A Great Hermit Living in the Market of the Court--Bai Juyi's "The Hermit in the Middle"
Everything in the world was pursuing their own unique perfection. -- Leo Tolstoy
The next day, Mu Weizhou woke up early and tidied up the entire Sunset Smoke Hall, waiting for Ma Yan's arrival. Ma Yan didn't come even when it was almost noon. Liu Qingping was still a little upset about how Ma Yan had talked about swordsmanship the day before. He muttered,"Could it be that this slippery old man wants to steal our lunch?"”，Then, he went to prepare lunch. However, Mu Weizhou advised her that perhaps Ma Yan had heard of her good cooking skills and had specially waited for her to come over at noon. Liu Qingping chuckled when she heard that. She specially made four specialty dishes and waited for Ma Yan's arrival. Ever since she made a bet with Wang Chong, Liu Qingping's martial arts skills had not improved much, but her culinary skills had improved a lot. Not only did Wang Chong pass on all the ancient and modern recipes he had collected over the years to her, but every time he met Liu Qingping, he would ask her to make some special dishes. Therefore, Liu Qingping could now be considered an amazing chef. Even though Mu Weizhou was never a glutton, he was drooling as he watched the four dishes on the table. He and Liu Qingping waited for two hours, but Ma Yan didn't come. In the end, Mu Weizhou estimated that Ma Yan wouldn't come at noon, so he pulled Liu Qingping to sit down and enjoyed the delicious meal like a glutton. It was only when Mu Weizhou finished the last mouthful of steamed spinach soup that he suddenly remembered that Liu Qingping didn't seem to have eaten much. He could only stick out his tongue apologetically and say," It was too delicious. I didn't notice." Liu Qingping chewed on the millet in her mouth and looked at Mu Weizhou happily without saying anything. She felt that Mu Weizhou's simple comment was far more effective than her cooking. Moreover, Mu Weizhou was even happier that he could eat all the dishes she cooked alone.
Sleepless in spring, tired in autumn, dozing off in summer. Once a person was full, they would easily feel sleepy. Mu Weizhou was worried that Ma Yan would arrive in the afternoon, so he didn't dare to take a nap. He closed his eyes and began to guide him according to the method of Kongyuan Art.
Mu Weizhou knew that Ma Yan's visit today was definitely not as simple as just paying him a visit. But no matter what his purpose was, Mu Weizhou was ready to tell him his thoughts. Moreover, he had summarized some questions about cultivating the Tao Le Sword Art, hoping to get some help from him. Mu Weizhou couldn't say why, but he had a feeling that Ma Yan would help him, just like how the " Vice Principal " would always help him at critical moments. Mu Weizhou followed the guidance of the Kongyuan Art from the beginning. When he reached the fifth section, he felt a sense of stagnation again. Moreover, Mu Weizhou realized that as he practiced more, the pressure on his head from this stagnation increased.
When Mu Weizhou opened his eyes, Ma Yan had not come. Liu Qingping was dozing off on the table. Mu Weizhou knew that she had woken up early today and had exhausted most of her energy. He also hoped that she could sleep a little longer, so he stood up stealthily and took the Clear Sable Sword, preparing to practice the Tao Le Sword Art again in the courtyard.
Mu Weizhou saw that the sun was already setting in the west, but Ma Yan did not come. He could not help but mutter in his heart. Could it be that the Emperor was suddenly looking for him? Although he wasn't that familiar with Ma Yan, in his heart, Ma Yan was definitely not a person who would go back on his word. Mu Weizhou looked at the veranda of the Sunset Smoke Hall and thought about the Tao Le Sword Art. Just as he was about to start, a green shadow suddenly flashed and Ma Yan turned around from the courtyard entrance.
Mu Weizhou was overjoyed when he saw Ma Yan. He took two steps forward and bowed deeply to Ma Yan. Ma Yan didn't return the greeting. He waved his sleeve and said," Weizhou, no need to be so polite. I'm late."”Mu Weizhou was about to continue when Ma Yan turned around and saw Liu Qingping sleeping soundly at the table in the Sunset Smoke Hall. He smiled and said,"Wei Zhou, since Miss Liu is resting, why don't you accompany me to the Luo River?”
Mu Weizhou glanced at Liu Qingping and didn't think too much about it. He nodded and followed Ma Yan out of the Sunset Smoke Hall.
It was the beginning of autumn, and the crops along the Luo River had already turned golden. The wheat in the yard and the deep ears of grain in the fields showed that this was a good year. The farmers were scattered in twos and threes in the boundless fields, their faces slightly filled with joy.
Mu Weizhou followed Ma Yan as he strolled around. He accidentally discovered that he was already very far away from the city and was in a piece of farmland.
"It's autumn again." Ma Yan looked at the field that was filled with hope and said in a relaxed tone.
Mu Weizhou knew that Ma Yan wanted to talk to him, but he did not know how to receive him. However, looking at the crops in front of him, he could not help but say from the bottom of his heart,"Yeah, Uncle Ma, it looks like this year will definitely be a bumper harvest.”
Ma Yan seemed to be very satisfied with Mu Weizhou's words. He turned to Mu Weizhou and said in a cheerful tone,""One year of harvest means one year of age.”He laughed out loud.
Mu Weizhou said respectfully," Uncle Ma is not old. That day, he suddenly swung his sword at the Eastern Palace's entrance. It was swift and agile. Many young people would never be able to do it."”
Ma Yan smiled and folded his sleeves behind his back."Hehe, Weizhou, you have a good sword.”
When Mu Weizhou heard this, he immediately held the Clear Sable Sword in front of Ma Yan and said,""This sword is called the Clear Sable. I obtained it by accident.”
Ma Yan took the Clear Sable Sword with his left hand and pulled it out of its bamboo sheath with his right hand. At that moment, Ma Yan's eyes lit up, and Mu Weizhou felt a biting cold flash in the warm air around him. Although Mu Weizhou had used the Clear Sable Sword quite a few times before, he had never encountered such a situation.
"Heaven and earth are vast and vast, and the qi is vast and clear. The king has a way, break the box and come out. If you don't keep benevolence and righteousness, you'll hurt your driver. The winter wind withered the trees and disappeared from Jianghu. Good sword! Good sword!" Ma Yan muttered to himself as he stroked the dark body of the Clear Sable Sword.
"Uncle Ma, to be honest, I only obtained this sword half a year ago.”Thus, he told Ma Yan about how he had accidentally encountered this sword in the Tao Le grotto-heaven.
As Ma Yan listened to Mu Weizhou's explanation, he muttered,"Heaven's will, Heaven's will!"”His eyes never left the Clear Sable Sword.
Once a sword lover encountered a divine weapon, they would naturally show their love for it. This was the same principle as a car lover who would be excited when he saw a good car. Mu Weizhou saw the reluctance on Ma Yan's face and thought for a moment before saying,""Uncle Ma, if you really like this Clear Sable Sword, why don't I give it to you?”
When Ma Yan heard his words, he could not help but be stunned. He and Mu Weizhou had not known each other for long, and although they had a good relationship, the fact that Mu Weizhou could easily give him the Clear Sable Sword, a treasure that all sword practitioners in the world dreamed of, still surprised Ma Yan greatly. In fact, how could Mu Weizhou not know how precious the Clear Sable Sword was? However, according to what he had just thought, since he had received Emperor Ming's favor, whether Liu He could successfully find the Book of Fan Sheng for the Emperor was of great importance. He calculated that if Ma Yan could really help, it would be easier to get the Book of Fan Sheng, and the possibility would be greater. That would be good for Liu He, Emperor Ming, and even the Great Han Dynasty. Although Mu Weizhou could feel that Ma Yan liked him, it was undoubtedly not enough for him to ask for such a favor. He saw that Ma Yan really liked the Clear Sable Sword, so he thought that if he could give the Clear Sable Sword to Ma Yan and then ask Ma Yan for help, he would be able to speak righteously.
Ma Yan looked at the Clear Sable Sword, then looked at Mu Weizhou and said with a smile,""Hehe, Wei Zhou, the sword is a good sword. Ou Yezi cast five swords, Zhan Lu first. Unfortunately, this old man doesn't dare to accept it."
When Mu Weizhou heard this, he thought that Ma Yan was afraid that he would be dishonest and said anxiously,"Uncle Ma, don't think too much. I really want to give it to you.”
When Ma Yan heard this, he was amused by Mu Weizhou's true nature. He laughed and said,""I know you can really give it to me. Wei Zhou, let me ask you, when I drew my sword, did you feel anything strange?”
Mu Weizhou blinked and replied,""When Uncle drew his sword just now, I felt a chill around me. I've never encountered such a situation before.”
Ma Yan returned the Clear Sable Sword to its bamboo sheath and held it horizontally with his left hand. He made a flower gesture and said gently,""Weizhou, why do you think this is?”
Mu Weizhou was already puzzled by this. Ma Yan's question made him think about it. After a while, Mu Weizhou slowly said,"Uncle, I think it's because your swordsmanship is superb that it naturally brings out killing intent?”
"That's a factor, but it's not the main reason." Ma Yan chuckled.”Then, he glanced at Mu Weizhou, whose lips were slightly open, and continued,""A masterpiece is like a person! Every famous sword had its own soul. There was a saying that there was first the Tai Ah Qi, and then the Tai Ah Sword. Before Ou Yezi and Gan Jiang forged the Tai'e Sword, there was already the aura of the dukedom between heaven and earth. Once the time was ripe, it would naturally turn into the Tai'e Sword. Once, the State of Jin had trapped the State of Chu for three years, but the moment Tai'e appeared, it immediately collapsed. Blood flowed for thousands of miles, and thousands of troops turned into clouds and mist. This was because the sword was meant for the right person. Wei Zhou, do you still remember what I said about the Clear Sable Sword at the beginning?”
Mu Weizheng was engrossed in listening. He knew that the Tai Ah story that Ma Yan was talking about came from the " Yue Jue Shu ", which he had read before. When he heard Ma Yan ask him this question, he thought about it and answered mechanically,""Heaven and earth are vast and vast, and the qi is vast and clear. The king has a way, break the box and come out. If you don't keep benevolence and righteousness, you'll hurt your driver. The winter wind withers the trees, disappearing from the martial world."
Hearing Mu Weizhou repeat what he had just said word for word, Ma Yan nodded in admiration and said,"Hmm, your memory isn't bad. These are the words my master left for me regarding the Clear Sable Sword. I really didn't expect to actually see the Clear Sable Sword in your hands. Heaven's will!"
Mu Weizhou was confused by Ma Yan's words and could only listen to him from the side, not daring to speak.
"Weizhou, let me ask you first. That day in the Eastern Palace, you talked about flying swords and transforming into swords. Where did you learn that from?" Ma Yan asked Mu Weizhou.”
Hearing Ma Yan's question, Mu Weizhou's heart skipped a beat. He didn't expect that Ma Yan would hear all the nonsense that he said when he couldn't stop. At that time, he had been so excited that he had casually mentioned some of the sword techniques in the games and movies that he remembered. Now, he had long forgotten them. If he really talked about flying swords and transforming into swords, he would have to answer the Legend of Sword and Fairy. If he really answered like that, the old man in front of him or himself might be taken away by the tiger.
Mu Weizhou scratched his head and said in a slightly awkward manner,""Uncle Ma, I won't hide it from you. That day, I was just casually talking about it. I read a lot of it from books.”
"Oh?" Ma Yan stroked his beard and said slowly," What a coincidence. What you said is actually similar to what my master told me about the highest realm of sword practice.”
Seeing that Mu Weizhou did not speak, Ma Yan slowly began to explain.
It turned out that Ma Yan's father was called Ma Yu. He was the biological brother of Ma Yuan, a famous general of the Eastern Han Dynasty. He had been the herdsman of Yangzhou during the New Mang period. Ma Yan's father passed away when he was very young. Later, his mother took him and his younger brother Ma Dun and placed them under Ma Yuan's care. When Ma Yan was young, it was the time when the Eastern Han Dynasty was founded. At that time, he felt that a real man was born in troubled times. If he wanted to make a name for himself, he had to learn martial arts. Therefore, he spent a lot of energy on fencing and riding archery. It just so happened that Ma Yuan had a hanger-on named Si Du. He felt that Ma Yan was a piece of martial arts material, so he taught him all his sword techniques. When he had just learned something, he didn't expect that the original chaos in the world would be pacified by Guangwu Emperor Liu Xiu's divine and brave maneuvers. Emperor Guangwu then formulated a policy of rest and recuperation. Apart from some small-scale rebellions, he basically did not use weapons. His and his brother Ma Dun's wish to serve the country with martial arts was also shattered. Because Ma Yan and Ma Dun practiced martial arts and had good characters, they naturally made friends with many Jianghu heroes. They also made some names in the Jianghu, and they were also happy. However, this caused Ma Yuan to worry. It was better to personally advise them to put their thoughts into history. Because after the world was stabilized, it was taboo to befriend heroes. The previous Emperor Wu's murder of Guo Jie's family was proof. From then on, Ma Yan and his younger brother Ma Dun listened to Ma Yuan's advice and cut off contact with the people of Jianghu. They took Pingyuan's Yang Taibo, Situ Chancellor Chen Yuan, and others as their teachers and buried their hearts in the classics. After a few years, the two of them had achieved some success in their studies. Ma Yan was even recognized by the students in the Sanfu area of the capital because he could understand the Spring and Autumn Zuo Zhuan. At that time, he was not even thirty years old. Just as Ma Yan was preparing to repay the country with his writings, Ma Yuan passed away, and the Ma family lost its power. Ma Yan and his younger brother Ma Dun had no choice but to return to Chang 'an Juxia, leaving behind the semi-secluded life of ordinary people. Even so, because the two of them were knowledgeable and had martial arts, they often did some righteous deeds and presided over justice in the village. Slowly, they won the title of "Juxia Two Ministers" between Luoyang and Chang 'an. Those years were also when the Ma family's reputation was at its worst. Later, under Ma Yan's planning activities, there was no better way to send his three cousins, Ma Yuan's three biological daughters, into the palace to serve as the crown prince's residence. Even though Ma tribe regained their former prestige because of Empress Ma, Ma tribe's ups and downs made Ma Yan understand many things. Therefore, even though Empress Ma had been the empress for more than ten years, Ma Yan had always lived in seclusion in Juxia, Chang 'an. If it wasn't for Emperor Ming forcing him to become an official at the beginning of the year, Ma Yan would probably have died in Juxia.
Mu Weizhou had been quietly listening to Ma Yan. He did not expect that this elegant and refined old man in front of him would have such a turbulent experience. At this moment, the setting sun was already pressing down on the mountain peak in the distance. The afterglow of the setting sun made the entire world appear red, and it was very beautiful. The figures of an old and a young man on the bank of the Luo River were in front of a field with deep ears of grain, making people feel peaceful. However, what Mu Weizhou did not understand was that although he could not help but respect Ma Yan, and he could also feel Ma Yan's closeness and fondness for him, he felt that the two of them were definitely not familiar enough to communicate so deeply. At this moment, he saw Ma Yan looking into the distance without saying anything. He thought for a moment and said,"Uncle, that day in the Eastern Palace, I saw that Uncle's method of snatching the rod and stabbing the cicada was quite impressive. Wei Zhou thought that with such sword skills, there would be few who could match him in the current martial arts world. Just now, Uncle said that he learned the sword from Master Si Du, so wouldn't Master Si Du's swordsmanship be unimaginably high? But why have I never heard of such a person in the martial arts world?”
Hearing Mu Weizhou's words, Ma Yan smiled and said,""If…if my sword art is said to be top notch in the martial arts world, it would be hard to say that there are few opponents. You need to know that there is always someone better than you. However, the move you saw that day was not learned from my master, but for another reason.”
"Oh?" Mu Weizhou tilted his head slightly and looked at Ma Yan, hoping that he would continue.
Ma Yan placed his sword behind his back and continued to speak while looking into the distance. After Ma Yan returned to Juxia, although Ma tribe was already in decline, they were still a big family. Therefore, if there was any matter that was difficult to reconcile, they would inevitably ask Ma Yan to be their representative to mediate. Ma Yan had a clear mind and a fair attitude. He had resolved several matters very well, and he could also suppress evil and promote good, helping people solve their difficulties. Although he had also offended some bad people, the reputation of righteousness with his younger brother Ma Dun had slowly spread in the surrounding area. The second year after they returned to Juxia, Chang 'an suffered a severe winter that had not been seen in decades. Some people were frozen to death because they could not get good cold protection. At that time, Ma Yan had also stepped forward and coordinated with some wealthy families to help some people solve their difficulties.
That year, it snowed heavily on the day of the twelfth lunar month. The Ma family was busy cleaning the kitchen in the early morning. A servant suddenly ran into the hall in a panic and reported to Ma Yan that when he opened the door just now, he found an old man frozen to death at the door. Ma Yan was surprised to hear this and hurried over. He found an old man with a head full of white hair, curled up into a ball, leaning against the door. Judging from the layer of snow on his thin green clothes, the old man had probably frozen to death. Seeing this, Ma Yan couldn't help but feel sad. He thought that the wind and snow last night were so heavy. The old man must have hidden by the door to avoid the wind and snow, but he froze to death. Ma Yan asked everyone, but no one knew this old man. Thinking that he might be a refugee from somewhere, he ordered the servants to carry him to the backyard and buy a coffin to bury him.
After Ma Yan had made the arrangements, he turned around and walked into the courtyard. He heard the servant behind him call out in shock,"Eldest Young Master, Eldest Young Master, this old man is still alive.”
When Ma Yan heard this, he hurriedly turned around and took the old man's pulse. As expected, it was still beating slightly. Ma Yan quickly called the servants to carry the old man into the room. He asked them to prepare ginger soup, hot wine, and heat the brazier. He personally untied the old man's clothes and helped him massage to soothe him. After a while, the old man's body gradually warmed up. Suddenly, the old man's tears flowed down his face as he shouted," Ouch! Ouch!" He finally woke up. What surprised Ma Yan was that he had never seen anyone with so much snot and tears. He was not prepared at all and ended up covered in snot and tears.
Seeing that the old man had recovered, Ma Yan was very happy. He instructed the servants to take good care of the old man while he quickly went to his room to wash up and change his clothes.
Although the old man was saved, the nightmares of the Ma family servants began. They found that the old man was not only lazy and greedy, but also pretending to be crazy. Every day, she slept until late in the morning and would eat this and that the moment she woke up. If you didn't satisfy him, he would cry and make a fuss, and he would do all that. If you asked him what his surname was, where he came from, and wanted to send him back, he would not answer any of the questions. If you asked too many questions, he would even start to pull a long face and stare at a place without saying a word. However, when it was time to eat or when he was hungry, he would regain his energy. If other people were saved, they would always show gratitude, but he did not! His attitude made it seem as if the Ma family had saved him and served him well. The Ma family's servants privately said that Ma Yan had not saved a person. He had simply picked up an old master at the door. Just like that, a month passed. The old man actually spent the new year in the Ma family. Later, a servant could not stand it anymore and bravely reported the old man to Ma Yan. Ma Yan thought that the old man might be a little muddle-headed and told him that when he found out where the old man lived in his hometown, he would send the old man away.
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