Chương 17: Chapter 15 (R)

I enter the Imperial Library with Zhi Meilan, the handmaiden who will be substituting for Lianhua while she undergoes the training required to become a Fei Yi. When I walk in I see that Xueshi Wenxue hasn't arrived yet, so I tell Zhi Meilan where to seat me, after which I start thinking about whether there's a book I can request to pass the time while I wait. But before I can think of one, I see Xueshi Wenxue come through the door carrying a beautifully decorated box.

He looks around, and upon spotting me already seated, makes his way to my table, glancing with curiosity at Zhi Meilan before promptly ignoring her.

"Zhāohuán, forgive my tardiness", Xueshi Wenxue tells me.

"I had to stop by the Guozijian to pick up a gift they had for you." I eye the box he's carrying with curiosity "Don't worry, Xueshi Wenxue. I've only just arrived." I see him clear his throat awkwardly, then say "Actually, it's Jinshi now, Zhāohuán. I was promoted a few days ago." I'm surprised for a moment but quickly tell him "Then my congratulations, Jinshi Wenxue, on your promotion."

"Many thanks, Zhāohuán", he replies, then sets the box down in front of me.

"This is a gift prepared for you by the Guozijian to thank you for the inspiration behind the abacus. It is a more refined version of your idea that is much better for calculations." He opens the box and inside, luxuriously decorated, I see a damned suanpan, the abacus used in China both in antiquity and today.

Over the following hour, Jinshi Wenxue lectures me on the deficiencies of my abacus and boasts about how he led a group of Guozijian scholars to correct those deficiencies and create an abacus that could be used in all situations and with all systems of measurement. I know he's right, especially because the suanpan is vastly superior for calculating with Chinese imperial weights, which use a hexadecimal base. But what surprises me is the speed at which they developed it.

I suppose they did it by copying the counting-rod system they'd been using until now and adapting it with beads, which is how the suanpan is believed to have originated in my world in the first place. Oblivious to my thoughts, Jinshi Wenxue continues explaining how his version of the abacus works, clearly proud of having led the group that developed it. When he finishes his demonstration he stares at me expectantly, so I make sure to congratulate him.

"Congratulations on your idea, Jinshi Wenxue", I tell him.

"It's clear that the brilliance of the Guozijian cannot be compared with that of your pupil."

"Don't sell yourself short, Zhāohuán", he replies, attempting modesty without quite managing it.

"Without your initial idea, however primitive it may have been, we could never have created our version of the abacus." He puts the abacus back in the box from which he'd taken it for the demonstration and closes it, setting it to one side of the table.

"Now let's see how we can continue with your lessons. What have you learned from your reading while I was away?" he asks. I proceed to tell him everything I've learned about the world, leaving out my paranoid theories about it being artificially designed.

"Good. I suppose that gives you a foundation of what the world looks like with everything you're able to know for now, so I'll proceed to teach you in depth about the Empire, both its geography and its structure", he begins.

"I'll also teach you more advanced mathematics, and we'll continue your lessons on the classical texts, of which I've noticed you haven't mentioned reading any while I was away."

"Very well, Jinshi Wenxue. We can begin whenever you like", I tell him, sighing inwardly and consoling myself with the hope that the lessons on the Empire and its surroundings will be interesting enough to compensate for the boredom of the rest. While I sit in my favorite spot in the park feeding the ducks and enjoying the fine weather after my lessons, I begin piecing together everything Jinshi Wenxue has been telling me about the Empire and its surroundings over the past year.

The first thing that's easily noticeable is that people here can live a very long time. Jinshi Wenxue hasn't said so directly, presumably because of the custom of hiding everything about Qi from children to try to stop them from killing themselves, but if Body Tempering increases your lifespan, the steps that come after sensing the closed gates almost certainly increase it even further. Because it's the only explanation I can see for the empire I live in being five thousand years old.

Only a long-lived ruling caste with few generational turnovers would be capable of maintaining power without too many civil wars. But that can't be the sole reason for the Empire's longevity, since according to Jinshi Wenxue, the Emperor can only rule for a hundred years before abdicating and retiring to the sect, supposedly as an elder. So I suppose the real reason is that the sect that founded the Empire is safeguarding its stability. But what maintains the sect's own stability?

Like any organization it must have its internal disputes, yet it's even older than the Empire and still exists, which means the long lifespans of its leaders are almost the only explanation, bringing us back to the same conclusion. And the various sects and empires surrounding us are of similar or greater age, since all of them, according to Jinshi Wenxue, have prioritized stability over aggressive expansion because there are still many unclaimed wild regions in the vicinity.

So the grand conclusion I can reach for now is that we are in an enormous diorama where something called Qi exists that can give people superhuman bodies and longer lifespans. And to make matters worse, my lessons with Jinshi Wenxue have been put on hold for now. According to him, he's already taught me everything he can given my age, and I'll have to wait until I'm eight to continue. And it doesn't matter how much I argued, begged, or demanded that he teach me those things.

According to custom, he cannot teach me more than he already has. Apart from hinting that I would need more specialized tutors or the ability to cultivate. And customs are where we've hit a wall, I think with sarcasm. For a culture like this, customs are even more immutable than laws, so nothing I can say or do will change them. That's that, for now. It isn't a great loss, really. Simply by waiting I'll be able to get all the information I want.

Fortunately only two years remain, but they are years of not knowing what to do with myself. Unable to walk or move on my own, any physical entertainment is out of the question. And at my age, I don't know how many of the other activities available at court I'll be allowed to attend. Only someone who has lost every form of modern entertainment, as I have, can truly appreciate that despite all its flaws, its virtues far outweigh them.

I finish feeding the ducks and after a while of simply enjoying the gentle breeze, I tell Zhi Meilan to come get me and take me to the Pavilion. When I arrive at my study I discover Lianhua is already there, so I ask her as they set me in my chair "Lianhua, has something happened?"

"No, Zhāohuán Wen", Lianhua replies.

"But I've completed the most important part of my training, so I am now officially your Fei Yi."

"Congratulations, then. I suppose I'm in your hands now, Fei Yi Lianhua", I reply, using her new title to underscore it.

"Thank you very much, Zhāohuán Wen", she answers.

"But I need to inform you that the schedules for the classes you'll be taking in the coming days have already been sent." I'm taken aback "What classes? Jinshi Wenxue told me they can't give me any more lessons for the time being."

"Those are the academic classes, Zhāohuán Wen", Lianhua replies.

"But an imperial princess must be trained in many subjects. Normally these are started at a more advanced age, but given your ability, the Shangshu has decided it would be good for you to begin learning the basics so you can start more advanced classes when you reach the required age." After saying this she holds out a written sheet, which I quickly grab and start reading. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

As I read, I feel a headache coming on and I nearly find myself begging Jinshi Wenxue to restart his lessons just so I can review them instead. Here I was worrying about having nothing to do, and now out of nowhere I'm going to be receiving lessons in Calligraphy, Painting, Music, Embroidery, Poetry, Etiquette, Medicine, Acting, Tea Ceremony, Gardening, Administration, and Martial Arts. Upon seeing my last class I arch an eyebrow and look at Lianhua "Martial Arts, Lianhua?

Does the person who made this list know about my condition?"

"I don't know who made the list, but the Shangshu himself gave it to me. And he does know about your condition. I suppose you'll have to wait until the day of that class to find out what they want to teach you", Lianhua replies. I set the list on the table with a sigh and ask "And who will be teaching me, and where will I take the classes?"

"Each class will be given by a different tutor, Zhāohuán Wen", Lianhua answers.

"As for the location, some classes will be held here, while those requiring a specific setting will be held elsewhere."

"All right, so when do I start?" I ask. I notice Lianhua looking at me with an expression of pity, which starts to worry me, when she answers "Actually, right now, Zhāohuán Wen. Your mother is waiting for you in her courtyard for Painting lessons." I let my head drop onto the table with a groan. Now my mother is going to be one of my tutors. Though I suppose it's only logical, her being a painter who I imagine must have some reputation if she managed to become my father's consort.

I wave my hand "Fine, take me so my mother can begin my torture." Lianhua lifts me from the chair and I notice the corner of her mouth twitch upward at my words. She then leaves my study and heads for my mother's courtyard. When we arrive I see both my mother and Fei Yi Lingxi are there. What surprises me is that the table, which I expected to be covered in brushes and paper, holds only several bars of what I assume is ink along with the tools for preparing it.

Just seeing that, I already know what my first lessons will be, though I say nothing. Seeing us enter, my mother points to a chair that's been set up for me at the table.

"Seat her in that chair", she tells Lianhua. Lianhua sits me in the chair and takes a seat in another one slightly behind me, just as Fei Yi Lingxi always sits a little behind my mother. I hadn't noticed it until now, but I suppose it has something to do with the Fei Yi role.

"Before we begin, some ground rules need to be established", my mother starts.

"The education you'll receive over the coming years, both from me and from your other tutors, forms the foundation of everything an imperial princess is supposed to know." She pauses briefly before continuing.

"All of us who will be teaching you know you're too young, and custom dictates we cannot discuss certain things." She seems to hesitate a moment before going on.

"But we both know your knowledge of cultivation at this point far exceeds what a girl your age usually has."

"However, decorum must be maintained above all, and fortunately none of your other tutors knows of your knowledge", she continues.

"So during our classes we will proceed as though you had no knowledge of the subject whatsoever. That way we reduce the chance of something slipping out during other classes that they shouldn't know about. Any questions so far?"

"No, Mother", I answer without adding anything, seeing the seriousness with which she's approaching all this.

"Although personally I don't mind, and you already know how to address people properly, it's better that during lessons you get accustomed to these things as well. So while we're in class, you will call me Minghua, which is my official title as a painter."

"As you wish, Minghua", I tell my mother, playing along. My mother continues "Classes will officially begin on the first day of next week. Since you have twelve classes, they will be spread across the first six days, with one class in the morning after your acupuncture and exercise sessions and another in the afternoon, giving you a free day on the seventh. As an exception, and to make use of today, I'll give you a first class as an example of what will be expected of you."

I curse inwardly at the injustice but reply "Understood, Minghua."

"Then, with that said, let us begin the first lesson", she tells me, pointing at the ink and tools on the table.

"And the first lesson every painter must learn is how to prepare the ink." And as I listen to my mother name the various objects on the table and their uses, I can clearly feel how my life is going to look from this point on, for better or for worse. I watch as Taiyi Yulin removes the needles from my legs after the acupuncture session. After putting them away, instead of leaving as usual, I see him approach with the intention of telling me something.

"Did you need something, Taiyi Yulin?" I ask as he draws near the head of the bed.

"Yes, Zhāohuán Wen", he replies.

"I want to inform you that from today onward I will only come every seven days. Although between my sessions and the exercises Jiaoliu Feng gives you, your legs have clearly improved, we've reached a point where they cannot improve further based on what we've observed. So we'll only do one session on those days to maintain what we've gained and prevent them from worsening again."

"I understand, Taiyi Yulin", I reply.

"Do you know if Jiaoliu Feng will also reduce the exercise sessions to the same frequency?"

"You'll have to ask her that yourself, Zhāohuán Wen", Taiyi Yulin answers.

"I'll take my leave until seven days from now." After those words Taiyi Yulin exits the room and Lianhua enters carrying clothes, followed by Zhi Meilan, who since lessons with Jinshi Wenxue ended seems to have become her assistant.

"Zhāohuán Wen, it's time for your morning lesson", Lianhua tells me.

"It's Martial Arts. The other class remaining this week is Painting, which your mother will give you this afternoon."

"Isn't Jiaoliu Feng coming for her session?" I ask Lianhua in surprise.

"All I've been told is to dress you in these clothes and take you to one of the Nei Wei barracks", Lianhua replies, after which she begins changing me.

"And what are they going to teach me, the horse stance while lying down?" I ask Lianhua sarcastically, having no clear idea what they want with this class.

"I don't know, Zhāohuán Wen. I suppose you'll find out when we get there", Lianhua answers as she finishes dressing me. When I look at the clothes Lianhua has put me in, I'm surprised. The clothing is clearly the same style of tunic and skirt I usually wear, but instead of embroidered silk it's made of linen and cotton, without any kind of pattern.

Before I can ask anything, Lianhua picks me up from the bed and carries me out of the room "Whatever questions you have, you'll need to ask your instructor, Zhāohuán Wen. I really haven't been told anything." I heed her words and stay quiet as we leave the Pavilion with the ever-present pair of Nei Wei who follow us everywhere, heading toward a part of the palace I've never been to. The area is far from where we live, and as we draw closer I hear metallic sounds growing louder.

When we reach the barracks area I see a cleared field where several groups of Nei Wei are training. From what I can see, most of them use spears, like the ones who escort us, but others are training with swords or bows. Both Zhi Meilan and I stare at the spectacle in amazement, but Lianhua ignores it and heads toward a building off to one side of the training field.

For a moment I find it curious that Lianhua knows exactly where to go despite this being a military barracks, but I dismiss the thought, assuming it's part of her Fei Yi training, since in previous classes she always knew where we needed to be. We enter the building and the moment I step inside I can clearly see it's a wuguan, the Chinese equivalent of a Japanese dojo. Inside, I see Jiaoliu Feng waiting for us.

"Now that you're here, it's time to begin", she tells us as we enter, pointing to an area on the wooden floor.

"Fei Yi Lianhua, set Zhāohuán Wen here on the floor, lying face down." Before I can protest, Lianhua obeys Jiaoliu Feng and sets me on the floor, where I turn my head to one side to try to see something.

"Zhāohuán Wen, I imagine you have many questions about this class, which is normal", Jiaoliu Feng begins, positioning herself where I can see her.

"So I'm going to explain the reasons for this class and what we'll be doing over the coming months."

"All of your brothers began doing light exercises to get in shape at an early age, as soon as they turned five. For obvious reasons those classes were not given to you, but your idea of the leg exercises has given me a clearer understanding of your condition and perhaps I can help", she continues.

"Now, to begin, I need to ask you to try to move forward in whatever way you can or find most comfortable, Zhāohuán Wen." I curse my instructor under my breath as I think about how to do it. I plant my forearms on the floor to partially raise my torso and try to use them as leverage to drag myself forward slowly, the way I've seen soldiers do in war movies, but after a moment I collapse onto the floor, unable to hold the position any longer from exhaustion.

"This is the most I can do, Jiaoliu Feng", I tell my instructor as I catch my breath. Jiaoliu Feng moves back to where I can see her and begins speaking "I'm sorry about that, Zhāohuán Wen, but this demonstration was important so you can see clearly what your most obvious weakness is right now, given your condition. If you want to move, you have to rely on your arms for everything, and since you've never exercised them, you have neither the strength nor the endurance.

So if you ever find yourself in this position in a place where you can't receive help, you'll be completely immobilized." She pauses to let me reflect on her words, then continues "This class is given to all the Emperor's children and is more of a self-defense and exercise class than anything else. An initiation for when they truly learn to fight, should they choose the path of arms."

"But in my condition I can barely move, let alone fight", I interrupt. Jiaoliu Feng doesn't seem bothered by my interruption and waits for me to finish before replying "That's true, but it's also not entirely true. Regarding self-defense, I have some ideas, but there's something more important to do first."

She comes over to where I am and lifts me from the floor, holding me in her arms as she continues explaining her plans "The first thing we need to do is get you able to move with relative ease while lying on the ground. To that end I've devised a series of exercises to increase the strength of your upper body and arms, as well as your endurance, something that will be relevant even further down the road."

As she tells me her plans she carries me to a corner of the room where I see a chair and a sort of bench that have clearly been prepared for me. Beside them I see stones with holes in them that look like shí suǒ, the ancient Chinese equivalent of hand weights, and bars resembling modern weightlifting bars that are clearly tóng bàng. After showing them to me, Jiaoliu Feng continues her explanation "This is equipment soldiers use to train their strength.

Of course, I don't expect someone your age to undergo intensive training, as that would cause health problems. But with a little exercise, light use of this equipment, and toning massages alongside the leg exercises we were already doing, you'll gradually get into shape and that will give you more options than simply lying helpless on the ground if something happens." I take a deep breath as I consider her words and reply "All right, Jiaoliu Feng. You have my full trust for this. When do we start?"

Jiaoliu Feng looks at me and smiles "Right now, obviously." Seeing her smile, I feel a shiver run down my spine and can't help thinking that an MP3 player loaded with the Rocky movie soundtrack might be just the motivation I need.