How to become a Taoist priest starting from a brothel

"What do you think of the story circulating in the streets these days?" Wen Shuyi held a few pages of manuscript in her hand, gently flicked them, and looked at Wen Shuyun.

Wen Shuyun was found out by Wen Shuyi because he frequently went to Qingyin Hall to look for people. He was forced into seclusion for a long time. When he was called out and asked this question, he was a little stunned. He took the manuscript from his brother, flipped through it, and asked his brother with some doubt: "Brother, what are you talking about? I think the language of this book is too simplistic. Although the story is moving, it is a bit too vulgar."

Wen Shuyi sighed, patted Wen Shuyun's head and said, "You can read it again carefully. Although the language of this article is simple, it is not something that an ordinary person can write."

After hearing this, Wen Shuyun had no choice but to read it carefully again before he gradually got into it. What he had finished reading in a few moments before took him a full half hour. He read it over and over again, afraid that he might miss something. When he finally finished reading, his eyes were red and brimming with tears, just like everyone else who had read the story.

Wen Shuyi sighed deeply before looking at Wen Shuyun and saying, "How is it? Do you still think this article is not presentable?"

Wen Shuyun, looking embarrassed, bowed apologetically to her brother before speaking, "I was too arrogant and forgot the importance of humility."

“That’s right. Ever since you came to Huaicheng from the capital, I’ve seen you gradually lose your sense of awe. It’s clear that you’ve become unbalanced under the adoration of your classmates. That’s the real reason I’ve kept you at home to study, not because of your visits to brothels, as you’ve speculated.” Wen Shuyi watched his usually humble and polite younger brother gradually walk down the path of arrogance and self-destruction. How could he not feel heartache? Naturally, he wanted to find a way to knock down his arrogance. However, after being confined for a month or so, he found that his brother was becoming more and more prone to getting stuck on trivial matters. Just as he was about to hesitate to write to his father, he received this story from a close friend. He immediately thought of his brother’s frequent visits to Qingyintang, which led to this whole situation.

Hearing his brother's words, Wen Shuyun's face turned red. He had never imagined that his brother would think of him so much, and he felt ashamed of his wild guesses: "I'm sorry, brother, I...I..."

Wen Shuyi smiled and patted his shoulder: "There's nothing to apologize for. I am your elder brother, and it is my responsibility to teach you. Now that you are reading this book again, do you have any different thoughts?"

“Yes, just as you said, this book, though written in simple language, is quite interesting, and the story is very moving. I never imagined that the prostitutes in the red-light district had such a difficult life. It’s heartbreaking.” Wen Shuyun replied seriously before the heat on his face had faded.

“So although I don’t know why you often go to Qingyin Hall, I hope that you will have a compassionate, loving and respectful heart towards all people in the world, so that you can become a qualified dean in the future.” Wen Shuyi thought of her father’s arrangements and continued, “You don’t need to worry about the so-called family reputation. Father often said that reputation is not in their mouths, but in their hearts. I also hope that you can keep that in mind.”

Wen Shuyun nodded solemnly before explaining with a shy expression, "Actually, brother, it wasn't for... for that kind of thing..." Before Wen Shuyi could respond, he recounted in detail his argument with Prince Cui, and casually mentioned that he had met a very knowledgeable woman at Qingyin Hall.

Seeing Wen Shuyun's worried expression, Wen Shuyi frowned slightly and comforted her, saying, "Don't worry about him. Father's views on politics are already at odds with those of the Prince of Anle's Mansion. You were just saving someone's life, it's nothing. Besides..." He paused slightly before adding sarcastically, "Besides, the Prince of Anle's Mansion probably won't be able to enjoy peace for long either."

Wen Shuyun breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this. He did not intend to delve deeper into the deeper meaning of his brother's words. His father and brother usually only told him to focus on his studies and did not talk to him much about politics. Moreover, his family hoped that he could inherit his maternal grandfather's academy rather than enter the officialdom like his brother, which made him always avoid politics.

Wen Shuyi looked at Wen Shuyun and said, "Speaking of which, nowadays, scholars from all walks of life love elaborate and ornate language and pursue convoluted and obscure words. They wish others would not understand them and ask for their help so that they can use it to mock others for their shallow knowledge and enhance their own reputation. But I see this article. Although the language is simple and plain, it has a strong sense of antiquity. The emotions in it are even more moving. It can be seen that the writer's literary style is very mature and not something that ordinary people can achieve."

Wen Shuyun looked at the manuscript in his hand with a look of understanding, then said with some doubt, "Even with your talent and learning, brother, you cannot produce such an article?"

“It is unattainable.” Wen Shuyi smiled at her younger brother and continued, “I said that this is not something that ordinary people can obtain. I am just an ordinary person, how could I possibly write about it?”

“This…” Wen Shuyun was stunned.

Before he could say anything more, Wen Shuyi continued, "I've heard that this story has spread throughout Huaicheng, and almost everyone is praising it. It's even started to spread in Qincheng. Do you know what this means?"

Wen Shuyi shook her head and continued, "This means that this style of writing is extremely popular among the people, and it is even more easily accepted by them and will spread the farthest."

Wen Shuyun instantly understood after hearing her brother's meaningful words, and murmured, "Jiaowen..."

Wen Shuyi immediately covered his mouth, tapped his forehead with her hand, and said helplessly, "I should teach you how to be careful with your words and actions first."

Wen Shuyun's face immediately turned red again, and he quickly covered his mouth and nodded repeatedly. Only then did Wen Shuyi put down his hand and carefully instructed him: "Keep some things in your heart and don't say them out loud."

"In addition, I think you should also try writing some articles in this style. It's still early, so you have plenty of time to adjust."

Although Wen Shuyun didn't know what his elder brother meant, he was always obedient, so he naturally nodded in agreement.

While Wen Shuyun was trying to write this vernacular novel, Wen Chang and his colleague, who were arguing at Wenyuan Academy, came to the classroom in the evening to urge the man surnamed Liu to produce his manuscript.

"Liu Ziming, four or five hours have passed. I wonder where your story is? We are eager to read it." Wen Chang, in particular, felt a sense of satisfaction at having avenged his great grudge when he saw Liu constantly avoiding his gaze.

Many scholars who had been arguing during their morning reading but were not present in class were curious to see these three people who usually disliked each other together. They became even more curious after hearing Wen Chang's words and all turned their attention to the man surnamed Liu.

At this moment, Liu Ziming felt the gazes that were like thorns piercing him, and a hint of joy flashed in his eyes. Of course, he hadn't failed to write it. Not only had he written it, but he also thought it was extremely well written. That's why he deliberately chose the evening class when everyone was present, pretending to be guilty and being made a scene by Wen Chang. In this way, when his masterpiece that amazed the world came out, the fame he gained would definitely be easier than studying top-notch articles and waiting for exams every day.

He was secretly pleased, but pretended to hesitate until Wen Chang urged him repeatedly, at which point he took out the manuscript from his pocket, feigning reluctance.