Chapter 19: When One Harbors Lofty Aspirations

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The two sat in silence, finishing an awkward dinner. Ma Yuan barely dared to speak; he did not know what decision Ma Jianguo would make. Of course, no matter what, Ma Yuan would never go against Ma Jianguo’s wishes.

The next morning, when Ma Yuan woke up, Ma Jianguo was already gone. After washing up, Ma Yuan noticed his father was not at home, so he wandered around the village. Hui Village consisted of five or six rows of houses close together; overall, it was quite small.

The butcher shop run by the Zhu family was bustling with business. Early in the morning, many people were already lining up, with calls and bargaining echoing constantly.

There were also vendors selling fish, vegetables, dried fruits, and so on, creating a lively, noisy atmosphere.

Ma Yuan walked with his hands behind his back, glancing left and right. Since coming to Gao City, he had never seen such a scene. In Gao City, people gathered mainly in large shopping malls, like the Huamao Center managed by Men Zijian.

In a way, that was better for regulation and management, but it lacked the warmth and liveliness of everyday life. Ma Yuan much preferred the flavor of Hui Village.

He had wanted to find Zhu Cong and Lu Guozhang, but both were busy. Zhu Cong was helping with the family butcher business, while Lu Guozhang had gone home to discuss something with his father and was heading to the Lu family ancestral hall to take an oath.

On the way, Ma Yuan also saw Huo Dashan, who, as always, lived carefree and cheerful.

After wandering for half a day, Ma Yuan grew bored and decided to return home.

When he arrived, he found guests in the house—people he did not recognize—but he saw Ma Jianguo sitting in the main room, chatting and laughing heartily with one of the visitors.

“Father,” Ma Yuan greeted softly. Ma Jianguo looked up and waved him over.

“Mr. Feng, this is my son Ma Yuan. He studies at Quhe Academy and just returned yesterday. He wishes to apply to Huali Military Academy. Our Ma family has been in the carpentry business for generations, but this matter is beyond me. Mr. Feng, you are knowledgeable—I hoped you could give us some advice,” Ma Jianguo said, pointing to Ma Yuan as he addressed the middle-aged man dressed in a long cloth robe.

This Mr. Feng exuded an air of refinement and gentleness, a truly comforting presence.

Mr. Feng nodded slightly and said, “Mr. Ma, I suppose you don’t yet know much about Huali Military Academy?”

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Ma Jianguo scratched his head. Indeed, he had only heard Men Zijian mention the military academy in passing. He knew nothing more.

Mr. Feng spoke slowly, “Mr. Ma, you know how chaotic the world has become. Outside, turmoil rages; only places like Hui Village remain untouched for now, but frankly, it’s only a matter of time.”

“‘Outward enemies, inward decay’—these eight characters perfectly describe the current situation. That is why Jiangnan Prefecture established Huali Military Academy, continuously training young talents with military skills and promptly dispatching them to the frontlines to serve and achieve merit.”

“Take nearby Jizhou City, for example. Many prominent families send their young men to Huali Military Academy to study, hoping to secure official positions. In times like these, such opportunities are the only path to promotion and wealth.”

Mr. Feng spoke at length, emphasizing that many aspired to attend Huali Military Academy and that it was a rare opportunity.

Ma Jianguo pondered for a moment. “Mr. Feng, though you say so, I fear for the dangers of military school. I have only this one son, and I still rely on the Ma family’s carpentry skills for our livelihood…”

Before Ma Jianguo could finish, Mr. Feng waved his hand, interrupting, “Mr. Ma, to be frank, carpentry skills may be renowned in Gao City, but in these times, they are worth nothing. We scholars teach and are respected, but when guns are involved, a life is just a life—no one cares who you are.”

“Since you asked me, it means you trust me. I strongly recommend you let this boy apply to Huali Military Academy.”

Pointing at Ma Yuan, his tone was resolute.

Ma Jianguo looked troubled; he could not overcome the barrier in his heart.

He turned to Ma Yuan and asked, “Ma Yuan, are you sure you want to apply to Huali Military Academy?”

“I... I... don’t know,” Ma Yuan stammered. Before Ma Jianguo, he never dared decide on his own. Since childhood, everything required his father’s approval.

Mr. Feng laughed heartily. “Young man, I see great potential in you. As the old saying goes: ‘How can a sparrow understand the ambition of a swan?’ A little sparrow cannot comprehend the lofty aspirations of a swan. You are young and have many opportunities to try. Such chances are rare in a lifetime.”

“And Mr. Ma, your concerns about the military academy conflict with nothing. The boy is only twelve. Even if he goes away for twenty years and comes back, there is still time. Why not let him try?”

Hearing Mr. Feng’s impassioned words, Ma Jianguo seemed moved. He sighed deeply, “Very well. Since you want to apply, then apply.”

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“But let me be clear: since you have chosen this path, you must see it through. Don’t back out just because you encounter difficulties. Understand?”

Ma Yuan nodded vigorously. With Ma Jianguo’s approval, he finally realized he had always yearned to embark on a different path.

...

After resting at home for two more days, Ma Yuan returned to Gao City.

Upon returning to Quhe Academy, Ma Yuan immediately sought out Men Zijian. His heart was restless.

“Teacher Men, my father has agreed to let me apply to Huali Military Academy.” Even before entering Men Zijian’s office, Ma Yuan called out loudly.

Inside the office, Ma Yuan saw others he did not recognize, which made the moment a bit awkward.

“Ma Yuan, you’re back! Just in time. This is Mr. Li Zhongmin, responsible for Huali Military Academy’s affairs in Gao City. He’s here to discuss our academy’s military school applications,” Men Zijian gestured for Ma Yuan to approach.

Ma Yuan bowed to Li Zhongmin, then respectfully said to Men Zijian, “Teacher Men, forgive my earlier rudeness. Regarding my application to the military academy, my father has given his consent.”

“Good, good. In a few days, we’ll submit the list to Mr. Li,” Men Zijian smiled.

At that moment, Li Zhongmin spoke, “Our country’s youth are talented and promising. We need young men like this brother here to resist foreign invaders.”

Men Zijian nodded. “Ma Yuan, you may leave for now. I will coordinate the application details with you later.”