Chapter 282: Ren Shu is Here [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
"trouble?"
Upon hearing those two words, Lin Feng's heart skipped a beat, and a hint of helplessness appeared in his eyes. Although he was already panicking inside, he tried his best to remain calm and asked softly, "Mr. Gu, what's wrong? Is there a solution?"
Suddenly having the path of the scholar was like taking a reassurance pill—because no matter what her final aptitude was, her success in condensing her literary heart was a foregone conclusion, which meant she had a safety net—before Lin Feng could even savor the joy, he was thrown into a panic by Gu Chi's words and suddenly lost his confidence.
Gu Chi truthfully told Lin Feng, "The thief star has written countless incantations, vast as smoke, but few have circulated outside, and the content is fragmented and scattered... Even I have only occasionally seen two fragments of the *Qimin Yaoshu*. I do not yet know how many chapters it contains or what the full text is like. If you want to fully utilize your literary skills, you will need the complete *Qimin Yaoshu*..."
To date, the spiritual power related to agricultural books cannot be applied to the battlefield, nor can it govern the world or the country. It has no value for research and development, so scholars and writers naturally do not care about it and no one pays attention to it, resulting in very few agricultural books related spiritual power circulating outside.
Even if Gu Chi didn't say anything, Lin Feng should understand.
Lin Feng lowered his head and remained silent for a few moments.
Shen Tang felt a pang of heartache seeing this.
She winked at Gu Chi, signaling him not to make her cry and to try to comfort her. Gu Chi had no choice but to change the subject, comforting the pale-faced and dejected girl: "But you don't need to be discouraged, things aren't that bad."
Lin Feng rallied his spirits: "Can it be salvaged?"
Gu Chi smiled and said, "Of course, the worst-case scenario is that you can't fully master the way of the scholar, but that's not fatal."
Look at these literary figures around me.
Who has perfectly mastered the way of the scholar?
Aren't they lively and energetic too?
Lin Feng: "..."
I wasn't comforted at all...
Looking at Lin Feng's eyes, which were almost in tears, Gu Chi felt a little embarrassed, even though he was as thick-skinned as he was. If Chu Wuhui found out that he had deliberately made his precious student cry, wouldn't he draw his sword and fight him one-on-one to decide the outcome and decide the life or death?
He made up an excuse and ran away.
"I'll go find some pen and ink to write down the two fragments from memory. I'll ask your teacher and Qi Yuanliang later if they've read any other fragments of 'Qimin Yaoshu' and see how many we can piece together. Don't worry about these things; solidifying your foundation is the right way."
Lin Feng tried to calm the chaotic emotions in his mind.
He bowed gratefully to Gu Chi.
Gu Chi waved his hand, indicating that she didn't need to be so polite.
I plan to discuss with Chu Wuhui and the others later how to develop and utilize Lin Feng's way of the scholar—the lord's way of the feudal lord is related to agriculture, and his words can make people eat and drink their fill. Can Lin Feng's way of the scholar lead to a bountiful harvest?
If that's really the case—
I wonder how many innocent civilians will survive.
Before long, Gu Chi released three bluebirds, which Qi Shan, Chu Yao, and Kang Shi received almost simultaneously. The three bluebirds carried the same message, but Chu Yao received an extra one—he would be returning two days later.
Chu Yao was one of the "Three Heroes of Chu Kingdom" back then, so he shouldn't be unable to suppress such a small number of people in the valley.
Qi Shan stared blankly at the letter from the bluebird.
The Essential Techniques for the Common People?
I've vaguely heard a few fragments.
Qi Shan then wrote down what he remembered and passed it to Gu Chi, adding a question: "Do you need any other agricultural books?"
He hadn't read *Qimin Yaoshu*, but he had read three volumes of *Nongsang Jiyao*. Since they were both agricultural books, they might be useful. Kang Shi's reply was similar; he hadn't heard of *Qimin Yaoshu*, but he helped supplement *Nongsang Jiyao* with a new volume.
Gu Chi: "..."
Why is Lin Feng's "The Way of the Scholar" titled "Essential Techniques for the Common People" instead of "Essentials of Agriculture and Sericulture"? The latter only has seven volumes, while these two together make up four. As for "Essentials of Agriculture and Sericulture," which has over 60,000 characters, it seems a bit far-fetched that these two could memorize four volumes after only a casual glance—hehe, don't ask!
The answer is that all literary figures have a photographic memory!
Of course, the fundamental reason is that the alchemical palace of top-tier literary scholars can not only store literary energy, but also store backup words of wisdom.
_(:з)∠)_
Even if they couldn't, the scholars of Wenxin had excellent memories; they could often memorize an article of several hundred or a thousand words after reading it two or three times. Among them, the most helpful was their teacher, Chu Yao, who had read five volumes of "Qimin Yaoshu" in his youth.
Gu Chi: [Five volumes...that many?]
Chu Yao said: "The Chu Kingdom's palace has the complete set."
Most copies of the *Qimin Yaoshu* circulating in the market originated from the State of Chu. This book comprises ten volumes and ninety-two chapters, totaling 110,000 characters including annotations. However, being an agricultural text, only two copies exist: one is kept in the Chu royal palace, and the other was given as part of the princess's dowry. Chu Yao was able to read so much of it purely because the princess's husband was the son of his mentor.
It was later given to her mentor by the princess.
It was added to my mentor's private library.
Chu Yao was replaced by Wen Xin, and his mentor felt guilty and tried his best to make amends, even giving Chu Yao a key to his private library. It was then that Chu Yao accidentally came across the "Essential Techniques for the Common People," but he didn't finish reading it...
Gu Chi replied to Qingniao: 【Can it still be found?】
While waiting, I continued copying.
Chu Yao: [It's very difficult.]
After his literary talent was replaced, the Crown Prince of Chu, who had obtained his second-rank superior literary talent, was overthrown by his brothers and implicated in the "Disaster of Cursed Poisoning." His mentor, as a supporter of the Crown Prince, was also eradicated, and others were exiled and their homes confiscated.
The State of Chu was then destroyed by the State of Xin, and its palaces were burned down.
Those two sets of "Qimin Yaoshu" (Essential Techniques for the Common People), being agricultural books that were neither useful nor valued, are honestly very difficult to preserve.
unless--
Lin Feng will have the opportunity to enter the "Mountain and Sea Sacred Land" and bring out the complete set of "Qimin Yaoshu" from the Book Mountain.
However, this possibility is unlikely.
The "Mountain and Sea Sacred Land" is vast and boundless, with countless books. Who knows which one the "Essential Techniques for the Common People" is hidden in?
Many people didn't sleep that night.
Chu Yao and a few others were due to memorization.
Bai Su tossed and turned, unable to sleep, because of the question, "If women can also acquire literary talent, can they also acquire martial prowess?" Lin Feng was both excited and nervous, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep either.
The only one who could sleep soundly was Shen Tang.
The next day, the sun had not yet risen.
As usual, Shen Tang kicked the rooster and the yellow dog awake, giving the increasingly savvy bandits a good scare. She watched them do their morning exercises for a few laps before nodding in satisfaction—her gaze was gratified, as if she were watching a group of prisoners diligently and honestly reforming themselves in jail, and she was the great benefactor supervising and helping them reshape their lives—she felt a great sense of accomplishment in educating people.
On her way back, she was ambushed by Bai Su.
"Master Shen, please wait!"
"What is it?"
Bai Su bit her lower lip, nervous and uneasy: "Master Shen, no, Madam Shen... no, Master Shen, may we move aside and talk in detail?"
Calling someone "Master Shen Lang" is offensive to their true gender.
Calling her "Chen Niangzi" lacks authority and respect.
As a compromise, we'll still call him "Duke Shen".
Shen Tang did not move, and said directly, "You came here about the matter of martial arts, right? Just say what you have to say."
Bai Su asked, "Can I cultivate martial courage?"
She went straight to the point, asking her questions frankly.
After returning home last night, Bai Su repeatedly pondered every word Shen Tang and Gu Chi had said, especially Gu Chi's words. At first, she was excited, but after calming down, she discovered a shocking secret—one that completely dispelled her drowsiness.
Looking back over the past two hundred years, have you ever seen a ruler pass the throne to his daughter?
This means that the national seal, a symbol of power, was passed down only among male heirs, thus preventing the emergence of female scholars and writers.
Furthermore, since there are no female scholars or warriors, the female offspring of the ruler cannot obtain the royal seal.
The two are like a vicious cycle.
It has even become common sense in everyday life.
Until Shen Tang and Lin Feng appeared.
The vicious cycle has been broken.
In other words, the young girl in front of us, who is still quite young and has a childlike appearance, possesses a national seal!
Shen Tang: "If you have enough talent, you should be able to do it."
Bai Su's gaze was unwavering, her expression carrying a hint of arrogant confidence: "My talent surpasses that of ninety percent of all men in the world!"
Shen Tang said, "That's fine then."
Bai Su asked again, "What do I have to give in return?"
Shen Tang: "Loyalty."
Upon hearing this, Bai Su replied without hesitation, "My name is Bai Su, witnessed by the heavens. I am willing to serve Lord Shen for the rest of my life."
Shen Tang: "..."
So decisive and efficient?
At least hesitate for a moment...
In fact, Bai Sulai had thought about it a lot beforehand. Her decision was not impulsive, but rather the result of careful consideration.
She had previously told Shen Tang that she was willing to be at his beck and call. But that was merely to repay a debt of gratitude; she would help Shen Tang understand the various factions within the River Prefecture and help him establish a firm foothold, after which she could gracefully retire and repay this life-saving favor…
Making a vow now would be a gamble with one's entire life.
Those who practice martial arts always keep their word!
Although Bai Su didn't say much, Shen Tang could see the determination in her eyes and the stubbornness between her brows—she was serious.
Shen Tang asked, "Aren't you afraid of entrusting your trust to the wrong person?"
If she is just a hypocrite, saying one thing to your face and another behind your back, would Bai Su do the same if she asked Bai Su to do something against her morals? In Shen Tang's view, the relationship between a lord and his subordinates is actually similar to that between a boss and his employees.
If we're destined to work hard together, what if we break up...?
As long as it's not betrayal or stabbing, it's best to part ways amicably.
Who works for someone else not to make a living?
It's not worth risking your whole life for a job offer.
Even if Bai Su chose herself.
Bai Su shook her head and said, "I'm afraid, but I'm not afraid either."
Shen Tang: "..."
Bai Su said, “Shen Jun, I have traveled all over the country with my mentor since I was a child. Even if we have a clear conscience and believe that we are helping the weak and needy, in the eyes of the world, a thief is a thief. Even if the thief’s original intention was to help the poor. Not only do the victims think this way, but the common people who did not receive our help also think this way, and they will inevitably curse us behind our backs…”
Although she was not very old, the coldness of human relationships and the desolation of the world she had witnessed were beyond what Shen Tang could imagine.
Those of them in this line of work never thought they could die a peaceful death. To be buried in peace instead of being mutilated and hung up as a warning was considered a good ending. Bai Su understood this principle from the beginning, but as long as one is human, there will always be a will to live.
I just want to live, that's all.
"But I believe that Shen Jun is a good man." If he has the courage to fight, at least he won't lose his life and die with regrets after encountering a third-rate woman. He can live a more relaxed, longer, and more stable life than his mentor... This is already better than countless women in the world.
Even if it costs me my whole life, I won't lose out.
Shen Tang: "..."
Ah, I inexplicably feel an increased burden on my shoulders.
She exchanged a few more words with Bai Su, then prepared to go have some tea to sort out her complicated thoughts and figure out where she could woo more women like Lin Feng and Bai Su. She had barely stepped into the house when she heard Gu Chi's teasing, amused voice.
"I believe Shen Jun is the right person to entrust my life to... What a wonderful match between Shen Jun and Bai Niang... We are so envious."
Shen Tang: "..."
Why did it pass through Gu Chi's mouth...?
The atmosphere is different now?
She rolled her eyes inwardly.
"Even the most popular local stories can't be written by you."
Gu Chi nodded: "That's right, there's no story this exciting in the local folk tales. We can't think of it or write it."
Shen Tang: "..."
Gu Chi stopped teasing and instead straightened his expression, pushing a thick stack of papers toward Shen Tang.
Shen Tang picked it up and flipped through the top few pages. Seeing the first few words, she asked, "The Essential Techniques for the Common People?"
Gu Chi: "There is another part of the 'Essentials of Agriculture and Sericulture,' which takes time to copy. This is the part that has already been copied."
Shen Tang glanced at the total thickness of the paper, roughly several hundred sheets, then looked at Gu Chi, and a feeling of admiration welled up within her—
He spent the whole night copying these; is his right hand alright?
Gu Chi said, "It's not just me."
Shen Tang flipped to the middle.
The handwriting of Chu Yao and the other two was subsequently discovered.
"Wu Hui and the others have been here?" he exclaimed in surprise.
"He didn't come."
"They didn't come?"
Shen Tang looked at the thick stack in her hand with surprise.
Could it be that the message was delivered by a bluebird and then copied by Gu Chi alone?
Gu Chi chuckled, "Bluebird? How many words can a bluebird carry at once?"
Whether it's the "Essential Techniques for the Common People" or the "Essentials of Agriculture and Sericulture," they both use tens of thousands as the unit, with bluebirds flying in tens of thousands, the sky filled with green bluebirds...
The scene was too beautiful for him to imagine.
Shen Tang said, "More than a thousand words, I suppose..."
Gu Chi: "..."
That was a fat bird he could not have imagined.
For a moment, I didn't know whether to feel sorry for the recipient of such a long letter or for the poor wings of the bluebird.
Forget it, let's all feel the pain together.
Gu Chi coughed twice, skipping over the topic.
Shen Tang refused: "What's with that look? I have so much to say at once. If I don't write it all down at once, am I supposed to send it out one by one by a hundred bluebirds? Even if I were willing, I'm afraid the bluebirds would get mixed up..."
It would be strange if the recipient could understand it.
Gu Chi: "..."
Then why—
Instead of writing it on paper, hang it on the bluebird's ankle and send it over?
I completely don't understand Shen Lang's thought process.
Just as Shen Tang didn't understand him.
"The rest of the content will be delivered gradually. Let Lin Feng memorize the contents of the Word of Power. It may come in handy when it comes to farming in the spring..." Before he could finish speaking, a bluebird glided and swooped down gracefully, landing on Gu Chi's finger.
Shen Tang recognized it at a glance: "It's Wu Hui's."
After multiple communications, she could clearly distinguish the scholarly aura of the people, but she was puzzled as to why the recipient wasn't her.
Shen Tang rested her chin on her hand, trying to guess the contents of the letter.
until--
Gu Chi read the letter and was overjoyed: "Great news!"
Shen Tang was so frightened that she bit her tongue.
Covering her mouth, she said, "Just tell me the good news, why are you scaring me!"
"Shu Ren is coming!"
Ren Shu?
Shen Tang's eyes lit up.
(°艸°)/
My heart aches beyond measure.
The male-oriented novel I've been following, "Qin Cao," has been abandoned! Damn it, that feeling is just like the male lead's name—it's awful!
This monthly pass only had a guaranteed 100 points in all seven draws, which is even more infuriating!
(End of this chapter)
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