Chapter 127: Teaching a Man to Fish
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
In a modest residence located in the outskirts of the capital—neither luxurious nor dilapidated—Yu Zhi Yi stood dumbfounded by the scene before her. A touch of astonishment graced her serene face.
“This… is the method you mentioned?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Before her, in a room facing the courtyard gate, a young man held a brush in his mouth, masterfully painting on paper. Despite using his mouth to paint, his work—from the strength of the brushstrokes to the depth of the imagery—was nothing short of extraordinary.
“As fellow sufferers in life, they likely have much to discuss,” explained Du Zi Heng. “His name is Su Yuan Lin. He’s a renowned genius from our academy. One of my teachers once predicted that his future accomplishments would surpass those of most distinguished predecessors.”
“His talent and aptitude are so remarkable that I feel only admiration, without a shred of envy. Yet, fate can be cruel. A few years ago, during his travels, he was ambushed by bandits. Although highly skilled in martial arts, he couldn’t prevail against overwhelming odds. One of the bandits, harboring a personal grudge, went as far as severing both his hands.”
“Once celebrated for his elegant calligraphy and evocative landscape paintings, Su Yuan Lin’s career was seemingly destroyed. Losing his hands, he could no longer hold a brush, and his path to officialdom was cut off. After all, no matter how brilliant, a person with a disability is not permitted to serve in court. How could someone unable to handle official documents govern effectively?”
The news of Su Yuan Lin’s plight brought sorrow to many. They lamented that such a dazzling individual had invited heaven’s jealousy. His once free-flowing calligraphy and majestic paintings seemed destined to vanish.
Yet, against all odds, Su Yuan Lin’s paintings reemerged years later. Remarkably, his new works exhibited a maturity born from hardship, featuring intricate details absent in earlier pieces. While the style remained consistent, his technique had advanced considerably.
Initially, rumors of imposters exploiting his name circulated, until one day, a concerned classmate visited to denounce the supposed fraud. To their shock, they witnessed Su Yuan Lin painting with his mouth. From that moment, the doubts vanished.
“Su Yuan Lin’s family is poor,” Du Zi Heng continued. “After his misfortune, only a handful of classmates and a few academy instructors bothered to visit him. I often felt sorry for his situation and made it a point to check on him from time to time.”
In truth, Du Zi Heng had intervened when he discovered others were bullying Su Yuan Lin. The artist’s fame had obstructed many paths, so when he fell, some sought revenge, others mocked him, and still others came to revel in his misery. Without Du Zi Heng’s support, Su Yuan Lin might not have survived.
Yu Zhi Yi, deep in thought, finally said, “If he’s willing to assist, I’m prepared to offer compensation.”
Before her words fully settled, the room’s door creaked open. Su Yuan Lin stepped out and smiled. “No need for payment. I’ll gladly help Sister-in-law.”
Yu Zhi Yi pressed her lips together and replied, “You may call me Proprietor Yu.”
Su Yuan Lin paused, glancing at Du Zi Heng, who frowned slightly but said nothing. Adapting quickly, Su Yuan Lin nodded. “As you wish, Proprietor Yu.”
Through the window, Yu Zhi Yi admired the painting. Its craftsmanship and profound emotion moved her deeply. Life’s resilience never ceased to amaze her. Indeed, every being possessed something worthy of reverence.
Yu Zhi Yi, being skilled in medicine, prepared a nourishing meal plan to help Zhang Tu Wa’s frail body recover. Under Steward Wu’s supervision, meals were prepared accordingly. Within days, Zhang Tu Wa’s condition improved. Although still weak, his face regained some color.
Yet, he lacked the will to live. To inspire him, Yu Zhi Yi arranged a meeting with Su Yuan Lin. She said nothing profound, simply allowing Zhang Tu Wa to watch Su Yuan Lin paint from a distance.
The encounter shook Zhang Tu Wa to his core. He had assumed his life as a cripple was over. But seeing Su Yuan Lin, a man without hands, supporting himself and achieving renown through painting, shattered his despair. If such a refined scholar could persevere, how could he not?
He thought of his aging father. Zhang Lao Han had endured years of hardship searching for him, sacrificing his health in the process. If Zhang Tu Wa remained broken, how could he ensure his father’s well-being in old age?
From that day onward, the deathly pallor on Zhang Tu Wa’s face began to fade. No longer living merely to appease his father, he started contemplating what he could achieve. Although painting was beyond him, he realized he could write. Moreover, his natural talent for abacus calculation resurfaced.
Back when his family lived on a farmstead, Miss Feng, out of kindness, had taught the children basic literacy and arithmetic. While Zhang Tu Wa struggled with scholarly texts, he excelled in arithmetic. He solved problems quickly and accurately.
Upon learning this, Red Luan proposed training Zhang Tu Wa in advanced abacus techniques and bookkeeping under Steward Wu Shan’s guidance. Once proficient, he could assist Graceful Phoenix Charity—as a paid employee.
Yu Zhi Yi readily agreed. Teaching a man to fish, after all, was a noble endeavor. The Zhang family expressed their heartfelt gratitude.
Zhang Lao Han also offered to work for the charity without pay. However, Yu Zhi Yi refused to allow unpaid labor. Coincidentally, the kitchen’s Head Chef, Fang, had been lamenting the need for an assistant. Zhang Lao Han, with his cooking experience, was the perfect candidate and was promptly employed in the kitchen.
Thus, the Zhang family’s livelihood was secured. Immersed in the charity’s supportive environment, their spirits improved daily. Coupled with nutritious meals, their physical health also flourished.
Meanwhile, in a relatively refined residence within the capital’s outskirts, Yu Ming Yu hurled a teacup to the ground in fury.
“That ungrateful wretch dares to claim she’s running a charity after ruining our family?” he snarled.
Yu Ming Quan frowned. “Second Brother, Father’s demotion has nothing to do with Yu Zhi Yi.”
Yu Zi Xuan, previously lost in thought, snapped back to attention, glaring at Yu Ming Yu. “Sister Yu is innocent.”
“You two traitors!” Yu Ming Yu hissed. “Are you planning to side with that woman now that Father has fallen from grace?”
Yu Ming Quan, visibly hurt, said, “Second Brother, how can you think that? We’re family. We should face hardships together. I only ask that you stop blaming Yu for everything.”
Before Yu Ming Yu could retort, the eldest brother, Yu Meng Qin, interjected coldly, “Enough. Don’t mention her again. Dismissed.”
Reluctantly, Yu Zi Xuan and Yu Ming Quan left. Yu Ming Yu’s eyes gleamed maliciously. “Eldest Brother sent them away deliberately. Are you planning to deal with that ingrate?”