At the mention of practicing martial arts, the eyes of the two children who were snatching chicken at the dinner table immediately lit up.
The children in the village who practiced martial arts were all the leaders of the pack, each of them acting quite impressive among their peers.
Having watched others look so grand since they were young, the two of them naturally yearned to practice martial arts. They blinked their large, watery eyes and looked toward Chen Changsheng.
"Practicing martial arts... this... the monthly tuition alone is twenty silver, and that doesn't even include the medicinal supplements. Husband, do we have enough money?"
As soon as Yi Lian heard about practicing martial arts and thought of the expenses involved, a look of worry appeared on her face.
Over the years, Chen Changsheng had saved a total of two hundred and fifty silver. In the ancient times of his previous life, this amount would have made him a wealthy man. However, this world was strange; their smallest denomination of currency was silver pieces, while copper coins weren't considered money at all, but rather a type of rare metal.
Thus, Chen Changsheng's two hundred and fifty silver was merely the savings of an ordinary farmer. Originally, he had planned to use this money to renovate the house and then use it as the betrothal gift for his sons' weddings.
But now, with the opportunity for immortal cultivation before him, he could no longer afford to hesitate.
"We have two hundred and fifty saved, and once the wheat is sold this year, we'll have another forty."
"With nearly three hundred in savings, I plan to lease ten mu of mountain land to plant tea. Mountain land isn't expensive; one hundred and fifty will be enough!"
"Of the remaining one hundred and fifty, fifty will go toward our expenses for next year, and the remaining hundred will be enough to send a child to learn martial arts for half a year."
Chen Changsheng slowly explained his plan to Yi Lian. He took her hand and said firmly:
"Yi Lian, bear with me for one more year. Once my tea planting is successful, I will definitely make sure you and the children live a good life!"
Li Yilian revealed a slight smile. Although the man she chose wasn't extremely wealthy, he was always so reliable. She nodded and said:
"Changsheng, go ahead and do it. I support you. As long as you're here, life doesn't feel bitter!"
Chen Changsheng was deeply moved. He was incredibly grateful to his father in this life for arranging such a wonderful wife for him.
After the family finished dinner, they did not disperse because they still had an important decision to make.
That was: which child to send to learn martial arts!
First of all, Chen Changsheng was too old; no master would take him as a disciple.
Therefore, they could only choose one of the two sons!
Looking at the expectant gazes of both boys, Chen Changsheng really didn't want either of them to be disappointed. After all, both the palm and the back of the hand are made of the same flesh!
"How about we draw lots?"
Chen Changsheng was silent for a while before finally making a seemingly fair decision.
Li Yilian then took out two pieces of thatch, one long and one short, for the two children to pick.
Both children held their breath in concentration. Although they didn't yet realize that this choice would affect their life paths, they each knew that the opportunity to practice martial arts was hard-won.
"Come. Draw. The one who gets the long one goes to learn martial arts. The one who loses shouldn't complain..."
Chen Changsheng said in a low voice. Just then, the second son, Chuanwen, suddenly waved his hand.
"Don't draw lots, Father. Let Big Brother go learn martial arts!"
Chuanwen waved his hand with feigned magnanimity. Chen Changsheng asked, quite surprised:
"Don't you want to learn? Our family can only support one person right now. Have you thought it through?"
Chuanwen was a bit conflicted. He lowered his head and thought for a moment before looking up at Chen Changsheng and saying:
"Big Brother is two years older than me, so he should learn martial arts first. I believe in Father's ability. By the time I'm ten, I'm sure there will be another opportunity!"
Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Chen Changsheng's face. This child, Chuanwen, not only respected his elder brother but also had a great sense of the big picture and trusted him deeply.
Chen Changsheng patted Chuanwen's head and looked at Chuanwu nearby:
"Chuanwu, then you will go learn martial arts this year. You must practice hard and not let down the opportunity your younger brother gave you!"
Tears glimmered in Chen Chuanwu's eyes. He clenched his fists and said with a firm tone:
"Father, don't worry. I will definitely practice martial arts well. I'll protect our family and protect Chuanwen in the future! Second Brother, if anyone bullies you later, tell me, and I'll take care of him for you!"
Chen Changsheng felt very gratified seeing this scene of brotherly love. The kind of petty drama where family members turn against each other, which might happen in other households, would certainly not occur in the Chen Family.
"Alright, clear the table and go to sleep. Chuanwu, wake up early tomorrow and come with me to Master Wang's house."
Chen Changsheng dismissed the two children and then took Yi Lian back to their room to rest.
The night passed in silence.
The next morning, as soon as Chen Changsheng woke up, he saw Chuanwu waiting by the bedside.
"Chuanwu, you're certainly enthusiastic. When I was teaching you to read before, you didn't have this kind of energy; you'd rather stay in bed and wet yourself!"
Chen Changsheng teased with a smile as he looked at the expectant Chuanwu. Chuanwu chuckled. He was naturally restless and often played with the children who practiced martial arts. He had always been very envious of those kids, so being able to practice martial arts himself made him so excited he couldn't sleep all night.
"Go, wash up. You're coming with me to Master Wang's house in a bit!"
Chen Changsheng patted Chuanwu's head. After finishing their washing and having a simple breakfast, he carried a jar of strong chinese liquor and headed straight for Wang Yong's house.
Wang Yong's house was right next door to the Chen Family, not far at all.
"Brother Wang, are you there? I've brought you some wine!"
Chen Changsheng tapped lightly on the door. A woman opened it, and then Wang Yong's gruff voice could be heard shouting:
"Haha, is that Brother Chen? I've been craving your strong chinese liquor!"
Chen Changsheng bowed with his hands clasped to the woman, calling her "Sister-in-law," and then led Chuanwu toward Wang Yong.
"Brother Wang, only you can drink such strong wine. Most people can't get used to it!"
Chen Changsheng laughed and walked into the courtyard with Wang Yong.
Compared to Chen Changsheng's three thatched huts, Wang Yong's courtyard could be described as large and fine.
In the large courtyard of over five hundred square meters, there were weapon racks, stone mills, and other equipment for honing martial arts. Inside the courtyard were four houses built of blue bricks and tiles, which looked sturdy and beautiful.
Chen Changsheng's gaze lingered on the weapons in the courtyard. Seeing Chen Changsheng's expression, Wang Yong laughed and said:
"Brother Chen likes weapons too? Do you want to try them out?"
Chen Changsheng quickly waved his hand in refusal. He brought Chuanwu, who was following behind him, to the front and spoke of the main business:
"Brother Wang, don't tease me. What does a farmer like me know about weapons? I was thinking of having Chuanwu learn a few moves from you so he can have a future!"
Only then did Wang Yong understand Chen Changsheng's intention. He glanced at the eager Chuanwu and said with a smile:
"In that case, I'll first check Chuanwu's bone structure. If his bone structure is too poor, don't waste your silver; after all, the tuition isn't cheap!"
Chen Changsheng quickly nodded in agreement. Wang Yong being willing to tell him the truth meant he treated him as a friend. If it were anyone else, they would just take the money; whether you succeeded in your training or not would have nothing to do with them. After all, they would have treated everyone equally and taught them all!
Chuanwu stepped forward. Wang Yong reached out to feel Chuanwu's spine. In martial arts, much emphasis is placed on the 'Great Dragon'—the spine is that Great Dragon. Its development represents one's Aptitude for martial arts.
"The Great Dragon is undulating and powerful, and with an ape's back and a bee's waist, he's a natural for martial arts. Not bad, not bad—this is top-tier bone structure!"
Wang Yong muttered while feeling the bones. Finally, his eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he stared at Chuanwu with delight!