14 Verification

After the formal greetings, Cui Xiu was led to the stage at the Rong residence.

As soon as all the masters were seated, the troupe leader signaled for the performance to begin.

Then a martial actor shouted loudly, his voice echoing through the sky: "We charged into the capital, but what of the northwestern city? Shall we let the Western barbarians’ cavalry ride south to bully the common folk? The simplest truth is this: when thieves break into your home, will they stop if you don’t rob and kill them all?"

At once, mournful music from a piercing suona filled the air, casting a somber, even tearful atmosphere over the entire theater.

Cui Xiu was momentarily taken aback.

What was being performed was the most classic debate from "Seven Star Generals," a pivotal battle that solidified the founding ancestor’s rule—known historically as the National Defense Campaign.

At the end of the previous dynasty, the people suffered greatly; not only did internal uprisings erupt, but external predators also eyed the land greedily. The Western barbarian leader seized the opportunity to assemble three hundred thousand troops, aiming to break through the West Gate Pass.

The last emperor ordered peace talks and concessions to the barbarians, but the National Defense General, tasked with suppressing the rebels, turned his back on the capital, leading thirty thousand soldiers to staunchly defend the West Gate Pass to the death.

With the last capable general gone, the old regime became lambs before the rebels and prey before the barbarians, who launched another assault.

As the strongest rebel leader then, the founding ancestor was deeply moved by the general’s fearless spirit, indifferent to family fate or personal honor. He refused his advisers’ suggestions to seize the capital and instead marched his own hundred thousand troops to the West Gate Pass.

Unlike trained armies, the peasant rebels fought a hard-fought battle.

But the founding ancestor and his men persevered.

Victory came only after three years.

Reflecting on the background he had learned, Cui Xiu looked at the stage with newfound respect. As the grand performance ended, just as Cui Xiu reached for water to calm his swelling emotions, his tutor’s gaze softened slightly, and he asked, “Do you know why General Cui chose the first act of the National Defense Campaign as the opening lesson for the Cui family children?”

Despite the gentle demeanor, the tone carried a hint of examination.

Cui Xiu’s fingers curled slightly, his heartbeat quickening.

This answer might determine the pace of his lessons.

Frowning in feigned deep thought, he pondered silently. Then, looking at the patiently encouraging Pei Xuejing and the silently hopeful elder nearby, he seemed to gather courage and spoke plainly: “Because… because Grandfather believed there’s a difference between inside and outside. No matter how much we fight among ourselves, it’s family business. But the outside enemy is fierce, unkind, and does not understand loyalty.”

Lord Cui Erhao’s eyes brightened with delight upon hearing this. Just as he was about to praise, he met the fierce gaze of Cui Qianting, whose sharp eyes were merciless. Cui Qianting, rebellious by nature, even clenched his fist.

Seeing this, Lord Cui Erhao rubbed his neck, savoring the relief of free breathing, and closed his lips tightly.

The rest of the family, witnessing the “warm” exchange between the brothers, also sealed their lips and fixed their gazes on Cui Xiu.

Feeling their eyes upon him, Cui Xiu quickly recited the storytellers’ and Nurse Yu’s praises of the "Seven Star Generals," confirming his words weren’t too sophisticated or unfit for a three-year-old military family heir. Then, feigning timidity, he glanced at his father nervously and lowered his voice: “I… did I answer incorrectly? I remember Nurse Yu and the storyteller said, one must not fight one’s own people; we must unite against outsiders!”

Emphasizing the last four words, Cui Xiu straightened his chest with a hint of pride.

Before he could gauge Pei Xuejing’s expression, an enthusiastic cheer rang out: “That’s my Cui family boy—smart as always!”

Cui Xiu smiled faintly and looked up at Pei Xuejing again.

Pei Xuejing smiled kindly, confident in his praise: “Your answer is correct, indeed we must not fight among ourselves. As rebels and officials, we must also love the people as if they were our own children.”

Cui Xiu nodded obediently: “Thank you for your teaching, tutor.”

“If you seek only fame and fortune by serving, Cui Xiu, then you need not study, since as a noble descendant you can easily gain office through privilege.”

As Pei Xuejing spoke, he bent slightly, locking eyes with Cui Xiu; every word was firm, carrying an unprecedented severity: “Once you become an official, you must have the heart to petition for the people and serve them.”

At these words, the Cui family fell silent, watching Cui Xiu cautiously.

Uncertain, Cui Xiu nodded earnestly again: “Thank you, tutor. I will remember your words deeply!”

Seeing the obedient boy bend forward, revealing his plump, babyish neck, Pei Xuejing’s face tensed. He slowly raised his hand to touch the fragile neck.

In a grave voice, he said, “As General Cui’s secretary and officer, I warn you: if you break laws or fail to recognize loyalty and treachery, I will enforce the family law and kill you myself! If you lack ability, do not enter officialdom!”

Cui Xiu was startled by the sudden sharpness and lifted his eyes.

He met Pei Xuejing’s battle-hardened gaze, full of piercing intensity that seemed to stab at his soul. In that moment, Cui Xiu’s mind went blank.

Before he could gather his thoughts, he suddenly realized his neck felt as if someone was slowly gripping it.

For a moment, he felt almost breathless.

Cui Xiu: “…………”

His body stiffened, cold sweat trickling down, and his words began to falter: “Tutor, please… please rest assured, I will remember well and recite your words every night before bed!”

“Actions must prove it,” Pei Xuejing said, relieved to see Cui Xiu still rational despite his nervousness.

He wasn’t really so cruel!

But the Cui family, descended from commoners, and Cui Zhen, though a former imperial tutor, never properly studied for more than two years. He only remembered one thing vaguely: a child’s initiation education must be rote memorization without understanding the meaning. The understanding would come naturally with age. So Cui Zhen followed this principle—no need to grasp what patriotism or caring for the people means; just scare the child during the initiation ceremony so that if he ever misbehaves in office, he’d have a shadow of fear!

This rough method had a successful example: Lord Cui Erhao!

According to law, a duke of supreme rank could easily be appointed official by privilege, but Lord Cui Erhao was so frightened that he would rather mull over exile than hold office, fearing deception and oppression of the people.

Meanwhile, Cui Xiu, trembling, his voice almost tearful, promised, “I will definitely prove it through my actions!”

“Good!” Pei Xuejing smoothed Cui Xiu’s collar and said kindly, “Remember your words. I’m straightening your clothes now—you’re a little grown-up from now on!”

Cui Xiu: “…………”

Cui Xiu: “…………”

Cui Xiu: “…………”

Seeing Pei Xuejing suddenly kneel to fix his collar, Cui Xiu felt a chill in his heart. Fearful, he raised a hand to cover his neck, stammering, “You… you… you…”

“You did great. The Cui family’s initiation ceremony for Cui Xiu is complete!” Cui Qianting praised, noting that despite red eyes, Cui Xiu hadn’t cried or panicked.

Lord Cui Erhao breathed a heavy sigh of relief, then cheerfully ruffled Cui Xiu’s hair: “Don’t be afraid, don’t blame Old Pei—blame your grandfather! He set the rules for our family’s initiation!”

“But Cui Xiu did very well,” Lord Cui Erhao said happily, “Bring out the fireworks. Let’s celebrate!”

“He didn’t even wet his pants, hahaha, he’s really something!”

Overwhelmed by the praise, Cui Xiu collapsed to the ground, clutching his neck.

He… he… he…

Years later, when he had his own household and could set family rules, Cui Xiu would insist that descendants remember the foundation of officialdom.

But today, he just wanted to bawl his eyes out!

Wasn’t the initiation ceremony supposed to be simple and traditional?

Cui Qianting caught the fearful gesture and a hint of competitiveness in Cui Xiu’s eyes. Narrowing his eyes, he gazed at Cui Xiu—no longer a simple three-year-old—and said, “Remember today’s lesson: if you ever break laws, I, Cui Qianting, will personally kill you!”

Cui Xiu’s face went pale as he nodded like a little chick pecking grain.

“If there’s nothing else, go play with the firecrackers,” Cui Qianting said with affection, raising his hand, “All the toys kids love are ready.”

Dazed, Cui Xiu blurted out, “On the first day of initiation, no reading?”

“Who’s the fool… no, wait…” Lord Cui Erhao’s words faltered as he looked worriedly at Cui Xiu’s blank expression. “Could the fright have triggered your old illness?”

“Whether he speaks well or not, Cui Xiu inherited my studiousness,” Cui Qianting corrected in a serious tone. “Taking him out to play will help him recover.”

“True enough,” Lord Cui Erhao bent to pick up Cui Xiu, then raised his hand to the other Cui children: “Let’s go, let’s throw firecrackers. Our first martial arts lesson will be a group fight!”

Held in someone’s arms, Cui Xiu: “…………”

Calm down, very calm, when in Rome…

An incense stick later, Cui Xiu looked at the dazzling array of toys in the courtyard, then at the gleeful Lord Cui Erhao, and finally at Cui Hu, Cui Zong, and Cui Yue, who were all throwing firecrackers at Cui Qianting under his command. He quietly lowered his head, eyeing the small firecracker in his hand.

Tiny, it would crack loudly when thrown—perfect for pranks and scaring others.

Seeing everyone throwing theirs, Cui Xiu fixed his eyes on the tall, imposing yet handsome figure of Cui Qianting, whose gaze seemed somewhat indulgent.

Urged by cheers to join the fight, he mustered courage to conform and, in a rebellious act, threw the firecracker at his own father.

His biological father!

With a casual flick of his sleeve, the firecracker exploded mid-air.

Not a scratch on Cui Qianting, who disdainfully remarked, “Can you be more strategic? If you keep missing, just as it’s New Year’s Day and a new start, go train properly at the martial arena!”

Cui Xiu: “…………”

Hearing such a positive arrangement, Cui Xiu almost shouted “Good!” But instead, a roar came: “Cui Qianting, you dare?! Believe it or not, I’ll sign you up for this year’s provincial exam!”

At this, Cui Xiu’s eyes sparkled with hope.

Cui Qianting was a scholar; it was natural for him to take the provincial exam and become a candidate.

If Cui Qianting passed, would it mean a turning point for the Cui family’s fate?