Moreover, writing couplets is not a difficult task. The paper is always prepared and brought over by others; he only needs to use his ink and brush, and simply write.

Those Spring Festival couplets are all very simple, nothing more than the same old phrases like “As the years increase, so does longevity,” and so on. As long as the lines are neat and paired, and convey good wishes, that’s enough.

Once he became proficient, Jason Brooks could write dozens of couplets in a single day.

At first, he wasn’t used to writing with a brush dipped in ink, but after practicing for a few days, he gradually got the hang of it. With the help of his predecessor’s memories, he was able to write beautiful characters.

—Calligraphy, after all, is one of the most important standards by which a scholar’s foundation is measured.

For Jason Brooks to have placed first in the three rounds of exams, how could he be ordinary in this regard? His regular script was so precise and flawless that it couldn’t be more standard.

……

“Spring breeze brings joy and wealth into the home, the years renew and blessings fill the door.”

The last couplet was finished.

Jason Brooks put down the talisman brush in his hand, blew gently on the paper, and after the ink dried, carefully folded it and set it aside, waiting for someone to come and collect it.

He stretched his back, a faintly proud smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

He had never done these things before; it seemed that with the status of a scholar, there were suddenly many more ways to make money. It was just a pity that such a good opportunity as writing couplets only came around before the Spring Festival each year. As for more lucrative jobs like inscribing plaques or writing dedications, how could such things fall to a mere scholar like him?

At the very least, one needed to be a “juren” or have a reputation in calligraphy to be qualified.

“Hmm, should I set up a small stall in Jiangzhou City and make a good profit while I can?”

As Jason Brooks thought this, his fingers picked up the talisman brush again—using this brush was purely a personal preference, and it felt just right in his hand.

“Liuxian, I don’t agree with you going to Jiangzhou to write couplets.”

Olivia Morgan’s tone was very firm: “You’ve already been admitted as a stipend student at Minghua Academy, and you have no worries about food or clothing. So, you should devote yourself wholeheartedly to your studies and prepare for the provincial exam.”

Jason Brooks fully understood her objections and concerns, and couldn’t bear to go against his mother’s wishes in this regard. Even if, by staying at home, he had no real intention of studying.

The finished couplets were gradually picked up by people, and Jason Brooks’s life returned to its usual state. Yet beneath this seemingly stagnant routine, his body was growing stronger and stronger—not that he was getting bigger and turning into a muscleman, but his energy and spirit were becoming more vigorous and abundant, as if he would never tire.

With a powerful body as his foundation, his Jeet Kune Do skills improved by leaps and bounds, even beyond his imagination. He once broke a tree as thick as a cup with a casual punch.

That was the best proof of his strength.

Unknowingly, Jason Brooks had transformed from a frail scholar with no strength to truss a chicken into a robust “warrior”—the appearance of a scholar, the physique of a martial artist. It was truly hard to believe. The mysterious fruit delivered by the white fox had played a crucial role in this dramatic change in such a short time.

His looks used to be delicate but lacking in masculinity, always giving people a weak impression. Now, however, he exuded a vibrant, healthy, and sunny aura.

This transformation was quite obvious from the outside. Not only Olivia Morgan, but even others in the village noticed. However, they didn’t think much of it, only that Jason Brooks had placed first in the three rounds of exams, become a scholar, and been admitted as a stipend student at Minghua Academy. From now on, his future was bright and full of promise.

With such success, his mood was naturally excellent.

In a good mood, eating well, and sleeping well, of course one’s health would improve. Gaining a bit of weight from happiness—seen from this perspective, it was perfectly normal.

This was good, too, as it avoided many troubles.

But whenever night fell and all was quiet, as Jason Brooks lay in bed, he couldn’t help but think of that intelligent little white fox. The white fox’s actions were undoubtedly reminiscent of certain tales from his previous life—where a kind scholar saves a fox in distress, and the fox, grateful, seeks to repay him. The only thing missing was “transforming into a beautiful woman and offering herself in marriage”...

So, what kind of world was he really in now?

Chapter Six: An Outing

Autumn maples, winter snow.

Within the Jiangzhou region, there are two mountains famous far and wide, both considered scenic spots. One is Maple Mountain—here, Maple Mountain mainly refers to the front part. The entire mountain range is vast and continuous; though most areas are covered with maple forests, the steep and secluded back mountains are rarely visited, remaining an undeveloped wilderness.

The other mountain is called “Brush Rack Mountain.”

Compared to Maple Mountain, Brush Rack Mountain is much smaller, yet taller; as its name suggests, it stands alone, like an upright brush. Climbing to the top offers a great view, making it perfect for sightseeing.

To view the snowy scenery.

Standing at the summit, looking in all directions, seeing the white snow fluttering and the vast, boundless land—what a magnificent feeling! Not far from the front of Brush Rack Mountain, the surging Jian River rushes eastward, its waves crashing against the banks, as if injecting soul into the entire landscape, bringing it vividly to life.

When snow falls on the great river, the scene is even more spectacular!

Therefore, every winter, especially when it snows, Brush Rack Mountain is crowded with visitors.