Ruilin Lane!
Lin Chen arrived at the entrance of the alley and knew that this must be the residential area for the rich and powerful in Poyang County.
The alley was paved with bluestone, with towering residences on both sides, carved beams, and painted rafters, resplendent in gold and jade.
Following the name plaques of these residences, Lin Chen stopped at the depths of the alley.
Shu Mansion!
The residence of Inspector Shu.
Lin Chen didn't know if Instructor Yu was at Inspector Shu's residence, as the Instructor hadn't informed him of his whereabouts in the county town before leaving.
But even if the Instructor was not living at the Shu Mansion, Inspector Shu would surely know where the Instructor was residing.
He stepped forward to knock on the door!
A few breaths later, a maid opened the door.
"May I ask if this is the residence of Inspector Shu?"
"Yes, young master, what can I do for you?"
"Disciple Lin Chen is here to visit Inspector Shu, and I hope sister can help notify him."
"You are Young Master Lin?"
Upon hearing Lin Chen's name, the maid did not report further but directly opened the door, which surprised Lin Chen a bit.
Had Inspector Shu mentioned his name to the servants?
Following the maid into the Shu Mansion, the first thing that caught Lin Chen's eye was a screen wall carved with auspicious designs.
After passing the screen wall, there was a courtyard for serving tea, surrounded by corridors with carved railings, exquisitely detailed. In the center of the courtyard lay an ancient well, its edge simple and unadorned, bearing witness to the residence's years.
The maid led Lin Chen into the main hall, served him fragrant tea, apologized, and left.
Lin Chen glanced around the main hall. The furnishings were simple yet dignified, with several Master's Chairs made of high-quality wood, skillfully crafted. A few landscape paintings hung on the walls, full of vibrant brushwork and profound artistic conception.
If these decorations were in a scholarly noble family, he could understand.
But Inspector Shu is a Martial Artist.
Do Martial Artists also have a scholar's sentiment?
After the time it took for a cup of tea, the maid returned with an envelope in hand.
"Young Master Lin, my lady and Mr. Yu left Poyang County a few days ago, and Mr. Yu left a letter for me to pass on to you."
Upon hearing the maid, Lin Chen was somewhat surprised. He took the letter but didn't rush to open it, instead asking, "What may I call you, sister?"
"Hua'Er."
"Sister Hua'Er, where did Instructor Yu go after leaving the county? Could you tell me?"
"Mr. Yu is going to participate in the Martial Arts Examination. He left Poyang County, and my lady also resigned from her position as Inspector to accompany him."
"Martial Arts Examination?"
Lin Chen was genuinely shocked. His own Instructor was going to take the Martial Arts Examination?
Upon second thought, he guessed the reason.
Inspector Shu's family background is not ordinary, and obviously, the Instructor is not one to live off someone else. This is an effort to strive for success to propose formally to Inspector Shu.
Indeed, love spurs one to strive.
The Instructor, who had previously laid back, now revives his efforts for love.
"Young Master Lin, when Mr. Yu left, he specifically instructed that if you came to the mansion, apart from delivering this letter to you, you could also stay in the mansion if needed, as there are many guest rooms."
"No need for trouble. I'll return to the martial arts school later."
Lin Chen shook his head to refuse. He came to report good news to Instructor Yu. Since the Instructor wasn't present, he naturally wouldn't stay at Shu Mansion.
"Did the Instructor mention how long he will be gone this time?"
"That I don't know. Maybe Mr. Yu mentioned it in the letter." Hua'Er shook her head, knowing little as just a maid.
Upon hearing this, Lin Chen didn't hesitate and opened the letter in his hand.
[To my disciple Lin Chen,]
[By the time you read this letter, I have already left Poyang County. I assume Hua'Er has informed you of my whereabouts. I have pledged eternal love with my sister.]
[However, my sister is from the renowned Shu Family of Rao Mansion. Although she doesn't mind my humble background, I cannot let her endure others' idle talks. Thus, I decided to take the Martial Arts Examination, hoping to achieve the status of Advanced Scholar, so I may propose at Shu Mansion...]
Reading this, Lin Chen squinted slightly. He hadn't expected the Instructor to reveal these matters in a letter to his junior.
[The Martial Arts Examination is as tough as ascending to Heaven. In the past, those who succeeded were all descendants of noble families or celestial prides meticulously nurtured by Grade-Entering Powerhouses. For someone of my status and power to attempt for Advanced Scholar status, it would bring nothing but ridicule, termed foolish dreams.]
[However, I have resolved to do this, partly not to fail my sister, and partly influenced by you. You, a young boy from the village, with a pure heart, climb to the top despite lacking silver coins. If you can do so, why can't I?]
Lin Chen somewhat understood why the Instructor detailed his participation in the Martial Arts Examination in the letter.
The entire letter articulates the Instructor's reasons for taking the examination, but every word encourages him as well.
The competition the Instructor faces is similar to Lin Chen's in the martial arts school. If the Instructor doesn't mind others' opinions of him as foolish, then Lin Chen, as his disciple, should persist in training at the martial arts school.
Teacher and disciple, encourage each other!
[The path of Martial Arts requires persistence over time to succeed. Do not let temporary gains or losses bring joy or sadness; do not let successes or failures lead to pride or abandonment. The Martial Path is endless; with a heart aiming towards brightness, the way forward becomes clear, and wisdom arises.]
...
[Lastly, borrowing your words, to encourage each other: The fragrance of plum blossom comes from the bitter cold, and the sharpness of a sword comes through honing.]
[Though I am gone, my heart remains with you. May you have a bright future, broad and clear.]
...
...
The letter ended here, but there was something else inside the envelope — a thin twenty taels Silver Ticket.
Lin Chen's eyes moistened as he carefully folded the letter, put it back in the envelope, and tucked it into his inner chest pocket.
Instructor Yu was his first excellent teacher on the Martial Path. Even after leaving the county, he's still thinking of him.
"I hope the Instructor excels in the Martial Arts Examination, names on the Golden List, and achieves supreme glory."
After whispering this in his heart, Lin Chen collected himself and cupped his hands to Hua'Er, saying, "Sister Hua'Er, since neither Inspector Shu nor the Instructor is here, I shall take my leave."
After leaving Shu Mansion, Lin Chen didn't rush back to the martial arts school but went to an incense candle shop to buy a color-painted, rustic-carved mask.
This ghostly mask is generally used in rituals and ceremonies, looking menacing. Lin Chen tried it on, and its size matched his face well.
Holding the mask, Lin Chen headed to the Martial Arts Garden. Walking on the lush green path, he fastened the mask to his face.
Upon reaching the garden gates, Lin Chen noticed many others wearing masks as they entered. Looking around the arena square, he saw more than half wearing masks, with several having the same mask as him.
Truly...
Lin Chen almost wanted to complain. He found it odd why the incense candle shop displayed more masks than incense, now realizing they were prepared for people like him.