Chapter 1012 The Simple-minded Xie Zheng
All swords return to one, following the natural way.
Zhang Chengxuan did not believe that his cultivation method needed a solution.
Although his former master had expressed dissatisfaction, and they held differing opinions on many issues encountered on his spiritual path, he never questioned the type of practice he was following.
Practitioners uphold and abide by the rules and precepts of their sect in order to achieve better spiritual practice.
He simply chose to remain celibate throughout his life, and although he was young at the time, he never used it as an excuse.
By then, he had already learned many lessons and vaguely understood that choices inevitably lead to regrets.
Staying true to one's original aspirations and remaining steadfast in them is like the North Star in the wilderness of life.
In the afternoon, everyone stayed in their rooms to take a nap or meditate. Master Zhang and Xie Zheng went to the east room, where no one wanted to stay, to enjoy tea and chat.
"Senior brother, do you have time to teach me some battlefield skills?" Xie Zheng said, taking out a wooden box from his storage ring. "I sincerely wish to learn from you, so I have prepared this gift. Please accept it."
Zhang Chengxuan said helplessly, "You're already calling me senior brother, why do I need to prepare any gifts?"
That's what he said, but he still reached out and opened the box to see what was inside.
"Let me see..." Zhang Chengxuan looked up at Xie Zheng in surprise, "Are you sure this is for me? Could it be a gift to the wrong person?"
The chalcedony, with its clear and pure black hue, is a sight to behold. Such a rare piece of material, about the size of an egg, would be perfect for any carving.
Logically speaking, Xie Zheng would have given such fine material to Song Chunxue.
Besides, where did Xie Zheng find her? She wasn't there during these treasure hunts.
Although chalcedony cannot compare to jadeite, its purity and beautiful color, which are free of impurities and approach the quality of glass, are just as rare as green jadeite.
“No mistake,” Xie Zheng said sincerely. “To be honest, these are the ones she didn’t choose.”
Zhang Chengxuan couldn't help but laugh out loud, pointing at him and saying, "Well, I thought you were being so generous to me because Lord Xie wasn't so fickle, but it turns out you were the one my junior brother didn't choose. You're quite honest."
Xie Zheng smiled and poured him more tea. "But she doesn't know its value. The one she picked out wasn't as good as this one. The clarity is just right. I know my senior brother likes all kinds of beautiful things and enjoys making things himself. This one can be set in a hair ornament or belt, or it can be engraved with a seal. She said it would be a waste for her to keep it."
Zhang Chengxuan nodded, "It's good that she knows her place, so I won't be polite then."
He really liked these things. He would collect any pretty pebbles he came across on the road, and when he had time, he would drill holes in them and string them together. He didn't wear them, he just liked them because they looked nice, and he felt happy doing such things.
However, few people knew about his hobby, except for Xie Zheng.
Let's get back to the main topic.
Zhang Chengxuan sat cross-legged, reached out and broke off a piece of sweet yellow steamed bun. "Are you still planning to go back to the army?"
“Well, after much deliberation, I still feel that it’s not just about orders and the safety of my family. The border war is a matter of human effort, and I want to do what I can. But it won’t be long, maybe a year, two years at most.” He took a deep breath, his eyes deep and murky as he thought of the situation in the capital. “I used to disdain playing mind games, but now I have no choice but to walk this path.”
Zhang Chengxuan had already figured it out and wasn't surprised at all.
“A general with strategy is a general. Only by breaking the rules and rearranging the chessboard can there be a possibility of changing the outcome.” He took out three brocade pouches and placed them on the table. “Let me keep you in suspense for now. I will take them out when you are in a difficult decision. You only have three chances. Consider this my way of thanking you for your jade marrow.”
Looking at the brocade pouches, all the same size and neatly stitched, Xie Zheng's feelings were indescribable.
He had known Master Zhang for many years, even longer than he had known Song Chunxue.
Having seen the magnificent landscapes of China, Xie Zheng felt a sense of familiarity with this seemingly barren land, yet one brimming with endless possibilities, because he had met two very special people in his life who gave him a sense of belonging.
One became his emotional anchor, and the other was a Taoist priest who was both a teacher and a friend, whom he would rather lose his future than lose.
Life is a vast ocean, and he has met so many people, but he never expected that, apart from feeling hesitant and uneasy in front of Ah Xue, he would try his best to keep this Taoist priest, who was trying so hard to bring the two of them together, knowing his unspeakable thoughts.
You may know many people, but how many are true friends?
He didn't want Master Zhang to be like those passersby who met and left in the sea of people, never to be seen again.
Having navigated the officialdom for many years, he had a thorough understanding of human relationships and worldly affairs, but putting them into practice was extremely difficult.
Others might find it hypocritical to say it out loud, but when facing Zhang Chengxuan, his nervousness was no less than when he confessed his feelings to Song Chunxue.
Lovers need to put in effort, and so do close friends.
Ancient people sang praises of close friends and confidants, and Xie Zheng was no exception.
In this world, only Zhang Chengxuan made him feel that he was vulgar, selfish, and self-serving.
He cherished this mirror greatly, so he admitted that he wanted to try his best to prolong this affection.
Zhang Chengxuan felt a chill run down his spine under Xie Zheng's gaze. "Lord Xie, what are you laughing at me for?"
He touched his arm. "Just say what you want to say. You're acting so strangely today. Is there something you're having trouble saying?"
“If you’re not going to tell me, then take your junior brother out for a stroll. Don’t you want to visit the place where she grew up?” Zhang Chengxuan said irritably. “You could visit her older sisters and brothers instead of just staring at me with that silly grin. It’s creepy.”
Xie Zheng lowered his head and smiled, picking up the teacup with both hands. "I just feel that if I could cultivate a mind as clear and calm as yours in this life, I would be content."
"Stop trying to flatter me out of the blue. I'm not buying it," Zhang Chengxuan said disdainfully. "Once you finish what you're doing, I reckon Master will officially accept you as his disciple. Master will probably grumble for a while after hearing that. You're just trying to kill me with flattery."
He waved his hand, "The craftsmen will be busy and noisy in a while, so you two should talk things out and stop talking nonsense to me."
"Senior brother..."
"Hurry up," Zhang Chengxuan urged. "I'm going to assign those brats their training tasks for today. You guys go do whatever you need to do."
Xie Zheng stood up and took out a tea canister, placing it on the table. "I brought some tea for my senior brother. Try it."
After saying that, he deftly lifted the curtain and left.
Zhang Chengxuan was helpless. He didn't know what Xie Zheng was so anxious and awkward about.
But this tea is good; it's Green Snow Bud, and he likes it very much.
Just then, Tu Dan'er came in from outside, sweating profusely. "Master, we've been here so long, feeding the horses is too much trouble. Why don't we return the carriage and fly back on our swords tonight?"
"They haven't done their homework for today. Call the four of them in," Master Zhang instructed. "Remember to buy some saplings when you go to town. I'll make a list for you. Ask around in several places; many of them probably can't be found in the county."
Tu Dan'er asked curiously, "What does Master need to buy trees for? Can we go to Jincheng to find some? We also want to buy some other things."
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