Chapter 2

Jian'an City, Pingchuan County.

The Yang family is a century-old prestigious clan in Pingchuan County, with vast influence and three ancestors who were once highly esteemed martial scholars.

...

"Strong winds reveal the strength of the grass, and fierce fires refine true gold. Without enduring the bitter cold, how can one emit fragrance..."

Early in the morning, in the southeast corner of the Yang residence, a window opened in a humble shed. A thinly dressed young man, lips tightly pressed, was intently practicing calligraphy on a piece of low-quality paper.

His expression was focused, and though the cold wind hit his body, he was completely unaware.

The young man was about fourteen or fifteen years old. Despite his young age, he possessed a maturity rare among his peers. From his clothing and living conditions, it was clear that his situation was difficult.

"Whether I can pass the child scholar examination and rise to prominence depends on the exam in six months. ... For eight years, I have endured this clan, and I can't stay here a moment longer."

After a long while, Yang Ji put down his brush, and many past events flooded his mind.

Yang Ji was originally a young master of the Yang clan, living a life of wealth and luxury that others envied. However, a sudden tragedy led to the death of his parents, and at the tender age of seven, Yang Ji became an orphan, his status in the clan plummeting.

Those who should have been his closest relatives became the ones who oppressed him the most.

First, his uncle and aunt coveted his family's property, then he was driven out of his home and exiled to this remote shed.

In the past eight years, not only did the clan members oppress him, but even the servants dared to mock and ridicule him.

Yang Ji had seen the warmth and cold of human relationships and the harshness of the world.

Despite his difficult circumstances, Yang Ji never gave up hope. He always told himself that everything in life was a test for him.

"Strong winds reveal the strength of the grass, and fierce fires refine true gold. Without enduring the bitter cold, how can one emit fragrance" were the four sentences that he used to encourage himself, and they were the ones he wrote most often when practicing calligraphy.

In the past eight years, Yang Ji studied diligently through the cold and heat, and finally achieved some success. Whether in literary classics or calligraphy, Yang Ji had reached a level of proficiency rare among his peers.

Now, everything was about to be "harvested." After the New Year, in six months, would be the child scholar examination that Yang Ji had long awaited.

The child scholar examination is a grand event held every three years in the Han Dynasty.

The Han Dynasty is a powerful and culturally rich empire with many talented individuals. Every year, the competition is extremely fierce. Tens of thousands of students from the surrounding areas of Pingchuan County participate, and only three are selected in the end.

Yang Ji was confident that if he succeeded, he would make a stunning debut. As long as he placed in the top three and passed the child scholar examination, he would have a way to leave the clan and rise to prominence.

Even a child scholar in the Han Dynasty is no small matter.

"I wonder what the expression of the main lady of the direct line will be when she suddenly discovers that I have passed the child scholar examination."

Yang Ji thought of her face and sneered inwardly.

In the past few years, he had endured all the oppression silently, telling himself to endure. As a result, no one took him seriously.

If they discovered that he had passed the child scholar examination, their faces would surely be very interesting.

"Unfortunately, my physical constitution is too weak. Otherwise, I could have directly participated in the martial examination and become a martial child scholar, without all this trouble."

Yang Ji sighed, a hint of melancholy in his eyes.

This world is a "Martial Dao Ascension" world!

It is said that powerful martial artists can achieve sainthood, with their bodies becoming holy, their energy and spirit rising, capable of moving mountains and controlling the elements, even creating and destroying worlds, becoming gods or demons.

The current dynasty is filled with martial saints who can directly confer divine positions, establish temples, and enjoy offerings!

All of this is far beyond the imagination of a weak scholar.

Therefore, the imperial examinations have always only set "child scholar" and "scholar" levels, with no "imperial scholar" or "top scholar."

Yang Ji also wanted to practice martial arts, but unfortunately, the clan had always withheld his silver and cut off the supply of medicinal herbs needed for his training.

"According to legends, there were once great literary saints who could achieve sainthood through reading, with their words and demeanor inspiring awe, making dragons and phoenixes bow, commanding the elements, and their words becoming law, drawing people's admiration. I wonder if it's true."

In a daze, Yang Ji thought of some wild histories and felt a deep longing.

According to the books, before this world, there was another world. And "literary saints" were the stories of that era.

Such things are too distant to be verified.

Yang Ji didn't know if reading could lead to sainthood, but in the eight years he had been reading, he had never felt anything like that.

Putting down the book, Yang Ji began to practice the "Breathing Technique."

No matter how busy he was with his studies, Yang Ji never gave up on his physical training. The "Breathing Technique" is a method of controlling breathing to improve blood circulation and strengthen lung and physical power.

This is the most basic foundation for practicing martial arts.

The Breathing Technique is divided into ten levels. A healthy person can usually breathe two levels at a time. Due to the lack of medicinal herbs, Yang Ji's progress was slow, and he had only reached the third level, slightly better than his peers.

...

"Rustle!"

After an unknown amount of time, the sound of footsteps came, and Yang Ji's mind stirred, snapping back to reality. The door creaked open, and an old man with gray hair entered.

His steps were unsteady, and he carried a food box, smiling warmly at Yang Ji.

"Uncle Liang, you're here."

Yang Ji stopped his practice, delighted.

"Hehe, young master, you've worked hard on your calligraphy. Have something to eat first."

After a pause, the old man said apologetically:

"I'm sorry, I was delayed on the way. You must be very hungry."

"It's fine, a little late is fine. Uncle Liang, thank you for your hard work."

Yang Ji didn't mind.

The old steward slowly walked to the table with the food box and began to take out the food, all of which were light dishes like water bamboo tofu and stir-fried bamboo shoots.

"The accounting silver hasn't been issued yet. In a few days, I'll make you some stir-fried bamboo shoots with pork."

The old steward said as he worked.

"Hehe, it's fine."

Yang Ji paused, then suddenly frowned. "Uncle Liang, are you okay?"

For some reason, Yang Ji felt that Uncle Liang looked different from usual today.

"Ah, no, no... What could happen to me?"

The old steward stiffened, a hint of panic in his eyes, and waved his hands.

"Young master, it's cold, the food will get cold easily. Eat while it's hot."

The old man urged.

Seeing the old man's reaction, Yang Ji's suspicions grew. Remembering that the old steward had delivered the meal much later than usual today, he suddenly understood something.

"Uncle Liang, did someone make things difficult for you again?"

Yang Ji said loudly.

"No, no..."

The old steward became even more flustered.

Yang Ji, who was no longer fooled, took a big step, bypassed the table, and walked to the old man's left side. A large bruise, swollen and purple, came into view.

Boom!

Seeing the bruise, Yang Ji's heart was shaken, a soft spot in his heart twitching as if struck.

"These beasts, they even laid hands on you!"

Yang Ji's eyes turned blood red, his body trembling with anger. He finally understood why Uncle Liang had seemed so off today, and why he had to turn his face when speaking to him.

In the past few years, his situation in the clan had been difficult, often facing deliberate humiliation and insults. But as long as it wasn't too much, he told himself to endure. But why did they lay hands on an old man?!

"Yang Yong! It's Yang Yong, right? Did he order it? This scoundrel!"

Yang Ji was furious.

The one in the clan who oppressed him the most and could do such a thing was only him.

"I will never let him off."

Yang Ji, eyes red, turned and walked away.

"Young master, you can't do that."

The old steward, seeing Yang Ji's agitation, was alarmed and quickly grabbed him.

"This has nothing to do with Yang Yong. I was careless and fell on the way. Young master, please don't go."

But Yang Ji wouldn't listen. The old steward, after a moment's hesitation, finally said:

"Young master, even if not for yourself, think of the late master and mistress!"

"Buzz!"

Hearing these words, Yang Ji's body trembled as if struck by lightning.

"Young master, I am old and don't have much time left. My only hope is to see you rise to prominence, so that the late master and mistress can rest in peace."

The old steward sighed.

The wind howled outside, and Yang Ji, facing away from the old man, remained silent, tears streaming down his face.

His father served in the imperial court, but more than eight years ago, he died suddenly outside. After that, his mother also passed away, and this has been the greatest pain in Yang Ji's heart, something he could never forget.

Who doesn't want the love of their parents and the joy of a happy family? But Yang Ji couldn't. Losing his parents at a young age made him mature early.

As a son, how could he ignore the kindness of his parents?

His father's death was suspicious, and Yang Ji had more than once wanted to investigate the truth.

But Pingchuan County is on the border, far from the capital. The road outside is dangerous, with fierce beasts, powerful monsters, bandits, and evil cultivators. Without a skilled escort, it would be certain death. Yang Ji, a weak scholar, would be doomed if he went alone, achieving nothing.

The old steward's voice faintly reached his ears:

"... In a few months, it will be the imperial examination. You have prepared for this day for so long. The clan forbids private fighting. If I am used as an excuse, and the 'main lady' finds a pretext, all your efforts will be in vain. All our hard work will be wasted. How can I face you?"

Yang Ji's heart was shaken, and after a fierce internal struggle, he finally sighed and lowered his hands.

"Uncle Liang, don't worry. I know what to do. I won't let that woman succeed."

Mentioning the main lady's name, Yang Ji's eyes flashed with deep hatred.

The "uncles and aunts" who coveted his family's property, including Yang Yong, were merely pawns, acting on the orders of the main lady of the direct line of the clan.

This was the root of all Yang Ji's "troubles," and he owed his current situation to her.

More than eight years ago, when his parents were alive, Yang Ji used to call her "Aunt." At that time, she didn't have the status she has now.

But as she gained power in the clan, her status rose, and she gradually became known as the "main lady."

Her character was cold, cruel, and vengeful. She would kill servants and maids over minor issues. When Yang Ji's mother was alive, they had many conflicts over this, and she deeply resented her.

Love and hate are both transferred. After his mother's death, Yang Ji suffered her wrath.

Though there was no direct evidence, Yang Ji knew that everything done to him was under her orders.

If not for the clan's rules, set by the ancestors, which gave her some restraint, Yang Ji didn't know if he would still be alive today.

Over the years, Yang Ji had learned to be cautious and patient. He deeply understood that without great strength, he could not contend with that woman.

"A gentleman's revenge is never too late. I am weak today, but I will not always be. One day, I will make that woman pay."

Yang Ji took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and sat back down.

After such an event, Yang Ji had no appetite.

The meal tasted like wax.

"Is Young Master Ji here?"

After dinner, a knock came at the door.

"Who is it?"

Yang Ji and the old steward looked up.

"It's me, the accounting manager."

The voice said.

Opening the door, a thin figure stood outside, wearing a green silk robe, about forty to fifty years old, with a mustache, and eyes that darted around, giving an impression of being both shifty and calculating.

This was the accounting manager of the Yang clan, known as "Mountain Rat," responsible for the clan's finances.

"Mr. Li!"

The old steward said in surprise.

"Hehe, Young Master Ji, Old Steward, I'm sorry to disturb you."

"Mountain Rat" bowed and stepped inside, his eyes darting around the room.

"Get to the point."

Yang Ji stood in front of "Mountain Rat," somewhat displeased.

"Mountain Rat" was one of the main lady's people, and he was never generous when it came to silver, so Yang Ji didn't like him.

"Hehe, didn't the old steward come to ask for the silver a few times? I brought it as soon as I had the chance."

"Mountain Rat" chuckled, pulled out a money bag from his chest, shook it, and handed it over:

"Old Steward, Young Master Ji, please take it."

"Is he being so kind?"

Yang Ji and the old steward exchanged a glance, then suspiciously took the bag.

In the clan, every descendant receives a stipend.

But in the past, the old steward had to wait ten to eight days before the silver was reluctantly given. Now, on the fifth day, the stipend was delivered, and by the accounting manager himself, which made Yang Ji and the old steward feel very uneasy.

"Unsolicited kindness is either a trick or a trap. What's he up to?"

Yang Ji kept a wary mind.

"Hehe, I have other matters, so I won't disturb you. Young Master Ji, Old Steward, goodbye!"

"Mountain Rat" handed over the silver, a faint, barely noticeable smirk in his eyes, and left without staying.

"Wait!"

Yang Ji suddenly called out, staring at "Mountain Rat's" back. "How much is in this bag?"

Scare!

The sudden shout made "Mountain Rat" visibly flinch, as if startled.

"Money? How much?—I don't know."

"Mountain Rat" tried to stay calm, but the panic in his voice betrayed him.

Yang Ji's heart sank, and without hesitation, he turned the bag over. Copper coins fell into his hand, and a quick count revealed only twenty copper coins.

Behind him, the old steward's face changed. The next sixty days would be very cold, and they needed the clan's stipend to survive.

Twenty copper coins weren't even enough for half a month, let alone the next two months.

The clan's arrangement was a heartless move, cutting off their food supply!

"What do you mean by this?"

Yang Ji was furious.

"Young Master Ji, this... this is the clan's decision. I... the clan... is short on funds recently. Take this half month's stipend for now, and we'll make up the rest later..."

The plot was exposed, and "Mountain Rat" stammered, his words incoherent.

"Do you think I'm a three-year-old child?"

Yang Ji roared, and with a slap, "Mountain Rat" was knocked to the ground.

The clan is short on funds? When has it ever been short?

Three days ago, Yang Ji saw a large shipment of luxurious silk and brocade delivered to the main gate; he saw precious medicinal herbs distributed to every household—except his.

Now, when it came to him, the clan suddenly had financial difficulties?

When the clan embezzled his father's property, they said they were keeping it for him, giving him the same stipend as others to prevent him from squandering it.

Even when the stipend was halved, he endured. But now, after repeated requests, they gave him twenty copper coins to last two months of winter!

"You are truly despicable!"

Yang Ji roared.

"Oh no, murder!"

"Mountain Rat," slapped by Yang Ji, was already terrified. Seeing his anger, he immediately screamed, rolling and crawling out the door.

"Scoundrel!"

Yang Ji wanted to chase after him but was held back by the old steward.

"Ah, forget it. It's better to avoid trouble. He's just a servant, and we don't need to make things difficult for him."

The old steward sighed.

"I can't swallow this."

Yang Ji said angrily.

"The situation is against us. We can't fight them. And with the New Year approaching, this money won't last, but we can stretch it. You rest and study. I'll take care of the money."

The old steward took the copper coins from Yang Ji.

The old steward left with the food box, but Yang Ji couldn't calm down.

"Too hateful! Too hateful!"

Yang Ji was furious, the more he thought, the angrier he became. He hated those who oppressed him and himself. If he were stronger, he wouldn't be in this situation.

"Swish!"

Yang Ji, increasingly angry, grabbed a brush and began to write furiously on the paper, as if pouring his anger and frustration into the brush. The paper quickly filled with wild, cursive script:

"A great man would rather die than live in poverty. I, Yang Ji, will not remain obscure forever. One day, I will make everyone look at me with respect!"

Yang Ji roared inwardly, slamming his fist on the table, breaking the brush and splattering ink.

The cold wind howled outside, making the paper rustle, witnessing Yang Ji's vow!

...

In another direction, "Mountain Rat" ran a long distance before stopping at the wall.

"That brat thinks he's smart, secretly studying late into the night and buying so much paper to practice. He thinks he can hide it from the main lady? This is his own fault."

"Mountain Rat" spat, smirking, unwilling to admit he was afraid of the boy.

"With the New Year approaching, a heavy snow is coming. Two months of freezing weather, and with only twenty copper coins, I want to see how you survive!—The eldest son is coming back, and you're still causing trouble, opposing the main lady of the direct line. This is your fate."

Muttering, he finally walked away.