Chapter 336: You've Fooled Me Out of My Mind [Part 2]
Because Bai Su humbly said that she "knew a little," Gu Chi didn't ask any more questions out of curiosity, assuming that she did indeed know a little bit.
Gu Chi also needed to go to the camp, traveling with Bai Su.
As soon as they stepped into the camp gate, they heard the sound of horses' hooves approaching. Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw that the person coming was Zhao Feng, who had returned from outside the city, followed by hundreds of soldiers running in formation. He had previously led his soldiers out of the city to inspect the fields.
Zhao Feng had clearly noticed them as well.
Tighten the reins when you get close.
"What brings Mr. Gu here?"
Zhao Feng dismounted, and when his gaze fell on Bai Su, his pupils contracted sharply. She had just condensed her martial spirit, and her martial energy was still dissipating and not yet perfectly contained. For a moment, Zhao Feng forgot about Gu Chi's presence, rubbed his eyelids, and then opened his eyes again.
Good heavens, he wasn't mistaken!
Gu Chi knew the problem just by looking at Zhao Feng's eyes.
He smiled and smoothed things over, saying, "I'm here to take care of some business. Why do you look at me like that? Do you think I'm the kind of person who's lazy and cunning, spending my days idly wandering around?"
He attributed Zhao Feng's unusual reaction to himself.
Zhao Feng glanced at Gu Chi and then at Bai Su. Seeing that Gu Chi showed no surprise, he gestured towards Bai Su, opened his mouth as if to speak, but then stopped himself. Gu Chi didn't deliberately keep him in suspense. He followed Zhao Feng's gaze and then looked on with a look of realization.
"Is Da Yi surprised by this?"
Zhao Fengqi was so impressed by his composure that it made him look even more surprised. He said incredulously, "Isn't this surprising enough? This is truly unprecedented!"
Bai Su, standing to the side, understood what the two were talking about.
He opened his mouth as if to say something—
Is something that has existed since ancient times necessarily correct?
But she did not act impulsively—partly due to her personality, and partly because Zhao Feng was her mentor, who had taught her everything he knew over the past few months, and had not looked down on her or rejected her in terms of military strategy, tactics, and troop deployment just because she was a woman.
Zhao Feng treated her well, partly because Shen Jun had entrusted him with something, but another part was also related to Zhao Feng's nature.
"Otherwise what?"
In this world, although women may be able to sense the energy of heaven and earth, their bodies, for some reason, are like ripped bags, unable to use them to open their dantian, let alone gather and condense their literary and martial spirit. This is already common knowledge.
Zhao Feng considered himself a rough man and couldn't think of any elegant or apt metaphor. To put it another way, the impact of Bai Su's display of martial prowess on him was no less than that of a man with a large belly who shyly tells everyone that his wife got him pregnant.
Therefore—
Why was Gu Chi not surprised when he saw the man pregnant... no, ptooey, Bai Su gathering her martial courage?
She calmly asked him why he was surprised.
In fact, Zhao Feng preferred to believe that Bai Su, with her heroic appearance, was a man, and that she simply had feminine features...
It sounds more convincing than a woman gathering martial spirit.
Gu Chi didn't miss Zhao Feng's thoughts; if he weren't a professional, he really wouldn't have been able to hold back his laughter. At the same time, he was also glad that Zhao Feng didn't overthink it.
Well, even if you think about it a lot, you might not be able to figure out the national seal.
There are plenty of monarchs who possess the Imperial Seal, and there has never been a female warrior before, yet our lord is still seen as a "young man" by outsiders _(:з)∠)_
Because of the stereotype, Gu Chi had room to maneuver.
He said, “My lord often says, ‘In a big forest, you'll find all kinds of birds.’ There are always a few exceptions in this world. I’ve even heard that a local county record mentions a butcher with a full beard who actually got pregnant… Lady Bai Su has excellent physique, training diligently through the coldest and hottest winters and summers, remaining consistent for many years. Her perseverance in martial arts is astonishing; what kind of miracle can’t she achieve?”
Zhao Feng did not refute this.
He might question Bai Su's gender, but he wouldn't question her efforts, understanding, and perseverance. After all, they had spent a lot of time together over the past few months, and he had seen and remembered Bai Su's character. Gu Chi pressed his advantage, continuing to deceive Zhao Feng with his eyes wide open.
"The hardships of martial arts training are unbearable for most men, and there are few men with the aptitude and courage to develop martial arts skills, let alone women. Consider this: how many women have practiced martial arts before? And how many of them truly possessed the talent and aptitude?"
Zhao Feng followed Gu Chi's logic.
That makes sense.
The fact that no female martial arts practitioners have appeared before may simply be because we haven't encountered women with the talent and the dedication to martial arts.
Women from commoner families, whose bodies are not yet fully developed, are forced to marry and have children as soon as they reach marriageable age, or even before. They revolve around their husbands and children, working in the fields, and rarely get to eat meat more than twice a year.
Women from powerful and wealthy families are better off, being meticulously raised in the inner courtyards and rarely venturing beyond the main gate. Even when they go out to enjoy flowers and spring outings, they are always surrounded by a group of maids and servants. How could they possibly be swinging stone mills of different sizes to practice their strength?
Female martial artists are extremely rare. Zhao Feng has only ever seen a handful in his entire life, let alone female martial artists.
Zhao Feng was gradually persuaded by Gu Chi.
Gu Chi then offered other reasons.
This left Zhao Feng speechless.
His tone was solemn, and his words flowed eloquently as he spoke in a well-organized manner: "Dayi is a man who has seen many storms. Does he know what 'heretic' means? How can you guarantee that there haven't been other female martial artists before? The world has a balance of Yin and Yang, and people accept that martial artists are male. In the eyes of some, however, female martial artists are Yin energy usurping Yang, violating the natural order and morality. They are women performing men's duties, suppressing Yang and causing endless disasters. They should be eliminated!"
Zhao Feng was greatly shocked upon hearing this!
Gu Chi's speculation wasn't without merit!
The current world does indeed emphasize that men have an external role and women have an internal role, and that men and women are different, just like yin and yang. Many scholars also believe that only men possess martial spirit and literary talent, which should be related to "yang energy," while women are associated with yin.
Men and women are different, and yin and yang are distinct; how can they be used indiscriminately?
Going against the laws of nature is "heretical".
Zhao Feng couldn't guarantee that what Gu Chi said wouldn't happen!
"What do you mean by 'watching the tide'—you probably mean something like...?"
This statement, seemingly meant to soothe Bai Su's emotions, was actually intended to lower her guard so that he could be used to commit murder.
Gu Chi: "???"
Was there something wrong with his statement or was there something wrong with Zhao Dayi's brain? Why would anyone think he wanted to kill Bai Su?
Gu Chi nodded: "We must keep this a secret."
A pang of pity flickered in Zhao Feng's eyes: "Is this Mr. Shen's idea? Does Mr. Shen know about it, or is it Mr. Gu's idea?"
Gu Chi's smile was awkward and distorted.
He suppressed his outburst, deliberately emphasizing his words: "Naturally, it is my lord's will. My lord is a man who cherishes talent, and Lady Bai Su has such a tragic past. It's not easy for her life to have a chance to turn around, how could he miss it? I'm just worried that Da Yi might have some reservations..."
After listening, Zhao Fengcai realized that he had been overthinking things.
Shen Jun treated the common people under his rule with such kindness and did his best to protect them. How could he kill Bai Su because of unfounded worldly prejudice? This was a martial artist with great courage! In the process of governing Fugu City, Bai Su had worked hard, even if she had no merit.
“Is Feng that kind of petty person?” Zhao Feng said firmly, reassuring Bai Su, “There will be no grudges. It’s just that—Madam Bai Su is not too young… If you want to reach the top, you may have to endure hardships that are unimaginable to ordinary people.”
He felt that Bai Su might get married soon and her focus would shift away from martial arts, which was a pity.
Bai Su received the signal that the alarm had been lifted and finally breathed a sigh of relief. Her eyes were resolute: "I'm not afraid of hardship!"
My greatest pursuit in this life is to reach the summit.
Weddings and such...
The teacher never imagined it.
Bai Su, who inherited her will, never thought of it.
Men are often unfaithful; the teacher's experiences in his youth are enough to prove everything. Why should Bai Su fall into the same trap again?
Zhao Feng chuckled and teased, "If you find your Mr. Right in the future, he probably won't be able to bear seeing you suffer like this."
Bai Su replied, "Then it's better to get rid of a man like that."
Using the excuse of "not being willing to endure hardship" to hinder her from pursuing her ideals and moral principles—isn't this kind of man inherently heartless and cruel? He's even more disgusting than just being purely evil.
Gu Chi, who had been watching the whole thing unfold, was speechless.
Bai Xiaoniangzi is young but has a great spirit.
He has seen through the illusions of the world at such a young age.
However, she was right about one thing.
Pursuing moral ideals is indeed more appealing than pursuing men, and by the same token, men are the same. Gu Chi felt that marriage was meaningless; even the most loving couples in the world would have different dreams while sleeping in the same bed.
Life is too short, why not do something more meaningful?
For example, to leave a mark on history.
Zhao Feng choked for a moment, not taking those words seriously.
When his daughter was little, she used to say that he was the most magnificent and heroic man in the world and that her future husband should look like him. But as she grew a little older, she started to dislike him. In the last two years, when they were discussing marriage, she even blacklisted the burly, martial man.
She bluntly stated that her future husband must be refined and cultured.
Zhao Feng also thought that Bai Su was too young and her mind was not settled. He estimated that she would change her mind in two years.
This crisis was thus resolved.
Zhao Feng was curious about Bai Su's state before and after condensing her Martial Courage, trying to figure out the secrets of female Martial Courage condensation from her, perhaps her experience could come in handy. Gu Chi, on the other hand, stood by and smoothed things over, ensuring that Zhao Feng had no ulterior motives.
Why would someone of such high moral character be curious about these things?
Zhao Feng didn't hide anything and replied with a smile, "I have a daughter who loves playing with swords and spears. She'll be of marriageable age in two years. If Bai Su Niangzi's experience can be effective on her, I can rest assured when she gets married in the future..."
Martial arts practitioners generally do not live long.
They possessed robust physiques, but most would perish on the battlefield, and Zhao Feng had always considered it his final resting place. He wasn't afraid of death, but he feared that after his death, his family would be left without protection and would suffer bullying. He could rest assured if his daughter possessed martial prowess.
At least, if a couple's marriage becomes unbearable, they have a way out and won't end up like other women in the household who die in despair.
Gu Chi sighed, "The hearts of parents are full of love and concern for their children."
Unfortunately, Bai Su's experience was of little use.
The root cause of women's inability to unite their literary and martial spirit lies not in anything else, but in the monarch they serve.
Touched, Zhao Feng sighed, "That's right... I don't expect him to be outstanding, just peaceful and stable..."
Bai Su pretended not to know the truth and humbly and politely expressed that she would do her best to cooperate, which made Zhao Feng smile.
"Good, good, good student!"
Zhao Feng was deeply moved upon hearing this.
They became more attentive to Bai Su's studies.
That evening, the news reached Shen Tang and a few others. She suggested holding a celebration banquet for Bai Su the next day, which flattered Bai Su, who quickly declined. How could she, a mere lowly noblewoman, be worthy of her lord's elaborate preparations?
Shen Tang then said, "What do you mean by 'just a low-ranking nobleman'? You are my future right-hand man! As long as you are a martial artist, I will take you regardless of gender! I also have a plan to have you select and build an elite female force."
There are plenty of male warriors and scholars, but countless bosses are vying for a piece of the pie!
Despite having limited power and territory, she is no match for other big spenders in the talent competition, but she is not in the women's field, where her competitiveness is off the charts! Due to the depletion of resources during wartime, there are actually more women than men in the world.
They were at a huge disadvantage and were dirt poor.
But her advantages are equally obvious.
It would be a disservice to her not to develop this fertile land!
Bai Su is like a flag, an advertisement.
Shen Tang has already come up with advertising slogans.
See that? Come into her bowl, and literary talent and martial prowess will be within your grasp! Anything is possible!
Bai Su hadn't expected Shen Tang to value her so much. Her heart pounded, and she asked with her dry, moist lips, "Now?"
Shen Tang awkwardly looked away.
"Of course not. Right now, you should follow Zhao Feng and learn from him how to train and manage troops... With his experience, you can avoid many detours in the future. Sharpening your axe won't delay your work!" The real reason is that Shen Tang is still poor, and the common people under his rule are still barely able to survive. He simply doesn't have the extra savings to build another army. He will have to wait until this autumn harvest when he has more money.
Bai Su didn't think much of it.
He simply kept Shen Tang's words firmly in mind.
She then asked, "My lord, there is one more thing..."
"you say."
Bai Su sought Shen Tang's opinion.
She wanted to dress as a man.
He dressed as a man before Shen Tang had fully grown up.
Shen Tang asked, "Why?"
Bai Su replied, "Mr. Gu is right."
Before having sufficient strength to resist and ignore worldly prejudices, keeping a low profile and lying low is a prudent choice. Bai Su is not afraid of death, but she does not want to be forced to her death by the excuse of "yin energy usurping yang energy," and she does not want to cause any trouble for Shen Tang.
"Our lord has grand ambitions; we must proceed with utmost caution!"
What does it matter whether you wear men's or women's clothing?
She doesn't change her gender just because of her clothes.
Bai Su was open-minded about this.
She must live to reach the top!
Shen Tang nodded in agreement: "Whatever you wish for."
What's wrong with dressing up as a man? Even if Gu Chi and the others came over and asked her to dress up as a woman, she would agree. She could wear whatever she wanted.
"Thank you, my lord."
Shen Tang then remembered another matter that she needed to ask Bai Su: "Did your teacher leave you a message before he passed away?"
"Words?" Bai Su's pretty face flushed slightly. "No."
A woman's name is only given when she reaches the age of marriage or gets married.
Her parents or husband would give her a name, but Bai Su was determined not to marry, so her teacher naturally wouldn't leave her a name.
Shen Tang chewed on the pen, looking troubled, and said, "I'll have to think of something for you carefully. The Martial Courage Tiger Tally requires a character."
Otherwise, it's easy to make a fool of yourself.
Bai Su didn't understand what he meant, her eyes were blank.
Shen Tang sighed, "You wouldn't want your childhood name to be engraved on it, would you... Let me tell you a useless little-known fact: a considerable number of Martial Warriors don't understand these rules, so after the Martial Warrior Tiger Tally is formed, the place where it should be engraved is filled with their childhood names like Dazhu, Shuanzi, Heizhi, Tiegun... This is also related to why Martial Warriors don't like to wear Tiger Tally accessories."
Bai Su: "..."
(End of this chapter)
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