Временные трудности / Temporary hardships: Глава 6

Chapter 6, in which the hero is betrayed by his relatives and servants, but he finds the bright side even in troubles

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:41

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Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:40

The first rays of sunlight touched Han, and he opened his eyes. As he squirmed on the hard, uncomfortable bed, he felt the usual hatred and resentment. He had been deprived of his luxurious quarters with a soft couch and cushions, a comfortable bed, a scroll table, and tightly curtained windows, all with the words, "Don't get attached to things, student"

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:42

After that, the bastard teacher took to dwelling in Han's chambers. It was a thousand times more humiliating than if he had just kicked him in the stomach. Han had been assigned a small, dark room, a room that even the servants would have shunned, but with only one small window facing East. Han had no idea how the villain had achieved this, how he had managed to combine the opposite things, but despite the darkness and dreariness of the room, the first rays of the sun shone into his eyes, blinding him and forcing him to get out of bed. There was no way to turn over to the other side. The rays reflected off the nearest wall, and the thin rice mat that served as a blanket did not protect from the light!

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:45

When Han decided to cover the window with his clothes, he regretted it. In the morning, his master lifted him out of bed with a merciless kick. He not only quoted Han's saying, "A warrior is vigilant at all times, even at night," but also called what had happened a giveaway! A courtesy, out of respect for his parents!

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:47

"New day, new heights," came a hateful voice from outside.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:47

Han gritted his teeth. He knew he was supposed to keep an icy calm and ignore all taunts, but how could he do that when the bastard was using his favorite sayings and twisting their deeper meanings? He wipes himself with priceless scrolls and uses Han's favorite brush set to pick his ear or worse! For days and nights, he thinks of ways to humiliate Han even more, not only to abuse his body, not only to break his mind but also to destroy his soul!

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:48

But as a true future hero, Han won't give in and show him! In the meantime...

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:49

"Yes, Master!" he shouted, jumping outside.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:49

If there was one thing Han was prepared for, it was trouble and suffering. So when he saw Mei standing in the dabu stance, he was so surprised that he even stumbled and nearly sprawled on the ground. Of course, the stance suited her as well as anything, but where had she come from? Why so early in the day? Had the villainous master shown up at the manor even earlier and chased her away for the torture called training?

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:50

"Very good, apprentice. It's nice to see that your lessons don't go to waste," he gave Han a look that made him want to kill him. "As I said, apprentice, you're harmonious, so there's no need to go all the way back to the beginning. If Han is an egg, a fat tadpole that has yet to become a carp, you are already a rainbow trout from an icy mountain stream."

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:53

Han clenched his teeth again. He admired Mei, of course, but she, unlike Han, had not been through the myriad of abuse. She'd never had her arms and legs broken, been thrown into a river, or forced to carry huge heavy sacks through forest thickets. She had never had a quote twisted, her mother cheated, or had her favorite foods devoured in front of her eyes! Eh, if Mei had gone through the same agony, she would definitely feel sorry for Han and take his side. And then they could pounce on the scoundrel together, taking him by surprise to finally snap that vile neck! And then they would definitely live happily ever after! Together!

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:54

"But never stop, never become complacent," the villain continued. "After all, a trout is not yet a dragon."

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:55

"Yes, Master!" Mei exclaimed.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:55

Han felt as if a blade had been thrust into his heart and slowly pulled. To him, the words "Yes, Master" meant pain, fear, suffering, hatred, and disgust. So why does Mei shout them out with such joy and anticipation? Why does she look forward to more abuse and torment?

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:56

"My sincere congratulations, young master!" A vaguely familiar voice snapped him out of his musings.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:56

Han looked up, but he turned his head away when he saw that he was being greeted by one of the servants hurrying about their business. Congratulations? What could he be congratulated on during this humiliation? Or were these ungrateful creatures mocking him?

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:56

On the way to the training ground, two more servants suddenly congratulated Han. It
was not only infuriating, but it was also baffling. Not only did they not help him in his time of need, not bring food, not help him escape, and not only did they take the side of that rogue scoundrel mockingly called teacher by gods and demons, but now they were also congratulating him! For what? Humiliation? Beatings? Beatings? That Mei Lin will see all of this now?

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:58

He guesses that's the point - the peasants don't appreciate a good attitude. They only rejoice when their lord is in trouble. Once more, a suitable quotation was on the tip of his tongue, and his hands itched to find a brush to write it down, but a wave of resentment washed that impulse away.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:59

"Why?" Han muttered with shaky lips. "Have I ever offended you?

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:00

Unfortunately, it was not the servants who heard those quiet words.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:00

"If you have the strength to speak and resent it, then the balance of your qi is shifted toward the mouth. We will, of course, correct that. How exactly, student?"

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:01

"Perhaps you'll make me stand in a stance, Master? Or run?" Han replied.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:02

"That's terrific! As you can see, regular exercise has made you very savvy. One hundred laps, knees to chest!"

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:02

"Yes, Master!"

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:03

Han sighed habitually and ran, bringing his knees up, ignoring the ache in his muscles and stomach, the burning in his meridians from the qi held back. He knew there was no point in arguing or complaining, all that was left was to endure, endure the torture. But his concentration nearly failed when he saw Mei, who had been forced to do nothing, running alongside him, repeating his movements with apparent eagerness. Mei surged forward, and Han saw a slender, beautiful leg flicker through the high neckline of her qipao. Qi surged to a point in his lower abdomen, but the exhaustion of running didn't even allow his body to react in the most natural way. Instead of excitement, only frenzy arose. The master was beside Mei, groping her diligently, pretending to correct her movements. Han closed his eyes and ran forward to avoid the abuse. But, alas, it didn't help, it was even worse - whether it was his sense of qi or his imagination, he could feel and see everything in great detail. Han bit his lip in frustration, and drops of blood dripped onto the trampled earth of the training ground.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:11

1111

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:11

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Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:40

Han walked slowly, closing his eyes and even biting his still sore tongue with effort. The clot of qi that had accumulated in his stomach was transferring energy into his palms. He didn't have a lot of time because the minutes when the villainous master would give Han a break and let him do his own thing could be counted on the fingers of his hand. It was into those fingers that Han channeled his qi, simultaneously trying to disguise himself and disappear into space. He could, of course, send qi to his eyes as well, but he didn't want to see some ruthless and emotionless ancestor again.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:15

His palm slid down the wall, and the qi fluttered and penetrated inside. There was no one in the room, so Han went on to the next room. Unfortunately, the mansion was large, and Han only knew the general direction of the search. Soon, luck smiled on him - the qi penetrating through the wall felt someone's very familiar energy. Mei! Han almost shrieked with joy, but by the greatest effort of will, he held himself back.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:15

There was only one explanation for Mei's occupancy of the room next to Han's, and that was that she had a thing for him. Preparing to duck and block a possible blow to the head, Han looked around the corner, but there was no one in the next hallway, and there was no blow. He exhaled quietly, calming down, and went to the door.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:16

Holding his breath once more, Han pushed open the door. Fortunately, it was unlocked, a very good sign. Mei's pure and bright qi beckoned, so Han cast aside all doubts and stepped forward. The sun shining through the open window was blinding, but he didn't stop, moving toward the silhouette in the shadows.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:53

"I'm so glad you're here!" Han said, sobbing. "I'm glad I'm not alone, but with you!"

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:53

He cast aside all doubts. He decided to open his heart and tell her everything he thinks. After all, that's what true heroes should do!

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:54

"I finally got a kind word out of you, student!" cut the silence with the most disgusting voice in the world. "But since you forgot to add 'master,' it means that you and I are going to have a new training session!"

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:55

Han never could tell whether he had passed out on his own, from hatred and dashed hopes, or whether his master had helped him with an apt blow to the head.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:56

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Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 10:40

Han didn't know if it was because of yesterday's accident, or because of his master's nasty temper, or because of all of them, but today he was picking on Han for no reason at all. He was constantly nagging, ridiculing, and punishing him for his failures. And that caused more mistakes, which led to more punishments.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:56

It was different with Mei, of course. When she practiced, he only praised, groomed, and groped her, still under the guise of correcting her stances and movements. Han cried inwardly in despair as the scoundrel used the same demonic techniques that had bewitched Han's parents, warriors, and servants!

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:57

"You can't train all the time," the master said, not even paying attention to the contradiction of his words. "Training should not only be interrupted but also alternated. One should intersperse the strengthening of the body with the training of the mind, then develop the strength of the spirit, and then start again - so that every aspect of the Great Triad develops harmoniously. You can't be tense all the time. Body, mind, and spirit need rest to recover. But rest does not mean idleness. If these aspects are not pushed forward to the limit of what is possible and beyond, the carp will never be able to pass through the dragon's gate. Contradictory, isn't it?"

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:59

"Yes, Master!" Han replied in a machine-like manner.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:59

//"To demons and spirits all these dragons and triads. I don't want to learn. I want to go back in time without all these teachers, spirits, and my father's cruelty! Well, not completely, of course, some good things are there now!" - Han thought, squinting his eyes at Mei Lin, who was frozen in a graceful stance. Han was already shaking with fatigue, and that quiet, hateful voice made him want to fall asleep on the spot.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 12:01

But he knew not to give in to the impulse. Not anymore, for he had already suffered the consequences more than once. Instead of a hard bed in a cramped room, he would wake up in the morning on the ground, stiff and weak, with rocks embedded in his sides and back and a headache. And, of course, instead of sending Han to the doctor, the master made him run even more laps and carry even heavier stones. Saying: "You've slept for so long, so you must be well rested!" and "A good workout is the best remedy for any ailments!". Han's eyes flickered, and qi surged through his body with a fervor. That would not let him fall asleep so as not to show Mei an inappropriate and unsightly sight.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 12:04

"This is the kind of contradiction that makes up everything in our world. This is how one approaches the boundary of mastery and then crosses it. But true mastery has an extra step. When the body is trained, the spirit and mind are free. When the mind is trained, body and spirit are free. Thus, one of the three aspects is always idle and lazy, quite like our Han. The solution to this problem is simple but, at the same time, complex. One must train two of the three aspects at once, letting only one of them rest and recover. Memorize scrolls, practice with sword and spear, develop stamina and endurance."

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 12:21

"But I've read that it's better to focus on one thing!" Mei said.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 12:21

Han was in complete agreement with her. For example, he was good at calligraphy and had reached unprecedented heights, but after all this abuse, he wouldn't be able to write even the simplest character smoothly.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 12:27

"Perhaps," the master agreed abruptly. "But only if one is satisfied with being deficient in everything else. Not moving forward is moving backward."

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 12:28

"But you can't be good at everything!" Mei didn't give up. "For example, you can't circulate qi in all of....."

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 12:29

The master laughed, cutting her off half-heartedly.

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:18

"You're talking about the three dantian points, of course," he was still snorting. "Upper, lower, and middle."

Camrad_RIP 12.01.24 в 11:18