Chapter 136

Seeing Chen Qun leave, Guo Jia stopped making those eccentric gestures. Knowing there was nothing more to see, the others dispersed in twos and threes.

"By the way, Brother Bo, who taught you this set of fist techniques? Why is it so difficult to practice?" Once the crowd had cleared, Guo Jia hurriedly asked. Of course, inquiring about the martial arts was secondary; what mattered most was his precious alcohol. How could someone as obsessed with wine as Guo Jia not be anxious?

"It was taught to me by a martial arts grandmaster through a twist of fate." Seeing Guo Jia's anxious look, Wang Bo smiled. Watching this kid fret so much out of craving for wine, he couldn't help wondering what expression would appear on that face if a bottle of distilled liquor were placed right in front of him.

"Oh, Brother Bo's experiences have certainly been quite eventful," Guo Jia replied with a hint of disappointment. He had originally thought that with his own cleverness and intelligence, mastering this fist technique would be a breeze, allowing him to taste the one-of-a-kind fine wine Wang Bo had described. But now it seemed getting a sip of that wine wouldn't be quite so simple.

"You needn't be disappointed, kid. You must realize that this fist technique was devised by a martial arts grandmaster. Although it lacks offensive power, it possesses the marvelous miraculous effect of strengthening the body and preserving health. To tell you the truth, my physical well-being depends entirely on maintaining myself through this very routine." Glancing sideways at Guo Jia, who was blessed without knowing his fortune, Wang Bo said in a deep voice.

"It actually has such effects?" Guo Jia asked with a skeptical look, eyeing Wang Bo warily. Everyone knows that unearned favors usually come with hidden motives. Considering himself not particularly close to Wang Bo, why would the latter teach him such things? Yet, upon a moment's reflection, he realized he didn't really possess anything worth scheming for anyway.

"What kind of look is that? We are roommates. Seeing that your constitution is frail, I risked being reprimanded by my master just to pass this set of exercises on to you, and yet you repay my good intentions with such suspicion!" With that, Wang Bo put on a deeply hurt expression, leaving Guo Jia momentarily stunned. Then, Guo Jia burst out laughing, quickly bowing to offer his apologies: "I hope my elder brother will forgive me; I was young, frivolous, and failed to appreciate your kind intentions."

Guo Jia's apology caught Wang Bo completely off guard. He had never expected someone as proud and aloof as Guo Jia to apologize to him. He hurriedly helped Guo Jia up and said, "There is no need for such formalities, Younger Brother. Since you call me elder brother, it is my duty to look after you. Why be so formal?"

After steadying Guo Jia, Wang Bo continued, "In a few days, I will prepare the ingredients to brew some wine. By then, the two of us brothers shall drink to our heart's content."

"Splendid," Guo Jia agreed with a smile.

"All right, the hour is growing late. Let's have breakfast and head to the academy."

"Mn," Guo Jia nodded in agreement, then led Wang Bo to breakfast.

It had to be said that the Xun clan truly lived up to its reputation as a prominent family in Yingchuan; the food prepared for the students in the academy was far more bountiful than what ordinary households enjoyed. After breakfast, the students walked toward the schoolhouse in small groups. Wang Bo and Guo Jia strolled along as well, chatting and laughing.

Young though Wang Bo was, he possessed genuine talent and profound knowledge. The depth of his understanding often made Wang Bo feel somewhat ashamed, despite being an elder brother who had eaten more bowls of salt than the younger one. Likewise, Guo Jia held Wang Bo in high regard, because Wang Bo's insights into certain academic subjects were not only exceptionally unique and unrestrained by conventional thinking, but also proved profoundly logical upon closer reflection. Consequently, his respect for Wang Bo deepened with each passing day.

Inside the classroom, Sima Hui had arrived early to prepare for the day's lectures. Gradually, the students filed in one by one, first paying their respects to the teacher before taking their respective seats.

"Good morning, Teacher." Wang Bo and Guo Jia walked in side by side and offered a simultaneous greeting to Sima Hui.

"Good morning," Sima Hui replied with a smile, nodding at Wang Bo before casting a puzzled glance at Guo Jia standing beside him.

*What kind of whim has struck this kid today, arriving so early?* That was Sima Hui's initial thought. Evidently, Guo Jia had left quite a few indelible impressions on the elderly scholar, to the extent that even such a mild-mannered gentleman would harbor such suspicions.

"Very well, go get settled." Sima Hui nodded at the two of them, and Wang Bo followed Guo Jia as they stepped back. Guo Jia walked toward his usual seat, bringing Wang Bo along with him.

Guo Jia's seat was undoubtedly in a prime location, yet this prime spot was virtually monopolized by him alone. Surrounding Guo Jia's desk were a few others, evidently close companions of his. It stood to reason: if they weren't on good terms with Guo Jia, who else would dare to sit around the little tyrant of the academy? Indeed, Wang Bo noticed that Chen Qun, who seemed to harbor a deep-seated grievance against Guo Jia, sat as far away from Guo Jia's desk as physically possible.

At this moment, a few other desks among the sparse gathering were already occupied. A young man about Wang Bo's age sat nearby, possessing an extraordinarily refined appearance—unquestionably a rare beauty among men. Moreover, the youth radiated a distinct scholarly aura, with a sharp, perceptive alertness between his brows that closely mirrored Guo Jia's quick wit.

"Come, Elder Brother, let me introduce you. This is also an elder brother of mine, a scion of the illustrious Xun clan of Yingchuan, Xun Yu." Guo Jia pointed at the handsome young man and said to Wang Bo. Hearing this, Wang Bo hurried forward and bowed. "Greetings, Brother Xun."

Xun Yu had also overheard Guo Jia's introduction. He laid down the bamboo slip in his hand and looked up just in time to see Wang Bo bowing to him. Xun Yu quickly stopped him, saying, "No, no, you mustn't." Then, turning to Guo Jia, he chided, "Guo Jia, why don't you make a proper introduction?"

"Ah," Guo Jia chuckled and nodded, saying, "This is my roommate, who is also my elder brother, named Wang Bo."

Hearing the introduction, Xun Yu returned the bow to Wang Bo and said, "Greetings, Brother Wang." Wang Bo quickly imitated Xun Yu's gesture to stop him in turn.

After exchanging a few polite remarks, Xun Yu began to size up Wang Bo. He knew Guo Jia extremely well, and their relationship was exceptionally close. Guo Jia was a man who looked down upon the ordinary world and did not easily make friends; yet, anyone whom Guo Jia was willing to befriend must undoubtedly possess extraordinary talent. However, the Wang Bo before him did not display anything particularly out of the ordinary at first glance.

Guo Jia naturally guessed what Xun Yu was thinking, so he spoke up: "Brother Xun must not underestimate my elder brother here. Although we haven't known each other long, I am thoroughly impressed by his insights. My brother's ideas are unbound and unconventional, benefiting me immensely."

Upon hearing this, Xun Yu's expression shifted slightly. Few were the people who could elicit such high praise from Guo Jia. Intrigued, Xun Yu tested Wang Bo with a few questions, to all of which Wang Bo responded fluently. Moreover, Wang Bo invariably integrated perspectives shaped by his identity as a modern person, which genuinely caused Xun Yu's eyes to light up with appreciation.

"The Holy Sage Confucius said: 'When walking in a party of three, I must have a teacher.' It seems I truly underestimated the talents of the world," Xun Yu said, looking at Wang Bo with a sigh of admiration.

Xun Yu's reaction thoroughly embarrassed Wang Bo, who hurriedly waved his hands and said, "What are you saying, Brother Xun? It was merely me speaking off the cuff; it's hardly worth taking seriously."

"To speak off the cuff and still produce such insights... truly remarkable. Had Brother Wang given these matters deep and careful thought, we would scarcely be able to catch up even if we whipped our horses to their utmost speed."

These words made Wang Bo feel even more self-conscious. He quickly chimed in, "Brother Xun flatters me too much; I am entirely unworthy of such praise."

"Hahaha!" Seeing Wang Bo's flustered appearance, both Xun Yu and Guo Jia burst into laughter. Their amusement only added to Wang Bo's embarrassment.

"Very well, everyone take your seats and prepare for today's lessons." At that moment, Sima Hui's voice drifted over, cutting short the merriment of Guo and Xun, and successfully rescuing Wang Bo from his predicament. Wang Bo hurriedly found a desk and sat down, and the long-awaited studies officially commenced.

The lessons were undeniably dry, yet Wang Bo did not slacken for a moment. For the sake of his great vengeance and his ambition to return home in glory, he had to drive himself to study diligently. His foresight gave him an absolute advantage, but he could not rely on that alone. In a genuine era of chaos, without true competence, the ultimate outcome was elimination. Wang Bo refused to be eliminated, nor did he want to flee in panic whenever he encountered noble clans. He had to strive to win the recognition of others and gain the ability to protect those dear to him.

Taking advantage of a brief lull, Wang Bo glanced left and right at his fellow students. He noticed that nearly everyone in the academy was buried in their books—with the sole exception of Guo Jia. Turning his gaze toward Guo Jia, he saw that the young man had long since fallen fast asleep. Watching Guo Jia drool profusely, Wang Bo felt his mind fill with a row of dark question marks. *Is this guy really Guo Jia? Is this guy really my idol?*

Sima Hui was indeed a fine teacher, lecturing with utmost dedication. Every time he finished a section, he would explain it meticulously for a long time, leaving ample time for the students to ponder and ask questions independently. Only when every student had resolved their doubts would he proceed to the next passage.

"Very well, we shall conclude here for today. Use the remaining time to review on your own. You may ask me if you have any questions," Sima Hui laid down his bamboo slips and announced to the assembled students. With that, he slowly stood up and paced leisurely toward Guo Jia, who was sleeping soundly.

Seeing Sima Hui walking in his direction, Wang Bo already knew what was about to happen. He reached out to wake Guo Jia, only to discover with bitter resignation that Sima Hui was looking straight at him with a gentle smile—though the look in the teacher's eyes carried a clear threat. That forced Wang Bo to freeze in place, unable to intervene, as Sima Hui arrived directly in front of Guo Jia's desk.

Noticing that the sleeping Guo Jia still wore a faint smile on his face, Wang Bo thought with inward sorrow, *It's not that I don't want to save you, my friend, but you are simply too audacious. May the Lord protect you, Amen.* Giving Guo Jia a mournful look, Wang Bo quickly averted his gaze. The moment he turned away, a miserable scream from Guo Jia pierced the air, prompting Wang Bo to mutter softly to himself, "This really wasn't my fault."

It was with the utmost difficulty that Wang Bo endured until noon. Hearing Sima Hui dismiss the class, Wang Bo hurriedly dropped his bamboo slips and rushed to Guo Jia's side, carefully lifting a bowl of water off Guo Jia's head. Why was there a bowl of water on Guo Jia's head? The sequence of events had unfolded thus: when Sima Hui approached Guo Jia and yanked him up by the ear, the half-asleep Guo Jia, in his befuddlement, had suddenly roared at the top of his lungs, "Who dares disturb my slumber?! Tired of living, are you?!"

Well, that outburst had essentially poked a hornet's nest. Sima Hui, who had just moments before worn a benevolent smile, instantly saw his face turn as dark as the bottom of a cooking pot. Hearing Guo Jia shout that out, Wang Bo felt his heart grow cold by half. *Oh, this ancestor of mine,* Wang Bo sighed inwardly.

Once Guo Jia finally snapped back to full consciousness, he realized to his horror that the hand twisting his ear belonged to none other than Master Sima—and that Master Sima was currently glaring at him with blazing wrath. Instantly, cold sweat broke out all over Guo Jia.

"Indeed, I am quite tired of living. May I ask my young friend Guo Jia when you plan to come and take this old man's life?" Sima Hui stared down at Guo Jia and asked in a low voice.

"This... this..." Exceptional though Guo Jia's wits were, at that moment he was utterly speechless. His normally nimble brain had become completely useless decoration.

"Well, speak up, young friend Guo Jia," Sima Hui pressed on, ignoring Guo Jia's stammering.

Sensing that things were taking a turn for the worse, Wang Bo stepped forward to intervene: "Please do not be angry, Teacher. Guo Jia acted merely out of youthful mischief. I hope you can forgive this offense against your dignity. I actually have a method by which this fellow can be punished."

Hearing Wang Bo's words, Sima Hui turned to look at him and, after a moment of contemplation, commanded, "Speak."

Sensing the stern tone in Sima Hui's voice, Wang Bo quickly laid out his idea: whenever Guo Jia attended class, he would have to balance a bowl filled to the brim with water on his head and write the phrase "Teacher, I was wrong, please forgive me" a thousand times. If the water spilled halfway through, the count would increase by five hundred more.

Sima Hui listened and deemed the punishment quite appropriate. Turning back to Guo Jia, he asked, "Young Bo's proposal—do you accept this?"

By then, Guo Jia hardly dared to refuse and nodded frantically in agreement.

With a slight smile, Sima Hui instructed Wang Bo to fetch the water.

Wang Bo's clever idea made Guo Jia suffer terribly. Throughout the day, Guo Jia had the bowl knocked off his head more times than he could count, and the phrase "Teacher, I was wrong, please forgive me" had its tally increased by countless repetitions. Yet, Guo Jia knew Wang Bo was only trying to help him, so he bore no resentment.

Finding the method quite effective, Sima Hui announced to the entire academy: "Let this method henceforth become an academy rule. Whoever incurs a teacher's wrath shall be punished in this manner." As he spoke, Sima Hui cast an amused glance at Guo Jia.

Guo Jia felt a profound sense of tragedy. According to Sima Hui, this rule had essentially been custom-built for him alone; among all the students in the academy, who else would dare provoke the teacher's anger? But what could Guo Jia do? He could only nod in compliance: "Understood, Teacher." The moment he nodded, the bowl of water on his head tipped over once more, leaving his mood plummeting to the depths of despair.

Watching Guo Jia's pitiful expression, the rest of the students could not help bursting into chuckles.

As Wang Bo removed the water bowl from his head once again, Guo Jia massaged his somewhat stiff neck and looked at Wang Bo with a tragic expression.

"Elder Brother, you've really done me in," Guo Jia sighed dramatically toward Wang Bo.

"I did it for your own good. Without such a punishment, how could you have appeased the teacher?"

"I naturally know you meant well, Elder Brother, but this punishment is truly vicious. I can't imagine how you ever thought of it. If I didn't know you were trying to help the teacher calm down, I'd really think this rule was invented solely to torture me." And indeed, Guo Jia had suffered immensely; naturally lively and restless, he found it impossible to keep his head still for even a moment. Naturally, the slightest twitch sent the water spilling over, making it difficult for him not to suspect otherwise.

Hearing Guo Jia's grievances, Wang Bo could only offer a wry smile. Could he possibly tell him that he had seen teachers use this exact method to train their disciples' focus in television dramas? Obviously not. He could only reply helplessly, "It was just a sudden flash of inspiration. I never imagined it would cause you such misery, Brother."

At that moment, Xun Yu strolled over to the two of them. Hearing Wang Bo's words, Xun Yu chimed in, "How can you call this causing misery? I think this method is brilliant. Brother Wang, a mere flash of inspiration allowed you to devise a way to train Guo Jia's concentration—truly a sign of nimble wit. With this method in place, Guo Jia will surely become much more disciplined."

Upon hearing Xun Yu's praise, Wang Bo and Guo Jia reacted quite differently.

Flattered by Xun Yu's commendation, Wang Bo felt somewhat lightheaded with pride. After all, Xun Yu was destined to become an absolute titan in the future, comparable to Zhang Liang of the Han dynasty. To receive praise from someone of such high standing and future influence naturally thrilled an ordinary fellow like Wang Bo.

Guo Jia, on the other hand, was filled with bitter resentment. He curled his lips at Xun Yu, deeply expressing his profound dissatisfaction with the situation.