Every year around the Lantern Festival, Yang Shaoqi’s head would start aching for no reason.

“Uncle, I want to carry a lantern.” The carriage moved forward with crisp clip-clop sounds, accompanied by children’s clamoring: “Uncle, did you hear me? I want to carry a lantern.” “Uncle, Uncle?” “Wake up, Uncle.”

“Un… Uncle!” After violent shaking, the child in the back seat climbed up and down, grabbing Yang Shaoqi like a dead body and roaring: “Uncle! Are you dead? Uncle! Uncle! Come back to life!” Amid all the commotion, Yang Shaoqi slept like the dead. Even if thunder struck or female ghosts entangled him, nothing could wake him. But at this moment, the steward on the driver’s seat couldn’t stay quiet and also joined the battle, starting to call “Uncle!”

“Second Master…” The steward in the front seat turned his head back and asked: “Miss Shuqin is coming to the house tomorrow morning to play. If you’re free, take her for a walk to Fragrant Hills, won’t you?”

“Ugh…” Yang Shaoqi showed signs of distress in his dream. His whole body trembled slightly – he was probably about to vomit.

Near midnight, the carriage slowly approached. The chattering one on the driver’s seat was the Yang household’s old steward, Old Cai. The lively, jumping one was the little tyrant A’Xiu. As for the one sleeping soundly in the back seat, that was undoubtedly Second Master Shaoqi.

It seemed there were no exceptions. Every year when the whole family went out for the rain prayer ceremony, the Yang household, old and young, never returned home together. First, Old Lady Yang was weak and sickly. Every time the monks started chanting sutras, she would inevitably have an asthma attack and be escorted home early by servants. After that, when the monks picked up their wooden fish to strike, Grand Secretary Yang would also remember urgent official business and follow suit in escaping. Finally, even A’Xiu’s mother would go to the fabric shop, leaving Yang Shaoqi alone here to be tormented by one old man and one small child. The rain prayer ceremony was boring beyond measure. After A’Xiu listened to Buddhist teachings all night, he inevitably slept too much. Seeing him brimming with energy, he actually climbed onto Yang Shaoqi’s head and roared with all his might: “Uncle! Did you hear me or not? I want to carry a lantern! Uncle, Un… Uncle!”

“Second Master…” The steward knew the Second Master’s habit of pretending to sleep, so he sighed to himself again: “If you don’t speak up, I’ll take that as agreement. This old servant has already promised the maternal uncle that I’ll drive for you two tomorrow morning. I heard Miss Shuqin is so excited about this trip to Fragrant Hills that she not only bought new clothes but also personally made pickled dishes and pastries, planning to taste them with you on the road. If you run away again this time, it would be against heaven’s will…”

Snore, snore… Yang Shaoqi peacefully passed away. Seeing him tilt his head and drool, not forgetting to mutter a few words after death, he was probably cursing under his breath.

It was like this every year. As soon as the Lantern Festival arrived and flowers bloomed, Old Lady Yang’s maternal family would send out large numbers of marriageable young ladies to continuously stroll around the Yang residence. From the early years’ Shulin and Shuning to recent years’ Shuqin and Shuyi, they came one after another in droves to stay at the house. Poor Yang Shaoqi – if he didn’t fall into a coma, what else could he do?

The steward had spent his life helping Lady Yang manage household affairs. He had also helped promote the likes of Shulin, Shuning, and other young ladies in earlier years. Unfortunately, the eldest son Suguan had a strong sense of alertness. Seeing things going wrong, he quickly found a partner and married himself. Old Lady Yang, having no choice, poured all her life’s effort into her younger son, determined not to rest until she found him a good daughter-in-law.

The carriage moved forward. Yang Shaoqi was finally awakened by the noise. He lazily leaned against the carriage side, supporting his head with his right hand, his handsome eyes half-open, half-closed, quite displaying the melancholy of a noble young master. The steward, fearing he might despair, consoled him again: “Second Master, don’t be in fortune yet not know it. If Old Lady Yang hadn’t given birth to you so handsome, where would all these troubles come from? Please be more settled.”

“Enough.” Yang Shaoqi covered his face and sighed: “Say that to Yang the Elder. I’m not some ‘romantic dandy physician.'”

The most handsome pair of brothers in the world both surnamed Yang. Yang Suguan and Yang Shaoqi were both seven feet tall, strapping men. Yang Suguan was even a martial artist. But both brothers had peach blossom eyes, supposedly inherited from their mother, Lady Yu. Looking at their fair skin and handsome features, they were truly more beautiful than young ladies.

Hearing the steward’s praise, A’Xiu also desperately admired his uncle’s heroic bearing. The more he looked, the more he admired, and couldn’t help saying: “Uncle, do you think you’re very evasive?” Yang Shaoqi was yawning when he heard this strange remark. His mouth opened and couldn’t close. He swung a fist at A’Xiu’s head angrily: “You’re the evasive one!”

Hearing the steward chuckling softly, A’Xiu held his head and cried in pain: “Uncle, you… you misunderstood. I meant ‘subtle’!” A’Xiu was only ten years old. Every time he learned new words at school, he had to make sentences about his uncle. Yang Shaoqi’s handsome face reddened slightly: “What subtle or not subtle? Who taught you these two strange words?” A’Xiu said: “My mother did. She said you like to speak in roundabout ways, hiding seventeen or eighteen meanings in one sentence, very evasive.” Yang Shaoqi shouted: “Subtle!”

The carriage bumped along. The steward suppressed his laughter, causing the cart to sway left and right. Yang Shaoqi’s handsome eyes slanted as he grabbed A’Xiu’s ear: “Boy, stop gossiping randomly. Did your mother really say this about me?” A’Xiu nodded vigorously: “Yes! Mother said you’re extremely clever, talented beyond measure, two measures more than Father, but unfortunately you’re cynical and never half serious all day long. Nobody knows what you’re thinking. Mother said she should find a chance to advise you.”

“When a person’s natural talent is excessive, they often can’t accomplish proper things. This is called ‘being too clever for one’s own good.’ Yang Shaoqi was a prime example. This person had a photographic memory since childhood. What ordinary people needed to memorize ten or more times, he could remember firmly in as few as one time, at most three times.

No matter how strange the eight-legged essay examination questions, he could always silently produce a model answer worthy of imperial selection, as if copied from a book. With this ability, he had already achieved the golden list at nineteen – no second person in the current dynasty could match this.

But nothing in the world is perfect. This Second Master Yang had first-class examination skills but poor administrative talent. With great difficulty securing a position in the Ministry of War, his mind was never on official business. All day long he just checked in and muddled through. Privately, he spent money like water. Not only did he exhaust his own salary, but he also turned his attention to ancestral property, daily moving out several thousand taels at a time. No matter how much his elder brother brought into the house, it couldn’t keep up with his spending.

Yang Yuan was shrewd and capable, Yang Suguan was mature and steady. Two generations of father and elder brother had worked hard to build the family fortune, never expecting such a wastrel to emerge. Seeing the steward turn his head back with frequent sighs, and A’Xiu cursing endlessly, Yang Shaoqi was very annoyed: “Enough, mind your own business. Isn’t school starting tomorrow afternoon? Have you packed your books properly?”

A’Xiu had been proudly boasting, but hearing that school was about to start, his smiling face suddenly froze. His eyes gradually narrowed, his face slowly paled, and finally he squirmed down in the back seat like a corpse. Now it was Yang Shaoqi’s turn to scold: “Stop making such strange faces. Your mother comes from a scholarly family, and your father is a Grand Secretary of the current dynasty. If you end up looking like Jiang Daqing, we’d have no face to see people.”

“Jiang Daqing?” A’Xiu’s eyes lit up with joy: “Who’s that?”

Birds of a feather flock together, and beasts form herds. Indeed, hearing the name of this worthy predecessor, A’Xiu was already overjoyed. Yang Shaoqi spat and scolded: “Ask fewer questions! Remember to pack your books before bed, otherwise tomorrow afternoon when you’re missing things, won’t you still need your mother to deliver them?” A’Xiu opened his mouth and yawned hugely. Just as he was about to close his eyes and sleep, he suddenly remembered something. His eyes opened wide as he sat up urgently in alarm: “Uncle, do… do you have the Three Character Classic in your room?”

“Human nature at birth is fundamentally good” – since the end of dynasties, this “Three Character Classic” had been the primer for children’s education, along with “Hundred Family Names,” “Thousand Character Text,” and “Thousand Family Poems,” collectively called “Three Hundred Thousand Thousand.” Anyone who had studied could recite it fluently. Yang Shaoqi frowned: “Uncle naturally has the Three Character Classic. What? Do you want to borrow it?” A’Xiu quickly said: “Yes, my old copy was stolen, so I need to find a new one to replace it.”

A’Xiu claimed his book was stolen, but Yang Shaoqi was skeptical. He looked at his nephew sideways, pondering: “Wait, isn’t Master Meng teaching you the Records of the Grand Historian? When did you need to reread the Three Character Classic?” A’Xiu sighed: “It’s all because of Hua Mei. Master Meng said her foundation is too poor – she can’t recognize any characters. Before New Year, he gave us all a thorough scolding, saying after classes resume, we’d all have to reread the Three Character Classic.”

Hua Mei was diligent and studious, very much like her father. A’Xiu must have gotten the story backwards. Yang Shaoqi scolded: “You boy, besides bragging, what other skills do you have? Fine, Uncle has a copy of the Three Character Classic in his room. I’ll give it to you tomorrow morning.” A’Xiu wasn’t in a hurry to thank him, only timidly asking: “Uncle, is your Three Character Classic… handwritten?”

“Handwritten?” Yang Shaoqi was stunned. At that time, classics were mostly printed, divided into movable type and engraved editions. Handwritten precious copies were rare. Puzzled, he said: “Why would you need to read a handwritten copy?” A’Xiu said: “Handwritten ones look more intimate and are especially invigorating to read.”

He then clung to his uncle begging: “Uncle, please hand-copy one for me, please! Uncle! Uncle!”

Children often had strange customs. Sometimes left-handed writing was popular, sometimes walking backwards was fashionable. Every so often there would be new fads that invariably vexed parents. Yang Shaoqi didn’t want to spoil children, so he waved his hand: “No way. Uncle’s copy is engraved printing. Take it or leave it as you please.” A’Xiu, hearing his cold tone, actually snorted: “Then forget it. Keep it for yourself.”

A’Xiu showed no respect for elders, daring to contradict his uncle like this. Yang Shaoqi’s anger flared, and he was about to give him a harsh lesson when the steward in the front seat turned his head back with a smile: “Young Master Shenxiu, don’t worry. If you want to read handwritten copies, what’s so difficult about that? I remember there are still several copies of the Three Character Classic in the study, all hand-copied by your father.”

A’Xiu had been pouting, but hearing this news, his eyes couldn’t help but brighten with joy: “Really?”

“Of course it’s true.” The steward drove the carriage with a smile: “Your father was diligent and studious as a child, loving to copy books most. Just the Three Character Classic alone, he copied three copies.”

A’Xiu cried out and beat his chest: “Only three copies? That’s not enough!”

“What!” Yang Shaoqi said in shock: “Three copies are too few? How many would be enough?”

A’Xiu answered without thinking: “Ten copies.” As soon as the words left his mouth, he seemed to realize he’d let slip, so he opened his mouth wide with haha’s and closed his eyes with small squints, going into hibernation.

A’Xiu seemed to have some scheme. Yang Shaoqi’s suspicions grew, but the steward was an old fool, still smiling as he recounted the past: “Ah, speaking of the eldest young master, this old servant admires him most. From childhood he was meticulous, especially loving to copy books. Not just the Three Character Classic and Ancient Text Selection – even the Tripitaka, Lotus Sutra, and Long Agama Sutra, he copied while memorizing, gradually remembering them all.” He didn’t forget to instruct the unambitious one in the back seat: “Second Master, if you had half the eldest young master’s diligence, you’d have been promoted to Vice Minister long ago.” Anyone who had Yang Suguan as an elder brother could only hmm and hah. Indeed, Yang Shaoqi, hearing the criticism, immediately tilted his head sideways and also went into hibernation. Seeing his uncle play dead, A’Xiu revived. He moved to the front seat with a smile: “Steward Uncle, isn’t the Tripitaka Buddhist scripture? Why did my father need to copy it as a child?” The steward smiled: “Young master forgets quickly. What school did your father come from?” A’Xiu cried out in surprise: “Right! He’s from Shaolin Temple.”

Yang Suguan came from Shaoshi, both literary and martial. Among all the imperial scholars, he alone possessed peerless martial arts. The steward’s face glowed with pride: “That’s right, Shaolin martial arts are the orthodox school under heaven. Back then your father devoted himself to Mount Song. During the day he practiced martial arts, at night he borrowed light through holes in the wall to study. His diligence was praised by all the temple elders.” He didn’t forget to encourage A’Xiu: “Young Master Shenxiu, the ancients said, ‘Seeing the worthy, think of equaling them; seeing the unworthy, reflect inwardly.’ In daily life, learn more from your father and less from your uncle, understand?”

“Understood!” A’Xiu answered loudly, not forgetting to shake the waste beside him and warn: “Uncle, you need to pull yourself together.”

Yang Shaoqi was already full of anger. Hearing the mockery, he couldn’t help but cry out strangely. Uncle and nephew immediately wrestled with each other like children. The steward had long been accustomed to this, smiling as he drove the carriage toward the Yang residence.

The Yang family had lived near the Gate of Great Brightness in earlier years, moving back to their ancestral home during the Zhengtong years, residing in the eastern part of the city. Near midnight, the carriage passed through the Tianqiao area. The streets were packed with people – some guessing riddles, some drinking, some watching opera. Along the road, “ice lanterns,” “gauze lanterns,” and “Buddhist sutra storytelling chain lanterns” were magnificent, full of Lantern Festival celebration atmosphere. A’Xiu stared in fascination, wanting to get down and play: “Uncle, you often carried lanterns as a child, right?”

Yang Shaoqi was still in a bad mood, not even lifting his head as he said coldly: “Naturally. When I was small, your grandfather doted on me most. Every Lantern Festival, he would definitely hold me and tour around all night.”

A’Xiu was surprised: “My grandfather? Is there such a person?” Yang Shaoqi was furious: “Don’t be so disrespectful! I’m your uncle – tell me, who is your uncle’s father to you?” Seeing A’Xiu’s mouth agape with a blank expression, Yang Shaoqi had to provide the answer himself: “Grandfather, understand?”

“Understood.” A’Xiu smiled solemnly, not forgetting to pat his uncle’s shoulder in praise: “Good boy.” He wanted to take more advantage, but seeing his uncle’s fist raised high, ready to pound down heavily, A’Xiu hurriedly changed his tune in panic: “Wait! I… I’ve never seen grandfather. Was he… was he good friends with my maternal grandfather?”

Thinking of Gu Siyuan, Yang Shaoqi couldn’t help but sigh: “Child, thinking of your maternal grandfather?” Gu Siyuan died when A’Xiu was not yet four – how could he know anything? He could only laugh dryly and babble: “Yes, I think of him every day. He… he used to have a very high official position, right?” Yang Shaoqi nodded: “Naturally. Your maternal grandfather was formerly Minister of War, who happened to oversee your father. At that time, your grandfather was a Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet. Our Yang and Gu families had public and private relations – we were considered family friends.” A’Xiu gave a long “oh” and said: “So they were sworn brothers! Then grandfather and maternal grandfather must have often carried lanterns together too?”

A’Xiu kept beating around the bush with one thought – to carry lanterns and tour at night. Yang Shaoqi saw through his scheme and couldn’t help but chuckle: “They were old and didn’t fancy carrying lanterns.” A’Xiu sighed: “How boring. What about you and Father? You two must have often carried lanterns together as children, right?”

Yang Shaoqi shook his head: “Not really. Your father didn’t live at home as a child. We brothers rarely played together.”

A’Xiu was confused: “He didn’t live at home… then… then where did he live?” Just as he was puzzled, he heard the steward cough lightly and suddenly understood: “Right! He lived at Shaolin Temple!” He imagined his father’s bitter childhood, picturing children meditating and small kids chanting sutras, feeling quite chilled. He quickly said: “Uncle, you were so fortunate. Why didn’t you go to Shaolin Temple together as a child?”

Yang Shaoqi shook his head: “It was fate, I suppose. That year Master Tianjue came to our house to select disciples. Originally he picked me, but later your grandfather said I was physically weak and unsuitable for martial arts practice, so he let elder brother go with him.” A’Xiu was surprised: “Who is this Master Tianjue?”

Yang Shaoqi said calmly: “Master Tianjue is Shaolin’s temple treasure. His martial arts prowess was called the first master in the temple’s two hundred years. In his lifetime, he only accepted one disciple – your father.”

A’Xiu was frightened: “So amazing! Then Father’s martial arts must be pretty good too?” Yang Shaoqi smiled slightly mockingly but didn’t answer.

How could the Four Great Grandmasters be ordinary? Master Tianjue was Shaolin’s unparalleled genius, having created the Tianjue technique, carrying on traditions and opening new paths. Along with Ning Bufan, Fang Zijing, and Zhuo Lingzhao, he was called one of the world’s four great masters. His famous achievements were countless. A’Xiu, imagining the great grandmaster’s prestige, couldn’t help but look admiring: “Uncle, A’Xiu also wants to practice martial arts. Can I stop studying in the future?” Yang Shaoqi shook his head: “No. You’re physically weak and unsuitable for martial arts.”

A’Xiu snorted: “I’m not weak! I’m not like you with kidney deficiency since childhood.” Hearing the child’s rudeness, Yang Shaoqi chuckled and pinched toward his nephew’s waist, planning to “strengthen his kidneys.” A’Xiu laughed until tears flowed, begging for mercy: “Alright, alright! Spare my life, Uncle. I can’t breathe…” Laughing miserably, he climbed to the front seat with bitter laughter: “Steward Uncle, I can’t take it anymore. I’m so weak… you… quickly stop the carriage, I need some fresh air…”

Suddenly hearing a loud “crack,” Steward Uncle actually whipped the horses faster, and the carriage shot forward. A’Xiu was shocked: “Steward Uncle, what are you doing? Stop the carriage quickly!”

The steward said coldly: “Young master, save your energy. You have to start school tomorrow afternoon. Where’s the time tonight to carry lanterns? Better go home quickly and pack your books.”

Seeing his scheme exposed, A’Xiu was immediately in agony, pulling hard at his uncle’s sleeve and wailing: “I don’t want to go to school! I only want to carry lanterns! Uncle! Uncle! Please speak up for me!” Hearing his nephew’s tearful plea, Yang Shaoqi only snored lightly as if hibernating. But A’Xiu wasn’t afraid, only moving close to his uncle’s ear and whispering an incantation: “Shuqin is coming, Shuqin is coming.”

The spell worked, indeed awakening the dreamer. Yang Shaoqi’s face turned pale, knowing that home was like a tiger’s den – once he stepped inside, he could never escape again. With no choice, he leaned close to A’Xiu’s ear and whispered a strategy.

“Steward Uncle…” Having heard the brilliant plan, A’Xiu immediately clutched his stomach in pain: “I need to pee urgently…”

Seeing the child about to wet himself and quite weak physically, the steward was too lazy to pay attention, simply pulling the reins tighter to make the carriage go even faster. Seeing he was ignoring him, A’Xiu wasn’t flustered. He lifted the carriage curtain, untied his belt, and roared out the window: “Come on, come look! Yang Shenxiu floods seven armies! Yang Suguan fails to teach his son! The Yang family – a loyal household!” He laughed heartily, planning to flood the capital. Though it was midnight with no one around, such public urination was something the Yang family couldn’t afford to lose face over. The steward was shocked: “Young master, your mother just spoke to you about this… how are you reverting to old ways again! Second Master, quickly help me control him – don’t let him fool around!”

Yang Shaoqi said indifferently: “Go find my elder brother. Second Master here is naturally worthless – how can I properly discipline his son?”

The Second Master was quite jealous. The steward had no choice but to stop the carriage with a bitter smile: “Alright, young master, get down. This old servant admits defeat.” A’Xiu laughed with joy: “Peed! Peed!”

He jumped down from the carriage and found a corner. Just as he was about to hum a little tune, he noticed it was strangely empty with no one accompanying him. He immediately became angry: “Why am I alone? Who’s going to accompany me to pee!”

Since ancient times, children peeing often needed elders to accompany them, either with encouraging sounds or leading by example, before they could pee properly. Yang Shaoqi saw A’Xiu glaring at him and quickly said: “You… you go ahead. Don’t mind me.” A’Xiu snorted: “Are you looking down on me? Without someone to accompany me, this young master won’t relieve himself.” Just as he was about to throw a tantrum, he heard splashing water sounds. Someone beside him was shaking violently all over, shivering as he said: “Young… Young Master Shenxiu, this old servant will risk his life to accompany you…”

The older people get, the more they need to relieve themselves. Looking at old Steward Cai at his age, it turned out he was the one who really needed to pee urgently. He exhaled a long breath and was shaking himself off when A’Xiu tied his belt tight and quickly slipped back into the carriage. The steward was surprised: “What’s wrong with young master? Finished already?”

With a “clip-clop” sound, the carriage actually drove away by itself. The steward stood with his mouth agape in shock, then heard A’Xiu’s laughter from far away: “Uncle, your strategy really worked – we fooled him off the carriage in no time.” He also heard the Second Master sigh: “What’s so difficult about that? When you reach his age, you won’t be able to hold it in either.”

The big one and small one were about to escape. The steward finally realized what was happening. Not bothering to tie his belt, he started chasing on foot, shouting: “Second Master! You can’t leave! Shuqin is still waiting for you at home!” The mention of Shuqin was like hitting a vital point – the carriage fled even faster like flying. Poor steward shouted himself hoarse, making it even harder to catch up.

Having finally escaped far enough, A’Xiu jumped to the front seat with a smile: “Uncle, are you really not going home? Aren’t you afraid Grandmother will scold you?”

Yang Shaoqi sighed: “Let her scold – it’s better than falling into Shuqin’s hands.” A’Xiu giggled mischievously: “Uncle, why do you dislike Shuqin so much? She won’t eat you.”

Bringing up exactly what shouldn’t be mentioned, Yang Shaoqi was annoyed and shouted: “Do you have time to mind my business? Stinky boy, Uncle will make three rules with you first: tonight you can play, but don’t cause trouble. Otherwise, if word reaches your father’s ears, Uncle will be in big trouble.”

A’Xiu specialized in causing disasters and bringing down strange calamities. Last time he had driven Hu Zhengtang to madness. With Yang Shaoqi letting this little demon out tonight, there was no guarantee against major disasters. Just as he was worrying, this child actually started sowing discord, hearing him chuckle evilly: “Uncle, you’re quite afraid of my father.”

Thinking of his elder brother’s stern household rules, Yang Shaoqi couldn’t help but sigh slightly. He pinched A’Xiu’s dark little cheek and scolded: “Who’s afraid of him? Let me tell you, Uncle fears no one in the house – heaven or earth – only you.”

A’Xiu smiled: “If Uncle fears me, then who do I fear?” Yang Shaoqi smiled slightly: “You’re like a rat crossing the street – afraid of everyone you meet, except me.” A’Xiu laughed with joy and threw himself into his uncle’s arms to roll around, truly showing no respect for elders.

Though uncle and nephew had a twenty-year age difference, A’Xiu was mischievous and Yang Shaoqi was also a world-class troublemaker, so they usually had deep affection. After they laughed and played for a while, they soon saw a grand residence – they had arrived at Grand Commander Wu’s residence. Yang Shaoqi knew A’Xiu wanted to find Hua Mei, but instead pulled the reins, about to drive quickly past. A’Xiu panicked: “Uncle, I want to get down.”

Now it was Yang Shaoqi’s turn to sneer, hearing him say sinisterly: “Boy, this is Grand Commander’s residence. Are you here on official business with Duke Wu?”

A’Xiu was young and thin-skinned, naturally unable to openly say he was here to invite someone’s daughter out. Just as he was squirming and hesitating, Yang Shaoqi laughed heartily and stopped the carriage himself. From the back seat he found his nephew’s flower lantern – a five-foot-long great sword. The sword wasn’t a genuine Crescent Moon Blade but a lantern made in the shape of Guan Dao, specially for children’s play.

Yang Shaoqi saw A’Xiu get down with a small bundle on his back but was too lazy to ask more, simply lighting the lantern himself. A’Xiu looked up and saw the sword head glowing red, shining brilliantly in the cold night, looking doubly majestic and splendid. His face was full of excitement as he said joyfully: “Uncle, quick, quick, give it to me.” Yang Shaoqi smiled solemnly, raised the lantern high, and threw it toward a ditch, frightening A’Xiu into jumping up high to catch it in panic.

Yang Shaoqi was naturally mischievous. Now that he had caught the opportunity, he wanted to tease A’Xiu thoroughly.

After playing enough, he finally pulled his nephew’s hand over and carefully handed over the lantern, instructing: “Go play nicely. Remember to come home before dawn and don’t worry your mother.”

A’Xiu made an “oh” sound and said: “What about you, Uncle? Where are you going?” Yang Shaoqi smiled: “Don’t mind me. Uncle has an appointment with a friend. Go play by yourself.” He found a cotton coat from the carriage and draped it over A’Xiu’s shoulders, fearing he’d catch cold.

Seeing his uncle bend down to wave goodbye to him, A’Xiu was still young after all. Walking a few steps then looking back, he suddenly felt reluctant and ran back, shouting: “Uncle! Come with me! Let’s carry lanterns together.” Yang Shaoqi laughed: “I’m in my thirties – still doing this?” A’Xiu wouldn’t leave, only clinging to him and shouting: “Come on! Come on!”

Just as they were pulling and tugging, suddenly a cough was heard: “Brother Shaoqi, you’re late.” A’Xiu looked up and saw a young man stride out from the alley. He wore a black shirt with a red belt around his waist, his eyes full of grimness. A’Xiu was startled and said in a trembling voice: “Chong… Brother Chongqing…”

Wu Chongqing had arrived. His gaze was ice-cold, his face full of killing intent. Meeting him in the middle of the night, one might think they’d encountered a zombie. A’Xiu felt scared and was about to shrink behind his uncle when he heard a soft “hiss” – a piece of paper flew over, landing exactly in Yang Shaoqi’s hand.

Seeing this strange thing arrive, A’Xiu quickly raised himself on his tiptoes. He saw his uncle holding a theater ticket with eight characters printed on it: “In Wanfu Tower, plays are like life.” A’Xiu made a sound of surprise, recognizing this as a ticket from Wanfu Tower, but didn’t know why Brother Chongqing was sending it over. Could it be he wanted to invite Uncle to watch a play? Just as he was puzzled, he heard Wu Chongqing say quietly: “I owe you a favor. I’ll repay it another day.” With that, he turned around, seemingly about to leave.

Wu Chongqing was always so mysteriously elusive, coming and going without a trace, leaving people baffled. A’Xiu was feeling confused when he heard his uncle sigh: “Brother Wu, I have some words of advice for you. I hope you’ll listen.”

“No need.” Brother Chongqing glanced over sideways and said quietly: “Life and death are determined by fate, wealth and honor by heaven. Since I’ve made up my mind, there’s no turning back.” Just as he was about to step away, he heard his uncle sigh again: “If that’s the case, then why must you seek out Lu Yun?”

At the mention of “Lu Yun,” Wu Chongqing’s body trembled slightly and his footsteps stopped. Yang Shaoqi shook his head and was about to say more when he felt someone tugging at his sleeve. Looking down, he saw A’Xiu looking up with a face full of curiosity: “Uncle, who is Lu Yun?”

Yang Shaoqi cleared his throat and bent down: “Didn’t you make plans with Hua Mei? Why aren’t you going now?” A’Xiu frowned, glancing at Wu Chongqing with worry: “I can’t leave. What if he fights with you? I need to be your backup.”

“Fight?” Yang Shaoqi pointed at Wu Chongqing and laughed in disbelief: “Fight with him? Am I tired of living?”

Yang Shaoqi was a weak scholar without three ounces of muscle on his entire body, while Wu Chongqing had trained a body of steel and iron. If these two were to fight in the street, within one move A’Xiu would have to collect his uncle’s corpse. Knowing this, his little face grew even more worried as he said in a low voice: “Then… then I really can’t leave. Uncle, you… you should run quickly. I’ll cover your retreat.”

Just as he was about to say more nonsense, he felt someone pat his shoulder. A’Xiu turned back to look and was startled to see Brother Chongqing bending down toward him with a heavy snort: “Hmph!”

“Mama!” Frightened by that angry glare, A’Xiu fled for dear life, even forgetting to take his bundle. Wu Chongqing was quite kind-hearted, picking up A’Xiu’s small bundle and throwing it forward forcefully, immediately hitting the child on the head.

With a thud, A’Xiu fell to the ground. He picked up his bundle painfully and cried: “Bully! You only know how to pick on little kids. Watch me go tell your father on you.” The Wu family father and son came from the same school. The old one had a square face and frightened people with his “hmph” sounds all day. The young one also followed suit – truly detestable! A’Xiu sat on the ground pretending to cry, but there was no sound behind him. He stole a glance back and realized both his uncle and Wu Chongqing had left. He breathed a sigh of relief, immediately spat, then rolled up his sleeves and cursed loudly: “You Wu bastard! You ran away so fast! If you have guts, come back and let this young master have a go at you!”

He cursed with his mouth while positioning his feet in an escape stance, ready to run if Wu Chongqing suddenly appeared. Fortunately, after cursing dozens of times, no one appeared to challenge him. A’Xiu breathed a sigh of relief and was about to turn and leave when suddenly his mind turned and he thought of a fun trick. He quickly ran to where Wu Chongqing had just stood and, imitating his deep voice, said grimly: “Who dares to be so bold as to speak such insults?”

“I!” A’Xiu walked back to his own spot, struck his Guan Dao lantern on the ground, and assumed a proud beard-stroking pose. Then he hurriedly ran back to Wu Chongqing’s position and said in a deep voice: “You! Who are you? Please state your name!”

“Hahaha!” A’Xiu imitated storytellers with three loud laughs. Seeing some steps not far away, he proudly walked up them while stroking his imaginary beard and saying coldly: “Ignorant child, how dare you ask my name? Let me tell you – I never change my name when walking or sitting, from Zhili Hebei, of the Yang family generals… I am Yang Shenxiu!” He raised his Guan Dao high, turned his head quickly, not forgetting to hang a cold smile at the corner of his mouth.

In the deep frosty night, the dark street had no pedestrians. A’Xiu performed his one-man show alone. He put on a cold face and jumped down the steps, acting shocked like a coward: “Excellent! You… you are the great general Yang Shenxiu who killed Wen Chou, beheaded Hua Xiong, and crushed the Khitan army?” This sentence was too long, inevitably making him dry-mouthed. He panted, then jumped back up the steps and said sternly: “It is I!”

“Kill!” A’Xiu wildly slashed with his hands and kicked with his feet, immediately stirring up dust and creating the image of flying sand and rolling stones. While slashing, he suddenly clutched his chest with his left hand, slowly sat down, and said in pain and gasping: “Good bladework… little thief Wu Chongqing, dying today at the hands of Master Yang, I can close my eyes in peace…” He tilted his head in a death pose. Before he was completely dead, he got up again and sang joyfully: “First achievement among a million troops, alone heading north to Liaodong. If you want to know who the hero is, come to Beijing to see Master Xiu!”

“Haha! Haha!” Little A’Xiu was extremely happy. He was singing the little song his mother wrote for him and was about to wave his sword for fun when he saw the sword head dim – the candle couldn’t withstand the wind and had gone out.

A’Xiu was naturally playful. Even alone, he could have a thoroughly good time. He lit the candle fire, and seeing the Guan Dao bright again, he became proud once more. He swaggered to the door of the Grand Commander’s residence, looked up at the golden plaque, and said proudly: “Hmph, this is a first-rank marquis residence. My brother Dingyuan lives here.” He picked up the door knocker and knocked, saying in a deep voice: “Dingyuan, my brother, Master Xiu has come to find you. Quickly tell your wife to come open the door.” Then he imitated Aunt Wu’s coquettish voice shyly: “Don’t rush, Tingting is coming, coming.”

After just two “comings,” there really were footsteps from inside the door. A’Xiu was greatly shocked and quickly fled to the back door.

The back door was a small gate with two New Year pictures pasted on it – “Every Year Has Surplus” on the left and “Promotion Upon Promotion” on the right – they were New Year prints from Yangliuqing in Tianjin. A’Xiu’s mother was one of the finest painters of the current era. Having been influenced by her for years, he naturally knew about these things.

He stood at the back door looking at the New Year pictures for a while, just about to comment when he heard two strange calls of “ya-hu, ya-hu” from under the back door wall. A’Xiu was overjoyed and quickly made a few “meow-wah-wah” sounds, then lay on the ground quietly waiting for a response.

After waiting for a long time without hearing the signal, A’Xiu couldn’t contain himself and whispered: “Hua Mei, Hua Mei, why aren’t you making a sound? Did your father catch you?” As soon as he spoke, he heard squeaking sounds from inside the door, sounding quite like mice. A’Xiu was puzzled: “Didn’t we agree to imitate owls? Why did it become mice?” He immediately made some “yee-yah-yah” sounds as a response.

One making “yee-yah” sounds, the other “squeak-squeak” – inside and outside the wall, it was like chickens crowing and dogs barking. Suddenly a little girl crawled out of a dog hole, frowning: “A’Xiu! Is that you?”

Looking at this little girl with her beautiful appearance, wearing a small black sable robe, richly dressed – it was naturally Hua Mei. A’Xiu was overjoyed: “You finally came out! You really worried me to death.” Hua Mei shook her head: “I was waiting for you inside the wall long ago, but hearing nothing but ghostly howls outside, I didn’t dare come out rashly.” A’Xiu looked confused: “What ghostly howls? I was imitating owls.”

Hua Mei said strangely: “Do owls sound like that? I don’t think so.”

In the back garden by the wall, one was the Grand Commander’s pampered daughter, the other a young master of the Five Assistants. The little boy and girl together weren’t even twenty years old, yet they already understood romantic meetings under flowers and moonlight. Seeing A’Xiu arrive as promised, Hua Mei happily brought out a lantern and said sweetly: “A’Xiu, help me light the lantern.” A’Xiu removed the Guan Dao lantern cover, took a candle to light it, and in moments Hua Mei’s lantern was brilliantly lit, making A’Xiu exclaim in great admiration: “So beautiful!”

Before him was a treasure ship with seven-colored glazed glass, brilliant and elegant – truly an exquisitely crafted treasure. A’Xiu felt envious and quickly said: “Who made this for you? It’s really beautiful.”

Hua Mei proudly swept back her hair and smiled: “My mother made it! Amazing, right?”

A’Xiu praised: “So Aunt Wu’s hands are so skillful. I thought she only knew how to boss people around.”

Hua Mei’s pretty face reddened slightly as she huffed: “Stop your sweet talk, or I’ll give you two slaps.”

A’Xiu laughed: “Slap! Slap! It hurts me but pains your heart. So painful, so painful.”

Hearing such flirtatious words, Hua Mei couldn’t help but blush furiously: “Stop talking about this. Didn’t you say you were going to do something big tonight? What exactly are you going to do?”

Hearing the words “big thing,” A’Xiu’s expression indeed became serious. He leaned close to Hua Mei’s cheek and whispered: “Listen carefully – I’m going to cure Hu Zhengtang.”

Hua Mei was greatly surprised: “What? You’re going to cure Hu Zhengtang?”

A’Xiu whispered: “That’s right. A few days ago I learned a technique from my uncle. They say if eight people chant an incantation together and work hard all night, they can cure Hu Zhengtang completely.” Hua Mei was shocked. Some time ago, after Hu Zhengtang was frightened by fierce ghosts, he became wooden and foolish. Even adults had no solution, but unexpectedly A’Xiu claimed to have another method. Seeing Hua Mei’s skeptical expression, A’Xiu picked up his small bundle proudly: “Look, the incantations are all packed in here. I wasn’t lying to you.”

Hua Mei was curious about what mechanism was in the bundle and was about to come examine it when A’Xiu wouldn’t let her look, only putting the bundle behind his back. His shifty eyes wandered all over Hua Mei’s body. Hua Mei’s face reddened: “You… what are you staring at me for?”

Now it was A’Xiu’s turn to blush: “Who… who was looking at you? I… I was looking at ants on the ground.” He bent down to look at the ground, searching everywhere for the ant army. After a winter had passed, somehow Hua Mei had grown much taller. Not only had she shed some of her childish innocence, but she had gained several points of bright beauty. Under the lantern’s reflection, her pair of eyes were especially watery, as if they could speak. Suddenly seeing little flower becoming even more lovely, A’Xiu felt his heart flutter. He searched for ants all the way and slowly came to Hua Mei’s hem. Just as he was about to secretly lift it to peek, he felt someone touch his head and heard Hua Mei say in surprise: “A’Xiu, I seem to be taller than you now.”

Suddenly hearing this utterly mood-killing nonsense, A’Xiu was first stunned, then burst into laughter: “You’ve grown taller than me? Haha! Ahaha! Then wouldn’t the sun rise from the west?” In his wild laughter, he proudly puffed out his chest and gestured with his hand at both their heights. Who knew that this comparison would panic him – seeing this girl had grown so fast, in one year she had really become two inches taller than him. A’Xiu was both shocked and anxious, pointing at Hua Mei’s feet angrily: “You’re secretly standing on your tiptoes!”

Hua Mei blinked and lifted her skirt hem in confusion: “No, I’m not.”

Girls develop earlier, growing extremely fast before fifteen, but later boys catch up. But A’Xiu was just a child – how could he understand these principles? Thinking that in the future he would become a short tiger while Hua Mei became a tall maiden, needing to stand on tiptoes to hold an umbrella for her, he felt miserable and quickly stretched his neck and jumped with all his might: “Look! Quick look! Who’s taller now!”

Seeing A’Xiu in such panic, Hua Mei couldn’t help but laugh. Just as she was about to comfort him, she suddenly saw a sedan chair turn around the street corner, heading straight for the Grand Commander’s residence. Hua Mei was startled: “Oh no, my mother’s coming home! Let’s hide quickly.” She hurriedly pulled A’Xiu, dragging him desperately into the alley. At this moment, the luxurious sedan had also arrived in front of the residence. The sedan curtain lifted, and gracefully stepped down a flower-like great beauty. She wore a sable robe with a melon-seed face – it was indeed Yan Ting returning home.

Hua Mei’s mother was Yan Ting. This woman had long, slender legs and a figure much taller than ordinary women. Watching her hurriedly walk past the sedan bearers, she was actually several inches taller than these laborers. A’Xiu was struck as if by lightning: “It’s over! Hua Mei looks like her mother – in the future she’ll definitely be taller than me.”

A person’s height and appearance are determined by heaven, not by people. Looking at Wu Dingyuan, robust and imposing with a figure nearly nine feet tall, and Yan Ting also being tall and slender, the children born to this couple must have the hardy physique of northern men and women. A’Xiu felt bitter inside and was feeling melancholy when he suddenly saw Hua Mei crouching on the ground, about as tall as a small dog, and couldn’t help feeling comforted: “Hah! There are times when you’re short too.”

While he was looking, Yan Ting waved her hand, the sedan bearers lifted the sedan and went through the side door. Seeing only Yan Ting left at the entrance, she wasn’t in a hurry to go home but turned to face the street as if waiting for someone.

A’Xiu was just waiting to carry lanterns and play, so he naturally urged Aunt Wu to go home a hundred times in his heart. Unable to bear it, he leaned over to ask Hua Mei: “What is your mother doing? Why isn’t she leaving yet?”

Hua Mei frowned: “I don’t know either. I think she’s probably waiting for Aunt Juan.” A’Xiu was surprised: “Waiting for her to do what? Are they also going to carry lanterns and play?” Hua Mei sighed: “What do you think? A few days ago Aunt Juan went on a long trip without telling Mother beforehand, so she’s been getting scolded these days.”

Juan’er had accumulated virtue in her previous life and actually cultivated such a good senior sister – naturally she was overjoyed. A’Xiu was too lazy to listen to this gossip and was about to yawn when he suddenly saw Aunt Wu facing the street and calling: “Jiu-jiu!”

A’Xiu opened his mouth wide. In the middle of the night, instead of going home, Aunt Wu was actually making bird calls at the door. Had she gone mad? Just as he found this amusing, he heard footsteps on the street, and a woman really approached the residence, responding: “Madam, Jiu-jiu is here.”

Hearing that “Jiu-jiu” was a person’s name, A’Xiu found it even stranger. He hurried to look and saw that woman wearing a hairpin skirt but holding a whisk in her hand – he didn’t know what she was there for. A’Xiu was full of surprise and whispered: “Who is this?” Hua Mei leaned over to his ear: “Jiu-jiu is a wet nurse in our house who usually serves my mother by combing her hair.”

A’Xiu made an “oh” sound. Among Aunt Wu’s three disciples, besides Cuishan whom he’d seen tonight, there were also the sisters Haitang and Mingmei – all three in their flower-like years, but he’d never seen this Jiu-jiu. He looked carefully and saw that though this woman was somewhat aged, her eyes were bright and clear with a hint of soft charm. He couldn’t help thinking: “The women in their house are all so beautiful – even the old wet nurse is quite impressive.”

Just as he was feeling envious, that “Jiu-jiu” had already come forward and was curtseying respectfully.

Yan Ting said impatiently: “Enough. You just went to see a head steward – how did it take all night? Did you actually see the person or not?”

Jiu-jiu quickly said: “I saw him, I saw him. This maid went to wait at Meridian Gate, but he pulled me aside to chat about this and that, which is why I was delayed.” Yan Ting interrupted her speech and scolded: “Enough. Didn’t he say he had a great gift to give me? You remembered to bring it back, right?” Jiu-jiu didn’t dare say more and quickly took something from the bundle on her back. Yan Ting took it and looked, couldn’t help but be greatly shocked: “What… what is this supposed to be?”

The “great gift” in Yan Ting’s hands was a tattered garment of ancient material and old tailoring, embroidered all over with “longevity” characters – it looked exactly like an old woman’s burial shroud. Seeing such a weighty gift, Yan Ting was angry and was about to throw the garment away when Jiu-jiu panicked: “Madam, don’t be angry! Look carefully at how many longevity characters are embroidered on this.”

The longevity characters were densely packed – at least a hundred of them. Yan Ting’s heart trembled as she realized: “This is the ‘Hundred Longevity Armor’?” Jiu-jiu breathed a sigh of relief: “Madam is perceptive. This is indeed the peerless ‘Hundred Longevity Armor,’ said to be impervious to blades and spears, fire and water – it’s the treasure that guards Prince Tang’s residence.”

Hearing her speak of it so preciously, Yan Ting then examined the armor carefully. Seeing its material was tough and felt light in her hands, her expression softened slightly: “This is more like it. What else did Eunuch Fang tell you? Did he mention anything about establishing the Crown Prince?” Jiu-jiu said: “That he didn’t mention. He said anyway, Madam and he are in the same boat – everyone shares the same fate, sink or swim together. Without him saying it, you’ll help with this favor.”

“What?” Hearing these words, Yan Ting was greatly shocked: “I share the same fate with him? He really said that?”

Seeing she was unhappy again, Jiu-jiu panicked: “Madam, you… what’s wrong with you again?” Yan Ting said hatefully: “What kind of thing is this Fang? What relationship does he have with our Wu family? Just sending over a tattered piece of armor and expecting me to work myself to death for him – does Old Thief Fang really take Yan Ting for a country bumpkin?” She picked up the Hundred Longevity Armor and threw it forcefully to the ground, not forgetting to stomp on it twice to vent her anger.

Jiu-jiu hadn’t expected that one careless word would cause such a scene. She didn’t dare persuade further, only bending down to pick up the precious armor and saying quietly: “Madam, then… what about this thing? Should this servant return it?”

“That’s not necessary.” Yan Ting’s anger subsided as she swept back her hair casually: “Since this thing has entered our house, we’ll keep it. Put it in my wardrobe for now – I’ll give it to Hua Mei to wear tomorrow morning.” Seeing Aunt Wu being so wise, A’Xiu secretly smiled: “This is what they call throwing a meat bun at a dog – gone forever.”

Having finished speaking, Yan Ting was about to return home. Hua Mei panicked, knowing her mother might inspect her room at any time. Just as she was about to pull A’Xiu and flee, her mother stopped again: “Oh right, I almost forgot to tell you about something else.”

Seeing her mother stop moving again, Hua Mei didn’t dare flee openly lest she reveal their location. Jiu-jiu appeared quite dutiful. Hearing new business arrive, she simply bowed: “Please instruct me, Madam.”

Yan Ting said: “An old acquaintance of mine has come to the capital. These next few days I need you to ‘take care of’ him for me.”

Hearing the words “take care of,” Jiu-jiu immediately understood: “Madam, rest assured, this servant will handle it immediately. I just need to know – how skilled is the target? How many people should I bring?”

“Take care of” could mean many things – sending money and provisions, or white blade in, red blade out. Just as she was about to ask how many coffins she should order, Yan Ting was already covering her mouth and laughing. Jiu-jiu cried out and quickly said: “Sorry, sorry! This friend must be from your northwestern hometown, right? This servant misunderstood.”

Yan Ting came from Gansu and Shaanxi. Usually when old friends visited, they came from the distant northwest homeland. But hearing Jiu-jiu’s words, she shook her head with a smile: “Not at all. This friend of mine is from Shandong.” Hearing the visitor was from Shandong, Jiu-jiu’s eyes widened in surprise, then she calmed down: “So he’s from Shandong – it must be another salt merchant coming to give gifts to Madam?”

“That’s not it either.” Yan Ting smiled: “This friend of mine is neither a high official nor a great merchant – he sells noodles.” Hearing it was a noodle seller, Hua Mei felt puzzled, wondering where her mother had acquired a noodle-selling friend. Just as she was guessing, she heard an “ah” – Jiu-jiu actually gasped and stumbled back two steps.

Seeing Jiu-jiu’s terrified expression, Yan Ting smiled slightly: “What’s wrong with you? You seem quite shocked.” Jiu-jiu caught her breath and said coldly: “Madam, you… the noodle seller you mentioned – could it be… could it be…” Yan Ting smiled: “That’s right, I’m talking about him – Lu Yun from Shandong.”

Suddenly hearing “Lu Yun,” this time it was A’Xiu’s turn to open his eyes wide and mutter: “Strange, how is there another person surnamed Lu?”

Tonight this surname “Lu” was red-hot, as if everyone had to mention it. Earlier when Brother Chongqing appeared, Uncle had mentioned someone who seemed to also be called “Lu Yun” – he wondered if it was the same person? Just as he was guessing, he heard Yan Ting laugh again: “It’s this Lu fellow. It’s been so many years – I was worried you wouldn’t recognize him.”

Jiu-jiu seemed somewhat lost, staring blankly at her mistress while her hands were behind her back, her ten fingers moving slightly, apparently tearing something in her sleeves. After a long while, she extended her left hand to wipe sweat and gasped: “Mad… Madam… your words aren’t quite right. This… this Lu fellow died over ten years ago, didn’t he? How… how has he popped up again?”

“Who said he died?” Yan Ting smiled slightly and said proudly: “I heard this Lu fellow has great fortune and destiny – he neither fell to his death nor drowned. For many years he’s been hiding in the southwest, waiting for the day to re-emerge in the martial world.” Jiu-jiu said in shock: “This… who said this? Could it be… could it be the Grand Shopkeeper?”

At the mention of “Grand Shopkeeper,” Yan Ting immediately closed her eyes to rest and said coldly: “Wrong. Even if the Grand Shopkeeper were ten times more capable, he wouldn’t necessarily know this matter.”

She leaned over with a slight smile and whispered in her ear: “Let me tell you honestly – this news was extracted from the Third Boss’s lips. It’s absolutely true, no lies.”

“Third Boss?” Hearing this title, Jiu-jiu cried out in shock: “National Uncle Qiong?”

“Shh!” Yan Ting’s beautiful eyebrows furrowed as she quickly raised herself on her tiptoes to look around the street. Seeing her mistress looking everywhere, Jiu-jiu quickly extended her right hand, threw the handful of paper scraps to the ground, then lifted her foot to stir the snow and cover the paper pieces.

While she was busy, Yan Ting had already turned back to scold: “Be more careful! Shouting so loudly – are you afraid people can’t hear you?” Seeing her mistress angry, Jiu-jiu quickly apologized: “Sorry, this servant was momentarily confused and didn’t pay attention… but… but the National Uncle never leaves his house – how could he… how could he know of this matter?”

“Have you forgotten?” Yan Ting looked proud as she swept back her hair casually: “Though the National Uncle doesn’t go out, there’s still a little demon in his house who’s good at running around outside.” Hearing there was a demon in the National Uncle’s house, A’Xiu and Hua Mei were naturally very curious. They heard Jiu-jiu murmur: “Little demon? Has… has the National Uncle remarried?”

“How silly – this demon didn’t come from outside.” Yan Ting covered her mouth and laughed: “I’m talking about ‘Qiong Fang.'”

“Qiong Fang?” Suddenly learning the little demon’s identity, A’Xiu and Hua Mei in the alley, and Jiu-jiu outside the alley all had moments of sudden understanding. Jiu-jiu said in shock: “Qiong Fang? She… she’s just the National Uncle’s granddaughter, isn’t she? What connection does she have with Lu Yun?” Yan Ting laughed: “The connection is huge. If not for this little girl’s accidental encounter, who in the world could have found Lu Yun?”

Seeing Jiu-jiu’s confused expression, Yan Ting covered her mouth and laughed again: “In the twelfth month, didn’t that little girl Qiong Fang say she was going to Guizhou? She recruited soldiers in the capital, made a big show along the way, caused trouble everywhere, and finally fell into White Water Falls. At the moment of life and death, she encountered Lu’s vengeful spirit.”

Jiu-jiu said in shock: “She… she fell into a waterfall? She… why would she jump down for no reason?”

“When women jump into water, what else could it be for?” Yan Ting covered her mouth and laughed: “I heard this Qiong Fang has a lover – that Su fellow from Mount Hua. They say this young man is Ning Bufan’s successor, a hundred times more handsome than his master, but his brain doesn’t have even a fraction of his master’s intelligence. After learning just two of his master’s sword techniques, he immediately went mad with fire deviation. Think about it – seeing her lover become an idiot, wouldn’t Qiong Fang rush to find her grand-master?” This Yan Ting spoke so harshly, always looking at everything from the worst angle. No matter who fell into her mouth, they’d be torn to pieces. Jiu-jiu had probably heard her speak this way often. She shook her head and sighed: “So she went to find a master for her lover. Such devotion is truly admirable.”

“Admirable what?” Yan Ting suddenly covered her mouth and laughed: “He’s her lover now, but whether he’ll still be later – nobody knows.”

“What?” Hua Mei’s heart pounded, A’Xiu’s eyes blinked, and Jiu-jiu looked even more surprised: “You mean… she and Su Ying broke up?”

Seeing Yan Ting nod with a smile, everyone was greatly shocked. You must know Su and Qiong were childhood sweethearts. The young couple’s wedding was near, and invitations had been sent throughout the capital – how could both sides just separate at will? Jiu-jiu said in confusion: “This… this makes no sense. Wasn’t Qiong Fang still traveling thousands of miles for her lover? Why would they quarrel?”

“This you don’t know.” Yan Ting’s eyes crinkled with laughter, her mood improving: “The problem was Qiong Fang’s trip to Guizhou – otherwise how would she have found a new love?”

Hearing of a new love appearing, Jiu-jiu suddenly felt an ominous premonition and said tremblingly: “Wait, this… this new love couldn’t be… be…”

“Exactly.” Yan Ting giggled: “If she hadn’t fallen for Lu Yun, why would the National Uncle be so angry he went mad?” This shock was truly extraordinary. Not only were Hua Mei and A’Xiu greatly surprised, but Jiu-jiu’s whole body shook violently, and the whisk in her hand immediately fell to the ground.

Yan Ting looked on with a smile, appearing completely uninvolved, and continued: “Don’t think I’m spreading rumors – I have witnesses. Tonight I questioned Juan’er. She said Qiong Fang indeed disappeared in Yangzhou, but when I asked where she went and who she left with, she hesitated and wouldn’t say. Later, when pressed hard, she finally said Qiong Fang left with an old noodle seller, claiming this noodle seller was surnamed Zhang and came from the South Sea. I laughed when I heard this. Think about it – what kind of simple-minded person is my junior sister? If she really met a noodle seller, this young lady would be too busy eating to spare time asking about his surname, name, or ancestral home. That’s how I spotted the flaw.”

Juan’er had been a simple girl since childhood. When she lied, she always had obvious flaws that her senior sister could see through at a glance. Though Jiu-jiu knew this, she said: “Maybe… maybe you misunderstood. Perhaps there really is such an old noodle seller in the world.”

Yan Ting laughed: “You can fool yourself with such words, but you can’t fool me. Just think – Qiong Fang is such a proud girl. To make her abandon her companions and willingly go with a noodle seller, tell me what kind of background this noodle seller would need?”

The answer was about to emerge. Qiong Fang was a daughter of a prestigious family – both beautiful and proud. If there really was a noodle vendor in this world who could take her away, this person’s martial arts absolutely couldn’t be too poor, his appearance couldn’t be too ugly, his hand had to be able to write, his mouth had to be able to speak. If by chance he had also passed the imperial examinations and achieved the golden list, things would naturally be even better. If, by some stroke of luck, this person happened to be alone in the world with no parents above or brothers and sisters-in-law below, this bowl of noodles would naturally taste even sweeter.

Hearing this, Jiu-jiu was already dumbstruck. Muttering to herself, she suddenly remembered something and quickly said: “Wait, doesn’t Qiong Fang have a marriage contract? She… she’s already sent out invitations – isn’t she afraid of what outsiders will say?”

Yan Ting laughed: “Say what? I’m amazed – you used to be so worldly, how do you seem to be getting more backwards as you age? Today’s girls aren’t like before. Which one isn’t extremely clever and bold? See one, love one, change one – riding a donkey while looking for a horse, doing whatever they please. Not like us old women who were born to be trampled on.” As she spoke, she sighed deeply, seeming rather envious.

Hearing the “Big-Eyed Cat’s” fate was so miserable, A’Xiu couldn’t help but shake his head secretly: “This Brother Su is really unlucky. Meeting such a bad woman, he’s truly lost completely.” Beside him, Hua Mei had different thoughts: “You can’t blame Aunt Fang for this. If she wants to marry, of course she should marry someone she likes. How can she force herself?”

Boys and girls think differently, so their thoughts were completely opposite. Just as he was about to ask more, he heard Yan Ting say: “Enough idle talk. Now that this Lu fellow has come to the capital, we need to discuss carefully how to find him.” Hearing Yan Ting wanted to seek Lu Yun, Jiu-jiu was naturally shocked and said in panic: “Madam, you… you really want to see him?”

Yan Ting smiled: “Is there any doubt? This Lu fellow and I were acquainted after all – we have some friendship. Now that he’s re-emerging in the martial world, I naturally have some heartfelt words to say to him.”

Jiu-jiu seemed to know her mistress’s scheme and said tremblingly: “Madam, forget it. You… you should spare him.”

“Spare him?” Yan Ting frowned: “What are you thinking? I’m not trying to harm him – why should I spare him?” Jiu-jiu said quietly: “If that’s the case, then Madam should avoid provoking him.” Yan Ting was displeased and raised her voice: “How dare you! I’m just meeting him and reminiscing about old times – who am I bothering?”

Jiu-jiu sighed: “Madam, it’s not that this servant is contradicting you, but you know yourself how tragic this Lu fellow’s situation is. He lost his official position, his beloved married someone else – even if he returns to the capital now, he has no hope left. Even if you go find him, you’ll probably just invite snubs.”

Having experienced the vast ocean, all other waters seem shallow; having seen the clouds of Mount Wu, all other clouds seem plain. But Yan Ting was someone who refused to admit defeat. She immediately snorted: “What do you mean ‘no hope left’? I don’t believe that nonsense. This Lu fellow was also someone who pursued fame and fortune in his time. If I help him secure some official position now, wouldn’t he be grateful to tears?” Jiu-jiu smiled bitterly: “Forget it, Madam. He won’t pay attention to you.”

Yan Ting was furious: “What did you say?”

Jiu-jiu sighed: “If it were someone else, this servant wouldn’t dare say so. But this Lu fellow has always been ungrateful. Don’t say you want to reward him with some eighth or ninth-rank position – even if you placed mountains of gold and silver before his eyes, he might not even look up.”

Hearing there was such a strange creature in the world, Yan Ting couldn’t help but spit again: “Listen to how highly you praise him! If he’s so numb and unfeeling, why would he get involved with Qiong Fang?”

Jiu-jiu smiled bitterly: “Madam, don’t ask me. You know him yourself. Do you really believe this gossip?” Yan Ting was rendered speechless by this retort and couldn’t answer for a long time. Finally, she sighed softly: “What you say is also true. He really is that kind of person.”

A’Xiu, hiding nearby and quietly listening to the story about the man surnamed Lu, couldn’t help but mutter secretly: “Is this guy even human? No wonder everyone’s looking for him. I’d like to meet such a strange creature myself.” Just as he was sighing, he heard Jiu-jiu sigh quietly: “Madam, do you still want to find him?”

Yan Ting said coldly: “Of course. Have I ever taken back any word I’ve spoken?”

Jiu-jiu sighed. Seeing the mistress before her appeared gentle but was actually strong-willed, she knew she couldn’t persuade her further and said: “Then what method does Madam have to make him listen to your arrangements?”

A beautiful index finger rose as Yan Ting looked up at the night sky and said quietly: “One word. I only need to say one word, and no matter how high and mighty this Lu fellow is, he’ll have to obey me completely.”

Hearing this, everyone was skeptical. Earlier, A’Xiu and Hua Mei had heard such a long story. Though they didn’t know this man surnamed Lu, they understood he was like a stone in a latrine – stinking and hard. Even if Yan Ting were Zhuge Liang reborn or Zhang Liang returned to life, at most she could capture and release him seven times – how could she make him obediently submit and follow orders? In the silence, everyone thought Yan Ting was bragging.

Jiu-jiu said calmly: “What brilliant plan does Madam have? Could you demonstrate?”

“One word…” Yan Ting was truly taking her time, arranging her crown while turning back with a light smile: “‘She.'”

Hearing this word “she,” Jiu-jiu seemed burned by a branding iron and actually jumped up, crying: “Madam! Please don’t act rashly! If you find her, something terrible will happen!”

Yan Ting said calmly: “What terrible thing? I’m just reporting news and sharing good tidings – what could happen?” The riddle was revealed, but the two children were confused, not knowing who this “she” referred to. But Jiu-jiu was terrified, saying tremblingly: “That won’t work. You know the Grand Shopkeeper’s temper… if this matter reaches his ears, neither of our lives will be easy…”

Yan Ting smiled: “Who’s afraid of whom? If my life is difficult, will his be easy? Let me tell you, as long as I can make him anxious and disturbed, I’ll be happier than anyone.”

Jiu-jiu looked fearful and hesitated, not daring to respond. Yan Ting observed her expression, suddenly extended her finger with a smile, and stroked Jiu-jiu’s cheek, sighing: “Look at you… like you’re seeing the King of Hell. Could it be that in this entire court, you only fear him?”

What was even more frightening stood before her. Seeing her smiling confidently with everything under control, without saying a word she already possessed the power of Empress Lu. Poor Jiu-jiu lowered her head and withdrew her hands, seeming unable to advance or retreat.

Yan Ting smiled: “Don’t be like this. Tell me quickly – do you listen to him or to me?”

Strangely, the softer Aunt Wu’s voice became, the more Jiu-jiu’s body shook, apparently fearing both of them.

Yan Ting sighed: “Jiu-jiu, don’t be so spineless. Remember when you were also a renowned figure? Men in the martial world all feared you, men in the court all courted you. When I saw you force my martial uncle to death, though I hated you in my heart, I secretly admired your courage. Come on, for the sake of us all being women, I’ll give you a chance here.” As she spoke, she actually turned her back and said calmly: “Come. If you want to serve the Grand Shopkeeper, if you want to inform on me, then act quickly. If you achieve this great merit, won’t he return your freedom?”

Suddenly hearing the word “freedom,” Jiu-jiu’s eyes suddenly lit up. She swallowed saliva, her eyes turning sideways to look at the whisk on the ground.

Earlier, Jiu-jiu had accidentally dropped her whisk and still hadn’t picked it up. Seeing her breathing becoming rapid, the word “freedom” had apparently moved her. Hua Mei watched from the side, secretly anxious for her mother, while A’Xiu felt no worry, only holding her back to prevent her from suddenly crying out.

A’Xiu understood perfectly that Aunt Wu before them wasn’t a fool like Aunt Juan. She had controlled the Nine Flowers household for over ten years. Now deliberately revealing this opening, she must have some powerful follow-up ready. If Jiu-jiu got excited by the opportunity, she would definitely receive a devastating blow.

Sure enough, A’Xiu’s guess wasn’t wrong. He saw Jiu-jiu staring at the whisk on the ground, breathing rapidly, seeming to want to bend down to pick it up but not daring to. Though Yan Ting had her back turned, she could still see her movements clearly, saying with a smile to comfort her: “Don’t be afraid. I just returned from audience tonight – you should know I’m not carrying a sword.”

Nine Flowers martial arts relied only on lightness skills and fast swords. The rest – palm power and fist techniques – weren’t their strengths. If Yan Ting wasn’t carrying weapons, she’d be like a female leopard without claws and fangs – not worth fearing. Of course, she might also be lying and deceiving, perhaps hiding a dagger in her sleeve or knife in her skirt – that was also possible. In any case, without trying, one would never know.

The whisk was three feet from Jiu-jiu. With just one quick step forward, she could grab it. Jiu-jiu wanted to gamble but didn’t dare. After a long, long time, she finally sighed deeply, prostrated herself, and sobbed: “Madam above, even if this servant had tremendous courage, I wouldn’t dare fight with you.”

Yan Ting smiled slightly and was about to turn around when – speaking of speed – Jiu-jiu suddenly moved, her right hand shooting out toward the whisk on the ground.

“Jiu-jiu.” Yan Ting shook her beautiful hair with a smile: “I’m growing more and more fond of you.”

Jiu-jiu felt her throat grow cold as she saw Yan Ting pull out a hairpin and shake her long hair. The sharp point of the jade hairpin had stopped at her throat. Jiu-jiu’s whole body trembled, realizing Yan Ting’s martial arts had improved another level and she was completely confident of subduing her. She said coldly: “Madam, please… please give me a quick death…”

Yan Ting extended her index finger and playfully touched her face, laughing softly: “What are you saying? Look how scary you make me sound.” She helped Jiu-jiu up with an intimate voice: “Jiu-jiu, you’ve messed up my hair now – you’ll have to compensate me.”

Seeing two women standing at the front door arranging hair, A’Xiu couldn’t help but feel secretly creeped out: “No wonder Uncle said everyone surnamed Wu is a freak. It’s really true.”

The Wu family was full of loyal servants – all freaks. Look at Uncle Wu – inexplicably, in the evening at Hongluo Temple, he was seen in a thunderous rage, ordering body searches for no reason, even making the Twin Monsters of Mount Hua remove their pants. Truly strange indeed. Then look at Wu Chongqing with his perpetual cold eyes and sinister manner – his brain definitely wasn’t right either. He’d thought only Aunt Wu in their whole family was normal, but who knew that though she spoke sweetly on the surface, privately she was also weird and eerie like a mad woman.

Looking at Hua Mei, A’Xiu couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. Just as he was sighing, he suddenly thought of his own family and couldn’t help but lament inwardly: “Why am I worrying about others? If we’re talking about the king of freaks in the capital, you’d have to ask if the Yang family agrees first.”

Every family has its freaks, and Beijing has so many. In short, the pot shouldn’t call the kettle black. Just as he was feeling emotional, Yan Ting finally walked toward the house door, apparently about to return home. A’Xiu’s legs were so sore he just wanted to stand up quickly, but as soon as his body moved, Jiu-jiu stopped walking again.

Yan Ting frowned: “What’s wrong? We should go home.” Jiu-jiu suddenly lowered her head: “Madam, you… you want to see the man surnamed Lu… should this matter… should this matter be told to the master?”

“Insolent!” Before she finished speaking, Yan Ting was already furiously shouting: “If you dare tell Dingyuan about this, I’ll kill you immediately!”

Yan Ting had originally been speaking and laughing peacefully. Even when fighting with Jiu-jiu, she could remain calm and composed. Who would have thought she’d flip like turning a page – now she was truly furious. Hua Mei watched from the side, both shocked and puzzled, not knowing what was so important about this Lu Yun that her mother would hide it from her father. Full of confusion, she couldn’t help but break free from A’Xiu, wanting to go out and ask clearly. A’Xiu was greatly shocked and was about to pull her back when he heard Yan Ting shout sharply: “Who’s there?”

A’Xiu cried out in distress, not expecting Aunt Wu’s hearing to be extremely sharp – she’d already detected their location. Just as he was thinking how to lie his way out of this, he heard the sound of horse hooves on the road and a steady voice saying: “Your subordinate Gong Zhi presumes to disturb you.”

The hoofbeats were crisp on the road. Everyone turned to look and saw a rider approaching from afar. The person on horseback wore military dress with a robust build – it was Gong Zhi of the Zhengtong Army. He came to the front of the residence, immediately dismounted, and bowed: “This official Gong Zhi greets Madam.”

Gong Zhi was Wu Dingyuan’s trusted confidant, reliable in his work. Seeing him arrive, Yan Ting also became careful and said formally: “Rise and speak.” After Gong Zhi kowtowed, he stood up and bowed to Jiu-jiu: “Miss Hu, it’s been a long time.”

So Jiu-jiu’s surname was “Hu.” Only now did A’Xiu learn this. He saw her grunt and nod to Gong Zhi, then hide behind her mistress with a docile expression.

Yan Ting said indifferently: “Staff Officer Gong, visiting late at night – what important matter brings you?” Gong Zhi bowed: “In response to Madam, this subordinate has no major business – I just happened to pass by the residence and came to check.”

Yan Ting smiled. At midnight during the Lantern Festival, and Gong Zhi was wearing full military dress – how could he have no important business? She knew Gong Zhi was deceiving her and was about to probe indirectly when she heard more hoofbeats. Three more riders appeared on the street. Coming near and suddenly seeing Yan Ting present, they immediately dismounted in unison and bowed loudly: “We subordinates pay respects to Madam!”

All four staff officers of the Zhengtong Army had arrived. Besides “Seal Officer” Gong Zhi, there were also “Provisions Officer” Cen Yan, “Military Officer” Gao Jiong, and “Banner Officer” Yan Feng – all Wu Dingyuan’s trusted associates. Though these staff officers were usually imposing, when they came before Madam, each knelt on one knee with utmost respect.

Yan Ting had originally been cold as ice, but seeing them so polite, her smile bloomed instantly like ice melting on a mountain, and she said sweetly: “All rise.” With a whoosh, the three officers stood up simultaneously, their movements so coordinated they looked like performing troops. Yan Ting was even happier and was about to chat with them when Cen Yan was the first to shout: “Madam! It’s over! It’s over! Something terrible has happened!”

Hearing Cen Yan shouting and disturbing the peace with his inauspicious words, Yan Ting shot a glance, and Jiu-jiu immediately became furious and scolded: “Insolent madman! What do you mean ‘Madam is finished’? A dog’s mouth can’t produce ivory – slap yourself!”

Earlier, “Jiu-jiu” had been beaten and scolded like a pitiful little daughter-in-law, but now in front of Cen Yan, she had become Madam’s loyal guardian, imposing and powerful. Cen Yan’s face reddened as he quickly said: “Sorry, sorry! This humble person misspoke.” He raised his hand and slapped his own cheek twice. Seeing Madam satisfied, he laughed dryly again: “Reporting to Madam, the Loyalist Army is bullying us again!”

“Loyalist Army?” Yan Ting made an “oh” sound: “With all your shouting and screaming, it turns out to be about this? Why hasn’t Xiong Jun been released yet?” Madam’s information was well-informed – she understood immediately. Cen Yan was overjoyed: “Yes, yes! It’s about General Xiong. Tonight he went to the Capital Garrison Camp to borrow troops and was actually detained by the Loyalist Army people. He still can’t get free. Madam, please think of a solution!”

Xiong Jun was a fierce front-line general who had a big explosion every three to five days. Yan Ting wasn’t too surprised, laughing: “You really are something. If there’s business, just discuss it with your Grand Commander. Instead of taking the proper route, you come looking for me, a woman, to take charge. Wouldn’t that make me like that… that whatever hen crowing at dawn.”

“A hen crowing at dawn,” Jiu-jiu proudly supplied the phrase for Madam.

Seeing the two women singing in harmony, Cen Yan couldn’t help but smile bitterly: “Madam, you don’t understand! The Grand Commander has always been law-abiding, handling everything by the book. If you ask him to rescue General Xiong, by the time they cut off Xiong’s paws, he’ll still be patiently enduring there. Please act quickly to save him!” Just as he was pleading, he heard Yan Ting laugh: “Enduring is good! Doesn’t your Grand Commander always teach this way? ‘Endure one step and the wind will be calm and waves still; retreat one step and the sea will be broad and sky vast.’ Everyone yielding a step, enduring for the country’s sake – wouldn’t that be beautiful?” She turned her head to ask Jiu-jiu: “That’s what he says, right?”

Seeing Jiu-jiu nodding repeatedly, Madam smiled without speaking. Suddenly there was a thud as someone knelt on the ground – a handsome young man, the “Little Zhao Yun” Yan Feng. He gritted his teeth and said: “Madam! This subordinate and General Xiong enlisted in the same year. Have you forgotten that we were all personally recommended by you, Madam! You absolutely cannot stand by and watch us die!” As he spoke, he knocked his head heavily on the ground, extremely grief-stricken.

Times were bad with women ruling the country. Watching these two women sing in harmony while several grown men stood frozen there, the staff officers were anxious as fire, but Gong Zhi only stood by with his hands behind his back, saying nothing. A’Xiu thought secretly with amusement: “These people are truly hopeless fools. Aunt Wu is such a formidable person – if she doesn’t provoke others, people should be thanking their lucky stars. Now there are mad dogs charging at her house – how could they survive?”

Though A’Xiu was young, he was better at reading expressions than several adults. Indeed, though Yan Ting appeared to smile carelessly as if she didn’t care, her eyes actually contained hidden killing intent – she was already furious inside.

Beside him, Hua Mei hated the Loyalist Army even more, gritting her teeth. A’Xiu saw this and felt afraid, thinking: “Good heavens, tigers big and small are all female – I better be very careful.”

The Loyalist Army and Orthodox Army were hereditary enemies, feuding for more than a day. Yan Ting had her own fixed opinions. Seeing Yan Feng still kneeling there, she immediately laughed: “Alright, stop kowtowing. If you knock your head bloody, who’s going to fight for my husband?” She extended both hands to personally help him up. Yan Feng, held by her soft, tender palms, felt his heart pounding wildly. Just as he was thinking of backing away, he smelled a hint of fragrance at his nose tip. Yan Ting had actually raised herself on her tiptoes, lifting her face to ask: “Little Zhao Yun, I heard you want to join my Nine Flowers sect. Is this true?”

Hearing Madam’s teasing, Yan Feng’s cheeks were already red, but hearing this question, his face turned even more like fire. He said in shock: “Madam jests! This subordinate is a sixth-generation disciple of Flying Cloud Manor. With my master’s kindness like a mountain yet unpaid, how could I randomly switch to another sect?” Yan Ting, hearing his serious response, couldn’t help but giggle: “What a pity. I only heard that you write letters to our Haitang every day, so I thought you wanted to become our Nine Flowers Mountain’s son-in-law. Sigh… hearing you say this now, I realize it was all a misunderstanding.”

Madam’s words had hidden meaning. Yan Feng cried out in realization that he’d missed a golden opportunity. Though he wanted to say some polite words to cover up, he was habitually stern and wooden, so the words stuck in his throat, stuttering like he’d learned Wu Dingyuan’s true teachings.

Though Yan Ting was past thirty, her appearance was still absolutely beautiful. When she spoke, her eyes contained charm and her voice carried coquettishness. Just by casually placing her jade wrist on her waist, she showed off her voluptuous hips, long legs, and graceful figure. Yan Feng’s face was red and ears hot. Though standing face to face with Madam, he didn’t dare look at her beauty, only lowering his head. But seeing Madam’s embroidered shoes enter his vision made his mind wander. A’Xiu couldn’t help but find it amusing again: “This Aunt Wu is really playing dumb. How could he like Haitang? He likes you!”

The adult’s heart pounded, the child blushed. Seeing all the men had become idiots, Yan Ting seemed to have won a great victory. She arranged her beautiful hair with a smile: “Alright, let’s not talk about these idle matters. Where’s Dingyuan? Didn’t he come back with you?”

The words were still in the air when suddenly there was a “creak” – the residence gates on both sides opened. Standing in the doorway was an iron tower of a man. Looking at that authentic square face full of weathering, it was Wu Dingyuan arrived.

Wu Dingyuan had been home long ago. As soon as he stepped out of the residence, the staff officers on both sides immediately straightened their military bearing and said in unison: “Grand Commander.” Yan Ting smiled and was about to go forward to greet him, but saw Wu Dingyuan turn his face away and brush past her. Gong Zhi on the side brought over two warhorses and handed them to Wu Dingyuan.

Yan Ting was slightly taken aback. She saw Wu Dingyuan with his back to her, hanging his sword on the saddle while asking: “Where are the Juyong Pass troops now?” Gong Zhi said: “They passed Changping half an hour ago. They should reach the capital outskirts before dawn.” Wu Dingyuan nodded: “Very good. You hurry out early to rendezvous with them. Remember to deploy the troops at Guangning Gate. Without my orders, no one is allowed to leave their post without permission.”

Hearing Gong Zhi agree, Wu Dingyuan said no more and was about to mount his horse when he heard a soft call: “Dingyuan.”

Yan Ting’s public address made everyone realize something – Wu Dingyuan had never spoken to his wife, and from beginning to end had never even glanced at her, as if he hadn’t seen this person at all.

At this moment, with Yan Ting calling out, Wu Dingyuan should have heard. He had one foot in the stirrup, one hand supporting the horse’s back. His back remained motionless – he was apparently waiting for his wife to come speak.

For a long, long time, Yan Ting only remained in place, apparently wanting her husband to turn around himself.

After a long while, neither had spoken nor moved – no one could budge. In the silence, Wu Dingyuan pushed off with his left foot and flipped onto the horse’s back. Just as he was about to spur the horse away, he heard Yan Ting raise her voice and shout loudly: “Wu… Dingyuan!”

For ten years, it had been “Lord Wu this” and “Brother Wu that” – the two had always been polite. Tonight the Commander’s wife directly called his name, surname and given name together. The staff officers were shocked hearing this, knowing something was wrong, and quickly looked at the ground, not daring to speak or move. Wu Dingyuan seemed deaf and was about to pull the reins when Gong Zhi blocked his path and said quietly: “Commander, Madam is calling you.”

Wu Dingyuan looked down slowly, then gradually shifted his gaze back. After a long pause, he finally said: “You… is there something?”

“Nothing.” Yan Ting twisted her slender waist and was immediately about to return to the residence. Gong Zhi coughed and quickly signaled to Gao Jiong. This “Command Officer,” seeing the situation clearly, immediately activated his internal energy and pushed Cen Yan to the ground. The “Provisions Officer” cried out in pain, rolling on the ground like a steamed bun, blocking Madam’s path home.

With great difficulty stopping Madam’s steps, “Jiu-jiu” quickly went forward to support Yan Ting, whispering in her ear: “Madam, today is the Lantern Festival.” The annual Lantern Festival should be a time for family reunion – they absolutely couldn’t get angry and quarrel. Seeing Yan Ting breathing deeply and lightly biting her pearly teeth, apparently suppressing something. After a long, long time, she finally turned back and said: “You… are you going out?”

“Mm.” Wu Dingyuan lowered his head and eyes, his expression wooden. Seeing the Grand Commander being so sparing with words, only grunting once before falling silent, everyone secretly worried. Yan Ting tried hard to regulate her breathing and suppressed her anger: “You… what time did you come back last night?”

“Mm.” Wu Dingyuan grunted again and after finishing, didn’t forget to turn his face away. Yan Ting’s anger surged upward. Seeing her full chest rising and falling, she was definitely about to explode. Gong Zhi quickly said: “The Commander returned at dawn.”

Wu Dingyuan leading troops on campaign, returning home late at night and leaving early in the morning was perfectly normal.

Thinking of her husband’s hard work, Yan Ting couldn’t make a scene in public and said: “You… you returned at dawn, but when I got up I didn’t see you?” Wu Dingyuan had originally been looking downward, but hearing his wife’s question, he slowly raised his square face. Everyone’s hearts leaped with joy, thinking he was going to respond, but who knew Dingyuan’s gaze traveled upward and finally fixed on the jade disc in the sky, as if admiring the moon.

In the quiet, Gong Zhi coughed and said: “In response to Madam, last night the Commander returned late. Seeing Madam sleeping soundly, he didn’t want to disturb you. Later the Ministry of War had business for him, so he went out.” Gong Zhi spoke for a long time, but Yan Ting paid no attention, her large eyes only staring at her husband. Wu Dingyuan seemed absent-minded. Looking up at the night sky, he not only didn’t speak but wouldn’t even turn his gaze over.

For over ten years, Yan Ting had grown more beautiful each day and was now truly living up to her name, stunning all others. Wu Dingyuan’s martial arts had also grown higher and higher until he finally became the famous, world-conquering Grand Commander. Who knew that when the couple met, this was the scene awaiting them. The staff officers bowed with lowered hands, none daring to make a sound. Gong Zhi also didn’t want to say more and immediately withdrew, pretending not to know.

A’Xiu, hiding nearby and stealing glances, gradually turned his gaze to Hua Mei. He saw this little girl looking down at the small lantern her mother had made for her, tears already brimming in her eyes. Seeing her parents quarreling like this, as their daughter her heart must feel terrible.

The scene was oppressive with no one speaking for a long time. “Jiu-jiu” boldly came to tug at Yan Ting’s sleeve but was forcefully shaken off. She looked quietly at her husband: “Dingyuan, I came back late and made you angry?”

Wu Dingyuan listened silently to his wife’s words, only shaking his head: “Nothing’s wrong.”

Yan Ting gazed at him and said gently: “If nothing’s wrong, then why won’t you speak?”

Wu Dingyuan looked away and said softly: “Nothing’s wrong.”

Commander Wu was concise and to the point. Speaking over and over, it was always the same two words – truly silence was better than sound. Yan Ting didn’t care anymore and turned her back, asking no more questions. Seeing his wife had nothing more to say, Wu Dingyuan said: “Is there nothing else?” Yan Ting, with her back turned, said indifferently: “Nothing.” Wu Dingyuan nodded and was about to ride away when Yan Ting suddenly smiled: “Wu Dingyuan, do you want to know where your wife went tonight?”

It was midnight, yet Yan Ting had only returned after playing most of the night. If Wu Dingyuan weren’t made of wood and stone, he must have feelings about this. Indeed, hearing her words, his back moved slightly – he had apparently taken notice. Under everyone’s gaze, Yan Ting swept back her hair and said lightly: “Let me tell you honestly – tonight I accompanied your boss to admire lanterns. He dragged your wife around playing all night. What do you say to that?”

Wu Dingyuan was noble – below one person, above ten thousand. His boss was naturally the current Son of Heaven, the ruler of the nation. What could he say to this?

Clip-clop, clip-clop – hoofbeats sounded on the road as Wu Dingyuan pulled the reins and rode away, already gone far. Yan Ting said no more and only turned around, walking straight toward the residence gate.

On Lantern Festival reunion night, the couple went their separate ways. Seeing Wu Dingyuan head west, Jiu-jiu pulled Gong Zhi over and asked quietly: “Master Gong, where is the Grand Commander going?” Gong Zhi sighed: “He’s going to Bazhou.”

At the mention of “Bazhou,” Yan Ting couldn’t help but slow her steps and slowly turn her head back. Jiu-jiu said in shock: “Bazhou… is he going alone?” Gong Zhi sighed: “He’s always like this. Whether campaigning south or north, he always travels alone without even someone to talk to.”

Gong Zhi was worthy of being the chief staff officer. Though his words seemed addressed to “Jiu-jiu,” they actually had deeper meaning. He turned to Yan Ting and bowed: “Madam, we have official duties and cannot stay long. We take our leave now.”

No need for many words – the point was made. Hearing the crisp hoofbeats, Gong Zhi led the group to mount and head north. After the staff officers left the residence, only the master and servant remained. Yan Ting stood quietly at the gate, lost in thought. No one knew how much time passed before she suddenly turned to look back, her gaze seeking the direction of Dingyuan’s departure.

Cold wind and snow filled the road. Wu Dingyuan had long since gone far. Seeing Yan Ting standing speechless in a daze, Jiu-jiu again boldly supported her and said softly: “Madam, should this servant go chase him back?”

Slap! A loud sound – Yan Ting’s delicate hand rose lightly and actually slapped Jiu-jiu across the face. She said grimly: “My affairs don’t need your meddling.” She forcefully pushed the gate and walked straight in.

The Grand Commander had left, Madam had also left. The residence front was cold and empty with only Jiu-jiu standing alone. She lowered her head, touched her face, shrugged her shoulders, and laughed self-mockingly: “Fool, what are you doing? If she wants to jump into a fire pit, you should push her in – why bother feeling sorry for her?” She turned and went back to the residence, closing the main gate.

Bang! The adults had finally all left. Poor A’Xiu’s feet had long since gone numb. While rubbing his sore legs, he chuckled and scolded: “Hua Mei, so your mother can not only boss people around but also slap faces!” Slap! A’Xiu’s cheek stung – he’d also received a slap. Seeing that tigers big and small were all female, A’Xiu’s anger flared and he was about to return the punch when he heard a “woo” – the little girl had already thrown herself into his arms first, crying.

A’Xiu said angrily: “Hey! What are you crying about? I’m the one who got hit!” Hua Mei buried her face in A’Xiu’s arms and cried loudly: “Idiots! They’re all idiots! I hate my father, hate my mother, hate everyone in the house.”

A’Xiu understood, seeing that Hua Mei, so young, witnessing her parents’ discord, naturally felt her heart cut like a knife. He quickly patted her back to comfort her: “Don’t cry. They fought tonight, they’ll kiss tomorrow morning, and in a couple days everything will be fine.” Hua Mei cried: “It won’t be fine! They’re always like this, fighting today, fighting tomorrow, never stopping. Brother Xiu, I hate them – Hua Mei doesn’t want to be their daughter!”

A’Xiu smiled bitterly: “Don’t say such things. Your family only has a few people – how much can they fight? If you don’t believe me, come see my house – I guarantee you’ll be amazed.” Hua Mei looked up in surprise: “Your… your family fights too?” A’Xiu laughed: “They fight fiercely! My grandmother fights with my uncle, my uncle fights with my father, my father and mother also fight. Big fights with small, small fights with big – the whole family fights in chaos!” Hua Mei, hearing his exaggeration, couldn’t help but smile through her tears: “I don’t believe you. Your father is so refined – would he really fight with people?” A’Xiu clicked his tongue and sighed: “You don’t know – the one with the most rules in our house is that great lord of ours. He manages this, manages that, but nobody likes following his rules. Every time there’s chaos in the house, nine times out of ten it’s related to his lordship.”

Hearing that all parents under heaven were the same, Hua Mei couldn’t help but feel deeply moved. She looked at A’Xiu and said quietly: “Then… when your parents fight, do you feel sad?” A’Xiu laughed heartily: “What would I be sad about? As long as we have food to eat and clothes to wear, who cares who fights whom!” He pulled Hua Mei’s little hand with a smile: “Come on, let’s ignore these crazy people and go play by ourselves.”

Hua Mei stared at him blankly, then suddenly threw herself into his arms and said loudly: “Brother Xiu, when we grow up, let’s never fight for our whole lives. Is that good?” A’Xiu made a sound of surprise. Hearing her speak like this, it seemed she wanted to make a lifelong pact with him. His heart pounded as he said tremblingly: “Good… good! But… you have to give me a kiss.”

This was meant as a joke, but who knew Hua Mei would actually close her eyes and slowly lean over after hearing it. A’Xiu was overjoyed and quickly opened his tiger mouth wide, about to stick out his tongue in welcome, when he heard a “chirp” – A’Xiu’s forehead grew hot and his heart was greatly shocked, only then remembering he’d already become a short tiger. He quickly said: “Wait! That doesn’t count! I forgot to stand on my tiptoes!” Just as he was about to try again, Hua Mei ignored him and had already walked away with giggles.

No matter when, as long as A’Xiu was around, even the greatest troubles would disappear. Hua Mei had originally been in a bad mood, but after A’Xiu’s teasing, she was smiling again. The two children carried lanterns through the night, now going to find companions. A’Xiu knew the routes well. At every large residence, he would imitate an owl outside the dog hole, calling “yi-yi-ya-ya.” Sometimes there would be “woof-woof” responses from inside the walls, sometimes sudden “meow-meow” sounds. Soon a small child would emerge with a lantern. Before long, they had gathered six people.

New Year had two main events – one was New Year’s Eve, the other was the Lantern Festival. The former brought money to collect, the latter spent all the money. A’Xiu, as the leader of all children, naturally looked forward to this night all year. If he didn’t cause a big ruckus tonight, the whole year wouldn’t feel right.

Snowflakes slowly drifted down. Sister Moon had her face covered by dark clouds and was nowhere to be seen, leaving only the black hole that was Beijing city. Though the small children were somewhat afraid, with A’Xiu leading the team, it was like they’d eaten bear hearts and leopard gall. They followed one after another – “Azure Dragon Crescent Blade” opening the road, “Eight-Colored Treasure Ship” following closely, with other red goldfish and little tigers also scattering lamplight as they followed Brother Xiu in a mighty procession.

The lantern procession came to the Vice Minister’s residence. A’Xiu, following his earlier manner, lay at the back door’s dog hole and called loudly. In no time, pitiful low cries came from inside the door: “Ghosts… so many ghosts…”

Hearing this voice, the children were first startled, then delighted, knowing the right person had arrived.

Sure enough, they saw a drooling person crawl out of the dog hole – it was the idiot Hu Zhengtang, followed by another runny-nosed person crawling out – it was little follower A’Yuan.

Hua Mei said in surprise: “Zhou Zhiyuan, why are you here too?” A’Yuan said: “I came with my father. He was worried seeing Uncle Hu didn’t go to Hongluo Temple tonight, so he came to check on him.”

A’Xiu said quietly: “What’s wrong? Is Uncle Hu sick?” A’Yuan shook his head: “Uncle Hu is fine. It’s Hu Zhengtang whose illness isn’t better yet. I heard he got an old monk to give Zhengtang acupuncture all night – don’t know if it works.”

A’Xiu made an “oh” sound. He moved close to Hu Zhengtang to check his condition, but saw this boy drooling and actually hugging Hua Mei while making ghostly cries, like a lecher possessed. A’Xiu was furious: “Stinky boy, so you’re sick again?!” Just as he was about to punch him back to health, he heard shouting from the dog hole: “Wait for me, wait for me! Zai Zhi wants to play too.”

Hearing there was still someone in the dog hole, the children couldn’t help but be curious. Looking back, they saw a child crawl out of the hole – this person had a chubby face like a red persimmon.

Seeing the new friend arrive, A’Xiu couldn’t help but say in surprise: “Who is this?” A’Yuan whispered in his ear: “This child is surnamed Zhu. His father is also inside as a guest.”

The children heard the little fatty was surnamed “Zhu” – this was the imperial surname. Looking at him wearing yellow robes of noble dress with a dragon-shaped lantern in his hand, his status was apparently quite extraordinary. Seeing the children staring blankly at him, the fat child actually snorted and raised his fat face, then swept his robe sleeves and said proudly: “Listen well – I’m called Zhu Zai Zhi. My father is Prince Chuan, my grandfather is the founding Great Ancestor, and I’m going to be Emperor in the future. If you want promotions and wealth, you all have to curry favor with me.” He puffed out his chest and belly, waiting for the children to kowtow in gratitude.

With a “puff,” A’Xiu lowered his head and laughed, followed by endless “haha” and “huhu” sounds as all the children burst into laughter.

The fat child said in shock: “You… what are you laughing at?” A’Xiu laughed: “In the middle of New Year, we keep meeting crazy people. Let’s go, let’s go – everyone hurry up and carry lanterns.” The children followed A’Xiu’s lead and were about to leave giggling when the fat child became furious and shouted: “Wait! You child actually cursed me? Who are you? Quickly state your name!”

A’Xiu said in surprise: “What? Don’t recognize me already? Think about who raised you?” Zhu Zai Zhi said loudly: “My father!” A’Xiu gave a thumbs up in praise: “Good eyesight! You finally understand filial piety.”

The children laughed until they fell over. Zhu Zai Zhi still didn’t understand and continued snorting: “That goes without saying – this child has been filial since small, praised by all who see him.”

Just as he was being pompous, bell-like laughter rang out continuously. Zhu Zai Zhi made a sound of surprise and turned back urgently. He was shocked to see a little girl standing behind him with fair skin, a melon-seed face, and especially watery large eyes. Without needing introduction, he’d already recognized her and immediately cried out with great joy: “Fairy sister!” He was about to rush forward shouting: “Hug! Hug!”

“…” A’Xiu smiled coldly, placing his hand on Hua Mei’s shoulder and looking sideways with a proud smile: “Isn’t this already a hug?”

The fat child was greatly shocked. Seeing the fairy sister fall into evil clutches, he couldn’t help but become frantic with rage: “Let go of your dirty hands! Don’t touch my fairy sister!” A’Xiu laughed: “Your fairy sister? Then where’s mine?” He hugged Hua Mei’s shoulder and was about to take her away.

“Stop!” Zhu Zai Zhi was indignant and quickly blocked the path, pointing and shouting: “If you want to take her away, you must first ask if I agree!” A’Xiu said in shock: “What? I’m hugging my own wife and still need to report to you? What onion are you?”

The children burst into laughter, nearly laughing themselves sick. Zhu Zai Zhi was embarrassed and angry. As an imperial prince who’d always gotten wind when he wanted wind and rain when he wanted rain, where had he ever met such a rogue? In desperation, he suddenly remembered he had another formidable identity and quickly roared: “You… you’re dead! This child is a Mount Hua disciple with very powerful martial arts – I’m going to beat you to death now!” He extended his fat leg, lifting it high behind him, waving both hands up and down like a crane, shouting loudly: “Cat-Dog Divine Skill!”

Hearing the newcomer was from Mount Hua sect, all the children cried out in surprise. A’Xiu spat and was about to roll up his sleeves when A’Yuan quickly said: “Brother Xiu, don’t provoke him. I heard this fatty really is from Mount Hua sect.”

A’Xiu was shocked. Though young, he’d heard about Mount Hua’s deeds. They said these masters were truly skilled people who didn’t show off – the more idiotic they appeared, the higher their martial arts talent. Looking at this fat child’s stubborn ignorance, rarely seen in the world, his abilities must be tremendous. Feeling timid, he quickly said: “Wait, you… are you Su Ying’s disciple?” The fat child snorted: “I’m not his disciple. My master is called… called…” His brain wasn’t good – he stammered for a long time but couldn’t remember.

A’Xiu said in panic: “Is your master called Ning Bufan?”

The fat child said blankly: “Seems… seems so.”

A’Xiu’s soul flew to the heavens, wanting only to turn and run, but heard the children shouting encouragement: “Brother Xiu, Brother Xiu, smiling sweetly! Get up in the morning, kick your feet – school children cry sadly!” The children were all excited, each cheering loudly. A’Xiu could only cry bitterly. Seeing he couldn’t escape, he simply steeled his heart, cried out strangely, and roared: “What’s Mount Hua sect? Behold my authentic Shaolin Luohan Fist!” He bared his teeth and looked fierce, actually about to get serious.

A’Xiu’s father was a lay disciple of Shaolin and had taught his son some self-defense moves. Now watching Shaolin fight Mount Hua, no one knew who would win. The children watched intently, waiting to see the masters duel. Suddenly hearing a loud “Ha!” cry, A’Xiu closed his eyes tightly and swung his fists, about to charge wildly forward, when he heard the fat child give a piercing roar: “Cat-Dog Divine Skill!”

The fat child’s momentum was overwhelming, frightening A’Xiu out of his wits. Just as he was about to hold his head and flee like a rat, he suddenly heard a loud thud – the sound of a heavy object hitting the ground. A’Xiu stared down blankly and was shocked to see a little fatty lying on the ground – who else could it be but the fat child? A’Xiu was puzzled and suspicious, thinking his opponent was trying a leg sweep, when he suddenly heard a mournful “woo” – the fat child was actually waving his limbs wildly, rolling on the ground and crying: “Father! Father! Bad children are hitting me – come save me quickly!”

The children had never seen such a crybaby and all stared dumbfounded. A’Xiu was also stunned. He had been waiting to beg for mercy, but who would have thought the enemy would collapse and die on his own before even a finger touched him?

Just as he was puzzled, he suddenly saw the children looking at him, then remembered he was still in combat. He quickly assumed a fighting stance and said proudly: “Mighty Vajra Palm, Third Style: Father Beats Dog.”

Seeing the loser wailing and the winner calm and composed, still announcing his martial arts origins, the small children were greatly shocked. Led by A’Yuan, they sang in unison: “Brother Xiu, Brother Xiu, with one kick, beats all private schools to claim first place! Teachers bow when they see him – who dares provoke him pays with their life!”

“Enough.” A’Xiu raised his right hand majestically to stop the children’s cheers, then extended his foot to step on the fat child’s bottom, saying proudly: “Everyone tell me – how should I deal with this fellow?”

“Beat him to death! Beat him to death!” All the small children were fence-sitters. Seeing the situation settled, they all became fiercely loyal and shouted viciously.

A’Yuan, fearing trouble, quickly stepped forward: “Reporting to Brother Xiu, this little fatty hasn’t really done anything bad. You’re magnanimous – since you’ve already taught him a lesson, please spare his life.”

A’Xiu made a “hmm” sound, then rolled his eyes strangely and, imitating Wu Dingyuan’s manner, snorted angrily: “Hmph!” Once the boss’s tone leaked out, the small children read the mood and immediately punched and kicked A’Yuan to eliminate this traitor. After disposing of the treacherous minister, several flatterers turned and said: “Reporting to Brother Xiu, this little fatty had eyes but couldn’t recognize Mount Tai – he actually messed with your woman. If you don’t teach him a lesson today, there’s no guarantee he won’t repeat his offense in the future.” All the children shouted in unison: “If you don’t remove the roots, they’ll grow again in spring wind! Brother Xiu, quickly beat him to death!”

A’Xiu nodded solemnly: “Since everyone says so, I have no choice but to act.”

With a cold smile, he grabbed the fat child’s collar and said grimly: “Stinky boy, I originally wanted to spare your life, but you molested my wife – an unforgivable crime. Don’t blame me for being ruthless!”

He rambled on for a long speech and was about to deliver a thorough beating when his rear suddenly hurt – someone had kicked him down. A’Xiu cried out miserably and turned to curse: “Who sneak-attacked me?”

“Me!” Behind him, the children lined up in formation. Standing among them was a little girl – it was Hua Mei. She placed both hands on her hips and scolded sweetly: “Bold Yang Shenxiu! With me, Wu Chonghua, here, how dare you bully the weak?”

The fairy sister had manifested to act as a chivalrous hero. A’Xiu panicked: “Wife, you… you misunderstood – I was standing up for you!”

“Nonsense!” Hua Mei shouted angrily and kicked out with her little foot: “Who’s your wife? Rogue! Bandit! Watch me execute you on the spot!” After dozens of kicks to eliminate the bully, she squatted beside the weak one and said gently: “Little brother, where are you hurt?”

“Here! Here!” The fat child cried loudly and immediately pulled at his belt, wanting the fairy sister to examine his injuries. Hua Mei was greatly shocked, never expecting the martial world to be so full of danger. She quickly struck out with a palm and angrily said: “Get away!”

“Father… Father…” The fat child couldn’t take much beating. After being hit by the palm force, he fell to the ground sobbing as if severely injured and incurable. Hua Mei was startled, also afraid she had hurt someone, and tremblingly came to check: “Little brother, are you… are you alright?”

“Not alright! Not alright!” The fat child was already dying, but as soon as Hua Mei’s little hand touched him, he immediately cried and made a fuss: “Baby wants hugs! Hugs!” Hua Mei was both shocked and afraid but couldn’t bring herself to hit him, so she had to pretend to hug him. The fat child was overjoyed and quickly lay against Hua Mei’s leg, curling up his limbs and sleeping like a little dog.

Seeing the fat child close his eyes with a smile as if he had everything he wanted, all the children clicked their tongues in amazement while Hua Mei wailed in distress. Not knowing how to escape, she quickly looked at A’Xiu pleadingly: “Brother Xiu, you… you quickly think of a solution…”

Whenever Hua Mei needed someone’s help, it was always “Brother Xiu this” and “Brother Xiu that,” using all her charming skills.

A’Xiu was still angry and naturally spat, about to make some sarcastic remarks, when he heard shouting from inside the mansion: “Zai Zhi, Zai Zhi, where did you go?”

The fat child’s father had come. If he saw the children’s evil deeds, what would happen? Just as they were alarmed, they heard a woman shout: “Zhengtang! Mother brought you medicine – come out and take it quickly!” Seeing adults arriving one after another, ready to catch all the bad children in one net, A’Xiu knew something was wrong and quickly ordered: “Brothers, the wind is blowing!”

The children shouted once and immediately grabbed Hu Zhengtang and all fled for their lives, only Zhu Zai Zhi remained peaceful, still hugging the thigh to cover his face. Hearing chaotic footsteps in the courtyard, Hua Mei grew more anxious: “Hey, get up quickly! I’m leaving!” She shouted several times, but the fat child remained motionless as if his soul had gone to bliss. In desperation, Hua Mei had to stuff him back into the dog hole and then chase after them shouting: “Brother Xiu, wait for me!”

The children chased one after another. Having barely run past two main streets, the group finally stopped. Hua Mei breathed a sigh of relief and was about to go forward to speak with A’Xiu when she suddenly felt someone grab her foot and fell to the ground.

“Fairy sister…” A sobbing voice came from behind: “Where are you going?” Hua Mei looked back and was shocked to see a fat child lying on the ground, staring straight ahead and crawling toward her legs.

“Help!” Hua Mei’s face turned pale as she drew back her foot, but her embroidered shoe was grabbed. Seeing the fat child squinting and smiling, crawling continuously, Hua Mei was so frightened she screamed: “A’Xiu! Come quickly!”

Hearing the heroine’s call for help, A’Xiu had no choice but to sigh with a bitter face and turn back. He saw Hua Mei sitting on the ground crying while her shoes and socks had been pulled off. The fat child was holding her shoes and socks in his mouth, chewing them like sugarcane. A’Xiu shivered all over and said: “What… what is this supposed to be?” Hua Mei cried: “How should I know? Quickly help me get my shoes back!”

A’Xiu smiled bitterly several times and tried to snatch the embroidered shoes, but the fat child was extremely strong and refused to let go. The two children fought back and forth without resolution. A’Xiu panted heavily, and seeing Hua Mei’s little foot placed to the side, he suddenly had an idea. He picked up the bare foot and presented it to the fat child, praising: “Jade maiden’s fragrant foot – top quality goods. Customer, please have a taste.”

“Roar!” Zhu Zai Zhi opened his mouth to bite. Hua Mei cried out in fright and pulled back her leg, while A’Xiu took the opportunity to snatch back the shoe. Seeing his treasure stolen, Zhu Zai Zhi started crying again: “Thief! You stole my things – give them back, give them back…”

Hua Mei was shyly putting on her shoes when she heard the fat child crying. Her heart suddenly flared with anger as she roared: “Everyone kill him! Throw him in the Yongding River! Does the fairy sister’s lack of authority make you think she’s a sick cat?”

The children had long intended this. They immediately shouted and rushed forward, following the tigress in punching and kicking. Zhu Zai Zhi was trampled and crawled all over the ground, crying to heaven and earth with no response. Suddenly seeing someone enjoying the cool breeze by the roadside – who else but A’Xiu? – he immediately disregarded everything and hugged this Buddha’s foot, crying loudly: “Father! Someone is bullying your child! Save me quickly!”

They say “whoever has milk is mother.” Zhu Zai Zhi’s recognition of ancestors wasn’t a bad survival strategy. A’Xiu was dumbfounded and pulled Hua Mei away: “Alright, we’ve beaten him enough. Let’s find a place to rest.”

In this freezing weather, where could they go to rest? Just as they were troubled, A’Xiu laughed: “Look where we’ve arrived!”

The children looked in the direction of A’Xiu’s pointing and saw a golden signboard across the street shining brightly – it was none other than “Minister’s Soy Milk.” The children were overjoyed and couldn’t help clapping and laughing: “We have soy milk to drink!”

This was A’Xiu’s nature – no matter where he went, he always had connections to find. The children followed him joyfully to the soy milk shop entrance. A’Xiu squatted down and fumbled around the shop’s foundation until he found a key. He quietly unlocked the door and instructed: “Everyone be quiet – my great-aunt is still sleeping in the back. Don’t wake her up.”

“Yes sir!” the children answered loudly like a great bell, startling A’Xiu again.

Having finally opened the door, the children filed in. The shop was empty except for a large stove by the window with a black oil pot on it, and wooden boxes stacked against the wall, all covered with white cloth. The children were all from wealthy families and didn’t know what these were for, so they looked around curiously, touching this and examining that.

After being beaten by the fairy sister, Zhu Zai Zhi had been following A’Xiu closely. He squeezed next to his new friend and whispered: “Do you live here?” A’Xiu smiled: “Yes, I lived here when I was small – hot steamed buns and warm soy milk every day. Envious?”

Zhu Zai Zhi nodded timidly: “Baby also likes eating steamed buns. Will you share with me?”

A’Xiu laughed: “Of course – do you think I’m stingy?” He brought over a large pot of cold soy milk, ladling everyone a bowl, then found some cold steamed buns and gave one to each person. The children ate steamed buns and drank soy milk, everyone beaming with joy. Even the picky Zhu Zai Zhi ate with great relish. It seemed this “Minister’s Soy Milk” had authentic craftsmanship to satisfy this group of officials’ children.

While eating, Zhu Zai Zhi suddenly tugged at A’Xiu’s clothes and whispered: “Baby wants to eat fried breadsticks.” A’Xiu found him annoying and was about to scold him when the other children also started clamoring: “Right! Right! We want to eat fried breadsticks!”

Soy milk and breadsticks were good brothers. With soy milk in their mouths but lacking breadsticks in their hands, the children found the meal tasteless. A’Xiu, fearing they’d make noise, had to say: “Fine, fine, fine – if you want breadsticks, we’ll just fry some.” He opened the cupboard and brought out a basin of flour dough, stretching it by hand into a long strip. Zhu Zai Zhi said in surprise: “Is this a breadstick? It’s different from the ones at my house.” A’Xiu laughed: “Silly boy, this is raw dough that hasn’t been fried yet.” He squatted down and picked red coals from the bottom of the stove, placing them one by one under the oil pot to prepare the fire.

The children, usually pampered, seeing A’Xiu’s nimble hands and versatility, naturally looked on with admiration. Hua Mei had long wanted to learn some cooking skills and quickly said: “Brother Xiu, let me help you.” Just as she was about to lend a hand, A’Xiu said: “Wait, we need to change pots first.”

Hua Mei was slightly surprised: “Change pots? Why?”

A’Xiu didn’t explain much and dragged out a new oil pot from under the cupboard. The oil in this pot was clear and pure with a fresh fragrance – clearly a pot of fine new oil. The children asked in surprise: “What is this?” A’Xiu covered his mouth and whispered: “This pot is new oil specially for family members to eat. The one on the stove is black oil specially for outsiders to eat.” Hua Mei said blankly: “Why make such a distinction?” A’Xiu said: “This was my great-aunt’s idea. She said black oil is cheap and harmful to eat, but we can serve it to customers to make money.” Hua Mei was horrified: “That… that could kill people!”

A’Xiu shrugged: “Who cares – it’s not killing us.” The children’s hearts trembled, realizing the soy milk shop had dark secrets and they’d need to be careful in the future.

A’Xiu dragged the new oil pot all the way to the stove and was about to remove the old black pot, but this pot was extremely heavy – the iron pot plus black oil weighed nearly twenty pounds and he couldn’t lift it.

Hua Mei laughed: “A’Xiu, you’re really useless.” A’Xiu spat: “Don’t just talk without trying – if you’re so capable, come lift it yourself.”

Hua Mei didn’t decline and walked right over. She gripped the pot handles with both hands, smiled sweetly, and suddenly roared “Heya!” Her phoenix eyes widened, veins bulging, as she actually lifted the black oil pot and walked shakily. The children stared dumbfounded, while Zhu Zai Zhi was even more shocked: “Fake! This isn’t the fairy sister – this… this is an impostor…”

Wu Chonghua truly lived up to her father and brother’s reputation, with muscles far stronger than ordinary people – now she was showing her true form. With a thunderous crash, she forcefully set down the inferior black oil and then came to lift the fragrant new oil. Having finally finished the hard labor and about to wipe her sweat, she saw the children looking at her with horrified faces. Hua Mei quickly placed her finger against her cheek with an innocent smile and said sweetly: “Time to fry breadsticks!”

Hua Mei imitated her mother’s virtuous manner, singing children’s songs while randomly tossing breadsticks. Suddenly there was a explosive “boom” as hot oil splattered everywhere. Hu Zhengtang, frightened by this, naturally cried: “Ghost!” He stepped backward and bumped into Zhu Zai Zhi, who cried “Ai!” and fell toward A’Yuan. With a “thud,” the black oil pot overturned and the entire pot of oil spilled on the floor.

Everything was ruined. The room was covered with dirty oil that would take at least a day and night to clean. Seeing A’Xiu glaring at him angrily, A’Yuan was so frightened his hands waved frantically: “It wasn’t me! It wasn’t me!”

The children, deeply afraid of being beaten, also hurried to clear themselves. Only Zhu Zai Zhi smiled proudly and commanded: “Someone come quickly and clean this up!”

A’Xiu wailed bitterly, not knowing whether to flee or not, when he heard coughing and a woman’s voice: “Xiao Hong? Are you outside?” A’Xiu’s heart was greatly shocked. Before he could flee for his life, he saw the curtain lift and an old woman emerge. Seeing the room full of small children, she was actually overjoyed: “A’Xiu, is that you?”

A’Xiu knew he couldn’t play tricks and had to obediently step forward to pay respects: “Great-aunt.”

The person was Second Concubine. She made the soy milk shop her home and had gone to sleep early in the back hall tonight. Hearing strange noises, she came to the front to investigate, never expecting to encounter A’Xiu. She squatted down and smiled: “In the middle of the night, I wondered who it was – it really is you, little rascal.” A’Xiu pretended to smile: “Yes, whenever I think of great-aunt’s fried breadsticks, my stomach gets hungry.” He called his friends over: “Everyone come pay respects to my great-aunt!”

The children gathered around Second Concubine, clapping and cheering, showing great courtesy. Second Concubine giggled. Looking carefully at all the small children in the room, she saw one who was adorable as jade and snow – it was the Wu family’s little daughter. She was immediately delighted: “Oh my, isn’t this Chonghua? I haven’t seen you for a few days – look how pretty you’ve become.” Hearing great-aunt’s praise, Hua Mei lowered her head with a shy smile. Second Concubine loved her even more and quickly opened her arms, calling: “Come, don’t be shy – let great-aunt hug you.”

Hearing the word “hug,” before Hua Mei could move, Zhu Zai Zhi had already charged forward like a champion of three armies. He flew forward and pounced up. Second Concubine, hit like this, couldn’t help crying “Ah!” and nearly hurt her back.

The room wasn’t lit at this time, and Second Concubine was still drowsy, so she hadn’t noticed the disaster in the shop. A’Xiu, fearing exposure, walked a few steps toward the shop door and was about to quietly slip away when his collar was grabbed. He heard great-aunt laugh: “Where do you think you’re going? It’s rare you’re home – why don’t you quickly pay respect to your grandfather?”

A’Xiu made an “oh” sound and quickly took the incense stick, prostrating himself before the memorial tablet and kowtowing like pounding garlic. Second Concubine, seeing his respectful manner, was naturally pleased: “Look how good you are – great-aunt must reward you later.” A’Xiu handed her the incense stick and laughed dryly: “No need for rewards – just not beating me would be a thousand kindnesses.” Second Concubine spat once, inserted the incense for A’Xiu, and prayed before the memorial tablet for a while before saying: “A’Xiu, where’s your mother? Did she go to Hongluo Temple tonight?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, A’Xiu’s eyes brightened. He pointed toward the back hall with great joy: “Mother! How did you follow me here?” Second Concubine made a sound of surprise: “Qianxi, you came?”

Just as she was turning to look, A’Xiu ran toward the door again. Second Concubine’s heart flared with anger. She grabbed A’Xiu and said angrily: “How dare you! You even dare deceive me. Tell me! Where exactly is your mother?”

A’Xiu laughed dryly: “Mother… mother went to the fabric shop to buy cloth.” Second Concubine shook her head: “Look how much your mother loves you – she’s making you clothes again.” A’Xiu laughed heartily: “Mother says I grow too fast – no matter how she alters my clothes, she can’t keep up with my growth.” Second Concubine smiled slightly and sighed: “That’s true – year after year, A’Xiu grows up while we all grow old.”

Time flew like an arrow. Second Concubine had long lost her former energy. She found a stool to sit on: “A’Xiu, do your parents still fight recently?” A’Xiu quickly said: “No more fighting, no more fighting – they’ve recently stopped talking to each other.” Hearing the couple had reached the next level, Second Concubine couldn’t help but smile bitterly. A’Xiu, fearing she’d worry, quickly comforted her: “Great-aunt, don’t be troubled – they say barking dogs don’t bite. Since they’ve stopped barking, they won’t bite each other either.”

Second Concubine, hearing his nonsense, couldn’t help but be amused. She shook her head and stroked A’Xiu’s head, saying softly: “Your father’s affairs are beyond great-aunt’s control, but your mother… sigh… I get upset just thinking about it…” A’Xiu said in surprise: “Great-aunt, my mother is fine – what are you upset about?” Second Concubine sighed: “Children shouldn’t ask too many questions. Just keep more eyes open these days and watch her carefully for me.”

“If any strange people harass you, you must quickly tell great-aunt.” A’Xiu said in great surprise: “Strange people? Who?”

Seeing all the children looking at him, Zhu Zai Zhi naturally raised his head high and snorted – he had confessed without being beaten. Seeing great-aunt’s disturbed state of mind, A’Xiu quickly said: “Great-aunt, you’re acting so strange. What’s really wrong?”

Second Concubine was full of worries but found it difficult to say more. Hesitating between speaking and not speaking, she could only sigh: “Don’t ask for now. Just remember to tell your mother when you get home – say great-aunt has something to discuss with her and ask her to come back tomorrow morning.” Just as A’Xiu was about to agree, Second Concubine leaned close to his ear and added another instruction: “Remember, don’t spread this around, especially don’t let your father know.”

A’Xiu had been raised by great-aunt since childhood and was extremely good at reading expressions. He knew father couldn’t be mentioned, grandmother even less so, and even uncle couldn’t be relied on. He said quietly: “Great-aunt, don’t worry. I’ll protect Mother.” Second Concubine was greatly pleased and pulled A’Xiu into her arms for a fragrant kiss: “Good baby.” A’Xiu most feared being kissed by old ladies and immediately grimaced, trying his best to endure, while Zhu Zai Zhi snorted through his nose with great envy, apparently wanting to take his place.

Second Concubine dawdled for quite a while before finally finishing her kisses. Seeing the small children waiting for her, she smiled: “Sorry to keep you waiting – great-aunt will fry breadsticks for you now…” Before she finished speaking, she saw the children lining up one by one toward the door as if they were all full. Second Concubine was slightly puzzled: “What’s wrong? Don’t want to eat anymore?” She walked over slowly when suddenly her foot slipped and she nearly fell face-first. The children were shocked and all fled frantically, shouting: “Help!”

Second Concubine stared blankly at the black oil on the ground. Suddenly seeing the entire shop in ruins, she screamed on the spot: “A’Xiu! Get over here!”

In the roaring and shouting, A’Xiu led the frantic flight with all the children charging forward at full speed, long since disappeared. Second Concubine’s anger surged, but being old, she couldn’t catch up with the little devils. After cursing a few times, she stopped.

At midnight, all around was peaceful. The soy milk shop was empty. Second Concubine looked back at the altar, remembering the strange person she’d seen that evening, and couldn’t help but sigh softly. She pressed her palms together and prayed: “Master, your spirit in heaven must protect Qian’er’s peace and safety. Don’t let her suffer those painful torments again…”

Once in a lifetime of suffering is enough. Plague god, please show mercy and spare her…

In the roaring sounds, A’Xiu had long since fled for his life. He led the frantic charge with Hua Mei following closely behind, even Zhu Zai Zhi escaping quickly. The children crossed main streets, turned corners, and rushed into a small alley. In the panic, A’Xiu shouted: “Quick! Quick, get inside to take shelter!” A small house appeared before them. A’Xiu took out a key and was urgently opening the door when suddenly his back hurt – Hua Mei had crashed into him. Then came an “oh my!” as Zhu Zai Zhi piled on top. In moments, one on top of another, all eight small children rolled into the house.

“Oh my!” “That hurts!” “Who’s pressing on me!” In the commotion, A’Xiu also lit a lamp. The children opened their eyes and saw before them a small room with calligraphy and paintings of flowers and birds hanging all around. An old table held the four treasures of the study – it was where A’Xiu’s mother usually painted. Hua Mei was full of surprise: “A’Xiu, didn’t you say you were going to cure Hu Zhengtang? Why did you bring us here to paint?”

A’Xiu picked up a writing brush from the table and panted: “You’re right – we’re here to draw talismans.” He closed the main door, shook out buns and pastries from his bundle, and took out a stack of booklets, muttering: “Good, let’s eat some pastries first and rest a bit. We’ll get to work later.”

The children had been running all night and were naturally exhausted. Some drank water, others collapsed on the ground, unable to move. A’Xiu was quite diligent, busily bringing the four treasures of the study, pouring water and grinding ink. After bustling about for quite a while, he suddenly gave a sinister smile. Seeing Hua Mei standing nearby peeking, he quickly changed to a worried expression: “Zhengtang, come here – Brother Xiu needs to cure your illness.”

“Ghost.” Hu Zhengtang raised his head high and snorted with considerable disdain. A’Xiu kicked out, knocking the patient to the ground, then dragged him to his feet and stepped on him like a corpse, saying to the children: “Everyone come over, hold hands and surround us two in the middle.” The children didn’t suspect anything and surrounded A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang. A’Xiu continued: “Keep your eyes on the ground and don’t look at anyone else.”

The children didn’t dare disobey. One by one they looked down at the floor, eyes watching nose, nose watching heart, quietly meditating, when they saw a blank booklet placed before them with a writing brush beside it, not knowing what it was for. A’Xiu said: “Everyone listen carefully. I’m now going to recite incantations and you must obediently copy them down. When the whole text is written, Hu Zhengtang will also be completely cured.”

Hua Mei was skeptical and frowned: “A’Xiu, is this a joke?” A’Xiu sighed deeply and reproached: “Who’s joking with you? Hu Zhengtang has reached this state – even treating a dead horse as if it were alive, won’t you at least try?” All the small children bore some responsibility for Hu Zhengtang’s idiocy. Hua Mei, hearing the reproach, couldn’t help but feel guilty: “Sorry, I said the wrong thing.”

Hua Mei was the number two figure among the small children. Once she picked up her brush, the others followed suit, one by one concentrating and waiting to write that “Om Mani Padme Hum.” A’Xiu was very satisfied and took out a scripture from his bundle: “Everyone listen carefully…”

“Everyone listen carefully…” Zhu Zai Zhi lifted his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote frantically, desperately copying the profound words. A’Xiu kicked him and shouted: “Fool! I want you to listen carefully, not write it down.” Zhu Zai Zhi was frighteningly stupid, still writing quickly: “Fool! I want you to listen carefully… not write it down…” He frowned and suddenly said: “Wait, how do you write the character for ‘fool’?”

A’Xiu scratched his head, truly not knowing how to explain, and could only say loudly: “Everyone listen – I’m going to recite the incantation now! One, two… three!” The children quieted down. A’Xiu took a deep breath and recited: “Human nature at birth is fundamentally good. Natures are similar, habits make them different…” Before the dog could bark, A’Xiu was already kicked down. Hua Mei was staring at him with angry eyes.

A’Xiu panicked: “You… why did you kick me?” Hua Mei threw down her brush and sneered: “Bad child, you’re really too despicable!” Hu Zhengtang had been sleeping on the ground and was suddenly punched for no reason. His eyes filled with tears as he cried: “Turtles… so many turtles…” A’Xiu’s anger flared and he was about to deliver another punch when suddenly a cold wind blew from outside the window, carrying a desolate sigh: “Ghosts… so many ghosts…”

A’Xiu made a sound of surprise, feeling this voice was strangely eerie and not from Hu Zhengtang. Just as he was puzzled, he heard Hua Mei say tremblingly: “Xiu… Brother Xiu, you… look behind you…”

The old tired trick arrived. A’Xiu naturally yawned. He lazily looked back and saw Hu Zhengtang looking terrified, hiding behind A’Yuan and shaking. Looking at A’Yuan, this snot-nosed child was also cowering behind Hua Mei, chanting Buddha’s name.

The more A’Xiu looked, the stranger it seemed. He turned his head to glance and suddenly saw the window shutters wide open with a white figure floating outside – there really was a ghost standing there!

“Ahhh! A ghost is coming!” The cold wind blew and the candle flame was extinguished. The room immediately became pitch black. The small children, in darkness, all cried and fled. But A’Xiu had exploded with tiger courage, angrily charging forward and shouting: “F*** your mother, stinking ghost! F*** your great-grandmother! F*** your ancestors for eighteen generations!” Hua Mei said miserably: “No cursing allowed!” In the screaming, there was a thud as A’Xiu had already closed the window shutters.

The evil ghost stood by the window, ready to break into the house at any moment. The small children cried in fright, not knowing what to do. But Zhu Zai Zhi was quite slow and didn’t know to be afraid, actually saying in surprise: “There’s a ghost? Male ghost or female ghost?” Full of curiosity, he went to the window to look. The ghost sister suddenly appeared at the window shutters – a head wearing a mask, green face with protruding fangs, tongue hanging out a foot long – frightening Zhu Zai Zhi into wailing: “Ahhh! Monster sister!”

The ghost drifted away and it became quiet outside, but the cold wind whistled as if the ghost might return at any time. Hua Mei’s pretty face was pale as she pulled A’Xiu over and whispered: “What was that just now?” A’Xiu muttered: “I don’t know either… it seemed like… seemed like it really was… was…” Hua Mei was startled and quickly covered A’Xiu’s mouth: “Don’t say that word – it’s taboo.”

In the bone-chilling terror, the children huddled together and cried: “Brother Xiu, what should we do?” With evil ghosts stealing souls, A’Xiu had no courage to rush out, but staying in the house was a dead end. As his mind turned, he suddenly clapped his hands with joy: “Got it! I have a solution!” He undid his jacket and took out a necklace from around his neck. On the chain was a whistle about as thick as a thumb, though its purpose was unknown. The children said tremblingly: “What… what is this thing?”

A’Xiu said: “This is called a Five-Li Whistle. My father said if we ever encounter danger, we just need to blow this whistle and someone will come to rescue us.” The small children listened blankly, not knowing if he was bragging, but saw A’Xiu pick up the whistle and blow it. Strangely, though they heard no sound, all the dogs in the entire alley started barking. The children said in alarm: “The dogs are barking – what’s happening?”

The situation was critical and A’Xiu had no mind to make up stories. The children held their breath and waited for reinforcements. After waiting for a long time, there was still no movement outside the window. Hua Mei was somewhat worried: “A’Xiu, will someone really come?”

A’Xiu said quietly: “Don’t worry. Others might lie, but my father would never deceive anyone.” A’Xiu’s father was the Fifth Assistant Minister of the current dynasty. This person had outstanding prestige and was a first-class figure in the capital – he wouldn’t joke with his son’s life and safety. Hearing this, Hua Mei felt somewhat reassured. Just as she was about to reply, she heard a light sound on the roof tiles as if someone had really landed on top.

“Reinforcements are here!” The children were overjoyed and were about to open the door to welcome their guests, but A’Xiu grabbed them and scolded: “Fools! Ask clearly first – don’t let the wolf into the house.” The children were shocked: “Yes, we almost fell for it.”

A’Xiu had been clever since childhood and knew there were many cunning bad people in the world – some with daggers behind smiles, some using diversionary tactics. If they opened the door to welcome thieves later, they’d regret it terribly. He quickly said: “Hua Mei, speak clearly and ask for me.”

Hua Mei nodded and put on the airs of a female constable, saying formally: “Who is outside? Please state your name!”

Bang! The roof tiles shook continuously as a strange roar was heard: “By imperial command!”

The children cried in shock: “Ghost!” Just as they were terrified, they heard a voice from the roof: “By imperial command! This subordinate is not a ghost. This subordinate is Jin Teng, ranked twenty-three, responding to the Five-Li Whistle’s summons. May I ask which member of the Grand Shopkeeper’s household has called?”

Hua Mei was completely bewildered. She heard the person speaking strangely – what “twenty-three,” “twenty-four,” what “Grand Shopkeeper” – she really didn’t know how to respond and could only shout: “I’m not the Grand Shopkeeper! Uncle outside, are you a bad person?”

“By imperial command!” Another bang came from the roof as the person shouted: “This subordinate is from the inn and definitely not a bad person!” Hua Mei said happily: “So you’re a good person – then we can feel safe.” Just as she was about to open the door, A’Xiu grabbed her and scolded: “Idiot! You believe whatever people say – then why bother asking?”

Hua Mei’s face reddened: “Then… what should we do?” A’Xiu didn’t know the person’s identity either. After pondering for a long time, he said: “Don’t panic. If this person is really reinforcements, he’ll obediently guard the door for us. If he tries to trick us into opening the door, he’s definitely a bad person.”

The children were delighted: “Right! Only bad people would trick children into opening doors. Brother Xiu is so smart!”

Just as they were speaking, the main door indeed started banging as the person outside said: “By imperial command! This subordinate wants to come in and protect you. Please open the door.” A’Xiu was furious: “Good fellow, he really is a bad person!” He commanded the children: “Block the door!”

The children busily piled tables and chairs in front of the door. The person outside knocked dozens of times and shouted: “Open the door! This subordinate will take you to a safe place! Open the door!” Hearing no response from inside, he said puzzledly: “Strange, the whistle was clearly blown for help, so why won’t they open the door? Could it be a joke?” His footsteps gradually moved away. A’Xiu breathed a sigh of relief: “Finally got rid of him – now we can feel safe.” The words had barely left his mouth when he heard someone laugh: “Thank you for that – saved me some trouble.”

The children heard this completely unfamiliar voice and made sounds of surprise. Just as they were puzzled, they heard rustling sounds at their feet. A’Xiu looked down and was shocked to see a head emerge from under the heated brick bed – green face with protruding fangs, tongue hanging out, laughing “haha”: “Hello everyone.”

“Father!” “Daddy!” “Mama!” “Second great-aunt!”

The ghost king appeared, frightening the children into frantic flight as each shouted the name of their savior. A’Xiu cried in shock: “The ghost is here! Everyone quickly find places to hide!”

The small children cried and scrambled, all looking for hiding places. Zhu Zai Zhi, worthy of being imperial family, was quickest to see opportunity. Seeing bedding spread on the heated brick bed, he quickly flew onto the bed and urgently stuck his head into the cotton quilt for an “out of sight, out of mind” approach. The other small children, seeing his peaceful manner, were immediately envious. After pushing and shoving, they lined up in a whole row of bottoms.

A’Xiu was too clever for his own good and only now realized he’d driven away the reinforcements. Just as he was fearfully crying, he heard a loud bang as the main door was kicked open by someone who roared angrily: “Who dares to be so bold as to cause trouble?”

The reinforcements had returned! Before A’Xiu could rejoice, he heard an angry shout: “Righteous person!” As soon as the words fell, sounds of fists and feet clashing came from the room. The muffled sounds like exploding beans were endless – both sides were fighting extremely fiercely. Suddenly hearing “Drink!” and “Ha!” – sounds of breathing and exhalation – both sides were actually going to fight to the death.

With a thunderous crash, sounds of miscellaneous objects falling came from the alley, then silence. The children hiding in the cotton quilts didn’t know who won or lost and asked tremblingly: “Who… who won?”

After asking several times, no one dared to get up and check. Hua Mei pressed close to A’Xiu and whispered: “Brother Xiu, you… you’re the bravest. Why don’t you go look?” A’Xiu was furious: “Why should I go? Are you blind?” Hua Mei said tearfully: “I’m a little sister – I can’t take risks casually.” Being the big brother was hard these days. A’Xiu cursed the entire Wu family in his heart before lifting a corner of the cotton quilt to secretly peek into the room.

Looking out from the cotton quilt, the room was peaceful as usual – no sign of bandit invasion, no trace of ghostly mischief. The main door was tightly closed, calligraphy and paintings hung high on the walls – it was like having had a dream. A’Xiu breathed a sigh of relief and emerged from the cotton quilt: “It’s fine now, everyone come out.” The small children poked their heads out from the cotton quilts, still fearful in their hearts, saying tremblingly: “Bro… Brother Xiu, you… you didn’t see wrong? Are the ghosts really gone?”

“Not yet.” A’Xiu said lazily: “Don’t you see how many cowardly ghosts there are here, all calling for their parents?”

The children didn’t care who was who. Hearing the ghosts hadn’t left, they were even more unwilling to come out, only shaking in the cotton quilts. A’Xiu cursed secretly. Too lazy to say more, he just propped up his feet to eat buns when suddenly someone patted his shoulder, frightening him into flying up and screaming: “Mama!” Just as he was about to cry loudly, he heard Hua Mei say in surprise: “Brother Xiu, what are you doing?”

Seeing Hua Mei had deliberately scared him, A’Xiu’s anger flared as he scolded: “You… why did you pat me? Are you looking for death?” Hua Mei frowned: “Stop fooling around. I’m looking for Hu Zhengtang.”

A’Xiu spat: “What do you want him for?” Hua Mei frowned: “I haven’t heard him speak at all.”

This reminded A’Xiu. Hu Zhengtang was naturally chatty and even after becoming idiotic, he usually made ghostly calls non-stop without a moment’s peace. A’Xiu made a sound of surprise and quickly raised his voice to shout: “Hu Zhengtang, are you in the room?”

After shouting several times with no response from inside, A’Xiu panicked and quickly examined the bottoms, but saw all the children with their bottoms facing out and faces buried in cotton quilts – he couldn’t tell who was who. He could only shout: “Everyone count off!” The cotton quilts called out one, two, three, four, but stopped at “five” with no continuation.

A’Xiu pointed at Hua Mei and frowned: “Six.” Then pointed at himself in shock: “Seven.”

Eight small children had gone out night touring, five were huddled in cotton quilts, two stood in the room – how had they inexplicably lost one? Hua Mei muttered: “A’Xiu… where… where did he go?” A’Xiu smiled bitterly: “He… he’s been caught by ghosts again…”

“Wahhh!” Hearing this, all the small children screamed. A’Xiu and Hua Mei looked at each other and couldn’t help but shake their heads and smile bitterly.

In the twelfth month, Hu Zhengtang had come to the Yang house as a guest, but inexplicably became idiotic. His condition had barely improved a little when he was abducted by ghosts again. Thinking that both incidents couldn’t escape his involvement, A’Xiu naturally wailed bitterly. He immediately turned boxes and chests upside down, even opening chamber pots to check, but still couldn’t find the person.

Hua Mei’s face was pale, thinking of father’s rattan cane and mother’s fierce face, and said coldly: “Brother Xiu… what should we do?”

A’Xiu was both annoyed and afraid. Thinking that school would start tomorrow morning and he was doomed either way, he suddenly steeled his heart and pulled out a black wooden sword from under the table, shouting: “Zhengtang! Brother Xiu is coming to save you!” He charged toward the main door, actually intending to rush out.

“A’Xiu!” Hua Mei screamed and was about to grab him when she heard a bang – A’Xiu had slammed the door and charged into the narrow alley.

In the silence, all the children poked their heads out from the cotton quilts and whispered: “Where’s Brother Xiu?”

Hua Mei was so anxious tears spun in her eyes: “He ran out. I couldn’t grab him in time.”

The children said in alarm: “What? He ran out?” Hua Mei was anxious inside, not knowing whether she should go out to find him, when she suddenly heard a scream from outside the alley: “Ghost!”

The children recognized this as A’Xiu’s voice and were naturally frightened, their eyes wide. Hua Mei’s heart seemed to stop as she stared blankly at the door, not knowing if she was dead or alive. Just as she was afraid, she heard A’Xiu crying: “Don’t catch me! Don’t! Don’t! Don’t! Wahh!”

Bang! Bang! Bang! Footsteps echoed as the alley seemed to really hide ghosts, repeatedly chasing A’Xiu. The crying gradually moved away – A’Xiu had also been abducted by ghosts. The children were terrified and lost, saying tremblingly: “Hua… Sister Hua, what should we do now?”

With A’Xiu disappeared, Hua Mei was immediately promoted to become the “Sister Hua” in everyone’s mouth. The children were internally panicked, waiting for big sister to make decisions, when they heard her wail loudly: “No! Don’t take A’Xiu away! No!” She rushed toward the main door, also wanting to follow.

Seeing how terrifying the alley was – going one, losing one – if Hua Mei rashly entered, she’d surely die. The small children couldn’t dissuade her, but heard Zhu Zai Zhi roar: “Fairy sister! You can’t!” He hugged Hua Mei fully, actually playing hero saving beauty.

Hua Mei showed no appreciation and punched Zhu Zai Zhi’s forehead, crying: “Let me go! I want to save A’Xiu!”

Just as she was crying and making a fuss, the main door actually started banging again – the ghost, instead of waiting for Hua Mei to find him, had come to the door demanding lives. The small children were scared out of their wits and immediately rushed forward to block the door, all crying loudly.

Seeing big brother missing and big sister crazy, with no one else to depend on, the children could only randomly grab a snot-nosed child and cry: “A’Yuan! Help!” This A’Yuan had originally been the children’s little follower, but with big brother and big sister collapsing in turn, it was now his turn to be king. He wiped his two streams of snot, looked around, and suddenly saw the paper and brush A’Xiu had left behind. He sucked in his snot with great joy: “We’re saved! Everyone come write incantations!”

The children, desperate for any cure, didn’t care if the incantations were real or fake. They quickly lay on the ground writing and crying: “Human nature at birth is fundamentally good, natures are similar, habits make them different, if not taught, nature will change…” With everyone working together, they wrote more than ten lines in moments.

Poor small children had come to play with lanterns but ended up punished to copy scriptures, crying loudly.

Hua Mei sat on the ground wiping tears and crying: “A’Xiu! Come back quickly! A’Xiu! A’Xiu! I won’t hit you anymore!”

What to do? The little lamb was missing. Uncle Yang, Second Uncle Yang, Aunt Yang… where are you? Come save him quickly!