Seeking a Mentor to Learn the Art

“Brother Wang, you’re coming out with a broad smile—did you get a satisfactory answer?” Li Xintian asked as Wang Chongwen emerged.

“Brother Zhixian, I drew an excellent lot. A Taoist priest has already explained the riddle on the slip, saying I’m sure to pass the examination this year. I’m very pleased,” Wang Chongwen replied, his face alight with joy.

“Then let me congratulate you in advance. When you succeed, don’t forget to return to the temple and give thanks to the gods,” Li Xintian said with a smile.

“Brother Zhixian, you must come to my home for dinner tonight. In the Great Yan Empire, who hasn’t heard that you, Brother Zhixian, are favored by the Star of Literature itself?” Wang Chongwen invited Li Xintian warmly.

“That’s mere rumor among the common folk, Brother Wang. We’re old friends—you know me well enough. Such praise is just flattery,” Li Xintian waved his hand, but upon seeing Wang Chongwen’s happiness, he agreed to the invitation.

Li Xintian instructed his coachman to head to Wang Chongwen’s residence. Upon arrival, he told the coachman to inform his family he wouldn’t be home for dinner, and to eat his fill before returning to fetch him later. On the way, Li Xintian also bought some fruit as a gift.

Wang Chongwen’s home was in a remote part of Shuimen County, with no neighbors nearby except his own family, and it took half an hour to reach the market for supplies.

As Wang Chongwen stepped down from the carriage, he knocked on the door.

His house was spacious, with a tiered main building and a garden behind it.

The young housekeeper, who had joined the Wang family at the age of seven and was known for his honest and reliable nature, was responsible for the household’s daily needs. Upon hearing the knock, he hurried to open the door.

“Young master, you’re back!” he called out as he saw Wang Chongwen.

“Welcome, Scholar Li,” he greeted Li Xintian.

Li Xintian clasped his hands and nodded politely.

“Brother Zhixian, please come in,” Wang Chongwen said, gesturing with a smile, and led the way inside. Only after Li Xintian entered did he walk alongside him.

“Madam Wang, a small token of respect—I hope I’m not troubling you,” Li Xintian greeted the old lady upon entering the hall, handing the fruit to a shy maid who approached to receive it. Li Xintian was, without doubt, the idol of many young ladies.

“There’s no need for such courtesy,” Madam Wang replied, rising from her seat. She was fond of Li Xintian but regretted she had no daughter. Wang Chongwen’s virtuous wife came forward to support her.

“Mother, elder brother, sister-in-law, let’s welcome Brother Zhixian as our guest,” Wang Chongwen’s younger brother, Wang Chongwu, entered carrying Wang Chongwen’s child.

“Uncle,” called out Wang Lin, five years old, addressing Li Xintian politely. Li Xintian had visited Wang Chongwen’s home more than a dozen times.

“I came at your brother’s invitation, so I’m the one imposing,” Li Xintian replied, patting Wang Lin’s head. “What a good boy.”

“We womenfolk won’t intrude on your conversation. You gentlemen enjoy yourselves,” Madam Wang said, taking Wang Chongwen’s wife, Chen, upstairs with her.

Wang Chongwen instructed the housekeeper to prepare dinner. After the meal, Li Xintian did not linger and left once his coachman arrived.

He also learned that Wang Chongwu would leave the next morning to study swordsmanship under his master, and asked Li Xintian to see him off, which he promised to do.

The next day.

By the abandoned well behind the main building, Wang Chongwu was practicing his swordplay. Wang Lin was imitating him, more playfully than seriously.

After a while, seeing the boy’s interest in martial arts, Wang Chongwu began to teach him some basic moves.

“Keep your arm straight, and your eyes forward,” he instructed, adjusting Wang Lin’s left leg. “This should be straight too.”

The housekeeper came running, calling out loudly, “Second young master!”

“I’m here,” Wang Chongwu responded.

“What is it?” he asked as the housekeeper approached.

“The horse is ready, and Madam is urging you to set out,” the housekeeper informed him.

“Got it,” Wang Chongwu acknowledged. Taking Wang Lin’s hand, he said, “Let’s go back.”

“Second uncle, don’t leave—teach me more sword moves,” Wang Lin pleaded, clutching his uncle’s sleeve.

“Uncle’s skills aren’t good enough yet. That’s why I need to continue training with my master. Once I’ve learned well, I’ll teach you. Is that all right?” Wang Chongwu coaxed him.

Wang Lin nodded, “Okay.”

Wang Chongwu picked him up, “Let’s go,” and the housekeeper followed.

In the main hall, Madam Wang was organizing Wang Chongwu’s clothing and counting out some silver. She turned to the maid, “Ling, fetch the provisions for the second young master.”

“Yes, Madam,” Ling replied, and went to prepare the food.

Wang Chongwu entered, carrying Wang Lin.

“Grandmother,” Wang Lin called as he was set down.

“Mother,” Wang Chongwu said.

“Good boys. Where have you been? I was looking everywhere,” Madam Wang said, patting Wang Lin’s face. “You’re all sweaty.”

“Second uncle was teaching me sword practice,” Wang Lin piped up in his childish voice.

“I see. That explains it,” Madam Wang nodded.

“Mother, where are my elder brother and sister-in-law?” Wang Chongwu asked.

“Your brother is waiting outside. Your sister-in-law is rushing to mend your clothes,” Madam Wang replied, noticing a tear and sending Chen to fix it.

Chen soon came downstairs with the mended garment.

Wang Chongwu stepped forward, cupping his hands, “Thank you for your trouble, sister-in-law.”

“It’s nothing, second brother. You should set out soon or you won’t reach the next village by nightfall,” Chen replied.

Wang Chongwu knelt on one knee before Madam Wang, “Mother, I’m leaving. Please take care of yourself.”

At that moment, Ling brought in the food parcels and packed them for him.

Madam Wang helped Wang Chongwu to his feet, “Remember, be cautious in all things while you’re away.”

“I will, Mother,” Wang Chongwu assured her, then turned to Chen, “Sister-in-law, I will be away for a long apprenticeship—at most three years, at least half a year. The family’s affairs will trouble you in my absence.”

“Don’t worry, second brother. Just focus on your studies and train diligently,” Chen replied encouragingly.

“I will,” Wang Chongwu nodded, trusting her good nature.

“Mother, you don’t need to see me off any further,” he said, gently stopping Madam Wang.

“Very well, just to the gate,” she consented.

“Second uncle, a hug,” Wang Lin demanded.

Wang Chongwu smiled, “Uncle will give you a hug,” and picked up Wang Lin, leading the way. Ling followed with the bundled provisions, Chen supporting Madam Wang as they walked to the main gate.

At the entrance, they saw Wang Chongwen and Li Xintian already waiting.

“Brother,” Wang Chongwu greeted, setting Wang Lin down.

“Second brother, I was so happy yesterday I forgot to tell you some good news,” Wang Chongwen said, coming to the gate. Ling handed the bundle to the housekeeper, who took it in one hand and held the horse’s reins in the other. Ling returned to Madam Wang’s side.

“What is it, brother?” asked Wang Chongwu.

“Yesterday, I went to the Temple of Master Lü and drew a lot. The riddle on the slip was marvelous—looks like I’m certain to pass the examination this year,” Wang Chongwen replied, producing the slip from his sleeve.

“Let’s hope so,” Madam Wang said, smiling.

“But my dear, last time you also drew an excellent lot, yet you weren’t selected,” Chen remarked.

“That was because I wasn’t sincere enough, so the gods did not bless me. This time is different—I went together with Brother Zhixian,” Wang Chongwen explained hastily.

“Brother, I should be going now,” Wang Chongwu interrupted.

“I’ll walk with you,” said Wang Chongwen, who was close to his brother.

“Very well,” Wang Chongwu nodded, turning to Madam Wang and Chen, “Mother, sister-in-law, please go back inside.”

“Remember to write home,” Madam Wang reminded him.

“Farewell,” Wang Chongwu said, clasping his hands in farewell.

Chen took Wang Lin by the hand while Ling supported Madam Wang as they returned inside. Only after closing the door did Chen come forward to assist Madam Wang.

PS: New book—please recommend and add to your collection. Thank you.