Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Pitiable and Pathetic
[Why?]
Isn't it good for me to have obtained an official title early? Or is he afraid that once I have a title, I won't be easily controlled?
In a moment, Jiang Li's thoughts were in turmoil, and his feelings for Jiang Zhen Ting had become extremely indifferent.
He still replied with a calm expression,"I will follow my father's teachings and take it seriously."
"I will wait for your good news," Jiang Zhen Ting nodded with satisfaction, seeing his obedience.
"However, I see that your mental state is good now, and your body is much stronger. Have you started practicing martial arts again?" Jiang Zhen Ting's eyes flashed with severity, and a powerful pressure came over.
Kneeling on the ground, Jiang Li's figure lowered a bit more; indeed, what should come will come.
Jiang Li endured the pressure, steadied his mind, and naturally said,"The other day on the road, I met an old beggar. Out of pity, I gave him a few buns. He was grateful for my kindness and gave me a set of basic boxing techniques. When I have nothing to do, I will practice them to warm my body."
"However, I don't think that boxing technique is anything special. Perhaps it's because I've been moving more than before, and I've been feeling better these days. I was even thinking of showing it to you when you came back for your opinion."
"No need! Most other people's boxing techniques are not systematic. It's better if you don't practice them, so as not to ruin your body! Just throw that thing away later!" Jiang Zhen Ting said very clearly, with a tone of contempt.
[Even an ordinary boxing technique is not allowed for me to cultivate?]
He didn't understand. Even though they were both his father's sons, even if his body was a bit weaker, why wasn't he given the slightest qualification to practice martial arts!
Although he was resentful inside, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed he had made the right bet.
The high-ranking Duke naturally looked down on the things of a destitute beggar. If he really wanted to take a look, he would really have no way to lie his way out!
Jiang Zhen Ting stared at Jiang Li for a long time, and then admonished,"Focus on preparing for the exams. Since you are going to participate in the local examinations, you must bring back a good reputation and not tarnish the face of the general's mansion!"
"Your son will do so."
Then he didn't say much, just waved his hand and let Jiang Li leave.
Jiang Li then used his hands to support himself, and got up from the ground with a trembling body to take his leave.
Jiang Zhen Ting watched Jiang Li's back in a daze, and the expression in his eyes was hard to discern.
Wu, the steward who had been waiting at the door, looked at Jiang Li's departing back with admiration in his eyes.
[He is worthy of being Luo Lengyan's son. Facing the master, he can still be calm and composed, and the pressure didn't make him fall down. He is much stronger than that good-for-nothing fourth master. It's a pity that he just happens to be Luo Lengyan's son!]
After leaving the study and the main courtyard, Jiang Li finally breathed a sigh of relief, and a layer of cold sweat had already appeared on his back.
Although he appeared calm on the surface, he was still very nervous inside. Fortunately, he was only asked about martial arts and not investigated in detail.
To make a young man who has just entered cultivation face one of the top forces in the Da Han Dynasty, even if he just sits there, the pressure is overwhelming.
It was rumored more than a decade ago that Jiang Zhen Ting had entered the realm of a martial immortal, but no one knew what level he had reached now!
If it weren't for the improvement in his physical fitness, he would have fallen to the ground just now.
Even though he had mentally told himself countless times to stay calm, he still couldn't maintain his composure.
It seemed that even reading a lot of books was not enough; he needed to speed up his cultivation. Only by improving his own martial prowess could he truly be confident and at ease.
He walked slowly towards Zhiqiu Courtyard, and as he passed by a courtyard, he heard the sound of breaking air and sensed the slightly denser spiritual energy in the area. Jiang Li couldn't help but stop.
[Is someone practicing here?]
Coincidentally, the gate was not closed, and as Jiang Li walked by, he happened to see Jiang Yue Rong inside.
She moved gracefully, her palms drawing blurred trails in the air, with faint sounds of wind and thunder, indicating that she had reached a certain level of proficiency. The spiritual energy around her seemed to be attracted, slowly rotating and forming small whirlpools that grew stronger with the progression of her palm technique.
Jiang Li, standing outside, frowned. It felt very familiar, this technique gave him a sense of familiarity, but he was certain he had never seen it before, not even heard its name.
As he watched and pondered, Jiang Li's eyes narrowed when Jiang Yue Rong's steps traced out the pattern of Tai Chi. Was this a Taoist technique?
No wonder it felt somewhat familiar; it must have originated from the same source as his "Five Mountains True Form Fist."
Jiang Yue Rong's palm technique appeared quite impressive, and before he knew it, he was completely captivated.
After watching one round, Jiang Yue Rong did not stop and continued her practice. Jiang Li was so engrossed that he failed to notice Aunt Wu approaching.
"Ah, young master Wu, a great scholar like you, how could you engage in such peeping? It's really a disgrace to our Duke's mansion. If people outside knew, they would beat you to death without any qualms!
You're not a young child anymore, don't you know the difference between men and women? Peeping into a girl's courtyard, what's the difference between you and a hooligan?"
Aunt Wu had finally caught an opportunity and let out a string of sarcastic and biting remarks. This commotion also disturbed Jiang Yue Rong, who looked over and saw it was Jiang Li.
Before Jiang Li could speak, Jiang Yue Rong spoke up first, frowning,"Aunt Wu, be respectful. No matter what, he is still my brother, and you have no right to scold him."
She then turned to Jiang Li and said softly,"I'm sorry, it's my fault for not managing the staff well, and I've caused my brother some distress. If my brother wants to watch me practice, he is welcome to come into the courtyard."
This response somewhat eased Jiang Li's anger. He had already memorized Jiang Yue Rong's boxing technique from watching earlier. He waved his hand and said,"Thank you, Third Sister, for your kindness. I was just curious as I passed by and took a couple of glances. There's no need to go through the trouble. As for the staff, those who are not up to standard should be dismissed as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary trouble for you in the future."
Without paying attention to Aunt Wu's displeased expression, he bowed and left.
Jiang Yue Rong was taken aback for a moment, realizing that her fifth brother was physically weak and unable to practice martial arts, so he must have just been curious. She then thought about how Aunt Wu had indeed overstepped her boundaries lately and said coldly to Aunt Wu,"Your salary for this month will be cut in half. Pay attention to your place in the future. My brother is generous and won't hold it against you, but if you offend someone important one day, I won't be able to protect you!"
Aunt Wu obediently agreed, but in her heart, she harbored even more resentment towards Jiang Li!
Jiang Li, who had already returned to Zhiqiu Courtyard, was unaware of what happened next.
Although his actions just now were indeed inappropriate, he had clearly seen from outside the door, which was indeed not the conduct of a gentleman.
Standing on that open ground, he recalled the movements of Jiang Yue Rong's boxing technique.
Although he had a photographic memory, he hadn't seen everything clearly at the time, and many parts were not smooth.
However, he didn't regret refusing Jiang Yue Rong. Jiang Yue Rong could boldly practice forbidden books in the mansion, but he couldn't!
Now that his strength was weak, being more careful was always the right choice!
After practicing for a while, it still wasn't smooth, and he couldn't achieve the feeling of moving freely.
He continued to study until midnight and finally understood the reason, and he couldn't help but laugh:"I thought I was just stupid, but it turns out it's because my realm is too low. Jiang Yue Rong is at the initial stage of a martial artist, and the spiritual energy she can mobilize is of course not comparable to mine."
It seems I should focus on improving my own realm first!
Reflecting on today's events, being called out in front of everyone will surely invite jealousy from those petty people, and the next few days will likely be far from peaceful!
It's often said that once you enter the palace gates, it's like diving into the deep sea, but this general's mansion is no less treacherous.
Everyone revolves around Jiang Zhen Ting, and if he gives someone an extra glance, it's as if they've received a great favor.
They all fight each other like crows.
Pitiful! Pathetic!