Chapter 21: The Children of the Dan Family

"Since martial arts follow this logic, then Daoist cultivation techniques must work the same way..." Wei Tu pondered this idea.

He reminded himself that martial cultivation was not the ultimate goal. Using martial skills to gain status and pass the examinations was beneficial, but he had to be cautious, avoiding unnecessary conflict and preserving his life. He had a bright future ahead—there was no need to risk it for petty disputes.

"However... A sword may remain sheathed, but it must still exist. Learning the art of killing is necessary for self-preservation."

Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was now the first day of Qing'an Year 24. Today was New Year's Day.

Early in the morning, Wei Tu finished washing up in his quarters, dressed in his winter attire, and carried the New Year's gifts he had bought in town a few days prior. A maid led him to the inner courtyard.

Walking through the corridors, he arrived at Dan Wu Ju's living quarters.

In the courtyard stood a middle-aged scholar clad in a long robe. His appearance bore a striking resemblance to Dan Wu Ju, with about seventy percent similarity. However, while they shared facial features, their temperaments were vastly different. The middle-aged scholar was frail and refined, with a scholarly elegance.

"Brother Yan Gong." Wei Tu stepped forward and greeted him with a respectful bow.

The scholar before him was none other than Dan Wu Ju's only son, Dan Yan Gong, who had been living in the provincial capital for many years. Due to his naturally weak constitution, he did not follow his father's martial path but instead pursued the imperial examinations. Over a decade ago, he ranked second-class on the provincial list, earning the title of government-sponsored scholar.

A month ago, Dan Yan Gong had returned to the Dan family estate with his mother, Madam Dan Min.

"Wei Tu." Dan Yan Gong turned his head upon hearing his name. Noticing Wei Tu, he smiled gently, straightened his sleeves, and returned the greeting with a bow.

Moments later, the door to the chamber opened. Wei Tu followed behind Dan Yan Gong, stepping into the room and bowing in greeting to Dan Wu Ju and Madam Dan Min.

"This child always insists on bringing gifts. He's far too polite," Madam Dan Min chuckled upon seeing Wei Tu carrying the gifts while offering his respects.

"This is your New Year's gift."

After a brief pause, the gray-haired Madam Dan Min slowly got up, walked into the inner chamber, retrieved a stack of red envelopes, and handed one to Wei Tu.

"Thank you, Madam." Wei Tu did not hesitate. He accepted the red envelope with both hands and expressed his gratitude.

Although he was already married and technically past the age of receiving New Year's money, he would not refuse a gift from his elders. It wasn't about the value—what mattered was the sentiment.

After paying his respects, Wei Tu and Dan Yan Gong stood to the left and right of Dan Wu Ju and Madam Dan Min, waiting for the other members of the household to arrive and give their New Year's greetings.

"Where is the youngest daughter? Why hasn't she come yet?" After a while, seeing that the entrance remained empty, Dan Wu Ju frowned, his tone displeased.

"Perhaps she was exhausted from yesterday's events and overslept," Madam Dan Min's expression was equally displeased, but she still offered a remark to excuse the tardiness.

Wei Tu also furrowed his brows slightly, feeling a growing dissatisfaction toward Dan Wu Ju's daughter, Dan Fang. However, as an outsider, he kept these thoughts to himself and did not let them show.

On New Year's Day, it was a matter of proper etiquette to rise early and greet one's elders. This was a deep-seated tradition. This world was not like the modern era—etiquette was paramount, and noble families adhered to strict rules, ensuring that every word and action followed the principles of propriety.

Dan Fang's failure to uphold this custom was not a minor issue. If her elders were more rigid and traditional, she might even be chastised for being unfilial.

A few moments later, a beautifully dressed woman in a red gown approached from the courtyard entrance, followed closely by a robust man clad in embroidered robes.

The man in embroidered robes held the hand of a young boy, around seven or eight years old, with his hair tied in a topknot.

Upon seeing the boy, Madam Dan Min's expression softened. She reached out to pat his head and handed him one of the red envelopes she had prepared earlier.

"Why are you up so late today?" At that moment, Dan Wu Ju slapped the tea table beside him, his voice stern with displeasure.

The people in the room seemed accustomed to this scene, including Wei Tu, who showed no surprise. Dan Wu Ju was courteous to everyone, even the household servants, generous and easygoing, never quarreling over trivial matters.

But when it came to Dan Fang...

Ever since Dan Fang had returned to the Dan household, Wei Tu had seen Dan Wu Ju erupt in anger at her at least six or seven times in just this past month.

"Last night, Yi Wu kept fussing, saying he wanted to ride a horse. I spent ages trying to soothe him, telling him those horses were your treasures and couldn't be touched..." Dan Fang replied with a pitiful expression.

Hearing this, Dan Wu Ju's face darkened with irritation. He knew his youngest daughter's nature well—she was once again scheming to lay her hands on his possessions. But since this involved his grandson, he found it hard to reprimand her outright, choosing instead to let it go.

"Father, you hardly ride the horses in your stable, and your health hasn't been great lately. Why not give one to Yi Wu?" Dan Fang pressed forward. "He's been pestering me about it for a long time."

Seeing that Dan Wu Ju's stern demeanor had wavered slightly, Dan Fang took half a step closer, lowering her head and softening her voice. Her tone grew more pleading, and she squeezed out a pitiful expression. Noticing Dan Wu Ju's tightened lips and the way his left hand clenched the armrest of his chair, his entire body tensing, she sensed an opportunity. Taking another step forward, she leaned against his left arm and repeated her request, her tone even more imploring than before.

"Yi Wu is still young and can't handle a horse properly yet... The old horse in the stable... Take it with you when you leave." Dan Wu Ju closed his eyes for a moment, as if contemplating, before finally speaking in a slow, resigned tone.

Once he finished speaking, he released his grip on the chair's armrest, his body slumping back into it as though all the strength had drained out of him.

To a martial artist, a good horse was like a second life. Every horse in Dan Wu Ju's stable was well-groomed, their coats sleek and their spirits high.

But faced with his daughter and grandson, Dan Wu Ju found himself unable to refuse.

"Yi Wu, did you hear that?" Dan Fang turned to the child in her arms and said with glee, "Your grandfather has agreed to give you a horse. When we get home, you'll have your own horse to ride."

She did not even bother to thank Dan Wu Ju for his generosity. Instead, she simply held her son and flaunted her victory right in front of him.

"You've gone too far, little sister." Standing behind Madam Dan Min, Dan Yan Gong frowned and reprimanded her.

"Big brother, the family hasn't even split yet, and you're already looking down on your younger sister for asking Father for a horse?" Dan Fang scoffed. "It's Yi Wu who will be riding the horse, not me."

She smirked and continued, "Besides, you're a scholar, not a warrior. What does it matter to you? Can't you let your nephew have something nice?"

Then, turning back to Dan Wu Ju, she smiled and said, "Oh, and Father, Yi Wu is getting old enough to start practicing his stances. I was thinking—why not have his father learn the family's martial arts as well?"

"If his father can pass it down, then when Yi Wu grows up, he'll have a better chance of passing the martial examination and earning a title."

As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Wei Tu, then back to Dan Wu Ju. Her expression was full of expectation.

"Of course, if Wei Tu agrees to teach Yi Wu martial arts in the future, then it won't really matter whether we pass down the family techniques or not... After all, it's all for Yi Wu's sake."

Dan Fang gave a knowing smile.

"This..." Dan Wu Ju immediately fell silent, clearing his throat and waiting for Wei Tu's response.