The next day.
Chu Ming had just finished breakfast and was about to study "Poetry, Politics, and Military" when noises erupted outside.
Opening the door, he saw three people standing at the courtyard entrance, one of whom he recognized as the head constable of Liuu Town and a colleague of Housekeeper Fang.
During this period, he had learned that Fang Xiao had joined the Arresting Office.
The other young man also seemed somewhat familiar... Oh, he remembered now, it was that tall guy from yesterday who blocked the street and got bumped into by him... What was his name again?
"Hey, Brother Chu is out! It's me, Hou Wuchun." The tall young man immediately spotted Chu Ming.
The expression on Captain Hou's face changed slightly.
Wasn't this the sickly young master he saw a few days ago?
Wasn't he supposed to be so gravely injured that he was running out of time?
Really, just a few days without seeing him feels like ages?
But even if the illness is cured, how could he have knocked the taller and martial-trained Hou Wuchun flying?
Or is it that his own son is paper-thin?!!
"Hey, Brother Hou, why are you here?"
At this moment, Fang Xiao also heard the commotion and came out. Then he saw a woman next to him, and his expression changed.
"Ah, Brother Fang, open the door quickly." The woman raised both hands, carrying many large and small packages, "These days, Brother Fang has worked hard on the investigation, so I specially brought some food."
Fang Xiao was briefly stunned.
The woman said she came to bring him food, but her eyes kept glancing at Chu Ming.
"Brother Fang, open the door. Little Chun bumped into your young master, so I brought this kid here to apologize!" Captain Hou pulled Hou Wuchun over and sternly said, "Apologize."
Hou Wuchun's mouth twitched; clearly, he was the one who got bumped and sent flying.
Feeling uncomfortable inside, he still forced a smile, revealing a gap where a tooth should be, "Brother Chu, I didn't see you yesterday and blocked your way."
Looking at Hou Wuchun's comical expression, Chu Ming couldn't help but find it amusing.
"Housekeeper Fang, let them in."
"Little Shan, pour some tea."
Creak...
The courtyard door opened, and Hou Wuchun entered with a grin.
The woman carried her things and asked where Little Shan's kitchen was, seeming ready to display her skills.
"Brother Hou, please have a seat."
"Alright."
Hou Ping sat down on a stone stool, but his eyes kept scanning Chu Ming, making Chu break out in goosebumps.
"Uh, Housekeeper Fang, you guys chat."
"Ah, Brother Chu, where are you going?" Hou Wuchun hurriedly asked.
"To read." Chu Ming turned around and went back inside.
"..." Hou Wuchun's face fell, nervously turning back, only to see his father's expression that promised no good.
"If you had half of Young Master Chu's diligence, you wouldn't be just growing taller without growing wiser."
"I'm just like you, Dad..." Wuchun muttered quietly.
"You!"
"Brother Hou, have some tea." Fang Xiao interjected to stop them.
"Hmph, I'll teach you more at home!"
Hou Ping took a sip of tea, glancing at Fang Xiao with a knowing smile, "Brother Fang, Young Master Chu is quite a remarkable figure."
Putting down the teacup, he took out three silver taels from his pocket. "This month's salary, given in advance."
Fang Xiao's eyes flickered as he looked at the silver taels without taking them, "It's only halfway through the month, and my salary is only two taels."
"Just take it, Brother Fang; it's a small gesture. Young Master Chu is soon going to Baiyuan Academy, and you can never have enough silver taels." Hou Ping pushed the silver taels to Fang Xiao.
Fang Xiao was silent for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Brother Hou."
The silver taels were indeed necessary. The young master is about to enter Baiyuan Academy, so he needs to prepare the herbal medicine and other expenses in advance.
Afterward, the two started discussing the case again.
Hou Wuchun, bored, leaned against the windowsill of Chu Ming's room, peeking inside.
Chu Ming sensed something and cast a sidelong glance, seeing a large shadow on the window. "Hou Wuchun... Brother, why don't you come in and sit?"
"Sure thing."
The door swung open, and Hou Wuchun entered clumsily, looking around with curiosity.
"Wow, Brother Chu, is this your boudoir...room? It smells nice..."
"That's the scent of ink..."
"I just love the smell of ink."
"Brother Chu, have you read all these books?" Hou Wuchun pointed to a stack of books on the table.
"Yes."
"Impressive, no wonder you ranked first."
"Brother Chu, is this pile here the 'Poetry, Politics, and Military'? May I...?"
"Go ahead."
"Thank you, Brother Chu." Hou Wuchun took out the "General Theory of the Book of Songs: Volume One" and looked like he was reading seriously.
However, no sooner had he started when the big guy slumped against the wall dozing off, startling himself awake with a jerk, and laughed nervously, "Brother Chu, how do you concentrate on this stuff?"
"I'm just not cut out for studying, but my dad insists I do it."
Chu Ming held his forehead, frowning slightly, wondering how someone could be so insensitive and noisy.
He looked up at Hou Wuchun and asked, "Is your father's surname Hou?"
"Yeah."
"And you're Wuchun?"
"My mother's surname is Wu; my name is Hou Wuchun. My mother told me to use Wuchun outside."
"..."
"Brother Wuchun, I'm feeling a bit tired; do you mind if I take a short rest?"
"Tired? No way, Brother Chu, the day is just beginning. How can you be sleepy so early...?" Hou Wuchun carried the book to the desk, glanced down, and his eyes lit up when he saw a sheet of paper.
"Hmm? These moves..."
He picked up the paper, studying it intently, his eyes gradually brightening.
"Is this Tiger and Python Strength?!"
"No, it resembles Tiger and Python Strength but without the complexity, and seems more seamless and easier to perform..."
As Hou Wuchun mumbled, his limbs began to mimic the movements.
Chu Ming glanced at him, exhaling a turbid breath, relieved that the big guy finally quieted down.
The moves on the paper were part of the Tiger and Python Strength that he had first optimized using the 'Inference' skill upon mastering the [Study] skill. Compared to the original, it was easier to cultivate.
But after that, through multiple optimizations, Tiger and Python Strength and the Tiger and Python Body Refining Technique had developed to a much higher level than what was recorded on paper, though not written down.
So this initial improved version of Tiger and Python Strength held little value for him, which was why it lay casually on the side of his desk.
Hou Wuchun might not be good at reading, but he showed quite the aptitude for practicing this revised Tiger and Python Strength, seeming to have a natural talent for martial arts.
After finishing a set of movements, Wuchun was filled with excitement, "Brother Chu, where did you get these moves? They're easier to practice than Tiger and Python Strength, and the effect is even better!"
"Read it in a book." Chu Ming replied blandly.
"Which book?"
"General Theory of the Book of Songs."
"..."
Wuchun clutched the paper as if holding a treasure, no longer fixated on where Chu Ming got it, but his expression of eager fawning became more pronounced.
"Brother Chu, this paper's a bit crumpled and seems useless. How about giving it to me?"
"Sure, take it."
"Thank you, Brother Chu!" Wuchun was overjoyed.
"One tael of silver."
"Huh?"
"One tael, silver." Chu Ming slowly stood up, yanked the paper, and nonchalantly crumpled it into a ball, "If you don't want it, I'll just throw it away."
"Where are you throwing it? I'll fetch it." Wuchun was fixated on the paper ball.
This was a body refining method more advanced than the Tiger and Python Strength his father passed on; even his father would be tempted by it, so how could he crush it into a wad?
He was frantic inside; if not for his slight fear of Chu Ming, he might have gone for it by force.
"Then I'll rip it." Chu Ming unfolded the paper ball, preparing to tear it.
"No, no, Brother Chu, wait, I'll go get some silver taels." Wuchun rushed out of the room with cunning eyes, "Dad, can I have two taels of silver?"
"Why are you in such a hurry? Where's your proper demeanor?" Hou Ping reprimanded sternly, "If you want silver, ask your mother."