Chapter 201: Righteous and Upright

As Ji Yuan walked, the large pier in the distance wasn't yet fully visible. It was quieter than before, with less of the usual hustle and bustle. However, compared to most parts of Chunhui Prefecture city, where lights were out and residents were resting, the pier remained remarkably bright. In some ways, it reminded Ji Yuan of the bustling night markets from his previous life.

Ji Yuan and the red fox were currently by the river section just outside the south of the city. Walking east along the riverbank, they realized that to reach the large pier, they would need to continue all the way to the city's southeast corner, then turn north, passing the River God Temple and traversing a significant portion of the eastern city wall. It was not a short walk.

Hu Yun was unsure whether Mr. Ji simply wanted to take a stroll or was indeed heading to the large pier. However, as Mr. Ji remained silent, Hu Yun didn't dare to ask and simply followed him quietly.

Although Mr. Ji wasn't angry today, he still exerted a great deal of pressure on Hu Yun, perhaps mostly due to Hu Yun's own psychological state.

A gentle breeze from the river caused Ji Yuan's clothes to flutter slightly and his long hair to sway. The River God Temple was now close at hand. However, at this hour of the night, the temple was closed and unlit, with only the faint glow of perpetual oil lamps visible from within the hall.

“Hu Yun, do you know what that place ahead is?”

Mr. Ji finally spoke, and the red fox, feeling a slight relief, naturally looked ahead. It was the sizable River God Temple. Although he had never been there, Hu Yun knew of the place, as the boatman had been talking about it constantly over the past few days.

“That must be the Chunmu River God Temple, right? The boatman said this temple is the premier temple of the Chunmu River.”

“Yes.”

Ji Yuan continued walking, nodding as he spoke again.

“The current true deity of the Chunmu River is an ancient white jiao, who has cultivated for countless years. In terms of magical power, spiritual attainment, and supernatural abilities, it surpasses you, a mere fox, by many, many times. Isn't such a figure glorious?”

Hu Yun answered instinctively.

“Glorious!”

“Indeed, very glorious. However, no one in this world can live forever, nor can they escape the confines of yin, yang, and the five elements. Even for such a glorious deity, cultivation is arduous. In its attempts to transform into a true dragon, the white jiao failed twice, enduring the agony of shedding all its scales.”

As Ji Yuan spoke, he tilted his head to look at the red fox.

“Do you know what 'the pain of shedding scales' means for a dragon-kind creature?”

Without waiting for Hu Yun to answer, Ji Yuan continued.

“It's akin to tearing out one of your own fingernails – the kind that's connected to your very soul!”

This 'shedding of scales' is not like a common injury or the natural replacement of old scales with new ones; once a scale is lost this way, it's gone forever and will never grow back.

The red fox instinctively pulled back his neck and clenched his claws. In the past, even accidentally bending a nail by scratching something too hard would cause him pain for a considerable time. He certainly didn't want to try pulling one out, and the thought of such pain connected to his soul was simply terrifying.

Hu Yun understood Mr. Ji's point: cultivation was incredibly arduous. In the past, he might not have fully grasped it, but now, even without firsthand experience, he knew he had to remember it firmly.

“Let's go. We'll get some late-night food at the pier. If there's roast chicken, I'll make an exception and reward you with one tonight!”

Ji Yuan smiled, easing the fox's continuously tense nerves. Upon hearing 'roast chicken,' the fox's face instantly broke into a wide grin, and his mouth began to water profusely.

While the large pier outside Chunhui Prefecture was somewhat inferior to the capital's main freight pier in terms of scale and cargo capacity, its vibrant nightlife was exceptionally renowned throughout the entire Da Zhen. Among scholars and literati, it even earned the beautiful moniker 'Flower Port.' Gradually, this name spread among the common people as well. While most still habitually referred to it as the 'East City Grand Pier,' 'Flower Port' was now a universally recognized name.

The East City Grand Pier was typically most lively just before sunset. During this time, dockworkers were still bustling with loading and unloading cargo, while those embarking on river excursions began boarding their boats. People seeking pleasure boats and adorned barges also started leaving the city in a steady stream.

Naturally, the peak business hours for this area had passed. Many multi-storied boats, pleasure boats, and flower-adorned dance boats had already left the shore. However, some large vessels that operated from the dockside were still welcoming patrons.

Ji Yuan took Hu Yun to a tavern of moderate size, where they ordered some food for a late-night meal. Although the tavern's own menu wasn't extensive, most dishes could actually be ordered. This was because a server would go to nearby shops to order and arrange delivery for patrons. Payment was then settled with the tavern when paying the bill, clearly indicating a mature cooperative business model.

While Ji Yuan and Hu Yun were enjoying their late-night meal and wine at the grand pier, Yin Qing was tossing and turning in Huiyuan Academy, a slight trepidation in his heart. It was his first long journey away from home, and he would now be living permanently in this unfamiliar environment. None of his familiar friends were nearby, and Mr. Ji and the little fox were also set to return to Ning'an County.

By the moonlight streaming through the window, he could generally make out the room's interior. This was a dormitory for four, and the other three occupants were sound asleep, their breathing steady. The fact that no one was snoring seemed like a good start.

‘Ah, Mr. Ji and the others must have fallen asleep long ago. Stop thinking, stop thinking, I really need to get to sleep.’

With these thoughts, Yin Qing closed his eyes, calmed his breathing, and relaxed his body. He drifted off to sleep in less than the time it takes to steep a cup of tea.

Despite being the last to fall asleep, Yin Qing was the first to wake up in the morning. Shortly after he got out of bed, dressed, and left his room, the academy's bell rang, and the other students groggily began to stir.

When Yin Qing returned, he happened to see his three roommates tidying their clothes.

“Good morning!”

“Oh, good morning!” “Morning!”

“I've already been up and out. I brought back a pot of hot tea from the kitchen for everyone to soothe their throats. This morning's breakfast includes steamed meat buns; I've already ordered them in advance. If we head over now, they'll be ready as soon as the steamer is opened.”

Yin Qing raised the teapot in his hand. As he finished speaking, the other three in the room couldn't help but smile. This new roommate was so kind and polite, truly worthy of being the son of Master Yin.

Yin Qing's manner of dealing with others was deeply influenced by both Yin Zhaoxian and Ji Yuan. He easily earned the goodwill of the other students and masters at the academy. Being diligent and energetic, he quickly integrated into the new environment of Huiyuan Academy. After just four or five days, Yin Qing had met all the students and naturally also formed good relationships with the masters, fostering harmonious interactions with everyone.

This particular day, August 20th, was a holiday at Huiyuan Academy, and the students were already eagerly preparing to head out early.

Inside student dormitory A-6, Yin Qing sat on his bed, organizing his essential books. The topmost one was his father's renowned work, *On Knowing Righteousness*.

At that moment, two of his roommates, having finished washing up, rushed into the room. One student, named Lei Yusheng, excitedly addressed Yin Qing and the other person present.

“Yin Qing, Xinjie, when we came back, we saw many people heading to the Imperial Examination Hall to have a look. Are you two going?”

“Yes, that’s right! The autumn imperial examinations are coming soon, and many renowned scholars from Jizhou have gathered near the examination hall. We’ll have to take our preliminary exams there someday, so why don’t we go and have a look?”

“Sounds great! Let's go try that scholar’s meal today!”

Lin Xinjie, who was also in the room, immediately agreed.

However, Yin Qing scratched his head and declined.

“It sounds very interesting, but I have something else to do today, so I won't be joining you.”

“Ah? What is it? Do you need our help?”

Yin Qing smiled and shook his head.

“No, no, it’s just a minor errand. You go ahead. If I need help, I’ll certainly ask you.”

After these polite exchanges, over two hundred students from Huiyuan Academy dispersed, each heading toward their own destinations. Some went towards the Imperial Examination Hall, others arranged to go sightseeing, some headed straight to taverns, and still others made their way east to Flower Port.

Yin Qing, however, set off alone towards the south of the city. He walked through the bustling markets and narrow alleys, passed through the city gate, and continued diagonally towards the southwestern section of the river.

Midway, Yin Qing frowned as he looked around. There were always tourists strolling in small groups, and some people were flying kites nearby. Even on the river, numerous small boats were gently drifting along the bank.

‘So many people…’

Still feeling a little worried, he walked for quite some time until he finally saw the stretch of willows along the river. Ji Yuan was perched on one of the willow trees, a fishing rod in hand, while Hu Yun lay by the tree roots on the bank. Not far away, another person stood watching Ji Yuan.

Yin Qing, carrying his books, quickly walked closer and greeted Ji Yuan.

“Good morning, Mr. Ji!”

As he spoke, Yin Qing also winked at Hu Yun.

“You’re here? Just sit by the bank. Don’t mind the people around; read your books, read whatever you like, and feel free to delve deeper into anything you find interesting.”

Yin Qing glanced around, then looked at the river surface near the bank. Deep underwater, beside a massive black rock, he faintly discerned a subtle blue current. It would be hard to notice unless one looked very closely. He also reasoned that if Hu Yun could evade human perception, then the large green fish underwater could likely do the same.

Yin Qing first set down his books, then found a suitably sized stone. He swept aside the back of his robes and sat down. Only then did he take out *On Knowing Righteousness* from the top of his pile. Seeing that Ji Yuan had no more to say, he cleared his throat and began to read aloud.

“A scholar must uphold propriety, understand moderation, and comprehend reason to truly know righteousness. This is a common understanding across the land. Yet, what exactly is propriety, and what is righteousness? How does one who is righteous remain impartial? I, for one, am not entirely clear…”

Underwater, the old turtle, who had been resting with its eyes closed, slowly opened them a crack. The scholar's reading was somewhat different from a typical recitation; it seemed as though every sentence carried its own emotion, as if he himself were seeking answers alongside the text rather than simply reciting the content. It was easy for a listener to be drawn in and deeply affected.

The one who had most deeply felt this captivating power was actually Du Heng, the one-armed swordsman from before. Now, the old turtle also experienced a hint of it.

The old turtle couldn't help but look up towards the bank. Through the blurred ripples on the water, he could faintly discern Yin Qing's form, undulating with the water's movement. Yet, as he gazed, there was no sense of blurriness at all. Yin Qing's surrounding aura was exceptionally clear and bright; to see his form was to see his heart. It was as if spiritual essence intertwined, radiating with extraordinary translucence.