intertwining with the original owner's memories; after just a dream, he had intuitively mastered all of this without a teacher

It seems that I have only slept for a moment

Where is there any fear? A few days ago, the Black Wind Bandits came to the village demanding food and beautiful women. As a result, for some unknown reason, they were found dead the next day at the dilapidated temple, with no one knowing who killed them. Now, the entire village is in a state of panic, fearing that the Black Wind Bandits will come to take revenge and attack the village.

The afternoon sunlight shines upon me, bringing a feeling that is difficult to describe; it is as if I am in a daze, as if I am filled with joy, and as if I am tinged with regret

Entering the village, Zhang Yun walked straight ahead, heading towards the home of his senior brother Pei Ziyun. Since they were from the same village, he naturally knew the locations of each household. Thus, he continued forward, encountering very few people along the way, and proceeded directly to his senior brother's home

... ...

However, Zhao Ning merely mentioned it in passing. After several years of observation, he believes that the possibility of Pei Ziyun being the reincarnation of his master is already negligible.

Zhang Yun arrived at the front of the house and saw an oil lamp lit inside the window. Out of curiosity, he did not expect that it was his senior brother studying by lamplight in the early morning. His interest was piqued, and he looked inside the house. He found several articles already written, which surprised him greatly. He walked in, picked up one to read, and as he read through it, he found it very insightful. He could not help but exclaim, "This is truly excellent"

Oh? Our village built a mud wall last year, and this Black Wind Thief dares to come and forcefully attack? Are they not afraid of death?" Zhang Yun frowned slightly and asked

At this moment, the sky was just beginning to brighten slightly, and a morning star hung in the horizon. A young man with sharp eyebrows, exuding a fierce aura and carrying a bow on his back, arrived at the village entrance

The pursuit of fame and merit is a serious matter. According to the regulations of this dynasty, the county conducts examinations, and those who pass are recognized as students. This rule is not very strict, as it allows for mutual guarantees among three candidates.

Upon hearing this, Pei Ziyun could not help but feel overjoyed. He had originally been trying to find a way to have his teacher give it to him. Such an unclaimed object, with a shallow connection, could be easily obtained simply by asking for it—there was no need to elaborate, he had just acquired it.

Seeing the village's inability to defend itself, Zhang Yun lowered his gaze slightly. The village, with its mud walls, dared not confront the bandit threat. His father lived here, yet it was not safe. Although the village belonged to their clan, it seemed prudent to persuade his father to move away as soon as possible. Otherwise, if the thieves came to attack, it would surely lead to disaster. This was Zhang Yun's line of thought

For almost the first time in his life, Pei Ziyun felt the spirit of ancient scholars, which was much deeper than its literal meaning; no, it was profoundly deep, so deep that it was unforgettable, leaving Pei Ziyun somewhat dazed at that moment

Reading, each word is recited, each sentence is contemplated

Upon waking up today, a sense of comfort enveloped me, an experience that arises only when the body and mind have enjoyed a deep slumber. It seems that the feeling of unfamiliarity has completely vanished.

The effect of the plum blossom seems quite strong; almost as soon as I lay down, with my head not yet fully resting on the pillow, I felt a dizziness before slipping into a deep sleep

Zhao Ning, however, holds the status of a scholar, otherwise he would not be able to open a school for enlightenment

Zhang Yun handed over the wild chicken in his hand. The wild chicken had brilliantly colored feathers, and as Pei Qianshi took it, she felt it was somewhat heavy, sinking a little in her grip, weighing several pounds, and she quickly declined the offer.

Just as I was thinking, at that moment, I heard a knock on the door. Upon listening closely, it was a familiar voice: "Has the senior brother awakened? Last night, the master instructed me to come and fetch you this morning, saying that the roads have been quite unsafe lately, with banditry rampant. It is best to have a junior brother accompany you for protection. I apologize for disturbing you so early, and I hope you can forgive me."

Such true scholars, having endured the trials and tribulations of life, bravely forge ahead, leaving a profound impact on others. When such images flashed through Pei Ziyun's mind, he could not help but swallow hard.

The daze feels like a dream, yet it is entirely different. Is this the true purpose of the plum blossom? Ordinary people, when they suddenly awaken from a dream, still faintly remember the content of the dream, but it quickly fades away.

Although I have attained a certain grace, I still need to practice the details extensively to gradually make up for it. I strive to be highly confident in this provincial examination and to pass as a scholar. At that time, I can return to the village, and I believe that the black wind bandits will not dare to attack again.

To take the examination for the scholar, one must go to the prefectural office for the test. All candidates participating in the prefectural examination must register at the county's ceremonial office, providing their place of origin, name, age, three generations of lineage, and physical appearance. Moreover, it is required that a scholar from the same county provides a guarantee, affirming that the candidate is indeed from the county, has a reputable background, and is not a descendant of courtesans, entertainers, or servants, and that there are no parental deaths in the family.

Saying this, the man lowered his head, slowly stroking the stack of manuscripts, his voice very calm: "My daughter, I have read books all my life, yet I only achieved the status of a xiucai. In this time of great turmoil, it seems I can no longer pursue an official title. In fact, at my age, such titles are but fleeting clouds to me; they are merely a testament to our scholarly pursuits."

I just forgot to provide the guarantee, I will have Zhang Yun notify you tomorrow

Here it comes, here it comes. It turns out to be little Yunzi, you scared me, Uncle Dashan. I thought it was the Black Wind Thief coming, I was terrified

If there were no connections, other scholars would need to pay two taels of silver for their work, which is also one of the sources of income for scholars

The original owner's memories are only half-remembered.

The person walking close to the door is a familiar figure, hesitating. One can hear a voice calling out: "Uncle Dashan, it is Zhang Yun. Mr. Zhao has sent me back to the village to discuss the matters of the provincial examination with my senior brother. Please come and open the door."

Father! Someone gently called out, lifted the wick of the candle with a hairpin, and handed over a cup of tea: "Father, it is late at night, you cannot read like this, it is too exhausting.

It seems that I have digested it. Waking up early today, I can write articles and see how my skills measure up. Pei Ziyun, upon starting, felt a surge of inspiration, and after careful consideration, began to write with great skill. In just a short while, several articles were already stacked on the table, one on top of the other.

Hearing the waves lapping against the shore, rising, falling, rising again, and then falling once more

Woniu Village · The following morning

The young girl in front nodded slightly and glanced over.

At this time, Pei Ziyun had already risen early. Last night, he entered a dream where his writings were coherent and profound, yet they were imbued with many unfamiliar emotions, making him hesitant to ponder over the text

At this moment, I bowed and said: "I will never fail to meet the expectations of my master"

However, there are many sentiments and emotions that I do not possess; is this the aftereffect of absorbing literary thoughts? Pei Ziyun is ultimately a rational person who is decisive in action, and at this moment, he keenly senses this point

Is this what it means to be a scholar

... ...

As Pei Ziyun returned home, he hurriedly had lunch and then closed the door. At that moment, sunlight streamed through the window and the wooden shutters, illuminating the room.

"Day and night without leaving the house, year after year, my clothes gradually become loose, yet I have no regrets as I grow old."

Zhang Dashan, the night watchman at the village entrance, immediately woke up upon seeing someone approaching

Pei Ziyun rose and walked to the door. He hurriedly opened it and saw a young hunter with sword-like eyebrows, draped in animal skins, a knife at his waist, and a bow and arrows on his back. His eyes had a hint of ferocity at the corners, and he was his own junior disciple

Although it is not a good time for sleep, he could not bear it any longer. Pei Ziyun placed the book he had just obtained under his pillow and then lay flat on it.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dashan shuddered. He had long known that the son of the Zhang hunter was bold, but he never expected it to be to this extent. His body trembled as he glanced around, seeing that no one was nearby. He hurriedly said, "This cannot be allowed. If the Black Wind Thief hears this and truly comes to attack, you may not be afraid, but we are. Do not speak of this again, do not mention it any further."

When Pei Ziyun departed, the hidden talismans and shadows reappeared. Watching Pei Ziyun leave, there seemed to be a realization, and after a moment of silence, it was said: "How strange, just between the act of gifting the book, this young man seems to have gained some fortune. Could it be that this book is truly fated to be with him? With such a change, even if this young man is not the reincarnation of my master, he certainly cannot be an ordinary person"

At this moment, the young man turned around and saw a woman holding an oil lamp. He quickly bowed and said, "Good day, Aunt. I am Ziyun's junior disciple, and we both study under the same master. Today, at the master's command, I have come to invite my senior brother to go along. However, I am rather impatient and arrived early, only managing to catch a mountain chicken on the way. I hope you will accept it, Aunt."

At this moment, Pei Qianshi from next door was startled awake. After a while, she came out and saw that the light was still on. Upon closer inspection, she found a young man with a curved dagger hanging at his waist, reading a text.

Zhang Dashan was so frightened that he kept waving his hands

This is the Plum Blossom Thief? The true power of the Plum Blossom is indeed formidable, as it allows one to instantly acquire the fruits of decades of others' hard work. It is no wonder that the original owner and that Young Master Xie were able to rise to prominence through it, and also faced calamities.

It seems that stealing the essence of literary thought and rhythm also has a side effect. Pei Ziyun could not help but ponder.

The tea smoke rises gently, and the water vapor slowly ascends and spreads. The tea is warm, fragrant, and rich. One can hear this person respond: "You are right, but in my entire life, I have only been able to read books"

As he spoke, the manuscript hung in the air, the night had grown deep, and the wind had picked up. Just as the wind shifted, Pei Ziyun suddenly awoke with a start

This volume is the result of my lifelong dedication to reading. I have grown old and have come to see many things with indifference, yet this is the one thing I cannot let go of

The young girl before me is not yet married. This person gently pressed his hand on her forehead and said: "Your mother thinks I am unambitious, and your brother does not love studying. There is no one in the family to inherit. This manuscript is your dowry. In the future, when you see someone who is a serious scholar, sell it to him for ten wen!"

Waking up, I felt a slight chill on my body, as I sat alone in thin clothing, staring blankly at a stack of manuscript paper.