114. A New Interpretation of Occult Knowledge

"It seems we have guests, Nanqing, and sister."

A melodious voice drifted over. As they turned, Lu Jin saw Shen Yanyun approaching, accompanied by several maids.

Today, Shen Yanyun had shed her previous gloom. Dressed in a vibrant, patterned straight-cut gown, a smile played on her lips, and her eyes sparkled with vitality. With her naturally bewitching beauty, she appeared as radiant and opulent as a peony in full bloom.

*It seems my sister-in-law has managed to pull herself together,* Lu Jin thought. *I wonder if the modern poetry I wrote actually played a part. Regardless, it’s good she’s recovered. Why should such a capable, elegant woman live like a bitter, resentful widow?*

"Sister, you've come," Lu Jin and Shen Yanxi quickly stood up to greet her. Tantai Ming, meanwhile, was completely struck by Shen Yanyun’s appearance today; he hadn't noticed such charm during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

"Eldest Miss Shen," "Sister Yun." Tantai Ming and his sister quickly rose to offer their respects.

"So it is Brother Tantai and sister Yue’er." Shen Yanyun naturally exchanged pleasantries with them.

As the three women began to chat animatedly, Lu Jin and Tantai Ming found themselves unable to join the conversation, nor would it have been appropriate. Lu Jin decided to shift his focus to Tantai Ming instead.

"Zhuiyue, go fetch two sets of introductory textbooks for Young Master Tantai." Since he had already drawn Tantai Ming into his circle, he needed to update the young man's knowledge system; otherwise, he wouldn't be able to keep up with his pace, rendering him useless.

"What is this?" Tantai Ming looked at the books Zhuiyue brought over and felt his mind go numb. He recognized the characters, but the concepts were entirely incomprehensible.

"You don't understand it?"

"..." *Obviously not. If I understood it, why would I ask you?*

"Zhuiyue, explain it to our Young Master Tantai so he can see what you’re capable of."

"Master..." Zhuiyue chirped, blushing; her master was clearly teasing her.

"Zhuiyue, Young Master Tantai and Miss Tantai are very kind people. Just explain it as you’ve learned it." Shen Yanxi and the others sat down as well.

Zhuiyue hadn't originally been part of Lu Jin’s educational plan, but she never missed a session, studying with immense focus and speed. Lu Jin was pleased; after all, he couldn't just surround himself with people like Caiyun, who were sweet but lacked intellectual depth.

Zhuiyue set aside her shyness. Having watched her master work tirelessly day and night, she felt a deep empathy for him and cherished this rare moment of rest. She opened the textbook and began to explain, mimicking the style Lu Jin used during his lessons.

Tantai Ming had initially thought it was a joke—why would a nobleman like him need to be taught by a maid? Yet, as he listened, shock and confusion flooded his mind. *Is this what the world is really like?*

Zhuiyue’s explanation was limited, as she was still a student herself, but she managed to combine the first few chapters of various subjects with practical, real-world examples. This was enough to pique Tantai Ming’s interest.

Tantai Ming felt unsettled, as if he were a man from a remote mountain village, ignorant of everything. He glanced at his own maids and servants and felt a sudden sense of disdain. *How are they inferior even to another household's maid? She’s practically a scholar already.*

"There is an hour every morning at Fuyun Pavilion dedicated to these subjects. If Ziyu is interested, you are welcome to come and listen," Lu Jin said, leaning back in his chair.

"Whose renowned masters are you hosting?" Tantai Ming asked, puzzled. He had never encountered such knowledge before.

Shen Yanxi couldn't help but smile; the "Flower of Jinling" was about to be startled again.

"It is my master who teaches the classes himself," Zhuiyue said with pride. She felt that being assigned to Lu Jin was a blessing from heaven, allowing her to see a completely different world. Of course, her master was also incredibly kind to his servants.

Tantai Ming: "..."

"May I ask, Young Master Lu, who was your mentor?" Tantai Yue asked, equally astonished. The knowledge she had just heard sounded absurd, but she was more curious about where Lu Jin had acquired it.

Shen Yanxi’s heart tightened, her expression turning cool as she instinctively gripped her husband’s hand. She had wanted to ask this herself but never dared. Her husband had given her a different answer before.

This had become a taboo within the Shen family; since Lu Jin wouldn't say, they didn't press him. She hadn't expected Tantai Yue to bring it up, and she couldn't help but feel nervous.

Shen Yanyun gazed at Lu Jin with her beautiful eyes. This brother-in-law was truly a bottomless treasure trove. She had heard him speak of "black and white stones" before, but what she heard just now seemed to be something entirely different. She wondered where his limits truly lay. Thinking of the "black and white stones," a flush crept onto her face, and she quickly looked away.

"Yue’er!" Seeing the change in Shen Yanxi’s expression, Tantai Ming scolded his sister. His sister had been bookish since childhood, bordering on an obsession, and she often lost her sense of propriety in such situations.

Lu Jin’s knowledge was unique in the world; how could she be so rash as to question his lineage? The fact that Lu Jin allowed them to sit in on his lessons was already startling. After all, besides government influence, land, and business, knowledge was the most important legacy and source of power for an aristocratic family.

"Nanqing, my sister is young and thoughtless; please do not take offense!" Tantai Ming apologized quickly.

"Young Master Lu, it was my lack of manners!" Realizing her mistake, Tantai Yue also apologized. If it had been standard Confucian teachings or general arts, asking wouldn't have been an issue. But Lu Jin’s knowledge was entirely unknown to the world, making such a question deeply rude.

Lu Jin sighed internally. The more he revealed, the more this mystery would haunt everyone. He couldn't just get angry every time someone asked.

"Ziyu, Miss Tantai, you are too kind. Please sit; there is no need for such formalities between us!" Lu Jin and Shen Yanxi quickly reassured them.

Compared to Lu Jin’s calm composure, Shen Yanxi was in turmoil. She couldn't help him cover it up without causing him to lose face, nor did she want the Tantai family to view him poorly. Yet, how could he explain it? Her concern for her husband's discomfort outweighed her own curiosity.

"It is not that I am unwilling to say, but that I truly do not know," Lu Jin said calmly. "I told Ziyu earlier about my past with my wife, including my memory loss. All I know is that this knowledge resides in my mind. As for where it came from, I am even more curious than you are..."

The Tantai siblings were stunned. It made sense—if he had lost his memory, how could he know his mentors? Unless those teachers came forward themselves. They had overlooked this, as memory loss was rare. But could memory loss be so strange? Forgetting one's life, yet retaining such profound knowledge?

Now, the possibilities were endless. Perhaps he had a master he had forgotten, or perhaps... his knowledge was heaven-sent? Tantai Ming didn't dare to dwell on the latter. He felt a cold sweat breaking out.

The ancients were superstitious about omens and divine grace. Tales of ancestors dreaming of gods or omens of mythical beasts were countless. Even though the Tantai siblings studied the classics, they were not immune to the cultural environment.

Lu Jin would not explain it through ghosts or gods; it conflicted with the knowledge he possessed, and there was no need to be overly deliberate.

*If I say I don't know, what can they do?*

The Shen sisters were also taken aback by Lu Jin’s explanation; it was near-perfect and the most credible. Influenced by Lu Jin’s lack of supernatural talk, Shen Yanxi didn't lean toward the mystical, though Shen Yanyun might have.

Tantai Yue glanced at Shen Yanxi. This sister, only a year older than her, was truly favored by the heavens—beautiful, talented, and now married to such an extraordinary man. It was hard not to feel envious.

"Regardless of where my knowledge comes from, as long as you and Miss Tantai are interested, you are welcome to listen. I don't mind admitting that I’ve almost become a teacher myself..." Lu Jin laughed.

"To possess such genius and yet not hoard it—this is truly the spirit of a sage. I am filled with admiration!" Tantai Ming gestured with his tea in respect.

"Enough, Ziyu, don't flatter me. To put it simply, I hope to find like-minded friends; on a larger scale, I hope to bring a little change to this world so that my life here won't have been in vain."

"Nanqing’s talent, breadth of vision, and ambition make me feel ashamed of my own insignificance. If there is anything you require, I shall surely serve." Tantai Ming stood and bowed solemnly to Lu Jin.

The more Tantai Ming learned, the more shocked he became; the more shocked, the more he respected him. Initially, he had dismissed Lu Jin as a mere "flower-vase" son-in-law—good-looking, polite, but ultimately unremarkable. He had felt pity for Shen Yanxi.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, witnessing Lu Jin’s brilliance and the depth of the couple’s affection had changed his mind. Now, witnessing his unfathomable knowledge and noble character, Tantai Ming felt that this son-in-law was more of a true aristocrat than anyone he had ever met. He didn't indulge in vanity or neglect his duties; he was pragmatic and visionary. Tantai Ming felt that the world was about to change.

"Ziyu, you are too courteous. Please, rise," Lu Jin urged. "There is no need for talk of 'serving.' We are brothers of like mind. As long as you don't find me crude, let us accomplish something together."

"Meeting you, Nanqing, is the greatest harvest of my trip to Jianglin. Since you have honored me with your trust, let us indeed do something together," Tantai Ming replied, his own ambitions stirred.

"Since you are both here, I have prepared some special food for you to taste," Lu Jin said.

"Oh? Is Nanqing proficient in this as well?" Tantai Ming asked, incredulous. He had never even stepped foot in his own kitchen.

"I told my wife, life is nothing more than clothing, food, housing, and travel. Rather than making it dull, why not find some joy in it?"

"If anyone else said that, I might not be interested, but coming from you, I am impatient to try it," Tantai Ming said.

"You speak too highly. I am no immortal, just someone who likes to tinker. Sister, since you are here, please join us for the meal," Lu Jin invited.

"Then I shall trouble you and Yanxi," Shen Yanyun accepted.

...

The servants soon lit a bonfire at Fuyun Pavilion, and the charcoal in the grills was already glowing. Lu Jin was preparing a barbecue; there was no better way for young people to bond.

The Great Liang Dynasty lacked cumin but had chili peppers—a discovery Lu Jin had made recently. Most people considered them toxic or medicinal, but to Lu Jin, they were a culinary necessity.

Lu Jin used the techniques of a modern barbecue, rather than the traditional way of roasting large chunks of meat over a fire. The servants had prepped everything, and the guests were invited to participate.

These aristocratic children had never done such a thing, but they soon found it fascinating. Under the twilight, they grilled their own skewers, drank fine wine, and chatted by the bonfire. When the mood struck, they took up instruments from the musicians or danced.

A gentle, free breeze swept through the tranquil Creek Garden, and ripples stirred on the long-calm surface of the lake.