Chapter 6: Working to Support One

The next morning.

As dawn broke, the quiet of Linhu Village was shattered by barking dogs rising and falling in succession.

“That stupid dog of Old Wang’s—I’ll stew it one of these days.”

Lin Chen didn’t wait long at the village entrance before Gu Fei appeared, grumbling as he came.

“You’re the one who threw the bones he buried in the dirt into the stream—don’t be glad he didn’t bite you.”

Thinking of the mischief Lin Chen’s former self and Gu Fei had caused in the village, Lin Chen was speechless.

When they had nothing better to do, the two would sneak into the village’s thickets, dig up the bones buried by the local dogs, and toss them into the creek right in front of the dogs.

“It’s been over half a year, and that stupid dog still holds a grudge.”

Gu Fei sneered, glanced around to make sure no one else was nearby, then lowered his voice to ask curiously: “I heard from my dad that your family split up last night?”

Lin Chen’s father had gone to the village chief the night before; the chief wrote up the division agreement, and several respected elders from the village witnessed it, to prevent future disputes.

In a village this small, word spread overnight.

“There wasn’t enough money for two grandsons to study martial arts, so they had to split up—each fend for themselves.”

Lin Chen spoke calmly, but Gu Fei exploded: “Your grandfather is so biased? You’re both his grandsons!”

“Maybe in his eyes, Lin Ming is the good grandson.” Lin Chen murmured bitterly, then turned to comfort Gu Fei: “Actually, this isn’t so bad—now we each live our own life.”

“No way—you can’t let your uncle’s family take advantage. All the money your family earned over the years went straight to Lin Ming.”

Gu Fei shook his head: “Chenzi, wait here for me.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to spread the word about your grandfather’s favoritism—I’ll tell Li Shen. By tomorrow, the whole village will know.”

Hearing this, Lin Chen’s lips twitched. Li Shen was the village’s most notorious gossip—anything she knew was known by everyone.

After a moment’s thought, Lin Chen didn’t stop him.

The division agreement was already written; letting Gu Fei vent his anger on his behalf was fine.

Gu Fei ran back into the village and returned a quarter-hour later. By then, the other two martial arts students from the village had arrived. Seeing a stranger present, Gu Fei winked at Lin Chen and dropped the subject.

The four walked quickly and reached the Martial Hall before daylight fully broke.

Back in the dormitory, Lin Chen and Gu Fei put down their things. Gu Fei turned to Lin Chen and said: “Chenzi, I went home and asked my dad for more money. If you’re short, borrow from me—I’ll lend you some.”

“Alright, I’ll ask you if I need money.”

Lin Chen was startled, but then replied calmly.

No wonder Gu Fei had taken over a quarter-hour—he hadn’t just gone to see Li Shen; he’d also gone home.

“If you need anything, just say the word—we’re brothers, no need for formalities.”

After washing up in the dormitory, Lin Chen changed into the training uniform issued by the Martial Hall, then said: “I’m going to see Master Yu.”

“Why are you going to see Master Yu?”

“To ask if I can get a chance at working to support my studies.”

Lin Chen’s answer left Gu Fei even more confused—what was “working to support one’s studies”?

Seeing Lin Chen leave without explanation, Gu Fei called out: “I’ll wait for you at the canteen. If you don’t show up, I’ll bring you two steamed buns to the training ground.”

The back courtyard.

Master Yu’s residence.

Lin Chen took a deep breath and knocked on the door ring.

“Master Yu, disciple Lin Chen requests an audience.”

After a long pause, a voice replied from inside: “Come in.”

The door was slightly ajar. Lin Chen pushed it open, stepped over the threshold, and saw Master Yu standing motionless in the courtyard, gazing at the sky. He dared not interrupt.

A few breaths later, Yu Yongnian turned and looked at Lin Chen: “What do you want?”

“Master, I humbly beg you to give me a chance to study martial arts.”

Lin Chen bowed deeply, stating his purpose outright.

“I thought my grandfather would support my martial training...”

Lin Chen briefly recounted how his grandfather had refused to let him continue studying, forcing him to split the family.

After listening, Yu Yongnian showed no strong emotion. He had seen students in the academy worse off than Lin Chen.

Take Qiu Yuan, recently eliminated—how regrettable his fate was.

“Do you want to borrow money from me?”

Yu Yongnian spoke. He never lent money to students. Lin Chen wasn’t the first to ask, nor would he be the last.

It wasn’t that he was cold-hearted—if a student couldn’t even afford to study at the Martial Hall, he had no future in martial arts. Better to give up now than waste his family’s savings and sink into debt without ever succeeding.

“I would never dare.”

Lin Chen shook his head. He had considered borrowing, but ultimately abandoned the idea.

He and Master Yu were strangers—why should the man lend him money?

Out of pity?

He was merely poor, not destitute.

“I noticed the canteen is short-staffed. I’m willing to work there in exchange for meals. I beg you for a chance at working to support my studies.”

Working to support one’s studies?

Yu Yongnian’s pupils contracted. He fixed his gaze on Lin Chen: “Do you know what working in the canteen means?”

“I understand.”

“Do you truly understand?” Yu Yongnian said sternly. “When other students eat their meals, you, as a fellow student, will be cleaning their dishes, enduring their strange stares.”

Lin Chen replied firmly: “I can endure it.”

“Don’t think it’s simple. Once you’re in it, your dignity in front of others will vanish.”

Yu Yongnian understood what Lin Chen meant by “working to support one’s studies”—and precisely because he understood, he doubted Lin Chen could bear it.

“I’ve already experienced this in the past few months,” Lin Chen said, slightly embarrassed. “I used to wait until the other disciples had bought their meat before going to the canteen, just to get free beef soup. I was mocked...”

“I once wavered. I thought of giving up. But every time I felt my strength growing, those taunts and strange looks meant nothing.”

As he spoke, Yu Yongnian saw the satisfied smile on Lin Chen’s face.

That smile moved him.

To endure mockery for the sake of martial arts—and even feel content—this kind of resolve was rare even among adults, let alone a boy.

If so, he would lend a hand.

“I’ll speak to the canteen staff. You may work there in exchange for meals. If there’s leftover beef, I’ll have some saved for you.”

“Thank you, Master Yu—I’m deeply grateful!” Lin Chen exclaimed, thrilled.

Lin Chen was truly excited. He hadn’t been sure he’d succeed in asking Master Yu for this chance.

If refused, he’d find another way.

Having lived two lives, Lin Chen understood one truth.

When poor, one must exhaust every possible means to climb upward, seizing every opportunity.

Skin, dignity...

These were the two least valuable things to those at the bottom.

“The path of martial arts is long and fraught with obstacles. Without a steadfast heart, one cannot walk it. Since you can endure others’ criticism, I, as your instructor, am willing to help you.”

“I will train diligently and never Gufu your guidance.”

Yu Yongnian gave a slight nod: “Go.”

After Lin Chen left, a graceful woman stepped out from the front hall of the courtyard.

“Brother, do you think this boy can cultivate essence within a year, so you’re helping him?”

“No.”

Yu Yongnian shook his head, looking at the woman: “Sister, you’ve never known hardship. Most students here aim to cultivate essence within two years. Few dare to think of doing it in one.”

Shu Shijie came from a prominent family—how could she understand? For Martial Hall students, achieving essence within two years was already satisfying.

“Even achieving essence within two years won’t lead to great progress on the martial path,” Shu Suwan mused.

“It’s enough.”

Yu Yongnian smiled bitterly. Students from different backgrounds had different goals.

To cultivate essence within two years, enter a martial lodge, and reach the Opening Meridian realm—that alone would be enough to bring honor to one’s family.

To villagers, even a common government office runner was a big shot.

“Last year, I attended the wedding of a former student. The banquet hall was full, but the most honored seat at the main table remained empty. Even past the auspicious hour, the hosts still hadn’t started eating. Do you know why, Sister?”

“A distinguished guest hadn’t arrived.”

“Do you know who that distinguished guest was?”

“Who?”

“A common government office runner from the county magistrate’s constabulary—not the chief patrol officer, not even the head constable. Just an ordinary runner.”

Shu Suwan sighed: “So that’s why you became an instructor here—to sit at the head table at banquets in town?”

Yu Yongnian: ...

“The Martial Hall is more peaceful here, less scheming. Sister, as the newly appointed Wuzheng Office inspector, are you going to abuse your power and transfer me away?” Yu Yongnian joked half-seriously.

“I’d be happy to abuse my power—if you’d go?”

Yu Yongnian fell silent. After a long pause, he said: “I still prefer the atmosphere here.”

Shu Suwan fixed her beautiful eyes on Yu Yongnian. He grew uneasy under her gaze and involuntarily turned his eyes elsewhere.

Seeing her junior brother’s evasive gaze, Shu Suwan’s eyes flickered with a hint of melancholy, but it vanished in an instant; when she looked up again, she was smiling sweetly. “Sister has just been appointed Inspector of the Wuzhengsuo, and I’ve come specifically to learn from you, junior brother—any suggestions for improving the Wutang?”

“Sister, wait a moment.”

At the mention of suggestions, Yu Yongnian’s expression turned serious. He turned and walked into the inner room, returning shortly with a stack of papers in hand.

Shu Suwan took the papers and glanced at the first page, reading aloud: “Training in martial arts is extremely costly. Students who endure three years of hard study often exhaust their families’ decade-long savings, yet still struggle to achieve anything. The martial path is cruel—rural folk tremble at the very thought of it and dare not speak of learning martial arts. To revitalize the Wutang, tuition must be waived and meals subsidized...”

After reading it, Shu Suwan frowned slightly. “What you’ve written is wrong.”

“What’s wrong? Please, Sister, enlighten me.”

Yu Yongnian was slightly resentful—this was his summary, forged over four years as an instructor at the Wutang, based on the actual conditions of its students.

Seeing her junior brother’s stubborn expression, Shu Suwan smiled. “Your meaning is correct, but the wording is off.”

“Then how should it be worded?”

“The Grand Ancestor established the Wutang system to bless all under heaven. Yet occasionally, talented students in town Wutangs, due to poverty, cannot continue their training. If we offer incentives and financial aid, once they succeed, their achievements will inspire their families and villages, prompting every village youth to take up martial arts and serve the imperial court.”

“Oh, by the way, your student’s idea of ‘working to support one’s studies’ is also a viable path.”

After listening, Yu Yongnian fell silent for a long while, his expression oddly awed. “No wonder you’re the Inspector.”

…

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(End of Chapter)