With this exciting discovery, Liang Feng wasn’t about to let it slip away. He immediately summoned the two master craftsmen, Taofang and Tiefang, to explore the feasibility of this new product.
It wasn’t until this moment that Ge Hong realized why the Lord of the Manor valued the porcelain shards he had presented so highly. Fortunately, he was not someone who had lived a secluded life in the mountains and forests. Anything that could benefit the people and the world, he would wholeheartedly devote himself to. During his time at Liang Manor, he had truly witnessed how the Lord of the Manor cherished the well-being of the people and governed with fairness. If all the noble families were like the Lord of the Manor in front of him, how could they worry about the world not finding stability?
With such thoughts in mind, Ge Hong decided to stay at Taofang, assisting Jiang Ni, the head craftsman, in solving the issues encountered during the production of porcelain and glass. One was a master alchemist with exceptional theoretical knowledge, and the other was an experienced kiln craftsman. They immediately clicked and began experimenting with every idea that came to mind. Meanwhile, Liu Xuan helped Ding Da, the head blacksmith, in building a high furnace and was just as busy as the rest.
In this way, time passed quickly. Liang Feng had also been busy for several days, but as the winter solstice approached, he finally focused his thoughts and began preparations for the annual grand festival.
Early that day, after breakfast, Liang Feng took his son and mounted their horses, heading to the outer courtyard. Waiting for them this time wasn’t just a mere thirty riders but a whole three hundred cavalrymen! The leader stood tall in front of a dappled white horse, broad-shouldered and sturdy, like a spear. When he saw Liang Feng and his son approaching, he stepped forward quickly and greeted with a bow, “Lord, the cavalry is ready as ordered!”
The horses were steeds, and the men were elite. Seeing Yiyan and the three hundred iron riders behind him, Liang Feng nodded in satisfaction, “Today, in this winter hunt, may you all return with a bountiful harvest!”
“We pledge to hunt for our Lord!” The knights chorused in response, and along with Yiyan, they mounted their horses, forming a protective circle around the Lord of the Manor. The group, in a grand procession, proceeded toward the hunting grounds.
This year, the cultivated lands around Liang Manor had significantly expanded, and the hunting grounds had been relocated to a dense wilderness farther away. Just like the previous year, the knights, accompanied by hunting dogs, charged into the dense forest. They either drove, herded, or encircled, forcing the prey out of their lairs and into the wilderness.
The number had increased several-fold, and the skills of the hunters had improved significantly. Their coordinated movements were a delight to behold. What was even more remarkable was that Yiyan always stayed by Liang Feng’s side on horseback, without directing the troops or having any intention of joining the hunting circle. It was evident that these three hundred men had been well-trained, and even the junior officers below were familiar with military formations, eliminating the need for Yiyan to issue commands personally.
This actually pleased Liang Feng more than Yiyan’s direct command.
The north wind howled, and the banners above them fluttered; the deer’s cries and the dogs’ barks filled the air as prey fell under the soldiers’ swords and arrows. The scene was not gentle, but it carried a peculiar kind of intensity that made one’s blood boil involuntarily.
When Liang Feng saw a group of rabbits being driven out, fleeing in panic and nearly running into their side of the cavalry, he couldn’t resist anymore and said, “Bring me a bow!”
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A bow was handed to him.
Liang Feng had some experience in archery. “Archery” was one of the Six Arts, and even though he could substitute it with pottery tossing, archery was a skill that most noble families needed to master. Moreover, Liang Feng himself had a strong interest in archery sports. Now that he didn’t have a firearm, he naturally developed an interest in archery. However, his physical condition had not been great, and he didn’t have many opportunities to practice.
Receiving the bow, he tested it with a hand and immediately knew that the bow’s strength was similar to what he was accustomed to during his usual practice. It was evidently prepared specifically for him by Yiyan. Liang Feng chuckled and pulled the bowstring with force. As he nocked an arrow, he didn’t rush to release it but instead held his breath, aiming at the group of running wild rabbits in front of him. Taking a deep breath, exhaling lightly, his back straight, the arrowhead aimed at the target he wanted to hit, aligned with the sight.
Seeing his father preparing for the hunt, Liang Rong couldn’t help but grasp the horse’s mane with his small hands, not daring to move at all, for fear of affecting his father’s accuracy. The guards by Liang Feng’s side also held their breath, their eyes fixed on the prey. Only Yiyan gazed straight at Liang Feng as he pulled the bowstring, as if he would rush forward at any unexpected event.
After a few breaths, with a resounding “thud,” the bowstring was released, and the arrow shot out swiftly!
“Hit!” The first to shout was Liang Rong. Watching a black rabbit fall under the arrow, he excitedly exclaimed.
Yiyan also let out a sigh of relief and loudly exclaimed, “Mighty Lord!”
His voice was loud, and the soldiers around him echoed, “Mighty Lord! Mighty Lord!”
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With a chorus of more than a hundred voices, the sound echoed far and wide. Some had already rushed over to pick up the rabbit and brought it back to Liang Feng. Seeing the pitiful rabbit struggling, Liang Feng couldn’t help but think that it was a stroke of luck. His target had actually been the larger part of its back, but he hit the hind leg. It was fortunate that his subordinates reacted promptly; otherwise, the rabbit might have managed to escape.
Yiyan took the rabbit, and as he held it, the little creature kicked its legs. He tied a string around the rabbit and fastened it to Liang Feng’s saddle. Liang Rong widened his eyes, tugged at Liang Feng’s sleeve, and said, “Father’s aim is so accurate! Rong’er wants to learn hunting too!”
Handing the bow to Yiyan and discreetly stretching his sore arm, Liang Feng replied in a seemingly casual manner, “With Rong’er’s diligence, you’ll surely be able to hunt wild rabbits next year.”
Liang Rong had recently started learning the Six Arts. It seemed that he needed to start exercising himself, so he wouldn’t be surpassed by his young friends. Smiling, Liang Feng looked up and said to Yiyan, “It would be even better if Lord Bo Yuan could find some time to teach him.”
During these past few months, when they were expanding the army and training new recruits, both Liang Rong and himself had been practicing archery with others. If they had a different instructor, they would undoubtedly make progress more efficiently.
Yiyan’s thin lips pursed slightly, and he replied in a deep voice, “I will do my utmost, Lord.”
No one noticed that momentary hesitation in him.
With the prestige of this one shot, the soldiers in the hunting team became even more excited. They had successfully hunted deer, roe deer, lynxes, foxes, mountain chickens, and more. It was a productive hunt, but unfortunately, they didn’t encounter fierce beasts like tigers or leopards.
Soon, the time was up, and a group of people returned to Liang Manor with their full harvest.
After freshening up and changing clothes, Liang Feng took his son to the ancestral temple to offer sacrifices to their ancestors. This year, whether it was the increase in the number of citizens or his appointment as a magistrate, it was worth honoring their ancestors, so the ceremony was even more solemn. After completing the ancestral offerings according to the schedule, Liang Feng did not hold the exorcism ceremony in the side courtyard as he did last year but instead took his son to the military camp.
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Inside the camp, under Yiyan’s guidance, Liang Feng climbed onto the high platform of the training ground and looked down. At this moment, the camp had set up war drums and encircled an open space. Three hundred soldiers were all dressed in black and red robes, wearing masks, and draped in various furs and pelts. They looked like a group of ferocious creatures, holding shields and spears, radiating a chilling aura.
These were the main forces of Liang Manor, the protagonists of today’s grand exorcism. Unlike the previous year when Fang Xiang presided over the ceremony, Liang Feng chose a military exorcism this time. It involved soldiers dressed as ghosts and monsters, dancing and driving away evil spirits. Unlike other noble families, where the main, auxiliary, and local troops were separate, most of the strong young men in Liang Manor were combined into one force. What could be more inspiring than a military exorcism like this?
“Beat the drums!”
With the command, Yiyan strode to the military drum on the platform, spread his legs, and bent at the waist. With a firm grip, he struck the drum’s surface, made of oxhide, with force.
A deep, resonant sound reverberated, like thunder in winter.
Liang Feng, dressed in solemn attire, took a step forward and exclaimed loudly, “You are the leaders of this year’s grand exorcism, driving away all malevolent spirits!”
This was the opening statement of the exorcism ceremony and the signal for the performers to begin their dance. Accompanied by the thunderous drumming, the three hundred soldiers raised their weapons and shouted “exorcism, exorcism” as they engaged in the mock battle.
Although it was a ceremonial combat, the gleam of spears, the clatter of shields, and the appearance of the soldiers made it resemble a real skirmish among ghosts and monsters. The drumbeats intermingled with their furious roars, creating a spine-chilling atmosphere. This was not like the ceremonial dance in the magistrate’s manor; it was a genuine military formation, filled with a sense of impending combat, vitality, and the imposing power to make all spirits and malevolent forces retreat in fear!
Liang Rong had never witnessed such a scene before. He instinctively took a step forward and leaned against Liang Feng’s side. Liang Feng reached out and embraced his son’s shoulder, patting him reassuringly, “This is an exorcism, Rong’er, don’t be afraid.”
The drumbeats were loud, drowning out even the comforting words. However, with his father’s reassuring hand on his shoulder and seeing the chaotic “monsters” below, Liang Rong felt his fear and apprehension dissipate. Only his father’s tall figure stood before him.
Clutching onto Liang Feng’s robe, the young boy clenched his teeth and, imitating his father, straightened his back and stood proudly on the platform.
Battle cries, competitions, and the lighting of bonfires followed. Amid a long blast of horns, twelve knights rode forward, took the torches from the performers, and galloped toward the gate.
This was the final step of the exorcism ceremony, sending away evil spirits with fire. As long as these knights on horseback reached the nearest riverbank and tossed the torches into the water, all malevolent forces would disperse.
The drumbeats ceased, and Liang Feng took a step forward, waving his wide sleeves, “With the protection of divine weapons, safeguarding our manor, dispelling evil and averting disasters! Let the feast begin!”
As he spoke, crude tables were brought in by the servants. This was a grand banquet that had been arranged in advance. However, unlike previous occasions where food was distributed to various households, this time it was set up as a communal feast, allowing all the soldiers to partake.
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Cheers erupted from the crowd, and more and more soldiers shouted “Lord” and “Master” like boiling water, overflowing with fervor. Three small tables were also placed on the high platform. Liang Rong sat to the east, while Yiyan sat to the west, both serving as Liang Feng’s attendants.
Once everyone was seated, Liang Feng raised his cup from the table, proclaiming loudly, “All of you are the pillars of the Liang Manor. In this year of peace, may the next year be the same!”
“May the next year be the same!” echoed resoundingly from below. These were the faithful followers who had been taken into the manor, the saviors who had given them a new life and restored their security. Who would have thought that on this winter solstice, they would receive such commendation and a toast from their lord?
Everyone raised their wooden bowls and responded loudly to their benefactor, their one and only master. Amidst the thunderous cheers, Liang Feng raised his cup and emptied it in one go.
This was simply more irresistible than any wine persuasion. Regardless of their capacity to drink, everyone emptied their bowls of the strong wine, letting the spicy and sweet flavors course through their throats.
Seeing this scene, Liang Feng laughed heartily and raised his chopsticks, “No need to be restrained; let the feast begin.”
On each table were dishes of preserved horse meat, smoked wild game, and thick, sweet, and hearty mixed porridge. The lord, like a divine being, shared this meal with them on the platform. It was even more intoxicating than the wine! After training for who knows how long, worrying every day about stepping onto the battlefield someday, but at this very moment, who still remembered those concerns? Only one phrase came to mind: “This life is worth it!”
Unlike the fervor below, Yiyan raised his cup and slowly drank the contents, which were neither sweet nor bitter but left a strong bitterness behind. Last year, he sat opposite someone at a charcoal brazier, enjoying a meticulously prepared delicacy that lingered in his memory. Now, there were thousands of soldiers below, sharing this festive meal with him.
Had he come closer? Or had he moved farther away?
Watching Liang Rong chatting merrily with his father on the opposite side, Yiyan poured himself another glass of wine. The spiciness hit his throat like swallowing hot coals, and the sweat from drumming slowly cooled in the cold wind, piercing through to his bones.
With this exciting discovery, Liang Feng wasn’t about to let it slip away. He immediately summoned the two master craftsmen, Taofang and Tiefang, to explore the feasibility of this new product.
It wasn’t until this moment that Ge Hong realized why the Lord of the Manor valued the porcelain shards he had presented so highly. Fortunately, he was not someone who had lived a secluded life in the mountains and forests. Anything that could benefit the people and the world, he would wholeheartedly devote himself to. During his time at Liang Manor, he had truly witnessed how the Lord of the Manor cherished the well-being of the people and governed with fairness. If all the noble families were like the Lord of the Manor in front of him, how could they worry about the world not finding stability?
With such thoughts in mind, Ge Hong decided to stay at Taofang, assisting Jiang Ni, the head craftsman, in solving the issues encountered during the production of porcelain and glass. One was a master alchemist with exceptional theoretical knowledge, and the other was an experienced kiln craftsman. They immediately clicked and began experimenting with every idea that came to mind. Meanwhile, Liu Xuan helped Ding Da, the head blacksmith, in building a high furnace and was just as busy as the rest.
In this way, time passed quickly. Liang Feng had also been busy for several days, but as the winter solstice approached, he finally focused his thoughts and began preparations for the annual grand festival.
Early that day, after breakfast, Liang Feng took his son and mounted their horses, heading to the outer courtyard. Waiting for them this time wasn’t just a mere thirty riders but a whole three hundred cavalrymen! The leader stood tall in front of a dappled white horse, broad-shouldered and sturdy, like a spear. When he saw Liang Feng and his son approaching, he stepped forward quickly and greeted with a bow, “Lord, the cavalry is ready as ordered!”
The horses were steeds, and the men were elite. Seeing Yiyan and the three hundred iron riders behind him, Liang Feng nodded in satisfaction, “Today, in this winter hunt, may you all return with a bountiful harvest!”
“We pledge to hunt for our Lord!” The knights chorused in response, and along with Yiyan, they mounted their horses, forming a protective circle around the Lord of the Manor. The group, in a grand procession, proceeded toward the hunting grounds.
This year, the cultivated lands around Liang Manor had significantly expanded, and the hunting grounds had been relocated to a dense wilderness farther away. Just like the previous year, the knights, accompanied by hunting dogs, charged into the dense forest. They either drove, herded, or encircled, forcing the prey out of their lairs and into the wilderness.
The number had increased several-fold, and the skills of the hunters had improved significantly. Their coordinated movements were a delight to behold. What was even more remarkable was that Yiyan always stayed by Liang Feng’s side on horseback, without directing the troops or having any intention of joining the hunting circle. It was evident that these three hundred men had been well-trained, and even the junior officers below were familiar with military formations, eliminating the need for Yiyan to issue commands personally.
This actually pleased Liang Feng more than Yiyan’s direct command.
The north wind howled, and the banners above them fluttered; the deer’s cries and the dogs’ barks filled the air as prey fell under the soldiers’ swords and arrows. The scene was not gentle, but it carried a peculiar kind of intensity that made one’s blood boil involuntarily.
When Liang Feng saw a group of rabbits being driven out, fleeing in panic and nearly running into their side of the cavalry, he couldn’t resist anymore and said, “Bring me a bow!”
Advertisement
A bow was handed to him.
Liang Feng had some experience in archery. “Archery” was one of the Six Arts, and even though he could substitute it with pottery tossing, archery was a skill that most noble families needed to master. Moreover, Liang Feng himself had a strong interest in archery sports. Now that he didn’t have a firearm, he naturally developed an interest in archery. However, his physical condition had not been great, and he didn’t have many opportunities to practice.
Receiving the bow, he tested it with a hand and immediately knew that the bow’s strength was similar to what he was accustomed to during his usual practice. It was evidently prepared specifically for him by Yiyan. Liang Feng chuckled and pulled the bowstring with force. As he nocked an arrow, he didn’t rush to release it but instead held his breath, aiming at the group of running wild rabbits in front of him. Taking a deep breath, exhaling lightly, his back straight, the arrowhead aimed at the target he wanted to hit, aligned with the sight.
Seeing his father preparing for the hunt, Liang Rong couldn’t help but grasp the horse’s mane with his small hands, not daring to move at all, for fear of affecting his father’s accuracy. The guards by Liang Feng’s side also held their breath, their eyes fixed on the prey. Only Yiyan gazed straight at Liang Feng as he pulled the bowstring, as if he would rush forward at any unexpected event.
After a few breaths, with a resounding “thud,” the bowstring was released, and the arrow shot out swiftly!
“Hit!” The first to shout was Liang Rong. Watching a black rabbit fall under the arrow, he excitedly exclaimed.
Yiyan also let out a sigh of relief and loudly exclaimed, “Mighty Lord!”
His voice was loud, and the soldiers around him echoed, “Mighty Lord! Mighty Lord!”
Advertisement
With a chorus of more than a hundred voices, the sound echoed far and wide. Some had already rushed over to pick up the rabbit and brought it back to Liang Feng. Seeing the pitiful rabbit struggling, Liang Feng couldn’t help but think that it was a stroke of luck. His target had actually been the larger part of its back, but he hit the hind leg. It was fortunate that his subordinates reacted promptly; otherwise, the rabbit might have managed to escape.
Yiyan took the rabbit, and as he held it, the little creature kicked its legs. He tied a string around the rabbit and fastened it to Liang Feng’s saddle. Liang Rong widened his eyes, tugged at Liang Feng’s sleeve, and said, “Father’s aim is so accurate! Rong’er wants to learn hunting too!”
Handing the bow to Yiyan and discreetly stretching his sore arm, Liang Feng replied in a seemingly casual manner, “With Rong’er’s diligence, you’ll surely be able to hunt wild rabbits next year.”
Liang Rong had recently started learning the Six Arts. It seemed that he needed to start exercising himself, so he wouldn’t be surpassed by his young friends. Smiling, Liang Feng looked up and said to Yiyan, “It would be even better if Lord Bo Yuan could find some time to teach him.”
During these past few months, when they were expanding the army and training new recruits, both Liang Rong and himself had been practicing archery with others. If they had a different instructor, they would undoubtedly make progress more efficiently.
Yiyan’s thin lips pursed slightly, and he replied in a deep voice, “I will do my utmost, Lord.”
No one noticed that momentary hesitation in him.
With the prestige of this one shot, the soldiers in the hunting team became even more excited. They had successfully hunted deer, roe deer, lynxes, foxes, mountain chickens, and more. It was a productive hunt, but unfortunately, they didn’t encounter fierce beasts like tigers or leopards.
Soon, the time was up, and a group of people returned to Liang Manor with their full harvest.
After freshening up and changing clothes, Liang Feng took his son to the ancestral temple to offer sacrifices to their ancestors. This year, whether it was the increase in the number of citizens or his appointment as a magistrate, it was worth honoring their ancestors, so the ceremony was even more solemn. After completing the ancestral offerings according to the schedule, Liang Feng did not hold the exorcism ceremony in the side courtyard as he did last year but instead took his son to the military camp.
Advertisement
Inside the camp, under Yiyan’s guidance, Liang Feng climbed onto the high platform of the training ground and looked down. At this moment, the camp had set up war drums and encircled an open space. Three hundred soldiers were all dressed in black and red robes, wearing masks, and draped in various furs and pelts. They looked like a group of ferocious creatures, holding shields and spears, radiating a chilling aura.
These were the main forces of Liang Manor, the protagonists of today’s grand exorcism. Unlike the previous year when Fang Xiang presided over the ceremony, Liang Feng chose a military exorcism this time. It involved soldiers dressed as ghosts and monsters, dancing and driving away evil spirits. Unlike other noble families, where the main, auxiliary, and local troops were separate, most of the strong young men in Liang Manor were combined into one force. What could be more inspiring than a military exorcism like this?
“Beat the drums!”
With the command, Yiyan strode to the military drum on the platform, spread his legs, and bent at the waist. With a firm grip, he struck the drum’s surface, made of oxhide, with force.
A deep, resonant sound reverberated, like thunder in winter.
Liang Feng, dressed in solemn attire, took a step forward and exclaimed loudly, “You are the leaders of this year’s grand exorcism, driving away all malevolent spirits!”
This was the opening statement of the exorcism ceremony and the signal for the performers to begin their dance. Accompanied by the thunderous drumming, the three hundred soldiers raised their weapons and shouted “exorcism, exorcism” as they engaged in the mock battle.
Although it was a ceremonial combat, the gleam of spears, the clatter of shields, and the appearance of the soldiers made it resemble a real skirmish among ghosts and monsters. The drumbeats intermingled with their furious roars, creating a spine-chilling atmosphere. This was not like the ceremonial dance in the magistrate’s manor; it was a genuine military formation, filled with a sense of impending combat, vitality, and the imposing power to make all spirits and malevolent forces retreat in fear!
Liang Rong had never witnessed such a scene before. He instinctively took a step forward and leaned against Liang Feng’s side. Liang Feng reached out and embraced his son’s shoulder, patting him reassuringly, “This is an exorcism, Rong’er, don’t be afraid.”
The drumbeats were loud, drowning out even the comforting words. However, with his father’s reassuring hand on his shoulder and seeing the chaotic “monsters” below, Liang Rong felt his fear and apprehension dissipate. Only his father’s tall figure stood before him.
Clutching onto Liang Feng’s robe, the young boy clenched his teeth and, imitating his father, straightened his back and stood proudly on the platform.
Battle cries, competitions, and the lighting of bonfires followed. Amid a long blast of horns, twelve knights rode forward, took the torches from the performers, and galloped toward the gate.
This was the final step of the exorcism ceremony, sending away evil spirits with fire. As long as these knights on horseback reached the nearest riverbank and tossed the torches into the water, all malevolent forces would disperse.
The drumbeats ceased, and Liang Feng took a step forward, waving his wide sleeves, “With the protection of divine weapons, safeguarding our manor, dispelling evil and averting disasters! Let the feast begin!”
As he spoke, crude tables were brought in by the servants. This was a grand banquet that had been arranged in advance. However, unlike previous occasions where food was distributed to various households, this time it was set up as a communal feast, allowing all the soldiers to partake.
Advertisement
Cheers erupted from the crowd, and more and more soldiers shouted “Lord” and “Master” like boiling water, overflowing with fervor. Three small tables were also placed on the high platform. Liang Rong sat to the east, while Yiyan sat to the west, both serving as Liang Feng’s attendants.
Once everyone was seated, Liang Feng raised his cup from the table, proclaiming loudly, “All of you are the pillars of the Liang Manor. In this year of peace, may the next year be the same!”
“May the next year be the same!” echoed resoundingly from below. These were the faithful followers who had been taken into the manor, the saviors who had given them a new life and restored their security. Who would have thought that on this winter solstice, they would receive such commendation and a toast from their lord?
Everyone raised their wooden bowls and responded loudly to their benefactor, their one and only master. Amidst the thunderous cheers, Liang Feng raised his cup and emptied it in one go.
This was simply more irresistible than any wine persuasion. Regardless of their capacity to drink, everyone emptied their bowls of the strong wine, letting the spicy and sweet flavors course through their throats.
Seeing this scene, Liang Feng laughed heartily and raised his chopsticks, “No need to be restrained; let the feast begin.”
On each table were dishes of preserved horse meat, smoked wild game, and thick, sweet, and hearty mixed porridge. The lord, like a divine being, shared this meal with them on the platform. It was even more intoxicating than the wine! After training for who knows how long, worrying every day about stepping onto the battlefield someday, but at this very moment, who still remembered those concerns? Only one phrase came to mind: “This life is worth it!”
Unlike the fervor below, Yiyan raised his cup and slowly drank the contents, which were neither sweet nor bitter but left a strong bitterness behind. Last year, he sat opposite someone at a charcoal brazier, enjoying a meticulously prepared delicacy that lingered in his memory. Now, there were thousands of soldiers below, sharing this festive meal with him.
Had he come closer? Or had he moved farther away?
Watching Liang Rong chatting merrily with his father on the opposite side, Yiyan poured himself another glass of wine. The spiciness hit his throat like swallowing hot coals, and the sweat from drumming slowly cooled in the cold wind, piercing through to his bones.
