Chapter Twenty: Reading

“Heaven and earth are mysterious and yellow, the universe vast and ancient…”

Two low, humble houses stood side by side—built by the family itself, aged yet kept clean and tidy with frequent repairs. As one walked past the clan school, the voices of children reciting their lessons could be heard from within. In this era, scholars held lofty status, and the students studied diligently, though it was the teacher who bore the brunt of their efforts.

Only Father Cui served as teacher, instructing one group in the morning and another in the afternoon, so as to accommodate the varying progress of the children. This was a method Father Cui had devised, after teaching for nearly twenty years; he had his own arrangements.

Cui Xiu’s younger brother, Cui Ping, was already twelve and studied more advanced material than the newly enrolled children, so he and the older students were taught in the morning. In the afternoons, Father Cui sent them home to work on their assignments independently. Yet Cui Ping was restless by nature—mischievous and unable to settle down. He was often scolded by their father and disliked being confined at home to read, which was why he slipped out to play.

Standing outside the modest houses, Cui Xiu watched the children inside without disturbing them, turning his attention instead to his father.

Father Cui was older than Madam Xu and had already surpassed the age of knowing fate. He was tall, dignified, with refined features and hair graying; Cui Xiu resembled him closely, inheriting much of his stature. Yet time had bent his shoulders, and years spent reading by lamplight had dimmed his gaze. Mingling with the memories and emotions of the original soul, Cui Xiu felt a faint ache in his heart.

As he lingered outside, some sharp-eyed children noticed him, but constrained by Father Cui’s presence, dared not speak, only sneaking glances his way. This inevitably disrupted their recitation, and though Father Cui’s eyesight had faded, decades of teaching had made him keenly aware of every corner of his classroom—he noticed instantly.

After a few stern words, he finally recognized Cui Xiu.

Ordinarily, even if someone came to call, Father Cui would not set aside his books unless the matter was urgent. But today was different; Cui Xiu had returned from the county examination, and Father Cui was deeply concerned.

“That’s enough for today. You may all go. But do not indulge in play—tomorrow I will check your assignments.”

With that, he waved them away, letting the children depart excitedly. Hands clasped behind his back, he walked out.

“You’re back?”

He drew near, looked Cui Xiu over, and nodded slightly. There was a subtle shift in Father Cui’s expression, though not much changed.

Some of the children who knew Cui Xiu wished to approach him, but seeing the teacher, they dared not.

“Father!”

Father Cui, unlike Madam Xu, was always strict. With the original soul’s memories, Cui Xiu was well accustomed.

“How did the county examination go?”

“My learning was insufficient and I did not pass. I am ashamed.”

Cui Xiu lowered his head.

“…You are still young. Use these next three years to study the classics carefully. Do not slacken. Next time, do better.”

There was no reproach as he’d feared; Father Cui merely sighed and encouraged him.

“Yes.”

The original Cui Xiu had always been obedient in his father’s presence, and for now, Cui Xiu did not intend to change that too quickly.

…

News of Cui Xiu’s return spread swiftly through the village; there was no need for him to seek out anyone. His younger brother and sister, hearing he was home, came running back in high spirits.

The original soul had a close bond with his siblings, often taking them out to play—especially his sister Cui Jia, who was particularly attached to him.

Cui Xiu worried at first that his sister might notice his changes, but soon relaxed, for she had no such suspicions; she rushed to him as soon as she arrived.

Before long, second brother Cui Hong returned as well, accompanied by the clan chief.

The clan chief was naturally concerned about the outcome of the examination. Upon hearing Cui Xiu had not succeeded, he expressed some regret but said little more, offering encouragement before leaving without staying for dinner.

Though he was home, having failed to pass the exam, his family was considerate of his feelings, offering comfort rather than blame, filling the house with warmth.

…

“Father, I wish to find some work this time.”

Cui Xiu, not being the original soul, did not want to place all his hopes on the imperial examinations.

Firstly, he had little confidence in passing; even the native Cui Xiu had not succeeded, and with his modern mindset, he felt his chances might be even slimmer, unwilling to devote all his time to study.

Secondly, possessing the abilities of the gray mist, he wished to learn martial arts.

The world was chaotic; after witnessing the events in Liu Family Village, he was even more concerned. Only by becoming stronger could he protect himself and his family.

But learning martial arts required money, and given the family's situation, it was impossible for them to support him in this pursuit. Nor would his family necessarily approve; he could only earn the funds himself.

Though Cui Xiu assured them he would not neglect his studies, Father Cui frowned at his words.

“With your second brother and me, there’s no need for you to worry about food and clothing. Your duty is to study diligently and prepare for the next county examination. Are you so discouraged by one failure? How can you face your mother and me with such thoughts?”

Father Cui was clearly angered, his expression darkening.

His lifelong regret was the imperial examination; he himself had failed repeatedly, and even Cui Xiu’s second brother had never passed the scholar’s exam. Now, younger brother Cui Ping showed little aptitude for study. All his hopes rested on Cui Xiu, so such words naturally provoked him.

“I do not intend to abandon the examination, Father. I will work hard these next three years, but you must understand that shutting oneself away is no good. I merely wish to broaden my experience.”

Though Cui Xiu inherited the original memories, he was not truly of this world, and his way of thinking differed. It had not occurred to him how strongly Father Cui would oppose this, so he hastily tried to mend the situation.

“I made some friends in the prefectural city—one of them is Wu Yu, the child prodigy of Anyuan County. He made the list this time. I hoped to find work in the county town, and perhaps seek his guidance in my studies.”

“Moreover, the teacher at the academy was also from Anyuan County. If I have questions, it would be easier to consult him there.”

Understanding his father’s feelings, Cui Xiu changed his explanation.

But now, it would not do to mention learning martial arts.

Father Cui’s expression softened at these words; Cui Xiu’s reasoning was not without merit.

He himself had suffered from being shut away, and understood how little it helped with the examinations, so he could accept Cui Xiu’s explanation.

Cui Xiu had been young before, so these matters were never discussed. But now he was older, and it was not unreasonable to let him go out.

After some thought, Father Cui said, “You truly have grown up… very well, it’s not impossible. Having more friends is good, but do not neglect your studies for other pursuits.”

Hearing this, Cui Xiu breathed a sigh of relief.

“But you must speak with your mother as well; she worries about you most…”

Father Cui’s words left Cui Xiu slightly taken aback.