Nine thousand and nine.

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Fu Yuzhang obediently sat in the rosewood armchair, resting his chubby little hands on his cheeks, intently watching Master Zhou and Fu Huaian’s teacher-student lesson. Whenever their eyes met, Fu Yuzhang immediately offered a radiant smile.

Master Zhou was quite helpless. He never expected that this little boy would persist in coming to class every day. Such determination at such a young age! There was no need to say “the child at three predicts the adult.” Even at just one year old, anyone with eyes could see that this boy was destined for greatness.

Because of Fu Yuzhang’s astonishing performance at his one-year-old ceremony, after the event, Fu Yuan discussed with Master Zhou and decided to have Fu Yuzhang regularly attend classes in the west wing.

Fu Yuan remained calm: after all, the boy clung tightly to his older brother and never cried or fussed, which was a relief. It wouldn’t hurt for him to listen in advance. Since he had no homework, it didn’t matter if he understood or not; it was purely to be subtly immersed in Confucian classics early on.

Of course, when he would go to the west wing to listen depended entirely on Fu Yuzhang’s mood. Fu Yuan was not a stepfather; he could not force a one-year-old child to attend class come rain or shine.

Such a disturbance to the teaching order made Master Zhou initially reluctant, but thinking of Fu Yuzhang’s extraordinary feat at the ceremony, he tacitly approved. After all, Fu Yuzhang’s one-year-old event was unprecedented and likely to remain unmatched:

A child just turned one subverted all conventions, wrapping all the ceremony objects beforehand, which was already surprising. Yet the boy distributed them on the spot: bow and arrows to his father, abacus to his mother, writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone all to his elder brother... even his teacher was handed a book.

Master Zhou, having lived over forty years, had never seen such a child. Truly an eye-opener.

The guests had barely recovered from their dropped jaws when, seeing this, their jaws dropped again. Realizing what was happening, their gazes shot like arrows toward Fu Yuan — what on earth was going on with the Fu family? Four years ago, they gave birth to a prodigy that everyone envied, and now again?

Fu Yuan’s expression remained unchanged, but Fu Yuzhang sensed his father’s delight from the slight upward curve of his lips.

Fu Huaian cradled the writing set Fu Yuzhang had given him, feeling elated: “Brother Zhang gave me so many things; he really likes me the most!”

Now, recalling the guests’ expressions at the ceremony, Master Zhou could not help but smile.

Heaven is fair; no matter how noble a family, they must endure the shock of a prodigy — sometimes twice over.

It made him feel strangely balanced.

Fu Yuzhang had no objections to being sent early by his father to the west wing for classes. Heaven knew how boring his life was now; he had explored the main courtyard thoroughly, rolled countless times on the grass, and nearly counted every ant in the yard.

But as a toddler still unsteady on his feet, Fu Yuan and Lady Xie naturally did not take him outside lightly. After exploring the main courtyard, he ventured into the old madam’s Longevity Hall and the marquis’ rear garden, wandering everywhere, only to realize that he could hardly leave the backyard, let alone go out.

In this situation, Fu Yuan’s decision to let him attend class with Fu Huaian in the west wing was like giving a pillow to a drowsy child.

Master Zhou had traveled across the land and enjoyed telling his interesting adventures!

This was a must-listen!

Fu Yuzhang eagerly arrived in the west wing, eyes full of longing as he looked at Master Zhou, exceedingly well-behaved: “I want to hear a story!”

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At first, Master Zhou was a bit puzzled, not understanding why Fu Yuzhang looked at him with such eagerness. After Fu Huaian explained, Master Zhou smiled to himself, thinking that no matter how gifted, children are still children — innocent and lively, curious about everything.

When not teaching or grading, Master Zhou was gentle and approachable. He patted Fu Yuzhang’s head and began to tell them about an amusing experience on his recent return to the capital.

“On my way back, passing through Chizhou, I heard of a place called the Underworld Cave. Legend says those who enter see the King of the Underworld, with mountains of blades all around — truly terrifying!

“I was intrigued and sought it out. The locals confirmed the tale but said the identity of those who entered was unknown. Some said a brave warrior ventured inside but was taken by the King of the Underworld and never returned. Thus, the cave became forbidden, strictly barring children.

“After hearing this, I was even more curious and decided to investigate. I hired a young man to guide me. He readily agreed. Somehow, word spread, and the villagers all came to watch. Even people from nearby villages brought their elders and children, preparing peachwood swords and black dog’s blood for me.”

Fu Yuzhang was amazed by the peachwood swords and black dog’s blood, leaning forward anxiously to hear more.

Master Zhou, however, calmly sipped his tea, seemingly oblivious to their eager eyes.

Fu Yuzhang was frustrated—how could a story for children have suspense like this?

He suspected Master Zhou often frequented entertainment quarters to hear tales, telling stories with flair and leaving hooks that tangled the listener’s heart. Such a cliffhanger!

Fu Yuzhang scratched his soft face with his delicate right hand, his peach-blossom eyes sparkling like stars, sitting upright, waiting earnestly for the continuation.

So well-behaved!

Master Zhou smiled, sensing the moment to reveal more had come.

“I was also puzzled. I just wanted to explore, but they asked me if I was a Taoist priest here to exorcise ghosts.”

What a strange twist! Fu Yuzhang’s eyes widened with question marks, and he exchanged baffled looks with Fu Huaian.

Master Zhou chuckled recalling that scene, “No wonder they misunderstood. I wore Taoist robes, so they thought I was a priest sent to catch ghosts after hearing about hauntings.”

Ah... Fu Yuzhang looked him up and down, thinking the excuse sounded far-fetched at first but reasonable upon reflection. Master Zhou’s ethereal demeanor, combined with the Taoist robes, made it no surprise the locals mistook him for an exorcist. Naturally, the whole village dragged their families to see the spectacle!

Fu Yuzhang reasoned if he heard such an exciting story, he wouldn’t miss it for anything!

Fu Huaian curiously asked Master Zhou, “Teacher, did you go inside?”

Master Zhou teased, “I’m not a real Taoist priest; I don’t catch ghosts. Aren’t you afraid I’d be taken away by the King of the Underworld?”

Fu Huaian tightened his little face, “The Master doesn’t believe in ghosts or spirits,” he said firmly.

“Just as I thought!” Master Zhou laughed heartily. “With a clear conscience, why fear ghosts? Since I came, naturally, I had to enter and see for myself.”

Fu Yuzhang asked obediently, “What about the guide?”

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“He thought I was a capable Taoist and wanted to join me for the excitement. But when he learned I was just a useless scholar, he refused to lead me further, fearing for his life.”

“Teacher, what exactly was inside the cave?” Fu Huaian couldn’t help but ask.

Master Zhou exclaimed, “The cave was not as small as it appeared outside. Almost tripped on a protruding rock upon entering. After walking dozens of steps, it opened up, with two narrow paths left and right. Holding a torch in one hand, I bent low and went right through a two-person-wide fissure, suddenly opening onto a stone forest.”

Fu Yuzhang and Fu Huaian exclaimed in unison, “The legend is true!”

Master Zhou was very pleased, loving such appreciative listeners, and grew more animated.

“That stone forest was strange, hanging inverted from the cave ceiling, translucent white, like jade but not quite, with patterns carved as if slicing through the air in flight. A faint stream flowed quietly, water droplets occasionally slid down from the stone forest into the stream, producing crisp sounds that echoed endlessly, inspiring awe.”

Fu Huaian shivered and moved closer to Fu Yuzhang, gently patting his back to comfort him.

Fu Yuzhang, listening, suddenly realized—oh, stalactites!

Indeed, auditing classes brought unexpected delights—hearing such an interesting story! Today’s happiness +1!

Fu Huaian nervously asked Master Zhou, “Could there really be ghosts inside?”

Master Zhou shook his head with a smile, “Heaven and earth uphold righteousness; there are no ghosts. Only the spirit of nature shaped by the cosmos. That stone forest, like bamboo shoots and pillars, pure as jade, with water dripping down— I call them stalactites. The cave is truly extraordinary, mysterious and solemn, eerie and secluded, no wonder the locals believe it leads to the underworld and fear it deeply.”

Fu Huaian nodded in understanding, “So most tales of gods and ghosts stem from human fear. A noble person, being open and fearless, need not dread any spirits.”

Fu Yuzhang: ??? Just listening to a story, and you’ve already tied it to the Analects?

This young prodigy’s maturity is truly formidable!

Master Zhou nodded approvingly and looked at Fu Yuzhang.

Fu Yuzhang looked innocent: “I’m only just one year old, just want to hear stories, not write essays.”

Alas, Master Zhou’s strong teacherly aura and imposing gaze made Fu Yuzhang feel immense pressure, as if not speaking was a grievous offense. After pondering, he chose a safe response: “The Master said, ‘Do not speak of strange powers and ghosts.’”

Parroting Fu Huaian’s words should be fine, right?

A resolute smile appeared on Master Zhou’s face: “I knew it! Another who never forgets once heard!”