Chapter 438

The Hall of Literature is not a forbidden area for women.

After all, there are quite a few people working, and many ladies in charge of the kitchen.

What if someone asks if there are no female scholars?

That’s not the case either.

From time to time, they hold gatherings for female writers, and there are also ambitious women from the Imperial Palace who gather to hold classes for those hoping to become ladies.

However, asking for a dedicated seat for women in the prestigious Taihak lectures is a different matter altogether.

“Scholar Si, I understand your fondness for your disciple, but this is unprecedented. While it’s permissible for you to allow her to listen to the lectures during her stay at your discretion…”

The esteemed Taihak scholar frowned at this.

When they say just listening to the lectures, it means they want her to sit quietly in a corner of the lecture hall and simply hear it all.

The lectures at Taihak consist of everyone presenting their interpretations of their own subjects, with the audience contributing their own interpretations, gradually expanding the teachings of the sages and Confucian concepts.

This serves to teach the still young students (in terms of learning, not age) and gradually expand the scope of Confucian teachings.

But to let someone who is not affiliated with the Hall of Literature join?

And it’s a woman at that?

Not even a giant, mind you.

To say someone who barely grasped a few Buddhist and Daoist scriptures is on par with those with high intelligence in the Hall is like saying they are akin to children with an IQ between six to ten.

Qing might find this quite unfair.

Still, I’ve read quite a few Buddhist and Daoist scriptures myself, and the notion that this is not scholarship seems rather unfair.

However, this is the Hall of Literature.

Speaking in martial terms makes it easier to understand.

Imagine a gathering of supreme martial artists sharing advanced martial arts philosophies beyond the sword aura.

Then suddenly, a third-rate warrior shows up?

And not even a martial world individual, but rather a well-known Confucian scholar claiming to have practiced martial arts.

To say my level is low? That my practice is merely literature rather than martial arts is akin to whining.

So obviously, if Qing intervenes, it’s only natural that the scholars of the Hall would feel displeased.

The youngest prodigy of Zhengpai, renowned as the Divine Dragon?

That’s all well and good in the martial world.

This is the realm of Confucians, you see.

Moreover, who is Cheon Yu-hak?

He is the scholar in charge of the Hall of Literature and the undisputed giant of lectures in the world.

Scholars from all over the world come with gleaming eyes hoping to acquire just a single lesson from him.

To have such a giant suddenly bring in a martial world individual?

It’s as if the Number One in the World, Great Master Muhak, suddenly announces, “I bring my favorite disciple, a mere scholar who has barely learned a thing about martial arts.”

How would the martial world feel about that?

So Cheon Yu-hak speaks up again.

“Old man, please hear me out.”

For reference, ‘old man’ is a term of respect here.

“A person’s heart can’t be fair all the time, and honestly, I do lean more toward my beloved disciple—it’s just human nature, isn’t it? However, favoring my beloved disciple over my other disciples is different from exploiting my other disciples for her sake. I’m not that cruel.”

Regardless of how much I favor one disciple, I won’t use my other disciples unjustly.

At that, the Taihak scholar nodded.

“Don’t I spend half of my year wandering the world, witnessing its affairs? I assure you, if Qing participates in the lectures, everyone will benefit and achieve great accomplishments together, it won’t cause any harm at all.”

The Taihak scholar raised an eyebrow.

“Is that really the case? It’s only natural for a man to be interested in a woman, and it’s not as if a scholar is exempt from being a man, so if a woman joins the discussions of Confucian teachings, male desires will naturally follow. Human emotions are finite, and if one focuses on something, they will neglect other matters. I’m concerned that this will cause everyone to neglect their studies.”

“Well, it seems that might be the case. Just trust me and wait for one time.”

“Hmph. It’s uncommon, that’s why. You do know how precedents go, Scholar Si?”

Once someone takes the lead and records their actions in history, everyone else can easily follow along and use it as an excuse.

“Moreover, I hear she’s the best among the Six Harmonies of Martial Arts? A girl known for her beauty among women, and I can’t fathom what Scholar Si is thinking.”

“Then let’s just try for one week, just one week. Let’s see how it goes. If it becomes a nuisance to my lectures, I will quietly withdraw her then.”

“Hmmm. If Scholar Si says so, then…”

The Taihak scholar nodded reluctantly, as if he had heard a bitter pill to swallow.

Thus, Qing had a hearty breakfast and stood on the Taihak podium looking at the scholars.

Maybe I overate; even though I have the extraordinary digestion of a human transcending nature, my stomach feels a bit heavy.

Somehow, it feels like everyone isn’t looking at me with the kindest of eyes.

“Alright, settle down. This is my beloved disciple, Seomun Qing. It’s sudden, but she will be studying alongside us during this summer’s contest, so you should all greet her.”

Instead, the hall erupted into a stir of confusion.

“Elder? Beloved disciple, you say?”

“Is this the same Seomun Qing? The young master known as the Best Female Martial Artist?”

“Oh, the Triple Constellation Beauty! No wonder it sounds familiar.”

At that, Qing’s expression soured instantly.

That darn Triple Constellation nickname just won’t go away, huh?

Regardless, inside the Taihak Institute, a buzz of whispered conversations erupted among the scholars.

Qing turned to Cheon Yu-hak.

Is this right?

This doesn’t seem to be settling down at all.

However, Cheon Yu-hak merely smiled subtly and said,

“Now, bow to the senior scholars. Ah, didn’t you plan on showing your face to your senior classmates who will study together with you? People often remember the first impressions they see for a lifetime, so do you wish to remain hidden as a lady with a veiled face?”

Hmmm. I’m not sure if that was the right approach.

But I guess everyone has their own thoughts, so they can’t be blamed.

Qing gently raised her veil.

And then time seemed to freeze.

As if the entire hall was muted; aside from a few niche tastes, everyone’s gaze was drawn to her beauty which was now fully revealed.

“Hello? I, Seomun Qing, a martial arts scholar, greet the scholars of the Confucian world. Though my knowledge is limited due to my lacking learning, it is not shameful to not know; the shame lies in one’s refusal to learn, so I kindly ask for your guidance.”

“Oh, that’s a teaching of Confucius.”

At this, Qing’s expression turned blank.

Anyone could see that blank expression which showed her absolute lack of understanding; it was clear as day.

Confucius? What’s that? Why does it sound so impressive?

Is it some secret technique?

“Well? Did you all see that? Is there any wonderful senior who would explain the teachings of Confucius to our precious youngest?”

For a moment, it seemed everyone was scanning each other, and then hands began to rise all around.

“Ah, Scholar Sam was the quickest, so let’s hear your explanation.”

“Yes. Upon arriving in the Qin Dynasty, a nameless admirer of the scholar presented precious pearls.”

The saying “pearls must be strung” holds true; in this era, pearls must be strung on a thread to become ornaments. So when Confucius tried to thread the pearls, he found some clever fellow had made the holes so complex that no thread could pass through.

After a long struggle, he threw the pearls in frustration and thought that threading pearls was originally a task women were skilled at. So instead of struggling alone, he figured he should just ask a woman for help.

Ultimately, he succeeded in threading the pearls beautifully, all thanks to his respectful inquiry rather than looking down on a mere common woman.

Thus, asking for help when one does not know something is natural behavior of a gentleman, not something to be ashamed of.

Moreover, since everyone has their own strengths and knowledge, one should never underestimate others but rather acknowledge the differences in wisdom.

Cheon Yu-hak shared similar advice with the scholars of the Hall of Literature.

At that moment, Qing smiled sweetly, displaying a demeanor that would make anyone question if she had perhaps consumed something wrong.

“Wow, you’re quite knowledgeable. Clearly a learned person, making it easy for me to understand. Thank you!”

“Ah, it’s merely flattery, flattery. There’s no one here who doesn’t know this.”

“Well, isn’t the sword of Cheonhwa brought by a martial world individual who visited our hall over thirty times in a month just to seek out your wisdom? And when Zhuge sought wisdom, he visited three times; so one can only wonder how many times you kneeled in reverence seeking the words of the sages, thus I was touched enough to accept you as my disciple.”

Well, at least they had all aligned their stories.

Still, it should make some sense, right?

Who would actually believe that?

“Oh, oh oh.”

Huh. And they seem to buy it too.

Qing’s expression turned awkward as she struggled to maintain her composure behind her veil, feeling a hint of wistfulness.

So thus began the peculiar presence of a new junior at the Taihak Institute and the lectures continued for a day, then two, then eventually three.

“Old man. What do you think? Do you still think I should get rid of my disciple?”

“Heh, I’m just dumbfounded. Engaging in studies just to impress a woman?”

The Taihak scholar found it acceptable.

Cheon Yu-hak believed in Qing’s beauty.

Just throw something out there, show your face, and the simple-minded ones would undoubtedly find their eagerness for the lectures reaching new heights.

So those who typically parse out their subjects would seek to explain things as simply as possible, while others would desperately try to seem more impressive.

The catch is, the Confucian essence of “looking cool” is primarily interpreted through the addition of eloquent words that widen the topics discussed.

As a result, every lecture came with sharpened minds and intense debates.

Thus, Cheon Yu-hak was satisfied.

The Taihak scholar was also satisfied.

In the end, all the scholars who participated in these high-level lectures would be satisfied too.

And only Qing would be quite fed up with it all.

“I’m going to lose my mind.”

“Hang in there.”

“You traitor.”

Jin Jangmyung completely avoided studies and went to the Hangsan Martial Arts Hall.

The Hangsan Sect is a traditional Daoist sect, so she felt comfortable wandering in and out.

Once evening rolled in, seeing Jin Jangmyung calmly return and organize her wooden sword, I felt a burning desire to join and swing a sword with her.

So why am I the only one studying while we all came together?

“What are you doing?”

“Preparing my subject…”

Though it’s called a subject, Qing isn’t equipped to present anything in front of these learned Confucians.

But how could she refuse whatever Cheon Yu-hak assigns?

Perhaps they would help her out a bit?

But Cheon Yu-hak is busy.

He’s analyzing the Treasure Map to the point where I wonder if he’s even slept properly.

How does one even begin to interpret the Treasure Map anyway?

A few stakes, some wiggly lines here and there, and you shine it in fire to see a few more lines and dip it in water to reveal a few numbers.

Every time I catch a glimpse of it, I wonder if it’s even some sort of map. Ever since Qing came, aside from our meal times, he’s been completely absorbed in the Treasure Map.

So the master is too absorbed in the Treasure Map to even notice, while Jang Myung travels back and forth to the Zhengpai Martial Hall, engaging in sparring.

Qing lets out a deep sigh, staring at her books.

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