Chapter 4: The Storyteller
The Zheng family of Xingyang has consistently supported Crown Prince Yang Yong
Duoduo's boxing technique is not particularly complex
Zheng Yanqing internally expressed agreement with Zheng Dash's viewpoint
This sudden change in Duoduo made Zheng Yanqing a bit more cautious
In the presence of Zheng Dashishi, Zheng Shanguo is merely a junior.
"Little Scholar, you watch me practice all day; do you wish to learn?"
Therefore, Zheng Yanqing also came from a humble background, yet he lived very freely at Anyuantang
The aristocratic families that have existed for hundreds of years certainly possess their own means of self-preservation
He is not as restless as other children of his age; most of the time, he is as calm as an adult. For instance, when practicing martial arts, most children would certainly be unable to endure it. Even Duo Duo finds it tedious to practice every day.
A hint of a smile, reminiscent of a little fox, appeared on Duoduo's face
Young scholar, practicing martial arts is not an easy task. In addition to the techniques, one must also rely on various medicinal substances... This requires a significant amount of money. It would be best for you to discuss this with your grandfather to see if he is willing to support your martial arts training. If your grandfather agrees, I can prepare some elixirs for you. However, the cost of preparing these elixirs is quite astonishing
Of course, it is said that a hundred days are needed to establish a foundation, a thousand days to refine one's energy, ten years to transform the spirit, and a cycle of sixty years to return to emptiness. Each of these steps requires a substantial amount of wealth as a foundation. Merely establishing a foundation, if one is fortunate, can be accomplished in a hundred days; if one is unfortunate, it may take ten years without yielding results. Not to mention that after establishing the foundation, one must also undergo bone transformation, muscle transformation, and marrow washing... Each step taken incurs an enormous cost... Not to mention that after establishing the foundation, one must also undergo bone transformation, muscle transformation, and marrow washing... Each step taken incurs an enormous cost...
The fate of the Zheng family is to be managed by the members of the Zheng family themselves
As Zheng Yanqing envisioned, the death of the Yuan Consort marked the beginning of the struggle between Prince Yang Guang and Crown Prince Yang Yong
However, for Zheng Yanqing, he is unable to participate in or influence the choices made by the Zheng family.
Zheng Yanqing often sits for most of the day, watching her practice martial arts
The "Yuanfei" mentioned by Zheng Shanguo refers to the legitimate wife of Yang Yong, the Crown Prince of the Sui Dynasty
Well... I have known it since I was young
At this time, Duke Gui of Chang invited Master Zheng to discuss this matter...
Zheng Yanqing did not understand martial arts in his previous life, but he was extremely curious about and yearned for martial arts
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At this moment, Xu's mother was not at home, and Zheng Shian was in the study of Anyuantang attending to Master Zheng. It was only then that Zheng Yanqing felt it appropriate to ask.
Sister Duoduo, can I also practice martial arts?
Zheng Yanqing is not very convinced by this statement
After Zheng Yanqing was weaned, Zheng Shi'an allowed Xu Ma to continue staying in his residence at hetushucomcom
Duo Duo's smile is radiant, and her tone is very gentle
Yet, Xu's mother was very interested in his behavior, even encouraging Duoduo to practice with him
Duo Duo, have you completed your foundation building now
At the time when Duoduo entered the Zheng family, she was in the foundation-building stage. The reason for her concealment within the Zheng family was, on one hand, to seek refuge, and on the other hand, likely due to the pressures of life. As a mere servant, how much income could she possibly have? Just to secure basic necessities would be sufficient. However, Duoduo needed to practice her skills, to lay a solid foundation, and required medicinal aids. Without money or resources, how could she achieve her goals?
As the saying goes, the poor are learned while the rich are martial.
What Zheng Yanqing is concerned about also originates from Xu Ma and her daughter
With both eyes fixed on the palm, the punch appears slow, yet the retraction is as swift as lightning
However, he is adept at concealing his feelings, and being just a child, even adults find it difficult to perceive the changes in his thoughts, let alone Duoduo, who is only seven or eight years old; how could she possibly detect any clues? The more she smiles warmly and speaks kindly, the more cautious Zheng Yanqing becomes
Zheng Shanguo and others began to seek opportunities to befriend Yang Guang, while Zheng Shanyuan continued to openly support Yang Yong
Sister Duoduo, without the assistance of medication, is it very difficult to complete the foundation building?
Sister, is practicing martial arts very expensive
Now, she is no longer the little girl who would draw her sword at the slightest provocation three years ago. She also harbors much less hostility towards Zheng Yanqing
Although the consequences of the death of the Yuan Consort are unknown, the members of the Zheng family have keenly sensed a hint of foreboding
Because Zheng Yanqing enjoys writing and painting, Duoduo jokingly refers to him as 'the scholar'. This term originally referred to a person of exceptional talent, but over time, it has evolved into a designation of academic achievement.
The consort was also of noble birth; how could she endure such neglect? Coupled with her physical condition, she ultimately succumbed to a sudden death due to heartache
Yang Yong's infatuation with women had already made him unpopular with Empress Dugu
Zheng Yanqing later learned that this Zheng Shanguo is the son of the Zheng Yi brothers. With the connections of Zheng Yi, Zheng Shanguo has just stepped down from his position as the governor of Yizhou and has been promoted to the position of Right Grand Master of the Palace, a status that far surpasses that of Zheng Dashi
She also knows that Zheng Yanqing is a very peculiar little fellow
A few days later, Zheng Yanqing received his household registration and officially settled in the Zheng family.
Sister Duoduo, what are you practicing?
Certainly, part of Zheng Yanqing's temperament is inherited from his past life, which is somewhat aloof, adhering to the belief that "the friendship of gentlemen is as insipid as water." Without being close friends, it is difficult to establish a very intimate connection. On the other hand, the background of Xu Ma and her daughter is somewhat mysterious, making Zheng Yanqing feel the need to be cautious. Duoduo is not an easy girl to get along with, so although they live under the same roof, they rarely engage in friendly conversations.
Dragon Subduing Skill
Due to Zheng Shi'an, although Zheng Yanqing is merely a servant of the Zheng family, he lives a very comfortable life
However, Zheng Yanqing can no longer devote his energy to such matters, as there are many considerations he needs to take into account
There is a sense of disdain between the languages
Therefore, the death of the Yuan Consort will undoubtedly trigger a turmoil
These two outcomes have, to varying degrees, led to an internal division within the Zheng family
In the past, when I practiced martial arts, my master, who taught me the Dragon Subduing Skill, said that while talent is important, perseverance is even more crucial. Therefore, talent and resilience account for six parts, while the remaining four parts are attributed to financial resources. Indeed, opportunities are important, but without financial support to establish a solid foundation, it is impossible to achieve success. All four elements are indispensable, do you understand
Zheng Shi'an's position within the Zheng family is particularly unique. Although he also comes from a humble background and is a servant of the Zheng family, in Anyuantang, apart from Zheng Dashu and the father-son duo of Zheng Renji, Zheng Shi'an wields the greatest authority. Even though Zheng Renji has taken a new wife, a clever woman from the Cui family of Qinghe, replacing Zheng Shi'an's position in Anyuantang is by no means an easy task
Having lived together for three years, Zheng Yanqing rarely heard Duoduo speak in such a tone
Duoduo first displayed a look of pride, but then gently shook her head in disappointment, "I could have completed the foundation two years ago and entered the Qi Refining and Bone Transformation stage. However... little scholar, I am not foolish; it is merely due to constraints that I have been delayed"
Compared to the later emphasis on literature over military affairs, the Sui and Tang dynasties exhibited a strong martial spirit
Among those around Yang Guang, there were also capable individuals like Yang Su and Han Qintian
Although Duoduo had tried her best to be cautious, she was still inadvertently seen through by Zheng Yanqing.
What was originally an ordinary question made Duoduo somewhat impatient
During the three years at the Zheng family, Zheng Yanqing was influenced by what he heard and saw, and he also came to understand many matters, certainly being aware of the meaning of this statement
It was only during the time of Zheng Renji that, due to poor health, he shifted his focus to military strategy, yet it still fell within the realm of martial affairs
Zheng Yanqing was hearing such a statement for the first time and could not help but ask, "Then in today's world, who is the Grand Master?"
Yang Yong, along with the books, has long held a dislike for the Yuan concubine
However, he does not know what form he will ultimately achieve
The tone was rather seductive, causing Zheng Yanqing to become a bit more cautious.
In the tenth month of the twentieth year of the Kaihuang era, which marked the third year since Zheng Yanqing arrived at the Zheng family, Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Guang, deposed Crown Prince Yang Yong and his children, reducing them to commoners. In November, he established Prince Jin, Yang Guang, as the crown prince, and the following year, he changed the era name to Renshou, thus ending the three-year-long struggle for the crown prince position
Zheng Dashi was also skilled in horseback riding and archery; in his youth, he could ride fierce horses and draw a strong bow
Dragon Subduing Skill
Moreover, Yang Guang had merits in the campaign against the Southern Chen, particularly during his time stationed in Jiangdu, where he attracted a large number of renowned scholars from the Southern Dynasties. Yang Guang himself was also skilled in strategy and was greatly favored by Empress Dugu, making it difficult for Yang Yong to secure his position as crown prince
Zheng Yanqing felt somewhat moved
On ordinary days, if there is nothing to do, I take a small stick and write or draw in the sand of the backyard, which seems somewhat reclusive
Even though he is a direct descendant, he must still show utmost respect when facing his clan uncle, who holds a lower official position than him
Therefore, Duoduo does not have any particular fondness for Zheng Yanqing, but neither does she dislike him. She simply feels that being with Zheng Yanqing, although somewhat dull, brings her a sense of inner peace. This is a rather peculiar feeling that Duoduo finds difficult to articulate
On a day in March of the first year of the Ren Shou era, Zheng Yanqing, dressed in white, sat on the steps at the entrance of the main hall, watching Duo Duo practicing her martial arts in front of the hall. Duo Duo was already eight years old, and perhaps due to her training, she had developed physically quite early. At just eight years of age, she was already tall, nearly a head taller than Zheng Yanqing, and her figure was graceful, resembling a delicate beauty in her prime.
In the past, when Emperor Wen of Sui rose to power, he largely had the support of the family of Empress Dugu, which is why he was very obedient to her.
Duo Duo said: "I have heard people say that a true man should wield a three-foot sword in pursuit of fame and success. Look at you, spending your days idly, only knowing how to scribble in the dirt with a stick, lacking the strength to even bind a chicken. How will you ever stand out in the future? Instead, I will have you practice your skills. Who knows, one day it might come in handy. But tell me, can you endure hardship?"
This young girl does not genuinely wish to teach herself martial arts; she is likely seeking to take advantage of her convenience to complete her foundational training.
Little scholar, why are you asking so many questions? You only need to tell me whether you truly wish to learn the Dragon Subduing Skill from me
Acquiring a skill for self-defense is indeed a good approach. I recall that during the early Tang dynasty, it was an era marked by the emergence of renowned generals
After experiencing the chaos of the Five Barbarians and the division of the Southern and Northern Dynasties, even those prominent families that specialized in classical texts and history had to emphasize both literary and martial skills. Take the Zheng family as an example, with the Jingjing Hall focusing on literature and the Anyuan Hall discussing martial affairs. Zheng Dashi's ancestor, Zheng Lianshan, established the family through martial prowess, followed by Zheng Xianhu, Zheng Wei, and Zheng Ding, all of whom were exceptionally brave and renowned throughout the land.
Zheng Dashi selected a courtyard in Anyuantang and gifted it to Zheng Shi'an. It was a narrow and elongated siheyuan, not large in area, but well-equipped. Entering from the main gate, there were the central hall, the back courtyard, and the main sleeping quarters in succession. On both the east and west sides, there were two corridor houses each, which could also be used for accommodation and for raising livestock.
His interest in Xu Ma and her daughter stems from the fact that he has discovered many secrets hidden within them.
However, Zheng Yanqing still received some news: Duoduo's background is not too low!
Who is Zheng Yanqing
Mending and washing... In Zheng Shian's view, although Zheng Yanqing has been weaned, he is still quite young and needs someone to take care of him
The Empress Dowager was once again chosen by Empress Dugu for Yang Yong. Her death will undoubtedly provoke a conflict between Empress Dugu and the Crown Prince. Moreover, Yang Guang, currently the Prince of Jin, has returned to Chang'an from Jiangdu and is eyeing the position of Crown Prince with great interest
Zheng Yanqing thought for a moment and feigned innocence, saying: "Then I will practice too!"
Aunt Xu is no longer a wet nurse.
Even someone as gentle as Zheng Yanqing cannot be an exception. For the past two years, he has often sat on the steps watching Duo Duo practice, while Duo Duo, who initially rejected him, has now become accustomed to his presence and has long since ignored his existence
Duo Duo answered casually
After finishing her practice, she was quite sweaty; however, within the scent of her sweat, there was a faint fragrance reminiscent of a young girl, perhaps what people often refer to as 'fragrant sweat'.
The Zheng family was not significantly affected by this conflict
There is a saying: In every man's heart, there exists a dream of being a martial artist
Zheng Yanqing seemed to casually ask, "Sister Duoduo, where did you learn this skill?"
The Zheng family must take precautions in advance, analyze and assess the situation, and make the correct choice.
He knows that after the great undertaking, a chaotic era will arrive
Since ancient times, the victor has always written history. The Li Tang dynasty seized the territory of the Sui and naturally would engage in some embellishment. As the last ruler of a fallen state, Emperor Yang of Sui inevitably faced vilification. Thus, Yang Yong, as Emperor Yang's opponent, would naturally be glorified. Without this, how could the great achievements of the Li Tang dynasty be highlighted? Moreover, this "Book of Sui" was written by the Tang people
One moment it is drawn in, the next it is released; one moment it is fast, the next it is slow; the changes are unpredictable, creating an extremely intense visual conflict. This is not the first time Zheng Yanqing has watched Duoduo practice martial arts. In fact, he discovered Duoduo's secret of martial prowess two years ago. Consequently, his curiosity about Xu Ma and her daughter has intensified, leading him to speculate more than once about their origins.
Later, it became interesting as Yun Zhao was taken as a concubine, further casting aside the original wife
Zheng Dashih privately told Zheng Shi'an: "Supporting the Crown Prince with good intentions has already offended the Empress and Prince Jin, and I fear it will be difficult to last long."
Although Zheng Shanyuan stood in the wrong line, Emperor Wen of Sui did not blame him too harshly. Instead, he conferred titles upon Zheng Shanyuan's two brothers, Zheng Yuanfu and Zheng Yuancao, as Duke of Chenggao and Baron of Yong'an, respectively. In the eyes of the entire court, the Zheng family of Xingyang seemed to be favored even more.
The Zheng family faced a significant divergence in their choice between Yang Yong and Yang Guang. The clan leader, Zheng Shanyuan, strongly advocated for continued support of the crown prince, Yang Yong. However, Zheng Dashi and Zheng Shanguo believed that Yang Yong, despite his ambitions, lacked the necessary talent and had offended Empress Dugu, which could lead to dire consequences. Most importantly, although Yang Yong had consistently assisted Yang Jian in his duties, he was far less esteemed than Prince Yang Guang. Even with the support of prominent ministers such as Gao Ying, He Ruobi, and Shi Wansui, he remained no match for Yang Guang. Most importantly, although Yang Yong had consistently assisted Yang Jian in his duties, he was far less esteemed than Prince Yang Guang. Even with the support of prominent ministers such as Gao Ying, He Ruobi, and Shi Wansui, he remained no match for Yang Guang.
"Why not? You are only five years old, which is the perfect age for practicing martial arts. As long as you can endure hardship and persist, you will definitely succeed in your training"
Xu Ma and her daughter live in the corridor house in the front yard
The wife of Emperor Wen of Sui was Empress Dugu, a woman known for her jealous temperament
Duo Duo wiped her face and sat down beside Zheng Yanqing
To obtain, one must first give
In the historical records of later generations, there is considerable sympathy for Prince Yang Yong of the Sui Dynasty, describing him as gentle in temperament and possessing the demeanor of an elder. However, he had a penchant for luxury and was somewhat infatuated with women
Duo Duo shook her head, "That's not the case... Master has said that perseverance will surely lead to breakthroughs, but the sooner it is completed, the better, because the older one gets, the harder it becomes to break through. If one misses the best age for refining Qi and transforming bones, it will be impossible to reach the realm of a grandmaster in the future."
Duoduo's response seemed quite casual, yet she was tight-lipped and revealed no information
In impoverished families, there are limited means, and one can only rely on education to seek a way out; however, for those who practice martial arts, it requires cleansing the marrow and expelling the impurities, which incurs expenses in various aspects. Children from ordinary families, even if they wish to practice martial arts, cannot afford the exorbitant costs
In the blink of an eye, Zheng Yanqing has turned three years old. If calculated according to the method used by people in the Sui Dynasty, he is actually five years old