I am a Late Bloomer in the Immortal World
Chapter 21: Children of the Shan family

"Martial arts are like this, and I estimate that the techniques of the Immortal path are likely based on similar principles." Wei Tu thought of this.

Then, Wei Tu reminded himself that martial arts cultivation is far from the end goal. It is acceptable to use martial arts to gain fame and elevate one's status, but one must remember to avoid unnecessary conflicts and preserve one's life.

He has a bright future ahead and should not risk his life over trivial affairs.

"However...Even if the sword is sheathed, it must exist. The art of killing is a means of protecting the Dao, and it must be studied."

…….

Time flew by.

In the blink of an eye, it was the first day of the twenty-fourth year of the Qing'an era.

This day was New Year’s Day.

Early in the morning.

Wei Tu had finished washing up in his room, dressed in winter clothes, and carried the New Year’s gifts he had bought in town a few days ago. He was guided by a maid into the inner courtyard. Navigating through the corridor, he arrived at Shan Wuju’s living quarters.

In the courtyard stood a middle-aged scholar in a long robe, whose appearance resembled Shan Wuju by about seventy percent.

Although their looks were similar, the middle-aged scholar's demeanor was quite different from Shan Wuju’s. His frame was thin, and he appeared quite refined.

"Brother Yan Gong." Wei Tu stepped forward and bowed to the middle-aged scholar.

The man before him was none other than Shan Wuju’s only son, Shan Yan Gong, who had long resided in the capital.

Due to his innate frailty, Shan Yan Gong had not practiced martial arts but instead pursued the literary examinations. He became a second-rank scholar of Qingfeng Prefecture over a decade ago.

A month ago, Shan Yan Gong had returned to the Shan residence with his mother, Shan Min.

"Young Master Wei." Upon hearing this, Shan Yan Gong turned around, saw Wei Tu, and smiled. He adjusted his sleeve robe and returned a bow to Wei Tu.

After a moment, the door opened.

Wei Tu followed Shan Yan Gong into the living quarters and performed the customary bow to Shan Wuju and Shan Min.

"This child always brings gifts, never failing to be so polite," Shan Min said with a smile as she noticed Wei Tu still holding the New Year's gifts.

"This is your New Year's money."

After a moment of thought, the elderly Shan Min rose from her seat, went into the inner room, and returned with a stack of red envelopes, handing one to Wei Tu.

"Thank you, Madam."

Wei Tu didn’t hesitate, accepted the red envelope from Shan Min’s hand, and expressed his thanks.

Although he was already married and no longer a child receiving New Year's money, he did not dare to refuse the gift from the elders. The amount was not significant, and he accepted it graciously.

After the greetings, Wei Tu and Shan Yan Gong stood on either side of Shan Wuju and Shan Min, waiting for the other members of the family to come and pay their respects.

"Why hasn’t the youngest daughter arrived yet?" After waiting for a while and seeing the courtyard still empty, Shan Wuju frowned and expressed his dissatisfaction.

"Perhaps she is tired from yesterday and got up late this morning," Shan Min said, her expression also displeased, but she tried to offer a supportive explanation.

Seeing this, Wei Tu also frowned in discontent towards the absent Shan Fang. However, as an outsider, he kept these feelings to himself and did not show them.

New Year's Day is an occasion to greet one's elders and pay respects, a deeply rooted tradition in this ancient world, which places great importance on manners and etiquettes.

Especially in prominent families, every action must adhere to proper etiquette and cannot be disregarded.

The absence of Shan Fang, while minor, could be significant. If faced with a stern elder, it might be considered a slight breach of filial piety.

After a little longer, a beautifully dressed woman in red arrived at the door, followed by a well-dressed man in brocade. The brocade-clad man held the hand of a child, about seven or eight years old, with a high ponytail.

Seeing the child, Shan Min’s expression softened slightly. She patted the child’s head and gave him one of the red envelopes she had previously taken out.

"Why did you wake up so late today?" At this moment, Shan Wuju slammed the tea table beside him and asked angrily.

The people in the living quarters seemed to be accustomed to such scenes, including Wei Tu, who did not show any surprise.

Shan Wuju was usually polite to everyone, even to the servants, displaying a generous demeanor and not fussing over trivial matters. However, the one exception was Shan Fang...

Since Shan Fang returned to the Shan residence, Wei Tu had seen Shan Wuju lose his temper six or seven times over the past month.

"Last night, Yi Wu was being irratating, insisting on riding horses. I spent a long time trying to calm him down, telling him those horses are your treasures and shouldn’t be touched." Shan Fang said, sounding aggrieved.

Hearing this, Shan Wuju’s face showed impatience. Knowing his youngest daughter well, he understood she was trying to get at his possessions once again. However, he found it difficult to scold her on this matter and chose to save her face.

"Father, those horses in the stable aren’t used often by you. Since your health isn't very good lately, why not give Yi Wu one of them? Yi Wu has been pestering me for a long time."

As she spoke, she noticed Shan Wuju’s lips were pressed tight, his left hand tightly gripping the armrest of his chair, his body rigid. Sensing his reluctance, she took another step forward, leaning against his left arm, and reiterated her request with a more pleading tone.

"Yi Wu is still young and can’t ride a horse. You should take the old horse from the stable when you leave." Shan Wuju closed his eyes for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. After a few breaths, he spoke hesitantly.

After he finished speaking, he relaxed, slumping in his chair as if exhausted. For a martial artist, a good horse is like a second life.

Shan Wuju took great care of each horse in the stable, ensuring they were well-groomed and spirited. Yet, when it came to his daughter and grandson Yi Wu, Shan Wuju found himself unable to refuse.

"Yi Wu, did you hear that? Your grandfather has agreed to give you a horse. When you go home, you’ll have a horse to ride."

Instead of thanking her father for his generosity, Shan Fang spoke to Yi Wu as she held him in front of Shan Wuju.

"Younger sister, this is a bit excessive," Shan Yan Gong, standing behind Shan Min, said with a stern expression.

"Elder Brother, we haven’t even divided the family yet, and you’re already complaining about me asking Father for a horse. This horse is for Yi Wu to ride, not for me." Shan Fang pouted.

"Besides. You’re a scholar and don’t practice martial arts. Is it too much to let your nephew have a horse?" She added.

"By the way, Father. Yi Wu is almost old enough to start practicing stances. I'd like him to learn our family’s martial arts from his father..."

"If his father teaches him, Yi Wu will definitely succeed in the imperial examinations and achieve distinction." Shan Fang glanced at Wei Tu and then shifted her gaze back to Shan Wuju, smiling as she spoke.

"Of course. If Young Master Wei agrees to teach Yi Wu martial arts in the future, it would be fine if he also learns our family’s techniques. It’s all for Yi Wu..." Shan Fang smiled while glancing towards Wei Tu.

"Well..." Upon hearing this, Shan Wuju was immediately left speechless. He cleared his throat lightly, waiting for Wei Tu's response.