Where the wind chimes sound, there is a god

Chapter 10: The Deep Courtyard and the Shallow Sun
The days passed by in a dull but not boring way, and in the blink of an eye it was the ninth day of March, and the sky was bright.

Chen Beimo practiced for another two nights and gathered two strands of Yin water in his lower abdomen. Although he could not feel any changes at the moment, he still practiced diligently, as the wonders of this technique were yet to be discovered.

In his spare time, he went to Li's Study across the street and bought a lot of ancient books. There were many ancient characters and words on the second floor that he didn't understand very well, and he needed to search for them bit by bit from the classics.

Li Qisi's study does not belong to him alone. It is a copy of a rare copy from the clan treasury of Xiahe Li family that he is selling. As the saying goes, there is no dynasty that lasts a thousand years, but there are families that last a thousand years.

The Xiahe Li family is such a small and ancient clan. The Li family is a big family in the world, but it is divided into many large and small branches. The most famous is the Longxi Li family. Many of the three highest officials and literati of the current dynasty have disciples from their clan, so they should not be underestimated.

The Xiahe Li family has existed since the end of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and has a history of two to three hundred years. Don't underestimate these clans in the villages and towns because they live in the countryside. In fact, apart from controlling the city of Jincheng, the imperial court is also in charge of the hundreds of miles of villages and towns below.

Chen Beimo bought more than a dozen books from his study in one go, which shocked the old man Li Qisi, who asked him if he was planning to take the imperial examination.
Of course, this is just a joke. In the eyes of the common people, scholars are nobles. Even if they are scholars, they have to bow and greet them when they meet them. If they are juren, they are like the god of literature who has descended to earth.

Because it is not just knowing how to read, but reading books makes one a scholar. A true scholar cannot have a family background in business, industry, or martial arts, and cannot have relatives within the five degrees of mourning who have committed crimes, among many other restrictions.

Chen Beimo, a businessman, had no chance of taking the imperial examination, but that did not stop him from learning to read.

Reading can help you learn history, gain wisdom, and cultivate your spirit. Occasional reading for a day or two will naturally yield nothing, but if you study hundreds of books over the years, you will naturally achieve something extraordinary.

He would never have dared to do such a thing when the master craftsman was around. Umbrella makers are responsible for making umbrellas, and studying is something only scholars can do. The laws of ancestors and the rules of etiquette cannot be abolished.

Now that he is the boss of Tingyu Pavilion, naturally there is no one to control him and he can do whatever he wants.

Tired of reading, Chen Beimo lay on the Drunkard's chair under the persimmon tree in the yard. The shade of the tree dotted his sky-blue gown. Little Hai from Aunt Zhao's next door started crying again for some reason. From time to time, the neighbors on the left could be heard talking and laughing. The backyard of Du Tingyu Pavilion was quiet. He covered his face with the book, thinking in a daze that such peaceful days were something he had longed for in his previous life.

After reading many ancient books, I learned that the 466-year Western Jin Dynasty was not just the Western Jin Dynasty, because sixty or seventy years ago, the Eastern Jin Dynasty Emperor Tianhui was attacked by the Qi State, the Liao State and the Jin State in the north, and the northern capital was conquered. All the clans in the city were killed, and rivers of blood flowed. The Liao and Jin people robbed countless gold, silver and jewelry, and all the savings and treasures of the Eastern Jin Dynasty in the first years were burned.

When the country was in danger, the Huangfu clan came forward to join the King of Xining, gathered the remnants of the people who had fled south from the northern capital, and fought for ten years before they re-established the country in what is now the capital, and named it Jin.

However, they lost five or six provinces in the east and three provinces in the north, so they could only establish their capital in Luochuan. The court naturally called it Jin, but people outside called it the Western Jin.

King Xining changed the reign title and proclaimed himself emperor, but ten emperors after him were short-lived. Ten reign titles were changed within thirty years, and the ceremonial system was in chaos and disorder, so they had no choice but to change the reign title to Jin and refer to the years in Jin.

It is now the 466th year of the Jin Dynasty, the year of Bingyin. Almost sixty years have passed since that chaotic era, and many of the sufferings and humiliations are little known to the public.

The current emperor, Emperor Jing, is also known as Emperor Jingling. The word "Ling" is also a mockery by the court and the public for his emphasis on sacrifices, mysterious methods, and neglect of civil governance. However, it will not be said openly because Emperor Jing recovered half of the lost territory of Guangnan Province within six years of his reign, and worked hard to govern the country. He used the Six Gods to supervise all officials, promoted agricultural studies, and emphasized education. Only in these years did the Western Jin Dynasty show signs of revival.

Speaking of the royal family, we have to mention that the Huangfu family invested and took sides and gained supreme honor and benefits.

The imperial court established the Six Gods Department, which was independent of many imperial court offices such as the Three Provinces and Six Ministries. Each department had its own powers, and the head of the Heavenly God Department was the current imperial teacher Huangfu Qi, who even the emperor had to show respect to him.

Most of the Six Gods' Chiefs and Great Gods have the surname Huangfu! These things are not known to ordinary people, and only a few can be recorded in history books.

Chen Beimo slowly digested all this ancient history in his mind. The persimmon tree was all green, and occasionally one or two birds chirped, but they would soon be scared away.

It was a sunny afternoon in spring. The landscapes created by the ancients were mostly in harmony with nature. There were bamboo shadows along the corridors in the courtyard, the courtyard was deep and the sun was shallow. He fell asleep unknowingly in the silence.

Beichenjun climbed out in low spirits and put his head into the bucket beside the well. He drank up the whole bucket of water in one breath! There was also a wooden basin next to the bamboo. This was specially left by Chen Beimo for the snakes. It was also full of water.

Beichen Jun glanced with disdain at his companions crawling around in the basin. As his mind gradually regained consciousness, he stared with some curiosity at the man lying on the chair with his face covered by a book.

All the snakes bowed to him. In the past, he obeyed blindly, but now that his mind is clearer, he still obeys unconsciously, as if it is his blood or something in his brain that obeys him. This is really a weird person.

"Bang bang bang!"

"Bang bang bang!"

Being woken up from his sleep, Chen Beimo picked up the book on his face with some impatience. He was always good-tempered but he hated people who disturbed his sleep the most.

"Where is the store owner? Hurry up and open the door to welcome us!"

A dissatisfied and domineering voice was heard, causing Chen Beimo to slowly get up from the recliner, walk to the front hall and open the wooden door.

The bright light coming in from outside the door was a bit dazzling. Chen Beimo used his wide sleeves to shield his eyes. After he adjusted to the light, he couldn't help but be stunned.

There were five or six big men standing on both sides outside the door. A wooden carriage made of agarwood and carved with patterns was parked on the street in front of the door. A beautiful woman in a green shirt and flowing gauze walked out of it. She had a golden hairpin in her hair, which made her look more noble.

Isn't this Qiao'er who came with Xu Zhi a few days ago? How did she manage to climb up such a high branch?

Chen Beimo reacted quickly, walked out of the door and said with a smile: "It turns out to be Miss Qiao'er, are you here to get an umbrella?"

"That's right. Is it done?" Qiao'er smiled softly, without any airs.

Chen Beimo nodded, "Please wait a moment, I'll get it for you."

Having said that, he turned and went back into the house, took out the jade umbrella wrapped in an umbrella cover and walked outside, where he heard the voice of a young man.

"I also want to see this umbrella you mentioned, Qiao'er. How magical is it?"

Chen Beimo looked up and saw a tall, handsome man wearing a purple gold crown and a scarlet robe getting out of the car.

The six big men hurriedly bowed and saluted, "Second Young Master!"

The noble man just raised his hand, and several big men stood up, adding a bit of aura to him. Chen Beimo became more cautious, slowly took the umbrella out of the umbrella cover, and opened the Qingluo Yuguang Umbrella, the legacy of his master, in front of everyone.

As soon as it was opened, the emerald green color illuminated the area within a few feet under the sunlight, which was dazzling. The broken sand and glass on the umbrella surface reflected the fragments of the midday sun. Chen Beimo stepped forward with the umbrella in his hand. His azure green shirt matched the jade umbrella well, and for a moment he looked like an immortal descending from the earth, and everyone was stunned.

Qiao Er was even more pleasantly surprised and said, "Good! Good! Good! The master's craftsmanship is truly extraordinary!"

Chen Beimo smiled and put the umbrella away, then handed it to Qiao'er, "Miss, please take another look at it. If there are any flaws, please point them out to me. We will not be responsible if you leave or if there is any damage, but we are willing to repair it."

The nobleman named Second Young Master couldn't help but be dazzled by the precious umbrella, and even the way he looked at Chen Beimo changed. The young man in front of him was wearing a green shirt with cloud sleeves and a long curtain, and a green belt around his waist that perfectly outlined his slender waist. His handsome face and smiling but firm eyes made him look very unique, and he didn't look as thin as the young man in the Qingguan Tavern.

"Second Master! Do you think this umbrella suits me?"

Qiao'er opened the umbrella and saw her benefactor staring at the young man in front of her, and she couldn't help but ask.

"It looks good. Qiao'er, you look like a fairy with this jade umbrella, beautiful but not coquettish. A beautiful lady with a jade umbrella, a green shirt and a green belt."

The second young master smiled and turned around to say this, praising Qiao'er to great delight. He then stepped forward and said to the young man in front of the door with a smile: "My name is Zhang Yunxing, I never thought there was such a skill in the world.

I also want to make a jade umbrella like this, how much does it cost?"

Chen Beimo calmly bowed and said, "This umbrella is the legacy of my master. There is only one in the world. My skills are not good enough to make such a jade umbrella. I am sorry to disappoint you, sir."

Qiao Er saw this scene and thought to herself that it was not good. She recalled the rumors about this man in front of her. It was said that he often lingered in places of pleasure, not only loved to drink and have fun with singing girls, but also often went to places with small restaurants. Small restaurants refer to young men or boys who are like singing girls.

"No problem. If you know any good umbrellas, please make one for me." Zhang Yunxing waved his hand, and a servant came up with silver. He didn't even look at it and handed a silver ingot weighing five or six taels to Chen Beimo. "This is the deposit. I'll come to pick up the umbrella in a month. Is that okay?"

Chen Beimo looked at the silver in front of him shining brightly in the sun and swallowed back the words he was about to refuse.

"I am not an expert in craftsmanship, but I will do my best to make a good umbrella for you."

Chen Beimo took the silver ingot calmly, and couldn't help but feel how heavy it was when he held it in his hand.

"Hahaha, just do your best, little brother!" Zhang Yunxing laughed heartily, and opened the sandalwood mahogany fan in his hand, blowing up the beautiful hair left on his temples. He looked handsome, with affectionate eyes, like a playboy who knew how to show off his looks. Qiao'er was so bewitched that her eyes turned red and she stuck to him unconsciously.

The two of them got on the carriage and left in full of affection, and the crowd watching on the street dispersed.

Chen Beimo put away the silver and listened to the people around him talking.

"Whose girl is this? She's being targeted again!"

"Hush, keep your voice down. This is the second son of the Wuxing Marquis's mansion. We can't afford to offend him."

……

"Wuxing Earl's Mansion? Earl's Mansion, no wonder it's so generous."

Chen Beimo understood in his heart. He was quite wise in his two lives and could see that this young man was not very interested in umbrellas, but had great interests in other things.

He had the urge to let the colorful belly snake bite the man's lower body, but he couldn't afford to offend the Earl's Mansion. It was just a potential danger, and this little storm was nothing.

Chen Beimo closed the door and didn't care. He would just take an umbrella and leave. But he felt sorry for Xu Zhi. How could such a simple and honest boy get Qiao'er, a woman who pursued wealth and fame?

But how could a girl like Qiao'er, who came from an ordinary family, charm a love veteran who had received an aristocratic education?
This is really a case of one thing conquering another. He doesn't want to get involved in the gossip. If Brother Xu Zhi comes to ask him, he will tell him what happened today. If he doesn't come to ask, he won't run over and meddle in other people's business.

This kind of thing, can not tell right from wrong, very troublesome. His ears have been better recently, he can hear the gossip of the two families next door, he can only sigh: the world is noisy, the vulgar are sad, love and hate, joy and sorrow, separation and reunion, life is just a life, why should we cling to love?
True love is the most precious and cheapest thing in the relationship between men and women.

Chen Beimo shook his head, calmed his mind, and began his daily practice again. The Yin Zhong Water in his Dantian always gave him a feeling of being there and not there, like a rootless duckweed. However, he felt his mind calm during his practice today. After a wisp of Yin Zhong Water penetrated the thirty-six acupoints, the practice was complete. When he opened his eyes, the moon was already in the sky.

He was surprised to find that this strand of Yin Qi took more than an hour longer than the previous few days. Of course, this strand of Yin Qi was also easier to sense. It merged into one with the previous three strands of Qi in his Dantian, and he could clearly feel a little coolness in his body.

This feeling of gaining something from practice made him feel happy, but when he stood up, his legs were numb and he had difficulty walking. He also felt hungry, telling him that it was time to eat.

Beichen also crawled over, spitting out his tongue and hissing to indicate that he was hungry too.

Chen Beimo endured the numbness in his legs and lay on the chair to relax for a while. At the same time, he was also worried about how to feed the domestic snakes in the yard.

If you buy a lot of meat every day, it will definitely attract other people's attention and it will be easy to expose your wealth. You have to know that most people can't afford to eat meat every day these days.

It is too risky to let them go out to find food on their own. They may be discovered by passers-by accidentally. The brave ones will catch them and exchange them for money, while the timid ones will spread the news. The alley will certainly become uneasy and it will also attract the attention of those who are interested.

In the past, the senior brother would catch mice and birds and feed them with fabrics when he went up the mountain to chop firewood and cut bamboo. Now, he can no longer go out to the mountain at will.

After thinking about it, Chen Beimo suddenly remembered an animal, the wild rabbits from the western mountains! This thing reproduces quickly, and the big rabbits naturally cannot be swallowed by domestic snakes, otherwise their stomachs will burst. Those small rabbit cubs and half-grown rabbits are the most suitable for feeding. And it is normal to raise rabbits. It is enough for domestic snakes to eat a full meal every ten days or half a month.

Chen Beimo lay in the yard for a long time before he slowly got up and went to the kitchen to heat up some steamed buns to eat. He was afraid that the black smoke from cooking in the middle of the night would alert the patrols and night watchmen.

Although there are night markets and braised snacks on the streets, it is still not advisable to eat spicy, oily and braised foods at night. It is not good for your health and will damage the Yin water in your body.

The suffering of spiritual practice is not just about sitting in solitude. The desires of the mouth, body and mind must be forbidden. These things can be forbidden temporarily, but can the practitioners stick to it for a long time?
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(End of this chapter)