Chapter 44: The Uphill Journey on Persistence Path (Part 1)

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After quickly finishing a bowl of hot porridge, Lu Weiming felt warmth spread through his stomach, soothing him. He tidied up the tray and praised Ding Qiyu, "Was this really your first time cooking, Brother Yu? How did you manage to make it so delicious on your first try?"

Ding Qiyu felt delighted, "Haha, was it really that good? The kitchen master guided me step by step, telling me exactly what to add and how much."

Leaning against the bedpost, Lu Weiming couldn't help but sigh, "Brother Yu, you're truly intelligent, mastering everything you try."

Ding Qiyu sensed a hint of envy in Lu Weiming's tone. She sat up and, looking at him thoughtfully, said, "Brother Weiming, no one can learn everything easily. Like me, I have no natural talent for cooking—can't remember the steps, can't time things right. But I asked for guidance and did my best, and managed to make something decent. Besides a few geniuses, people aren't that different in intelligence. The real difference is in their attitude toward new things. Where there's a will, there's a way."

With that, silence settled over the room. Ding Qiyu sighed inwardly and quietly left, leaving Lu Weiming to ponder her words.

Thinking of the challenging task ahead, Ding Qiyu arranged for water and food for the journey before returning to rest.

The next day, after a simple breakfast at the inn, they prepared to depart. Ding Qiyu observed the others' luggage: Lu Weiming carried a large bundle on each shoulder, both looking heavy. Qing'er also had two large bundles, and even Weixi had two smaller ones and struggled with her qin case.

Ding Qiyu sighed. Despite slimming down, their luggage was still substantial. Assessing herself, she approached Lu Weixi and Qing'er, asking them to set down their bags. She weighed them, chose the heaviest for herself, and securely strapped the qin case to her back, fulfilling her promise to Weixi.

Lu Weiming, unwilling to see his sister burdened, took one of her smaller bundles. After redistributing, Lu Weixi was left with only a light bundle, and Qing'er with one large bundle. Ding Qiyu, however, was laden with two bundles on her shoulders, a slung tool bag, and the qin case on her back. Looking at her current state, she felt like a Red Army soldier on the Long March.

Adjusting her load, Ding Qiyu announced, "Alright, let's go!" and led them out of the inn.

Watching Ding Qiyu laden with bags, Lu Weixi felt warmth mixed with concern—how would she manage with such a load?

Seeing his sister's complex expression, Lu Weiming reassured her, "Brother Yu's just looking out for you. Don't worry, I'll take turns with him."

Snapping out of her thoughts, Lu Weixi glanced at her brother, noting his substantial load, and worriedly said, "Second Brother, you too... It's my fault for burdening you."

"Nonsense, silly girl. This is a job for us men. Let's go, Brother Yu's getting ahead." With that, Lu Weiming hurried after Ding Qiyu, and Weixi followed with a sigh.

At the mountain gate, they presented their enrollment documents. A blue-robed scholar led them through the gate, stopping near the start of Persistence Path. He explained, "First-time students must ascend via Persistence Path. There's no supervision, so honesty is expected. Rest stations with doctors are available along the way." Bowing, he left without waiting for a response.

As they approached, guards recited in unison, "Three thousand steps of persistence, ten years of learning. Fear not the journey's hardships, pursue lofty ambitions!"

"Three thousand steps!" Ding Qiyu thought, unsure if it was literal or figurative. Staring at the mist-shrouded Cang Mountain, the path seemed to lead straight into the clouds. She swallowed nervously but encouraged herself: "I've climbed so many mountains back home—why fear three thousand steps?"

Yet, she'd never climbed with such a load before. Pushing aside negative thoughts, she surveyed her companions. The mention of "doctors" and "three thousand steps," coupled with the endless path, clearly worried them. Lu Weiming grimaced at the climb's height, fearing for his life. Weixi, though calm, betrayed concern for Ding Qiyu and her brother. Qing'er worried about her mistress's health—could she endure?

Clearing her throat, Ding Qiyu dramatically pointed forward, rallying, "Soldiers, advance! For the honor of our General's Mansion!" With that, she charged up the path.

Her antics lightened the group's mood, dispersing their worries. Ding Qiyu's infectious optimism always lifted those around her. After regaining their spirits, they followed her lead.

To boost morale, Ding Qiyu sprinted ahead, slowing to wait for the others, catching her breath. "No rush, let's take it slow. It's still early," she encouraged.

Catching up, Lu Weiming remarked, "I've never climbed a mountain like this before." In the flat lands around Xingcheng, he never had to rely on his legs, even on family trips to scenic mountains.

Leading the steady pace, Ding Qiyu replied, "Don't think of it as a task. Climbing lets you appreciate a mountain's majesty. Back home, the higher the mountain, the more climbers it attracts. Some even travel to conquer dangerous peaks."

"Back home?" Lu Weiming questioned, puzzled.

Realizing her slip, Ding Qiyu hastily corrected, "I mean, I've read about it in books."

Intrigued by her quick correction, Lu Weiming pressed, "Wait, Brother Yu, you're not from Xingcheng?"

He'd never questioned Ding Qiyu and Aunt He's origins, but now his curiosity was piqued.

"Uh... I..." Ding Qiyu stammered, unsure how to respond.

Lu Weixi intervened, "Second Brother, it doesn't matter where Qiyu's from. He's a Xingcheng resident now, and that's what counts."

Catching his sister's meaning, Lu Weiming worried he might've upset Brother Yu. He quickly agreed, "Right, Weixi's right. Brother Yu's one of us now, part of the General's Mansion."

Grateful, Ding Qiyu gave Lu Weixi a thankful look and continued, "Speaking of climbing, once I climbed with friends and got tricked by a fake monk. He said, 'No turning back, the best views are on perilous peaks,' leading us on a lonely path. We hiked for hours, from morning till night, before reuniting with others who nearly reported us missing! I couldn't walk down stairs without my legs shaking for days."

Recalling the arduous trek, where they scrambled up steep steps, Ding Qiyu felt nostalgic.

Lu Weiming laughed heartily, "Haha! So even Brother Yu has his foolish moments, tricked by a fake monk!"

Feigning despair, Ding Qiyu adjusted her pack, "Ah, youthful folly..."

Amused, Lu Weixi teased, "Aren't you still young, Qiyu? Second Brother said you're only thirteen?"

"What? Brother Weiming told you I'm thirteen?" Ding Qiyu was indignant, turning to confront Lu Weiming. Based on Xie Bi'an's words, she should be fourteen! Maybe just barely, but not thirteen.

"Wait, aren't you thirteen?" Lu Weiming recalled asking before, and Brother Yu replied, "not yet fourteen."

"I'm fifteen, check my papers if you don't believe me." Ding Qiyu tried to sound serious, but couldn't help smiling, "The woes of a young Qiyu," despite appearances and inner self, she couldn't be seen as just fourteen.

"Haha, who'd believe that? I helped forge those papers!" Lu Weiming laughed at her weak defense, joined by Lu Weixi's amused smile.

Outnumbered, Ding Qiyu gazed at the towering pines, changing the subject, "The scenery here is quite beautiful..." prompting more laughter.

Their banter eased the climb's strain, though eventually fatigue set in. Noticing everyone's labored breathing and her own aching legs, Ding Qiyu stopped at a small platform, suggesting, "Let's rest a bit."

"Oh, I've been waiting for those words!" Lu Weiming gratefully collapsed onto a rock, trying to catch his breath.

Ding Qiyu spread a large cloth from her tool bag over another rock, inviting, "Weixi, Qing'er, have a seat."

Lu Weixi's shy thanks were drowned out by Lu Weiming's mock complaint, "See, Brother Yu only has eyes for Weixi. Once love strikes, brothers are forgotten..."

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