Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 5

Although Zhen Puyang was willing to read the books he was given, the troubling issue was that the prince was still difficult to get along with.

In the following days, he exhibited his youthful temperament to the fullest extent, deliberately defying and provoking others. When asked to go east, he would stubbornly head west, seemingly intent on annoying and upsetting him.

Afterward, he would take a keen interest in the anger reflected in his eyes and then laugh maliciously.

When He Lang realized that his immaturity was not ordinary, he felt both helpless and amused. Afterward, when encountering his deliberate insolence, he found himself unable to get angry.

If the prince would not come to him, He Lang would come to him, proactively getting close to him to make him accustomed to his presence.

One day, as soon as he entered Zhen Puyang’s Chang Le Hall, he heard a familiar voice, mingled with a woman’s sobs and pleas.

He Lang was taken aback and quickly walked in to see what was happening.

Zhen Puyang seemed to have just woken up, his clothes disheveled and his soft black hair hanging loose. A woman was kneeling on the ground, tears streaming down her face, constantly bowing her head in a pitiful manner.

In response to the woman’s pleas, Zhen Puyang remained expressionless and even seemed afraid of being touched by her. His eyes, cold with disdain, were filled with loathing as he prepared to kick her. “Filthy creature—get out.”

He Lang couldn’t help but exclaim, “This is nonsense—”

Zhen Puyang hesitated for a moment, stopping his actions and looking at He Lang with dissatisfaction, surprised by his early arrival.

He Lang sighed slightly at his recklessness and approached to inquire about what had happened.

Zhen Puyang remained silent, turning his head away with a blank expression.

Seeing He Lang as a possible savior, the kneeling maid quickly moved to his feet, bowed several times, and said urgently, “This maid offended the prince while helping with his hair—please save me, Grand Tutor!”

Normally, she would not dare to speak up, but when it concerns her life, she had no choice but to seek help from the Grand Tutor.

He Lang frowned as he listened. If a servant made a mistake, a punishment would be sufficient. But from what the maid said, it seemed that Zhen Puyang had immediately ordered someone to kill her? Was he always so violent, taking out his frustrations on others’ lives?

He felt a pang of sympathy for the maid and helped her up.

Zhen Puyang, seeing this, sneered and looked at both of them with the same contempt, as if He Lang had also done something to anger him.

Unperturbed by his gaze, He Lang looked back with calm dignity. “I did not expect that the prince would be so lacking in compassion.”

He did not consider himself merely as a subordinate or subject but as his mentor.

In the face of his tyrannical habits, he naturally had to step in to help correct them.

Zhen Puyang, however, spoke without shame and with arrogance, “To this prince, everyone is a servant.”

In his eyes, regardless of gender, everyone was equally lowly.

“……”

Such domineering remarks were frighteningly severe. He Lang furrowed his brows, staring intensely, his eyes turning cold.

He understood that this prince was stubborn, and today he truly felt the lofty and arrogant demeanor of the heir apparent. This was a far cry from the benevolent gentleman he had imagined.

He Lang remained silent, just gazing at him. Zhen Puyang felt a tightness at his scalp, but unwilling to lose face, he insisted on saying, “This prince’s punishment of servants is none of your business.”

He Lang found this quite harsh but softened his tone as if speaking to a child. “I am the prince’s Grand Tutor. You should address me as ‘Sir.’ Surely, this does not need further explanation?”

To his surprise, the young prince audaciously replied, “Do you deserve it?”

The disrespectful words fell into He Lang’s ears like a slap to the face.

It must be said that this was truly excessive, not only arrogant but also deeply disrespectful.

If this continued, with no willingness to heed his words or correct his flaws, how could He Lang continue to teach and support him?

This unruly prince had the capital to be rebellious, to disregard anyone, but that did not mean He Lang would accept his dignity being trampled upon.

A bit of anger stirred within He Lang, not dissipating but simmering beneath the surface.

His expression became exceedingly still, with a cold detachment that silenced the room.

Since coming to this world, Zhen Puyang had been his focus. He had spent countless hours thinking about how to make Zhen Puyang more sensible, what books to make him read to gain more knowledge.

Moreover, he often saw a reflection of his own younger self in Zhen Puyang—equally arrogant and self-assured. He had hoped that such a thorny child would have a soft inner heart.

These days, he had gradually devoted all his attention to Zhen Puyang, with deep affection in his eyes and high hopes for him.

Yet, this child did not see him as a mentor but as a subordinate or even a servant.

This made him feel disheartened. Couldn’t the prince perceive even a fraction of his intentions?

He was conflicted, but in the end, he chose to withdraw respectfully, giving a formal bow, his tone cold and his eyes distant with aloofness.

“I am not worthy to be the prince’s mentor, so please seek another.”

Zhen Puyang raised his eyelids in disbelief.

He Lang turned and continued, “Please return the books, pendants, and the calligraphy and paintings I have given to my students today.”

He wanted to settle accounts with Zhen Puyang, as if to draw a clear line. Since Zhen Puyang was no longer his student, there was no reason for him to keep his personal belongings.

Zhen Puyang clenched his fists, a surge of frustration and panic building up inside him. It was hard to tell whether he was angry or flustered. He cursed inwardly, wondering why this person was so stingy. Was he really going to argue over such trivial items?

Moreover, he liked those things very much and had no intention of returning them!

He had always punished servants as he pleased, and no one had ever dared to stop him. Why should he be restrained now? Even his mother had never been so meddlesome.

Furthermore, he had only said it casually—why was this person so high and mighty?

Seeing He Lang’s cold demeanor made him uncomfortable. If he didn’t want to teach him anymore, which prince was he going to teach instead?

As Zhen Puyang’s expression changed, He Lang slightly nodded, though it was unclear whether it was a sigh or a sneer. “You’re lucky, Your Highness. The Taishi has just finished writing the book annotations and is now free.” This hinted to Zhen Puyang that his next teacher would likely be Taishi Bowen.

Taishi Bowen was an old man with a head of white hair. He was knowledgeable in various fields, had an unmatched passion for learning, and detested disrespect for knowledge. His temper was both foul and rigid.

Moreover, the emperor had been taught by him in his youth and held him in high regard. Previous princes, due to their mischief, had been disciplined severely by Taishi Bowen, their palms bruised. The emperor had strongly supported Taishi’s methods.

If Zhen Puyang fell into his hands and refused to temper his behavior, the outcome could be imagined.

It was uncertain whether the emperor would continue to favor him and indulge him in front of Taishi Bowen.

Zhen Puyang’s heart was alarmed, and he immediately grimaced at the thought of such a stern teacher being sent by his father.

He Lang finished speaking and was about to leave, brushing off his sleeve as he prepared to take his leave.

Zhen Puyang, in a panic, called out loudly to He Lang.

He Lang’s departure did not slow. Zhen Puyang gritted his teeth and caught up, despite the frustration building in his chest. He urgently shouted, “Sir, don’t go.”

Finally hearing the term “Sir,” He Lang stopped, slightly turned his head, and gave him a look, as if he hadn’t heard clearly and was unwilling to turn back.

Zhen Puyang had no choice but to repeat himself, trying to appear more willing, “Sir.”

He Lang, satisfied, couldn’t help but slightly smile, his lips curving into a gentle expression. His eyes seemed to reflect the early spring sunlight, and he gave a gentle approval as if speaking to a child. “Good.”

Zhen Puyang furrowed his brows, a subtle feeling rising in his heart. This emotion was intense and filled his heart, leaving him at a loss for words and unsure how to respond to his kindness.

He had expected to dislike it, but this feeling, while hard to describe as unpleasant, seemed to carry a hint of sweetness upon reflection.

The frustration of bowing for the first time gradually faded, and his mood settled down. He couldn’t help but want to see what other unique emotions this person might show that he had never witnessed before.

With his lips moving, Zhen Puyang called out again. “Sir, please don’t be angry.” His tone carried an unwitting trace of delight.

He Lang shivered slightly, thinking the child was being affectionate, but seeing his pretentious demeanor made him dismiss the thought. Knowing that he was willing to compromise, He Lang felt greatly relieved, and his smile deepened.

Zhen Puyang felt a sense of triumph. Indeed, the person’s smile looked even better now.

His smile seemed to carry surprise, his eyes full of focus. For the first time, Zhen Puyang felt that being this person’s student wasn’t so bad.

But this person, despite appearing wise and intelligent, still seemed somewhat naive. Was it really worth rejoicing over such a trivial address? Zhen Puyang chuckled to himself.

After He Lang’s intervention, Zhen Puyang lost his inclination to scold the servant and impatiently waved her away.

The maid, knowing it was thanks to Grand Tutor He, gratefully bowed to him.

He Lang accepted her gratitude and sent her away, considering the matter settled.

Having saved a life, He Lang’s initial gloom disappeared, and he silently celebrated his success.

Unbeknownst to him, Zhen Puyang, watching him, smugly thought that as long as he showed a hint of compliance, the Grand Tutor would be entirely under his control. At this rate, it was only a matter of time before he was completely in control.

He Lang noticed Zhen Puyang’s scrutiny and responded with a slight smile.

Who can predict the future? The dynamics of control are not so absolute.

**Author’s Note:**

Don’t be fooled by how saintly Lang Lang seems (ahem). Leave a comment, and I’ll get back to you. Await the next chapter!