With the new year came a new atmosphere, and A’Xiu had a new dream—he wanted to become a “bad person.”

The reason he longed to be a bad person was because “good people don’t live long, but evil endures for a thousand years.” Every time A’Xiu heard his grand-aunt tell stories, those good people who appeared were always penniless, crying pitifully, chased and humiliated everywhere, as if one couldn’t qualify as “good” without being sufficiently weak and cowardly. Because of this, A’Xiu had figured it out—since being a good person meant a bitter fate and a short life, if he wanted to live a hundred years with lifelong glory, eating well and drinking fine things, he had to learn to be both cunning and wicked. This way, the human world would become paradise itself—why search for heaven elsewhere?

“Hahahahaha…” A’Xiu burst into wild laughter, his mood exhilarated. He wanted to commit some earth-shaking evil deed, preferably something utterly unforgivable that would anger both gods and men, making him a prime villain—that would be truly satisfying. After all, who said “those who steal hooks are executed, while those who steal kingdoms become marquises”?

“Hehehe…” A’Xiu’s eyes gleamed with malice as he grinned wickedly along the street. Suddenly, he spotted a familiar wine shop by the roadside—it was unmistakably the black shop that had swindled his money. Remembering the gold ingot Uncle Wu’s mother had sent, A’Xiu’s anger flared, and he rushed in, cursing loudly: “Give me back my money!”

It was already past lunchtime, and only three or five shop assistants were gathered inside gambling. Seeing a child burst into the shop shouting fiercely, they merely glanced sideways with indifference. A’Xiu wasn’t discouraged and shouted loudly: “Can’t you see a bad person has arrived? Quickly return my money!”

The assistants had no time for him and were about to throw their dice when they heard a loud bang—a bench flew over. They heard A’Xiu roar strangely: “If you don’t come over, watch out or this master will smash your shop!”

“Little brat…” One assistant lazily stood up and said: “It’s you again? Haven’t you been beaten enough by us?”

Truly, enemies meet on narrow roads—this assistant was exactly the scoundrel who had bullied A’Xiu. An hour ago, he had first swindled A’Xiu’s silver money, then given him a vicious beating. Now meeting on this narrow path, A’Xiu couldn’t help but fear him a little. But remembering he had become a bad person and should be invincible under heaven, he pointed his finger in warning: “You’d better not provoke me, or you’ll regret it later…”

“Carrying the consequences…” The man reached out and pinched A’Xiu’s dark cheek, laughing and cursing: “Get… lost!”

With an “ouch,” the assistant kicked out, and A’Xiu tumbled out again. Everyone burst into laughter, expecting the child to cry and scurry away like a mouse. Who knew A’Xiu would quickly get up and roar angrily: “Stinking brat, don’t get cocky! This master has mastered powerful martial arts and wants to challenge you one-on-one! Do you dare?”

The assistant looked bewildered and surprised: “What? You want to challenge me one-on-one?”

“That’s right!” A’Xiu pounded his chest loudly: “Nobody should call for help—let’s fight to the death! How about it?”

“Hahahahaha!” The assistant doubled over with laughter and shouted to his companions inside the shop: “Brothers, this kid insists on seeking death—what do you all say?”

“Grant his wish!” Everyone roared: “Accept the gamble and the consequences—fight to the death!”

The assistant chuckled, not expecting this little brat to feel unsatisfied after one beating and think life had become too long after just a short while. He stretched lazily and said: “Kid, since you’re determined to die, grandpa won’t stop you. If you want to fight, then quickly come and attack…”

Before the word “come” was fully out, there was a loud bang—A’Xiu had already rushed forward and tackled the assistant to the ground, sneering coldly: “Didn’t I just come?” The assistant was shocked and terrified: “Wait, we can talk nicely…”

“Talk!” A’Xiu shouted and swung his fist, aiming directly at the man’s face with vicious blows. Bang, bang, bang, bang—though A’Xiu was small in stature, his brute strength was considerable. His left and right heavy punches connected continuously, beating the man until his eyes rolled back. Then shouts erupted from all around: “Stinking brat! Stop!”

A’Xiu looked up in alarm and saw all the shop assistants shouting as they rushed out the door—some bare-chested with protruding bellies, some covered in black hair, others wielding large cleavers for chopping bones, likely cooks and such. There were seven or eight of them in total.

Seeing reinforcements arrive for his opponent, A’Xiu panicked: “Wait, we agreed on one-on-one… you… you’re not following the rules…”

“Not following rules?” One assistant sneered coldly: “Are you going to report me to the authorities?” All the assistants looked up and laughed wildly, while A’Xiu was on the verge of tears. He saw the lead assistant place his hands on his hips and sneer arrogantly: “Little brat, today I’ll teach you a lesson about what ‘rules’ are. Whoever has the bigger fist makes the rules—understand?”

“I understand.” A large head poked out from behind, not forgetting to grin. Everyone turned around together and was startled to see a big man standing behind them, grinning stupidly with graying hair. Everyone trembled and said: “You… who are you?” The big man raised his fist and grinned: “Someone with big fists.” As he spoke, his two eyebrows slowly stood up—thick and dirty, both fierce and strange.

The newcomer had an unusual appearance, resembling both a river bandit and a court official—half-righteous, half-evil, neither righteous nor evil, sometimes righteous, sometimes evil, emanating an aura of demons and monsters. The assistants retreated in terror, while A’Xiu was delighted: “Uncle, you’re finally here!”

The big man said: “You disappeared without a trace in just a moment—how could I not follow?” A’Xiu laughed: “Uncle, the method you taught me really works—holding my breath and charging forward knocked that guy down!”

The big man shook his head reproachfully: “You little rascal, you’ve barely begun learning and already want to kill and commit arson? Remember, next time when picking opponents, choose someone who looks human. What kind of hero bullies the weak?” Seeing this large and small pair chatting casually as if no one else was around, the lead assistant grew secretly angry and whispered: “Damn… isn’t this seeking death?” He picked up a wooden stick from the ground, came behind the big man, swung his arms quickly, and struck hard at the back of his head.

With a loud “bang,” the big man was caught off guard and collapsed to the ground. The assistant laughed heartily: “What kind of thing is that—just a big empty shell, purely for intimidation.” All the assistants laughed heartily, but they saw the big man slowly climb up, reach back to touch his head, and sigh: “Who hit me?” The assistant was still laughing: “Good boy, daddy just gave you one tap and you’re already crying?”

The big man turned around calmly and said: “What did you say?” The assistant laughed: “Are you deaf? I’m telling you, the one who just hit you was…” The words were still in his mouth when their eyes met, and he suddenly shuddered coldly, saying tremblingly: “It… it wasn’t me who hit you…”

The big man said: “If it wasn’t you, then who was it?” The assistant’s face fell as he saw his companions nearby and randomly pointed at them. The big man’s gaze swept over all the assistants on the street, and they all became frightened, crying: “It wasn’t me, it wasn’t me…”

A’Xiu walked up, pointed at the assistant, and tattled: “Uncle, it was him! He was the one who ambushed you just now.”

The big man glanced over with a deep voice: “Is this true?” The assistant was scared out of his wits, waving his hands frantically, his feet shaking, his mouth making “ooh” and “ahh” sounds of pure fear. The big man touched the back of his head and found some blood traces, then said: “Very good. It’s been a long time since anyone ambushed me. You’re quite gutsy—come let grandpa take a good look at you.” The assistant said in terror: “No! No!”

The big man was displeased: “I just praised your guts, and now you don’t have guts? Come here!” He extended his five fingers and waved them like calling a small dog, his expression quite impatient.

The assistant was originally covered in black hair with a thick back and broad shoulders—quite sturdy-looking—but once his eyes met with the big man’s, he was so frightened he nearly cried. His mind spun with words like “death” and “paralysis” that he couldn’t stop. The more he thought, the more afraid he became; the more afraid, the more panicked. In desperation, he raised his wooden stick and shouted “Ha!” intending to launch a violent attack, but felt pain in his body and flew backward. After sounds of shattering, his brains had splattered and he died by the roadside.

The assistant cried out “Ahya!” in shock, his eyes wide open. Looking closely, he realized he was still standing there perfectly fine—the previous tragic death was just a hallucination. He opened his mouth wide and saw the big man standing before him, smiling kindly and beckoning: “Come on, be good—why are you still standing there in a daze?”

The most dangerous thing in the world is reaching out to stroke a tiger’s whiskers. Even when the tiger lies on the ground with eyes apparently closed and motionless, it can make people’s hearts tremble with fear, as if it might pounce at any moment. What’s more, this big man was fiercer than a tiger, stronger than a bear—definitely a demon star descended to earth. Anyone who saw him felt as if they were climbing a ten-thousand-foot cliff, dizzy and unsteady, having hallucinations.

Watching the big man hunch his back, bare his teeth in a grin, and stride toward him, the assistant was so frightened he cried. He could neither fight nor flee, his legs twisted and swayed like twisted dough. The big man grew even more impatient and roared: “Stop shaking! Stand up straight!”

He came to the shop across the street, which sold wontons. The big man swaggered in, pulled out a stool, slapped the table, and shouted: “Two bowls of meat wontons with extra scallions!” A’Xiu admired this and also imitated him by angrily slapping the table and roaring: “Bring wine quickly! With extra scallions!”

The shop owner’s soul flew to the heavens. Earlier, he had been hiding in his shop watching as this fierce man caused chaos across the street, frightening a bunch of evil assistants into rolling and crawling around. At the time, he had secretly cheered, not knowing that immediate retribution came so quickly—now it was his turn? He tremblingly served a pot of wine and several small dishes, then suddenly shuddered slightly and said in a cold voice: “Sir, wait… this humble person… this humble person will first go… first go…”

The big man said calmly: “First go urinate, right? Remember to wash your hands before coming back.” The shop owner tearfully thanked him for his kindness and hurried to the doorway, where he began urinating loudly. A’Xiu asked in surprise: “Uncle, how did you know he needed to urinate?” The big man said: “When ordinary people see me, the mild reaction is a pale face and shaking legs; the severe reaction is convulsions and demonic possession. This person managed to hold it until now—that’s quite remarkable.”

A’Xiu laughed: “Really? But I’m not afraid of you!” The big man gave two evil chuckles, and A’Xiu was suddenly startled, nearly wetting his pants. The big man laughed heartily, poured wine for A’Xiu, and comforted him: “Come, drink some wine to calm your nerves. Don’t wet your pants.”

A’Xiu was both ashamed and angry, eager to save face. He quickly raised his wine cup, drained it in one gulp, and shouted: “You’re the one who wets his pants!”

Seeing A’Xiu drink with such gusto, the big man was naturally overjoyed: “Good boy, does your mother let you drink?” With a “slap,” A’Xiu cracked open peanuts, tossed a couple in his mouth, and said proudly: “I’ve been drinking since I was three—do I need anyone’s permission?”

Rare to be able to drink old wine and act like a scoundrel, A’Xiu naturally glared fiercely, raised his wine cup, and grinned wickedly like a bad person: “Uncle, we’re going to eat for free now, right?”

The big man shook his head: “Don’t talk nonsense. I always pay for meals in this lifetime—when have I ever eaten at someone else’s expense for free?” A’Xiu spat, thinking that having to pay for every meal he ate in this lifetime had already made him feel depressed. Who would have thought that even after becoming a bad person, he’d still have to obediently pay money? Displeased, he said: “If you still have to pay for meals, what kind of bad person do you claim to be?” The big man laughed: “Who said I was a bad person? Of course I’m a big, big good person.”

A’Xiu made a face: “You’re lying. Then why are the authorities chasing you?” The big man sighed deeply: “Those are all past events. Anyway, new year, new atmosphere—from now on, I want to reform completely and follow all the rules properly. I won’t let down Ruyu’s love for me back then.” A’Xiu asked blankly: “Who is Ruyu—your wife?”

The big man hesitated to speak, then raised his wine cup, drained it in one gulp, and sighed: “Buddha have mercy—I must cultivate myself.”

A’Xiu spat. He had originally wanted to join a mountain gang and make a career for himself, but who would have thought this person wanted to reform and turn over a new leaf? Dissatisfied, he said: “So you’re also a good person—then why should I follow you? I’m going home.” Just as he was about to get up, he heard the big man say: “Don’t you want to find your birth father anymore?”

A’Xiu made a sound of surprise, remembering that he had left home precisely to search for his father over a thousand li. He quickly said: “Uncle, do you really know my father?”

The big man chewed peanuts and shook his foot: “Of course I know him. Throughout all time, above heaven and below earth, no one knows him better than I do.”

A’Xiu said excitedly: “Really? Then… then where should I go to find him?” The big man said: “Did you forget so quickly? Where did I say I was going?” A’Xiu murmured: “You said you knew Tangyuan Aunt and wanted to go to Hongluo Temple…” The big man nodded approvingly and was about to say more when he heard the shop owner sob: “Two gentlemen… the wontons are ready…”

The two turned around and saw the shop owner tremblingly serving two bowls of meat wontons. Because he was so frightened, hot soup splashed out, scalding both his hands red, but he didn’t even notice the pain. The big man was also kindhearted and reached out to take them, giving A’Xiu one bowl and asking: “How much money?”

The shop owner said in a cold voice: “No money, no money… serving you gentlemen is a blessing this humble person cultivated in a previous life…” The big man slammed the table angrily: “Are you looking down on me? How much money?” The shop owner whimpered fearfully: “Two… two copper coins.”

The big man picked up a spoon and took a few bites of wontons while reaching into his chest to fumble around. Suddenly his expression changed slightly, and he quickly said to A’Xiu: “Do… do you have any money?” A’Xiu gave him a white look and said coldly: “There was a fool earlier who was very generous and gave away our gold ingot to calm someone’s nerves—where would we get money now?” The big man panicked: “This is terrible… I didn’t bring money either…” The shop owner choked: “Sir, really no money needed…” The big man raged: “Stop your chatter! I’ll figure out a way to pay you later.”

A’Xiu couldn’t stand it anymore and whispered in his ear: “Uncle, why are you being so stubborn? The man already said no money needed.” The big man said angrily: “No means no! I must set a good example in front of you.” He casually ate two more wontons and said: “Enough talk—let’s go find some silver.” He pulled A’Xiu up and walked out of the shop.

Cold wind hit their faces, but A’Xiu didn’t feel cold—his heart was pounding: “Uncle, are we… are we going to rob someone?” The big man said irritably: “There you go again. Robbery and theft are all illegal. We need to think of some legitimate livelihood.”

A’Xiu asked puzzledly: “Legitimate livelihood?” The big man pursed his lips and pointed toward the end of the street. A’Xiu looked intently and saw among the street lanterns a flickering signboard with two characters he didn’t recognize that read “Aa Da Bank,” and below it another huge character that was clearly “Pawn.” A’Xiu asked in amazement: “Uncle wants to enter a pawn shop? Do… do you have anything valuable on you?”

The big man said: “No.” A’Xiu frowned: “Then what do you want to pawn?” The big man looked around and suddenly saw a pile of dog excrement on the ground—yellow, sticky, slightly warm, and extremely fresh. He couldn’t help but be delighted: “I’ve got it.” A’Xiu asked in amazement: “Got what?”

The big man said nothing more, just took two tree branches to carefully pick up the dog excrement, then walked forward.

To pawn is to exchange. The world’s number one salvation for the poor is the pawn shop. In this life, everything has a price. As they say, “one man guards the pass while ten thousand cannot force through”—if one person can even “pawn” Hulao Pass, what need is there to keep parents around? Birth father for three taels, birth mother for five taels—pawn off siblings, wife, and daughters all together and you can even earn some interest. As common people increasingly understood these principles, “Wanbao Da Bank” naturally grew and prospered, with people coming daily to borrow, lend, pawn, and redeem silver to make ends meet.

“Master Xue… this humble person has a calligraphy and painting… wants to pawn some silver…” Having just passed the new year, business was incredibly good. A man was seen unrolling a scroll, inquiring in a small voice. However, “Master Xue” behind the counter couldn’t hear—only a pair of feet were propped up on the desk, raised high and gently swaying. Looking at those boot soles, they were so dirty it was unspeakable, apparently not washed all year.

This “Master Xue” wasn’t actually surnamed “Xue”—the character “Xue” evolved from the character “靴” (boot), because customers had only seen his boot soles and never his true face, so they called him “Master Boot.” Over time, this had become his nickname.

“Master Xue, Master Xue…” The man called several times without receiving any response. He could only push the boot soles and shout: “Master Xue!” The boot soles trembled slightly, and the owner finally woke up. A sharp voice came from behind the counter: “What is it?” The man said in a small voice: “I want to pawn calligraphy and painting to exchange for some silver.”

“Bring it here.” A cold voice came from behind the iron railings, sending an inexplicable chill through anyone who heard it.

The pawn shop manager was also called “Chaofeng”—this was originally a high Han dynasty official title, originally called “Chaofeng Qing,” specifically to arrange audiences with various officials. If the feudal lords from all directions wanted to see the golden face of the Han Emperor, they had to pass through his checkpoint. Perhaps because he had been too difficult on ordinary days, or had privately hoarded too many gifts, over time this became the common name for pawn shop managers.

The man took out a scroll and said quietly: “Master Xue, please look—this is my ‘Ten Thousand Li Yangtze River Map’ that took three years of meticulous brushwork. Though I dare not compare it with famous masters of the past, it is also the life’s work of this humble person… You… how much can you pawn it for?”

Master Xue raised those boots high, peering through the gap between his feet with cold eyes at the counter. Not only was there this “Ten Thousand Li Yangtze River Map,” but dozens of other scrolls of calligraphy and painting were layered and stacked. He said coldly: “Someone come.” A nearby assistant stepped forward: “This small one is here.”

Master Xue said: “Bring a scale to weigh how heavy they are.” The assistant brought a scale and suspended the calligraphy and paintings to weigh them. Master Xue said: “How many jin total?” The assistant called out loudly: “Ten jin.” The sound of an abacus came from behind the railings as Master Xue said: “Let me calculate—your things total ten jin, roughly worth…” Suddenly there was a loud bang as those boots dropped heavily onto the desk, concluding: “Three taels of silver.” The man quickly said: “Three taels for one painting?” Master Xue said: “Three qian per jin, ten jin makes three taels.”

The man’s mouth fell open—he hadn’t expected his life’s work to be sold by weight, probably cheaper than pork. Gritting his teeth, he said: “Master Xue, you’re going too far! These dozens of paintings took this humble person three years, coughing up three sheng of blood, exhausting all my talent…” Master Xue said: “Brother, how much is one sheng of your blood worth?” The man cried loudly: “How can this be calculated with money!”

Master Xue said: “If it can’t be calculated with money, then it’s worthless. Either pawn it quickly or get lost early—stop making trouble here.” The boot soles slapped together with a “pa” sound, and several big men approached coldly: “Take your broken paintings and scram!”

Watching those boots raised high, still swaying left and right as if displaying a cold smile, the man began to cry and could only pack up his belongings. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly heard a sharp shout from behind the counter: “Wait!” The man said loudly: “Do you want to humiliate me further?”

Master Xue said: “There’s something curious in your pile of calligraphy and paintings—could you let me have a look?” The man was overjoyed, knowing Master Xue had misjudged, and quickly took out the “Ten Thousand Li Yangtze River Map,” about to present it with both hands when he heard: “Not this one—look further down.”

The man hurriedly searched and was about to take out his proud masterpiece “Narcissus” when Master Xue said again: “Look further down!” After searching back and forth, he finally took out a scroll. Instantly, a hand reached out from the railings and quickly snatched it, exclaiming: “Priceless treasure!”

The bodyguards around were curious and craned their necks to look, but saw the paper was completely clean with nothing on it at all? They all said in surprise: “This… this is blank paper—how can it be a priceless treasure?” Master Xue sighed: “Vulgar people—this isn’t ordinary stuff. Look here, what are these creases?” The bodyguards murmured: “Just some creases—what else could they be?”

“Idiots!” Master Xue was furious: “This is Chengxin Hall paper from Li Houzhu! Haven’t you heard of it?” The painting-selling man looked confused, and the bodyguards also laughed: “What Chengxin Hall? Could it be a medicine shop?”

This “Chengxin Hall paper” was something you could encounter but not seek—it was created by Li Yu, the last ruler of Southern Tang, known as “skin like eggshell membrane, firm and pure as jade.” Only a hundred bundles remained in the world. Back then, Ouyang Xiu got one bundle and was so delighted he immediately used it to write the “New Tang History.” Su Dongpo and Huang Tingjian each treasured one bundle as well—who would have thought it would reappear in the human world. Just as he was getting excited, Master Xue suddenly made a sound of surprise, staring directly at that “Ten Thousand Li Yangtze River Map” and saying tremblingly: “Wait… your brushwork and coloring are unusual… bring the pigments for me to see.”

The man mumbled as he opened his painting case and took out brushes, ink, and pigments. Master Xue was greatly shocked, snatched them up, and exclaimed: “Purple wolf hair brushes, blood cinnabar! Haven’t seen these for over thirty years! You… you’re from Kaifeng, right?” The man murmured: “Yes, our family has lived in Kaifeng for generations, and my ancestors were painters for Emperor Daojun…” Master Xue sighed deeply: “No wonder—otherwise where would you get all these treasures… Sigh…” He lowered his head and calculated on his abacus: “Pawn all these things—one blank paper worth three hundred taels, brushes, ink, and cinnabar calculated separately. How about it?”

The man was overjoyed: “Good, good…” He scratched his face and suddenly noticed his masterpiece, quickly saying: “Master Xue, what about this humble person’s calligraphy and paintings? How much should they be worth?” Master Xue said: “Three qian per jin, ten jin makes three taels.” The man asked in amazement: “Three qian per jin? How… how is this price calculated?”

Master Xue said: “The paper is Chengxin paper, the brushes are purple wolf hair, the pigments are blood cinnabar—separately they’re all treasures, but unfortunately…” With a bang, the boots were propped on the desk again, full of regret: “You painted them into a painting.”

The man said in shock: “What? Separately they’re worth money, but when made into a painting they’re not?” Master Xue sighed: “Brother, are you Song Huizong?” The man stammered: “No… no…” Master Xue said: “Are you Huang Gongwang?” The man said loudly: “I am surnamed Zhou, named Chen, styled Shunqing!” Master Xue said flatly: “That’s right—since you’re neither Song Huizong nor Huang Gongwang, do you know what it’s called when you paint this Chengxin Hall paper into a painting?” The man asked in amazement: “Called… called what…”

“Called defacement.” Master Xue sighed and shook his head while the man burst into loud crying. Master Xue said: “Brother, if your family has any other treasures, quickly bring them to pawn—don’t defile them anymore.”

“I’ll kill you!” The man flew into a rage and lunged forward, but heard a bang as his head struck the iron railings and he immediately fainted. Master Xue was completely unaware, only lowering his head to write in his account book, saying flatly: “The world is ignorant.”

Everything in the world has a price, but only talent is worthless. Master Xue yawned, then suddenly there was another “bang” as both feet were raised high again, saying proudly: “Next one.”

“Mother! I’m hungry! I’m hungry!” Someone was shouting outside—it was a little girl. A woman could be heard saying anxiously: “Mother will pawn this right away, and then we’ll have money…” The pair of feet on the counter grew impatient and roared angrily: “Next one!”

Under repeated urging, footsteps sounded inside, and a woman’s timid voice could be heard: “Master Xue, I… I want to pawn something…” Master Xue yawned continuously—having worn boots all day, his feet were inevitably stuffy and hot, so he took off his shoes and said: “Take it out.”

The woman untied a cloth bundle and carefully took out a scroll bound with silk ribbons, obviously precious. She said quietly: “This… this is my husband’s family heirloom, of extraordinary significance. It can only be pawned, not sold…”

Like reciting from a script, everyone who came to pawn things said roughly the same thing. Master Xue burped and simply put his bare feet on the desk, spread his toes, and yawned: “Bring it here.” The woman quickly said: “You… don’t mess around… I… I’ll unfurl the painting myself.” She carefully untied the silk ribbon and unrolled the scroll painting. The image was covered densely with characters, the brushstrokes curved and slanted like foreign script. Master Xue sneered: “What is this thing? Your daughter’s practice writing book?”

The woman said: “Look below and you’ll understand.” The scroll unrolled to reveal densely packed text, with a red line running from east to west like a winding divine dragon, plus countless colorful branches extending north and south, spreading across the realm like a spider web.

Master Xue frowned: “This is a geographical map?” The woman said: “A dragon vein map.” With a bang, both feet on the counter fell to the floor, and a head popped out with eyes wide open.

Seeing “Master Xue” reveal himself, the woman was also startled. This person had flat features, wrinkled skin, a small mouth, and bore some resemblance to his boot soles—whether those feet were propped up or not made no difference.

Ordinary geographical maps were at most a few feet in length and width, but this map was vastly different. It appeared to be made of finely tanned sheepskin, thin as paper silk. When unrolled, it stretched several feet, then several more feet—the scroll was extremely long, containing an implied sense of endless continuity. Master Xue took a deep breath and asked: “Who drew this map?” The woman said quietly: “Master Liu and Celestial Master Yao.” Master Xue frowned: “Who?” The woman turned over the scroll to show the signatures, revealing two clear Chinese characters—one was “Liu Ji” and the other was “Yao Guangxiao.”

With a bang, Master Xue withdrew his feet and stood up proudly, unable to sit still any longer.

Master Liu Ji was Emperor Taizu’s Zhang Liang; Celestial Master Yao Guangxiao was the Guiguzi under Emperor Yongle’s throne. Beijing was called the “Eight-Armed Nezha City” based on the inspiration of these two masters. Master Xue breathed slightly heavily and looked at the map again carefully. When the red line reached the Gansu-Shaanxi area, it suddenly broke off. He couldn’t help but be greatly shocked: “Why is it broken?”

The woman said: “I won’t hide it from you—this map was divided into three parts due to circumstances. One piece has disappeared without trace, one has wandered to the western frontier, and only this copy remains in the capital.” Master Xue asked in amazement: “Why is this so?” The woman said: “The Jingnan War.”

The room fell quiet. Master Xue stroked his face and breathed heavily, knowing he had found the court’s secret treasure: the “River Luo Divine Mechanism Map.”

From the western Tianshan Mountains to the eastern Dream Sea, this map revealed the feng shui dragon veins—it was the world’s foremost geographical map. In the past, it had only been seen in classical texts; no one had actually seen it. Not until today had it reappeared in the human world.

Master Xue was a scholar by background. During the Jingtai years, he repeatedly failed the imperial examinations and wandered in the capital, ending up organizing palace texts for the eunuchs. After flipping through thousands of books, he absorbed all the cultural artifacts of the heavenly dynasty and developed considerable expertise in textual research. However, in previous years, Jiang Chong didn’t value antiques and treasures, so he wasn’t given important positions. Not until Prince Tang returned to power was he invited out of the mountains to take charge of the general office, becoming this “Grand Appraiser” who commanded respect throughout the capital.

Master Xue took a deep breath and said quietly: “How… how did this map come into your hands?” The woman said: “I already told you—this is my husband’s family heirloom.” Master Xue said quietly: “Your husband? What… what is his surname and name?” The woman said faintly: “My husband is surnamed Wang. Among his ancestors was a feng shui master—Master Wang Yan…”

Master Xue said tremblingly: “Divine Calculator Wang Yan! He… he was Yao Guangxiao’s disciple?” The woman said: “That’s right. Lord Wang Yan was Celestial Master Yao’s sixth disciple. After the Jingnan War, he was ordered by his master to guard this river map. Later, the Celestial Master retreated to the mountains and disappeared without trace. This map has remained in my family until today…”

How many years had it been? Whether during Zhengtong or Jingtai, whether Jiang Chong or Prince Tang, they had long forgotten their origins and didn’t know there was still this river map concerning dragon veins in the world. Master Xue’s hands trembled as he picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and following pawn shop regulations, first wrote the item’s name in his ledger—just four characters: “All Under Heaven.” Below that was the estimated value: “Priceless.”

The ten-thousand-li territory could not be appraised, hence called “priceless.” Master Xue suppressed his inner excitement and quickly said: “Enough of that—how do you want to pawn this?” The woman’s eyes reddened as she said quietly: “I… I want to pawn it permanently.” Master Xue’s heart skipped a beat as he quickly asked: “You… how much money do you want to pawn it for?” The woman said softly: “Three… three hundred taels of silver…” With a bang, Master Xue pulled open a drawer and grabbed handfuls of gold ingots, about to toss them over carelessly when he heard the woman say hastily: “Wait, wait!”

Master Xue said urgently: “Wait for what? I’m going to give you money!” The woman said quietly: “Don’t rush—let me think first…” Master Xue’s heart turned cold, knowing the cooked duck was about to fly away. For a moment, he was annoyed and angry, cursing himself for being confused.

This woman was very clever. She knew how to read expressions and had already guessed this map was extraordinary—she was probably going to raise the price.

In his ten years as an appraiser, Master Xue had handled countless treasures. Fish Intestine swords, Xi Shi’s skirts, Duke of Zhou’s tripods—to him they were all child’s play. But now encountering a thousand-jin abalone, and having his intentions seen through, he was both hateful and angry, wanting to slap himself three thousand times. He gritted his teeth: “You… how much do you want?” The woman said quietly: “Three… three thousand taels.”

Master Xue’s heart jumped, and just as he was about to agree loudly, the woman hesitated again and quickly changed her words: “Wait… just… just three… thirty thousand…” The word “ten thousand” had barely left her lips when there was a “pffft” sound—Master Xue let out a loud fart and shouted: “Three… taels… of silver.”

When this price came out, the woman was immediately stunned and quickly said: “Three taels of silver?” Master Xue said: “Yes, just three taels of silver.”

To be a grand appraiser in a pawn shop, what mattered wasn’t appraising prices but cutting them down. It wasn’t that Master Xue couldn’t afford the price—even three hundred thousand or three million, he could produce. Unfortunately, the trouble wasn’t in the money to buy things, but in the person selling them. This woman was too clever. If he offered too high a price, it would only make her desperately keep raising it. When she eventually realized this item’s true value, wouldn’t she quickly take it to offer to Emperor Zhengtong in exchange for a marquis title in the pass? Where would that leave him to profit?

At this moment, he could only take risks—the more she felt the item couldn’t be sold, the more he could buy it.

Hearing Master Xue’s extremely low offer, the woman also snorted and said: “Three taels of silver? Keep it for yourself—I’m not pawning it.” She walked a few steps toward the main door when shouts came from outside: “Mother! I’m hungry! I’m hungry!”

Master Xue sneered inwardly, having calculated this move. When a daughter cried from hunger, a mother’s heart would be cut like a knife—how could the woman not submit? Indeed, the woman’s face showed utter pain as she obediently turned back and said quietly: “Master Xue… how about this—I’ll reduce the price here and charge you twenty-five thousand taels…” Suddenly there was a bang as Master Xue put both feet back on the desk, his voice rising to the heavens: “Three taels of silver! Will you pawn it or not? Quickly give me an answer and stop interfering with this master’s business.”

Seeing Master Xue just yawning there as if he really didn’t want it, the woman panicked and quickly said: “Wait, I’ll reduce it again—charge you twenty thousand taels… this is the minimum… my… my husband is still in prison waiting for money…” Master Xue was overjoyed: “What? Your husband is in prison?” The woman came to her senses and quickly said: “No, no, you heard wrong… my husband is fine at home…”

Master Xue sneered secretly, then suddenly kicked his feet forcefully and roared: “Next one!” The woman was shocked: “You… what are you doing?” Master Xue said coldly: “What am I doing? Young lady, please leave—this master cannot do this business.”

The woman was dumbfounded: “Why?” Master Xue said grimly: “My business is a virtuous enterprise—rescuing the urgent and poor, saving countless lives—but people always think I’m being underhanded. Tell the truth: no matter how much silver I give you, you’ll think I’m taking advantage of your misfortune, right?”

The woman lowered her head, unable to respond. Master Xue said: “Speaking honestly, I’m not confident how much your map is actually worth. If I gave you several thousand taels today, not only would I be uneasy, but you’d probably feel it insufficient and curse me as a swindling merchant day and night, thinking I’m cheating you. Since I conduct myself uprightly, why should I suffer this idle aggravation?” Suddenly he roared: “Next one!”

The woman was greatly alarmed: “Wait! Wait! Don’t drive me away! Master Xue, the price matter can be discussed…”

Master Xue was secretly pleased, knowing that treasures in this world, regardless of their origins, really only had two prices: three million taels that couldn’t be bought, or three taels of silver that no one would buy. The difference between heaven and earth lay only in whether one recognized the goods. The only plan now was to strike while the iron was hot—as long as he could intimidate this woman, he could make her willingly hand over the river map.

Seeing the woman was frightened, Master Xue said: “Very well, I’m a Buddhist practitioner with a compassionate heart. Seeing the young lady so pitiful, I cannot bear it. How about this—if you really want to pawn this map, you must show some sincerity.” The woman asked quietly: “I… what should I do?” Master Xue said proudly: “Kneel down and beg me, and I can add a bit more silver.”

Master Xue had played a ruthless card. Everything in the world had a price, but only face was free. Once a person abandoned shame, everything could be negotiated. When it came to killing or cutting, success would be at hand—what couldn’t be taken or obtained?

Watching the woman lower her head with tears swirling in her eyes, she seemed to be in extreme grief and indignation. Master Xue laughed: “Tsk, tsk, tsk, there’s nothing shameful about this. In my view, what about loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, love, faith, righteousness, and peace—don’t they all have price tags? Especially the two words ‘integrity and shame’—we’re not afraid no one will sell them, just worried no one will buy them. If you kneel now, your children will have food to eat and clothes to wear in the future, with masters to feed them. One day when they bring glory to the family name, others will kneel to you instead.”

The woman’s tears streamed down as her knees slowly bent, about to kneel down when suddenly her gaze shifted. On that scroll were clearly written the great names “Liu Ji” and “Yao Guangxiao”—both extraordinary figures from the founding era. Her courage instantly doubled as she said loudly: “Forget it! I’m not pawning it!”

Master Xue was startled: “Not pawning it?” The woman gritted her teeth: “I’m just temporarily short of money, not truly wanting to sell this map. Otherwise, since this map was supervised by Celestial Master Yao and Master Liu, even tens of thousands of taels of silver would be worth it. If you don’t recognize goods, that’s your lack of ability—why should I suffer your idle aggravation here?” She turned around coldly: “Swindling merchant, keep your three taels of silver. In any case, I’m not pawning it.”

Seeing the woman so resolute, Master Xue couldn’t help but panic and quickly said: “Wait, wait—you’re just a woman, weak and incompetent. If you don’t pawn things to make a living, what do you plan to rely on to support your family?” The woman said: “That’s none of your business. Anyway, I’ll pawn everything except my dignity.” Just as she was about to leave proudly, she heard a bang as those two boots were raised high, saying proudly: “Hold on!”

The woman turned around coldly: “What? Want to beg me now?” Master Xue said grimly: “Who’s begging you? Let me tell you—even if you gave me that rotten map for free, I wouldn’t want it.” The woman said coldly: “If that’s the case, why did you stop me?” Master Xue said: “Because of your words about not pawning dignity, this master can’t swallow this anger.”

The woman said solemnly: “Listen well! Is dignity the only priceless thing in this world? There are too many priceless things—family affection is priceless, life is priceless, character is priceless…” Just as she was speaking, there was a sudden “thud” as a banknote was thrown onto the counter. Master Xue said grimly: “Come here and lick my boots. Just lick once, and this hundred-tael banknote is yours.”

The woman was shocked: “You… what did you say?” Master Xue said: “I see you’re a beauty, probably proud of your looks. But let me tell you—I don’t want you to take off your skirt, nor do I want you to take off my pants. I just want you to lick my boots. Lick once for a hundred taels of silver—when this golden mouth opens, silver comes. Isn’t this a good deal?”

Outside, her daughter cried earth-shakingly, constantly shouting about being hungry. The woman was also stunned. She stared at the hundred-tael banknote, knowing this was life-saving money for the whole family. If she could just endure this momentary humiliation, once she got through this difficult time later, who would know about today’s events? Just as she was hesitating, the feet on the counter seemed to itch, rubbing against each other and scratching through the boots, not forgetting to laugh and urge: “Hurry! If you won’t do it, do you think I can’t find others to lick? One lick for a hundred taels! Even princess ladies would compete to lick! Hahahaha!”

They say poverty shortens one’s ambitions. Once a person licked boots, what couldn’t be done or sold? This was truly a strategy of removing the firewood from under the cauldron. Just as he was laughing heartily, the boots moved slightly as if someone had really licked them. Master Xue immediately threw back his head and laughed wildly: “Hahaha! Hahaha! Rouge for three taels, undergarments for ten taels, licking boots like a dog—priceless!” Just as he was about to say a few more boring words, he heard a child’s voice shouting from below the counter: “Is anyone home? We want to pawn something.”

Master Xue looked carefully and was shocked to see a boy holding tree branches, looking fierce and evil, stabbing hard at the soles of his feet. He couldn’t help but angrily say: “Where’s that woman?” The boy said: “She ran away crying—you made her angry.” Master Xue said angrily: “What? She ran away?” His heart was annoyed, and he was about to order someone to chase her back, but after thinking it over, he suppressed his anxiety.

They say “cast a long line to catch big fish.” If he sent people to chase her now and the river map matter leaked out, could he still fish in troubled waters? Better to secretly send people to follow and slowly entice with benefits and threaten with power—that was the right approach. Having figured out the reasoning, he said proudly: “Good that she ran—saves this master from being annoyed looking at her.” He said flatly: “Little brat, what are you doing here?”

The boy said: “I want to pawn something.” Master Xue yawned: “What could an ignorant child have to pawn? Get out, get out.” The boy was displeased: “Don’t look down on people—I have a priceless treasure here that’s guaranteed to shock you when you see it.”

Master Xue was somewhat tired, so he took off his boots and scratched his feet on the desk, saying lazily: “Listening to your boasting, since there’s nothing else to do, bring it here for a look.” The boy covered his nose: “Wait a moment…” He bent down and used tree branches to pick up something, placing it between Master Xue’s toes: “Hold it steady.”

Master Xue made a sound of surprise, feeling something hot and sticky between his toes. Despite his five toes having extensive experience—having handled jade, gold, silver, antiques, calligraphy, paintings, and even rare treasures from famous mountains and great peaks—he had never felt such a strange sensation. He quickly focused to look and saw a yellow, sticky mass between his toes. He couldn’t help but ask in amazement: “What… what is this?” The boy said: “Xiaotian shit.”

Master Xue was dumbfounded: “Xiaotian shit? What’s that?” The boy laughed: “How stupid. What’s the name of the dog that Erlang Shen raised?” Master Xue said: “Xiaotian Dog.” The boy said: “Right. What’s the shit that Xiaotian Dog produces called?” Master Xue asked in amazement: “It’s… it’s called Xiaotian shit?”

The boy said solemnly: “Exactly. Xiaotian Dog has a proud nature and flies high, specializing in shitting on the Five Treasure Great Snow Mountain. My friend went through countless hardships to dig out one piece from the mountaintop. Do you want it or not?” Master Xue was so angry he laughed: “You… how much do you want to pawn it for?” The boy said: “Three million taels.” Master Xue raged: “Someone come! Drag this brat out! Break his dog legs!”

The bodyguards around shouted and rushed forward, about to grab the child and beat him viciously, when they heard spitting sounds from outside the door: “What’s this? What’s this? Just pawning something—how can you start hitting people?”

Drip, drip, drop—the smell of urine came from inside the shop, then heavy footsteps as if someone was fleeing through the door. Master Xue was completely unaware, just looking for grass paper to wipe the dog shit from between his toes while frowning: “Strange, I just relieved myself before eating—how do I need to urinate again…”

Just as he was thinking of looking for a chamber pot, footsteps came from beside the counter—probably the martial master returning. Master Xue yawned: “Did you drive the person out?” He heard someone say: “Drove him out.” Master Xue smiled: “Did you break his legs?” The person said: “Almost.” He grabbed Master Xue’s ankle, and with a loud bang, Master Xue cried out “Aiya!” and crashed right into the railings. Opening his eyes in shock, he saw a tiger-like big man outside the counter with a pair of angry eyes and a “Criminal” character on his forehead.

Master Xue’s urge to urinate intensified as he screamed: “You… who are you?” The big man said: “Never mind who I am—where’s my treasure? I’m not pawning it anymore.” Master Xue said coldly: “What treasure?” The big man frowned: “The Xiaotian shit—did you steal and eat it?”

Master Xue’s mind cleared, realizing that naughty child had backing—they were working together. His hands went weak and his feet soft as he said tremblingly: “Sir wants the Xiaotian shit, right? Please wait…” He tore off ledger paper and busied himself between his toes for a long time, then held up a small mass of yellow stickiness, saying softly: “Sir, sorry for the long wait—here’s your Xiaotian shit.”

The big man examined it for a while, pretended to sniff it, then suddenly flew into a rage: “This isn’t Xiaotian shit!” Master Xue smiled apologetically: “How is it not? It was just brought in… the smell is so pure…” The big man raged: “Bullshit! Xiaotian shit is much bigger—just this little bit?” He called the boy over and shouted: “This person stole our family heirloom—grab his feet and drag him out!”

The boy was naturally A’Xiu, who grinned and grabbed one leg with the big man, pulling hard. With a thunderous sound, Master Xue’s legs went through the railings, but his crotch couldn’t get through and hit the railings squarely, causing him to scream in agony and nearly faint.

The big man raged: “What the hell! I don’t believe we can’t drag him out!” A’Xiu was delighted and was about to pull again when he heard Master Xue cry: “Wait! Wait!” He quickly took out a handful of broken silver and smiled miserably: “Heroes, it’s a small business with little money—this small token, please accept it with a smile.”

The big man raged: “Bastard! Do you take me for a bandit? Let me tell you! I only want my Xiaotian shit!” He grabbed the iron railings with both hands and with a low roar, the bowl-thick iron railings actually bent. He immediately grabbed the man’s legs and channeled his strength: “I don’t believe I can’t drag you out—one, two…” Before “three” came out, Master Xue was already crying loudly: “Spare my life! Spare my life! This small person still wants to live!”

The big man raged: “If you want to live, then I should die? Quickly return my Xiaotian shit! Otherwise, I’ll make you pay with your life!” Master Xue’s desperation bred cleverness as he panicked: “Wait! Wait! This small person remembers—I already put your Xiaotian shit in the treasury… since this item has been pawned, it cannot be returned…” The big man’s expression softened: “So it’s already been pawned—where’s the pawn ticket?” Master Xue quickly took out a ticket and smiled apologetically: “Good, we’ve received one piece of heavenly realm Xiaotian shit… here, here, here’s your ticket.”

The big man said coldly: “How much was it pawned for? Why isn’t it written?” Master Xue smiled fearfully and apologetically, quickly picking up a brush and drawing a horizontal line. The big man raged: “One tael? Do you take me for a beggar?” Master Xue said tremblingly: “Misunderstanding! Misunderstanding! This small person hasn’t finished writing.” He added a vertical line, making it “ten.” The big man was still displeased and said grimly: “Ten taels? I’m not pawning it anymore.”

If the treasure wasn’t pawned, the original item had to be returned. If it couldn’t be returned, death was required. Master Xue began crying, picked up the brush, and changed the two and one to make five, sobbing: “Fifty taels is enough, right?”

A’Xiu was dissatisfied and scratched the bottom of his foot. Master Xue laughed heartily, and the brush slipped, adding a diagonal line to the top of the “ten” character. A’Xiu made a sound of surprise: “There’s an extra diagonal line on top of ten—that’s five… five…” Suddenly he clapped his hands together in delight: “Five thousand taels!”

One piece of Xiaotian shit pawned for five thousand taels shouldn’t need to be redeemed. Master Xue’s heart was cut like a knife, painfully regretting and choking: “Are you two happy now? Woo, woo… my silver…” Just as he was feeling sorry, his feet retracted and knocked over a seal that fell right onto the pawn ticket after “five thousand,” adding another character. A’Xiu stared in surprise: “This character has so many strokes—there’s grass, there’s a field, it reads ‘A’…”

Just as he was talking nonsense, his head was hit hard as the big man said displeasedly: “What’s all this ‘yi yi ah ah’? This is ‘ten thousand’!” A’Xiu pondered and murmured: “Five… thousand…” Suddenly he was greatly shocked and jumped up: “Ten thousand!”

With a bang, Master Xue fainted on the ground, but his feet were still raised high on the desk. The big man said satisfactorily: “Fifty million taels of dragon silver—this is the true value of Xiaotian shit. You have good judgment.” He patted Master Xue’s leg: “Well then, where’s the gold and silver stored? We need to exchange for silver.” After shouting several times without the man moving, not knowing if he was really unconscious or pretending, the big man flexed his arm strength. With a “boom,” the railings were uprooted, and he said: “Forget it, we’ll find it ourselves.”

A’Xiu had never seen a silver treasury in his life and quickly climbed over the counter and rushed in. The big man held the iron railings and stabbed wildly at the wall. Suddenly there was a boom as the wall broke open and silver poured down, nearly crushing A’Xiu to death. The big man clicked his tongue in amazement: “This old thief is quite good at accumulating wealth—look, at least a hundred thousand taels of silver here.”

“To die under peonies, even as a ghost one would be romantic.” A’Xiu was pressed on his toes by the ingots, and though he hopped around holding his foot, he was crying tears of joy. He quickly found a large cloth bag and desperately stuffed it. The big man only picked up two ingots and put them in his waist, saying: “Let’s go.”

Having finally entered a treasure mountain, the big man wanted to return empty-handed. A’Xiu couldn’t help but be stunned: “Uncle, why don’t you take more?” The big man shrugged: “I’m not used to carrying them.” Seeing A’Xiu’s amazed expression, he explained: “Let me tell you—I haven’t used money for many years.”

A’Xiu asked in amazement: “Haven’t used money? Then… how do you eat?” The big man shrugged: “Just eat.”

A’Xiu was shocked and opened his mouth, realizing the big man could get whatever he wanted, take whatever he wanted, think whatever he wanted, eat whatever he wanted—why would he need to carry money when going out? Wouldn’t that just be extra weight? By comparison, he himself had fallen to a lower level.

One large and one small, having pawned Xiaotian shit, returned with a full load. However, A’Xiu’s cloth bag was overstuffed with at least a hundred jin of silver, heavier than his own body, so naturally he was dragging it with great effort, gasping: “Uncle… wait for me, I can’t walk anymore…” The big man stopped and said flatly: “Who told you to be so greedy? Now you know how tough it is?”

A’Xiu pleaded: “Uncle, you… help me carry the silver—it’s so heavy.” The big man shook his head: “That won’t do. What you steal yourself, you carry yourself; what you rob yourself, you bear yourself. This is the rule of the trade.” A’Xiu didn’t care about any rules and suddenly hugged the big man’s leg, crying and pestering: “Uncle, please, help me carry the silver! Help me carry the silver!”

Every time A’Xiu fake-cried and threw tantrums, he always got his way, but this big man had a heart of stone and said flatly: “Show some backbone—don’t learn to be worthless.” He walked back to the previous wonton shop on his own, called the owner over, and shouted: “Brother, time to pay the bill!” He threw the ingot over with a boom, nearly breaking through the mud wall.

The owner was terrified: “Sir, this… this money is so big, we can’t make change!” The big man sat down, eating wontons while saying: “Who asked you to make change? Keep it all.” The owner said tremblingly: “It won’t do! It won’t do! Two bowls of wontons aren’t worth this much money!” The big man slammed the table angrily: “If I tell you to take it, take it! What’s all the chatter?” The owner said timidly and happily: “Yes, yes.”

The weather was cold and windy, and the wontons had all gone cold. The big man ate a few spoonfuls, and even the soup oil had frozen. The owner said quietly: “Sir, would you like me to heat it up for you?” The big man shook his head: “No need—my brothers are still suffering on the front lines. This is fine.” After saying a few words without seeing A’Xiu return, his thick eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he walked out to check.

Coming to the shop entrance, the street was completely empty—he didn’t know if A’Xiu had gotten lost or fallen down. The big man was worried and was about to go onto the street to check when he suddenly saw a small child squatting outside the shop with that cloth bag still by his feet. Who else could it be but A’Xiu? The big man breathed a sigh of relief: “It’s cold outside—why don’t you come in?” A’Xiu said coldly: “Why should I listen to you? Are you my father?”

The big man said: “Your clothes are thin—come in quickly and don’t catch cold.” A’Xiu said loudly: “What business is it of yours if I catch cold? Go away!” The big man asked in surprise: “Eh? Having a little tantrum?” He shrugged and turned to walk straight into the shop. A’Xiu was stunned and shouted: “Hey! Hey! Didn’t you say you’d take me to find my father? You’re just leaving like this?”

The big man stopped and said: “You don’t listen—I can’t take you.” A’Xiu said loudly: “Why should I listen to you? You were the one who didn’t care about people’s lives first!” His eyes reddened as he gritted his teeth: “If you won’t take me, you won’t take me—what’s so great about that…” Being stubborn by nature, he turned around and was about to run away when suddenly a handkerchief fluttered before his eyes. It was embroidered with seven colors, and on the handkerchief was a beautiful woman leaning sideways with her left arm supporting her cheek, looking like a real person. But looking at her body, it was…

Completely naked!

A’Xiu gasped and stopped, saying tremblingly: “What… what is this?” The big man smiled: “This was taken from the pawn shop. Didn’t you see how many treasures were in that treasury?” A’Xiu murmured: “No… didn’t see…”

A’Xiu only had eyes for money and naturally didn’t know that pawn shops had the most treasures—antiques and paintings, naturally including these good things. The big man was quite wicked, lifting the handkerchief and slowly waving it to the east—A’Xiu would look east; slowly drifting it to the left—A’Xiu would look left. Seeing the child was mesmerized, he said: “There are twelve handkerchiefs in total, all in my pocket. What you’re seeing now is the first one, called ‘Spring Light Suddenly Appears.'” A’Xiu was greatly shocked: “Then… what about the second one?” The big man said: “Called ‘Universe Within the Skirt.'”

A’Xiu was struck as if by lightning. Though he had previously read famous works like “Jin Hailing,” the illustrations in books showed people who didn’t look like people and ghosts who didn’t look like ghosts—men and women embracing like two bears, leaving one able to understand but unable to express. Seeing the big man possessed such strange treasures, he said tremblingly: “Uncle… let me have a look…” The big man said: “Don’t say borrow—I could give them to you.”

A’Xiu was overjoyed: “Really?” The big man smiled: “First come inside and keep me company while I finish these wontons, then we’ll talk.”

Invitation wasn’t as good as provocation, and provocation wasn’t as good as sending female generals—indeed, A’Xiu obediently returned. The big man ate the cold wontons and said: “What were you looking around for at the door just now?” A’Xiu said quietly: “I… I was looking for that woman from the pawn shop…”

The big man made a sound of understanding: “You think she’s pitiful?” A’Xiu said softly: “Yes, I… I wanted to give her some silver…”

The shopkeeper made a sound of surprise and turned around, his eyes full of approval. But the big man didn’t even raise his head and said directly: “Don’t bother. Not everyone is willing to accept money of such unclear origins.” A’Xiu asked blankly: “Why?” The big man chewed his wontons: “Need you ask? She’s a good person.”

A’Xiu made a sound of understanding. As they say, “A gentleman loves wealth but obtains it through proper means”—the good people in this world must follow rules and regulations. They won’t do things against their conscience or accept money of unclear origins. They do what they should and know when to advance or retreat. Living with bound hands and feet their whole lives, no wonder they always die young and leave no descendants.

A’Xiu snorted, even more unwilling to be a good person: “Uncle, why are there so many fools in this world? Why do they make things difficult for themselves?” The big man said: “Aren’t you asking the obvious? What’s the most important lesson in being a good person?”

A’Xiu murmured: “Not being allowed to do bad things?” The big man said: “Right, but what counts as bad things?”

A’Xiu made a sound of surprise, actually stumped by this question. Though he usually heard his teacher’s instructions about this not being allowed and that not being proper, as if there were traps everywhere, when he suddenly tried to recall what exactly constituted bad things, he couldn’t say for sure. He pondered for a long time and murmured: “Stealing things counts as bad, right?” The big man said: “Yes, so do people who steal count as bad people?”

A’Xiu nodded: “Of course! Good people would never steal, right?” The big man said: “Then when you stole Huo Tianlong’s firegun earlier, doesn’t that also make you a bad person?” A’Xiu was shocked and quickly said: “No, no! I don’t count as a bad person! That Huo Tianlong is the bad person! Stealing from bad people doesn’t make me a bad person.”

The big man shook his head and laughed: “Kid, that’s not for you to decide. Stealing is stealing—whether you steal from good people, bad people, men, or women, in the eyes of those good people, you should still go to prison.” A’Xiu said loudly: “Why?” The big man drained his wonton soup in one gulp and wiped his mouth with his sleeve: “No choice—that’s the ‘rules.'” A’Xiu said blankly: “Rules… rules?”

The big man ate his side dishes: “To be a good person, you must follow rules—that’s natural law. That Huo fellow beating children is certainly bad, but even though he’s bad, you still can’t steal his things. Otherwise, how are you different from him?” A’Xiu said loudly: “Unfair! Then… if that Huo fellow bullies people, can’t I fight back?”

The big man’s mouth made crunching sounds as he chewed: “Whether others follow rules is their business. Even if you’re bullied and beaten, you still have to ask yourself: did you keep to the rules? Do you count as a good person? Understand?” A’Xiu spat: “Idiot! Fool! Grand-aunt was right! Good people are all fools! I’d rather die than be a good person!”

The big man made a sound of understanding: “Oh? Your grand-aunt taught you this?” A’Xiu said loudly: “Yes! Grand-aunt is the smartest! She said people who follow rules are all fools! There’s clearly a straight road to take, but they have to take detours. But every time they look back, those who don’t follow rules have already reached heaven in one step! If we don’t want to be fools, we have to learn to be bad!”

The shopkeeper listened and sighed repeatedly—apparently these words expressed his feelings too. The big man laughed: “Your grand-aunt is smart, but her words aren’t quite right either. In my view, those who follow rules actually aren’t fools—they’ve also calculated carefully.”

A’Xiu became suspicious: “Really? Don’t good people all have naturally honest natures? Can they also calculate?” The big man picked up a steamed bun and took a big bite: “Look at me first—do I look like a good person?” A’Xiu grinned mischievously: “No.”

The big man laughed: “Why not?” A’Xiu said: “Look, you eat steamed buns—half in one bite, with an appetite bigger than a monster’s. If you’re not like a bad person, who is?” The big man laughed heartily: “Right. I’m big in stature, big in appetite, big in courage, big in temper—everything about me is big. So when those good people see me, what should they do?” A’Xiu asked blankly: “What should they do?” The big man drained his wine and laughed: “Tie me up.”

A’Xiu asked in surprise: “Tie you up?” The big man said: “These rules are like ropes, tightly binding everyone in the world. Look at those who follow rules—some lack ability, some lack courage. When they hear about having their hands tied, they’re naturally delighted to lose their souls. But how can those with courage be willing? Pitiful that everyone compromises, each bound hand and foot, dejected, while benefiting a group of petty people.”

A’Xiu asked in surprise: “Petty people? Who?” The big man drank some wine and pointed toward the sky. A’Xiu frowned: “What?”

The big man said: “Put up a sign here strictly forbidding common people to pass, open a big hole there specifically for brothers-in-law to crawl through—who do you think these people are?” A’Xiu looked completely confused and stammered. The shopkeeper quietly smiled bitterly: “They’re… they’re court people…”

A’Xiu murmured and pondered, then suddenly slapped his hands and said loudly: “Right! So whether everyone becomes good people or bad people actually depends on the court?” The big man laughed heartily: “The child can be taught.”

The court is the rules and standards of the world. If these rules are false, crooked, or slanted, who would still be willing to follow them? From then on, good people can’t survive and not being bad won’t work. Thus the world falls into chaos, and even gods and Buddhas cannot restore order.

The world is sick, and everyone is searching for the cause of the illness. But who exactly is the root of disaster? Is it Civil Yang or Military Qin? Is it Emperor Zhengtong? Or which immortals, Buddhas, or demons? The shop suddenly fell quiet. Iron Foot Uncle, little A’Xiu, and the shopkeeper—everyone had their own thoughts. After a long, long time, A’Xiu suddenly said: “Uncle, actually all good people and bad people are the same—they all just want to eat and live, right?”

The big man said: “Wrong.” A’Xiu asked in surprise: “Wrong?” The big man said: “Some people in this world would rather starve to death than steal or rob. What they guard is the rules in their hearts.” A’Xiu said in shock: “Are there such fools?” The big man said: “Of course—I know one myself.” A’Xiu asked blankly: “Who?” The big man said softly: “Lu Yun.”

A’Xiu jumped up in shock: “That Lu fellow again! Is he my real father?” The big man said angrily: “Don’t call everyone father—it’s embarrassing.” He pushed the table forward and turned to leave. A’Xiu was shocked: “Uncle, Uncle, wait for me!” Dragging his cloth bag, he chased to the shop entrance, but the big man walked so fast he had disappeared without a trace.

A’Xiu panicked and was about to shout for people when he had another thought: “How foolish of me—I’ve got the money, so why still follow him desperately? I should hurry home to find grand-aunt.” With this thought, he immediately turned around, not forgetting to sneer coldly: “Fool really thinks I want to find my father? Money is father—when grand-aunt sees all these ingots later, she’ll definitely praise me as a good baby.”

Looking at that big man’s fierce and evil appearance—he was a criminal wanted by imperial decree. How many people wanted to kill him? Now that he had silver, it was exactly time to part ways. Why accompany him in taking risks? Just as he was feeling pleased, he suddenly heard banging on doors behind him and someone roaring: “Shopkeeper! Someone just came to report that a big and small pair of bandits broke into the pawn shop and robbed in broad daylight. Did you see any trace of them?”

A’Xiu turned around and was shocked to see many constables at the wonton shop entrance, dismounting and entering to investigate.

The net of justice is vast and wide, with large meshes but nothing escapes—seeing constables coming to arrest people, A’Xiu was naturally scared out of his wits. Shouldering the silver, he turned and ran. This running was fine, but once he ran, all the constables immediately noticed the trail and pointed angrily, roaring: “Stinking brat! Stop right there!”

A’Xiu didn’t dare stop and just ran frantically. Though the cloth bag contained fifty jin of silver, it now seemed light. He managed to run past the street corner but then cried “Aiya!” and fell perfectly.

A’Xiu looked up and saw a big man sitting by the roadside holding a wine pot, his feet stretched out long, inevitably tripping him—it was Iron Foot Uncle. Before he could speak, he heard roaring behind him: “Stinking brat! Have the guts to keep running!”

The constables were chasing. A’Xiu was so scared he nearly cried and was about to turn and flee when Iron Foot Uncle pressed his shoulder: “Don’t move.” Holding the wine pot, he slowly stood up, not forgetting to tilt his head back for a drink. A constable roared: “Still drinking?”

With a clang, Iron Foot Uncle smashed the wine pot on the ground. The constable was suddenly startled, his hands shaking in alarm as he quickly backed away and fell on his back with a bang. Iron Foot big man put his hands on his hips: “Constable masters, looking for me about something?” When all the constables’ eyes met his, their hearts suddenly jumped, and they quickly said: “No, no… we… we’re looking for him…” They pointed at A’Xiu and were about to come grab him when the big man blocked them: “How has my son interfered with you?”

Hearing the word “son,” all the constables opened their mouths wide, while A’Xiu made a sound of surprise, feeling strange in his heart. The big man said: “Speak up—what do you want with my son?” The constables bent over with apologetic smiles: “Misunderstanding, misunderstanding. Someone just came to report that two river bandits broke into Wanbao Great Bank and robbed tens of thousands of taels of silver…”

The big man said: “River bandits? What did they look like?” A constable said: “The big one was forty years old, the small one ten years old…” The words were still in his mouth when his companion covered it. The big man made a sound of understanding and asked A’Xiu: “How old are you?” A’Xiu was on the verge of tears and said quietly: “Three… three years old…”

Iron Foot big man laughed heartily, then suddenly his gaze shifted as he picked up the cloth bag from the ground and asked in surprise: “Wait—Wanbao Great Bank? Are these the characters?” Everyone looked down and were shocked to see characters clearly embroidered on the cloth bag—what else could it be but “Wanbao”? A’Xiu was about to raise his hand to cover it when he heard all the constables say in shock: “No, no, these aren’t the characters… You’ve made a mistake…”

Iron Foot big man said blankly: “What? I made a mistake?” He picked up the ingot and walked back to the wonton shop, shouting: “Shopkeeper! Shopkeeper! Look what characters are embroidered on this bag!” The shopkeeper didn’t dare come out and only cowered behind the counter, saying tremblingly: “I… I can’t read…”

The big man said: “Really? I just saw you writing and keeping accounts—how can you not read?” The shopkeeper cried: “Sometimes I can read, sometimes I can’t…” The big man said: “Then there’s no help for it.” He turned to look at the constables: “Well, thank you all for the notification. If I see any suspicious people, I’ll naturally report to you all. Go busy yourselves.”

All the constables shouted and everyone scrambled, about to mount their horses when they heard the big man roar: “Stop!”

“Finished…” The constables wanted to cry but had no tears, as if someone had pressed their mute points—for a moment, there was dead silence. The big man said: “Constable masters, I’d like to borrow a horse from you—is that possible?” All the constables nodded desperately: “Yes, yes, please choose any you like.” With panicked steps and tearful eyes, they didn’t even want their mounts anymore and fled for their lives.

The big man laughed: “Are they really rushing to reincarnate?” Seeing over ten horses on the street, he began selecting. Just as he was pleased, he saw a child sneaking toward a small alley. The big man said: “Where do you want to go?” A’Xiu said tremblingly: “I… I want to find grand-aunt…” The big man said: “In just a moment, you don’t want to find your father anymore?”

A’Xiu said quietly with an apologetic smile: “No, the city is so chaotic, I’m a bit worried and want to go back to check on grand-aunt…” The big man said: “Fine, let’s part ways here.” He picked a dark green horse, mounted, and with a “giddyup” rode away without looking back.

A’Xiu was stunned. He had been worried Iron Foot Uncle would refuse outright, but who knew this person would be so generous? For a moment, he panicked and quickly said: “Uncle! Wait!” The big man pulled his horse to a stop and frowned: “What now?” A’Xiu hugged the silver worriedly: “I… what should I do if I encounter constables later?”

The big man laughed: “So that’s your worry? Kid, you can’t bring money when you’re born or take it when you die—why cling to it so desperately? If you throw away the silver now and go empty-handed, who would recognize you as a bad person?”

A’Xiu made a sound of surprise. As they say, “caught with both person and evidence”—if he threw away the bag and had no stolen money, how would constables know what he’d done? Then he could swagger down the road with everyone treating him like a good baby—who would suspect him? With this thought, he loosened the bag and stepped back two paces.

The big man said: “Well done! Being able to pick up and put down—that’s a man’s spirit.” A’Xiu said quietly: “Uncle, I’m leaving now.” The big man said: “Hurry back, and don’t get distracted playing along the way.”

As they say, “without official duties, one feels light.” Having thrown away the silver, A’Xiu could finally go home to find grand-aunt. But now penniless, his steps inevitably felt empty and floating, swaying and shaking. He’d walk two steps, then look back, hoping to see the silver one last time.

This silver was the first money he’d earned in his life—throwing it away like this was really hard to bear. But if he encountered constables and was caught with evidence, that wouldn’t be worth it. Just as his heart was being cut like a knife, he suddenly saw the bag lying on the ground with an ingot rolled out of the opening, shining brightly and quite attractive. A’Xiu’s heart pounded as he thought secretly: “I’ll pick up just one. No one will know.”

One ingot was twenty taels—that was a huge sum! He quickly ran back, picked up one, and stuffed it in his clothes pocket, then thought: “Right, my pants pocket is still empty—I can stuff in one more.” He quickly picked another ingot and stuffed it in his pants. Suddenly feeling his hands were empty and could hold more things, he took two more. Then seeing his chest area was empty and could hold at least three, he picked several more. In his panic, he finally hid one in his socks too, then smiled with satisfaction: “Uncle, goodbye.”

Before he could turn and take a step, all the ingots on his body went “dong dong long dong” and fell out. He clicked his tongue, took off his upper garment, and wrapped it into a big bundle. Feeling it wasn’t secure enough and worrying, he suddenly saw a cloth bag lying by the roadside and packed everything in. Instantly shouldering it with effort, before he could step away, his eyes suddenly widened in amazement: “I’m back where I started!”

The big man was gasping with laughter: “Alright, alright, take your time—I’ll go first.” Just as he was about to ride away, A’Xiu blocked his path and shouted: “Wait! You’re not allowed to leave!” The big man said: “Kid, are you going or not? Make up your mind.”

A’Xiu looked down with a bitter smile. This big man had one idea in mind—to take him to Hongluo Temple. Who knew what his real plan was? But if he didn’t go with him, what should he do with these ingots? Really throw them away by the roadside? Just as he was hesitating, he suddenly had a thought and remembered Yang Shaoqi: “Right! The prayer for rain ceremony lasts three days—uncle must be there too. Why don’t I go find him?” Instantly delighted, he said loudly: “Uncle! I’ll go to Hongluo Temple with you!”

The big man laughed: “Kid, after taking such a big detour, you’ve finally figured it out.” A’Xiu sneered inwardly: “Fool, I’m using you—don’t you know?” Uncle was also someone who spent money carelessly. Seeing him bring ingots home, he’d surely praise him as a good baby. Then the two could split the loot on the spot without worrying about being unable to move this huge sum.

The more he thought about it, the happier he became. Suddenly his body felt light as the big man lifted him onto the horse. A’Xiu was shocked: “Wait, the silver! The silver! I haven’t taken my silver yet!” The big man shook his head and sighed: “What a miser—I really don’t know who you take after.”

With clip-clop hoof sounds, one big and one small rode the dark green horse and set off. But strangely, looking at the direction, they were heading toward Tianqiao. A’Xiu asked in surprise: “Uncle, aren’t we going to Hongluo Temple? Why are we going south?” The big man said: “Don’t worry. I need to find a friend first to get some things.” A’Xiu asked blankly: “Aren’t you a deserter? You still have friends?”

Before he could ask more, the horse suddenly stopped beside a vermillion gate. Looking up, he saw two red lanterns with dim light. A’Xiu blinked, feeling this place looked somewhat familiar, and murmured: “Uncle, what place is this?” The big man said: “Yihua Courtyard.”

A’Xiu was greatly shocked: “What? This… this is Yihua Courtyard?” Just as he felt thunderstruck, the big man had already dismounted and shouted toward the gate: “Is anyone there?” After calling ten-odd times, there was finally movement in the courtyard. A man’s voice said lazily: “Who is it?” The big man said: “I’ve come to find a friend—please open the door.”

The man said irritably: “Even being lustful should have its time. Coming to the door before the hour of application?” With a creak, the gate opened, revealing a servant who said impatiently: “Who are you looking for?” The big man said: “I’m looking for Miss Xiao Qing.” The servant yawned: “Xiao Qing? There’s no such person.” Just as he was about to close the door and leave, the big man extended his iron foot to block it. The servant was startled and said tremblingly: “You… what do you want to do?” The big man beckoned to A’Xiu: “Lend me some silver.”

A’Xiu was stunned: “What? Adults asking children for money? Are you a beggar?” The big man shamelessly held out his palm with five fingers rubbing. A’Xiu snorted and instantly put on fatherly airs, taking an ingot from the cloth bag and saying angrily: “Use it sparingly!”

The big man took the ingot and stuffed it into the servant’s hand: “Remember now? Miss Xiao Qing?” As they say, people die for money and birds die for food. Seeing the golden ingot, the servant wouldn’t recognize the King of Hell himself. He was delighted and smiled apologetically: “Sir, our courtyard has red, orange, yellow, green, plum, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum—this humble one can name them all, but we really don’t have someone called Xiao Qing…”

The big man said: “Xiao Qing was Ruyu’s maid. She used to live in Tianfu Courtyard and specialized in playing the qin for Ruyu.”

“Ruyu…” The servant frowned in deep thought: “Haven’t heard of this one either…” The big man said: “Call an old person—I’ll talk with him.”

The servant was already in his fifties—what newcomer was he? He stared blankly in thought, then suddenly cried “Aiya!”: “Wait, I… I remember! This Ruyu must be the former courtesan ‘Tianfu Qingbi’ Sister Yu from our courtyard?”

The big man said: “Bastard! She was once famous among ministers and earned you so much money? Now you’ve forgotten her?” The servant smiled bitterly: “Sir, this was decades ago. That this humble one can remember shows a scholar’s memory.” The big man said: “Enough idle talk. Where is Miss Xiao Qing? Take me to see her.” The servant said apologetically: “Grandfather, this is somewhat inconvenient. Sister Qing took a client last night and is still sleeping with him. If we go knock on the door, we’ll get scolded.”

The big man was slightly stunned and quickly said: “Sleeping with someone? She… isn’t she a qin lady?” The servant laughed: “She was a qin lady back then, but now she’s an old lady. If she doesn’t sleep with people, should she go begging on the streets?” The big man was disgusted and reached out to A’Xiu, shouting: “Give it here.” A’Xiu was angry and took an ingot from the cloth bag, roaring: “Take it!”

The big man threw the ingot and said grimly: “Take me to see her.” The servant caught the silver, his face blooming with smiles—everything was negotiable now: “With such generosity, this humble one will risk his life to report. But I don’t know your honored surname and name—how should I address you? This humble one will go speak.”

The big man said: “Tell her Qin Zhonghai has come.” The servant smiled: “Yes, Qin Zhonghai has come, Qin Zhonghai has come…” As the words reached his mouth, he suddenly stopped and said coldly: “Qin… Qin what…”

The big man said: “Qin Zhonghai.” The servant dry-laughed: “Qin… Qin Zhonghai?” The big man suddenly raised his head, his eyes flashing fiercely as he said sternly: “Qin Zhonghai!” The servant burst into loud crying and shouted: “Qin Zhonghai has come! Qin Zhonghai has come!” He fled so fast that with a thud, his head hit the door and he fainted.

After all that commotion with no results, the big man shook his head. Suddenly remembering A’Xiu was nearby and having heard the conversation, he must be afraid in his heart, waiting to hear him chatter with trembling teeth, crying and kneeling. But after a long time without hearing any sound, he turned to look—the child had already walked away on his own, murmuring in the courtyard: “Is anyone there? I’m called Yang Shenxiu and I have lots of money…” It turned out this little devil, having reached Yihua Courtyard territory, was dizzy in the head. Even if thunder struck from the sky, he wouldn’t know.

The big man laughed heartily, stepped forward, and took A’Xiu’s hand: “Come, I’ll show you around.” For a while they passed through corridors and entered courtyards, quite familiar with the route. A’Xiu’s heart was pounding, but he saw no people along the way. He didn’t know that Yihua Courtyard only opened at night—during the day it was naturally quiet as a graveyard.

Seeing the big man walking faster and faster, turning past a long corridor, A’Xiu dragged his ingots and shouted: “Uncle, wait for me!” Just as he was chasing, the big man suddenly stopped and said: “This should be it.” A’Xiu looked carefully—before them was a three-courtyard compound with three sides of long corridors and adjacent rooms. The buildings looked somewhat old. He frowned: “This… this is Yihua Courtyard? Nothing special about it.”

The big man said: “A mountain doesn’t need to be high to be spiritual if it has immortals. Go look in the rooms and you’ll understand the mystery.” A’Xiu’s heart beat faster. Seeing a private room not far away, he was about to break down the door when the big man pulled him back, laughing: “Don’t make trouble yet—we still need to find someone.”

A’Xiu made a sound and pursed his lips, about to roar the words “Xiao Qing” when the big man pulled him back again, pointing to the wooden plaque on the door: “Can you read?” A’Xiu’s face reddened, realizing the door had the courtesan’s stage name written on it.

One large and one small patrolled along the corridor. A’Xiu would press his ear to each door to eavesdrop, his heart pounding. Just as he was listening intently, he heard knocking not far away: “Xiao Qing, are you in your room?” A’Xiu sighed secretly—he hadn’t expected them to find the person so quickly. But though the big man called several times, the person inside seemed to be sleeping soundly and there was never any response.

The big man grew somewhat impatient. He wanted to break down the door but was afraid of frightening someone. A’Xiu quickly said: “Uncle, let me try.” He coughed and called softly: “Is anyone home? We’ve come to return money.” Hearing something good was coming, there was indeed movement in the room. A man’s voice said happily: “Who is it?” The big man said: “I’m looking for Xiao Qing—please ask her to come out.”

The man yawned: “Huh, even a woman past her prime still has people competing for her?” The big man grew impatient, raised his hand, and knocked forcefully, saying in a deep voice: “Xiao Qing, come open the door.”

“Who is it?” A woman’s voice came from inside the door—Xiao Qing had finally been awakened. The big man said: “I’m Ruyu’s friend and have something to ask you.” The woman was shocked: “Sister Yu’s friend? Wait a moment.” Sounds of dressing came from inside the door. The man said angrily: “What are you doing? Don’t go over there.” A scream was heard, seemingly sounds of pulling and hitting. A’Xiu said in alarm: “Uncle, quickly go in!”

The big man nodded, raised his palm, and with a shock broke open the door, then strode into the room. A’Xiu hid behind and watched. Inside the door stood a man wearing only underwear, pulling at a woman’s hair. The woman was barely clothed—this must be “Xiao Qing.” The client said angrily: “Good boy, actually breaking into the room—are you seeking death?”

Iron Foot Uncle said nothing, just removed his outer robe and threw it over Xiao Qing: “Put this on.”

The client was furious and approached. When he suddenly saw A’Xiu, he immediately sneered coldly: “What? Even brought a child? Did you also give birth?” Just as he was about to say something unpleasant, he heard the big man say: “Get out.” The man sneered a few times and grabbed the big man’s collar. When their eyes met, he suddenly made a sound of surprise, his teeth chattering: “You… you are…”

A’Xiu lifted his foot and kicked the man’s buttocks, cursing: “If you need to piss, go outside! Don’t piss in the room and make it stink!”

“Help!” The man didn’t care about the cold and was already running barefoot, rushing out the door. A’Xiu spat, feeling quite pleased, when he suddenly heard sobbing from inside the room: “You… you’ve come back…”

A’Xiu turned to look and saw Xiao Qing wrapped in the thick robe, staring blankly at Iron Foot Uncle as if they were reuniting after a long separation. Iron Foot Uncle coughed and said: “I’ve come back to get my things—I’ll leave soon.”

With a slap, Xiao Qing raised her hand and backhanded the big man across the face. A’Xiu made a sound of surprise, and before he could ask, Xiao Qing had already grabbed scissors from the tea table and lunged at the big man, screaming: “Beast! How dare you come back?”

A’Xiu said in alarm: “Uncle, quickly dodge!” The big man coughed and lifted A’Xiu’s cloth bag. With a clang, the scissors struck the ingot with a crisp, pleasant sound. Xiao Qing stabbed ten times without injuring anyone, so she could only drop the scissors and throw herself into the big man’s arms, using her fists to beat him while crying: “Son of a whore! Heartless beast! I’ll fight you! I’ll fight you!”

The big man lowered his head to take the powder punches, but A’Xiu tugged at his trouser leg and said quietly: “Uncle, why… why is she hitting you? Is she your wife?” Hearing A’Xiu speak, Xiao Qing made a sound of surprise: “You… you are Yang Shenxiu?”

A’Xiu made a sound of surprise: “You… you know me?” Xiao Qing held back tears for a long time: “I knew your mother.” She embraced him and began sobbing.

A’Xiu was suddenly embraced and naturally felt bewildered. Seeing Xiao Qing barely clothed with smooth thighs, he became somewhat curious and was about to secretly touch, but his head was hit, his bottom spanked, and his ears twisted—suffering bandit abuse. A’Xiu cursed bitterly: “What are you doing?”

The big man said: “Everyone needs to make a living somehow. Ruyu was just born low, not of low character.” A’Xiu came to his senses and quickly said: “Right, right, right! Grand-aunt said there are more whores among official wives. Let me tell you, I know a woman called Shu Ning who’s an old prostitute…” Just as he was about to explain in detail, the big man had already walked away: “Where are my clothes kept?”

Xiao Qing opened the wardrobe door: “Come see for yourself.” A’Xiu excitedly came to look and saw clothes and boots, all washed and arranged neatly and cleanly. There was also a waist saber with a deep red sheath inscribed with black ink characters. A’Xiu picked it up to play with and read quietly: “Tiger… Tiger Spray Left A… what is it?” The big man said: “What umm umm crooked? Follow me: Tiger Guard Left Guard.” A’Xiu asked blankly: “What is Tiger Guard Left Guard?” The big man said: “What I did before going to prison.”

A’Xiu said quietly: “Uncle, you… you’ve been in prison?” The big man ignored him, picked up the saber, and drew out half of it: “Wasn’t this blade confiscated by the jailers? How is it here?”

Xiao Qing said: “Didn’t Ruyu go to the prison to see you that year? She couldn’t take you away, so she could only take these belongings of yours.” As she spoke, she took clothes from the wardrobe: “That year was truly chaotic—martial law, arrests… Sigh, after you escaped Beijing with unknown fate, she would often come sit in this room for an entire afternoon. After becoming a nun, she left these things behind.”

The big man said: “Why did she do this?” Xiao Qing said: “What do you think? If not hoping for your return, then why?”

Hearing of Tangyuan Aunt’s devotion, A’Xiu was also moved and looked up: “Uncle, Tangyuan Aunt treated you so well—why didn’t you marry her as your wife?” The big man said: “Get lost—what do children understand?” A’Xiu made a sound and walked away two steps. Xiao Qing pulled him close and whispered in his ear: “Don’t talk to him—beasts think differently from ordinary people. You can’t figure him out.”

An ordinary person would have been ashamed and angry at such mockery, but this big man was naturally able to close his ears. He lowered his head to search through the pile of clothes, took out an official robe and put it on, then threw away his broken boots and put on black official boots, hanging the waist saber. Suddenly, he was in purple robes and red clothes with flying tigers on both shoulders, radiating majestic aura.

A’Xiu was greatly shocked: “This… isn’t this an imperial guard!” Xiao Qing sighed: “Before going to prison, he was originally a fourth-rank official with imperial sword privileges, with a great future ahead.” A’Xiu asked blankly: “Then… why did he go to prison?” Xiao Qing sighed: “You’ll have to ask him about that.” She found an official token, but before she could hand it over, A’Xiu had already snatched it, shouting: “Let me see!”

The token bore seal script characters, not one of which could be understood, but the surname strokes looked like a large umbrella, unchanging through eternity—anyone could recognize at a glance that it was the character “Qin.” Only now did A’Xiu truly believe the person before him was really Qin Zhonghai.

With sword in hand and token at waist, Qin Zhonghai had truly returned to the capital. Looking at his imposing manner—eight chi tall, imperial sword at waist, tiger-head cloud boots on feet, chest patch embroidered with a fierce tiger—he was no longer that bare-chested, runny-nosed “Iron Foot Uncle” but the legendary “Wrathful King” Qin Zhonghai who dominated the northwest and commanded ten thousand troops!

The Wrathful King stood like a tiger in the hall. With one sweep of his gaze, he saw A’Xiu cowering timidly while Xiao Qing stared fixedly, gazing at him in a daze. He said: “What’s wrong?” Xiao Qing’s face reddened slightly as she turned away and spat: “Trap.” A’Xiu asked fearfully: “What… what trap?” Qin Zhonghai said: “She says I’m a trap—respectable women fall in easily when they see me.” A’Xiu yawned: “Amazing—specializes in catching blind people, right?” Qin Zhonghai was annoyed, glared, and roared: “Fuck!”

A’Xiu puffed out his chest and cursed angrily: “Damn!” Though this person was Qin Zhonghai, he was still that fighting and squabbling “Iron Foot Uncle”—foolish and useless. The two glared at each other in fierce confrontation when Xiao Qing came from behind, took the official sash, and suddenly embraced Iron Foot Uncle’s waist with both hands: “I’ll tie it for you.” Qin Zhonghai said: “No need—I’ll do it myself.” Xiao Qing said: “Don’t interfere.” She reached around from behind and carefully tied it: “The sash is loose—you’ve lost quite a bit of weight.”

This Qin Zhonghai had considerable talent as a bad man—tall and imposing yet not putting on airs at all. Xiao Qing must have taken a fancy to him in the past. The scene was somewhat awkward, but Xiao Qing wouldn’t let go. Qin Zhonghai coughed: “Little girl, I advise you not to provoke me. I’m not one who reads sage books.” Xiao Qing whispered in his ear: “I never planned to erect a chastity memorial either.”

At these words, Qin Zhonghai couldn’t help but chuckle and grasp her jade hand, saying angrily: “Won’t you let go?” Just as they were speaking, A’Xiu had already patted the quilt and laughed: “The bed’s ready—come quickly!” At these words, Xiao Qing’s face flushed red and she immediately let go. A’Xiu sighed: “That’s it?” Qin Zhonghai sneered: “What else? Learning to be a bastard at such a young age.”

Seeing the clothing was complete, Qin Zhonghai hung the waist saber and bundled the miscellaneous items into a package on his shoulder: “Xiao Qing, thank you. Qin has no way to repay…” Just as he was speaking, he saw A’Xiu’s cloth bag again and said: “There’s some silver here—take it and use it to live comfortably for a few days…” A’Xiu was shocked: “Here we go again! That’s my money!” He cried, made noise, hugged Iron Foot’s leg and beat him, but heard Sister Xiao Qing say: “Take your money back—I won’t accept it.”

A’Xiu was overjoyed, hugged the cloth bag like hatching an egg, pressing it down and refusing to let go. Xiao Qing smiled and stroked his head: “Looking at this child’s nature, he’s quite like his mother.” A’Xiu just desperately protected his possessions—how could he care what she said? Xiao Qing helped him arrange his hair and suddenly saw the scar on his forehead, then fell silent again.

A’Xiu blinked, not knowing what was wrong with Sister Xiao Qing. Looking up, he saw her expression was melancholy as she said quietly: “What exactly do you plan to do bringing this child with you now?” Qin Zhonghai said: “You should know—I don’t need to say.” Xiao Qing said: “Do you really think Ruyu wants to see you?” Qin Zhonghai said: “Whether she wants to see me or not is none of your business.”

Xiao Qing was silent for a long time: “You… you’re going to attack the capital, aren’t you?” Qin Zhonghai said: “Don’t ask me about this—I’m no longer involved.” A’Xiu made a sound of surprise and turned around. Xiao Qing also looked bewildered: “Not… not involved anymore?”

“Tired.” Qin Zhonghai scratched his head noncommittally. Xiao Qing asked quietly again: “You… aren’t you most loyal? If your brothers suffer defeat, you won’t rescue them?” Qin Zhonghai said: “Don’t worry—we won’t lose.” He took A’Xiu’s hand and was about to leave when he heard Xiao Qing say quietly: “Things already lost are harder to get back than climbing to heaven.”

With a bang, an arm thick as an iron pillar pressed against the wall. Qin Zhonghai bent down and said in a deep voice: “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Xiao Qing forced herself to remain calm and slowly lowered her head: “I’m giving friendly advice. If you insist on your own way, you might die at Hongluo Temple.” A’Xiu stared blankly as Iron Foot Uncle raised his two gray eyebrows and said in a deep voice: “What do you mean?” Xiao Qing said: “Have you considered that maybe Ruyu wishes you were dead?” Iron Foot Uncle turned away and made no sound. Sister Xiao Qing continued: “What you could bear to abandon then, you should be able to let go of today. If you still can’t see through this point and only think of family reunion and father-son recognition, I’m afraid it’s already too late.”

Qin Zhonghai took a deep breath: “A’Xiu, we’re leaving.” He turned and left the room, striding to the courtyard. A’Xiu made a sound and was about to follow when Xiao Qing pulled him back and asked softly: “Child, do you really want to follow him in the future?” A’Xiu asked blankly: “Follow who?” Xiao Qing pointed toward the courtyard and said quietly: “Wander the world with him.”

A’Xiu was shocked: “No, no, I… I’m just going with him to play.” Xiao Qing said: “He’s the Wrathful King Qin Zhonghai—aren’t you afraid he’ll kidnap you?” A’Xiu began trembling, only now remembering Iron Foot Uncle’s identity. He had killed people, been in prison, rebelled—he was the world’s greatest rebel. Yet he had been traveling with him—how could this be?

Xiao Qing said quietly: “Listen to sister and don’t go with him.” A’Xiu said tremblingly: “But he… he’ll hit you…” Xiao Qing shook her head: “No, this man is a good fellow—no matter how angry he gets, he won’t harm women…” As she spoke, she saw the scar mark on A’Xiu’s forehead and closed her mouth again.

The two faced each other silently. A’Xiu suddenly said: “Sister, you… you know who my birth father is, don’t you?” Xiao Qing sighed and nodded: “I know, but I can’t tell you.” A’Xiu asked blankly: “Why?” Xiao Qing said gently: “I promised your Tangyuan Aunt that only she could tell you about your background.” A’Xiu’s eyes reddened with choking voice: “Sister, my father… my father is a bad person, isn’t he?”

Xiao Qing said quietly: “Why do you ask this?” A’Xiu shed tears: “From childhood to now, no one has ever told me… who my birth father is… I actually guessed long ago that he… he must have done many, many bad things… right?” Xiao Qing’s eyes also reddened as she choked: “Child, let’s not talk about this—let sister send you home.” A’Xiu said loudly: “No! I won’t go home!”

Xiao Qing quickly said: “If you won’t go home, where will you go? Do you really want to follow that man?” Hearing this, A’Xiu involuntarily looked toward the courtyard and saw Iron Foot Uncle’s back again. Xiao Qing pulled him: “Child, don’t be willful—come back to the Yang family with sister, or go find your grand-aunt…” A’Xiu shook his head: “No.” Xiao Qing quickly said: “Aren’t you afraid he’ll harm you?” A’Xiu was silent for a long time: “No. He won’t harm me.” Xiao Qing said: “How do you know?” A’Xiu said loudly: “I just know!”

A’Xiu had already become suspicious. This Iron Foot Uncle claimed to be “Qin Zhonghai,” the world’s greatest rebel. With so many starving ghosts outside the city, why wasn’t he accompanying them in rebellion, but instead here laughing, cursing, and fooling around with a small child like himself?

Without thinking, he knew this “Iron Foot Uncle” must have a significant connection to his own background. Sister Xiao Qing knew, Iron Foot Uncle knew—only A’Xiu didn’t know.

Seeing Xiao Qing had stopped talking, A’Xiu said: “Sister, if you have nothing else to say, I’m leaving.” Xiao Qing was silent for a long time, then suddenly said: “Wait, sister has something else to tell you.” Without waiting for A’Xiu’s response, she pulled him into her embrace and whispered in his ear: “When you see your Tangyuan Aunt, remember to ask her for a bow.”

A’Xiu asked blankly: “Bow? What bow?”

Xiao Qing said: “It’s a large rattan bow that your Tangyuan Aunt could never draw. Remember to ask her for this bow—tell her that since she couldn’t draw it before, now you’ll draw it for her.” A’Xiu asked in surprise: “Why?”

Xiao Qing said: “You’ll understand when you get there. But remember, this matter is extremely important—it might concern this Master Qin’s life or death.”

A’Xiu was shocked: “What?” Xiao Qing said no more, just gently pushed A’Xiu from behind: “Go on, don’t ask anymore.”

Entering the courtyard, Qin Zhonghai was already waiting. He took A’Xiu’s hand and said: “What did she tell you?” A’Xiu looked back at Xiao Qing and snorted: “She said you’re a beast and told me to be careful.” Qin Zhonghai laughed: “Nonsense.” Just as they were about to leave, they heard shouting from the courtyard: “Wait.” Looking back, it was Xiao Qing approaching. She came out and said softly: “General Qin, I bless you both.”

Qin Zhonghai was silent for a long time: “Thank you.” He lifted A’Xiu and leaped over the wall. Xiao Qing watched them quietly, then suddenly ran forward and shouted: “General Qin! Will… will I ever see you again?” Qin Zhonghai said flatly: “No, this is the last time we’ll meet.” Xiao Qing nodded and lowered her head, her eyes reddening.

This Xiao Qing was helpless and alone, just a prostitute in a pitiful situation. After this parting, there might never be another meeting. A’Xiu felt sorry and was about to give her some of his ingots when he heard a bang—Qin Zhonghai jumped down from the wall and took something from his chest: “Keep this.”

Xiao Qing received it and saw it was a bamboo tube. She said quietly: “This… this is…” Qin Zhonghai said: “In the future, if you encounter trouble, just go to an open area and pull open the bamboo tube—experts will come to help.” Xiao Qing covered her mouth in surprise: “This… this is the Fury Bandits’…”

Qin Zhonghai said: “Don’t ask too much—just keep it. I hope you’ll never need to use it.” A’Xiu saw something fun and also jumped down from the wall, excitedly shouting: “Uncle, I want one too! I want one too!” He hugged Iron Foot and wailed loudly.

Qin Zhonghai couldn’t stand the noise and had to give him another one. A’Xiu excitedly received it—the bamboo tube was less than half a chi long with a red string at the back, its purpose unknown. Just as he was about to pull it hard, he heard Iron Foot Uncle say angrily: “Don’t pull! This signal cannon is extraordinary—once fired, it will immediately alert the entire court! Unless it’s the last resort, it must never be opened lightly!”

A’Xiu’s mind cleared, realizing this was fireworks. He immediately agreed verbally while secretly excited: “So fun—I’ll throw it around later.” He had originally owned a “Five Li Whistle” but it was snatched by Fatty Zhang, Huo Tianlong and others. Who knew he’d get another treasure from the Fury Gang? He quickly tucked it into his chest, planning to set it off randomly in an open area.

After everyone had spoken, one large and one small were about to depart. Xiao Qing knew this was farewell and followed to the wall edge, holding back tears and unwilling to leave. Qin Zhonghai sighed: “Don’t make it seem like life and death separation—if fate allows, we’ll meet again.” Xiao Qing was overjoyed: “Really?” She rushed over and hugged Iron Foot Uncle, crying.

Seeing Xiao Qing’s tears falling like rain, Qin Zhonghai didn’t know how to comfort her and could only say to A’Xiu: “Look, she’s fallen in love with me.” A’Xiu sighed: “Hunger makes one less choosy.” Xiao Qing heard this and flew into a rage: “What are you saying?” Qin Zhonghai was shocked: “Nothing… nothing…” He grabbed A’Xiu and quickly jumped down from the wall, running away in a flash.

Leaving the courtyard and returning to the narrow alley, the dark green horse was still tied by the roadside and hadn’t been stolen. Just as the two were about to mount, A’Xiu laughed: “Uncle, you actually have a good heart.” Qin Zhonghai was first stunned, then laughed: “I have a good heart? Too bad my temper isn’t good!” Amid hearty laughter, he first lifted A’Xiu onto the saddle, then mounted himself and rode toward the north gate with a “giddyup.”

The two came onto the street. Just as he was waiting to hear A’Xiu’s nonsense, this child was unusually quiet the whole time. Looking down, he saw him tilting his little head and staring fixedly at his forehead, as if examining something. Qin Zhonghai asked in surprise: “What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?” A’Xiu’s face reddened as he quickly turned away and snorted: “Who’s looking at you?”

Qin Zhonghai reached out and tickled his armpit desperately: “Speak up! What are you looking at?” A’Xiu laughed bitterly: “Alright, alright, I’ll tell you… I… I was looking to see if you have that mark.” Qin Zhonghai asked in surprise: “What mark?”

A’Xiu lifted his forehead proudly: “Look, Buddha’s eye.” He quickly reached out to part Iron Foot Uncle’s forehead and saw a blood-red, hideous character “罪” (Criminal). A’Xiu made a sound of surprise and was about to ask when he heard shouting ahead: “Don’t push! Don’t crowd! Take out your travel documents! All line up properly!”

A’Xiu was shocked and looked ahead to see traffic jammed on the road—they had reached Zhonggu Street. Below the city were large numbers of official troops galloping back and forth, while common people complained: “Soldiers! When can we leave the city?” “Yes! Yes! When will you let us go!” Amid the scolding, children’s cries could be heard: “Father! Mother! Ermao hit me!”

A’Xiu said anxiously: “Uncle, there are soldiers ahead—can we… can we get out of the city?” Qin Zhonghai said: “Don’t worry, let me look first.” He spurred his horse forward to the street intersection and looked carefully. Under the north gate, banners fluttered—”North Might” and “North Peace.” He frowned: “Good heavens, both garrisons of the Zhengtong Army are here.” A’Xiu asked in terror: “Do they… do they recognize you?”

Qin Zhonghai said: “I’m not sure either—we’ll test it and find out.” A’Xiu’s face turned pale as he dry-laughed: “Uncle, I… I think I should go home. You go out of the city alone…” Just as he was about to slip off the horse, Qin Zhonghai held him back: “Don’t run—if you run, you’ll make people suspicious.” A’Xiu said tremblingly: “Then… what should we do?”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “We’ll do it like this.” With a “giddyup,” he spurred his horse past the crowd and charged straight toward the city gate.

A’Xiu was horrified—ahead was the main nest of the Zhengtong Army. Not only was he carrying stolen money, he was also accompanying the “Wrathful King.” If the two really charged through, wouldn’t that be walking into a trap?

The words “North Might” became more prominent. Seeing they were less than a hundred chi from the gate, A’Xiu was scared witless and simply closed his eyes, tilted his head, and pretended to be an innocent child. Anyway, he had been kidnapped by villains—if there were any charges, he could push them all onto “Bandit Qin.” As for where the stolen money came from and whether he had beaten the pawn shop owner, he naturally knew nothing about any of it.

Horse hooves thundered as they galloped. A’Xiu closed his eyes tightly, his heart pounding. Suddenly he heard a loud shout and an angry roar from under the gate: “Who goes there!” A’Xiu’s breathing stopped and his heart stopped beating. He was waiting for both sides to fight with blood and flesh flying, but strangely, his ears heard no sound for a long time. A’Xiu didn’t dare open his eyes and just cowered on the horse, trembling.

After who knows how long, the two sides still hadn’t fought. After another while, A’Xiu really couldn’t contain himself and secretly opened his right eye—to his shock, before him was open wilderness and grassland. They had actually left the north gate long ago?

A’Xiu was stunned and looked up in shock: “Uncle… how… how did you escape?” Qin Zhonghai said calmly: “Forgot? What did I do before rebelling?” A’Xiu said blankly: “You… you were a palace guard?” Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Don’t say guard—I’m just a military man, same as them, all fighting for the country.”

A’Xiu made a sound of understanding: “So… so they let you out of the city?” Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Right. When they saw me, they felt close in their hearts, as if meeting their own brothers—they wouldn’t make things difficult for me.” A’Xiu listened and murmured, then suddenly said: “Uncle, then… why did you rebel?”

This question really hit home. Qin Zhonghai looked up at the sky, suddenly smiled and said: “Forgot.”

The north wind howled, blowing both of them around. A’Xiu looked at him silently and said no more.

The hoof sounds gradually slowed. Qin Zhonghai released the reins and let the horse walk at will. Just as they were silent, they suddenly heard loud commotion on the road: “Ah Hua! Keep up!” “Child’s father! Can you show some strength?” “Father! Mother! Ermao hit me again!”

A’Xiu turned to look and saw ox carts and mule carts everywhere, all carrying families with children—all coming from the city. He couldn’t help but ask blankly: “Uncle, where are these people going?” Qin Zhonghai said: “They’re going to Hongluo Temple.” A’Xiu asked in surprise: “Why is everyone going to Hongluo Temple?” Qin Zhonghai said: “That’s at the foot of the Son of Heaven—hiding there gives more peace of mind.”

With great battle imminent, clever people had already left the city to take refuge. A’Xiu looked at the people and suddenly thought of grand-aunt still in the city. His heart became concerned and he said quietly: “Uncle, I… I want to ask you for a favor—is that okay?” Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Speak. As long as it’s within my power, I’ll definitely do it for you.” A’Xiu said happily: “You… you really mean it?”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Speak up—just don’t ask me to pluck stars from the sky.” A’Xiu said loudly: “Uncle, can you tell the hungry ghosts to go home?” Qin Zhonghai was stunned: “What?” A’Xiu said quietly: “I… I don’t want you to fight…”

Qin Zhonghai chuckled: “Who taught you to say this?” A’Xiu said quietly: “No one taught me—I said it myself.” He reached out his small hand to grasp Iron Foot Uncle’s big hand and said timidly: “Uncle, if you don’t fight anymore, then… then you can be good friends with my father and Uncle Wu. Uncle, can… can you promise me?”

Qin Zhonghai said: “Fine, I promise you.” A’Xiu was both shocked and delighted: “Really?” Qin Zhonghai nodded: “Really.”

A’Xiu was extremely happy and was dancing with joy when he saw Iron Foot Uncle gazing into the distance in a daze. He couldn’t help but worry: “Uncle, why aren’t you talking? Aren’t you happy?” Qin Zhonghai looked up and said softly: “It’s nothing—I was just thinking of my own father.” A’Xiu asked blankly: “Your… your father?”

Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly: “Child, I was once like you—not knowing why I came to be, not knowing where I was going, drifting in the sea of humanity like a small boat… Sometimes in the middle of the night, thinking of my background, sadness would come from within, feeling my birth father had abandoned me. But thinking it over, I became relieved.” A’Xiu said quietly: “What do you mean?”

Qin Zhonghai reached out to gently touch the scar on A’Xiu’s forehead and smiled: “Child, life is actually just like that. Your birth father may not be the best, but he’s the reason you came into this world. You’ll have to meet him face to face sooner or later, right?” A’Xiu made a sound of understanding: “Uncle, you… you’ve never seen your own father either?”

Qin Zhonghai said: “Actually, I have seen him, but unfortunately we didn’t recognize each other.” A’Xiu asked in amazement: “Why… why not?”

Iron Foot Uncle smiled slightly, bringing out several deep wrinkles on his forehead: “When you reach my age, you’ll understand.”

“Drink wine and sing—how much is life? Like morning dew, the past days bring much suffering.” Rarely, A’Xiu was quiet and Iron Foot Uncle was also silently speechless. Each with their own thoughts, they continued northward.

Soon, they saw mountain ranges layered ahead, with banners fluttering on the mountainside—clearly “Golden Guards,” “Feathered Forest,” “Tiger Guards,” and “Prefecture Army” four divisions. Needless to say, this was the famous “Hongluo Mountain.” Seeing the dark green horse proceed without stopping toward the mountain path, A’Xiu said in alarm: “Uncle, you… you’re going to charge straight through again?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed: “What else? Turn around and run?” He pulled the reins and spurred the horse even faster. With thundering hooves, they saw large numbers of soldiers flying “Prefecture Army” banners—the emperor’s imperial guards stationed here.

First it was the “Zhengtong Army,” now it was the “Imperial Guards.” A’Xiu was secretly afraid but couldn’t help being somewhat curious, wanting to see how Iron Foot Uncle would handle getting through. Just as he was looking around, he suddenly heard someone roar: “What are you doing?”

Soldiers surged forward with drawn swords. A’Xiu was expecting to watch a show, but now began trembling again: “I… I am…” Just as he was about to speak up, Qin Zhonghai had already dismounted and taken out his token to hand over. The soldiers took it and after just one glance, cleared the way, laughing: “So it’s Tiger Forest Army brothers! That’s our own people!”

Qin Zhonghai said: “Please, brothers, I arrived late and don’t know how to get to the Tiger Forest Army camp?” The soldiers said: “Big brother, after entering the temple, turn left… you’ll see a pavilion…” Just as they were talking, someone said: “Who’s here?” The soldiers turned and all shouted: “Commander Li!” A’Xiu looked carefully and saw a great general approaching—dark-skinned with upturned nostrils, ugly features, yet unusually tall. He couldn’t help trembling even more.

The commander said: “Who’s this fellow?” The soldiers said: “He’s a Tiger Forest Army brother.” The commander made a sound of understanding and took the token. Seeing it was indeed a Tiger Forest Army seal, he nodded and was about to wave them through when he suddenly saw a child lying on the horse back, trembling. He couldn’t help but stare: “Following the imperial hunt—why bring a child? How does your superior manage you?”

A’Xiu was greatly alarmed and buried his head even lower. Qin Zhonghai sighed: “Commander, sir, my family is in discord. My wife suddenly went back to her mother’s house, and there’s really no one to care for this child—I had to bring him up the mountain. Please give me some convenience.” The soldiers laughed: “Sister-in-law ran back to her mother’s house? Did big brother visit prostitutes again?”

Qin Zhonghai sighed: “Visiting prostitutes and sleeping with whores ruins the country and family. Everyone knows this in their hearts—don’t embarrass me.” The commander sighed heavily: “True words—Golden Guards and Tiger Forest are one family. Everyone has times of visiting prostitutes—let’s not mock each other.” He patted Qin Zhonghai’s shoulder: “Hurry back to report—just don’t delay official business.”

Qin Zhonghai properly cupped his fists with a sharp “pa” sound and said solemnly: “This subordinate thanks you here.” Then he mounted his horse and rode toward the mountain gate with a “giddyup.”

Having finally passed through, A’Xiu naturally breathed a great sigh of relief. He sat up straight and was about to speak when he heard shouting behind: “Wait! Don’t go! Don’t go!” A’Xiu was so scared his hair stood on end and he shrank back down. At the mountain gate, a general came flying after them—it was that “Commander Li.”

Large numbers of soldiers caught up. A’Xiu whispered in his ear: “Uncle! Run quickly!” Qin Zhonghai pondered for a long time but instead pulled up the horse. The commander ran all the way to the horse and panted: “You… you forgot something!” He took out the token and handed it back.

A’Xiu made a sound of surprise, realizing the token was forgotten. Qin Zhonghai dismounted apologetically: “Look at my memory—thank you, Commander.” The commander laughed: “You must keep your rice bowl safe next time…” Just as he was about to return the token, he felt the iron plate was somewhat rusty and made a sound of surprise. He finally looked down and murmured: “Jingtai thirty-second year, jisi… you… you have quite seniority…”

Qin Zhonghai said: “This subordinate is somewhat older.” The commander laughed: “So you’re a Jingtai veteran—that’s rare! Big brother, what’s your surname and name? How should I address you?” Qin Zhonghai pointed at the token: “Look, my subordinate’s surname is on it.”

The commander looked down and saw the character “Qin,” couldn’t help but laugh: “Good fellow, of all surnames, you had to get this rebellious one?” He tossed the token back and laughed: “Go quickly—if someone mistakes you for a fury bandit, that would be terrible.”

A’Xiu’s heart turned cold, but Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily: “Commander, that’s not right—how many thousands in this world are surnamed Qin? If we really had to arrest everyone we saw, wouldn’t the brothers be worked to death?” The two looked at each other and laughed. The commander laughed: “I was just joking with you—you take it seriously? Looking at your forehead, there’s no criminal character, and your feet don’t have iron shackles…” As he spoke, he looked down and suddenly made a sound of surprise, then looked at Qin Zhonghai again. The two faced each other and suddenly both laughed heartily.

Qin Zhonghai laughed: “Commander doesn’t suspect me, does he?” The commander laughed until tears came out: “This… where would this come from… nonsense…” His feet backed away to a slope at the mountain edge and suddenly slipped backward, rolling down.

“Qin Zhonghai is here! Qin Zhonghai is here!” Dong dong long dong, dong dong long dong—the commander shouted wildly while rolling fast. The shouts grew distant and inaudible. Soldiers heard and rushed over: “Who’s shouting?” A’Xiu dry-laughed: “It’s… it’s me…”

The soldiers were confused for a long time: “Where’s the commander? Where did he go?” Qin Zhonghai coughed and pointed to the slope: “Seems like he jumped down himself.” Everyone was shocked: “What? Jumped down?”

“Someone come! Quickly get ropes! Hurry!” For a moment, the whole army rushed to get ropes to go down the mountain to search and rescue. Seeing A’Xiu dumbfounded, Qin Zhonghai said flatly: “Let’s go.”

Drinking and pleasure should be early—meeting the demon king is terrible. A’Xiu wanted to cry but had no tears, traveling with the great demon—he was probably getting deeper and deeper.

Entering the mountain gate, they could already see the temple’s flying eaves in the distance—they had reached Hongluo Temple territory. After walking about a hundred chi, ahead was a long stone stairway. Qin Zhonghai suddenly slowed his horse and pondered in silence. A’Xiu said worriedly: “What… what’s wrong now?”

The words were still in his mouth when Qin Zhonghai suddenly pulled the reins and dismounted. A’Xiu also cried “aiya” as he was pulled off the horse. The two crouched in the grass. A’Xiu cursed painfully: “What are you doing?”

Qin Zhonghai whispered in his ear: “Keep quiet—there are experts here.” A’Xiu asked blankly: “Ex… experts?” Before he finished speaking, dust filled the mountain gate as over a hundred riders charged in. The cavalry held high a royal banner—”Prince De of Ji.”

Rumble, rumble… This batch of troops flew “King’s Escort” banners. Though only a hundred men, they had magnificent momentum, galloping past and entering through the right mountain path beside the stone steps.

A’Xiu didn’t dare get up, just lay in the grass and asked quietly: “Uncle, are the experts you mentioned these people?” Qin Zhonghai said: “Of course not.” He pointed up and whispered in his ear: “Look up at that pine tree.”

Beside the mountain path was a steep cliff. A pine tree grew horizontally out, overlooking the ten-thousand-ren void—the terrain was absolutely treacherous. A’Xiu blinked: “What… what do you want me to see?” Qin Zhonghai whispered in his ear: “Don’t look with your eyes—look with your heart.” A’Xiu didn’t understand and was about to ask again when he suddenly made a sound of surprise. In the pine needles, a trouser leg was visible—someone was really lying in the tree! He said tremblingly: “Amazing! This… isn’t this person afraid of heights?” Qin Zhonghai whispered in his ear: “Look carefully—who is this person?”

A’Xiu was very curious and boldly crawled forward a few chi, then looked up. He saw the person’s feet extending over the cliff, covered with thick clothing as if sleeping. He boldly and slowly stood up. When he suddenly saw the person’s face, he couldn’t help but be shocked and thought secretly: “It’s him!”

The person had a rectangular face with long hair covering the forehead scar—wasn’t this the “Three-Eyed Uncle” he’d seen on the city wall this morning?