Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 18 Instructor Xu's Humility

"The academician's wife asked me a question, but I am not knowledgeable enough to answer it. Alas."

Upon hearing this, the students immediately perked up!

A golden opportunity delivered right to our doorstep.

This would solve the problem of the academician's wife and also embarrass the cunning new instructor. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Only a few people seemed to have figured something out, but their competitive spirit drove them to gather around anyway.

"Ahem, fellow students, have you ever heard of Cuju?"

"Cuju?"

One well-informed reporter blurted out that a popular game in Linzi, the ancient capital of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period, involved the King of Qi dividing the country into two sides, where the goal was simply to kick a rattan ball into the goal.

Among these scholars, there were truly many talented individuals who meticulously studied classical texts and historical records.

"Indeed, let me ask you all again, in the army, ten men form a 'shi' (尵), do you know why?"

A rather young student said without hesitation.

The *Wei Liao Zi* (尉缭子) states in its section on military instruction: "The squad leader instructs his four men to use a board as a drum, a tile as a gong, and a pole as a flag. They advance when the drum is struck, run when the flag is lowered, and retreat when the gong is struck. They wave to the left and to the right, and sit down when both the gong and drum are struck. Once the squad leader has completed the instruction, they are combined with the platoon leader."

Unexpectedly, some of these students had actually read military books, and Xu Xuan gave them a deep look.

Military strategy books are always closely guarded secrets, since it is normal to strictly control the means of criticizing power.

"Don't overthink it, everyone. It's just that the academician's wife had a sudden inspiration while reading Wei Liaozi and wanted to incorporate Cuju (ancient Chinese football) into her life."

"This way, we can not only improve the physical fitness of the students, but also cultivate a united and friendly learning atmosphere."

"Unfortunately, this method of combination is quite difficult."

A slick-haired, powdered scholar stepped forward decisively and said confidently.

"What's so difficult about that? In military matters, as long as orders are obeyed, everything will be fine."

Xu Xuan scoffed, "Who's giving the order?"
The student looked embarrassed; his position was not high enough to lead the matter.

A student from a prominent noble family stepped forward and said that he would listen to him.

Xu Xuan countered, "What kind of orders can you give? How should personnel be arranged and mobilized? Do you understand the changes in the formation?"
The students blushed and were at a loss for words when asked the question.

Qian Zhongyu jumped out, but before he could even open his mouth, he was suppressed by Xu Xuan.

"The Doctrine of the Mean in the Book of Rites: Study extensively, inquire carefully, think prudently, discern clearly, and practice diligently."

"You students have barely achieved the goal of broad learning, but what about the next four steps?"

"No one asked the academician's wife why she chose Cuju (ancient Chinese football), no one asked how many people could participate at most, no one asked when the game could be played, and no one asked about the deeper meaning behind it."

He shook his head in apparent disappointment, then turned and bowed to the academician's wife.

"You see, even something as simple as Cuju (ancient Chinese football) is not something students can perfect. Within seven days, Xu Xuan will definitely be able to develop a suitable method for Cuju."

This scene is practically a real-life fable, and these students who fell into the trap because of their arrogance serve as a negative example.

After finishing speaking, Xu Xuan glanced around with a disdainful look before strode away.

The students were inwardly furious; they found this teacher utterly detestable.

But before the words of killing and destroying the spirit could finish, the figure in the blue robe, who had walked away, opened his mouth again and uttered a sentence.

Even before it emerges from the soil, it has joints; even when it reaches the clouds, it remains humble.

Humility! What a fine example of humility.

Madam Yin almost lost her composure.

The students, on the other hand, felt their blood rush to their heads.

"Brother Wu, could you tell me about Wei Liaozi?"

"Brother Li, have you ever read in the classics how big a field is needed for Cuju (ancient Chinese football)?"

I believe that Cuju (ancient Chinese football) should be separated from Cuju.

Without needing to say anything more, the students spontaneously began to discuss how to complete a Cuju match that would "approve" of Coach Xu.

The academician's wife shook her head and left.

Instructor Xu is truly an extraordinary person.

The pioneering reformers' initial foray into reform yielded such immediate results that other professors were quite surprised upon hearing about it.

Even the most serious Professor Mingfa Kesheng was somewhat interested.

With such people around, there might not be as much resistance to recruiting students from non-aristocratic families in the future.

After afternoon classes, Xu Xuan returned to the playground and found Madam Yin. "Instructor Xu, you have excellent methods. You are quite skilled in using the techniques from 'Guiguzi' and 'Gongsun Longzi'."

"That's because the students of Chongqi Academy are energetic and proud, which is the key. Otherwise, even a skilled cook can't make a meal without rice."

Xu Xuan was no longer as arrogant as he had been that morning. He complimented the students of the academy in front of the dean. He was a professional at dealing with people.

"What if the students realize this in a few days?"

"It's alright, Mr. Xu is good at reasoning."

The next day, morning class.

Xu Xuan told a short fable about a man named Gao Erji.

The cold wind howls in the far north. Young Gorky. You dare burn that book! Finally.
Many students listened attentively.

It's not that the story has any particularly profound meaning.

It was the differences in geography, climate, and culture between the North and the South that attracted them.

When Instructor Xu tells short stories, he casually mentions these things that he takes for granted. In reality, for ordinary people in ancient times, going on a long journey was almost equivalent to a life-or-death separation.

Even when these scions of prominent families traveled for their studies, they only stayed within a few southern provinces.

Their impression of the North was that of an imperial capital, imperial power, poverty, war, and foreign tribes.

When the morning class ended, Teacher Xu left the classroom with light steps.

Discussions about Cuju (ancient Chinese football) continue during regular hours.

By the third day, I had calmed down a bit.

Some students believe that discussing these things is not as good as reading books.
Later, during a break, a student "happened" to see Professor Xu talking with Professor Gu, and "accidentally" overheard some snippets of conversation as they passed by.

"Cuju (ancient Chinese football) is just a superficial phenomenon."

"This kind of team sport can reveal a person's character, abilities, and leadership."

"The imperial court now selects officials based more on policy essays."

"It is said that the academician's wife is also waiting for the results of the Cuju game."

It was really just a few words, but then it got out.

Some people boldly and tentatively sought confirmation from the professor.

All I got was an attitude of neither admitting nor denying.

"Leadership skills still require serious study in Cuju (ancient Chinese football)."

"Not bad."

Xu Xuan, on the other hand, attended his morning classes and studied in the library as usual.

The White Lotus Father in my mind is also constantly drawing sparks of wisdom and knowledge from it. Although I don't know what use it will have, it won't be a bad thing.

Furthermore, short stories are not only useful, but also inexhaustible.

But after the recruitment, he will also have formal courses to take to supplement his knowledge and prepare for the future.

As for Cuju? What Cuju?
This wasn't intended to follow the rules of football; adapting to the times was the most important thing. After all, it's too uncivilized for scholars to break the legs of the opposing team with tackles.

Everything seemed to be on the right track, except for Senior Brother Ruoxu's Pure Land practice.

That's right, Xu Xuan has come to terms with it.

If the White Lotus Saint Mother can learn from her, why can't I?

The Buddha guides those with affinity; the depth of my own affinity with the Pure Land School is beyond description.

Who told us we didn't have the ability to figure out the techniques on our own?

If the truth comes out in the future, just say that Senior Brother Ruoxu was deceived by this white lotus demon.

As for whether it will work or not, we'll see.

Fourth day.

At night, a paper butterfly flew onto the desk of the Third Affiliated Hospital and unfolded.

"Back Mountain."

Xu Xuan's eyes lit up.

"Pure Land School, here I come!"