Chapter 92: Wind and Waves

While the uncle and nephew of the Tao family were analyzing Wen Gu's motives, Wen Gu and his companions had already arrived at the home of Old Master Hong.

In a large household like the Hong family, where there are many members, there are also many family affairs; when those serving in official posts return home, it is precisely the time for networking and social obligations.

Old Master Hong was also tied up with all sorts of matters.

This was the last time Wen Gu would come over before the new year; the next visit would have to be after the year had turned.

The wind was a bit strong outside today, so the old master was not practicing swordplay in the courtyard, but was instead writing furiously in his study.

He Xiaodi did not get to see the scene of a sixty-year-old gentleman dancing with a sword in the snow. However, seeing Old Master Hong's state, he knew the man was indeed robust; not only was there no sign of the decadence of old age, but he was actually more spirited than a young person.

In the study, there were only the teacher and the student present at this moment.

Without looking at what the old master was writing on the paper, Wen Gu sat to the side, and seeing the other party's high-spirited state—as if he had been injected with adrenaline—he roughly guessed the reason.

When the other party stopped writing, Wen Gu asked, "It passed?"

"Mm!"

Old Master Hong responded vigorously.

The Zhao Family allowed the academy to be established and also provided support.

"However, it will not be set up in any of the existing wards, but in a newly opened one."

The old master told Wen Gu about the location where the academy would soon be established.

Wen Gu had a map of the city's wards in his hand, and listening to the location Old Master Hong described, he quickly pinpointed it in his mind.

That was also a vacant ward, close to the inner city wall; if one looked at the ward map, it was distributed almost symmetrically with Jingxing Fang along the central axis, located on opposite sides of the axis.

"It is close to our Jingxing Fang."

It would not take long for Wen Gu to walk there from Jingxing Fang.

By comparison, Old Master Hong was a little further away.

This point was not an issue at all for the old master. While others took carriages or sedan chairs, the old gentleman would likely ride a horse, clip-clopping along, and arrive in no time.

Besides, once the academy was built, staff dormitories would certainly be built as well; by then, given Old Master Hong's dedication to his career, it was highly likely he would move there directly.

Since the Zhao Family agreed to let Old Master Hong establish a branch of "Centai Academy" here, they would allocate a batch of funds, grain, and supplies for construction, which also included the creation of a "school badge."

In the future, people holding "Centai" swords would likely be seen everywhere in this city.

"When will construction begin?" Wen Gu asked.

"After the weather warms up, we will choose an auspicious day to start," Old Master Hong said.

Wen Gu thought to himself: Starting construction so quickly means Lao Zhao has quite a lot of extra funds and supplies on hand! I can snatch a bit more.

Old Master Hong became excited whenever he mentioned the academy.

He told Wen Gu that he had already contacted several old friends in the city to first get the blueprints for the academy drawn up.

Wen Gu also followed the old master's topic and offered a few small suggestions.

However, as the old master spoke, the excitement on his face faded, replaced by a touch of seriousness.

A teacher must know the heart of their student before they can save them from their faults.

Although he had not formally taken Wen Gu as an apprentice, he was, after all, a student learning his craft by his side, so he had to offer a reminder when necessary.

He looked at Wen Gu and said:

"The tree that stands above the forest will be destroyed by the wind; the person who stands above others will be criticized by the crowd. This Xinzhou City is not small, but it is not large either. Although I am the one establishing this branch academy, as long as someone with intent investigates, they will soon discover that your shadow is behind it as well."

How long had Wen Gu been in Xinzhou City?

He only arrived this winter, and the new year hadn't even passed yet, but his reputation had already spread!

It was not as if there were no shrewd and capable merchants who could make money for the Zhao Family.

There were also many excellent scholars who could manage the various wards.

The benefits Wen Gu brought to one group of people also blocked the interests of another group.

If one's edge is too sharp, one will inevitably be harmed.

"If the wind and waves become too great, you can come to the academy to take refuge."

Old Master Hong's meaning was for Wen Gu to study calligraphy and painting there and assist in running the school, keeping a low profile for a period of time.

Wen Gu stood up and bowed: "Many thanks, Teacher!"

He accepted the old master's good intentions and understood the warning in his words, but...

This was considered too sharp an edge?

He hadn't even really exerted any effort yet.

Wen Gu did not intend to keep a low profile.

If wind and waves arise, he would just find someone else to stand in front!

Old Master Hong had originally thought that after his warning, Wen Gu would be restless and agitated. However, while painting, he did not seem to be as he had imagined.

The young man sitting there was focused and calm, wielding his brush with indifference, without a hint of restlessness or anxiety.

Old Master Hong revealed a satisfied smile.

What he admired most about Wen Gu was this: he could calm his heart and keep his composure!

Praising him silently, Old Master Hong walked over to look at the painting on the paper.

"..."

The old master's face was full of question marks.

What was this he had painted?

After looking for a while longer, he felt he understood.

What Wen Gu was currently painting were mainly two objects; one was a bell.

The bronze-cast bell was steady and upright, and the sound of the bell was clear and profound, just like the virtue of a gentleman—solid, unmoving, and steadfast in one's true nature.

The other object depicted in the picture looked like a piece of cloth clothing.

It is not ornate, but rather simple; it lacks a bit of elegance, but possesses more vigor.

Simple and upright, the demeanor of a gentleman!

Old Master Hong strokes his beard and nods.

When Wen Gu puts down his brush, the old master's expression is kind: "Does this painting have a name?"

Wen Gu: "Golden Bell Shield, Iron Cloth Shirt!"

"..."

Old Master Hong is dazed for a moment.

He does not understand, but he can sense that the intent of the painting seems different from what he had imagined.

"How is this to be interpreted?"

Wen Gu says: "I just suddenly remembered some folk rumors I heard during my Study Tour about two types of body-protecting arts."

Old Master Hong does not know if such divine arts exist among the people, and asks: "Can it protect you from being grabbed or bitten by an evil entity without becoming possessed?"

Wen Gu thinks for a moment: "I don't know."

"... Go! Practice your sword! Stop thinking about folk rumors of unknown veracity!"

Until the lesson ends and Wen Gu leaves, Old Master Hong stays in the study, looking at the picture Wen Gu painted, lost in thought for a long while.

Was that kid painting the literal meaning? Or was it a metaphor?

He always feels that today's reminder didn't seem to have much effect.

Jingxing Fang.

He Xiaodi returns to the Public Office full of worries, and Cheng Zhi asks him: "You've gained some experience by following along this time, haven't you?"

He Xiaodi says sincerely: "I've gained experience!"

The hearts of people in this world are unfathomable; it is hard to tell what is true and what is false!

He does not say much more, until the next day, when Tao San comes to the Public Office for an interview.

Since it is someone Wen Gu recruited personally, the interview is conducted by both Wen Gu and Zhou Shan.

After a preliminary assessment, there are no issues, and Tao San enters the internship period.

He Da: Damn it!

Having just entered the internship period, Tao San is still very well-behaved, showing his serious and polite side.

Two days later, Wen Gu calls Tao San over.

He first asks how the other party is adapting here, and then asks about the living conditions of local residents like the Tao family.

Tao San replies cautiously: "This year is actually much better than last year. This year, two coal stoves, a batch of Honeycomb Coal, and some relief grain were distributed to each ward. If we use them sparingly and help each other out, we can make it through..."

Wen Gu learns about the general situation of the lower classes.

"What about after spring begins? Once the weather warms up, what is the greatest difficulty for you all?" Wen Gu asks again.

Tao San thinks for a moment and says: "The greatest difficulty when the weather is warm... is probably gathering firewood."

Regarding food and supplies, they can actually earn some by selling their labor. He heard that another batch of people was sent to the villages in Xinzhou to farm, and they were even issued farm tools, so there will be more grain produced in the fields next year.

But now, with various epidemics spreading, it is not safe to draw water from the public wells in the ward, so firewood is needed to boil water and cook. However, the area around Xinzhou City has been almost completely cleared of trees.

Wen Gu nods. In general, water and firewood are still major problems.

The supply of coal remains limited, and the supply to impoverished wards will only be less.

The cleanliness of the water source cannot be guaranteed either.

"It will get better," Wen Gu says.

Tao San ponders in his heart whether Wen Gu's words are just comfort, or if they reveal some information.

Just as he is thinking, he hears Wen Gu say: "Before the new year, Jingxing Fang will hold a small internal banquet. To let everyone have some fun, the Public Office plans to find some people to put on a play. Can you take charge of this?"

Tao San is stunned, then quickly replies: "No problem!"

His anxious heart is finally set at ease.

Ward Chief Wen really did take a liking to my acting skills!

He thought some heavy responsibility would be arranged, so he is slightly disappointed. The technical difficulty is too low to show off his outstanding talent!

Although it is lower than expected, there is indeed work to do, and Tao San knows this is the first test.

If it is handled well, after becoming a regular, he will be a member of this Jingqing Public Office!

The officially registered kind!

Tao San perks up.

"As for the candidates, should I pick people from within Jingxing Fang?" he asks.

"There are no restrictions. You can also recommend suitable people from your local area."

Tao San emboldens himself and says: "There are! Men, women, old, and young. Some have worked as shills for others, some have cried at funerals, and some know a little bit of variety performance. It's not as good as a professional troupe, but compared to the average person, it's passable."

"Pick whoever you think is suitable, no more than nine people," Wen Gu says.

Locals might still have some costumes and props at home that haven't been burned yet, so they can just use those.

There isn't much time to rehearse. When people are hungry and cold, where would they have the energy to do anything else?

So Wen Gu doesn't give them complex requirements, letting Tao San lead people to choose performances that are relatively popular among the folk and prepare a few programs.

The performers will be provided with a meal and will also receive payment, though the payment will be made in Jingxing Fang Grain Tickets.

Tao San is overjoyed.

They get a meal and Grain Tickets too!

He understands what Wen Gu means; this is giving him a chance to lift up his fellow villagers.

He repeatedly assures Wen Gu: "We will definitely prepare well and let everyone have a good time!"

Hosting a banquet for the New Year is certainly a festive occasion, so they should put on some crowd-pleasing acts and sing a few ditties.

The nobles would certainly look down on them, but the Ward Chief also said that they are just for the residents of the ward to watch; most are commoners, so it is enough for them to just enjoy the spectacle.

Having received permission, Tao San ran back to select people and prepare the acts.

Wen Gu looked at the plan for the ward.

During those days of New Year's Eve, he would not be in Jingxing Fang, as his aunt and uncle had called him to the Zhao Family to spend the New Year together.

He would have to go over once everyone in the ward had finished their New Year's meal together.

The Zhao Family has a family banquet on New Year's Eve.

Immediately following that, there is a grand banquet on the first day of the Lunar New Year, to which various dignitaries and wealthy families in the city will be invited.

The banquet schedule for those few days will be quite tight, and it would be inconvenient to run back and forth, so Wen Gu will take Tietou and stay directly at the Zhao Family residence.

It is just as well, as the New Year's gifts are also nearly ready.

The Zhao Family's family banquet is secondary; the grand banquet on the first day is the main event.

At an occasion like that, there are rules about which table one sits at.

He does not want to sit at the "children's" table.

(End of chapter)