Chapter 10

"Lin sister, second sister, third sister, fourth sister, you are rare guests; how did you come today?" Jia Jing has already asked about their purpose.

"Today Third Brother displayed great might in Rong Qing Tang; the sisters are looking at him with new eyes. Previously, I didn't know Third Brother could be so valiant!"

Tan Chun laughed heartily, merely offering a word of praise, and did not rush to state the purpose of this visit.

"Third Sister, you overpraise me; it's only the courage of a common man, nowhere near being called heroic!" Jia Jing smiled slightly and waved his hand.

"Third Brother is the one being modest; if today's display before the hall is merely the courage of a common man, then what is this?"

Lin Daiyu's eyes, bright and lively like a winter spring, shone brightly as she fixed her gaze on Jia Jing.

She raised the paper in her hand, her eyes carrying a hint of complexity.

"How? Elder Sister Lin, have you discovered Third Brother's ink treasure?"

"Is it poetry and classical meaning, or literary prose and fu?"

Tan Chun appeared somewhat excited, wondering if Third Brother was still a talent versed in both literature and martial arts.

Although they are young ladies, they often hold a poetry society, writing verses to relieve boredom.

After all, in the Da Han Empire, this is also an elegant pursuit admired by people.

Yingchun excels at chess, Tan Chun at calligraphy, Xichun at painting, and Daiyu at poetry; these are no empty reputations.

Therefore, they all showed great interest in the ink and brush that Jia Jing held in Lin Daiyu's hand.

"It's merely a casual doodle, not worthy of the hall of elegance!" Jia Jing again spoke modestly.

He also didn't expect that it was merely a casual work from last night after receiving Zhao Yun's martial inheritance; today Lin Daiyu actually managed to find it.

Before his transmigration, he studied ancient literature as a major, and had some research into poetry, prose, fu, and calligraphy.

Of course, his level is limited.

Since coming to the Da Han Empire, he has taken up calligraphy again, practicing for an hour each day.

After all, in ancient times, the importance of writing well goes without saying.

If he had not obtained the system, he had originally intended to grit his teeth and take the imperial examinations to enter officialdom.

Although he now has the system, he still does not plan to give up daily study, calligraphy practice, and martial training; this is his personal growth and cultivation.

"The way of a commander is to first regulate the heart. If Mount Tai collapses before him and his countenance does not change, if elk appear to his left and his eyes do not blink, then he can manage advantages and disadvantages and face the enemy.

"In all military matters, righteousness comes first; if it is unjust, even if profitable, do not act…

"The way of warfare: before battle, nurture wealth; when battle is imminent, nurture strength; during battle, nurture qi; after victory, nurture the mind…

"…………Only those who nurture their skills and cherish themselves are invincible under heaven. Therefore, one act of endurance can withstand a hundred acts of bravery; one act of stillness can control a hundred movements."

"…………Thus, those who skillfully employ soldiers secure their form; one who can secure his form will have surplus strength."

Lin Daiyu read aloud the "Heart Technique" on the paper in one breath.

After finishing, she felt even more that this was a splendid piece comparable to her father's literary talent.

Although she does not understand military affairs, the essay's "principle," " diction," and "vital energy" are so powerful that reading it shocks the deaf and awakens the dull, like drinking sweet spring.

Know that her father was the third-place finisher in the top class of the metropolitan examination, a talented poet whose literary prowess was praised throughout the court.

Tan Chun and Yingchun standing beside her were also silent for a long time after hearing it.

In Tan Chun's mind, she replayed Jia Jing's performance in Rong Qing Tang once more— isn't this the same calm composure as "Mount Tai collapsing before him without changing his countenance, elk appearing to his left without his eyes blinking"?

Third Brother indeed harbors deep ambitions; he is no ordinary person.

"Truly a splendid chapter of literary brilliance! Third Brother surely hides his talents too deeply; such literary talent, coupled with considerable martial skill, yet he never reveals a trace in daily life!"

"Literary talent is merely a minor path! I would rather be a commander of a hundred men than a mere scholar."

"Given the current weakened state of the nation, I still hope more to go to the frontier to achieve merit, defend home and country, and become a true man of virtue!"

Jia Jing did not want to waste words on these poems and essays; although before the system arrived, he had thought of gaining fame through these currently unseen writings and poems.

But now that the system has come, and he lives in troubled times, he only believes in two words:

Strength! Strength! And damn it, still strength!

"Today I finally understand Third Brother's ambition!"

Tan Chun looked at Jia Jing with some admiration; seeing that he was unwilling to talk more about literature, she then stated the purpose of their visit today:

"Third Brother, we have come today precisely to invite you as our host, to fulfill the rites for you, wishing you a vast future and the fulfillment of your wishes!"

"Forget about being a host! Now I have offended the great master; I fear even the grandmother won't see me, so you'd better not have too much contact with me!"

Although Jia Jing understood their good intentions, he still refused.

After all, the situation of the several ladies in the mansion is not good either!

Tan Chun and Yingchun are both born of concubines, while Xichun and Daiyu are merely residing in the Rong Guo Mansion.

If it weren't for Jia Mu's fondness for pretty girls, their treatment would likely be worse than Jia Jing's.

Especially Yingchun— Jia She finds it all too easy to manipulate this daughter of his.

Seeing Jia Jing speak so frankly, Tan Chun, Lin Daiyu, and the others also did not insist on inviting him.

Tan Chun spoke bluntly:

"Then let's wait until Third Brother returns to the mansion to invite him; today he left in a hurry, and we didn't have time to prepare anything, so we'll just send some ceremonial gifts to express our sisterly feelings— Third Brother surely won't refuse this time, right?"