On the return journey to Yangzhou, Gu Siyuan seemed like a different person. Originally always frowning with worry, now he was like someone who had obtained a rare treasure, smiling happily every day with great joy.

Though Lu Yun wasn’t his adopted son, Gu Siyuan extremely loved his character and talents, treating him with utmost kindness. On the road, he even instructed Lu Yun to stop doing servant’s work and concentrate on being his guest. But Lu Yun didn’t want to be a freeloader and insisted on remaining Gu Siyuan’s book boy. Despite Gu Siyuan’s repeated persuasion, Lu Yun wouldn’t agree, so he had to give up.

After several days of travel, they finally returned home that night. Seeing the master’s return, Lady Gu immediately instructed the steward to prepare a welcoming banquet for Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan’s first wife came from a famous Luoyang family and bore one daughter but no sons. Gu Siyuan had to take another woman, called the Second Concubine, who was the cousin of his close friend Pei Ya. This woman was naturally shrewd and managed most household affairs large and small. Everyone in the Gu mansion yielded to her three parts. But one mountain cannot contain two tigers—the Gu family had this Second Concubine, but also a precious daughter, Miss Gu. This Miss Gu was named Qianxi, beautiful and generous, intelligent since childhood with her father’s manner, having opinions on everything and frequently quarreling endlessly with the Second Concubine, which gave Gu Siyuan great headaches.

During the meal, the Second Concubine saw Gu Siyuan in high spirits and asked with a laugh: “Master, seeing how happy you are—did you receive some good news in Jiangxia?”

Gu Siyuan laughed heartily: “This trip to Jiangxia, I learned of a great matter from General Zuo Congyi!”

Gu Qianxi was naturally intelligent. Seeing her father’s uncontainable joy, she figured it must relate to his transfer to the capital and smiled: “Father, have you been promoted?”

Gu Siyuan laughed heartily: “Qian’er is the smartest—you guessed right! Father can return to the capital next year, and unexpectedly I’m also promoted to Minister of War!”

Everyone exclaimed in surprise, never expecting the master not only could return to the capital but also receive another promotion, and they all congratulated him.

Gu Siyuan smiled: “That’s just one thing! This time returning from Jiangxia, I’ve taken on a very capable child as my advisor!”

With the rare family gathering, Gu Siyuan wanted to tell his family about Lu Yun so they could meet him.

The Second Concubine smiled: “Which family’s child has earned the master’s such favor? Is it Minister Xu’s student or Master Pei’s son?” When mentioning the Pei family son, she glanced at Gu Qianxi with eyes full of meaning.

Gu Qianxi pouted: “Pei Shengqing—what ability does he have to qualify as Father’s advisor? That boy only knows how to play and nothing else.”

The Second Concubine was Pei Ya’s relative and wholeheartedly wanted to arrange a match between Gu Qianxi and Young Master Pei. Hearing Gu Qianxi speak so dismissively of Young Master Pei, she quickly changed the subject: “Master, who is this person you mentioned? When can we meet him?”

Gu Siyuan smiled: “Far away in the sky, near before our eyes. This child is the book boy who solved Master Pei’s couplet that I told you about.”

Gu Qianxi cried “Ah!” and exclaimed: “It’s him again!” Her face was full of curiosity.

But the Second Concubine was displeased: “I thought it was someone important—turns out it’s just a servant! What’s worth meeting about that?”

Hearing the Second Concubine speak thus, Gu Siyuan was slightly unhappy. Seeing the master’s displeasure, Lady Gu quickly said: “If master says this child is capable, it must be true. Didn’t we see this child when we saw you off to Jiangxia? I thought he had clear features and was a good child.”

But the Second Concubine said: “You can know a person’s face but not their heart! I still advise master to be careful with people of unknown background—investigate his details thoroughly first.”

Gu Qianxi had never seen Lu Yun. Hearing everyone’s discussion, she was curious and asked: “How have you all seen this person? When can I meet him too?”

Gu Siyuan smiled: “What’s difficult about that? I’ll call him to the hall later.”

But the Second Concubine was quite displeased: “Master, should such a lowly person sit and talk with us as equals? If word gets out, won’t people laugh at us?”

Gu Siyuan was somewhat angry and displeased: “What lowly person! This child could pass the advanced degree or even become top scholar—it’s not impossible. Xiao Lan, you’re too concerned with people’s origins.”

Seeing the master seemed angry, the Second Concubine quickly used her ultimate move. She looked at Lady Gu pleadingly: “Madam, will you let this person of unknown background meet everyone? If this person has bad intentions, wouldn’t that be very dangerous?”

Lady Gu, being drawn into this, couldn’t ignore it and said to Gu Siyuan: “Master, Xiao Lan’s concerns aren’t unreasonable. Before this person’s background is investigated, it’s better to be careful.”

Seeing everyone speak thus, Gu Siyuan had no choice. He sighed: “Fine. After the New Year, I must go to the capital to discuss taking office with several ministers. Then I’ll ask some friends in the Ministry of Justice to investigate whether this child has any criminal record and what family he has. As long as his background is clean and proper, you’ll be willing to meet him, right?”

Lady Gu and the Second Concubine patted their chests and agreed in unison.

But Gu Qianxi sighed: “Do we have to wait so long? I’d like to meet him right now!”

Lady Gu and the Second Concubine said urgently: “Absolutely not! How can a young lady have such thoughts? What propriety would that be?”

Gu Qianxi wasn’t afraid of the concubine but listened to her mother very much. She stuck out her tongue and smiled: “If I can’t meet him, I can’t—what’s there to be nervous about?” But thinking of this person being greatly favored by her father and having solved the strange couplet Pei Ya brought, she couldn’t help being very curious, wondering whether he was tall or short, fat or thin.

The next day, Lu Yun was cleaning the study when suddenly the steward and a capable middle-aged woman entered. Lu Yun had seen this woman before and knew she was the Second Concubine, so he bowed and called: “Good morning, Second Concubine!”

The Second Concubine looked Lu Yun up and down. Seeing this person had dragon-like eyebrows and phoenix eyes with dignified bearing, she couldn’t help being secretly startled, thinking: “This child is indeed quite handsome—he puts Young Master Pei to shame.”

Lu Yun felt uncomfortable under her gaze and quickly said: “Second Concubine, is there something you need? If you want to look at books, please tell me and I’ll find them for you.”

The Second Concubine said coldly: “What would a woman like me read? You’re called Lu Yun, aren’t you?”

Lu Yun said: “Exactly, this humble person.”

The Second Concubine’s eyes turned and she continued: “I hear the master likes you very much—have you forgotten your place as a servant? Is this true?”

Lu Yun’s heart jumped as he said seriously: “In response to Second Concubine, this humble person serves as book boy here, speaking and acting carefully, never overstepping bounds. Why does the concubine speak so?”

Hearing his proper response, the Second Concubine thought: “This boy has some knowledge—he’s not ordinary.” Then she thought: “What is my background? Who in the Gu household doesn’t yield to me three parts? If I don’t make him completely submissive today, what will happen later!”

She immediately stepped forward and sneered: “Surnamed Lu, now I’ll point out a few things for you—listen carefully.”

Lu Yun became slightly alert and bowed with cupped hands: “Please speak, Concubine.”

The Second Concubine glared at him viciously: “Let me speak plainly first! Don’t think because the master likes you that you can fly up and become a phoenix, forgetting the old rules! In conduct, you must know self-respect and not harbor improper thoughts—understand?”

Lu Yun heard her words becoming increasingly rude and anger rose in his heart, but as a servant he couldn’t upset the hierarchy. He forcibly suppressed his anger and endured, gritting his teeth: “This humble person doesn’t understand—please enlighten me clearly, Concubine.”

The Second Concubine laughed heartily: “Still don’t understand? What are improper thoughts? I mean some shameless wretches who only think base thoughts day and night, wanting to call other people’s masters ‘dear father,’ hoping to deceive their way into adopted son status for life. Now that I’ve explained it this way, you should understand, right?”

Since ancient times, if servants wanted to rise to heaven in one step, they relied on either marrying into the family or adoption. The Second Concubine dealt with wealthy household affairs daily and naturally understood these principles, so she prepared defenses in advance.

Hearing these words, Lu Yun was so angry his ears buzzed, stars danced before his eyes, and he was furious beyond measure, thinking: “A scholar can be killed but not humiliated! If I coveted the Gu family’s wealth, I would have acknowledged Uncle Gu as my adoptive father long ago. This woman speaks so recklessly—how can I, Lu Yun, endure such insults?” He immediately stood straight and wanted to rush outside. He had saved some silver and wasn’t afraid of starving outside, so he wanted to leave immediately.

The Second Concubine laughed heartily: “What’s wrong with you? Want to run away?” Hearing the Second Concubine’s cold laughter, Lu Yun came to his senses and thought of Gu Siyuan’s kindness to him: “If I leave, Uncle Gu will surely be sad. Forget it—for Uncle Gu’s sake, I’ll yield to her three parts.” With this thought, he stopped again.

Seeing him silent, sometimes moving and sometimes stopping, the Second Concubine thought he was afraid of her and sneered: “Surnamed Lu, I’m warning you—if you dare speak one word to the madam or young miss in the future, don’t blame your concubine for throwing you out—heard clearly?”

Lu Yun’s anger surged and his teeth chattered audibly. Even when beaten by ruffian jailers in the past, his heart hadn’t felt so bad. For Lu Yun, this proud scholar, being despised was the most painful thing—more unbearable than physical pain.

The Second Concubine said loudly: “Repeat what I just said!”

Lu Yun forcibly suppressed his anger: “Second Concubine wants me not to speak with the madam and young miss.”

Seeing his face pale as if fearing her, the Second Concubine smiled: “Boy, as long as you behave yourself and know your place as a servant, I’ll give you good things to eat—understand?” She hooked her finger under Lu Yun’s chin and smiled: “Look how handsome you are, young man.” This gesture was very frivolous. Lu Yun was so angry his whole body shook, furious beyond measure: “How could Uncle Gu marry such a woman as his concubine?”

Seeing she had tormented him enough, the Second Concubine said to the steward: “Let’s go! This boy should know the rules now.”

Just as the two were about to leave, they saw Gu Siyuan enter the study. Seeing the Second Concubine, he was slightly surprised: “Xiao Lan, what are you doing in the study?”

The Second Concubine smiled: “Yesterday I heard master praise this child, so today passing by I couldn’t help coming to look!”

Knowing the Second Concubine disliked Lu Yun, Gu Siyuan asked Lu Yun: “What did the Second Concubine just say to you?”

Lu Yun didn’t want to make things difficult for Gu Siyuan and said: “The Second Concubine said nothing—just asked about my family background.”

Gu Siyuan nodded and said to the Second Concubine: “Xiao Lan, don’t bully Yun’er, understand?”

The Second Concubine smiled: “This child is quite lovable—how could I bully him?”

After the Second Concubine left, Gu Siyuan again studied military strategy with Lu Yun. Though Lu Yun felt depressed, he still forced himself to chat and laugh in Gu Siyuan’s presence.

Several months passed quickly, the weather gradually grew cold, and winter arrived. During this time, Lu Yun and Gu Siyuan’s relationship deepened daily, but fearing exposure of his fugitive status, he never dared reveal his background and experiences. Actually, with Gu Siyuan’s current court influence, vindicating Lu Yun would be effortless. But Lu Yun felt guilty and never dared mention it to Gu Siyuan, so it was continuously delayed.

Over these months, Lu Yun daily accompanied the master reading and nightly practiced internal energy, but without guidance his progress was limited. Each time he tried to circulate internal energy to his hands and feet meridians, it would mysteriously retract, preventing further advancement.

But Lu Yun was naturally studious. Though this “Treatise on Qi Cultivation” was just an ordinary health classic, he used his intelligence to explore other Daoist texts, gradually studying “Greater and Lesser Celestial Cycles,” “Twelve Regular Meridians,” and other meridian and acupuncture practices.

Though he couldn’t master the method immediately, his nature was persevering and he loved learning, so he continued this painstaking research.

In November, Gu Siyuan took Miss Gu Qianxi to Buddhist temples in Suzhou to worship, also planning sightseeing, not returning until the twelfth month. Gu Siyuan had wanted to bring Lu Yun along to meet the young miss, but the two ladies strongly opposed, causing such a commotion he had to give up. Lu Yun stayed alone in the mansion. With nothing else to do, he dedicated himself to practicing internal energy, thinking: “Before master returns, I must achieve something or I won’t give up!” With no one to disturb him, he practiced happily.

This day Lu Yun was pondering how to make internal breath flow smoothly when he was lost in thought. Suddenly he saw the steward bring several people into the study. One was a handsome young nobleman with the others appearing to be his servants and bodyguards. The steward said: “Young Master Pei, the master isn’t here. Whatever books you want, just take them from here!”

Lu Yun thought briefly and knew this was Pei Ya’s only son. He saw the youth was several years younger than himself with quite an arrogant expression. Knowing his place as a servant, Lu Yun stood aside with lowered hands awaiting orders.

This young master was named Pei Shengqing, the Pei family’s treasure, extremely doted on by his parents and childhood playmate of Miss Gu Qianxi. He came looking for Gu Qianxi today but hadn’t inquired properly and missed her, so he wandered around the mansion. With nothing to do, he decided to look at the master’s study.

Pei Shengqing said to the steward: “You’re not needed—go down!”

The steward knew he was the future son-in-law and dared not offend, so he said to Lu Yun: “This is Young Master Pei—serve him carefully!” He bowed to Pei Shengqing and left.

Lu Yun said: “Young Master Pei, are you looking for particular books? Just tell me and I’ll find them for you.”

Pei Shengqing wasn’t really wanting to read anything—he just came to the study to pass time. Seeing Lu Yun’s bright eyes, he suddenly thought: “I hear Uncle Gu has a book boy who solved Father’s couplet quite remarkably—this must be him.” He looked at Lu Yun and smiled: “Are you the one who solved my father’s couplet?”

Lu Yun said: “I stumbled upon it by accident—it doesn’t count.”

Pei Shengqing originally didn’t believe a mere book boy could have such ability, and hearing Lu Yun say this, he immediately believed it.

Pei Shengqing said: “Really! I said even my father couldn’t solve it—how could a mere servant who sweeps courtyards manage it? It must have been Uncle Gu deliberately playing a trick on my father.” He said to Lu Yun: “Don’t you think so?”

Lu Yun didn’t want to argue with him: “Whatever young master says is right.”

Seeing him dare to contradict him, Pei Shengqing was displeased and shouted: “Are you saying I’m talking nonsense?”

A servant beside him laughed: “Young master, don’t be angry—let’s test him and we’ll know.”

Pei Shengqing thought this was right. If he could randomly test this servant and thoroughly humiliate him, that wouldn’t be bad. He smiled: “How shall we test?”

The servant said: “There are so many books here—let’s randomly pick a few and test him!”

Pei Shengqing smiled: “Right! Exactly so!” He picked up a copy of “Zuo’s Commentary” and was about to question Lu Yun.

Lu Yun had no mind to fool around with them and said: “Young Master Pei, please don’t do this—this humble person’s knowledge is shallow. Please spare me.”

Pei Shengqing smiled: “I just want to test you a little—look how frightened you are. You couldn’t be completely ignorant, could you?”

Lu Yun shook his head: “This humble person is extremely ignorant—Young Master Pei’s criticism is correct.” He bowed slightly and said: “Since Young Master Pei isn’t reading, I’ll leave now.” He walked toward the door.

Pei Shengqing’s servant blocked him and shouted: “Young master gives you face and you don’t want it! You need beating!” He punched toward Lu Yun’s face.

Pei Shengqing quickly stopped him, laughing: “Don’t bully him like this—if word gets out, my father’s reputation won’t look good.”

Seeing Lu Yun’s stubborn expression, completely unlike ordinary servants, if he could properly torment this person, it would surely be quite interesting.

Seeing Lu Yun was tall with a sturdy build, he suddenly had an idea and smiled: “Hey! Since you don’t want literary testing, how about sparring with me a few moves?”

Pei Ya greatly doted on this son. Seeing his active nature, he spent heavily to hire famous teachers to teach him martial arts.

Lu Yun found this person truly boring and ridiculous, unwilling to say more. He immediately shook his head: “Young Master Pei, go find someone else to play with. I don’t have time to accompany you!” He walked outside.

Pei Shengqing smiled: “Fine! Since you won’t play with me, I’ll have to tear up these books one by one.” He tore up a page of the “Zuo’s Commentary.”

Lu Yun was shocked: “You… what are you doing!”

Pei Shengqing laughed heartily and tore another page. He had a plan—after tormenting this servant enough, he’d buy new books to replace them. Then Uncle Gu wouldn’t scold him but praise his thoughtfulness. The more he thought about it, the more pleased he became, and he tore up another page. Lu Yun rushed to take back the book. Pei Shengqing smiled: “Want the book back? First spar with me a few moves.” He threw the book to his servant.

Lu Yun thought: “This study is my responsibility—how can I let them act so wildly? Even if I later explain the truth to Uncle Gu and he doesn’t blame me, I can’t just watch them tear up books. These books all cost money to buy.”

Lu Yun had lived in poverty all his life. Previously, to read books he had to borrow them and then copy them character by character by hand. Seeing Pei Shengqing’s behavior was like being whipped—it pained him terribly.

Lu Yun said to Pei Shengqing: “Young Master Pei, please don’t tear up books anymore. Do you know how many poor children want to read but can’t afford to? If you’re unhappy, how about this—let you punch me a few times to vent your anger.”

Pei Shengqing smiled: “Boy, I don’t want to hit you—I just want you to fight me. What are you afraid of?”

Lu Yun shook his head: “I can’t beat you—please stop this.”

Pei Shengqing smiled: “Just a few moves—it won’t kill you. Watch my fist!” His left hand feinted while his right fist struck toward Lu Yun.

Lu Yun quickly dodged aside, but this punch was only a feint—the real skill was in the footwork. Pei Shengqing kicked out and Lu Yun couldn’t dodge, immediately falling flat. This was the third variation of the “Galloping Horse Style” from the Xianxia School—complex and changeable. How could Lu Yun recognize it? He was immediately beaten miserably.

Lu Yun groaned as he got up: “Young Master Pei, you’ve hit me—are you satisfied now?”

Seeing him so useless, defeated in one move, Pei Shengqing laughed with his servants: “This boy is so useless—fighting him is quite boring. Forget it, let him go!”

A servant laughed: “I heard the Gu family’s second lady say this boy came from nowhere and desperately flatters Master Gu daily, wanting to covet his family property. Young master, if you beat him today, the second lady will definitely give you a big reward.”

Pei Shengqing’s expression darkened: “This boy wants to steal from the Gu family? I didn’t know this. Lai Xi, explain clearly.”

The servant Lai Xi said: “I heard this boy sees Master Gu has no sons and desperately wants to call Master Gu ‘father’ daily! Very shameless. Master Gu does dote on him terribly—even took him to Jiangxia!”

Pei Shengqing was shocked: “This really happened? Such a shameless person—I didn’t beat him wrongly after all.”

Lu Yun heard them describe him so badly and felt indignant beyond measure. He glared angrily at Lai Xi: “You… what nonsense are you saying?”

Lai Xi grinned: “Boy, you don’t know how ugly the rumors outside are—they say you’re Master Gu’s catamite!”

Pei Shengqing shouted: “Lai Xi! What filthy nonsense are you spouting?”

Lai Xi knew he’d said something wrong and said quietly: “I heard the Gu family guards saying it.”

Lu Yun’s mind buzzed as he rushed forward in one stride, grabbing Lai Xi’s collar angrily: “You… if you keep talking nonsense… I… I…”

Lu Yun was extremely grieved and indignant. His hands could be cut off, his head could be chopped, but he absolutely wouldn’t tolerate such insults. His face was full of bitter anger and his eyes full of tears.

Lai Xi didn’t care at all and smiled: “What do you want to do? Kill me?”

Lu Yun’s dantian heated up and strength surged from somewhere unknown. With one hand he lifted Lai Xi over his shoulder and shouted: “Well said! I… I’ll kill you today!” With a great shout, he actually threw Lai Xi out. With a crash, Lai Xi hit the wall hard and immediately fainted.

The Pei family servants cried: “Murder! Lai Xi is beaten to death!”

Pei Shengqing was rash and didn’t check Lai Xi’s injuries, immediately shouting: “Boy, you dare commit murder—watch me avenge Lai Xi!”

Everyone shouted: “A life for a life! Beat this boy to death!” They immediately surrounded Lu Yun.

Originally, when Lu Yun was shocked and angry, he actually triggered his potential. His internal energy had been unable to reach several meridians in his hands and feet, and the internal energy in his body couldn’t circulate freely. But at this moment, his great anger and shouting made his breathing method very different from usual, mysteriously breaking through the barrier. After throwing Lai Xi out, he suddenly thought: “Where did I get such strength?” His concentration wavered, the internal energy retracted, his body went soft, and he nearly fell.

Seeing Lai Xi suffer greatly, Pei Shengqing immediately shouted: “Beat this boy to death!” Servants rushed forward, grabbed Lu Yun, and let Pei Shengqing punch him repeatedly. With a thud, Pei Shengqing’s fist heavily hit Lu Yun’s abdomen. Lu Yun cried out in pain, bent over, and immediately vomited.

The Pei family servants called: “So disgusting! This boy threw up!”

Seeing vomit all over his clothes, looking dirty and smelly, Pei Shengqing didn’t want to punch him anymore and immediately kicked out. Lu Yun was dizzy and couldn’t dodge—the kick hit his chin squarely. Lu Yun screamed miserably and nearly bit off his own tongue. The servants nearby cheered: “Young master has good skill! Beat this boy to death!”

Pei Shengqing was sweating all over from the beating, shouting continuously. He didn’t know why, but he just had an inexplicable hatred for this person—as if he couldn’t be happy unless he beat him to death.

After beating for a while, Lu Yun’s eyes had rolled back white. He shouted: “A life for a life, debts must be repaid! Boy, you beat my servant to death—now I’ll execute you on the spot and then report to the authorities!” He grabbed a wooden chair to smash Lu Yun’s head.

If this chair really came down, Lu Yun would probably die horribly on the spot. Among the servants, several timid ones feared causing trouble and quickly called: “Young master, be careful! Don’t create a murder case!” They hurriedly blocked him.

Pei Shengqing was furious: “Didn’t you see Lai Xi was beaten to death? How can we let this murderer go!” He still wanted to smash down while everyone urgently advised against it.

Just as Pei Shengqing was angrily roaring, suddenly someone slowly got up, touching his head: “So painful! This book boy is really hateful.” Everyone turned to look—it was Lai Xi getting up. Everyone was overjoyed: “Lai Xi isn’t dead!”

Not only was Lai Xi not dead, he wasn’t even seriously injured. He touched his forehead with a very indignant expression, shouting loudly: “Young master, this boy is so hateful—let’s beat him to death!”

Pei Shengqing put down the wooden chair and shouted: “Well said! You beat this boy! Beat him hard!” He ordered people to hold up Lu Yun so Lai Xi could beat him and vent his anger. Lai Xi remembered the humiliation of being thrown and felt very unfair. He immediately rushed forward, gathered all his strength, and struck hard at Lu Yun’s mouth. This punch was too forceful—Lu Yun fell backward and knocked everyone down together.

Pei Shengqing laughed loudly: “Good beating! That punch really had weight!” He ordered people to lift Lu Yun again, rolled up his sleeves, and smiled: “Watch me!” He also kicked out, heavily kicking Lu Yun away, treating him like a punching bag.

Everyone focused only on beating violently, having long forgotten that since Lai Xi wasn’t actually killed, how could they righteously beat this “murderer”? But everyone was excited by the beating and didn’t care about such things. Master and servants kicked and punched wildly, beating Lu Yun until he was barely conscious, half-dead, as if they really had some deep hatred.