Chapter 485: Peculiar Hobbies

Having washed his hands, Xiao Zong came out from the inner room, and Chen Wuji sighed with a laugh: "Uncle Xiao, you truly can be called a grand master now—you even know the art of tattooing."

"When I was young, I neglected proper studies and picked up a few skills, but I haven't touched them in all these years." Xiao Zong laughed.

Chen Wuji chuckled, "I'm curious what else you can't do."

"There's plenty more; I wanted to master a hundred skills, but my talent is dull, so I only picked up a couple." Xiao Zong took off his shoes, sat cross-legged on the soft cushion, tested the water temperature of the teapot, and called for the maid to bring another pot.

After passing the teapot over, he twisted his messy beard, shook his head, and said: "It's strange, really; the things I'm truly interested in are hard to master. For instance, I've searched through piles of old paper trying countless methods, but I still can't grasp it. If it weren't for the Commandant's timely guidance, I'd probably waste half my life on this."

"On the contrary, the things I'm only slightly interested in, I just need to look at once or twice and I can easily learn them. This isn't me boasting or talking big—just like tattooing: when I was young, I had a slight interest, studied it for a few days, and after a few days of practice I was already quite good."

Chen Wuji laughed, "This shows Uncle is better suited to doing those things you're only slightly interested in."

"Perhaps so, but I'm stubborn!" Xiao Zong stroked his beard and laughed.

"Things that are easy to learn, I can't be bothered to study deeply; they're not my pursuit. Things that come easily are worth nothing in my eyes. A lifetime is like a season for plants; in a hundred years we'll both be a handful of yellow earth. Doing what ordinary people cannot is enough to make the world remember me."

"This is also the only thing I can leave to this world!"

"If I were to spend my life doing things anyone could easily do, I might as well die early, or guard my ancestral estate, live idly, burn my lute and cook cranes, enjoying the life heaven gave me."

Chen Wuji rose in respect.

Xiao Zong, hugging his knees, blurted out these few sentences—something countless people would never think of in a lifetime.

This sloppy father-in-law of hers has already reached another realm in life.

Such a person may be hard to understand in others' eyes, but to Chen Wuji, this is what it truly means to be human.

True living.

The grain in the granary, the silver and gold in the travel pack—these are merely for survival.

The maid brought tea and snacks; the girl named Yu Er approached humbly and poured tea for Chen Wuji and Xiao Zong.

"Hearing your words, Uncle, is better than ten years of reading; I'll substitute tea for wine and toast you." Chen Wuji lifted the steaming tea and said sincerely.

In a lifetime, one can meet many people.

Some people like to teach, some pretend to teach, but anyone who can speak like this, even if they aren't learned, can certainly be a teacher; their insight and understanding can truly enlighten others.

Unfortunately, Chen Wuji, who has lived two lives, already understood this; hearing it, he only felt moved, unable to generate any other insight.

The two slowly sipped their clear tea, and Chen Wuji asked, "Uncle, why did you suddenly think of doing tattooing in a place like this?"

Xiao Zong snorted and said, "I originally came just to drink and pass the time, but I happened to run into a tattoo artist who was giving tattoos to these girls; although his skill was terrible, he still charged one or two silver each time."

I couldn't stand it, so I drove him away and, as a side note, tattooed that girl. Unexpectedly, the girls in this courtyard saw my skill was good and all wanted a piece; they even kindly waived my drink fees and other expenses. Thinking you've been busy lately, I decided to just stay here temporarily.

Chen Wuji was at a loss whether to laugh or cry; he suddenly saw the shadow of Liu Yong in Xiao Zong.

Unfortunately, this gentleman has far more money than Liu Yong.

Otherwise, relying on this tattoo skill alone, he could probably get free food and lodging in the brothel for a long time.

Chen Wuji glanced at Yu Er's face and said, "Uncle, you're not here discussing a lover, are you?"

Xiao Zong instantly felt embarrassed, "You... when did you find out?"

"Really?" Chen Wuji asked, looking at Yu Er.

This woman is actually quite pretty, but she has a heavy air of the dust and wind—one can tell she's been a seasoned veteran of the brothel for many years.

Such a woman, Xiao Zong could afford to keep with his means, but I fear she'd bring trouble; if she caused chaos at home, chickens flying and dogs jumping, it would hardly be nice.

"Not her." Xiao Zong shook his head, annoyed, "You little brat, were you just trying to trick me?"

"Your daughter worries you're looking for a stepmother for her here, so she specially asked me to come check." Chen Wuji said, "Uncle, have you figured out how to deal with her?"

Xiao Zong wiped his face, "And you? What do you mean?"

"What opinion could I have? I'm not yet married to Yu Ji, so I have no say in your family affairs." Chen Wuji said, "Uncle, you just need to consider how to deal with your daughter; she seems strongly opposed to this, so this hurdle might be tough for you."

Xiao Zong let out a long sigh, "Well then, help me think of a plan."

Chen Wuji:???

"Uncle, I came to advise you; how could you think of dragging me into being your accomplice?"

Xiao Zong said righteously, "I'm currently your subordinate; as your lord, I've run into trouble—shouldn't I come to you?"

Chen Wuji: ────

How awkward this sounds!

"In this matter, I think you should treat me as your half son-in-law, not your lord; your reasoning is wrong." Chen Wuji said.

"As a half son-in-law, you should also help me!" Xiao Zong said.

This gentleman is starting to get shameless.

Chen Wuji helplessly said, "Go on, tell me exactly what's going on!"

"I've taken a liking to the lady of this place; there's indeed a hint of an old tree blooming, but the woman currently has no interest in me—help me think of an idea." Xiao Zong said, "And while you're at it, help me think about how to deal with my daughter."

Chen Wuji chuckled, "So it's just you one-sidedly having that thought, Uncle?"

Isn't that exactly it?

────

Old Master Xiao still has some pursuits; he didn't set his eyes on the brothel girls, but took a liking to the shopkeeper—his tastes are still rather unusual.

Generally, the shopkeepers in these places are older.

"Uncle, I advise you to give it up." Chen Wuji said.

"No way, this is also one of my pursuits." Xiao Zong's attitude was very firm.

Chen Wuji had a headache.

You're pursuing the madam here, yet you're always mingling with the girls—this is inherently impossible. But looking at Xiao Zong's attitude, he really seems dead set on it.

"Uncle, first tell me the general situation: how old is the lady of this place, and what's her character like?"