Qin Yong looked at Da Tou in surprise: "You knew, and yet… Da Tou, what were you thinking?"
Qin Yi looked at Qin Yong, puzzled: "Father, it was you who said that for Dashan and Gensheng, I should treat them as my own brothers, and for Master An and Master Wang, I should treat them like my uncles. I just followed what you taught me."
"I… back then and now, can it be the same? At that time…"
Qin Yi interrupted Qin Yong: "Father, I know that everything you did was for my good, and I understand that times were different. But…"
"After spending time with Dashan and Gensheng, I realized they get along well with me and can be trusted. Master An and Master Wang are also reliable, measured, and have boundaries, so I can also trust them deeply…"
"Since we can have a deep bond, we should naturally help each other. I know they gave me favors to later help Dashan and Gensheng. Since I have already decided to help them in the future, why dwell on the favors I owe now?"
"The favors I owe now will make it easier for them to accept my help later, without ruining our long-standing friendships. Isn't that a win-win?"
"Father, what I want is now, what they want is the future. As long as we all understand this tacitly, isn't it just perfect? Is there a problem with that?"
Qin Yong looked at Da Tou, speaking so confidently, feeling both unfamiliar and familiar.
It was as if he was seeing those young nobles from the training camp again.
The way the Master teaches is truly impressive!
"Da Tou, you've really grown up. Since you understand, I won't say more. Rest well, don't let tomorrow's training be affected," said Qin Yong, leaving with a heart full of emotion.
Sure enough, with the Master's endorsement, no matter how mature Da Tou appeared, no one would doubt him.
…
The next day, Qin Yi went to Master Wang's house to play with Gensheng, continuing to learn woodworking from him and practicing the woodworking skill. He also borrowed chisels and wood blocks to improve his carving skill.
This routine continued for several days.
On the twenty-fourth day of learning swordsmanship, when Qin Xu no longer taught new moves…
"Da Tou, your goal now is to practice these twenty-three moves of the Basic Swordsmanship until they become instinctive."
Qin Yi had been happy thinking he could start learning more advanced sword techniques, but…
"Master, why?" he asked unwillingly.
Qin Xu looked at him seriously: "Da Tou, I know you're very smart and learn quickly. But remember, practicing martial arts begins with the word 'practice' itself!"
"This word seems simple, but in reality, it is the hardest part."
"Practice in the harsh winter, in the scorching summer, over and over again, only twenty-something moves, no additional techniques. It's extremely tedious."
"But Da Tou, this is what martial arts is!"
"Martial arts cannot be mastered by shortcuts; it requires hard work."
"You must endure this hardship to gain true skill!"
Qin Yi realized his own attitude had changed.
He had dared to question the Master—not like in his previous life with human rights and extraordinary powers.
Feeling guilty, he quickly apologized: "I'm sorry, Master, I misspoke just now."
Qin Xu waved his hand generously: "It's alright. Having doubts is normal. It's better to ask than to keep them bottled up, which could ruin your mindset."
He reminded Da Tou: "Remember, if you have any doubts in the future, ask me directly. I'll answer what I know. Don't let it disturb your state of mind."
A sharp mind can be self-destructive.
Once trapped in a corner of thought, it's hard to escape.
If your mindset breaks, your path in martial arts will also be ruined.
Da Tou is my most satisfactory disciple; I cannot let him be ruined.
Qin Yi was full of gratitude.
"Master, I understand."
"Good. From now on, follow the usual practice: one thousand repetitions per move. Finish one move, then the next, until evening. Repeat the next day, until all moves become instinctive."
"Yes, Master."
…
As usual, Qin Yi went home, picked up the chisel and unfinished carving, greeted Zhenniang and Qin Yong, and was about to go to Master Wang's house to play with Gensheng.
Qin Yong suddenly stopped him: "You've been going to play with Gensheng recently. Why haven't you visited Dashan? Are you two upset with each other?"
"No, Dashan is learning archery from Master An, so I didn't want to disturb him," Qin Yi replied, noticing Dashan might have something he didn't know, and asked anxiously: "What about Dashan? Is something wrong?"
Qin Yong sighed: "Nothing serious. In a few days, Dashan will be taken to the Hou Mansion training camp. He will be away for at least six years. If you have time, you should spend it with him while you can."
"Ah? So soon?"
Qin Yi had been prepared mentally for the training camp.
After all, Dashan is the oldest child in the village.
He just didn't expect it to be so soon.
Qin Yi was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Understood, thank you, Father."
…
By the end of the month, at noon, five carriages marked with the Changping Hou Mansion insignia slowly entered Qin Family Village.
The leading young man ignored the enthusiastic villagers and went straight to the West Courtyard to visit Qin Xu.
Qin Xu was surprised and smiled, walking over to give a strong hug: "Rui, what brings you here?"
Qin Rui hugged Qin Xu, then stepped back, scrutinized him, and finally nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad, not bad. You really look healthier than your letters suggested."
He then glanced at Qin Yi practicing calligraphy on the sand and said: "So this is the sword-bearing boy you praised in your letters. Truly talented."
Finally, he addressed Qin Xu: "I'm still working at the training camp. This term is about to start, but knowing you're here, I made the trip to see you. Seeing you well, I'm content."
Qin Xu understood immediately and laughed casually: "Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere soon."
They went inside, talked for half an hour, and then left.
At the courtyard gate, before the carriages, Qin Xu and Qin Rui hugged again, patting each other's backs heavily before separating.
"It's late now. I can't make it back to Qinglin Pier today. Xiao Xu, take care."
"Take care."
Qin Yi stood beside Qin Xu, watching the departing carriage, and silently said to Dashan: "Take care."