Chapter 6: 6. Chapter 6, The Feudal Patriarch

Chapter 6: The Feudal Patriarch

[Realm: Qi Condensation 1/1000]

[Notes on the Classic of a Hundred Herbs (Great Success): Tasting Herbs 365/1000]

Hua Changxi could not obtain other medicinal ingredients for the time being; the next chapter of the *Notes on the Classic of a Hundred Herbs* could only be unlocked after she passed the entrance exam for the Medical Bureau.

She was looking forward to it. After "Common Plants" and "Spiritual Plants," what would come next?

As for cultivation...

A scene from her dream surfaced in Hua Changxi's mind—the image of herself turning into a small bird and breathing just like one.

She knew that her cultivation should be carried out through rhythmic breathing and gas exchange.

Thinking of this, Hua Changxi immediately tried to see if she could cultivate during the day. She originally intended to sit cross-legged in meditation, but remembering that birds lie prone, she sprawled out on the bed instead.

Unfortunately, Hua Changxi simply could not settle her mind. Although she visualized the bird's breathing, her thoughts were scattered and her breathing rhythm was erratic, let alone inducing the surrounding Qi into her body.

She spent the entire afternoon experimenting, but she did not succeed even by dinner time.

As evening approached, the Hua family courtyard became lively.

Lady Yao and her two sisters-in-law were busy in the kitchen. Preparing meals for over twenty members of the Hua household was no easy task.

Old Madam Hua was under the eaves outside the main hall, leading several granddaughters in spinning thread and doing needlework.

Old Master Hua and Hua Minghe, who had just returned from his duties, were sitting in the main hall smoking dry tobacco. The younger generation, including Hua Sanlang, sat beside them, chatting about the happenings outside.

As soon as Hua Changxi emerged from her room, she drew everyone's attention.

Old Madam Hua's hands did not stop spinning. She lifted her eyelids to look at Hua Changxi. "Are you feeling better?"

Hua Changxi replied with a smile, "Grandmother, I am fine now."

Old Madam Hua was always stern in front of her granddaughters. She gave a faint "Mhm" and began her lecture. "After this lesson, let's see if you still dare to run around recklessly."

"Among the young ladies of this house, you are the most disobedient."

"I just don't understand. You are all young ladies of the Hua family; Wu Niang and the others can stay home peacefully embroidering and weaving, so why must you insist on running outside?"

Hua Changxi had long since grown accustomed to Old Madam Hua's nagging. Her expression remained unchanged as she let the words go in one ear and out the other.

"Jiu Niang, come in and serve the dishes."

Lady Yao's voice drifted from the kitchen, rescuing Hua Changxi from her grandmother's lecture.

With over twenty people in the family, dinner was split into two tables: one for the adults and one for the children.

Before eating, Old Master Hua suddenly beckoned Hua Changxi to his side. With a relatively amiable expression, he asked, "Did you go to the apothecary this afternoon?"

Upon hearing this, Hua Changxi immediately looked toward Hua Sanlang and Hua Silang.

Hua Sanlang looked somewhat surprised, while Hua Silang did not dare to meet her eyes.

Hua Changxi instantly understood why Old Master Hua knew she had gone to the apothecary. "Yes, I went to the apothecary to pick up a few prescriptions to replenish my Qi and blood."

Old Madam Hua's face immediately darkened. "You were just kidnapped yesterday, and today you dare to sneak out again. You truly never learn."

"Hua Jiu Niang, you are being troublesome! If you ruin your reputation, let's see how you'll ever marry!"

Old Master Hua allowed Old Madam Hua to lecture for a while before speaking up again. "Jiu Niang, you are already thirteen; you are a grown girl. It is no longer appropriate for you to be seen out in public so much."

"From now on, do not go to the apothecary to help."

"Your sixth and eighth brothers are no longer attending school; it is time to let them gain experience at the apothecary. You should stay home and do embroidery and weaving with your sisters."

Hearing this, the expressions of the Hua family members fluctuated.

Regarding Hua Changxi being allowed to help at the apothecary, the Second and Fourth branches were actually somewhat dissatisfied.

Firstly, they were all young ladies of the Hua family. If Hua Changxi could go to the apothecary to learn medicine while the other girls had to stay home learning needlework, it naturally felt unfair to the Second and Fourth branches.

Secondly, the medical talent Hua Changxi had displayed made the Second and Fourth branches wary, fearing she would seize the resources meant for their own sons.

Old Master Hua's words were spoken calmly and gently, yet they carried an air of non-negotiability.

Hua Minghe hesitated to speak, but seeing that both his second brother and fourth brother appeared to agree, he ultimately did not speak up for his daughter.

The First Branch held the most resources in the family.

Da Lang had entered the martial academy, which cost a significant amount of silver every month.

San Lang had begun learning medicine at the apothecary at the age of eight and now managed the procurement affairs.

Now that Liu Lang was also going to help at the apothecary, if Jiu Niang were allowed to stay there as well, the second and fourth brothers would indeed have cause to complain.

Lady Yao wanted to fight for her daughter, but since her father-in-law had spoken, as a daughter-in-law, she had no right to object.

The couple could only look at their daughter with guilt.

Hua Changxi had already decided to apply for the Medical Bureau, so she naturally wouldn't cling to the family apothecary, but she was still very dissatisfied with the family's practice of tilting all resources toward the males.

"Grandfather, I have helped at the apothecary for three years. My brothers all receive wages, but I have never received a single cent. Since I am not going anymore, shouldn't you settle my accounts?"

Old Master Hua looked up at Hua Changxi, his expression indifferent. "Where did your food and clothing come from?"

Old Madam Hua interjected as well, saying irritably, "We haven't even asked you for tuition for your medical studies, yet you're already asking for wages."

Knowing that the old couple did not value their granddaughter, Hua Changxi never expected them to deny her worth so blatantly. She felt a surge of indignation and wanted to argue, but she was firmly held back by Lady Yao.

Lady Yao had already noticed that her father-in-law was angry. When he got angry, he would truly punish his daughter.

Seeing Hua Changxi's sour expression, Hua Liulang couldn't help but say to Old Master Hua, "Grandfather, I don't like helping at the apothecary. Let Jiu Niang take my place."

Old Master Hua was not so amiable with his grandson. He slapped the table beside him with a loud *thwack* and said sternly, "If you don't go to the apothecary to learn a trade, what do you intend to do?"

"You are fifteen this year. In two years, you should be betrothed. Without knowledge or a trade, which good family would marry their daughter to you?"

Hua Liulang flinched, but he still mustered the courage to say, "Grandfather, I don't want to learn medicine. I want to practice martial arts."

First, his ninth granddaughter had inappropriately asked for wages, and now his sixth grandson was talking back. Old Master Hua's face darkened completely.

"Is this house being turned upside down? Do you think you can run this place?"

"I have lived my whole life without being able to do as I please; where does a little brat like you get the right to choose?"

Seeing the old man lose his temper, Hua Sanlang quickly stood up in front of Hua Liulang. "Grandfather, Liulang knows he was wrong. I will personally supervise him while he works at the apothecary."

Old Master Hua swept a glance over the family members, each with a different expression, then looked at the defiant Hua Changxi. Finally, he said to Hua Liulang, "Go to the courtyard and kneel for an hour. Reflect on your actions."

Seeing Old Master Hua punishing Hua Liulang, Hua Changxi wanted to say something, but Hua Sanlang pulled her out the door.

Hua Changxi did not go to eat dinner afterward. Looking at Hua Liulang kneeling in the courtyard, she felt frustrated. "Sixth Brother, take a break. Everyone is eating; no one is watching you."

Hua Liulang shook his head. "Grandfather is angry. I shouldn't have talked back. If he finds out I'm not reflecting properly, he'll add more punishment."

Hua Changxi: "How could that be considered talking back? We were just reasonably expressing our own needs. It is Grandfather who lacks a broad mind."

Seeing his sister's voice getting loud, Hua Liulang quickly pulled her. "Keep your voice down. If Grandfather hears you, be careful he doesn't punish you too."

"It's fine, it's just an hour of kneeling. I really did provoke Grandfather just now. Don't worry about me, go eat."

Old Master Hua's authority was like a tightening headband embedded in the minds of the Hua family; no one dared to challenge it. The family executed his punishments almost meticulously. Hua Changxi felt powerless against this and could only return to her room in frustration.

After returning to her room, Hua Changxi's mind was still restless. She simply sprawled on the bed and once again simulated the breathing of the bird from her dream, attempting to calm her mind.

Slowly, the sounds from the courtyard grew faint, and Hua Changxi unconsciously entered a state where it felt as if she were the only person in the world.

"Hoo~"

A hot breath exhaled from her nose. Hua Changxi felt as if she had become a bird; with every inhalation and exhalation, her body began to feel warm.

By the time Lady Yao had finished cleaning the kitchen and came over to comfort Hua Changxi, she found that her daughter had already fallen asleep and couldn't help but chuckle.

She had thought the girl would be sulking, but instead, she had fallen straight asleep.

The next morning, as the first light of dawn appeared, Hua Changxi opened her eyes feeling refreshed.

[Realm: Qi Condensation 2/1000]

Seeing the words in her vision, Hua Changxi smiled with satisfaction. At the same time, she confirmed that as long as she could immerse herself in breathing at the same frequency as the bird, she could cultivate.

Noticing that some impurities had flowed out of her body again, Hua Changxi did not disturb her family this time. She went to the courtyard to fetch water and returned to her room to bathe.

After one night, her injuries had improved significantly; many of the wounds had begun to scab over.

No wonder everyone wanted to practice immortality; setting aside everything else, it truly strengthened the body.

Since she could no longer help at the apothecary, Hua Changxi spent the next half month in her room "recovering," using all her time to practice entering the bird-breathing state quickly and immersively.

After half a month of practice, Hua Changxi had indeed found the knack. Now, while she couldn't do it anytime and anywhere, as long as she could calm her mind, she could enter a state of cultivation whether sitting, standing, or lying prone.

Of course, cultivating while lying prone was the fastest.

She also discovered that her cultivation speed increased when bathing in moonlight or the morning sun.

[Realm: Qi Condensation 33/1000]

Even though she had spent all her time on cultivation during these two weeks, she had only reached level 33.

"I wonder if there are other ways to increase the cultivation speed?"

Although she had been lucky enough to obtain the opportunity for immortality, she knew nothing about the subject.

Fortunately, the news that the Medical Bureau was recruiting apprentices had been posted.

As long as she passed the exam for the Medical Bureau and upgraded her medical heritage, she would eventually be able to peel back the veil of the immortal world bit by bit.

The exam for the Medical Bureau apprentices was set for September 20th. Those wishing to apply had to register at the Medical Bureau before the 15th.

Two days ago, Pharmacist Xu had gone to the Hua family apothecary to find Hua Changxi. Not finding her, he had sent a message through Hua Liulang.

Pharmacist Xu wanted Hua Changxi to meet him at the Medical Bureau on the seventh of September. He said he would personally take her to register and explain the precautions for the exam.

Today was the sixth of September; tomorrow was the seventh.

Hua Changxi had been a bit worried these past two days because she knew her father did not support her applying for the Medical Bureau. If he did not agree, her mother likely wouldn't give her the household registration documents.

Just as Hua Changxi was thinking about what reason to use to persuade her parents, an uninvited guest arrived.

"What? We are going to the Great Clan Elder's house tomorrow?"

A member of the Hua clan had come to visit. As soon as the clansman left, Old Madam Hua called her granddaughters to the main hall and instructed them to wake up early tomorrow to accompany her to visit.

When it came to visiting relatives, Wu Niang and the others were happy, but Hua Changxi, thinking about the Medical Bureau registration, did not want to go. "Grandmother, I won't be going."

Old Madam Hua glanced sideways at her. "Normally, you love to run around whenever you have a moment. Now that you're being asked to go out, you refuse. Tell me, are you just full of rebellion?"

At this moment, Old Master Hua spoke, delivering the final verdict: "Everyone must go. The Great Clan Elder seeking us out is an honor for our family; we cannot cause him to lose face."

With that, he walked out of the main hall with his hands behind his back and a heavy expression.

Having lived in the Hua household for thirteen years, Hua Changxi knew that once Old Master Hua spoke, no one could argue. Her internal resistance only grew.

What was a feudal patriarch?

This was it: the Hua family was a one-man show ruled by Old Master Hua.

As long as Old Master Hua spoke, regardless of whether others had other matters, his matters took precedence.

Seeing her daughter's face fall, Lady Yao quickly pulled her out of the hall. "It's just a visit to the Clan Elder's house; why are you so unwilling?"

Hua Changxi said with a stiff face, "I have things to do tomorrow."

Lady Yao laughed. "What could you possibly have to do?"

Hua Changxi didn't bother looking for an excuse and said directly, "Mother, I want to go register at the Medical Bureau."

Lady Yao froze, then fell silent. After a long pause, she said, "You must discuss this with your father first."

Hearing this, Hua Changxi looked directly at Lady Yao and said seriously, "Mother, this is my business. I can decide for myself."

Lady Yao said irritably, "You young lady, why are you so headstrong? Your grandfather has already spoken; you must go to the Clan Elder's house tomorrow."

Seeing that Hua Changxi wanted to argue further, she added, "Don't go looking for trouble. If your grandfather gets angry and decides to punish you, even your father won't be able to plead for you."

Thinking of the previous times she had been punished and denied food for talking back to Old Master Hua, Hua Changxi felt frustrated. "Mother, if it's always like this, I'll die of frustration."

Lady Yao's expression was indifferent. "Frustration? This is nothing. Right now, you are in your own home. Even if the elders are a bit strict, they won't truly do anything to you."

"When you marry in the future and have to deal with sisters-in-law and parents-in-law, only then will you know what true frustration is."

Hearing this, Hua Changxi fell silent.

The Hua family was large, so conflicts were inevitable.

Although her mother was the eldest daughter-in-law of the Hua family, she did not enjoy Old Madam Hua's favor. The Old Madam's favorite was the Second Aunt, who was her mother's niece.

Usually, the Second Aunt frequently competed with her mother, and when things escalated, Old Madam Hua would always side with the Second Aunt. Her mother had suffered much because of it.

Since her mother was using her own hardships to advise her, Hua Changxi could not continue to argue.

Seeing her daughter's head hang low, Lady Yao said, "Alright, go back to your room and see what clothes you'll wear tomorrow."