“Qiong Fang! Sister Qiong! Lady Qiong!” Where in the world can’t you find fragrant grass—here comes another seeker of beauty. A woman’s voice called out: “Where are you?”

The moonlight was obscured, and snow fluttered all around. It was Juan’er who had arrived, searching and calling throughout the Qiong manor’s gardens, hoping to draw Qiong Fang out.

Qiong Fang was usually clever and lively, and when dressed as a young male master, she appeared even more dignified and stately. Who would have expected that tonight, after first receiving a vicious beating from her grandfather, she would then be violated by her lover, driving the young lady to flee home in anger, her whereabouts unknown. Fu Yuanying was deeply anxious, but having to guard the young sect leader, he had asked Juan’er to come early to find the young master, lest she couldn’t be found at all.

Fu Yuanying ate the National Uncle’s rice, so naturally he wanted to persuade Qiong Fang to return home. But Juan’er didn’t owe the National Uncle half a coin, so she naturally didn’t think the same way.

Looking at Su Ying’s usual witty and carefree manner, he even had a nickname called “Big-Eyed Cat,” which was quite popular with young ladies. Who would have known that after his bestial nature emerged, his true form was revealed—his menacing, tooth-baring appearance was even worse than ordinary beasts. Juan’er kicked her foot, sending a stone flying that crashed through the Qiong manor’s paper window. She shrugged her shoulders, cursing and sighing: “Men—you can get change from two coins.”

Marriage, marriage—a beautiful eighteen-year-old maiden, but the mother-in-law doesn’t seem human. A perfectly good young lady, just because she had the misfortune to marry, must wash her hands to make soup and use her skillful hands to make clothes. After others have full bellies and warm bodies, she herself must bear a big belly and become a yellow-faced, big-bellied woman.

What is love in this world? It directly teaches maidens to become old mothers. Becoming a big-bellied old mother isn’t too bad—what’s most fatal is when the father of the child in her belly wanders east and walks west. If his bestial nature emerges on the street, the household will have to add a second big-bellied woman, a third big-bellied woman, becoming a big-bellied women’s stronghold. Then they’ll compete for rankings and fight over seniority—eight big-bellied ghost mothers crying and wailing, hanging themselves and crashing into walls, afraid of becoming the youngest. At that time, one would truly have to ask what love is—after all, killing people always requires a good reason.

Snow and mist filled the air, the night was dark with high winds. Juan’er searched for people all along the forest paths. The National Uncle’s residence was vast, with winding gardens and many secluded paths. In the dark night, Juan’er, being a confused girl, walked and cursed along the way, actually getting lost.

Thinking of tonight’s harsh scolding from the old National Uncle, Juan’er grew angrier as she thought about it. She simply stopped looking for garden paths and trampled flowers and pushed down trees wherever she went. After destroying hundreds of rare and precious plants, the fire of hatred in her heart subsided somewhat, and she finally saw the surrounding wall.

“Sister Fang, Sister Fang! Aunt Fang!” Juan’er leaped up and sat astride the wall, looking toward the street outside the courtyard, cupping her mouth and calling loudly: “Come out quickly! It’s Juan’er!”

Late at night, the snow intensified, and there were few pedestrians on the road. Juan’er called several times, but all around remained quiet with no one answering her. Feeling both angry and tired, she secretly lamented her poor choice in friends, and could only jump down from the wall and search along the streets and alleys.

The Qiong manor was near the outskirts of the capital, located in a remote area with no shops or wine houses around. With the heavy snow and thick fog, everything appeared gloomy and hazy. As Juan’er walked along, it seemed as if she was the only person left on the entire street—an indescribably eerie feeling. Though Juan’er wasn’t a child, she was still afraid of ghosts. Just as she was worrying, she suddenly heard a grinding sound of teeth, and ahead there actually came the sound of sobbing.

A human figure appeared in the fog, vague and unclear—who knew if it was human or ghost? Juan’er’s whole body felt chilled to the bone, and she wanted to turn and run, but thinking of Qiong Fang, she couldn’t just ignore it. She could only follow the sound and move closer a few steps, timidly saying: “Qiong… Qiong Fang, is… is it you crying?”

After calling several times without hearing a response, she was about to go find Fu Yuanying when suddenly the north wind blew fiercely, dispersing the snow and fog before her eyes, allowing her to see a human figure.

The person wasn’t Qiong Fang, but a young gentleman. She saw him holding his head in both hands, sitting on the ground sobbing, as if his heart was in pain.

Juan’er breathed a sigh of relief. They say men are fierce ghosts while women are malevolent spirits—looking at this male ghost crying so mournfully, it wasn’t really useful. She felt somewhat at ease and observed the person from afar, only hearing him sob in a low voice: “I am not the Sorrowful Ancestor… I am not the Sorrowful Ancestor…”

“Sorrowful what?” Juan’er was amazed. She quietly took a step forward, and in the thick fog could only see that the person had distinct features and seemed quite handsome—her courage grew a bit more, so she approached two more steps and said softly: “Hey, you… what are you crying about? Did you drop your money pouch?”

Just as she was waiting for the ghost to cry out his grievances, she saw that ghost soul suddenly jump up and frantically rush forward like a madman. With a loud bang, that ghost soul actually crashed heavily into the wall, then with gritted teeth and using both hands and feet, climbed straight up the wall.

Seeing this ghost soul’s magical power was so weak that it couldn’t even pass through a wall, Juan’er felt even more at ease and chased after him, shouting: “Hey, who exactly are you? Why are you so afraid of me?”

As she spoke, she placed her hand on that person’s shoulder and shouted: “Brother! I’m talking to you!”

“Get away!” The man roared loudly, struggled to climb up the wall, then looked up to the sky and howled wildly: “I absolutely will not be the Sorrowful Ancestor! I absolutely will not be the Sorrowful Ancestor!” Juan’er was naturally bewildered by this madman’s strange words and hurriedly leaped up the wall as well. Just as she was wondering which lunatic this was, her eyes caught sight of the current number one swordsman of Mount Hua, “Inheritor of the Three Reaches,” Su Ying.

“What’s going on?” Juan’er was stunned and exclaimed: “Su Ying! What are you doing here?” As soon as her shout rang out, Su Ying ran even faster, holding his head in both hands and crying out wildly: “Get away! Don’t bother me! Get away!”

Amid his wild shouting, he fell from the wall and then ran away from the alley. Juan’er stared at his retreating figure in astonishment: “What Sorrowful Ancestor or not? Did this guy take the wrong medicine?”

With one last look, the thick fog enveloped the Big-Eyed Cat’s figure, as if he would never return. Juan’er shook her head and spat: “Madman—no wonder Qiong Fang doesn’t want you!” This was none of her business, and she was about to jump down from the wall when suddenly a black shadow silently leaped up behind her, with extremely steady and quiet movement technique.

A mysterious person came through the thick fog and patted her shoulder, scaring Juan’er into a shrill scream: “Ghost!” In her panic, she immediately drew her sword—using the move “Reverse Rolling Pearl Curtain,” she slashed toward the demon behind her.

With a loud clang, the newcomer also drew his long sword and shouted: “Don’t attack—we’re on the same side.”

Both long swords collided, sparking brightly. Juan’er looked by the faint light and breathed a sigh of relief: “Master Fu? Why are you here?” Standing before her was a middle-aged man, refined and elegant—it was Fu Yuanying. He shook his head and said: “Nothing much, I just happened to pass by here and came over to take a look.”

Juan’er looked suspicious, knowing he was lying. Seeing how Su Ying had been shouting and screaming earlier like a mad dog, Fu Yuanying must have come chasing after him. Juan’er coughed a few times and said: “Master Fu, your… your Su Hero seems unwell. Should we find a doctor to examine him?” Fu Yuanying didn’t want to discuss this matter and said directly: “Don’t mind him. He’s troubled in his heart—he’ll be fine after venting for a while.” Juan’er asked suspiciously: “Really? But I heard him shouting about some Sorrowful Ancestor or something—who is that?”

Fu Yuanying heard her pressing questions and could only sigh softly: “Founding emperors are commonly called Grand Ancestors, while the posthumous titles of last generation imperial descendants are either Sorrowful Ancestor or Deposed Emperor.” Juan’er made a sound of understanding, somewhat comprehending, but confusedly asked again: “Grand Ancestor? Who is the Grand Ancestor? Is his surname Zhu?”

Fu Yuanying’s eyes flashed with unbearable pain. He shook his head and didn’t reply, saying in a low voice: “Let’s not talk about this first. Miss Juan, I have some business later and I’m afraid I can’t personally search for the young master. Here’s some silver money…”

As he spoke, he took out a thick stack of banknotes from his bosom and stuffed them into Juan’er’s palm: “These are thousand-tael banknotes. If you find her later, please give this money to her and let her make do with it for now.”

Juan’er said happily: “A thousand taels is just making do? Why don’t I help her spend it!” Fu Yuanying smiled slightly: “That’s natural. These few days the young master will probably have to stay outside—please take good care of her.” Juan’er was first delighted, then slightly stunned: “Wait, she has to stay outside? Isn’t she going home?” Fu Yuanying sighed: “She’d better not go back for these two days. The National Uncle is still angry… sigh…” He wanted to say more but stopped, only shaking his head before leaping down from the wall and rushing north.

Juan’er saw him leaving urgently and quickly shouted: “Wait, where are you going?” Fu Yuanying replied: “I’m going to Hongluo Temple.”

Juan’er asked in amazement: “Hongluo Temple? What are you going there for?” Fu Yuanying was eager to travel and didn’t turn his head back, calling out clearly: “I’m going to find Yu Ying! Only she can help now!”

Before his words finished, his figure disappeared, leaving Juan’er in even more confusion, frowning: “Yu Ying? Who is this person now?”

Strange things happen every year, but this year there are especially many. Looking at the present time—it’s only the first month of the new year, yet a pile of strange events have occurred. First Qiong Fang ran away from home, then Su Ying completely lost his mind, constantly babbling about Sorrowful Ancestors and Grand Ancestors, and now there’s this “Yu Ying”—truly don’t know what kind of person this is.

Juan’er shook her head and sighed: “Inexplicable—what Sorrowful Ancestors and Grand Ancestors—Mount Hua specializes in producing madmen. Sooner or later they’ll all go insane.”

Just now hearing Fu Yuanying speak, it seemed this Sorrowful Ancestor was also an emperor’s title, but Su Ying was a perfectly good martial arts figure—when did he get involved with imperial names? Could it be he also wants to rebel? The more Juan’er thought about it, the more absurd it seemed. She muttered: “Sorrowful Ancestor… Grand Ancestor—who exactly is the Grand Ancestor?”

The current dynasty’s Grand Ancestor was surnamed Zhu, the Song dynasty’s Grand Ancestor was surnamed Zhao, the Han dynasty was called Old Liu, the Tang dynasty was Little Li. It seemed like every family name took turns being emperor, each family and surname had a Grand Ancestor—but what connection did this have with martial arts figures? Could it be that martial arts sects also have Grand Ancestors? Juan’er thought and thought, then suddenly had an epiphany: “Ah! Mount Hua naturally has a Grand Ancestor—isn’t that Ning Bufan?”

“The world’s number one, Ning Bufan—this person’s martial arts are incredibly powerful. To be the Grand Ancestor of his disciples and grand-disciples would naturally be more than sufficient.”

Juan’er thought blankly for a while, then suddenly realized: “Wait, if Ning Bufan is the Grand Ancestor, then wouldn’t his disciples be…” Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but cry out—only now understanding the meaning of “Sorrowful Ancestor.”

As long as there’s a Grand Ancestor in the world, there must be a Sorrowful Ancestor. The Great Jin had a Sorrowful Ancestor, the Great Tang had a Sorrowful Ancestor—these last generation rulers bore eternal infamy, yet not all were dissolute and immoral. On the contrary, finding themselves in chaotic times, they all exhausted their minds and strength, hoping to turn the tide and support their ancestral foundation. But a single pillar couldn’t support a great mansion—in the end, time was not on their side, and they could only silently weep and commit suicide.

Comparing people will anger you to death—anyone who had a master like Ning Bufan was destined to become a Sorrowful Ancestor. Juan’er shook her head and sighed, then turned her thoughts to herself. Looking at Senior Sister Yan Ting—shrewd and capable with high martial arts—she was probably also someone of the “Grand” generation. Poor herself, ranking after her, would be even more miserable in the future. She’d better not become a “Tragic Ancestor.”

Juan’er sighed twice: “Fine, Tragic Ancestor it is—at least I’m still an Ancestor.”

She was too lazy to think more and walked back toward the Qiong manor. She’d go back to Qiong Fang’s boudoir to look for clues—perhaps she could see where she intended to go. Where would Qiong Fang go? Did she still want to marry Su Ying? Juan’er looked at the banknotes in her hand while pondering her friend’s situation, unable to help but worry secretly for her.

Others might not understand the inside story, but Juan’er knew clearly. That day when she encountered Qiong Fang in Huai’an City, she noticed something odd about her expression. At that time, she was holding a small dog, and when she spoke, the corners of her mouth held a smile—timid yet joyful and shy, as if she was in love. Juan’er wasn’t stupid—she immediately sensed trouble, and now comparing it with subsequent events, it indeed was a case of trouble arising from calm, becoming uncontrollable.

Women can’t hide things from women, especially from close friends of many years. If Qiong Fang hadn’t encountered someone she fancied, how could she have shown such an expression? But who exactly was she involved with? She claimed that one night she was in danger and was rescued by a mysterious noodle vendor. Naturally, that noodle vendor must be connected to this matter—but who exactly was this noodle seller? Why had he never shown himself from beginning to end to speak clearly?

All said and done, everything was the fault of that black-clothed man. Ever since this person caused havoc in the martial world, Qiong Fang went mad, Su Ying went insane, and even Qiong Wuchuan became an old mad dog. Poor Juan’er, surrounded by these monsters, inevitably had to suffer great misfortune.

She sighed several times and slowly came near the Qiong manor. Suddenly in the snow and fog, another shadow appeared—extremely tall and strong, walking with a hunched back. That appearance didn’t quite look like a person nor quite like a ghost, but rather like a…

“Big black bear!” Juan’er was startled, not expecting a wild bear to appear in the capital. She worried inwardly, afraid the wild bear would bite people randomly, and quickly raised her long sword to follow after it urgently.

In the deep night with no one around, that wild bear moved forward with rustling sounds. Fortunately all the people were sleeping, so the bear had no one to eat. Before long, it sniffed with its nose and stopped on its own, blocked by the Qiong manor’s surrounding wall.

Juan’er was secretly afraid. She’d seen martial arts masters slay dragons and tigers as if it were nothing, but her martial arts were neither high nor low, her swordsmanship neither strong nor weak—whether she could keep her life after battling a wild bear was hard to say. Juan’er worried inwardly, wanting to quietly approach and stab it with her sword, but thinking it over, she didn’t dare. She thought to herself: “Never mind—bears can’t climb walls. If it has nothing to eat later, it’ll go home by itself.”

Just as she was waiting for the black bear to turn around and leave, who knew it wouldn’t go. It just faced the wall motionlessly. Just as she was puzzled, she suddenly heard the black bear’s throat emit a low growl, its body shaking, followed by the sound of rushing water, occasionally raising its head and howling like a bear.

In the middle of the night, if a mother bear faced the wall in contemplation, it might have aspirations of red apricots climbing over walls. But if a male bear stood against the wall, there was usually another mystery. Seeing the black bear transform into a wild dog, Juan’er blushed and thought: “This bear is really disgusting—I’d better avoid it for a while.”

Just as she was cursing, the bear finally finished urinating. It seemed to have eaten too much meat—first it belched with satisfaction, then opened its bear mouth, and after a disgusting sound, it actually began speaking human words.

“Su Ying.” The black bear lifted its heel and called softly toward the wall: “Brother, are you home?”

Su the Sorrowful Ancestor had a visitor—it was a bear. But seeing the black bear cup its mouth and call softly, like a child calling friends to play, wanting to summon companions yet afraid to alarm the parents, it could only call out strangely. Juan’er was amazed inwardly, not knowing how a bear could be so strange. She quickly and quietly jumped onto the wall to look, this time seeing a burly man calling softly: “Su Ying, come out quickly—it’s me, Song Tongming. I have business with you.”

Juan’er covered her face and smiled bitterly. Though the visitor wasn’t a wild bear, he was still a beast. She cursed secretly, not knowing when this Song Tongming—an idle loafer who had long been among the capital’s rogue class—had become friends with the “Inheritor of the Three Reaches.” She spat and concealed herself, wanting to understand his intentions clearly.

“Su… Ying.” “Su Ying…” It was difficult to find people in the middle of the night. Song Tongming didn’t dare knock on the main door, only hiding outside the wall and calling randomly. He called softly several times, and seeing no one respond, he could only jump up and bellow: “Su Ying!”

The bear-like big head flew over the wall, but before “Su Ying” could be called out, the head fell back down. Juan’er laughed until her stomach hurt, but Song Tongming wasn’t discouraged, only jumping up again. Unfortunately, his lightness skill was poor—his head bobbed up and down, calling dozens of times, but the courtyard remained completely silent. He cursed a few times and could only jump up again, this time changing the name he bellowed: “Juan’er!”

With “Juan’er” called out, the protagonist was hiding outside the wall, so naturally the courtyard remained silent. Song Tongming stood there bewildered, then leaped up again to shout wildly: “Qiong Fang!” Seeing the Qiong manor dark and gloomy like a ghost house, with no response to calls for cats or dogs, he picked up a large stone from the roadside, threw it in with all his might, and roared: “Divine Blade Energy!”

With a loud bang, something in the courtyard was destroyed. Hearing barking sounds, a small black dog barked furiously. Before long, lights were lit, and Mount Hua disciples rushed barefoot into the courtyard, shouting: “Who’s there! Who’s causing trouble?”

The courtyard became noisy. From afar could be heard Chen Defu’s exclamations mixed with the three Lu brothers’ shouts, and finally even the Mount Hua Twin Eccentrics woke up. But amid all the commotion, Su Ying’s voice was nowhere to be heard—he obviously wasn’t home.

Seeing such a scene, Song Tongming naturally didn’t dare act rashly. He only shrank in the corner cursing: “What a crappy Lantern Festival, no fun… can’t even find a dog…”

A cold wind blew, and Song Tongming shivered. He looked down and realized he still hadn’t put on his pants. He immediately lowered his head to tie his belt while muttering to himself: “Brother, it’s been so long since returning from Guizhou that I haven’t comforted you properly. After finishing this fight, big brother will have to reward you well…”

Just as he was muttering to himself, he suddenly heard a delicate call from overhead: “One coin!” With these three words spoken, Song Tongming touched his head and looked around, his expression puzzled—apparently not knowing his own market value. Just as he was about to tie his belt, he suddenly saw a black shadow appear overhead and heard laughter: “It’s me—Juan’er.”

Seeing Juan’er holding her long sword and squatting on the wall with a smile, even though Song Tongming had fought in five championship rings and been to the Tongguan battlefield, he couldn’t help but be at a loss. With a thud, he was tripped by his own pant leg and screamed: “Help!”

All virtuous women in the world share the same aspiration—they most hate those who frequent prostitutes and brothels. Seeing Juan’er quickly pursuing him, Song Tongming screamed loudly, his hands trying to put on pants while his feet crawled rapidly like a worm wriggling away. Juan’er saw he was afraid and quickly put on the gentle demeanor of a senior sister, calling tenderly: “Brother Tongming, don’t go—it’s me, Juan’er.”

With this tender call, Song Tongming felt an inexplicable stirring in his heart and couldn’t help but turn back and smile: “Miss Juan… it’s you.”

Juan’er saw he had stopped moving and changed to an icy cold expression: “Of course it’s me—who else did you think it was?”

The beautiful maiden transformed into a fierce woman in an instant. Song Tongming wanted to cry but had no tears, cursing himself for his lack of discernment. With a mournful face he said: “…Miss Juan, it’s so late, why… why aren’t you sleeping yet?”

This struck right at the heart of the matter. Juan’er sighed deeply and said directly: “How can I sleep? I still have to find Qiong Fang.”

Juan’er spoke without thinking, and as soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. Sure enough, Song Tongming looked amazed and asked: “You’re looking for Qiong Fang? Isn’t she at home?” Qiong Fang’s night escape was definitely not something glorious. Juan’er, eager to cover it up, said: “She… she went to view the lanterns and hasn’t returned yet.”

Song Tongming laughed: “No wonder Su Ying isn’t home either. Hehe, viewing flower lanterns at the Lantern Festival, viewing until the lamp shadows sway, damn it…” He imagined the scene of a lone man and woman viewing lanterns, couldn’t help drooling, and laughed dryly: “Miss Juan, since you have nothing to do anyway, why don’t we two also go view the lanterns?”

Juan’er saw his lewd smile and immediately felt anger rise in her heart. She spat and said: “You go view them yourself—I’m busy with other things.” Song Tongming laughed dryly: “Don’t be busy—isn’t Qiong Fang going to view… hehe… those lanterns? Why are you still going to disturb her?” Juan’er spat: “Mind your own business! Anyway, I just like finding companions when I sleep—without her to sleep with me, it’s not good.”

Hearing that Juan’er looked for companions in bed, Song Tongming’s eyes lit up and he quickly recommended himself: “Sister Juan, I… I’ve been filial since childhood, specifically good at warming beds for my parents. Would you… would you like to try?” Huang Xiang warming the bed was listed among the Twenty-Four Filial Acts, but who knew what this person counted as? Juan’er sighed a few times, then suddenly took out two coins from her purse and handed them to Song Tongming, saying gently: “Here, a reward for you. You look so hard-working.”

Song Tongming made a sound of surprise, not knowing why Juan’er was giving him two coins, but good things from a beauty were always beneficial. He hurriedly took the copper coins and took the opportunity to squeeze Juan’er’s small hand, his bear eyes actually becoming tender and affectionate.

Juan’er was being stared at by him when she suddenly remembered this person had just urinated. Her hair stood on end with chills, and she quickly pulled her hand back, wiped it on Song Tongming’s clothes, and said tremblingly: “Alright, alright, you… what do you want Su Ying for?”

Song Tongming’s heart was full of tenderness. He lifted his big hand to smell the lingering fragrance Juan’er left behind while smiling: “We’re going to deal with a stinking brat later and need him to help keep watch.” Juan’er asked in surprise: “You want to kill someone? On New Year’s Day, who do you want to kill?” Song Tongming smiled: “To tell you the truth, Zhe’er Dan told me he already knows who the black-clothed…”

Just as “black” came out, his face suddenly flushed red. He seemed to feel he had let something slip and quickly changed his words: “Black Dog King.” Juan’er asked confusedly: “Black Dog King? Who is he?” How would Song Tongming know who the Black Dog King was? He could only scratch his face and smile bitterly: “Never mind about that. Miss Juan, what a rare encounter—I have something for you here.” As he spoke, he took out two theater tickets and looked at Juan’er shyly.

Now it was Juan’er’s turn to be surprised. She looked closely and saw two theater tickets before her—they were actually tickets for Wanfu Tower.

Juan’er didn’t love reading but loved watching opera. Seeing the Wanfu Tower theater tickets arrive, she immediately beamed with joy: “They’re really theater tickets… I haven’t watched opera in so long.” Song Tongming didn’t love watching opera but loved performing it. Seeing Juan’er’s smiling face, he was overjoyed, knowing that once he invited her out, tonight there would definitely be a good show. Then at Wanfu Tower they’d sit close together, afterward sharing the same bed with tender words—that would be most auspicious.

He chuckled lewdly, just imagining Juan’er tearfully putting on clothes, when suddenly his mind awakened. Before his eyes appeared a big-bellied pregnant woman holding a rod, fiercely beating, while an old man cowered beside her, crying pitifully—wasn’t that himself?

Too terrifying! After lust was released, babies and ghost mothers would howl together, rods and diapers would fly together—he himself would be unable to live or die. For the sake of one intimate touch, this price was really too great, far less pleasant than visiting prostitutes. In an instant, Song Tongming’s whole body trembled as if bound on an execution ground with axes about to fall. His large face turned blue-purple, and he couldn’t make a sound. Juan’er had no idea of his thoughts and couldn’t help asking in surprise: “What’s wrong with you? Why aren’t you speaking?”

Song Tongming laughed dryly a few times. He saw Juan’er’s round eyes looking at him—truly indescribably cute—but thinking of the principle that beautiful women bring disaster, he couldn’t help shivering and trembling: “No… nothing. These… these two theater tickets were picked up. I wanted to give them to you…”

Juan’er was overjoyed, not expecting Song Tongming to be so generous. Just as she was about to smile and thank him, she suddenly heard a shrill roar from behind: “Song Tongming!” Juan’er turned to look—this time it was Zhu Kang who had arrived. He rushed forward urgently and angrily said: “Song Tongming, you shameless wretch! Instead of going to ask Su Ying out, you’re here seducing Miss Juan! Do you have any shame left?”

Song Tongming had a rival—the “Iron Spear Zhu” before him. This person was quite different from the “Little Divine Blade’s” roguishness—usually scholarly and courteous, gentle in manner, especially devoted to Juan’er, counting as her godson. Song Tongming was also petty-minded. Seeing his rival arrive, he quickly hid the theater tickets and said coldly: “It’s you again, you sissy! I’m just chatting casually with Miss Juan—what are you getting jealous about?”

Zhu Kang angrily said: “Who’s jealous? Instead of doing your proper business, you’re wasting time here! Where’s Su Ying? Did you find him?” Song Tongming’s roguishness was famous. Hearing this question, he laughed: “Why ask me if you want to find Su Ying? Go ask your mother! Just lift up her warm bedding and look—won’t you find him?” Not forgetting to add: “Remember to knock first.”

“Song Tongming!” Zhu Kang exploded with rage, immediately roaring, and the two began wrestling in the street. Juan’er stood between them and said irritably: “Enough, enough—three-year-old children are better than you two. What exactly do you want Su Ying for? Tell me.”

Zhu Kang was most obedient. Hearing Juan’er’s question, he quickly said: “Yes, yes, I dare not hide anything from Miss Juan. Last night Zhe’er Dan’s disciple came to find us, saying his master had investigated repeatedly and finally found the black…” Just as he got out the word “black,” a big black hairy hand suddenly reached over, and Song Tongming shouted: “Can’t say it!” Juan’er was slightly stunned: “Why can’t you say it?” Zhu Kang also made a sound and shouted: “Right, why can’t we say it?” He shook off Song Tongming’s poisonous palm, then turned back and said urgently: “Miss Juan, let me tell you—Zhe’er Dan said he has already found the black…”

As “black” came out again, Song Tongming’s black head leaned over again, rattling off like a machine gun: “Upper black hair, lower black hair, a black grape in the middle—guess something on our bodies.” With the riddle out, there was a loud slap as he received a smack from Juan’er, followed by a bang as his bottom received a kick from Zhu Kang. Song Tongming angrily said: “Why are you two hitting me?”

The two spoke in unison, cursing: “During New Year’s, don’t speak crudely!” Song Tongming pointed accusingly in great anger: “Where was it crude? Upper black hair, lower black hair, with a black grape in the middle—isn’t that our eyes? What’s wrong with this riddle?”

Confucius said: “Don’t reject a person based on their writings, nor reject words based on the person.” But this surname Song frequented brothels day and night and gambled nightly—he was definitely no good person. It inevitably led people’s thoughts astray. Juan’er was furious and sternly said: “Enough! What exactly is this ‘black’ thing? Tell me quickly!”

Just as she was angrily questioning them, she suddenly heard a shout from behind: “Young masters, have you found Su Ying?” Juan’er turned to look and saw another Daoist walking down the street. This person had a long sword at his waist—it was Chi Chuanzi of the “Seven Heroes of Dian Cang.” Seeing Juan’er here, he immediately ran over with laughter: “Miss Juan, you’re here too!”

Juan’er quickly said: “Yes, Daoist, do you have business with Su Ying?” Chi Chuanzi laughed: “Indeed! Master Zhe’er Dan said he found the black…” Seeing the big hairy hand coming to cover his mouth again, Chi Chuanzi, having an established reputation and good martial arts, quickly dodged aside and laughed: “The black-clothed man wants to fight him to the death tonight, so I’ve come asking Hero Su to bear witness!”

Hearing the three words “black-clothed man,” Juan’er couldn’t help but shudder in shock, finally understanding what Song Tongming’s “black” referred to—it was that martial arts master who had boldly raided the Imperial Medical Academy.

Black shadow on the wall, children crying for mother—that black-clothed strange guest had first kicked down Chi Chuanzi, then broke Song Tongming’s wrist, and afterward consecutively defeated Zhe’er Dan and Su Ying. His martial arts prowess could be said to dominate the capital. Juan’er said tremblingly: “This… this is terrible! Who exactly is this black-clothed man? Have you found out?”

Chi Chuanzi laughed: “Of course we found out! That stinking brat always wears a black mask, thinking he can do whatever he wants, not knowing that Master Zhe’er Dan suspected him long ago. If it weren’t for his father being a high official with great power, Zhe’er Dan wouldn’t have accompanied Qiong Fang down to Guizhou to have that Ning Bufan step forward…”

He rambled on for a long stretch but still never mentioned the black-clothed man’s origins. Juan’er urgently interrupted him: “Enough, enough! Who exactly is this black-clothed man? Tell me quickly!”

Chi Chuanzi laughed: “Hehe, you know this fellow too. He’s your… your…” Speaking to this point, his eyes suddenly bulged, and he quickly pulled Song Tongming over, saying tremblingly: “Brother, can she be trusted? She won’t show favoritism, will she?” Song Tongming sighed: “Daoist, you’re getting confused. I was just going ‘black this, black that’—do you think I’m crazy? Don’t tell her.”

The two discussed quietly for a while, then pulled Zhu Kang over. The three men talked in low voices, actually nodding frequently. Juan’er stood to one side waiting, seeing the three men casting sidelong glances up and down at her as if she had contracted the plague. The more she watched, the angrier she became, and suddenly she roared: “You bastards! What exactly are you doing! Speak up! Who is the black-clothed man!” She grabbed Song Tongming’s clothes and was about to kick and beat him wildly when she suddenly saw Song Tongming point to a side alley in great surprise: “Qiong Fang! Why are you sleeping here?”

Juan’er had been busy all night, everything for the sake of Sister Qiong. Hearing Song Tongming’s shout, she didn’t have time to think deeply and had already rushed out wildly, shouting: “Qiong Fang! Wait for me! Wait for me!” She ran all the way into the alley, but saw three black cats sleeping ahead, all squinting at her. Juan’er was annoyed in her heart, immediately turned around and chased out, roaring: “Song Tongming!”

Before her eyes, cold wind whistled, snow fluttered on the road—the three men had long since fled. Juan’er was both annoyed and angry: first, she didn’t know the black-clothed man’s origins; second, she didn’t understand why Song Tongming and the others were wary of her. She was determined to get answers, immediately flying along the street in pursuit. In any case, she wouldn’t let it rest until she caught these boring men.

Late at night, the snow intensified. Song Tongming and the others didn’t know where they had hidden. Juan’er wasn’t discouraged at all, only running along the street. After barely covering five li, she suddenly saw thick fog ahead with a nine-chi black bear walking through it. Juan’er was overjoyed, knowing she had found someone, and quickly hid by the roadside, waiting to catch them all in one net.

After waiting for a while, footsteps could be heard faintly. Suddenly the fog on the road parted, and a burly man walked out. He wore a black cloth robe with a red sash, about nine chi tall—no shorter than Song Tongming. But this person walked with slightly clenched fists and eyes looking straight ahead, appearing very spirited. Juan’er peeked with her eyes. Though she hadn’t seen the person’s features, she felt some good impression in her heart: “What Song Tongming, Zhu Kang—all wine sacks and rice bags. Look at this person’s bearing—that’s what you call a hero.”

This person didn’t look at all like someone from the martial world. Looking at his black robe pressed neat and straight, when he walked he kept his waist straight and back upright, like a court military general, similar to Wu Dingyuan and others. Juan’er opened her eyes to look and thought: “Looking at this person’s appearance, perhaps he’s brother-in-law’s subordinate—I could get to know him.”

Just as she was sizing him up, that person had also come near. The street lantern shone down, revealing the person’s features, which inevitably made Juan’er’s pretty face flush red as she thought secretly: “This is awkward.”

But who was this person? It turned out this person wasn’t brother-in-law’s subordinate, but brother-in-law’s son—Little Chongqing had arrived.

Youth at fifteen to twenty is the most remarkable time for growth. Yesterday he was still just a little red-faced, shyly cute child, but today his shoulders had broadened and he had grown tall and long-legged, becoming a mighty and imposing great man. Meeting suddenly on the road, one might not even recognize him. Juan’er’s face reddened past her ears as she thought: “Juan’er, oh Juan’er, you’re not young anymore—don’t randomly look at children.”

Brother-in-law’s son should call herself aunt. Looking at him as merely a naive child, how could she stand here sizing him up and examining him like picking pork? She sighed inwardly, secretly reproaching herself, when suddenly she remembered something: “Wait, this little devil Chongqing isn’t sleeping in the middle of the night but is wandering the streets? What bad thing is he planning to do?”

Children are strictly forbidden from nighttime wandering—this is family rule and national law, not to be violated. Juan’er had suffered from this when she was young, so naturally she put on the airs of a teacher-aunt, wanting to go over and scold him a few words. Suddenly her heart slightly awakened: “Wait, tonight is the Lantern Festival. Could it be… Chongqing he… he…”

When the moon rises above the willow branches, people make appointments after dusk. Juan’er’s several “could it be’s” made her suddenly open her eyes wide: “Ah! Good little Chongqing, even you’ve reached the age for secret meetings?” She was both surprised and suspicious, quickly following behind Chongqing, planning to investigate thoroughly.

Our family has a son just grown up, but this Wu Chongqing wasn’t an ordinary young master. This child’s mother was the Jiuhua Sect Leader, and she had also taken three lovely female disciples—the oldest called Haitang, the youngest called Mingmei, and most recently a new one called Cuishan. These girls were all Chongqing’s junior sisters, both beautiful and attentive. Who knew that despite spending day and night together, no one had heard of Chongqing being close to anyone, let alone liking anyone.

Men in the world are greedy and lustful, always having three wives and four concubines, accepting all comers with varied tastes. But this Wu Chongqing went against this trend. Juan’er had observed this daily and secretly wondered whether this child was sick or crazy, or perhaps he was secretly eating outside—because he ate so full outside every day that he had no appetite when he returned home? Regardless, it was rare to encounter his private affairs tonight, so she had to investigate thoroughly to report back to his parents.

The two walked one in front of the other. Just as she was waiting for Chongqing to walk toward the direction of Yihua Courtyard, who knew this youth walked quite strangely, making large circles repeatedly without knowing what he was doing.

Walking and walking, they came to a fork in the road. Wu Chongqing suddenly stopped, looked left and right, then walked into a narrow alley. Juan’er was confused in her heart and slowly followed. She saw the narrow alley was full of turns and was afraid of losing track of him, so she also learned from Chongqing’s manner to examine the ground. She was suddenly shocked to see two sets of footprints on the ground. One set was new—undoubtedly Wu Chongqing’s—but the other set of footprints was covered with snow and looked somewhat blurred.

Juan’er was slightly stunned and thought: “Two sets of footprints? This… could he be tracking someone?” In her confusion, she suddenly felt the alley ahead looked somewhat familiar. She rubbed her eyes and suddenly awakened—wasn’t this the place where she had encountered Su Ying earlier?

This shock was truly extraordinary. Juan’er was dumbfounded. She had thought Wu Chongqing had come for a secret meeting, who would have expected he was actually tracking the “Big-Eyed Cat”? Her mind was full of wild thoughts: first, she didn’t understand why Wu Chongqing would track someone; second, she didn’t know what grudge he had with Su Ying. Suddenly her scalp tingled as she thought: “It’s over! I wondered what kind of enchantress could move Chongqing? Could it be… be…”

Thinking of the two words “Qiong Fang,” Juan’er opened her mouth wide and nearly had her soul fly to the heavens.

Juan’er knew what kind of solitary temperament Chongqing had. A woman who could control him would also need some ability. Looking at Qiong Fang—with sufficient airs and great temper, always carrying a fire gun when going out—wasn’t she a natural match for Chongqing? Even if she was somewhat older, with Chongqing’s naturally mature face, even a forty-year-old widow could be a good match—how could he fear a little Sister Qiong Fang?

Juan’er was terrified in her heart. Looking at how Chongqing had disappeared without reason during New Year, wandering all the way to Jiangnan, no matter how his parents scolded him, he consistently refused to explain his whereabouts. Looking at Qiong Fang’s side—hadn’t she also left without notice during New Year? Following a noodle vendor to Huai’an? Afterward, no matter how she pressed, she refused to reveal that noodle vendor’s identity. Now thinking about it, that noodle seller definitely surnamed “Wu” without doubt! Otherwise, Qiong Fang, who usually feared neither heaven nor earth, why wouldn’t she dare tell the truth?

Seeing the truth revealed, Juan’er was shocked, suspicious, panicked, and afraid. She quickly ran down following the footprints. After barely turning past the alley, she saw Chongqing’s figure again, separated from her by a hundred chi. Juan’er employed her lightness skill and rushed forward, just about to ask clearly, when she suddenly saw Chongqing stop, lean his body sideways, raise his right hand to cover one ear, as if listening to something. Juan’er was slightly shocked and didn’t dare act rashly, only stopping to watch from afar.

Just as she was watching, Wu Chongqing actually squatted down, then slowly bent forward and lay on the ground, pressing his ear to the ground. Juan’er was quite surprised and thought: “What’s this about? Is he listening to my footsteps?” Just as she was suspicious, suddenly there was a flash of light—purple light burst forth, and Chongqing had already stepped forward and rushed away. Juan’er cried out and quickly chased after him, shouting: “Wait! Don’t go! Don’t go! I’m Aunt Juan! I have something to tell you!” She called repeatedly, but Wu Chongqing ran even faster. Seeing him approach a high wall, with just a simple leap and jump, his body actually flew over the wall top and immediately disappeared without trace.

Suddenly seeing Chongqing had such skill, Juan’er couldn’t help being shocked: “Good! I haven’t paid attention for a few years, and his martial arts have reached this level?”

The Wu couple each had their strengths. Hua Mei learned from Jiuhua, but Chongqing learned martial arts from his father. The family was divided into two factions, each with their own traditions, but they had never competed with each other. Seeing Chongqing’s martial arts were quite accomplished, Juan’er was unwilling to let her years pass in vain. Her competitive spirit arose greatly, so she tied her long sword tight, gathered her qi and leaped like a small yellow oriole, dancing up into the air. In an instant, she had also flown onto the roof tiles to look into the distance.

The spring cold was sharp, and the roof tiles were covered with ice and frost, extremely slippery, but Juan’er stood very steadily. She put her hands on her hips and saw snow and mud splashing in the distance—Chongqing had already rushed more than a hundred chi away. Juan’er wasn’t surprised or panicked, but rather smiled coldly: “Silly boy, wanting to compete in speed with Aunt Juan? You’d better surrender obediently.”

With a cold chuckle, Juan’er determined Chongqing’s route, gathered her qi and leaped, already flying to the opposite rooftop. Gradually increasing her body technique’s speed, she flipped over one house after another. Not only did her feet not step through any tiles, she didn’t even make a single sound. In no time, she had caught up to Chongqing.

Jiuhua lightness skill was unparalleled in the world. If Juan’er were to fight and kill with others, she would naturally be timid in her heart, but if competing in escape skills with her, that hit right at her forte. She chuckled and was about to rush ahead when Wu Chongqing also wasn’t panicked or hurried—he immediately twisted his waist, turned his body, and darted into the alley. Juan’er saw his turn was like a right angle, his body technique exactly the same as Wu Dingyuan’s. She thought: “Bad child, don’t think that stealing a few moves of daddy’s superficial skills will let you show off in front of Aunt Juan. Just wait for death obediently.”

Both sides employed their lifetime’s ultimate skills. Chongqing relied on True Dragon body technique, sometimes darting into small alleys, sometimes turning onto main streets, hoping to shake off his pursuer in one move. But no matter how he turned, he was still limited by terrain—how could he compare to Aunt Juan flying with spread wings above? No matter how Chongqing twisted left and wound right on the ground, she only needed to leap over from the rooftops, making a diagonal detour along the way, and would soon get ahead—truly taking great advantage.

Juan’er couldn’t be called clever, but she always had some small cleverness. Relying on excellent cheating methods, she momentarily felt no shame, wasn’t out of breath, and always stayed ahead. She had barely reached Yangshi Main Street—seeing this place was already a straight main road with no more alleys to drill into, Wu Chongqing was like a turtle in a jar. She immediately sat smiling at the end of the road, waiting like a farmer waiting for a rabbit by the tree stump.

Juan’er hummed children’s songs, found a place under the eaves to sit down, and was smiling while swinging her legs when she heard iron boots stomping in the distance. Looking back, a youth was running rapidly while still not forgetting to look back—who else could it be but Chongqing? Juan’er laughed secretly to herself: “Silly child, still looking behind?” She hid under the eaves waiting to roar and scare him when suddenly there was a loud bang, snow dust kicked up halfway to the sky, and Chongqing had already stepped onto Yangshi Main Street. In an instant, a dazzling purple light flashed, and Chongqing exhaled and raised his voice, actually speeding past her.

Juan’er was greatly shocked, never expecting he still had this trump card skill. She immediately gave a light shout and rushed in pursuit.

The main road ahead was straight with no alleys for turning—both sides were now truly competing in real skill. Looking at Wu Chongqing running at full strength, when his left foot hadn’t yet landed, his right foot was already lifted. His swinging steps grew larger and larger, more and more fierce, fiercer and faster. At about fifty zhang distance, the youth had already bent forward and transformed into a mad dragon, leaving dust behind.

Poor Juan’er had a monkey’s nature—usually light-bodied and good at jumping high, specializing in climbing to high places. Now facing a straight main road, she naturally couldn’t compete with an unrestrained wild horse. For a moment her face was red and she was out of breath, cursing in her heart: “Bad child, have you forgotten how Aunt Juan sang songs for you when you were little? Why don’t you stop for your old aunt?”

In the dust storm, the mad dragon’s feet suddenly touched ground and came to an abrupt stop. Juan’er was overjoyed and thought: “Don’t move, stand there obediently.” Just as this thought arose, this time Chongqing didn’t listen—with a bang, Chongqing’s body lunged leftward, crashed through the door of a mutton shop, and drilled inside.

Juan’er blinked, not knowing why Wu Chongqing acted thus. She took three steps as two and quickly jumped onto the shop’s rooftop, just about to bend down and look when she felt someone pat her shoulder. Juan’er was greatly shocked and quickly turned to look back, suddenly seeing a youth behind her—looking at that dark appearance, who else could it be but Chongqing?

This shock was truly extraordinary. Not only had Chongqing detected her, he had also waited here like a farmer by the tree stump. Juan’er cried out, her foot slipped and she was about to fall off the rooftop when Chongqing had already bent down and reached out to grab Juan’er’s wrist, pulling her up with one motion.

This was terrible! She was his little teacher-aunt, yet in the middle of the night instead of sleeping, she was secretly tracking behind a young man. If this matter were to spread, where could she put her face? Seeing Wu Chongqing examining her, Juan’er was ashamed beyond measure and quickly made the first accusation, flinging her hand away and sternly saying: “Bold Wu Chongqing! Why are you secretly following me!”

Wu Chongqing’s eyes widened in complete bewilderment. Juan’er said coldly: “Still dare to play dumb? You’ve been sneaking around following me all night—what ulterior motives do you have?” Just as she was making false accusations, Wu Chongqing stopped talking. He shook his head and suddenly lunged forward, actually embracing her and then pressing Juan’er down to the ground.

“Help!” Juan’er mentally screamed for help while trembling all over, finally understanding who the “old enchantress” Chongqing liked was.

During New Year, besides Qiong Fang, there was also an elder sister in Jiangnan. This girl was naturally kind and gently generous, had cared for Chongqing growing up since childhood—no wonder this child had never shown any interest in women since young, it turned out he had exclusive feelings.

The little devil’s heart had awakened to love, actually causing trouble within the family walls. Juan’er grew more and more afraid. At this moment the two were separated by mere inches, breathing could be heard, and the Chongqing on her body was no longer the childish appearance of years past—he was tall and broad-shouldered. Juan’er, being tightly embraced by him, couldn’t help being both annoyed and angry. Just as she was about to slap him, Chongqing’s big hand covered her mouth and he whispered in her ear: “Don’t move.”

Juan’er’s anger rushed upward and she was about to kick him hard when suddenly sharp whistling came from the main street. Under the eaves, shadows flickered and several black shadows actually flew past, moving with extraordinary speed. Juan’er was greatly shocked and finally understood that Chongqing had other pursuers behind him. Just as she was amazed, she heard Chongqing warn again close to her ear: “Don’t make any sound… large troops are coming…”

Juan’er was stunned. Before she could ask, she suddenly heard a loud bang—Fucheng Gate opened wide, footsteps tramped in rhythm, and the main street filled with orderly marching steps and a sea of flags.

Looking down from the eaves, she could see the sea of flags in the street with magnificent momentum. Counting from left to right, there were altogether twelve divine flags, each inscribed with an earthly branch character: “Yin Wu Xu,” “Shen Zi Chen,” “Hai Mao Wei”… Besides the earthly branch markings, the flag surfaces also depicted rats, oxen, tigers, dragons, snakes, horses and other beasts—exactly the twelve zodiac animals here. Juan’er was amazed in her heart and quickly rubbed her eyes to urgently look at the flag bearers. This time she was even more tongue-tied and unable to speak.

Black-clothed men! The flag bearers were all dressed in night clothes and wearing black masks—that mysterious and sinister appearance was exactly the same as the assassin who had broken into the Imperial Medical Academy!

Strange things are everywhere, and here there were especially many. Juan’er couldn’t help being dumbfounded. At that time in the Imperial Medical Academy, she had personally witnessed that extremely fierce black-clothed man—clearly there was only one. When had the species proliferated into such a large group?

Exactly how many black-clothed men were there? Juan’er stared blankly at the sea of flags under the eaves, afraid this group wanted to do some bad deed again. She wanted to go nearby to report to the authorities, but at this moment she saw two more black shadows in the distance, tall and towering like giants. Juan’er urgently stole a glance and this time saw two giant banners—the left one inscribed “Under Heaven,” the right one “Great Peace.” The two giant placards were held high, but the placard bearers weren’t black-clothed masked men but wore red robes with insignia at their waists—the Brocade Guards had arrived!

This shock was truly extraordinary. The Brocade Guards were responsible for discipline and surveillance. If there were collusion between officials and criminals, they should be called upon to investigate. Who knew that now this group had come uninvited, actually mixing themselves together with the criminals—to whom should one report this?

Juan’er was terrified in her heart and truly couldn’t guess the origins of this group of black-clothed men. Just as she was amazed, the procession under the eaves gradually approached. After the four words “Under Heaven Great Peace” passed, four more vertical banners came up at the end of the street, inscribed with four characters: “Wind,” “Harmonious,” “Rain,” “Favorable.” These four characters weren’t carried by red-clothed men. Looking at the four people below dressed in palace attire, holding whisks in their left hands and shaking bells with their right hands—they were four Eastern Depot eunuchs in grand attendance!

Not only had the Brocade Guards come, now even the Eastern Depot had arrived. Though Juan’er wasn’t a court person, for the sake of her senior sister, she also recognized several current court figures. She looked intently and saw that the flag-bearing eunuchs on the street were all unfamiliar—she hadn’t seen that leader, Eunuch Fang Zongguan.

The current Eastern Depot’s chief eunuch was surnamed Fang. This person held the position of internal official with sinister methods. It was said his subordinates also listened to him quite well. But who was now commanding his personnel? Weren’t they afraid that “Eunuch Fang Zongguan” would settle accounts later?

Who exactly had come? Could it be the Emperor on a midnight inspection tour? As if answering Juan’er’s question, Chongqing beside her leaned over and whispered a warning: “Hold your breath… the Asura King has come…” Chongqing’s voice was extremely low and light, his tone extremely serious. Juan’er was slightly horrified, not knowing what other monsters were about to emerge, and quickly shrank behind Chongqing to steal a peek.

The procession under the eaves was magnificent—first came the spread of flags, then “Under Heaven Great Peace” and “Wind Harmonious Rain Favorable” four-character great banners. Gradually the sound of horse hooves came from the street, and slowly a horse carriage drove up.

Clip-clop, clip-clop—in the snowy night’s dark silence, in the heart of the street, eight white horses, four in front and four behind, jointly pulled a large carriage. On the driver’s seat sat a black-clothed man with lowered face holding the reins. Though only revealing a pair of cold eyes, it already made people feel greatly chilled.

“National Iron Guards…” Juan’er looked amazed but also saw the banner on the carriage.

In this midnight wind and cold of the Forbidden City, no pedestrians could be seen, shops were closed for business, even the patrolling night watchmen had disappeared. In the night only the hundred ghosts’ night parade remained. They surrounded that horse carriage, clustering around that brocade flag. It was painted with an eagle suspended above the carriage, and those four large characters “National Iron Guards” fluttered high in the wind like that fierce divine eagle with fully spread wings, proudly overlooking the entire capital.

It was somewhat like the King of the Underworld on inspection tour. At this moment, the black-clothed ghost soldiers were full of killing intent. They blockaded the streets with outstanding dignity, as if the master in the carriage was supreme—he was the true master of this vast Beijing.

Clip-clop, clip-clop—the carriage drew closer. The black-clothed coachman’s hand strength was profound. Thirty-two iron hooves rose and fell together, striking the stone ground with crisp and clear sounds that seemed to have no sequence. Juan’er didn’t dare play anymore. Though she usually had the Wu couple to rely on, tonight’s situation was somewhat different. Looking at this group’s manner, they probably didn’t even fear the Emperor—how would they fear a Grand Commander of the Five Armies? In her urgency, Juan’er could only grab Chongqing’s sleeve, wanting to drag him away.

Her body shifted slightly when suddenly she heard a sharp “caw!” from the sky. Two black shadows flew past—they were two divine eagles sweeping horizontally through the air. Juan’er was so startled that she immediately cried out “Ah!”

As soon as the sound emerged, the roof tiles lightly trembled. A figure leaped up from the eastern house, and in an instant, several black-clothed men flew onto the opposite rooftop and diagonal roof tiles, all pressing toward the corners.

At this moment, black shadows were everywhere in all directions. Juan’er was scared out of her wits, shrinking beside Chongqing. Suddenly she saw a light flicker at the edge of the eaves—a lantern had actually floated up. The firelight was dim and couldn’t reach far, but it could illuminate the pale, spotted large hand holding the lantern. Juan’er peeked with her eyes and saw a faint glow flickering on that index finger—it was wearing a golden ring.

This was the end. Thinking of all the incidents at the Imperial Medical Academy, Juan’er’s heart almost stopped beating. With Su Ying’s exquisite swordsmanship and Zhe’er Dan’s superior boxing skills, they were still no match for the black-clothed man. Now with large troops coming out in full force, if they were discovered later, what could they do?

The enemy was numerous while they were few—fighting was impossible, but if they turned to flee, with the opponents surrounding them on all sides, they might not escape either. At this moment, there was only one chance. Juan’er bit her teeth tightly and steeled her heart. She immediately grabbed her long sword with her left hand, while her right hand, quick as lightning, wrote several strokes on Chongqing’s back—it was the character “go.”

At this moment, the black-clothed men had sealed off the entire scene and could discover their tracks at any time. Rather than have both their lives lost here, it would be better for her to go make a disturbance while the scene was in chaos—Chongqing might be able to escape with his life.

No matter how timid Juan’er was, she was ultimately Chongqing’s little teacher-aunt. No matter how difficult the situation, she had to protect Chongqing to the end.

Seeing the black-clothed men’s light footsteps gradually encircling their hiding place, Juan’er held her breath and quickly transferred the sword to her right hand, using her left hand to desperately push Chongqing, signaling him to quickly escape on his own. But after pushing dozens of times, Chongqing remained completely motionless. Juan’er was both angry and afraid, just about to kick him hard when suddenly the airflow around her began to swirl, and Chongqing’s clothes actually slowly puffed up.

Silently, two short swords slowly extended from Chongqing’s sleeves, blocking in front of Juan’er.

“Purple energy like fists or swords, yet neither fists nor swords—thus hiding swords within fists and fists within swords…”

Juan’er was both shocked and delighted, feeling as if she heard brother-in-law’s rambling talk, knowing there were a few more chances of survival.

The cold-edged sleeve swords were shaped like dragon fangs and tiger claws, appearing extremely sharp and fierce. This was one of Wu Dingyuan’s unique skills, called “Sword Within Fist.”

In the past, when he taught his son, he had even asked Juan’er if she was interested in learning it. But practicing this sword technique required hanging the body upside down, which was extremely arduous, so Juan’er naturally declined respectfully. Who would have thought that after so many years, little Chongqing had actually mastered this formidable martial art?

Thinking of brother-in-law’s square face, Juan’er suddenly felt a sense of peace. Seeing the enemy’s boots gradually approaching, she no longer rushed to flee, only regulated her breathing and lightly pushed her left thumb, topping the sword hilt up an inch. Soon the long sword would leave its sheath, and the first strike would slice toward the opponent’s shinbone.

Both sides were ready for battle, able to engage in close combat at any moment. But then they heard a sharp “chirp” cut through the night sky. The two divine eagles circled in mid-air and actually landed at a large mansion in the east. The divine eagles guided the direction, and the leading troops immediately turned. The black-clothed assassins on the rooftops also leaped down to the ground and followed the large force away.

Clip-clop… clip-clop… In the thick fog, the black-clothed evil spirits disappeared on the main street and gradually could no longer be seen.

Just as she was frightened, she heard Chongqing’s low voice beside her ear: “Aunt, it’s alright now.”

Juan’er’s whole body was already soaked in cold sweat. She breathed a sigh of relief, looking at the empty street, and said tremblingly: “This group looks strange and scary—what exactly are their origins?” Wu Chongqing smiled and said: “Why even ask? They’re all bad people.”

The earlier procession of the Underworld King’s carriage was magnificent in scale and numerous in personnel—everything about it was shocking to hear. Naturally, they must be bad people without doubt. Juan’er trembled slightly and said: “So… so bad people came… then… then why were they chasing you?” Wu Chongqing grinned, revealing his bright white teeth, and said grimly: “Why even ask? Because I’m ‘worse’ than them.”

Seeing Chongqing with his head lowered and eyes slanted, looking extremely sinister, Juan’er couldn’t help being startled. She quickly grabbed his sleeve in panic: “Don’t talk nonsense! Your father is a good person—how can you be a bad person? Come on, come on, stop babbling and go home with aunt!”

Seeing Aunt Juan desperately pulling at him, Wu Chongqing only smiled and said: “Aunt, don’t keep pestering me. Have you forgotten what day it is today?” Juan’er asked in surprise: “What day…” Before the word “is it” came out, she had already awakened and remembered that today was the Lantern Festival. Wu Chongqing said lightly: “Aunt, a Lantern Festival night is worth a thousand gold. Instead of accompanying your lover to view the lanterns, you’re here staring blankly—don’t you find it boring?” Juan’er spat: “I’ll go wherever I want—what business is it of yours?” She continued to pester relentlessly, shouting: “Come on! Go home with me!”

Wu Chongqing was very bad. Being pulled by Juan’er, his feet were clearly planted on the ground, but suddenly he withdrew his strength. When Juan’er pulled hard, his body immediately fell forward and was about to press down on her. Juan’er’s face changed in alarm. Seeing she was about to be embraced again, she quickly jumped back several steps and scolded with a red face: “What are you doing? Get away from me quickly!”

Wu Chongqing was quite obedient. Hearing the word “roll,” his body actually rolled forward, then straightened up and began walking. Juan’er quickly jumped over and said: “Wait, you’re not allowed to leave.” Wu Chongqing lowered his head, showing a rare smile: “Aunt, didn’t you tell me to roll? Now your nephew has complied—why won’t you let me go?”

Juan’er’s face was slightly red as she hummed: “Stop babbling—aunt wants to take you home.” Wu Chongqing nodded and without another word, turned and walked away. Juan’er quickly rushed forward to block him, shouting: “You brat, are you deaf? You’re not allowed to leave!” Wu Chongqing shook his head and said calmly: “Aunt, please stop this. I really have an appointment with friends tonight and can’t go home.”

Juan’er shouted: “What friend? Is it Qiong Fang?” Wu Chongqing asked in surprise: “Qiong Fang? Why would I make an appointment with her?” Juan’er made a face and sneered: “Wu Chongqing, oh Wu Chongqing—if you don’t want people to know, don’t do it yourself. You sneaked off to Jiangnan during New Year, disguised as a noodle vendor trying to seduce and tease her—did you think I didn’t know?” She grabbed him and shouted loudly: “Come on! Qiong Fang is someone else’s wife! Aunt forbids you from bothering her—come home with me quickly!”

Wu Chongqing was completely confused and truly didn’t know where to begin. He shook his head and leaped toward the eaves, about to leave again. Suddenly a sharp shout rang out, skirts fluttered, and another person appeared in front of him—it was Juan’er again.

Wu Chongqing’s expression became serious: “Aunt, don’t pester me anymore. If you force me too much, I’ll have to offend you.” Juan’er sneered: “If you’re capable enough, come over here—don’t just talk empty words there.” Both stood facing each other, neither giving way to the other. Wu Chongqing grew impatient. His body slowly tilted right an inch—he was already breathing and gathering qi. Juan’er knew that although Chongqing was big in build, his muscles and bones were extremely agile. She didn’t dare be careless and also tilted left an inch. As soon as he made any unusual move, she would strike first.

The two faced each other, accumulating power and waiting. Seeing Chongqing’s left knee slightly sink—he could exert force at any moment—Juan’er also secretly prepared. Suddenly she heard a shout, Chongqing’s right knee moved, and his body had already lunged leftward.

This body technique was absolutely fast, with no prior indication, exactly like a diversionary tactic. But Juan’er wasn’t afraid. She gave a delicate shout, her body spun rapidly, and actually blocked the “Little True Dragon’s” path.

The new Jiuhua Sect Leader finally showed her worth. In terms of running wildly on both feet, Juan’er certainly couldn’t match Chongqing, but in terms of corridor advances and retreats, and techniques mysterious as gods and ghosts, the “Little True Dragon” was no match for her.

Wu Chongqing narrowed his cold eyes: “This is getting interesting.” Juan’er also replied coldly: “Yes, it’s getting more and more fun.”

Hearing Aunt Juan’s cold and arrogant words, Wu Chongqing silently nodded. He retreated two steps, twisted his neck, then suddenly exhaled and soared up, leaping into the air to a height of one zhang. Seeing Chongqing jump high and stay airborne long, ordinary people would naturally be left in the dust, but Juan’er was calm and unhurried. She only slightly bent her knees and lightly jumped up, actually flying over Chongqing’s head.

Wu Chongqing chuckled, immediately concentrated qi in his dantian, quickly landed, pushed against the ground with both feet, and his body immediately flew backward. Juan’er wasn’t eager to chase, but instead lightly tapped the eaves with her foot, twisted her waist in mid-air, and flew backward together with Chongqing, one above and one below.

In the past, Jiuhua Mountain’s fame moved the world entirely due to this lightness skill secret technique. If Wu Chongqing wanted to shake off Juan’er, he had to use his ultimate skills. Sure enough, he roared loudly, and in an instant, purple light moved in his dantian, employing human body technique. His left rising and right falling, forward lunging and backward leaping body technique was extraordinarily fast. But Juan’er wasn’t afraid. No matter how Chongqing ran, she could always follow step by step. On the main street, one man and one woman continuously changed body techniques—spinning left, circling right, jumping up and falling down, sliding diagonally backward. Both their movements were completely synchronized, as if they were dancing face to face—truly spectacular and beautiful to watch.

Juan’er played with great enthusiasm. Her skirt swayed like lotus leaves, appearing like a little fairy gliding over waves—truly charming and delightful. But Chongqing was already angry with shame. He roared “Hah!” and lunged forward, supporting himself with his elbows and spinning rapidly, about to do a handstand with his feet toward the sky when he heard Juan’er coquettishly scold: “Hey! I’m wearing a skirt!”

A girl wearing a flower skirt doing a handstand would inevitably be most unseemly. Wu Chongqing couldn’t take advantage of this situation, and for a moment sighed toward the sky: “Aunt, what exactly do you want?” Juan’er had run around repeatedly and inevitably felt somewhat hot. Her cheeks were flushed red, and she raised her hand to fan herself while panting delicately: “Didn’t I say it before? I want to take little red face home.”

Juan’er’s watery eyes were filled with tender feelings. Seeing her slightly sweating at this moment, her complexion was even more like powdered morning clouds, brilliantly beautiful and radiant. Anyone speaking with her face to face would have their heart moved. Wu Chongqing silently watched her and suddenly said: “Aunt, you’re actually very beautiful. Do you know that yourself?” Juan’er first blushed, then made a sound of surprise, and finally pointed accusingly and shouted angrily: “How dare you! You actually dare speak such crazy words to me! Tell me! Did you seduce Qiong Fang this way?”

Wu Chongqing heard her talking in circles, truly finding it inexplicably strange. Though he was usually cold-faced, he still couldn’t help being amused and laughed. Juan’er scolded: “What are you laughing at? Do you think you can get away with this? Tell me quickly! How exactly did you hook up with her?” Wu Chongqing laughed: “Aunt, don’t keep being so idle—worry more about yourself instead.” Juan’er hummed: “I’m fine—where’s the need to worry?” Wu Chongqing sighed: “Aunt, you’re not young anymore. I advise you to find a man to marry while you still have some looks. Don’t wait until later when you’re old and yellow, making people feel sorry for you.”

Juan’er was stunned: “What? What did you say? Who’s pitiful?” Wu Chongqing said calmly: “Nothing, just pretend I didn’t say anything.” Just as he was about to turn around, Juan’er desperately grabbed him, hearing her rage: “Wait! Explain your words clearly to me! Who exactly is pitiful? Speak!” Wu Chongqing glanced at her and said softly: “When you have time, go visit the Ministry of Justice—then you’ll know how pitiful you are.”

Juan’er was extremely angry and didn’t care what he said. In an instant, she drew her sword with a swish and angrily said: “Good, Wu Chongqing! You little devil are always speaking in riddles, and now you even dare bully me! Come here! Today I’m going to teach you a lesson on behalf of your parents!” Just as she was challenging him to battle, she suddenly saw snow on the ground kicked up halfway to the sky. Wu Chongqing swept with his right foot, and she saw his left palm facing the sky, right palm toward the ground, with his feet in cat stance, saying coldly: “Respectful compliance is better than polite refusal—your nephew respectfully requests Aunt Juan to bestow instruction.”

Wu Chongqing was getting serious now. In terms of fairy dancing, he couldn’t match Aunt Juan, but in terms of fast, accurate, and fierce fists, he wasn’t afraid of the new Jiuhua Sect Leader at all. Seeing Chongqing’s stern gaze and his frightening boxing stance, Juan’er was startled and quickly sheathed her sword: “Fine, I’ll spare your life for now.”

Wu Chongqing narrowed his cold eyes and said grimly: “Aunt, you’re at least a person of the martial world—please don’t renege.”

“Who cares about you.” Juan’er covered her mouth with her small hand and simply stretched both arms straight, making a “lazy donkey stretching” pose. That yawn she made was truly thunderous. Seeing Juan’er playing dead and determined not to fight, Wu Chongqing’s face was iron-blue, but he had no solution. Juan’er was secretly pleased, knowing he didn’t dare really attack. She became even more joyful, singing children’s songs, clapping hands, and sticking out her tongue—a completely fearless appearance.

The night was deep and quiet, and the wind and snow grew heavier. The two only stared at each other as if standing as punishment. Wu Chongqing knew he couldn’t outrun her and couldn’t fight either. Helplessly, he could only say: “Aunt, this standoff isn’t a solution. How about we make a bet—if you lose, don’t pester me anymore.” Juan’er laughed: “Fine, I love betting the most. But don’t just ask what happens if I lose—what should happen if you lose?”

“The word ‘lose’…” Wu Chongqing’s face darkened as he said coldly: “Someone surnamed Wu doesn’t know how to write it!”

Wu Chongqing’s arrogance soared to the sky, but this time it went too far. Juan’er yawned continuously: “So you’re illiterate. Well, since I’m bound to lose anyway, why bet with you? No bet, no bet. Let’s go home and sleep.” Wu Chongqing knew he couldn’t beat her and could only try his best to restrain his temper: “Aunt, don’t misunderstand—I… I mean I might luckily… perhaps be able to win…”

Juan’er secretly laughed to herself, then put on a serious face and said disdainfully: “Fine, aunt forgives you. But what do you want to bet on? Draw the line now.” Wu Chongqing breathed a sigh of relief and immediately put his left hand on his hip, pointed to the distance with his right hand, and said boldly: “That mansion over there has very high walls. How about we make a wager—whichever of us two jumps onto the wall top first wins.”

Juan’er made a sound and carefully examined the mansion. She saw the wall was about three people high—wanting to leap up in one bound would be quite difficult. She looked sideways at Chongqing and laughed: “That’s fine too. Since you’re seeking your own death, aunt won’t stop you. But let me say first—little red face, if you lose later, you must obediently accept your fate and not throw tantrums or cry, okay?”

Chongqing’s childhood nickname was indeed “Little Red Face.” In childhood, when he bet with Juan’er, he would lose miserably every time—either crying loudly in anger or clinging to Aunt Juan and acting spoiled. Juan’er remembered these childhood memories and couldn’t help smiling, about to tease him a few words when Wu Chongqing said sternly: “Victory and defeat are determined by heaven. If I lose to you later, whether you want to kill or slice me, it’s up to you.”

Time passed quickly, and little red face had grown up. Hearing his mouth full of harsh martial world talk, he was exactly like a copy of the square-faced old man. Juan’er felt very bored and could only wave her hand and sigh: “Fine, fine, no one wants to slice you. I just want to take you home.” She lifted her skirt to her knees, grabbed Chongqing’s sleeve with her right palm, and hummed: “Listen well—I’ll count to three here, and we’ll compete fairly. No one is allowed to cheat and run early. One, two…” Before “three” came out, her right hand pushed Chongqing hard while she used this pushing force to rush forward quickly—she was still cheating greatly.

Juan’er ran with a joyful smile. Her speed was extremely fast, and in a glance she had already run to within five feet of the wall. After a “hey” sound, she smoothly jumped up, her body leaping more than one zhang high. Afraid that Chongqing’s body technique was faster, she quickly drew her sword and wildly waved and stirred it behind her, then pushed hard and finally stood steadily on the wall top.

“Ha ha! Ha ha!” Juan’er laughed wildly toward the sky and said loudly: “Little red face! Who lost this time!” She was triumphant and self-congratulatory, waiting for little red face to cry sadly, but there was no sound beside her. Juan’er was slightly stunned and turned to look, suddenly seeing a tall figure in the distance waving goodbye to her—who else could it be but Chongqing?

Little red face had escaped. Poor Juan’er had become little confused again, actually being tricked onto the wall top. She knew she couldn’t catch up and in her anger could only curse loudly: “Bad guy! Wu Chongqing is a bad guy! Your father is a bastard! Your mother is an idiot! Your whole family, old and young, are all big fools!” For a moment she cursed someone’s entire family, inevitably turning herself into a big fool as well.

“What kind of thing…” The big fool cursed three times and finally got tired of cursing. She could only sit down on the wall top and sigh softly: “Fine, why should I care whether you live or die? Like an old woman.”

Yes, what exactly was she doing? If Wu Chongqing didn’t want to go home, then he didn’t need to go home—why should she worry about it? If Qiong Fang wanted to run away from home, then let her—why insist on dragging her back?

What had she been busy with these past few years? She ran around everywhere, frantically busy, yet didn’t know what she was actually doing. Year after year, day after day, in the blink of an eye ten years had passed. Hua Mei had given birth, brother-in-law had been promoted, senior sister had taken disciples, even Wu Chongqing had become a big rogue—only she remained foolishly standing there, not even understanding what she wanted.

It seemed it had always been like this. In this world, having one more of her wasn’t much, having one less wasn’t little. No one in the world cared about her, and even she didn’t want to care about herself. Chongqing was right—she should get married. But marry whom? Marry a ghost? What Song Tongming, Zhu Kang—even if all the men in the world died, she’d rather jump into the sea than get involved with those two.

Being like this, she could only muddle through everything—muddle through when meeting black-clothed men, muddle through when meeting white-clothed ghosts. Even her lifelong matters she’d muddle through. Year after year of muddling, muddling until the seas run dry and rocks crumble, she’d still be muddling.

After muddling through the Lantern Festival, it would be the eleventh year of Zhengtong, and she’d be nearly thirty. After Qiong Fang married, in all of Beijing there’d probably only be herself left—an old witch living alone.

On this snowy night, Juan’er sat alone on the wall. She gazed at the half-hidden bright moon, her heart vaguely filled with longing, yet she didn’t know where to direct it.

Grumble, grumble—her stomach began to growl, quite spoiling the mood. Juan’er secretly cursed, knowing that after twenty-five, her stomach became extremely hungry easily. Eating anything would make her fat—she could become a round old woman at any time. She shook her head, immediately leaped down from the wall, and began calling along the street: “Qiong Fang, Sister Qiong, Lady Qiong… it’s Juan’er looking for you! Come out quickly for a midnight snack…” She walked along Yangshi Main Street, growing hungrier as she walked, and thirstier as she got hungrier. After chasing Chongqing all night, she finally couldn’t help sitting on the ground and sighing bitterly: “I’m exhausted to death—who’ll bring me a horse?”

The main street was silent and deserted, all the shops were closed. With her stomach empty and flat, Juan’er could only sneak to shop doors to peek. She went from house to house, suddenly seeing a place selling apples. The door was chained with iron, but the door panels weren’t tightly closed—just enough for an apple to pass through. Juan’er laughed: “There’s something to eat.” She immediately drew her long sword from her waist, stabbed through the door panel to get an apple, and began crunching away.

After eating the apple, Juan’er was quite considerate and threw the apple core back into the shop—borrowing and returning fairly. She sat at the fruit shop’s door, propping her cheeks with both hands, staring blankly at the night sky.

The moonlight was bright, and the snow clouds slowly dispersed, revealing the scene of Yangshi Main Street. Juan’er looked up at the starry sky and suddenly saw a meteor flash across the horizon. Overjoyed, she quickly made a wish, shouting: “I want…” The meteor flashed and disappeared instantly, but she didn’t know what she should want. Her mood became even worse, and she puffed out her cheeks. Just as she was about to stand up, both her legs were quite sore—chasing Chongqing all night had truly exhausted her.

Suddenly another meteor flew past. Juan’er finally knew what she wanted and immediately shouted: “Give me a horse!”

A maiden’s wish was naturally nonsensical, but at this moment, if there really was a horse to ride, it would save considerable trouble. She yawned, and seeing another meteor fly past, immediately laughed: “Give me apples to eat.” They say heaven helps those who help themselves—she busily “borrowed” apples from the door panel and gnawed them contentedly.

Crunch—the apple was bitten, but she heard a low sound: “Whinny…”

A strange sound? Juan’er blinked, not knowing where this strange noise came from. She quickly raised her head and heard thunderous galloping sounds. A red lightning bolt shot across the street, extremely swift. Juan’er was startled and quickly stood to investigate, but saw the street was silent and empty—there was nothing at all.

Juan’er made a sound of surprise. Just now she had heard great thunderous sounds, as if horse hooves were flying past. But strangely, in Beijing, except for those on official business, common people were strictly forbidden to ride horses. Looking at this place with no government offices, how could there be horses arriving? She rubbed her eyes, thinking she had seen wrong, and lowered her head to bite the apple. Crunch—another thunderous roar suddenly erupted. Juan’er quickly looked and saw a fire-thunder flash past her like lightning, like a flying swan. In the blink of an eye, it had rushed across the entire street.

This time she saw clearly—there really had been a horse that flashed past. She opened her mouth wide, looking left and right, but didn’t see that horse—didn’t know where it had hidden. She looked down at the apple in her hand and suddenly awakened, throwing the apple far away.

Rumble, rumble—in the alley, horse hooves thundered against the ground. A wild fire came galloping, caught the apple in mid-air, then disappeared again.

“What a fast horse…” Juan’er was truly dumbfounded. Looking at her own lightness skill as already rare for swift travel, yet not as good as Chongqing’s, but if Chongqing were compared to this red horse, he would fall far behind. Being childish by nature, seeing such a curious thing, she wanted to carefully catch and examine it. Thinking of her earlier meteor wish, she was even more convinced this horse was destined for her. She quickly “borrowed” two bright red apples from inside the door, put on the appearance of a fruit seller, and called sweetly: “Delicious! Sir, come try some!”

The apple was thrown far out, the red shadow flew over again. With a thunderous sound, the apple disappeared in mid-air, and the red shadow had already flashed past. If not for a pile of horse manure still on the ground, Juan’er would truly think her eyes were playing tricks. She pinched her nose, picked up an apple, shook it, and said: “Don’t be in such a hurry to leave—there’s still one more here.”

She stretched out her arms, swaying left and right, just wanting to lure the red horse over. But precious horses are usually proud—after showing off for a long time, the red shadow didn’t come close. She made a sound and said: “Not eating? Then I’ll eat it myself.” She picked up the big apple and ate it happily, not forgetting to praise loudly: “Sweet! Really crisp! It’s a pity not to eat it.” Just as she was eating, she heard approaching hoofbeats, and there was an additional black shadow on the ground. Juan’er squinted and peeked, seeing a horse truly coming before her—a big red horse.

An extremely tall and strong giant horse, about twice the size of an ordinary horse. It was completely fire-red all over, without a single stray hair visible. Its tail and mane were like raging fire burning—this was not only a good horse but also a rarely seen famous steed.

Famous steeds are priceless, but now it was stealing glances at her apple, seemingly quite envious. Juan’er hummed and said: “I won’t give it to you.” She crunched and chewed loudly, eating until her cheeks were full. The red horse, seeing there was nothing to eat, could only hang its head dejectedly and slowly walk away. Looking at its listless appearance, it must be very hungry.

Juan’er laughed: “Don’t go, don’t go—there’s plenty here.” She immediately raised her long sword, using Jiuhua Mountain’s Flying Curtain Quick Sword to stab out a whole string of apples from the door, then threw them toward the red horse. Thud, thud, thud—three apples hit the ground and rolled over. That red horse actually didn’t need to turn around, just backed up and walked, then lowered its head to munch loudly.

Crunch—the apple entered its mouth as if filling a tooth gap, disappearing in one bite. In a flash, three apples had filled its belly, but the horse was still neighing mournfully. Juan’er smiled bitterly: “You… wait a moment, I’ll ‘borrow’ a whole basket for you.” She hacked randomly several times—clang, clang—the iron chain broke, and the apple shop was now open. She took it upon herself to carry out a full large basket of red apples and placed it on the ground.

Crunch, crunch, crunch—they say horses don’t know their faces are long. Looking at this red horse rushing over eagerly, burying itself in the bamboo basket and chewing laboriously as if it hadn’t eaten for days. Juan’er also took the opportunity to walk beside the red horse, about to stroke its long hair. The horse was slightly startled and whinnied fearfully. Juan’er comforted it gently: “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid—I won’t bully you.” The red horse blinked its long eyelashes. Seeing the apples still waiting for it, it quickly lowered its head to eat voraciously. Juan’er finally reached out her hand, smiling while stroking and examining carefully.

This horse was truly very large. Its four legs were long and graceful, reaching nearly a zhang from the ground. Its build could be said to be extremely rare. Especially that glossy coat—red with fiery transparency. Though the capital region had countless famous steeds, she had never seen such a beautiful creature.

Juan’er became more and more envious, wondering who this horse’s owner was to be able to raise such a divine steed? She looked carefully for a long time and saw this horse wasn’t ownerless—its hooves had horseshoes, and its back had a saddle and stirrups. But after looking back and forth carefully, she couldn’t find the owner’s mark on its body.

Ordinary horses all have brand marks. If this horse were a court military horse, there would definitely be a “Royal Army – Cavalry Camp” mark on its rump. If it were a “Zhengtong Army” war horse returned from the northwest, you wouldn’t need to look at brand marks—you could tell from the horseshoe shape alone. But this horse had none of these marks, so it wasn’t government property. But saying it was privately raised didn’t seem right either—after all, the princes and ministers in the capital loved to show off the most. If there were such a divine steed at home, they would have long since brought it out to show off—how could they hide it at home?

Juan’er stroked the horse for a while, gradually becoming familiar with it, then leaned close to the horse’s ear and said gently: “Good horse, since I can’t find your master, then you’re mine, okay?” The saying goes: “Whoever has milk is mother.” Having eaten the apples, the horse was in a good mood and pressed close to Juan’er, rubbing and nuzzling—it seemed to be a stallion. Juan’er was licked several times and immediately laughed: “Come on, I still need to find a friend—you have to carry me.”

That horse was truly gigantic. Though Juan’er had lightness skills, when she suddenly mounted the horse’s back and saw herself so high from the ground, she couldn’t help being startled. Moreover, the stirrups were too long—even stretching her legs fully, she still couldn’t reach them. The horse’s original owner must have been an extremely burly person. She stuck out her tongue, then shortened the stirrups and said softly: “Let’s go.”

The red horse began to walk. Hearing the rumbling sounds, she just wanted it to try a little trot, but it actually began galloping. Juan’er saw it was so diligent and quickly said: “It’s alright, slower, slower.” As soon as the word “slow” came out, the red horse seemed to have heard wrong. It suddenly lunged forward, transforming into lightning in an instant. She felt cutting wind against her face, scenery on both sides flashing past, and in a blink they had rushed across the entire street. Juan’er was greatly shocked and realized this horse had truly been idling before—only now with this trial run could it be called “running.”

Juan’er was very excited and thought: “This horse is so fast—if Wu Chongqing encounters me in the future, he’ll be dead.” She wanted to test the red horse’s power and immediately pulled the reins and urged: “Run fast, run fast.” With a whinny, the red horse suddenly stopped, nearly throwing Juan’er off. She awakened and realized this horse was contrary, so she said: “Don’t move.”

Boom! Boom! Boom! Thunder and lightning flashed before her eyes, wild wind pressed against her face. Juan’er couldn’t open her eyes at all and could only scream: “Slower, slower!” The horse went even faster, fast without limit. Juan’er screamed: “Rush forward for your old lady!” Amid the horse’s neighing, the horse slowed its pace, gradually walked, then stopped.

Juan’er spat and said: “You monster are quite arrogant—when I tell you to go fast, you go slow. Could it be you’re also a rebel?” The horse, hearing the reproach, didn’t know what to do and only lowered its head to look around, like a wild dog smelling urine. Juan’er scolded: “What are you doing? Do you want to urinate by the roadside? If you don’t behave, I’ll give you an ugly name and make you bow your head for life.”

The horse ignored her and just wandered along on its own. Juan’er said again: “Don’t ignore me—what name do you want? Say it quickly.” Even if the red horse understood human speech, it couldn’t speak. Juan’er laughed to herself. She patted the horse’s rump and said again: “Not talking? Fine, then I’ll call you Little Red from now on.”

The horse neighed mournfully and actually reared up, then galloped forward. Juan’er giggled: “What, do you think this name is too shabby?” Juan’er had always read little and lacked learning. Thinking and thinking, it was all “Little Black,” “Little White”—like raising dogs. Though she wanted to change the red horse’s name, she couldn’t think of anything appropriate. Just as she was muddled and troubled, she suddenly heard an exclamation: “Red Hare!”

Juan’er was slightly stunned. Before she could speak, iron rods and wooden clubs surrounded and attacked, with constant cursing: “Damn it! It’s this guy again! Kill it quickly!” Juan’er was startled and hurriedly guided the horse to dodge, afraid she had encountered the black-clothed masked men again. Just as she was about to flee for her life, she suddenly glanced back—behind her were more than ten government runners, each holding clubs and shouting. Juan’er felt relieved and quickly turned the horse around, shouting loudly: “Don’t act rashly—I’m family of Grand Commander Wu. Everyone, let’s talk nicely.”

Black-clothed men were bad guys not under brother-in-law’s jurisdiction, but government runners were different—all were good people. Sure enough, upon hearing “Grand Commander Wu’s” title, they immediately stopped. Seeing the lady on horseback wearing a sable robe and quite beautiful, they immediately shouted in unison and knelt: “Greetings to the Grand Commander’s wife!” Juan’er’s face turned completely red, knowing she was mistaken for someone else. Afraid of causing more trouble, she could only put on senior sister’s virtuous appearance and waved: “Alright, all rise.” The government runners kowtowed three times and said in unison: “Thank you, Madam.”

Juan’er rarely dealt with government officials. Seeing the government runners being so respectful, she didn’t know how to put on airs and murmured: “You… which office are you from, and why did you want to beat my horse?” A government runner bowed and said: “Reporting to Madam, this humble official is a runner from the Ministry of Justice, surnamed Wang, with the position of clerk. We didn’t know this horse belonged to Madam—please forgive us.” Juan’er frowned: “So you’re Wang the clerk from the Ministry of Justice. You… instead of staying at the Ministry of Justice watching the prison, what are you doing running to the west of the city?”

That Wang clerk was stunned: “Madam, this is the Ministry of Justice.” Juan’er was shocked and looked left and right. Seeing all around were government offices, and further away on the main street were gathered many beggars warming themselves by fires and drinking, she realized she had truly reached Dongzhi Gate Main Street. This red horse’s speed was so fast that in the blink of an eye it had come from the west city to the east city, but she was completely unaware. She coughed a few times and said again: “Alright, then… why were you chasing and beating my horse? Did you want to steal it?”

That Wang clerk smiled bitterly: “Madam jests. This horse has a violent temperament and has been crashing into the Ministry of Justice gates for several days, consecutively breaking five brothers’ legs. If we weren’t truly angry, why would we take clubs to beat it?” Juan’er made another sound of surprise. Having met the red horse for only a moment, she didn’t know it had this strange temper, and murmured: “This horse often crashes into government offices? Why?”

Wang clerk said in surprise: “Madam should ask yourself—isn’t this horse raised by you?” Juan’er’s face reddened. She couldn’t very well say this was picked up by the roadside, so she said: “This… this horse was given to me by my elder sister… my… that husband of mine.”

Wang clerk made a long “oh” sound: “So that’s how this horse came about. Amazing—only the Grand Commander has such skill, otherwise no one could catch it.” Juan’er was stunned: “What? You… you were also trying to catch it?” Wang clerk sighed: “Indeed! This monster appeared from who knows where five days ago, wandering around our Ministry of Justice area, appearing to trample people every midnight. Our Minister Zhao was angry and requested experts from the Royal Army to come capture it, but they were trampled into serious injury. Sigh, the Zhengtong Army was indeed more skilled—they finally caught this monster.” Speaking of this, he was still resentful, probably wanting to give it a couple more whacks.

Juan’er saw this horse’s origins were too strange, actually provoking various forces to surround and capture it. Afraid of bringing trouble upon herself, she quickly said: “Rest assured, I… I’ll tie it up properly in the future and definitely won’t let it cause trouble again.” Wang clerk was greatly relieved and bowed: “Thank you, Madam.”

Seeing the government runners turning to leave, Juan’er suddenly remembered something and quickly said: “Wait, what did you call this horse just now? Could you say it again?” The government runners’ faces reddened and they didn’t dare speak. Juan’er said gently: “Don’t be afraid—I’m listening.”

The government runners looked at each other and could only tell the truth: “His… his mother’s.” Juan’er spat: “Don’t talk nonsense—you didn’t say that name.” The government runners looked at each other in confusion, not knowing what she wanted to ask. But at this moment, they heard a creak—the Ministry of Justice gate opened and a government runner came out. The red horse, seeing the gate open, immediately reared up neighing, its front hooves rising, actually wanting to charge through the gate. This scared the government runners into panicked flight: “Damn it! This Red Hare is coming again! Everyone don’t let it break your legs!”

The government runners were about to flee when Juan’er quickly pulled the reins: “Don’t go, don’t go—it’s these three words: Red Hare, Red Hare.” She lightly touched the horse’s neck to comfort it and said again: “How do you know it’s Red Hare?”

The government runners were stunned, not understanding for a moment. Wang clerk smiled bitterly: “Hasn’t Madam heard the storytellers say? This horse that Lord Guan rode was Red Hare—all red hair, and speed swift as lightning. This horse is so fast—if it’s not Red Hare, what else could it be?”

In Lord Guan’s temple hung a couplet that read: “Red face with red heart riding Red Hare chasing wind; green lamp reading green history wielding Green Dragon cutting moon.” Juan’er was overjoyed—she never expected to have picked up Red Hare. This was truly a great bargain. Seeing the government runners still standing stupidly to the side, she quickly took out some coins, rewarding each person with a copper coin, and smiled charmingly: “Thank you all—these are rewards for you.”

The government runners received the copper coins and couldn’t help making sounds of surprise. Wang clerk angrily said: “Still standing there doing what? All mute?” The government runners smiled bitterly in low voices: “Thank you for Madam’s generous reward.” Seeing the runners looking worried and bitter, Juan’er didn’t know she had damaged senior sister’s reputation and laughed: “Alright, thank you all for your trouble. Everyone, farewell.” She pulled the reins and guided the horse to continue searching for Qiong Fang.

Clip-clop, clip-clop—one person and one horse left the Ministry of Justice. Juan’er kissed the horse’s neck and smiled: “Red Hare, I know your name now.” She saw the red horse hanging its head as if unhappy and laughed: “You’re not allowed to cause trouble anymore, understand?”

The red horse couldn’t speak—after a few whinnies, there was no more sound. Juan’er wanted to take the red horse everywhere to show off and thought: “Senior sister usually loves looking at horses—when she sees my Red Hare, she’ll definitely be extremely envious.” Just as she was happy, she thought again: “Now I’ve found a treasure and my status is greatly different—I should change clothes and dress up to appear impressive.”

Juan’er covered her mouth and giggled secretly. To ride this red horse, she should definitely wear red clothes. The several red cloaks and red shawls in her wardrobe could all be put to use now. But if she wanted to learn from others to ride horses and fight battles, she couldn’t help but find a long weapon to use. She thought: “Lord Guan had divine strength—his Green Dragon Crescent Moon Blade is too heavy, I don’t dare use it. I need to find a suitable weapon.”

She pondered repeatedly, wanting to find an appropriate weapon. It would be best if the owner had also ridden Red Hare—that would be truly perfect. But she rarely read history books and didn’t know which other famous generals had ridden Red Hare. She searched her mind exhaustively, lying flat on the horse’s back and thinking: “Liang Hongyu, Mu Guiying, Princess Chai—these were all female generals, but did they ride Red Hare?”

Red Hare, Red Hare—whoever rode this horse must have been a mighty general galloping across battlefields, with great fame too. But who else had ridden Red Hare? She hugged the horse’s neck, feeling the horse’s majestic warmth. Inexplicably, her heart felt a palpitation, as if somehow familiar. She looked up at the night sky and murmured: “Red Hare… Red Hare… there seems to be a saying about it… something like ‘among horses what Red Hare’…”

She couldn’t remember, couldn’t remember. Juan’er looked blankly at the sky, calling out softly through the light snow clouds. Somehow her heart felt sour and suddenly sad. She laughed dumbly and wiped her red eyes, not knowing what was wrong with her. She shook her head forcefully, looked back at the Ministry of Justice, and seeing the government runners still watching her, quickly pulled the reins and guided the horse to urgently search for Qiong Fang.

Hoofbeats rumbled as Red Hare left in a cloud of dust, and the main street became quiet again. The government runners dozed who should doze, gambled who should gamble—just like the old routine of past decades, becoming leisurely again.