On the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, when all things renewed themselves in the cycle of rebirth, Qiong Fang had already cried her tears and laughed her fill. Now she seemed to have reached some sort of understanding, simply lifting her skirt hem and wandering leisurely about the courtyard. In the past, Qiong Fang had always found it strange why women walked like pecking hens, constantly looking this way and that. Now that she had donned a flower-patterned dress, she finally understood the reasoning.

“Ugh.” Flower branches caught and tugged at her skirt hem. Qiong Fang pulled desperately at the fabric until it nearly fell to the ground. Anger flared in her heart, and with a sharp crack, she snapped the entire flowering branch from its stem. The broken flowers and wilted leaves clung to her skirt corner like trophies, following their mistress as she walked.

Before long, rose bushes reached out to block her path, while other flowers and plants eagerly tried to entangle her, as if they all wanted to steal a touch. Qiong Fang had no choice but to lift her skirt hem and learn the delicate lotus steps. Having swaggered boldly for over ten years, accustomed to cutting and killing without restraint, she now found herself trying to imitate the refined “Strolling Through the Garden in a Dream” – inevitably like the man of Handan learning to walk, clumsy and inadequate.

Just as she was struggling with her awkward swaying, someone unfortunately approached from across the courtyard – it was the sharp-tongued A’Xiu. Qiong Fang’s heart jumped in alarm, and she was about to turn and flee when A’Xiu also seemed to have his soul fly to the heavens, lowering his head and running away as if he’d seen a ghost.

Mount Hua swordsmanship teaches: “When the enemy doesn’t move, I don’t move; when the enemy moves, I move first.” Seeing A’Xiu fleeing for his life while clutching a large stack of books, there was definitely something shameful going on. Qiong Fang shouted, “Where are you going!” She lifted her skirt to her knees and with a powerful leap caught him red-handed.

A’Xiu cried out miserably, “Crazy woman! Let me go!” As he struggled, he suddenly looked up and saw Qiong Fang’s pretty face, letting out a surprised “eh” as his small face turned slightly red.

Seeing his dazed expression, Qiong Fang said coldly, “What are you looking at? Never seen a beautiful woman before?”

A’Xiu sneered, “Beautiful woman?” He made a “hai” sound and worked up a mouthful of phlegm, about to spit it on the ground when his ear was suddenly grabbed and lifted. He couldn’t help but cry out miserably, “What are you doing?”

Qiong Fang wasn’t as easy to talk to as Juan’er. Anyone who annoyed her would never get away with it. She said calmly, “Weren’t you going to spit? Go ahead, this old lady is waiting to see.”

A’Xiu cried out in pain, “I won’t spit, I won’t spit! Let me go quickly.”

Qiong Fang released her grip and patted his cheek, saying, “Where’s your mother? Where did she go?”

A’Xiu made another “hai” sound and worked up another mouthful of phlegm to spit out, but his ear began burning again. Just as more pressure was about to be applied, A’Xiu was already laughing and crying in great alarm, “Haha! Have mercy, sir! Have mercy! My mother is in the back kitchen – we’re about to have lunch!”

Qiong Fang frowned, “We just had breakfast, and now it’s time for lunch again?”

A’Xiu rubbed his red ear and hummed, “That’s you! We’re having guests soon, and they’re coming on empty stomachs.”

After the Lantern Festival night, most people in the capital were late risers, sleeping until broad daylight or until the sun was high in the sky. As for whether they were eating breakfast or lunch, no one could say for certain.

Qiong Fang released her grip and said, “Alright then, take me to find your mother.”

A’Xiu said in a low voice, “Aunt Fang, don’t you have anywhere to go? Why do you keep staying at our house?”

This hit Qiong Fang’s sore spot, and she shouted, “Just for that remark, this old lady is staying for good.” She pushed A’Xiu from behind and said loudly, “Go!”

Qiong Fang loved bullying the weak. With her push, A’Xiu couldn’t help but cry “aiya” and fall forward, the large stack of books tumbling down. Qiong Fang, unhurried and calm, grabbed the little boy’s collar with her left hand while her right hand swept up and down, catching all the books in her hands with smooth technique – this was the authentic Kunlun “Flying Cloud Hand.”

She picked up a book and looked at it – it was a “Three Character Classic.” She nodded, “I didn’t expect you to be so studious.”

A’Xiu hummed, “Only now you know, it’s not too late…” Before the words left his mouth, his ear was grabbed again. He quickly put on a fawning smile, “Sister, please give me back the books.”

But Qiong Fang was in no hurry to return them. She held up the books and examined them carefully. The first one was indeed “Three Character Classic.” Looking at the next one, she couldn’t help but be stunned, “Another Three Character Classic?” Looking at the third book, she exclaimed in surprise, “Still a Three Character Classic?” All three books were “Three Character Classic,” and flipping through the inner pages, they were all handwritten copies with careful, precise strokes, though the paper had yellowed. Turning to the last page, she saw a small jade seal that read “Shaolin Lingwu.”

Qiong Fang was completely puzzled, “What is this?”

A’Xiu said in a low voice, “These are handwritten copies of the Three Character Classic, all treasured by my uncle.”

Qiong Fang was bewildered, “Your uncle’s treasures? Why does he collect Three Character Classics?”

A’Xiu said, “He likes handwritten books, says they have a special flavor when read. Aunt Fang, do you have any at home? I’ll buy them from you at five copper coins per book.”

Qiong Fang looked A’Xiu up and down and nodded, “Of course I have them. Would ten books be enough?”

A’Xiu was overjoyed, “Enough! Enough! Quick, take me to get them.”

Qiong Fang yawned, “How unfortunate – I gave them away.”

A’Xiu was shocked, “You gave them away? To whom? Go steal them back!”

Qiong Fang said calmly, “I gave them to Master Meng.”

“Master Meng?” A’Xiu frowned in confusion, feeling the name was somewhat familiar. Suddenly he was greatly alarmed, “Wait! Could it be that you… you’re also…”

Qiong Fang said calmly, “Haven’t you guessed yet? Let me tell you – Master Meng’s first disciple is none other than this old lady.”

Seeing the senior sister here, A’Xiu was naturally dumbstruck and couldn’t make a sound for a long time.

“In the beginning, human nature is good.” This Master Meng was an old fixture in the capital. During the Jingtai years, after resigning from office, he began widely accepting disciples. The first student he took was Qiong Fang, followed by Wu Chongqing and Wu Chonghua, who also successively became his disciples. Truly, his students were spread far and wide.

Time passed swiftly. The little girl of those days had become a young pavilion master, Wu Chongqing had also grown into a fierce tiger, and now it was A’Xiu’s turn to suffer. Especially since Master Meng held the greatest respect for Gu Siyuan and even kept collections of his poetry and writings at home. Because of this connection, he was always doubly strict with A’Xiu. Every time he caught him making mistakes, he would beat him until one Buddha ascended to heaven and a second Buddha emerged in flames, as if wanting to send him to meet his grandfather in the western paradise.

The time was now around the chen hour (7-9 AM), less than two hours before the execution. Even if the eight-armed Nezha himself appeared with eight brushes to help copy books, it would probably be too late.

A’Xiu deflated in dejection, “Damn it, making me happy for nothing. Sigh…” Thinking of his life hanging by a thread made him feel even more sorrowful. He asked in a low voice, “Aunt Fang, did… did Master Meng ever beat you before?”

Qiong Fang said calmly, “Countless times. Back then he wasn’t so old, and when he wielded the cane it was both fast and accurate. If he had switched to practicing swordsmanship, he might have been even stronger than Master Fu.”

A’Xiu was surprised, “Who is Master Fu?”

Thinking of Fu Yuanying brought Su Ying to mind, and Qiong Fang couldn’t help but sigh, waving her hand without answering.

A’Xiu asked quietly again, “Aunt Fang, did you cry when you were beaten?”

Qiong Fang said proudly, “Cry? Wait for the next lifetime. No matter how Master Meng beat me, I always treated it as a joke.”

A’Xiu was shocked, “Treated it as a joke? Really?”

Qiong Fang swept her hair aside and said calmly, “Let me tell you. Every time before receiving palm strikes, I would first press the ‘Zhuri’ and ‘Xuanshu’ pressure points. Once both hands were numb, no matter how Master Meng struck, it felt like scratching an itch.”

A’Xiu was amazed, “Is there such a thing?”

Qiong Fang lifted her left palm to show her injuries, “Look, this is what my grandfather beat last night. He broke six canes in total, and I was still laughing. If your mother hadn’t insisted on applying medicine for me, I wouldn’t have bothered.”

Seeing Qiong Fang’s flesh torn and skin split yet acting as if nothing had happened, A’Xiu was greatly shocked and quickly said, “Aunt Fang, could… could you teach me this pressure point technique?”

Qiong Fang said calmly, “That depends on your sincerity.”

Upon hearing this, A’Xiu immediately prostrated himself at her feet like a grandson following his grandmother, or a beloved dog meeting its benefactor, treating Qiong Fang like a living Buddha. Qiong Fang naturally smiled proudly. As for whether she truly possessed this pressure point technique, perhaps only heaven knew.

Walking along, they came to the main house and heard continuous laughter coming from within. Qiong Fang stopped and saw the flower hall filled with many men and women chatting and laughing freely.

Qiong Fang called over her junior brother, “A’Xiu, who are these people?”

A’Xiu quickly replied, “Reporting to senior sister, the one talking is Great Uncle, the one with the tapping foot is Second Uncle, that woman is his daughter called ‘Shulin,’ and those three little ones are her sons…”

Qiong Fang said, “Why are they all your mother’s relatives? Didn’t anyone come from your grandfather’s side?”

A’Xiu made an “oh” sound and was about to answer when a woman’s voice said coldly, “Late father-in-law Yang Yuan was an only son with no brothers.”

Qiong Fang’s heart trembled slightly. She and A’Xiu turned around together to see a beautiful woman in her thirties standing behind them, wearing colorful clothes embroidered with a yellow phoenix. In the distance stood an ornate sedan chair with eight bearers, presumably all her chairmen.

This newcomer had quite a grand entourage. Seeing this woman wearing yellow robes and arriving in an eight-man sedan chair, Qiong Fang couldn’t help but feel slightly curious. The Qiong family were imperial in-laws, yet even their clothing only bore fire phoenix decorations and dared not embroider yellow. How could this woman be so bold as not to fear investigation by the Imperial Clan Court?

Just as she was growing suspicious, a voice suddenly rang out from the courtyard: “Prince Xu has arrived!” Ceremonial music played loudly as another official sedan chair was carried into the courtyard. The sedan curtain lifted to reveal a fat, sturdy man leading two children by the hand, all wearing dark yellow robes decorated with indigo dragons.

Qiong Fang nodded to herself, thinking, “I wondered who it was – turns out A’He has arrived.”

This “Prince Xu” was named Zhu He. In the past, whenever grandfather held birthday celebrations, he would always prepare gifts and come to offer congratulations. He was the “A’He” that grandfather spoke of. She just hadn’t expected that while he was usually modest and courteous, his private entourage would be so grand.

As she watched, she heard shouting from the flower hall: “Your Highness! You’ve finally come!” With the official sedan’s arrival, all the old and young from the hall came out to greet them. Qiong Fang glanced sideways and saw the “Shulin” from earlier pulling the phoenix-robed beauty with a face full of smiles. Several uncles also surrounded the fat Prince with loud laughter, while Shulin’s sons didn’t fall behind either, clustering around Prince Xu’s two children, jumping and laughing.

“Ah, Shuning, it’s been a year since we’ve seen you – you’re still as beautiful as ever…” “Shuning has been beautiful since childhood. Among all our daughters, who could compare to her?”

The phoenix-robed beauty turned out to be Princess Xu, named “Shuning,” also one of the “Shu” generation women. Surrounded by relatives, she showed not a trace of smile, only saying coldly, “Where is Great Aunt? Is she in the hall?”

Shulin quickly said, “Great Aunt didn’t sleep well last night and is still resting in her room. Come sit for a while first. We’ll pay our respects to her later.” Shuning listened without responding, only walking a few steps forward to stand in front of A’Xiu and saying coldly, “Where is your mother? Why doesn’t she come to greet me?”

Hearing this, Qiong Fang felt slightly bewildered, not understanding the situation. But A’Xiu lowered his face and hid behind her, refusing to come out.

Qiong Fang secretly guessed that A’Xiu must have caused some trouble, which was why he feared Shuning. She stepped protectively in front of him and said calmly, “Sister Gu is in the back kitchen. Do you need something?”

Shuning completely ignored Qiong Fang, only staring fixedly at A’Xiu without speaking or moving.

Qiong Fang grew more puzzled, not knowing why this woman was targeting A’Xiu. Suddenly her heart awakened with realization: “Oh my, how stupid of me – this woman has a grudge against Sister Gu!”

Shuning was a noble princess while A’Xiu was just a young child – what conflict could they possibly have? Naturally, she must hate the mother and resent the son, letting innocent fish suffer in the pond.

Just as she was about to ask for details, someone rushed out of the main house, panting heavily: “Oh my, oh my! My Prince brother-in-law! My beautiful sister Shuning! Why didn’t you send word ahead before visiting? Yang’er has failed in his duty as host.”

The one who came to resolve the situation was Yang Shaoqi, sweating profusely with “Shuqin” and “Shuyi” following behind him like shadows. Seeing him covered in sweat as he rushed before Shuning, rubbing his hands and smiling apologetically: “Brother-in-law, sister, please come inside quickly. It’s so cold out here.”

Shuning’s face was gloomy as she continued examining A’Xiu. Seeing Yang Shaoqi frantically winking, Qiong Fang understood and led A’Xiu away to avoid conflict.

Seeing A’Xiu leave, Shuning said, “Big sister, accompany me to the hall. I’ll visit Great Aunt in a while.” Shulin smiled and called over the Shuqin and Shuyi sisters, and they all surrounded the princess as they headed toward the hall.

The scene was somewhat awkward. Prince Xu coughed once, and seeing Yang Shaoqi still smiling apologetically there, he said, “Zai Jing, Zai Xin, why don’t you greet your second cousin?”

The two boys said in unison, “Second Cousin.”

Yang Shaoqi tactfully took out red envelopes for each of them. The two boys thanked him and accepted them, casually handing them to their attendants behind them without even glancing at them. Having received so many red envelopes, they were probably tired of them.

Prince Xu chuckled, “Shaoqi, where’s your elder brother?”

Yang Shaoqi laughed dryly, “My brother went out and hasn’t returned yet.”

As he spoke, his bottom was punched, making him cry out “aiya.”

Prince Xu pulled over one of the boys and glared, “Zai Jing, don’t be naughty.”

Yang Shaoqi took the punch but could only smile apologetically, “It’s nothing, nothing.” He bent down and said, “Zai Jing, I heard you’ve mastered Shaolin Divine Fist – is that right?”

The boy grinned wickedly, “Prepare to die.” He raised his fist to punch Yang Shaoqi’s bottom again. Yang Shaoqi just cried “aiya, aiya” several times, letting him play around.

Qiong Fang watched from hiding and thought, “I wondered why A’He has become so arrogant – turns out he has this precious son for backing.”

This “Zai Jing” had significant status, just like “Zai Zhi,” “Zai Yun,” and “Zai Yi” – they were all eighth-generation princes personally selected by Emperor Zhengtong’s imperial brush. If he could enter the Eastern Palace and become the next emperor, this “A’He” would also rise to great heights as regent prince.

Currently, among the eight great princes, the most powerful were the “Hui, Tang, Xu, Feng, Lu” five princes, each with their own strengths. Though this “Prince Xu” couldn’t compare to the power of Prince Hui or Prince Tang, he had one advantage – he was the brother-in-law of the “Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Hall.” With Yang Suguan secretly supporting him, why should he fear any “Prince Hui” or “Prince Tang”? No wonder his recent displays had been so grand.

Qiong Fang focused her gaze and saw “Zai Jing” pressing down Yang Shaoqi’s head and riding him like a dog. Poor Second Master Yang still wore an excited, joyful expression, neighing and laughing like a beast.

Qiong Fang thought secretly, “No wonder he wants to work for Prince Tang. If Zai Jing becomes emperor, would he have any chance of rising in this lifetime?”

She watched for a few moments, feeling it wasn’t her concern, and turned away. Just as she was about to find A’Xiu to talk, she suddenly caught sight of someone standing silently in a corner of the courtyard – brown clothes, cloth robe, rectangular face with an expression of subtle detachment. Wasn’t this the Great Water Monster?

Qiong Fang was greatly startled and was about to go investigate when she heard light footsteps and A’Xiu’s loud cry: “Mother!”

Qiong Fang was shocked and turned to see Gu Qianxi approaching. She quickly turned back to look at the courtyard, but in that instant, the person had vanished without a trace.

Qiong Fang stood dazed for a long while, rubbing her eyes, unsure if she had been seeing things. Just as she was wondering in surprise, Gu Qianxi had already approached, first taking A’Xiu’s hand and then curtsying to Prince Xu: “Your Highness.”

Prince Xu looked somewhat embarrassed and reluctantly returned half a bow: “Sister-in-law… sister-in-law…” He turned and said, “Zai Jing, Zai Xin, your cousin’s wife is here – why don’t you greet her quickly?”

The two boys whispered and giggled to each other, glanced at Gu Qianxi a few times, then ran off without looking back.

Prince Xu apologized, “Forgive me, forgive me. Children don’t understand manners…” He seemed to want to make small talk but appeared afraid of his wife’s anger. He cupped his hands and also turned to leave.

Gu Qianxi stood silently, seeming not to mind. Seeing Qiong Fang standing to the side, she said, “Miss Qiong, you’ve come downstairs?”

Qiong Fang was still looking around when Gu Qianxi called twice before she came to her senses: “Ah… yes… I… I just came downstairs.”

Gu Qianxi smiled and examined her clothing: “The skirt is a bit short. I’ll let it out for you later.”

Qiong Fang was tall, nearly as tall as Su Ying, naturally blessed with long legs. She gave a few perfunctory responses, then remembered the “Shuning” from earlier and quickly said, “Sister Gu, what was that about with Princess Xu earlier? She has quite a temper?”

A’Xiu cursed, “That lowly old whore… ow…” Before he could finish speaking, his ear was grabbed by his mother. As he cried out in pain, Yang Shaoqi had already approached: “Sister-in-law.”

Seeing her brother-in-law, Gu Qianxi immediately broke into a smile: “Finally found you. Come quickly.” She took Qiong Fang’s hand and introduced them: “Miss Qiong, this is my brother-in-law Shaoqi, a presented scholar and currently a fifth-rank secretary in the Ministry of War. Have you heard of him before?”

Though Qiong Fang had a marriage engagement, she had now run away from home with nowhere to go. At this moment, Gu Qianxi was introducing this man and woman, and while she might not necessarily be trying to matchmake them, she was certainly thinking of Qiong Fang’s future, hoping to free her from her father’s control. This was truly kind-hearted.

Qiong Fang understood Gu Qianxi’s intentions but couldn’t very well reveal that she and Yang Shaoqi already knew each other. She could only pretend to exclaim in surprise: “So it’s the talented scholar Secretary Yang! I’ve long admired your reputation!”

Yang Shaoqi laughed dryly, “I dare not, I dare not. Such undeserved praise – how dare I accept it? I’ve disgraced the Young Pavilion Master’s refined hearing.”

Qiong Fang yawned, “How is it undeserved praise? Seeing Secretary Yang so modest only makes this little woman admire you even more.”

Gu Qianxi observed their expressions and smiled, “What? Do you two know each other already?”

These two not only knew each other – they had even kissed earlier. But since Qiong Fang didn’t mention it, Yang Shaoqi was happy to play dumb. A’Xiu grinned mischievously and was about to reveal the truth when both of them grabbed him and covered his mouth.

Seeing that noon was approaching, Gu Qianxi said, “Shaoqi, please help me seat Miss Qiong at the table later. We’re about to begin the meal.”

Yang Shaoqi quickly said, “Sister-in-law, won’t you join us?”

Gu Qianxi said, “Mother had an asthma attack last night and only fell asleep at dawn. I don’t know if she’s awake yet. I need to check on her.”

Yang Shaoqi quickly said, “Sister-in-law, let me go instead. You should rest…”

Gu Qianxi shook her head, “There are many guests today, and the family can’t be without a male host. You go accompany the relatives.” After giving several instructions, she was about to leave but saw A’Xiu and added, “Shaoqi, remember not to let A’Xiu drink wine later – he still has to go to school in the afternoon.”

A’Xiu was alarmed, “Mother! I don’t want to…” Before he could finish, his uncle had covered his mouth and was laughing, “Miss Qiong, please come this way.”

The three walked toward the main house. Before they even entered the door, they could hear loud, boisterous noise. Looking into the hall, it was bustling with activity as the guests had already taken their seats. Prince Xu and his wife, Shuqin, and Shuyi were all among the crowd, filling three large tables completely. The steward was walking back and forth, already greeting the guests, but Yang Suguan was nowhere to be seen.

Qiong Fang pondered, “Yang’er, where’s your brother?”

Yang Shaoqi shrugged, “Who knows? If he’s not at the office, he’s in the courthouse. God knows where he’s gone.”

A’Xiu chimed in, “Yeah, whenever my father disappears, everyone feels so happy.”

Qiong Fang couldn’t help but laugh, knowing that Yang Suguan was busy with official duties and had to rely on his wife to manage household affairs.

Just as they were about to enter the house, A’Xiu grabbed her and said, “Aunt Fang, don’t go in. Didn’t you want to teach me pressure point techniques? Let’s go practice quickly.”

Qiong Fang thought this made sense. Looking at the house full of Yang family relatives with their tedious conversation, she didn’t want to socialize, and secondly, she had just seen a shadowy figure in the courtyard and wanted to investigate. She said, “You’re right. I’m an uninvited guest and shouldn’t sit at the table. Yang’er, go in by yourself.”

A’Xiu was delighted, “Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s practice martial arts!”

Just as the one big and one small were about to escape, Yang Shaoqi cried out in distress, “Hey, you’re leaving me alone to go in? Aren’t you afraid I’ll be bored to death?”

Qiong Fang said, “What’s to fear? At least Shuqin will collect your body – you won’t be left to rot in the wilderness.”

Yang Shaoqi couldn’t help but laugh. Seeing that though he’d known Qiong Fang for only a short time, their conversation was completely uninhibited, like old friends for many years. He took Qiong Fang’s jade arm and said, “Alright, alright. The dignified Young Pavilion Master Qiong has attended even the Emperor’s banquets – are you still afraid of this? Come in with me.”

Just as he was pulling and dragging, and Qiong Fang was about to kick him away, she suddenly caught sight of someone at the table and said, “I’ll go in with you, but first you have to tell me…” She quietly pointed at the crowd – it was “Princess Xu” – and whispered in his ear, “What’s the story with that woman?”

Yang Shaoqi looked puzzled, “What woman?”

Qiong Fang was annoyed, “Still playing dumb? Just now this Princess Xu was clearly targeting your sister-in-law. Did you think I didn’t notice?”

A’Xiu interjected, “Reporting to senior sister, that woman is called Shuning and she’s an old whore.”

Seeing Shuning’s body move as if she had heard the conversation, Yang Shaoqi was greatly alarmed and quickly covered A’Xiu’s mouth: “Don’t talk nonsense.”

“Old whore! Old whore!” A’Xiu didn’t know where he’d learned such crude language, only dancing joyfully and singing loudly: “Shuning is an old… lowly…” Before he could say “whore,” his uncle had grabbed him and dragged him to a dark corner of the courtyard, beating his bottom wildly.

Qiong Fang followed and urged, “Yang’er, if you consider me a friend, speak quickly. I won’t spread it around.”

“Alright, alright.” Yang Shaoqi smiled bitterly and said, “I’ll tell you. This Shuning has loved my elder brother since childhood and waited over ten years to marry into our family…”

Qiong Fang made a long “oh” sound, and A’Xiu also cried “eh.” Yang Shaoqi waved his hand for them not to interrupt and continued, “Just when the wedding date was finally set, who would have thought my elder brother would marry someone else instead. In her fury, she married Prince Xu and still deeply resents this matter to this day.”

Qiong Fang nodded, “I see. No wonder she keeps targeting Sister Gu. What does your brother say about it?”

Yang Shaoqi sighed, “He’s at the office all day – where does he have time to deal with such idle matters? Sigh… Actually, this Shuning is also devoted in her own way, but because of this ill-fated romance, our family is always in chaos, and the relatives often use this matter to make trouble…”

A’Xiu tugged at Qiong Fang’s clothes and added, “They say my father ate his fill and left, sleeping with someone for nothing.”

Just as Qiong Fang was about to make an “oh” sound, Yang Shaoqi urgently said in a trembling voice, “You can’t say such things carelessly. She has a husband.”

Qiong Fang coughed softly and stopped joking around. It seemed this “Shuning” was deeply rooted in her feelings – though already married, she still couldn’t let go of this romance. No wonder she often came to cause trouble for people.

She asked again, “Yang’er, what about your mother? Does she get along well with Shuning?”

Yang Shaoqi quickly said, “Don’t worry, don’t worry. My mother is the most reasonable person. Though she often hears gossip, she never makes things difficult for my sister-in-law.”

Qiong Fang didn’t believe him and said, “A’Xiu, is that really true?”

A’Xiu said, “Yes, my grandmother says Shuning is a crazy woman who can’t be reasoned with. My mother is still the most reliable.”

Qiong Fang was surprised, “What? Your grandmother really dotes on your mother?”

A’Xiu said, “Yes, she pinches her with her fingernails every few days – of course she dotes on her.”

Qiong Fang was even more surprised, “What do you mean?”

Yang Shaoqi made a “heh” sound and quickly covered his nephew’s mouth: “My mother has asthma and sometimes can’t sleep at night, so she has my sister-in-law keep her company.”

A’Xiu added, “That’s because my uncle often disappears at night, and when grandmother can’t find anyone to keep her company, she has to find my mother.”

Qiong Fang nodded. Earlier she had heard Gu Qianxi mention that the old lady seemed truly ill. She quickly asked, “What? Is this illness serious? Have you had a doctor come to treat it?”

Yang Shaoqi sighed, “It’s useless. Heart ailments require heart medicine. If the knots in the heart can’t be untied, medicine and stones are in vain.”

Qiong Fang shivered slightly, not expecting this illness to have such mysteries. Just as she was about to probe further, she heard calling from inside the house: “Second Cousin!”

Yang Shaoqi turned back in alarm to see “Shuqin” and “Shuyi” approaching, taking his arms from left and right and saying sweetly, “Why are you all out here? Come in quickly.”

The two cousins were enthusiastic as fire. Shuqin especially liked Qiong Fang and quickly took her hand with a smile: “Sister, let’s sit together later.” Now no one could escape. The two adults and one child were dragged into the flower hall and came to the table. Just as Qiong Fang was about to sit with Shuqin, the steward hurried over and said, “Are you Young Pavilion Master Qiong? Madam instructed that you should sit here.” Without waiting for her answer, he had already walked to the main table and pulled out a chair. Everyone looked over to see that the seat was to the left of the host position – the honored guest’s seat, with a status even higher than Prince Xu.

Shuqin and Shuyi cried out in low voices, and several uncles were also greatly shocked, muttering, “What’s this about? How can a woman sit in the upper position?” Since ancient times, dining had been a matter of learning – the distinction between host and guest, seating arrangements, could never be taken lightly. Looking at this main table, it seated all noble guests: Prince Xu and his wife, two princes, plus the first, second, and third uncles, along with Yang Shaoqi, Qiong Fang, Old Madam Yang, and the couple Yang Suguan and Gu Qianxi – twelve seats in total. Among them, the host position faced the door in the center, which was Old Madam Yang’s seat, with Gu Qianxi’s seat directly opposite, considered the lower position. Given Prince Xu’s noble status, he could only sit to the old madam’s right, yet the left side upper guest position was given to Qiong Fang?

Hearing the uncles making a commotion, Yang Shaoqi was about to smooth things over when Qiong Fang wouldn’t let him interfere. She immediately displayed the bearing of the Duke of Ying, first smiling apologetically to Shuqin, then walking to the main table, arranging her skirt as she sat down, and casually smiling at Prince Xu: “Your Highness, it’s been a while.”

Hearing her recognize him, Prince Xu was stunned and quickly said, “You… you are…”

Qiong Fang said calmly, “Since our parting at Purple Cloud Pavilion, it’s been barely over a month. Don’t you remember?”

Hearing the three words “Purple Cloud Pavilion,” Prince Xu stood up in alarm, looking left and right at Qiong Fang and trembling: “Young Pavilion Master, you… you’ve changed into women’s clothing?”

Qiong Fang smiled charmingly, showing rare bashfulness: “A maiden’s first time in a bridal sedan chair.”

Prince Xu was a meticulous person. He had already seen Qiong Fang in the courtyard earlier, noticing her clear beauty and familiar face. He had been watching her since entering the mansion but couldn’t remember where he’d seen her. Now hearing her speak, he finally recognized her.

Seeing Qiong Fang chatting with the prince with complete ease, the uncles were shocked and uncertain: “This… who exactly is this girl…”

Prince Xu quickly said, “Let me introduce her. This is the direct descendant of the founding Duke of Ying, the current Purple Master…”

The crowd didn’t know who the Duke of Ying was and were still dreaming when Yang Shaoqi cleared his throat and declared loudly: “She calls the Empress ‘aunt’ and addresses His Majesty as ‘uncle-in-law.'”

With a thunderous sound, all the guests at the table stood up. Qiong Fang smiled: “It’s nothing, it’s nothing. Everyone please sit.”

This was Qiong Fang’s nature – normally she didn’t socialize, but once she truly entered the scene and showed her face, she would definitely display her authority and sweep over all beings. A’Xiu watched with his eyes wide and mouth agape. Yang Shaoqi also secretly admired her. Worried that Shuning might cause trouble, he sent A’Xiu to Shuqin’s table, saying quietly: “Eat properly, you have school later.”

After settling his nephew, he returned to the main table and sat down to accompany them. With great difficulty, all the guests were seated, and Old Cai instructed the maids: “Everyone’s here now. Tell the kitchen to serve the dishes.”

Seeing the host position still empty, Prince Xu asked: “Where is the old madam?”

Old Cai said: “The old madam said she couldn’t sleep all night and really can’t get up. She told everyone not to wait for her.”

With neither mother nor sister-in-law at the table, Yang Shaoqi became the host and quickly said: “That’s fine, let mother rest more. Come, come, everyone drink wine.” He picked up the wine pot and was about to fill the uncles’ cups when he heard Shuning say faintly: “Acting up again?”

Hearing this word “again,” it wasn’t hard to imagine that Shuning must be familiar with the Yang family affairs. She sighed softly and said: “Tell that sister-in-law of yours… every spring and autumn, remember to prepare Nourishing Yin Powder and have aunt take one dose morning and evening. Don’t let her… don’t let her…”

All the guests at the table fell silent. Qiong Fang glanced over and saw this “Shuning” speaking with tears glimmering in her eyes, showing no intention of concealing them even in front of her husband and children.

Prince Xu’s face was awkward. He seemed to want to comfort his wife but feared leaving traces. Just as he was in difficulty, he heard Yang Shaoqi shout: “Old Cai! What are you doing? Everyone’s hungry! Serve the dishes quickly!” He shouted randomly to cover up, then stood up and said: “First uncle, second uncle, third uncle, your nephew toasts you.” He raised his cup and drank first as a gesture of respect.

The third uncle was about sixty years old and should be Shuning’s father. Fearing Prince Xu’s displeasure, he quickly filled his wine cup and said: “A’He, we haven’t drunk together in a long time. Come, I’ll toast to Zai Jing’s victory in the imperial martial competition.”

Though Prince Xu was a prince, he was also someone’s son-in-law. He quickly raised his wine cup and said to his son: “Zai Jing, grandfather is toasting you – why don’t you raise your cup?”

Zai Jing was hungry and had already started eating heartily. With his mouth stuffed with meat, he grabbed his father’s wine cup and gulped it down in one go.

The first and second uncles exclaimed in unison: “Good drinking capacity! Spirited! Spirited!”

Seeing Zai Jing’s prowess, his younger brother Zai Xin didn’t want to be outdone and quickly grabbed his mother’s wine cup, laughing: “Watch me be spirited too!”

Dishes were served like flowing water, and the table was filled with toasting and laughter. But Qiong Fang seemed somewhat absent-minded, her eyes constantly looking left and right as if searching for something.

Just as she was distracted, she suddenly heard Prince Xu say: “Young Pavilion Master, would I have the honor of drinking a cup with you?”

Prince Xu was also one of the key figures in establishing the heir. Though he usually wanted to curry favor with the National Uncle, he had no opportunity. Now that Qiong Fang had finally come, he naturally wanted to get close to her. But Qiong Fang seemed lost in thought and didn’t respond. Yang Shaoqi quickly picked up the wine pot and came to pour wine for her from afar, whispering in her ear: “Hey, Prince Xu wants to drink with you – will you honor him?”

Qiong Fang came to her senses and quickly said: “Forgive me, forgive me.” She picked up her wine cup and smiled: “Honored elders, this young woman Qiong Fang toasts you all.” She immediately drained it, even more spirited than a man.

The uncles hurriedly returned the toast, and even someone as resentful as Shuning was forced to raise her cup.

The most powerful person in the world was naturally the current Emperor Zhengtong. Though he had no favored ministers like Jiang Chong under him, he had an empress who had shared his hardships, and they had endured the long years of the Jingtai Dynasty together. Now that great power had returned to his hands, love extended to all related things, and the National Uncle’s family naturally rose to prominence – no one dared offend them.

After three rounds of wine, the atmosphere gradually warmed up. The women led children to the main table in turns to toast and pay respects. Though Shuqin and Shuyi couldn’t drink wine, they also came up with tea cups, not forgetting to act coquettishly with their second cousin.

Yang Shaoqi was busy inside and out, thoroughly enjoying himself, when he suddenly heard someone say: “Uncle, let me toast you too.” Looking back, it was A’Xiu coming with a wine cup.

Yang Shaoqi chuckled: “Your mother won’t let you drink wine – why are you here again?”

A’Xiu pestered: “Let me have one cup.” With a gulp, he drank it all himself, not forgetting to imitate bandits and laugh: “Refreshing! Refreshing!”

Just as he was about to slip back to his seat, he heard the first uncle say coldly: “Boy, you only have eyes for your uncle, not for your great-uncle? Come over and toast me!”

The first uncle was somewhat drunk and seemed to want to cause trouble, but A’Xiu didn’t mind. He had long wanted a chance to drink wine – best to get so drunk he wouldn’t wake up, then he wouldn’t have to go to school. He quickly filled a large cup and laughed: “Come, I toast great-uncle.” He raised the cup with both hands and drank it dry.

Seeing A’Xiu drink so spiritedly, the first uncle became displeased again and snorted, training him: “So young and already so fond of drinking? Aren’t you afraid of becoming a drunkard when you grow up?”

A’Xiu hummed: “Stop scolding people. I’ve already drunk, but you haven’t.” Saying this, he walked over to check the cup and was shocked: “This is tea, not wine.” He pointed and scolded: “You’re bullying a child.”

Everyone burst into laughter. The second uncle brought over a full pot of wine and insisted that the first uncle drink it dry, also joining in the fun.

This was A’Xiu’s nature – whenever there was a lively occasion, he could always make the adults laugh heartily. Seeing his good drinking capacity, after toasting the first uncle, he toasted the second uncle, continuing in order and finishing several cups while remaining spirited.

Qiong Fang laughed: “Drink slowly, be careful not to get drunk.”

A’Xiu said: “Don’t worry, I’m different from uncle – I won’t lose control after drinking.”

This remark made everyone laugh even harder, while Yang Shaoqi looked embarrassed: “Children talk nonsense – don’t believe him.”

A’Xiu was very happy, feeling that everyone loved him. He carried his wine cup to Prince Xu and his wife. Everyone unanimously fell silent, feeling somewhat nervous, when they heard A’Xiu say: “Your Highness, uncle-in-law, ten thousand years plus a hundred years – what’s that?”

Prince Xu was stunned: “What?”

A’Xiu laughed: “That’s you! When your son becomes the ten-thousand-year lord, won’t you be ten thousand years plus a hundred years?”

Prince Xu opened his mouth wide and was about to clap and laugh loudly, but remembering Qiong Fang was beside him, he didn’t dare make a sound. Qiong Fang said: “It’s nothing – children’s words carry no harm!”

Everyone relaxed and laughed together: “Good! Good ten thousand years plus a hundred years! So delightful!”

In the midst of laughter, just as they were about to raise their cups together, they heard someone say coldly: “Presumptuous.”

Everyone turned at the sound. The speaker was Shuning, looking at the blue-green tea water with a face as dark as the tea.

Prince Xu asked quietly: “What’s wrong now?”

Shuning said grimly: “No respect for elders, completely lacking in family education.”

Prince Xu said quietly: “Here you go again. I’m his uncle-in-law, not an outsider…”

Shuning said coldly: “What uncle-in-law? Clearly something of unknown origin, talking as if it were real.”

At these words, everyone in the hall looked very uncomfortable. Yang Shaoqi showed anger and said: “A’Xiu, come here to uncle.”

A’Xiu stood close to his uncle with his head down and back hunched. Yang Shaoqi patted his back comfortingly: “A’Xiu, don’t listen to outsiders. You are your mother’s child and therefore a child of the Yang family, understand?”

A’Xiu nodded with his head down and hands hanging, but his eyes had already turned red.

Qiong Fang found this increasingly wrong. Suddenly she remembered something: “No, Sister Gu has only been married to Minister Yang for four years, but A’Xiu is almost ten years old. Could it be… could A’Xiu be Lu Yun’s…”

Instantly shocked and uncertain, she looked carefully at A’Xiu’s features but saw no resemblance to Lu Yun at all. Full of curiosity, she just quietly observed the changes.

The flower hall was filled with a sinister wind, and guests remained silent. Shuning had spoken too harshly, and the banquet had become somewhat awkward. Several uncles tried to smooth things over, laughing dryly: “The Lantern Festival isn’t even over yet – why all this quarreling? Drink wine, drink wine.” They picked up some trivial matters to discuss.

Yang Shaoqi looked displeased and had no heart to accompany them, but if he made A’Xiu leave the table now, it would only make things more obvious. So he pulled out a chair and had A’Xiu sit in Gu Qianxi’s place, filling a bowl of hot soup for him and saying gently: “Drink soup. Uncle will take you to school later.”

A’Xiu sat beside his uncle, but to his right sat a boy – Prince Xu’s second son, Zai Xin. The boy was eating bamboo shoots and meat while secretly observing A’Xiu, suddenly leaning over and whispering: “Hey, I heard second aunt say you often drank soy milk as a child, right?”

This voice was neither loud nor soft, but just right for all the adults at the table to hear clearly.

Qiong Fang’s heart trembled: “Good, targeting Sister Gu again.” She stole a glance at A’Xiu, who was just holding his soup bowl with no intention of responding. Looking at the adults at the same table, they all pretended to be deaf and mute, but exchanged glances with smiles at the corners of their mouths.

Gu Qianxi had once shown her face in public in her early years, making a living by selling soy milk. She just hadn’t expected these relatives would use this to humiliate and mock her. Qiong Fang was displeased and was about to speak up, but Yang Shaoqi kept winking at her, wanting her not to wade into this muddy water.

Seeing A’Xiu had no intention of paying attention, Zai Xin wasn’t discouraged and leaned over again, whispering: “Hey, I also heard people say that the soy milk your mother cooked was suitable for all ages, one bowl for one copper coin – quite cheap, right?”

At these words, A’Xiu took a deep breath, his shoulders trembling slightly as if he wanted to say something. Yang Shaoqi passed over his own spoon and said quietly: “A’Xiu, drink soup and bring honor to your mother.”

Qiong Fang understood clearly that at this moment, A’Xiu not only had to win glory for himself but also regain face for his mother. He needed to suppress the opponent’s arrogance with his bearing. Otherwise, with malicious gossip, no matter who stood up for the mother and son, it would only make the relatives mock them behind their backs, achieving nothing.

Under the gaze of all the adults at the table, A’Xiu slowly took his uncle’s spoon, lowered his head to sip the soup, and actually swallowed this bitter insult.

Qiong Fang greatly admired him, and Yang Shaoqi also showed approval. But Zai Xin and Zai Jing exchanged smiles. Seeing his brother couldn’t provoke A’Xiu, Zai Jing simply leaned over and said loudly: “Hey, I heard your mother not only sold soy milk but also sold other things, right?”

Zai Jing’s words became more excessive, and Yang Shaoqi could no longer avoid intervening. With a “pa” sound, he slammed his chopsticks heavily on the table and said loudly: “What? Think being a prince makes you great? Shuning! Control your son! If he makes any more disrespectful remarks, don’t blame me for throwing you mother and son out!”

Shuning smiled broadly, covering her mouth: “Strange, didn’t your sister-in-law’s little shop sell fried dough sticks besides soy milk? What did Zai Jing say wrong?”

At these words, everyone couldn’t help but laugh.

Zai Jing’s status was already high, and with his mother backing him secretly, he became even more unscrupulous. He took out two copper coins from his chest, patted A’Xiu, and whispered: “Hey, here’s two copper coins for you. Go call your mother out quickly. Whatever she’s selling, I’ll reward her a few more copper coins.”

Qiong Fang’s anger surged upward, and she was about to stand up to intervene when A’Xiu smiled and accepted the boy’s two copper coins, saying: “Good, I’ll go tell my mother right now to come out and serve you, okay?”

Zai Jing doubled over with laughter, not expecting A’Xiu to be such a pushover. He wanted to insult him a couple more times when A’Xiu had already quietly reached for the stool. Qiong Fang was the first to realize this and cried out in alarm: “A’Xiu! You can’t!”

“Drink!” With a violent roar, A’Xiu’s nose bridge showed angry lines as he lifted the stool and smashed it down with all his might. With a bang, wood chips flew everywhere, the round stool shattered, and Zai Jing had fallen to the ground motionless.

“Help! Murder!” Zai Xin cried and screamed, turning to flee. How could A’Xiu spare him? His left fist swept out, hitting him until blood flowed from his nose. Then he pounced on Zai Jing, taking his head and smashing it against the floor. After two bangs, the prince was covered in blood with his eyes rolled back, having fainted on the ground.

Seeing A’Xiu like a madman, continuing to beat viciously without stopping, several uncles sitting nearby were alarmed: “Boy! Let go quickly!” They all came forward to pull A’Xiu, but he wouldn’t let go. The first uncle, in his urgency, grabbed his head. A’Xiu was furious: “Good! Want to gang up and bully me? I’ll beat you together!”

Yang Shaoqi saw that a major incident had occurred and stood up quickly, reaching out to stop him. Qiong Fang, with her martial arts skills, was even quicker to rush forward. But the scene was too chaotic – everyone was a step too late. With a loud “bang,” the first uncle’s nose bridge was hit by a fist and he fell backward.

Seeing A’Xiu not recognizing relatives and even striking elders, Shuning was furious: “Rebellion! Has the bastard finally rebelled?”

Hearing the word “bastard,” all of A’Xiu’s rebellious bones caught fire. He shouted fiercely: “Old whore! If I don’t kill you today, I swear I’m not human!” He jumped onto the table and pounced directly at Shuning.

Shuning screamed: “Someone come! Come quickly!” With an “aiya” sound, she was knocked to the ground. A’Xiu, full of rage, raised his fist and beat her powdered face mercilessly, roaring: “Speak! Why aren’t you talking now? Speak quickly! Lowly dog breed! Worthless bottle! Eating and drinking from the Yang family yet daring to beat Yang family relatives! Let me tell you! I love to beat people! I’ll beat whoever I see! If two come, I’ll beat a pair!”

Seeing the princess beaten until her face was covered in blood, several adults rushed to rescue her but couldn’t pull them apart. Shuqin and Shuyi cried loudly in fright, and the children also fled in panic. Prince Xu was extremely anxious and wanted to intervene, but with all the old and young crying and screaming, he couldn’t push through.

Instantly he shouted at the top of his lungs: “Guards! Guards! Come quickly!”

Today was a family banquet at the Yang mansion. According to custom, the princely guards were all eating in the outer hall and hadn’t expected trouble to arise within the walls, leading to violence.

Prince Xu called several times but no one came. Seeing a wine bottle on the table, in his desperation he grabbed it and swung it down toward A’Xiu’s forehead. Qiong Fang cried out in alarm: “Don’t act rashly!”

A’Xiu was still young after all – this blow would immediately take his life. At the critical moment, just as blood was about to spill, a black shadow dropped from the roof beam, blocking in front of A’Xiu. With a “clang” sound, the wine bottle struck that person.

Porcelain shards flew everywhere, the wine bottle shattered. The newcomer didn’t dodge or avoid, his face cut by the broken porcelain, a line of fresh blood flowing down. Everyone was greatly shocked and looked closely to see this person wearing servant’s clothes, dressed poorly, but with a golden gleam on his index finger – a “golden ring.”

The black-clothed person suddenly appeared, and Qiong Fang’s mind buzzed, immediately thinking of four words: “Nation-Guarding Iron Guard.”

Prince Xu was stunned, not knowing who this divine being was, when a large group of guards finally arrived, shouting: “Your Highness! What’s happening?”

Prince Xu came to his senses and shouted sternly: “Guards! Arrest all these old and young! Anyone who dares resist will be killed on the spot!”

The guards shouted in unison and rushed forward, when suddenly a sharp whistle came from the roof. Several more black shadows leaped down from the beams and collided with the guards. With several “aiya” sounds, the guards fell backward. Looking up quickly, they saw six more people in black clothes and black hoods, only revealing a pair of fierce, cold eyes, protecting the old servant and A’Xiu behind them.

Prince Xu didn’t care who was who and roared angrily: “What are you waiting for? Draw your swords!”

The guards shouted and drew their waist sabers, about to engage in group combat, when a low voice came from outside the door: “Everyone stop.”

This voice wasn’t loud but had the power to deafen and enlighten. Everyone’s hearts trembled and they stopped their actions. They saw a person walk in from outside the hall – handsome features, wearing official robes, handing his jade-stemmed official hat to a servant. It was the current male head of the Yang family, Grand Secretary Yang Suguan, returning home.

The entire scene fell silent. The princely guards sheathed their swords and stepped aside. The black-clothed people also lined up like a human wall, respectfully welcoming Minister Yang’s return.

The black-clothed people’s identities were unknown, their intentions unclear. But each one was respectful and obedient to Yang Suguan, as if revering him like a deity.

Qiong Fang watched with secret amazement, knowing that Minister Yang, like her grandfather Qiong Wuchuan, must have some connection with the “Nation-Guarding Iron Guard.”

Inside the room, crying sounds could be heard faintly. The old and young huddled against the wall weeping. Zai Jing lay on the ground covered in blood, not knowing if he was dead or alive. Shuning was helped up by her uncles, her face bruised and terrified. As for A’Xiu, he still clenched his fists tightly, breathing heavily.

Yang Suguan’s expression was calm and silent as he quietly walked into the room and removed his official robe. The old servant approached and whispered a few words in his ear. Yang Suguan didn’t say much, only nodding slightly. The old servant immediately bowed respectfully and led the black-clothed people away.

No one in the room spoke; everyone waited to see how Yang Suguan would handle the aftermath. In the midst of sobbing sounds, they suddenly heard an angry roar: “Yang Suguan! Look at the good deed your son has done! Tell me! How will you explain this to this prince?”

Everyone turned to look and saw a person grabbing A’Xiu’s collar, pointing at Yang Suguan and cursing loudly – it was Prince Xu.

A’Xiu’s body trembled slightly, knowing he was doomed. Having not only beaten the prince but also defied his elders, he had caused a catastrophic disaster – what could be done? He was afraid in his heart and turned to look at his uncle, but saw him turn his head away, unwilling to look at him.

Prince Xu shouted loudly, but Yang Suguan didn’t respond. He slowly walked to the hall and picked up a stool from beside Zai Jing – the weapon A’Xiu had used to hurt people. He silently set the stool upright and put it back on the ground. Suddenly his eyebrows rose as he looked toward all corners of the hall, as if examining something.

Qiong Fang’s heart trembled as she thought: “Are there still people hiding in the room?” Thinking of the figure she had seen in the courtyard earlier, she almost cried out in shock, her heart pounding even faster.

Yang Suguan surveyed the hall without a word. Though it was only a moment, it seemed to last a long time. Qiong Fang was also sweating in her palms, looking around, when she heard Prince Xu roar: “Yang Suguan! Don’t stay silent! Say something!”

At this shout, Yang Suguan immediately turned toward him. Seeing Prince Xu still tightly gripping A’Xiu, he said: “Your Highness, please release my son.”

Everyone looked stunned. They had thought he would openly punish A’Xiu, but hadn’t expected his first words to be like this.

Several uncles shouted loudly: “What son? This is a bastard! A bastard brought in from outside! And you’re still protecting him?”

Before they finished speaking, they saw Yang Suguan’s gaze sweep slightly over them. The uncles were tongue-tied and quickly retreated to hide in the crowd.

Yang Suguan’s authority was so heavy that no one could withstand it. The surroundings fell silent as cicadas in winter. They saw him slowly approach and say: “Your Highness, I’ll say it once more – release him.”

Prince Xu could bear it no longer and roared like a madman: “Yang Suguan! Do you want to shield your own? I tell you! This prince absolutely won’t agree!”

Yang Suguan said quietly: “Whether I shield my own or not, Yang has his family rules and doesn’t need outsiders to interfere. Please immediately release my son, Your Highness.”

Seeing Yang Suguan staring at him, Prince Xu met his gaze and couldn’t help but feel greatly intimidated. Both angry and afraid, he suddenly saw a sword in a guard’s hand and quickly grabbed it, gripping it tightly and gritting his teeth: “Yang Suguan… Others may fear you, but I, Zhu He, am not afraid of you. Let me tell you, if anything happens to my son, I’ll not only kill this child but also take your wife’s life as compensation!”

Prince Xu’s words were not empty threats. It must be known that Zai Jing was one of the eight princes personally selected by His Majesty. If A’Xiu really killed him, once the Imperial Clan Court investigated, not only would A’Xiu’s life be lost, but Yang Suguan and Gu Qianxi would also be implicated. At best they would lose their official positions and salaries; at worst they would face imprisonment. Even if Emperor Zhengtong personally intervened, he would probably be powerless.

Prince Xu’s face was full of rage, his eyes seeming to shoot fire. Yang Suguan no longer argued with him, only bending down to take A’Xiu’s hand and saying: “Go sit over there.”

Prince Xu was furious to the point of madness and shouted sternly: “Presumptuous! This prince is here – who dares move a step?”

Yang Suguan bent down and patted A’Xiu’s shoulder: “Go ahead.”

Under the gaze of all the guests in the hall, A’Xiu turned and left. Prince Xu was jumping with rage: “Stop him! Stop him!”

The guards looked around, but when it came down to it, no one dared move a step, only watching helplessly as A’Xiu walked away. After all, the person before them was “Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Hall” – under Yang Suguan’s accumulated authority, who dared act presumptuously?

Yang Suguan had retrieved A’Xiu and controlled the scene. Seeing Zai Jing still lying on the ground, he immediately bent down and picked him up. Seeing Zai Jing covered in blood but motionless, Qiong Fang naturally felt very uneasy. All the guests were apprehensive when they saw Yang Suguan extend his finger and gently rub Zai Jing’s philtrum. With his power applied, the boy immediately woke up and cried loudly: “Don’t hit me! Don’t hit me! I don’t dare anymore!”

Everyone rejoiced: “He’s alive! He’s come back to life!” They rushed forward to examine his injuries, but Yang Suguan lifted him with one hand and passed him to the steward.

Everyone’s hearts jumped, not knowing what he intended to do, when they heard Yang Suguan say in a deep voice: “Shuning, come here.”

Hearing this, Prince Xu’s face naturally changed greatly as he shouted: “Yang Suguan! What… what do you want to do to my princess?” He raised his sword to protect his wife, not yielding a step.

Yang Suguan paid no attention, only saying to his cousin: “Shuning, come here. Don’t be afraid of me.”

Shuning had been helped up and hadn’t dared speak. Hearing her cousin call, her eyes immediately reddened. She slowly walked out from behind her husband and came before her cousin, gazing up at him in a daze.

Prince Xu seemed extremely afraid of this scene, wildly waving his sword while crying out shrilly: “Guards! Protect the princess! Quickly! Quickly!”

The guards, hearing the shouts, naturally looked hesitant. Some walked over while others stopped in place. As they hesitated, they heard Yang Suguan say: “Old Cai, confiscate their weapons. No one is permitted to carry swords in my home.”

Old Cai agreed and walked before the guards, saying: “Brothers, you all heard what my master said. Don’t make things difficult for me.” The guards looked at each other, about to obediently surrender their weapons when Prince Xu shouted loudly: “Don’t hand them over! This prince commands you not to surrender them!” In his agitation, his voice was already tearful.

The guards looked at Yang Suguan, then at Prince Xu, and one by one lowered their heads and bowed as they handed over their sabers. Prince Xu cried out: “Beasts!” He threw his sword hard to the ground, covered his face, and ran toward the door.

Looking at Shuning, she was crying like rain, only gazing up at her cousin and not sparing her husband even a glance. Seeing her face covered in injuries, Yang Suguan reached out and gently touched her cheek: “Does it hurt?”

Shuning’s tears flowed down as she nodded. Yang Suguan arranged her hair and said softly: “Sister, when you humiliate my family, I hurt more than you do.”

Shuning gazed up at him in a daze, suddenly embraced him, and burst into tears. Qiong Fang, watching, could guess some of Shuning’s feelings. This woman actually didn’t hate A’Xiu at all, nor did she hate Gu Qianxi. She just wanted to find some trouble to make things difficult for her cousin, forcing him to face her.

Seeing his mother crying and wailing, all witnessed by Zai Xin, several uncles and aunts also felt embarrassed. After all, Shuning was a noble princess – how could she lose composure like this?

Yang Suguan gently released her and said: “Old Cai, escort the guests out.”

The relatives were stunned. Since Yang Suguan entered the mansion, he had first driven away Prince Xu and then reprimanded Shuning. Though he had saved Zai Jing, he still hadn’t dealt with A’Xiu at all. The first uncle really couldn’t bear it and shouted loudly: “Guan, that boy in your family nearly beat Zai Jing to death, and your cousin was also beaten black and blue by him. Do you… do you want to just let this pass?”

This time A’Xiu had violently beaten his elders and nearly cost the prince his life – each offense was difficult to resolve. Yet Yang Suguan seemed to ignore it all. How could people be convinced?

Just as they waited for Yang Suguan to give an explanation, he walked to the grand chair and sat down by himself. Old Cai said: “Uncle, aunt, the master has given orders. Please have tea in the outer room.”

Even Prince Xu, noble as imperial family, couldn’t contend with Yang Suguan – how dare these relatives speak up? Though they gnashed their teeth, they could only walk toward the door. Young ladies like Shuqin and Shuyi were even more frightened, trembling as they clustered around Shuning and her sons to leave.

Yang Suguan didn’t say much, only tapped the table. The steward brought tea and stood beside him to serve. Yang Shaoqi, seeing his elder brother’s bearing, changed color slightly and quickly called two maids: “Go quickly and inform the young madam to bring the old madam out.”

The two maids were about to leave when they heard Yang Suguan say quietly: “Shaoqi, it’s useless whoever you call.”

Qiong Fang realized what was happening and finally understood that A’Xiu was in trouble. Today’s disturbance was too great – if A’Xiu could be let off with just a few board strikes, Yang Suguan would have beaten him long ago. Why leave people something to talk about? Precisely because of this, he didn’t want to perform for anyone to see, so he asked all outsiders to leave completely. This was the meaning of “avoidance” – because what came next couldn’t be disturbed or witnessed by anyone.

The two maids quietly slipped away. Yang Suguan didn’t stop them, only sipping clear tea and saying: “Young Pavilion Master Qiong, please do as you wish.”

Yang Suguan had already seen Qiong Fang, and only at this last moment did he come forward to dismiss her, which could be considered saving her some face. Qiong Fang was somewhat afraid of him and was thinking whether to leave when Yang Shaoqi grabbed her and whispered in her ear: “Stay…”

Qiong Fang hesitated for a long while, first glancing at Yang Suguan, then slowly hiding behind Yang Shaoqi before quietly sitting down. Seeing his younger brother had kept Qiong Fang, Yang Suguan didn’t argue much. He stood up and quietly walked before A’Xiu.

Unconsciously, everyone became tense, not knowing how he would punish A’Xiu. The room fell quiet as father and son stood facing each other, both silent.

For a very long time, Yang Suguan finally said: “A’Xiu, father wants to ask you a few things. I hope you’ll answer well.”

A’Xiu was extremely frightened and only looked around, hoping someone would rescue him. Yang Suguan said: “A’Xiu, don’t look at others. Tell father – what did you do wrong?”

A’Xiu lowered his face: “I… I hit people…”

Yang Suguan said: “Very good. Tell father why you hit people.”

A’Xiu said quietly: “They… they insulted mother.”

Yang Suguan said softly: “What about now? Now that you’ve beaten them, will they stop insulting your mother?”

Everyone in the hall was slightly shocked, all knowing that A’Xiu had indeed done wrong. People must first humiliate themselves before others humiliate them. To win others’ respect, fists alone are useless.

Seeing A’Xiu’s eyes filled with tears and not responding, Yang Suguan bent down and gently stroked A’Xiu’s face, saying: “A’Xiu, if you don’t know where you went wrong, no matter how father beats or punishes you, it’s useless. Don’t you agree?”

To punish without teaching is tyranny. Yang Suguan wanted to instruct his son and give him a principle of right and wrong.

A’Xiu slowly lowered his head, suddenly bit his teeth and shouted: “No!”

At these words, everyone was shocked. Yang Suguan said quietly: “Where am I wrong?”

A’Xiu seemed to have thrown caution to the wind, raising his head and shouting loudly: “What else can you do besides talk nonsense? When they bully me, you do nothing but beat me! You just talk crap! Crap! Let me ask you – I beat them and they still insult mother. But if I don’t beat them, won’t they still insult mother?”

At these words, everyone looked at each other, unable to answer. A’Xiu continued excitedly: “Can’t answer, can you? Today I beat them and they have something to say. If I don’t beat them, their mouths will still love to talk. Let me tell you! I don’t believe in your way! In this world, as long as someone dares bully me, I will take revenge! One comes, I beat one! Two come, I beat a pair! As long as I beat them all into fear, no one in the world will dare provoke me!”

With a “pa” sound, Yang Suguan’s right palm struck down, slapping his son’s cheek hard. This slap wasn’t forceful, but it made A’Xiu extremely painful. Yang Suguan said quietly: “I hit you. Take your revenge.”

A’Xiu touched his cheek, biting his teeth and crying: “I… I can’t beat you. But I know I did nothing wrong. Even if it happened a hundred times, a thousand times, I would still smash down that stool…”

A’Xiu spoke from his heart – he was unconvinced and unrepentant. Qiong Fang and Yang Shaoqi exchanged glances, both seeing worry in each other’s eyes.

Yang Suguan took a deep breath. He nodded: “Very good.” After a pause: “Old Cai, bring out my sword.”

Qiong Fang cried out in alarm, and the servants’ legs went weak as they began trembling. Old Cai was also frightened, but with the master’s command, he could only move slowly to delay, glancing at Yang Shaoqi, hoping he would intervene. The Yang family had not only a first master but also a second master.

In the silence, Yang Shaoqi slowly approached: “Brother, this matter can’t be entirely blamed on A’Xiu. As the saying goes: ‘It takes two hands to clap.’ Our Yang family can’t control our own relatives, allowing these outsiders to humiliate his mother. Don’t we also bear some fault?”

Yang Suguan raised his hand to stop his brother’s persuasion, saying quietly: “You be quiet.”

Yang Shaoqi was slightly startled and was about to speak again when he heard: “A family with a thousand mouths has one person in charge. When I’m not home, you are the master of this household, with all authority in your hands. Now that you’ve managed things this way, do you still have the right to speak?”

Yang Shaoqi was correct – not only was A’Xiu at fault, but the entire Yang household was also at fault. However, this fault had to be borne by Yang Shaoqi himself. He couldn’t control the situation, allowing outsiders to rampage in the house, and now left this mess for his elder brother. What face did he have to say anything?

Seeing that the second master was originally the younger brother and completely useless, Old Cai had nothing more to say. He brought over a black wooden box and presented it to the first master, opening it. The wooden box was about four feet long, lined with silk and containing a precious sword.

Qiong Fang became frightened and said tremblingly: “Minister Yang…”

Though Qiong Fang was usually imperious, facing Yang Suguan, she couldn’t even get a word in. Seeing the precious sword emerge from its box, she could only anxiously look toward the window, hoping Lu Yun was really hiding in the courtyard and could appear in time to rescue them.

Yang Shaoqi was also extremely anxious, quickly grabbing a servant and asking quietly: “Where’s the young madam? Why hasn’t she come out yet?”

The whole room was uneasy, but no one dared to stop him. They watched Yang Suguan face A’Xiu and say quietly: “A’Xiu, do you know why father treats you so severely?”

A’Xiu turned his head away, not daring to speak. Yang Suguan said: “Because I regard you as my own flesh and blood. From the first day I brought you to my side, I’ve been thinking about how to raise you. For four years, I haven’t dared to be negligent for a single day. Child, do you know my painstaking efforts?”

A’Xiu’s whole body trembled as he slowly nodded.

Yang Suguan said: “Very good. Today father wants to make an agreement with you that neither of us can ever go back on.” As he spoke, he took the precious sword from the wooden box. After a pause, he suddenly drew his hand, and with a “swish” sound, the sword blade emerged from its sheath. Qiong Fang couldn’t help but scream: “Minister Yang! Stop!”

Suddenly there was a loud “buzz” sound, a flash of light passed before their eyes, and they saw a mark on the ground – eight feet long and several inches deep into the earth. Looking at A’Xiu, he was standing there perfectly fine.

Everyone broke out in a cold sweat, and A’Xiu was also trembling, his small face turning pale.

Yang Suguan pointed to the sword mark on the ground: “Child, there is a line in this world that I call ‘rules.’ Even if you can’t read well or are physically disabled, as long as you stay behind this boundary line, father can protect you and let you grow up safely. But if you want to cross this line, no matter how clever you are or how capable father is, I cannot protect you.”

He bent down and stroked his son’s face: “Child, if you want to stay in this room, you must stand behind this line and never be allowed to cross it for life. Otherwise…” He pointed toward the main door and said gently: “Our father-son relationship ends here. You can go where you want to go and do what you want to do. Father won’t force you to stay.”

A’Xiu was greatly shaken. He had thought father would beat him, maybe even raise the sword to cut him, but he hadn’t expected father to actually not want him anymore?

Seeing A’Xiu’s eyes redden as he hung his small face without speaking or moving, the steward blinked desperately, and the servants and maids also gestured wildly, all wanting him to bow his head and admit his fault to the master. But this child, usually cheerful and laughing, now seemed stunned, only staring at the sword mark on the ground, paying no attention to everything around him.

Yang Suguan said softly: “A’Xiu, people in the world don’t like to follow rules, which is why no one in the world likes Yang. Yang accepts this calmly. But father cannot not care about you. If you want to be my child, you must walk my path and never regret it for life. Otherwise, please leave my Yang family gate immediately. In the future, when we meet on the road, since we have no father-son relationship, we need not show any consideration.”

Qiong Fang was stunned. She didn’t understand why Yang Suguan was so decisive. A’Xiu was just a child – what trouble could he cause? Could he really fear that A’Xiu was born rebellious?

Just as she was puzzled, she suddenly heard A’Xiu shout loudly: “Fine! Who wants to stay here!” Just as he was about to turn around, the steward quickly grabbed him in panic: “Young master! Don’t act rashly!”

A’Xiu struggled hard and cried loudly: “Don’t pull me! It’s best if I leave! Then you’ll all have good days ahead!”

Everyone was stunned by these words. The steward murmured: “Young master… you… how can you say such things…”

A’Xiu’s tears fell pattering down as he choked: “Do you think I’m a three-year-old? I’ve known for a long time! Anyway, mother gets laughed at by outsiders because she brought me, this fatherless wild child, right?”

He untied the jade pendant from his forehead and threw it on the ground, crying loudly: “Fine! A’Xiu doesn’t need you to support him! A’Xiu is the child of the Three-Eyed Erlang God!”

A’Xiu looked up and cried loudly. Qiong Fang was also shocked to see that between his eyebrows was a scar over an inch long, pale red in color, looking just like a divine eye. Qiong Fang’s heart jumped as she immediately thought of Lu Yun – that day by the fire, she had seen with her own eyes that he also had this exact same scar. Could it be… could A’Xiu really be Lu Yun’s child? Was this why Yang Suguan had so many concerns?

Just as she was guessing, A’Xiu was already in tears, turning to run out. When he reached the main gate, he suddenly stopped, shocked to see a beautiful woman leaning against the flower hall, holding his small school bag in her hand, gazing at him in a daze. Who else could it be but his mother?

A’Xiu opened his mouth wide to see his mother’s eyes were red. She rarely cried, but now she lowered her head, her shoulders shaking as she wept.

A’Xiu’s tears froze in his eyes. He wanted to say something, but when the words reached his lips, his tears couldn’t be stopped. Instantly biting his teeth tightly, he roared once and brushed past his mother, running away like a wisp of smoke.

“Young master! Young master!” The steward chased into the courtyard, shouting continuously: “What are you doing? Come back quickly and apologize to the master!”

The steward chased out, his calls gradually fading. The room fell quiet. Yang Suguan put the sword back in its sheath and placed it in the wooden box. He slowly sat down in the grand chair: “Someone pour tea.”

The surroundings were frighteningly quiet. A’Xiu was gone, and from now on there would be no children in the room – this would be how peaceful it would be from now on.

In the silence, suddenly there was slight movement at the main gate as a woman turned and left – it was Gu Qianxi. She was leaving too.

Qiong Fang knew she was going to find A’Xiu and quickly chased after her, calling: “Sister Gu, wait for me!”

Gu Qianxi left without a single word of explanation. No one knew if she would ever return. The great hall seemed even quieter, as if even a needle dropping could be heard.

Yang Shaoqi grabbed a maid and whispered: “What’s wrong with the old madam? Why hasn’t she come out yet?”

The maid lowered her voice and was about to whisper when she heard a low voice from the great hall: “Shaoqi, it’s useless. Everyone in this house must follow the rules.”

When the first master spoke, the maid was so frightened she waved her hands repeatedly and couldn’t say anything. Yang Shaoqi said no more, only walking silently to the door and saying quietly: “Follow your rules.”

The second master walked away without looking back. In an instant, servants fled and maids scattered. The great hall was suddenly like an empty city, with no one visible except Yang Suguan.

At this moment, all was silent, heaven and earth speechless. Yang Suguan sat alone in the center of the hall, slowly picking up his tea cup to sip lightly. It seemed that even if he were drinking tea alone, he had to be so proper and sit upright, as if someone were watching from the side…

“Woo woo… woo woo… I didn’t mean to…” Near noon, crying came from a narrow alley across from “Yang Shouzheng Mansion.” There was a child there lowering his head and wiping tears, crying very sadly, because once again he had heard his name… “Bastard! Bastard!”

From age five, whenever A’Xiu heard these two words, all the hair on his body would stand up, because the sentence following “bastard” was always this: “A’Xiu, your mother wasn’t married when she had you – where did you come from?”

A’Xiu also knew what the speaker was thinking – a bowl of soy milk for one copper coin, sleeping with A’Xiu’s mother cost nothing. Because of this, naturally, every time A’Xiu heard the word “bastard,” he would definitely go wild and definitely pounce forward. Even if that person were as big as an elephant, he would trample him to death.

A’Xiu didn’t listen to others. He had established his own rules very early – as long as someone in the world bullied him, he would beat them up. As long as he beat one person severely, beat him nearly to death, others wouldn’t provoke him anymore.

But… but even if he beat every single person to death, A’Xiu still didn’t know where he came from…

A’Xiu held his head and cried. He hid in the small alley across from his home, hoping to steal one last look at his mother. From childhood to now, mother had been the most important person to A’Xiu. The two were always inseparable. That year when mother was getting married, aunt was very worried and told her not to bring A’Xiu, but mother refused. She knew A’Xiu would cry and couldn’t bear to leave her, so she brought him into the Yang family.

Tears dropped down his cheeks one by one. A’Xiu actually couldn’t bear to leave his mother. For mother’s sake, A’Xiu always pretended to be simple and foolish, specializing in flattery. He had the ability to make everyone in the house happy with him. Even the cold-faced father – A’Xiu sometimes dared to tease him and make him laugh heartily…

As long as mother was there, that was home. After leaving mother, where else could he go? If he wandered the world from now on, would he still be able to see mother in the future?

Thinking of this, A’Xiu felt great grief and couldn’t help standing up, wanting to run back toward the house gate. But just as his feet moved, another thought arose, forcing him to open his mouth wide and mutter in a daze, unable to move anymore.

Right… how had he forgotten? Without the bastard, mother wouldn’t cry anymore. No one in the world would mock her, tease her, or ask her where this “bastard” came from…

With this thought, A’Xiu bit his teeth. With tears filling his eyes, he turned to gaze at the house gate one last time. Goodbye, mother. A’Xiu was a child of the gods – he was going back to heaven.

A’Xiu wiped away his tears, instantly turned his back, and ran into the dark narrow alley, walking away without looking back.

Gu Qianxi left Yang Mansion carrying the small bundle. Qiong Fang understood she was going to search for A’Xiu and didn’t dare say much, only silently accompanying her. Having just passed New Year, the streets were somewhat deserted, with many shops still not open. The two walked one behind the other. Qiong Fang looked at Gu Qianxi’s back and unconsciously felt somewhat sorry for her.

This Sister Gu before her had fallen from prosperity – her father died in prison, making her a soy milk seller and the subject of street gossip. She had finally married into an official family, but all sorts of ridicule and mockery followed her like shadows. Sisters-in-law, in-laws, relatives near and far – everyone could step on her head.

Life was like this. The former pearl of the Minister’s mansion now had her glory faded, wealth withered. In a few more years, even youth would leave her – what would be left then?

Qiong Fang felt somewhat melancholy and slowly stopped, turning back to look at the empty street. Earlier at Yang Mansion, she had seen a shadow that seemed to be Lu Yun’s figure. Could he have quietly followed?

Thinking of that face mask, Qiong Fang’s mind was in chaos. That face mask was so familiar – it must undoubtedly be Lu Yun’s. But strangely, if that face mask was really Lu Yun’s, how did it end up in Gu Qianxi’s hands? Could he have secretly come to visit Gu Qianxi?

Impossible. Since Gu Qianxi was already married, Lu Yun wouldn’t visit on his own. Even if he came, he wouldn’t let her know, and wouldn’t leave any traces to avoid embarrassing her. But how did Gu Qianxi get that face mask? Could it be that this wasn’t Lu Yun’s at all, and she was overthinking?

Or… or had she completely misunderstood Lu Yun’s feelings, and the two had already met last night?

She couldn’t figure out Lu Yun’s thoughts. He was a person with inner fire – sometimes desperate, sometimes melancholy and lonely, keeping everything deep in his heart. Now coming to the Yang family and seeing Gu Qianxi and Yang Suguan as a couple – they were also deep as the sea, unfathomable. With the three of them entangled together, what would be the outcome? If she added herself to the mix, wouldn’t the world be in chaos?

Qiong Fang smiled bitterly. She couldn’t figure anything out – A’Xiu’s background, the origin of the face mask… everything was in confusion.

Actually, she didn’t know what she really wanted either. Initially, seeing the fire in Lu Yun, her heart was greatly moved, and she tightly revolved around him, finally causing her composure to be completely disrupted, as if setting herself on fire. Now the aftermath had spread this fire to Su Ying as well – she hoped she wouldn’t harm him.

Just as she was thinking about her own affairs, Gu Qianxi had disappeared. Qiong Fang quickly called: “Sister Gu, wait for me!” Just as she was about to run, she suddenly stumbled – her skirt was caught by tree branches again. She cried out in surprise, only then realizing she was still wearing that women’s outfit.

She was somewhat angry but couldn’t undress on the street. Just as she was kicking at the branches, she suddenly heard a joyful voice from afar: “Miss! How did you come here?”

Qiong Fang turned toward the sound and saw a bright, gleaming signboard by the roadside – “Minister’s Soy Milk.” Qiong Fang was delighted: “Oh my, this is Sister Gu’s family home.”

The word “Minister” wasn’t self-aggrandizing boasting but was meant to commemorate Gu Siyuan, the Minister of War during the Jingtai Dynasty, using his former official rank as the shop name. But Gu Siyuan was outstanding and always proud of his talent – now he had become a signboard at his daughter’s soy milk shop door. If he knew in the underworld, should he cry or laugh?

Lost in random thoughts, Qiong Fang also approached the shop entrance. Near noon, a few board tables were set up at the door, but it was empty with no servers greeting customers and no customers either. Apparently after breakfast time, business became light. She saw the shop door was ajar and peered in to see a young woman with wet hands standing in the hall talking with Gu Qianxi. Her manner was enthusiastic yet tinged with respect – she must be either a former subordinate of the Gu family or a maid from before the young lady’s marriage.

Qiong Fang watched for a while, then knocked on the door: “Excuse the intrusion.”

The woman heard the voice and quickly turned around. Seeing Qiong Fang standing at the door, she couldn’t help exclaiming and looked her up and down before saying in a daze: “This… this young lady, you… who are you looking for?”

Hearing herself addressed as “young lady,” Qiong Fang felt uncomfortable and was about to clear her throat to respond when she heard Gu Qianxi say: “This is Miss Qiong, my friend.”

The young woman came to her senses and smiled: “So she’s the young lady’s friend – no wonder she’s so well-dressed.” Today Qiong Fang was truly beautiful and attracted attention wherever she went. Not knowing how to be modest, she could only cough and say: “This lady is…”

Gu Qianxi said: “This is Sister Xiao Hong, my former friend.”

The young woman laughed: “What friend? A maid is a maid – the young lady is still covering for me!” After brief introductions, Qiong Fang learned that this proprietress was indeed called “Xiao Hong” and was indeed Gu Qianxi’s maid from her maiden days – she hadn’t guessed wrong.

Xiao Hong was very attentive and was about to pull out tables and chairs to welcome them, but Gu Qianxi stopped her: “No need. Has A’Xiu been here?”

Xiao Hong looked puzzled: “A’Xiu? Didn’t the young lady just bring him back on the second day? When did he come again?”

Seeing the young lady silent and Qiong Fang beside her also wearing a bitter smile, she was greatly alarmed: “Did A’Xiu get lost?”

Xiao Hong was very clever and guessed from just a few words that something had happened to A’Xiu. But Gu Qianxi refused to say more about the situation: “It’s nothing. He went out to play and I couldn’t find him for a moment, so I came by to check.”

After brief instructions, she said: “I’ll leave first. If you see A’Xiu, keep him here and don’t let him run around.” Just as she was about to leave, Xiao Hong grabbed her and said quietly: “Miss… is it those relatives from the Yang family causing trouble again?”

Hearing the word “again,” Qiong Fang’s heart trembled: “Good, Shuning’s evil reputation is so widespread that even her family knows about it.”

Gu Qianxi still refused to say anything, only saying: “Don’t ask too much. Just don’t let aunt know about this matter for now. I’ll come see you again in a couple of days.”

Just as she was about to leave, Xiao Hong grabbed her again and said quietly: “Miss, let me go find Young Master Pei. He runs a gambling house and has over ten ruffians under him. He’s well-informed and can find people quickly.”

Hearing the three words “Young Master Pei,” Qiong Fang’s thoughts stirred as she suddenly remembered: “Right, that’s the son of Old Master Pei from Yangzhou.” Earlier in the year, during a night conversation at the Yangzhou inn, Qiong Fang had met an elderly man surnamed Pei, named Ya, who was a close friend of Gu Siyuan when he was alive. It was said he had a son who operated a gambling house in the capital – this must be that “Young Master Pei.” If he helped search for people, it would certainly be convenient.

Qiong Fang understood everything at once, but even if she were ten times more perceptive, she couldn’t have imagined that this “Young Master Pei” had also once pursued Gu Qianxi and had even given Lu Yun a thorough beating. He had quite the talent of a ruffian, and now opening a gambling house for a living wasn’t exactly burying his talents.

Gu Qianxi pondered for a long while: “Alright, tell Pei Shengqing not to spread the word everywhere. If A’Xiu is found, have him send the boy here first, not to Yang Mansion.”

Xiao Hong agreed repeatedly. They were about to discuss how to search when they suddenly heard Qiong Fang say: “Sister Gu, if you want to find A’Xiu, why ask others? Let me search for you instead. I guarantee I can deliver him back to your hands within an hour.”

Xiao Hong, hearing her boastful tone, couldn’t help but be surprised: “Do you… do you know people in the government offices?”

Qiong Fang smiled, thinking that her family had been nobles for generations. If she asked grandfather to intervene in finding someone now, how could A’Xiu escape from his grasp? She was about to answer proudly when suddenly the four words “Nation-Guarding Iron Guard” flashed before her eyes, making her close her mouth again.

Every family has its own difficult scriptures to recite. Gu Qianxi had a powerful husband but would rather ask Pei Shengqing for help. Now that Qiong Fang had run away from home, how could she go back to beg grandfather? Wouldn’t she just be dragged back home?

Gu Qianxi understood her difficulty and said: “It’s just a small matter – let’s not alarm the prefect first. If Pei Shengqing can’t find him, it won’t be too late to ask sister to intervene.”

Xiao Hong listened with amazement, not knowing what background this Miss Qiong had that she could command government offices. She wanted to ask more, but Gu Qianxi had already walked out of the shop. Xiao Hong suddenly remembered something and quickly grabbed her again: “Miss, wait! I… I have something here… I don’t know if I should tell you…”

Gu Qianxi nodded: “Speak.”

Xiao Hong’s expression was quite wrong as she hesitated for a long time before saying: “Yesterday afternoon… I saw… I saw a person…”

Gu Qianxi saw her full of hesitation, speaking in fragments, and couldn’t help but be puzzled: “Who did you see?”

Xiao Hong said quietly: “I… I saw that person from before… that…”

Before she could finish, they suddenly heard a shout from the back hall: “Xiao Hong! Who’s here?”

Xiao Hong jumped in fright: “Auntie is awake.”

“Up early…” A woman emerged from the back hall, one hand tying up her hair, the other covering a yawn: “Sigh, getting old – my back always hurts. I’ll definitely need to change to a new mattress soon…”

Yangzhou dialect was most chattering. Suddenly catching sight of Gu Qianxi, she couldn’t help but let go of both hands in delight: “It’s Qianxi! Didn’t you say you’d come back tomorrow? Why are you a day early? Look, I haven’t even bought groceries yet…” She grabbed her and was about to sit down to talk when she suddenly saw Qiong Fang. She first paused slightly, then scanned her from head to toe suspiciously: “Who is this?”

Gu Qianxi was about to speak when Xiao Hong answered for her: “This is Miss Qiong, the young lady’s friend.” She didn’t forget to whisper: “She’s someone with money and power.”

“Oh my!” Auntie’s eyes lit up as she immediately beamed: “Pleased to meet you! I’m Second Auntie – Qianxi must have mentioned me to you.”

Qiong Fang didn’t know her at all and casually said: “Of course, of course. Sister Gu told me many things about you. She said auntie is gentle and kind, beautiful and wise, frugal in managing the household…”

Hearing this, both auntie and Xiao Hong laughed, and even Gu Qianxi, despite her heavy thoughts, couldn’t help but chuckle.

Qiong Fang was stunned, not knowing what she had said wrong. Could this “Second Auntie” actually be fierce and violent, extravagant and wasteful, hoarding family wealth?

Second Auntie had just awakened from her afternoon nap and was still thirsty, so she went to the table to pour tea, muttering to herself: “That troublemaker A’Xiu came here in the middle of the night, making a mess of the shop… Next time I see him, I’ll definitely beat him to death…”

After saying a few words, she heard Gu Qianxi say: “Xiao Hong, I’m leaving first. Remember what I told you.”

Hearing Gu Qianxi eager to leave, Second Auntie naturally exclaimed: “What’s wrong? You haven’t even had a sip of tea and you’re leaving so quickly?”

Seeing Xiao Hong’s strange expression and Gu Qianxi avoiding her, Second Auntie observed quietly for a while. Suddenly seeing Gu Qianxi carrying a small bundle that seemed to be A’Xiu’s things, her heart trembled as she probed: “Where’s A’Xiu? Why didn’t you bring him?”

Gu Qianxi said: “He has to go to school this afternoon and couldn’t come.”

Second Auntie spat: “Who are you fooling?” She reached out and grabbed the bundle from Gu Qianxi’s hand, shaking it to reveal A’Xiu’s ink, paper, and books, shouting loudly: “What’s this?”

With the truth exposed, Gu Qianxi could only gather up the bundle and turn to leave. Second Auntie stood up and blocked her, shouting loudly: “Qianxi! What happened to A’Xiu? Tell auntie quickly!”

Gu Qianxi still refused to speak and had already walked out of the shop without looking back. Xiao Hong was alarmed and quickly chased after her: “Miss! Discuss things with auntie – let her help you think of ideas.”

Gu Qianxi didn’t say a word, but this was equivalent to saying a thousand words. She must have been wronged, and this grievance was also inconvenient to mention.

Second Auntie knew Gu Qianxi’s temperament well and didn’t press her. Seeing Qiong Fang still standing to the side, she quickly grabbed her and said quietly: “What exactly happened? Do you know?”

Qiong Fang sighed: “A’Xiu hit someone.”

Second Auntie exclaimed: “Hit someone? How did he hit them?”

Qiong Fang said: “He took a stool and smashed someone, nearly beating them to death.”

Second Auntie was stunned for a long while, then suddenly started shouting again: “I don’t believe it! A’Xiu is such a sensible child – how would he hit people for no reason? Tell me! Did someone provoke him?”

Qiong Fang, hearing her hit the nail on the head, thought this wasn’t the first time such a thing had happened, so she said: “Yes. The one who provoked him was a child, but with an extraordinary status.”

Second Auntie was stunned: “Extraordinary status? It couldn’t be…”

Qiong Fang covered her mouth and whispered: “Someone wearing yellow robes.”

With a bang, Second Auntie slammed the table with all her might and spat out two words: “Old whore!”

Qiong Fang blinked, finally understanding where A’Xiu had learned to say “old whore” constantly, his mouth full of foul language.

Looking at Second Auntie, she must know Shuning’s family. At this moment, her teeth itched with hatred as she pointed to heaven and cursed: “A family of whores and fallen households! They really think because she became a princess she can upgrade to being a fairy? Ridiculous! This Yu woman should look in the mirror – with her stinking, rotten looks that even roadside beggars wouldn’t want, she dares come to our door to seduce our son-in-law? She must have lost her mind!”

Second Auntie became more furious as she cursed, picking up a feather duster and beating the table wildly. If Shuning had been there to hear this, she would have died of anger.

Just as she was cursing vigorously, she suddenly saw Qiong Fang staring at her with wide eyes and smiled apologetically: “Look at me – every time I mention that lowlife’s name, I need to rinse my mouth…” She drank some hot tea and arranged her hair, smiling: “I thought it was something serious – turns out it’s just children fighting. What did Yang Suguan say when he saw? Did he give them both fifty strokes?”

Qiong Fang shook her head: “No, not at all. He expelled A’Xiu from the family.”

“What?” Second Auntie was furious and jumped up, cursing: “He drove A’Xiu away?”

Qiong Fang nodded: “Yes, Minister Yang even drew his sword and nearly cut off A’Xiu’s hand.”

Second Auntie went mad with rage, shrieking: “Damn Yang Suguan! It’s just children fighting – nobody died – what are you acting fierce for? After all the persuasion I gave back then to hand Qianxi over to you, how can you treat our A’Xiu like this?”

In a rapid-fire barrage of roars, she had already picked up the feather duster and charged out the door, shouting: “I’ll fight! I’ll fight! Watch me find Pei Shengqing and go make trouble at your Yang family!”

Seeing Second Auntie fierce and violent, wielding a feather duster as if wanting to sweep the entire Yang family to death, Qiong Fang was both shocked and admiring, secretly laughing: “I wondered whose skills were greater – turns out she’s the expert.”

The most difficult people in the world to deal with were these gossiping women – they could talk with their mouths, fight with their hands, and if they couldn’t win in a fight, they would cry. And they had to cry so that the whole country knew and it would be passed down through history. Stories like “Dou E’s Injustice Causing Snow in June” and “Meng Jiangnu Crying Down the Great Wall” were all heroic deeds of these women.

Even Emperor Qin Shihuang would feel nervous facing them, let alone a small “Yang Suguan”?

In the past, Qiong Fang had dressed as a man and learned all the scheming methods of men. Now it seemed she had put the cart before the horse. She laughed as she watched Second Auntie charge out angrily and quickly followed.

The two came outside the shop to see Gu Qianxi and Xiao Hong still leaning against the wall, talking quietly. Second Auntie grabbed Gu Qianxi and shouted: “Still whispering here? Come! Auntie will back you up! Let’s go find Yang Suguan right now! He either cuts ties with the Yu family completely or gives us a divorce paper. With my Qianxi’s beauty, are we afraid no one will want her?”

Hearing auntie shouting loudly and actually suggesting burning down the Yang family, Xiao Hong was frightened: “Auntie, stop talking – the young lady is unhappy.”

Second Auntie shrieked: “Happy? When those sows from the Yu family crawl through the door, how many more happy days will your young lady have? Those rotten whores either want to climb up using Yang Shaoqi as a pole or they’ll target Yang Suguan! I tell you, while this old lady isn’t dead yet, castrate these pig brothers and dog siblings early and see how many concubines they can marry!”

As she spoke, she made as if to charge, planning to find a sharp knife to use.

Gu Qianxi grabbed her and said softly: “Auntie, enough. Stop making trouble.”

Second Auntie shouted: “Who’s making trouble? If I’d known this Yang character was such a snob, auntie should have let you go with that poor scholar Lu Yun back then! At least you wouldn’t have to suffer such idle anger!”

Hearing the name “Lu Yun,” Qiong Fang nearly cried out in shock, while Xiao Hong clicked her tongue and stamped her foot: “Auntie!”

The scene fell quiet. Second Auntie knew she had misspoken and could only turn her head away, not daring to say more.

Gu Qianxi went into the room by herself and sat down, looking at the pedestrians coming and going on the street, silent for a long time.

Second Auntie and Xiao Hong exchanged glances but had nothing more to say.

Counting from the day Lu Yun left home, ten years had passed just like that, and he had never returned. What was the use of bringing this up now except to make Gu Qianxi sad?

Near noon, the sky gradually darkened – it was probably going to snow again.

Second Auntie didn’t know what to say and could only pour a cup of hot tea for Gu Qianxi to warm herself. Xiao Hong sat close beside the young lady, timidly holding her hand.

Qiong Fang watched from the side, her heart also feeling sad for them.

They always say “fortune turns every ten years.” That year when Jingtai fell and Zhengtong returned to the throne, her Qiong family leaped to the highest rank and became incomparably arrogant. But poor Gu family suffered as innocent victims. The master and mistress both died, and the vast family fortune scattered. Only these three women remained, falling from the Minister’s mansion all the way to a soy milk shop, still bitterly supporting each other.

Qiong Fang was a soft-hearted person. She took a deep breath and was about to reveal Lu Yun’s whereabouts when she heard Xiao Hong say quietly: “Miss, please don’t be sad… let me tell you… yesterday evening a customer came to the soy milk shop…”

Before she finished speaking, Second Auntie coughed: “Xiao Hong.”

This was the second time this had been mentioned, but each time Second Auntie cut it off. Qiong Fang trembled slightly, seeing Second Auntie frantically winking at Xiao Hong as if hiding something from Gu Qianxi.

Qiong Fang’s eyes shifted as she suddenly understood: “Good! The Great Water Monster came to drink soy milk!”

Qiong Fang appeared bold and forthright but was actually quite scheming. Seeing auntie and Xiao Hong exchanging glances, she had already guessed the general situation. Needless to say, Second Auntie had already seen Lu Yun, but she deliberately concealed this news. It seemed she didn’t want Gu Qianxi to know at all.

Qiong Fang could guess Second Auntie’s thoughts. Though this auntie made noise and quarreled, she was a worldly person who understood the principle that spilled water cannot be retrieved. Since Gu Qianxi was already married, she belonged to the Yang family – how could anyone be allowed to cause instability? Even if Lu Yun’s whereabouts were revealed, what good would it do? It would only make her shed a few more tears. Could she really take A’Xiu and wander the world with a noodle vendor?

Marriage was different from child’s play – many things couldn’t be forced. Lu Yun had been unsuccessful all his life, falling from the dignity of a top scholar to a noodle vendor who could barely support himself. This was the path he had chosen, and he had to walk it alone in loneliness. Looking at Second Auntie’s attitude, she wouldn’t allow Lu Yun to drag anyone else down.

For a very long time, no one spoke. Finally, Gu Qianxi stood up herself and said: “Auntie, I’m leaving first. If you find A’Xiu, keep him in the shop. I’ll come see him in the evening.”

Second Auntie quickly said: “Don’t move – rest in the shop first. Let auntie go find him for you.”

Gu Qianxi didn’t respond, picked up A’Xiu’s small bundle, and left silently.

Second Auntie watched with both heartache and guilt, quickly grabbing Qiong Fang and whispering: “Good girl, please accompany her for me. Auntie will reward you handsomely in the future.”

Qiong Fang laughed, thinking that from her wealthy family, what rewards could she lack? She said grandly: “Alright, auntie should reward me with two steamers of buns and a bowl of soy milk.”

Second Auntie laughed and urged: “Go quickly – however many steamers of buns, it’s fine.”

Qiong Fang caught up with Gu Qianxi. Before she could speak, she heard “A’Xiu! A’Xiu!” shouting loudly behind her. She quickly turned back to see Second Auntie carrying a broom, actually running on the street looking for him, calling “Where is my darling?” on the left and “Baby, come out!” on the right, her cries continuous, causing chaos throughout the street.

Qiong Fang secretly laughed: “With her way of searching, even if A’Xiu were nearby, he’d have to flee to the ends of the earth.”

She watched for a while, then quickly caught up with Gu Qianxi: “Sister Gu, where are you going now?”

Gu Qianxi didn’t answer, only going to the street to hire a carriage. She beckoned for a long time but no carriage came. Qiong Fang knew she was preoccupied and didn’t ask much, just accompanied her walking down Chang’an Avenue.

After walking about one street block, a horse carriage came slowly. The driver asked quietly: “Taking a ride?”

This carriage had four wheels, a front canopy with a top and door – it was the fashionable two-horse tandem carriage. Two white horses pulled it and looked very clean. The driver wore a large felt hat and was neatly dressed, very different from the dirty people and broken carriages seen on the road – most suitable for young ladies.

Seeing Gu Qianxi open the door and get in the carriage, Qiong Fang also rushed in. Before she could speak, she heard Gu Qianxi instruct the driver: “To Hongluo Temple.”

Qiong Fang trembled slightly: “Hongluo Temple? Are you going to burn incense?”

Gu Qianxi said softly: “I’m going to see A’Xiu’s birth mother.”

Qiong Fang was greatly shocked and was about to ask more questions, but seeing Gu Qianxi’s silent demeanor, her heart trembled and she closed her mouth.

It was snowing again. Near noon, the sun disappeared and the street was as cold as midnight. A small child could be seen huddled at a street corner, pulling his cotton jacket and shivering – A’Xiu was suffering here.

Earlier, in a fit of anger, he had run wildly from the house door for three li. Now A’Xiu was tired and thirsty and couldn’t walk anymore, only able to squat by the roadside crying alone.

In another hour it would be noon and school would begin, but A’Xiu didn’t need to go to school anymore. This sounded like a good thing, but A’Xiu had nowhere to go.

He had no father, no mother, so he had no home. From now on, if he got hungry, he could only find food himself. If he got cold sleeping at night, he could only obediently cover himself with blankets. After leaving like this, he would never see uncle, grandmother, the steward uncle again… In heaven and earth, only he would be left alone, living lonely.

Woo woo woo… A’Xiu looked at the ground and finally held his head and cried bitterly. Though he rarely cried normally, once he left his mother, tears flowed like a burst dam, unstoppable.

Just as he was crying, strange woo-woo sounds suddenly came from behind him. A’Xiu exclaimed in surprise. Just as he was puzzled, someone pounced from behind and hugged him tightly, crying loudly: “A’Xiu!”

A’Xiu was startled and heard the tender voice sobbing. He quickly wiped his tears and looked sideways to see a little girl – Hua Mei had arrived.

He heard her cry: “A’Xiu! I finally found you… I waited for you last night until dawn but didn’t see you return, making Hua Mei worry all night… woo woo… woo woo…”

A’Xiu was captured by ghosts last night, which must have shocked the martial world and become known to everyone. Looking at Hua Mei’s puffy eyes and haggard appearance, she really seemed to have not slept all night.

She cried for a while but didn’t hear A’Xiu speak. Looking up, she was shocked to see Brother Xiu also had red eyes with two streams of snot hanging down. She couldn’t help but be alarmed: “A’Xiu, what… what’s wrong with you? Are you possessed by a ghost?”

A’Xiu was the leader of children, a person who feared neither heaven nor earth – when had he ever looked mournful? Seeing Hua Mei’s frightened face, he quickly put on his big brother appearance, first sucking up his snot and spitting: “Who’s crying? I’m laughing! Fighting ghosts last night was so satisfying! Haha! Haha!”

After a few dry laughs, thinking of his mother, he couldn’t help but feel sad again and his eyes reddened once more.

Hua Mei was alarmed: “Brother Xiu, your eyes are really red! What’s wrong?”

A’Xiu held back tears: “I… I…” Just as he was about to tell the truth, suddenly a delicate jade hand reached out and took his palm.

A’Xiu exclaimed in surprise, seeing this wrist so snow-white and slender, paired with an emerald green crystal bracelet, so beautiful. When pinched, it was smooth and tender, even better feeling than Aunt Fang’s hand. Unconsciously, A’Xiu’s heart began beating rapidly. Looking up in a daze, he was suddenly shocked again and said tremblingly: “Auntie… Auntie Wu…”

Yan Ting had come. As always, she wore a black sable coat. Her five fingers hooked at her slender waist as she looked sideways at A’Xiu with a half-smile, her bright eyes and white teeth revealing an aura of national beauty and heavenly fragrance.

Though A’Xiu usually loved to mock Auntie Wu, saying she was pretentious, at this moment holding her jade hand and smelling her fragrance, he was completely bewildered and burning inside, wanting to snuggle into her embrace and let her lovingly caress him.

Yan Ting was tall and beautiful, gorgeous beyond words – men of all ages loved her. But today she especially loved A’Xiu. She bent down and squatted, smiling: “Little A’Xiu, where’s your mother?”

When Auntie Wu bent down, her clothes opened slightly, her smiling face both beautiful and gentle. A’Xiu’s eyes bulged as his soul seemed to leave his body.

Hua Mei kicked him and scolded: “My mother is asking you a question!”

A’Xiu came to his senses and quickly said: “My mother… my mother is at home.”

Auntie Wu’s beautiful brows slightly furrowed: “What? Isn’t school starting? Why isn’t she escorting you here?”

Seeing Auntie Wu bend her waist even lower, A’Xiu’s three souls and six spirits left his body again, babbling incoherently, knowing nothing.

Hua Mei had to kick him again and scold: “A’Xiu! Didn’t your mother accompany you to school?”

“School?” A’Xiu was dazed for a long while, looking left and right, finally realizing he was standing across from the school, separated by just one street.

Instantly his soul returned to his body as he jumped up, seeing that he truly was mentally unclear – of all places to run to, why had he come here?

He quickly grabbed Hua Mei and said tremblingly: “Isn’t… isn’t there going to be a war? How is the school still open?”

Hua Mei complained quietly: “Don’t even mention it! Early this morning someone said there were military exercises in the western suburbs and the city was chaotic, making me think we wouldn’t have school today… Who knew my father sent word back saying something about ‘Cold reveals the strong bamboo, pure conduct sharpens like ice and snow’ – the more chaotic the times, the more our Wu family must remain calm and set an example for the people. He was afraid Master Meng couldn’t enter the city and specially sent troops to escort him in, just to ensure we could attend school…”

Even hungry ghosts besieging the capital couldn’t stop Master Meng’s earnest dedication to teaching, so he fought his way into the city.

Seeing hell just across the street, A’Xiu suddenly felt the urge to urinate and quickly said: “You all wait – I’ll go relieve myself and be right back…” After a few random words, just as he was about to flee, he saw embroidered shoes move in front of him with lovely patterns, and then a pretty maid bent down smiling: “Where are you going?”

In a moment of life and death, A’Xiu had no heart to look at beauties. Seeing a demon blocking his path, he turned to run, when suddenly skirts swirled on the road and a young maiden appeared with a joyful expression: “Caught you!”

A’Xiu screamed and turned to flee madly, but saw someone playing with a dagger. A pretty face turned, instantly showing flying beauty and revealing a face with white skin touched with red, saying proudly: “Master has ordered – you obediently stay put.”

A’Xiu was captured. Hai Tang, Ming Mei, and Cui Shan – the legendary “Three Beauties of Nine Flowers” – all appeared together, each more beautiful than the last, and indeed captured him.

Looking not far away, there was also a horse carriage with a “matron” sitting on the driver’s seat, around forty years old with remaining charm – it was “Jiu Jiu” whom he had seen last night. Adding Juan’er, Nine Flowers Mountain would have its full roster.

A’Xiu looked mournful, not expecting that when his daughter went to school, Auntie Wu not only personally escorted her but brought out all the elite forces. Where could he escape to?

Seeing A’Xiu dragged back, Yan Ting came swaying gracefully again, smiling: “Little A’Xiu, don’t rush to leave. I have a task for you – do you want it?”

Seeing her beautiful features, A’Xiu became mentally unclear again and said happily: “Yes… yes…”

Yan Ting smiled slightly and leaned to the child’s ear to whisper: “When you see your mother, tell her for me – say Auntie Wu has something to find her tonight. Please come to Yixing Residence after the rain prayer ceremony. We must meet.”

Yixing Residence was a teahouse specializing in late-night snacks, widely loved by women in the capital.

Hearing this, A’Xiu’s smile slowly stiffened as he only lowered his head and said quietly: “Alright, as long as I can still see her, I’ll tell her.”

A’Xiu’s tone was strange, but Yan Ting didn’t notice, only smiling: “Good child, do this well for me and Auntie Wu will reward you handsomely.”

Saying this, she turned around to block her daughter’s view and slipped A’Xiu a gold ingot – apparently earnest money.

A’Xiu was shocked. He had left home in a hurry without bringing anything, but now he had gained a gold ingot, so heavy he could barely hold it – truly unexpected wealth.

Just as he was about to kowtow in thanks, Yan Ting leaned to his ear again and whispered: “Remember, don’t let your father know about this.”

A’Xiu looked at the ingot and agreed repeatedly. Yan Ting seemed about to say more when “Jiu Jiu” had already approached and whispered: “Madam, Gong Zhi has come.”

A’Xiu exclaimed in surprise and looked back to see large troops of soldiers arrayed across the street – Wu Dingyuan’s iron-armored cavalry with a banner reading “Beiping.” The leader was the Grand Councilor “Zhengtong Army” Gong Zhi whom he had seen this morning.

He saw him personally walking over and bowing: “Madam, the Grand Commander will soon have an audience with His Majesty. Please depart early.”

Yan Ting said indifferently: “What? Has the city gate been breached?”

Gong Zhi coughed: “No.”

Yan Ting raised her voice: “Then what are you rushing for? Must you choose this moment to bother me? I haven’t even talked with my daughter yet.”

Yan Ting’s entourage was always impressive, and scolding Grand Councilor Gong made her seem even more imposing. Seeing her drive away Gong Zhi, she pulled her daughter over smiling: “Mother is going to Hongluo Temple first. After class, remember to follow Sister Hai Tang – she’ll take you to the rain prayer ceremony.”

“Mother!” Hua Mei covered her face and cried out: “Why do we have to pray for rain again? I don’t want to go.”

Yan Ting’s face turned stern as she scolded: “Listen obediently. If you don’t go, father will be unhappy.”

Hua Mei pouted and refused, desperately shaking her head and stamping her feet. Yan Ting felt sorry for her again and comforted: “Little Flower is the most obedient. She’s been sensible since childhood – let mother give you a kiss.” Seeing Hua Mei being clingy with her mother and hearing her mother praise her, she smiled again and was about to snuggle into her embrace when she suddenly saw A’Xiu stealing glances at her. Her face turned bright red as she quickly said: “Mother, I… I’m going to school now. You should go quickly.”

Yan Ting said: “Let mother escort you in. Since I’m finally here, I should at least greet Master Meng.”

Hua Mei’s face turned pale as she said tremblingly: “Mother… Uncle Gong is still waiting for you. Please go quickly. A’Xiu and I can go by ourselves.”

Yan Ting pointed at her daughter’s forehead and sighed: “You! I really don’t know who you take after – always thinking of others.” She kissed her daughter’s cheek and said: “Go then.”

Children in the world generally shared the same worry – they feared their parents visiting school most. Hua Mei was no exception. If mother met Master Meng, if not asking him to beat her daughter harder, then she would ramble about children’s misdeeds – nothing good would come of it.

Having finally persuaded mother to leave, she quickly grabbed A’Xiu and said urgently: “Let’s go. Time for school!”

A’Xiu had an iron expression, seeing his empty hands without even bringing books or writing materials. Going like this would be like a sheep entering a tiger’s den – what chance of survival would there be? Unfortunately, Auntie Wu was still there smiling and stealing glances at him. If he tried to flee, he might well be caught red-handed.

He swallowed and had to steel himself to carefully approach the school.

It was still early, about an hour before noon, but the school entrance was already filled with a sinister atmosphere. Children lined up in two rows, each holding exercise books ready for inspection. In the distance, three or five children were crying while their parents dragged them desperately, but they refused to enter even unto death.

Hua Mei was full of pity: “Poor things. This is what happens to bad children. Now they know to regret – isn’t it too late?”

Just as she was sighing, she didn’t notice that A’Xiu beside her had already slipped away. He lowered his body and hid behind a pillar, first avoiding Auntie Wu’s attention, then looking around carefully. He saw children lined up in front of the school, each with dim, lifeless eyes, no one looking his way. He figured that if he sprinted madly in a moment, he could safely pass the school entrance, then dart into a neighboring shop and slip away through the back door without anyone knowing.

A’Xiu sneered secretly: “Fools, sit there and wait for death. When the hungry ghosts break into the city, young master will already be free on the road.”

Having made his plan, he rushed out from behind the pillar. Just as he passed the school entrance, he suddenly saw a woman ahead holding a child’s hand and talking with an elderly man. Looking at the old man with white beard and mustache, holding a cane with fierce scholarly aura in his eyes – who else could it be but Master Meng?

A’Xiu’s teeth chattered in fear of being caught, so he could only pretend to be a passerby and slowly wander past. He heard the woman sobbing: “Master, my Zhengtang is seriously ill and really can’t attend class. I can only ask for several days’ leave. Please be understanding…”

A’Xiu glanced sideways and saw the child was indeed Hu Zhengtang. He heard Master Meng sigh: “Alas… heaven envies talent. Since Zhengtang is ill, there’s no rushing it. Let him recuperate for several days first, and when he recovers, it won’t be too late to make up the lessons.”

The woman wept: “Thank you, Master.” She pressed her son’s head down: “Zhengtang, why don’t you kowtow to the master?”

The child rolled his eyes, foamed at the mouth, and said hoarsely: “Ghosts… so many ghosts… so many ghosts…”

The first method for children to skip school was to claim illness. Sure enough, on the first day of school, Hu Zhengtang was “sick” again.

A’Xiu was naturally mischievous and struck hard with his elbow, hitting Hu Zhengtang squarely in the back. With an “aiya” sound, Hu Zhengtang cried loudly: “Who hit me!”

The woman was shocked: “Little treasure, you… you can speak again?”

Hu Zhengtang was alarmed: “No… I can’t speak. Ghosts… so many ghosts…”

A’Xiu secretly laughed and hid behind the pillar again. Sure enough, Master Meng became suspicious and frowned: “What illness does Zhengtang actually have? Have you figured it out?”

Mrs. Hu cried: “It’s all Yang Shenxiu’s fault.”

A’Xiu had been waiting to frame Zhengtang, but unexpectedly heard his own name. His face turned pale as he cried inwardly that this was bad.

Master Meng pondered: “Yang Shenxiu? What did he do now?”

Mrs. Hu wept: “Before New Year, my Zhengtang went to play with him but was teased and pushed from a height, injuring his head. Despite consultations with famous doctors and medicines, he’s become an idiot…”

“What?” Master Meng was so angry his beard bristled and his eyes bulged. He raised his cane and paced angrily: “Damn thing, truly rebelling…”

A’Xiu knew he couldn’t stay here long. Seeing Master Meng with his back turned, he quickly slipped past. But Master Meng paced quickly and had already turned around. A’Xiu was terrified, seeing the two about to face each other, and quickly hid behind Hu Zhengtang.

Just as he crouched trembling, another person came running urgently, shouting: “Master! Master! Is our young master here?”

Master Meng looked sideways and couldn’t help but be surprised: “Steward Cai?”

The Yang Mansion steward appeared looking for someone, making A’Xiu’s scalp tingle as he crouched even lower.

Master Meng said sternly: “You’re looking for Yang Shenxiu? Isn’t he at home?”

The steward said anxiously: “To tell you the truth, Master, our young master has run away from home.”

“What?” Master Meng stared in shock: “Yang Shenxiu has fled home? Is it because of the incident with teasing Hu Zhengtang?”

The steward sighed bitterly: “That’s old news. This morning the young master fought with Prince Xu’s son and nearly beat him to death, then ran away without a trace.”

“Damn thing…” Master Meng was so angry his cane trembled: “How much trouble has he caused? He’s completely disgraced his grandfather’s face!”

The saying goes: “Not teaching is the father’s fault, not being strict in teaching is the teacher’s laziness.” Seeing Master Meng full of self-reproach, raising his cane and striking his own palm with fierce sounds, A’Xiu was terrified out of his wits.

But Hu Zhengtang was gloating and yawning: “Ghosts… so many…” He turned around about to go home to sleep when his eyes suddenly widened in shock: “Ghost!”

A little ghost truly stood before him, with a pale face – who else but the little disaster star “A’Xiu”?

Seeing A’Xiu on the verge of tears with his head down and hands hanging, Mrs. Hu naturally cried out in alarm: “Yang Shenxiu?”

The steward laughed with delight: “Young master!”

From afar, the Wu family’s young lady came running, calling sweetly: “A’Xiu! A’Xiu! Don’t skip school!”

Seeing people grabbing at him from all directions, A’Xiu screamed “aiya” and actually rushed into the school. Master Meng shouted sternly: “Someone! Quickly capture him!”

A’Xiu had quite a few enemies normally. With the master’s call, countless hands reached out to block his way. Fortunately, the school windows weren’t fully closed. A’Xiu used all his strength, taking three steps in two, and with a bang jumped through the window, rolled on the ground, and darted into the neighboring shop.

The shopkeeper was surprised: “Little brother, are you buying something?”

“Buy your mother!” A’Xiu didn’t look back, bent over and charged straight through the back door into a small alley.

Instantly he ran madly, fleeing like flying. They say “when people are desperate they hang themselves, when dogs are desperate they jump walls” – A’Xiu was like a dog hanging himself and a person jumping walls, a green ox chasing a white sheep. Not knowing how long he ran, the sounds behind gradually ceased. Finally his legs went weak and he stopped, leaning against a wall panting: “Exhausted… should have shaken off the pursuers…”

Just as he was about to raise his sleeve to wipe sweat, someone suddenly patted his shoulder, scaring him into jumping up. Just as he was about to cry loudly, he heard the person behind him say in surprise: “Young Master Shenxiu, are you… are you alright?”

The voice was unfamiliar but addressed him as “young master.” A’Xiu was slightly stunned and turned to look, seeing a person with inverted eyebrows holding an iron pipa, looking somewhat like a crow.

A’Xiu was shocked and was about to retreat quickly when he saw the person was dressed entirely in black, even black leather boots. His heart awakened: “Ah, this is a guard from the inner courtyard.”

Yang family guards were divided into inner and outer courtyards. Those stationed in the outer courtyard dressed respectably, similar to attendants. The inner courtyard all wore black clothes, supposedly for easier concealment at night. A’Xiu had seen a few in the back alleys before.

He looked the man up and down and pondered: “You… who are you? I don’t think I’ve seen you before…”

“By imperial decree!” The black-clothed man fell to both knees and shouted loudly: “Subordinate Shuai Jinteng! Rank twenty-three!”

A’Xiu jumped in fright. Though there were many black-clothed people at home, he’d never seen one perform like a jumping zombie. He murmured: “You… you came to arrest me and take me home?”

Shuai Jinteng quickly said: “No, no. Your father only wants me to follow you, not bring you home.”

Hearing the word “father,” A’Xiu’s heart ached and tears gathered in his eyes as he choked: “He… he doesn’t want me anymore, right?”

Shuai Jinteng quickly said: “No such thing, no such thing. Your father loves you very much.”

A’Xiu cried: “Then why did he drive me away?”

Shuai Jinteng quickly said: “Young master misunderstood. The one who drove you away in the hall wasn’t your father – that person was a body double. The real master accountant is with me. When he saw your mother crying, he started crying too, kept saying sorry to your mother, and had me follow you while he went to chase your mother…”

A’Xiu pointed and cursed through tears: “Lies! Lies! My father wouldn’t cry! You’re the fake one! Go away!”

Shuai Jinteng was puzzled: “I’m not lying. He… he also told me to get a horse carriage for him to take your mother home – how could that be fake?”

“Go away! Go away!” A’Xiu didn’t care what he said and cried: “Get far away! Anyway, I’m never going home!” He lowered his head and ran.

Shuai Jinteng urgently chased after him, shouting: “Young master, don’t wander around!”

A’Xiu wept as he ran, thinking of the father-son confrontation earlier made him even more stubborn – he’d rather die than go home.

He ran past a street corner and was about to raise his sleeve to wipe tears when someone beside him handed over a handkerchief, saying timidly: “Young master, I bought plum juice. Do you want some?”

A’Xiu looked up and saw it was Shuai Jinteng again. This person had such quick skills – not only had he caught up but had time to buy a bowl of plum juice for the young master to quench his thirst.

A’Xiu cursed through tears: “Go away! Why are you following me?”

Shuai Jinteng was puzzled: “I… I’m under orders to protect you.”

A’Xiu cried loudly: “Who wants your protection? Get lost!” He turned and dove into a small alley.

Shuai Jinteng followed, this time not daring to get too close, only trailing behind like a zombie. One in front, one behind, separated by exactly three feet – not an inch more, not a step less. Every time A’Xiu stopped, Shuai Jinteng stopped. When he started walking, the zombie immediately followed, like the corpse-driving of western Hunan – one movement, one jump, quite frightening.

A’Xiu was really too angry and stopped to curse: “If you keep following me, I’ll die to show you!”

Shuai Jinteng was surprised: “Really?”

A’Xiu roared and thrust his head toward the wall, but saw a figure flash before him. Where he struck was soft – he had hit Shuai Jinteng’s belly instead.

A’Xiu spat and saw a stone by the roadside. He picked it up and smashed it hard against his own head. With a loud bang and flying stone chips, a zombie’s strange face appeared, still grinning foolishly.

A’Xiu was shocked. Though Shuai Jinteng’s head was damaged, it was harder than iron, as if impervious to weapons.

A’Xiu was furious and shouted: “If you keep pestering me, young master will bite his tongue and commit suicide! Let you take my corpse back to report!”

Shuai Jinteng said “oh”: “Really?”

A’Xiu roared and stuck out his tongue to bite hard, when suddenly his mouth became salty and bitter with an extremely stinky finger.

A’Xiu was furious: “Don’t you wash your hands after defecating? Why so stinky?”

After saying this, his teeth clenched down to bite, but the zombie just grinned stupidly, feeling neither pain nor itch.

A’Xiu was helpless and released his mouth. The zombie retracted his hand. A’Xiu hummed and stuck out his tongue again to bite, but his mouth was filled with another stinky, salty finger – it worked every time.

This finger was hard and stinky, covered with calluses – couldn’t be bitten through or chewed up. A’Xiu was furious: “Fine! Young master won’t breathe anymore! This should work, right?”

He closed his eyes and didn’t move, planning to suffocate to death.

Shuai Jinteng was indeed panicked and said in alarm: “Young master! Let’s talk nicely! Let’s talk nicely!”

A’Xiu opened his eyes slightly and said coldly: “Scared now? Do you still dare follow me?”

Shuai Jinteng said quietly: “Young master, this subordinate has official duties and really has no choice. You… you shouldn’t bully me like this…”

Shuai Jinteng was an honest sort who had always followed rules and never complained. Now being repeatedly tormented, he covered his face and truly began to cry.

Seeing him cry so pitifully, A’Xiu didn’t want to bully him anymore and said: “Alright, seeing how pitiful you are, young master will spare your life. As long as you obediently listen to me, I’ll let you follow me.”

Shuai Jinteng was delighted: “Good! Good! Whatever young master wants to do, just give orders. This subordinate will climb mountains of knives…”

Before he could mention seas of fire, he heard A’Xiu say calmly: “Do you have money?”

Shuai Jinteng was puzzled: “Of course I do. This subordinate has saved all his military pay and hidden it in a tree trunk by the inner courtyard…”

A’Xiu said: “Don’t talk nonsense. Take out what you have on you.”

Shuai Jinteng reached into his chest and took out a bright, shiny gold ingot. A’Xiu was delighted and casually took it: “Thanks.”

Just as he was about to turn and leave, Shuai Jinteng was alarmed and blocked his way: “Young master! You’re not keeping your word! You promised to let me follow you.”

A’Xiu hummed: “You heard wrong.”

Shuai Jinteng pleaded: “Young master, don’t be angry. How about this – I… I’ll buy you candied hawthorn to eat…”

A’Xiu said coldly: “Do you think I’m a three-year-old? Eat it yourself.”

Shuai Jinteng said: “Then… then I’ll buy you clay figurines to play with. They’re very fun…”

A’Xiu yawned: “So annoying. I got tired of those when I was two. How about this – just buy me a book instead. After you buy it, I’ll obediently come with you.”

Shuai Jinteng was delighted: “Haha, this is cheap for me! What book does young master want? Give orders quickly.”

No matter how rare books in the world were, at most they were ancient Qin and Han bamboo slips, or Song dynasty thread-bound books. Though rare, they weren’t impossible to steal. Just as he was rejoicing, he suddenly thought of something and said tremblingly: “Wait, let’s… let’s agree first – there are some books that can’t be stolen, like the Shaolin Yi Jin Jing, Mount Hua Three Talents Sword, Wudang Pure Yang Scripture…”

In the midst of his eloquent speech, A’Xiu said calmly: “Who wants those weird things? I want you to buy a book, not steal one.”

Shuai Jinteng sighed in relief: “Then… then what does young master want? Speak quickly.”

A’Xiu said: “I want ‘Jin Hailing’s Lustful Death, Sequel.'”

Shuai Jinteng was stunned for a long while: “There’s a sequel? How come I don’t know?”

A’Xiu exclaimed in surprise: “You… you’ve read it too?”

Shuai Jinteng smiled: “Yes, why wouldn’t I have?”

Just as he was about to explain in detail, A’Xiu scolded: “Stop talking nonsense. Are you buying it or not?”

“By imperial decree!” Shuai Jinteng fell to both knees and shouted: “This subordinate is ordered to purchase ‘Jin Hailing’s Lustful Death Sequel’! Departing immediately! Dare not err!”

He leaped up onto the rooftop and was gone.

A’Xiu sneered: “This fool actually believes me. Go write one yourself.”

This “Jin Hailing” text was from the literary master Feng Menglong’s hand, originally written for self-entertainment. After writing the first part, he felt unsatisfied and added a second part, but there was no mention of a sequel. Seeing Shuai Jinteng’s carelessness, he didn’t know how he’d manage to produce one later.

Just as he was feeling proud, someone suddenly patted his shoulder. A’Xiu jumped up in alarm and turned to see it was Shuai Jinteng again. He couldn’t help but be furious: “Back so soon? Where’s the book? Did you buy it?”

Shuai Jinteng said timidly: “Not yet…”

A’Xiu shouted: “Then what are you doing back here? Looking for death?”

Shuai Jinteng said quietly: “This subordinate forgot to ask how many copies you want to buy?”

A’Xiu was truly stunned and scolded: “I’m one small child – how many can I read? Go buy two hundred copies!”

Shuai Jinteng was shocked: “Two hundred copies? That’s enough to open a bookstore?”

A’Xiu shouted loudly: “Mind your own business? Go buy them quickly!”

“By imperial decree!” Shuai Jinteng fell to both knees again and shouted: “This subordinate is ordered to purchase two hundred copies of ‘Jin Hailing’s Lustful Death Sequel’! Departing immediately! Dare not err!”

Seeing the fool leave again, this time A’Xiu learned his lesson and waited a long while, confirming the person had truly gone far before humming: “Idiot.”

Just as he was about to turn and leave, he couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise – he had gotten lost.

The capital was a large place with houses scattered like stars. Though A’Xiu had grown up here, there were many places he’d never been. This alley before him was one example. Looking ahead, the road was narrow and deep with no visible end. All around, doors were tightly shut, each household hanging large red lanterns, with not a single pedestrian visible.

Seeing this street was quite strange, A’Xiu was somewhat curious and wanted to go look, but thinking of his situation, he stood in a daze with his head down.

Without mother, even the most fun places had no flavor. A’Xiu squatted by the roadside thinking of his mother, unable to help but shed tears again.

His first journey in life had begun, but A’Xiu didn’t know where to go. Just as he was missing his family, he suddenly tasted soy milk in his mouth and couldn’t help but dance with joy, cheering: “Aunt!”

The person who spoiled A’Xiu most in the world was Second Auntie. She had never had children in her life, and from the time A’Xiu entered the door, she was enthusiastic about everything – changing diapers, playing games, telling stories, teaching crude language – everything together.

Back then when Gu Qianxi was to marry into the Yang family, Second Auntie had even quarreled with her, refusing to let A’Xiu go, showing this child’s position in her heart.

Thinking of Aunt, A’Xiu couldn’t help but smile. When he thought of the hungry ghosts besieging the city, his heart became even more excited: “Right! There’s going to be war soon. I must quickly take Aunt and escape. Once we’re on the horse carriage, I don’t believe mother won’t come with us.”

When he was small, it was like this – at home there was only mother and aunt, no father and his gang of bad relatives. Those days couldn’t have been happier.

When the three of them lived on the horse carriage, he would again be the darling of mother and aunt. The family of three would be harmonious, going wherever they wanted, playing wherever they went – wouldn’t that be wonderful?

With this thought, A’Xiu was truly happy and was about to find the way home when suddenly a cold wind blew, bringing a wine fragrance that made A’Xiu exclaim “eh” and turn back to look at the street full of red lanterns again.

What kind of place was this “Lantern Alley”? Looking around, every household had dim red lanterns swaying in the wind, with wine fragrance faintly coming from inside the doors – truly mysterious to the extreme.

A’Xiu became even more curious and slowly came to a lantern. He saw a narrow door with a small signboard beside it. He immediately bent down to read quietly: “A… Chun… Lou.”

A’Xiu didn’t know many characters and used “ah” sounds for unfamiliar words. Seeing “A Chun Lou” here, he was also completely puzzled. Seeing the door ajar and unlocked, he quietly pushed it open and called softly: “Is anyone home?”

Inside was dark with no one answering, but his nose caught a whiff of flower fragrance so thick it couldn’t dissolve.

Though A’Xiu was a child, he was still male after all. Unconsciously he began trembling and was about to push the door and enter when he heard a lazy voice from inside: “Guest, we’re not open yet. You’ve come early…”

A’Xiu exclaimed in surprise, not knowing what this place sold and why they didn’t do business during the day. He wanted to ask more, but the door had already closed by itself, not forgetting to throw out a sentence: “Young master, I’m called Xiao Lu. Please come early in the evening.”

A’Xiu was truly dumbfounded. Seeing this street was so strange, he had wanted to quickly find Aunt, but now he slowly changed his mind, thinking: “Don’t rush back yet… it’s rare to be alone – I should go explore…”

He reached into his pocket and felt the two gold ingots inside, secretly excited: “So much money!”

Gu Qianxi was a person of high integrity who absolutely forbade A’Xiu from taking others’ money. Red envelopes and rewards were all respectfully declined. Added to Yang Suguan’s extremely strict child-rearing, even when A’Xiu had money, he rarely had opportunities to spend it.

Rarely having wealth around his waist and temporarily escaping his cage, how could he not bravely venture into the martial world? Aunt could be found anytime, but the martial world couldn’t be explored daily.

He swallowed and saw “A Chun Lou’s” main door tightly locked, figuring he couldn’t enter. He wondered: “Where should I go play now?”

Thinking of things mother strictly forbade daily, he couldn’t help but clap his hands in delight: “Right! How could I forget? Let me go gambling first and earn some silver to honor mother!”

The best place to make money in the martial world was gambling houses. The saying goes “nine out of ten gamblers lose” – seeing everyone lose everything, who was the winner? Naturally it must be himself without doubt.

When he earned big money and went home, mother wouldn’t need to sell soy milk anymore – she could just wait to count silver.

This Uncle Pei also ran a gambling house. His body was so fat it was ridiculous – every time mother saw him, she said he’d gained another ten pounds and told him to eat less. Apparently all the delicacies at home were won through gambling.

A’Xiu became more excited as he thought, his eyes lighting up as he looked around for gambling houses.

Walking along, he only saw red lanterns on the street but no crowds of gamblers or sounds of shouting and dice throwing. A’Xiu was secretly annoyed: “Strange, where is Uncle Pei’s gambling house? Aunt took me there once before…”

Unable to find the gambling house, half the martial world experience was gone. What else was there to enjoy?

A’Xiu stood dumbly, feeling dejected, when he suddenly jumped up with great joy, cheering: “Right! How could I forget! Let me go visit prostitutes!”

Martial heroes have a saying: “In gambling houses are golden treasures, in brothels lie beauties like jade,” and also: “What good hero doesn’t visit prostitutes?” This meant advising people not to immerse themselves in books but to go out and about, not wasting their heroic aspirations.

A’Xiu usually heard these words when playing stone marbles with other children. Now with money in his pocket, how could he not go and experience it?

Instantly he ran excitedly, searching for traces of “beauties like jade.”

Looking around, the street was still full of red lanterns, but where were the brothels? Just as he was puzzled, he saw a notice board by the roadside covered with official documents. There must be news about pleasure quarters, so he stood on tiptoe to examine it carefully.

The notice board was very high, covered with words, each stroke numerous. A’Xiu knew reading would be useless, so he let his gaze wander until he saw a drawing of a man with a fierce face, horizontal brows and vertical eyes, patches of beard, dirty and frightening. On his forehead were tattooed characters. A’Xiu murmured as he copied them, seeing the top character was “four” and the bottom was “not.” He said in shock: “Crime?”

A’Xiu became more curious and struggled to read the official document: “Ah ah… criminal one person… if official appointment ah… ah gold ten ah…”

After reading for a long while, he said angrily: “What does this all say?”

“Wanted: criminal by imperial decree. If captured and reported, official appointment as Marquis of Ten Thousand Households, granted iron scroll and red charter, reward of one hundred thousand taels of gold.”

Hearing someone speak behind him, A’Xiu exclaimed and turned to see a young gentleman with sunken cheeks and a pointed chin, cold eyes, with an iron tube-like object hanging behind him. A’Xiu stared for a long while and couldn’t help but shudder in fear: “Firearm?”

A’Xiu had seen firearms in uncle’s room – also long like this, said to be something from the court. He hadn’t expected to see one here too.

He was somewhat afraid. Fortunately, the young gentleman glanced at him, saw he was a child, and didn’t pay attention, only turning back and calling loudly: “Fat Zhang, is this wanted poster drawing that fellow?”

“Correct.” A short fat man walked up, holding double axes and grinning fiercely: “If not for that fellow’s worth, who would deserve iron scrolls and red charters?”

As he spoke, a group of people surged up from behind – tall and short, strong and thin, varied in appearance but all carrying weapons. A’Xiu’s heart was more alarmed as he pretended to be a roadside child, casually playing in the dirt.

The young gentleman reached over and tore down the wanted poster: “Fat Zhang, I have a problem – I always put ugly words first. Let’s discuss how to divide things after we kill ‘that fellow’ later.”

The short fat man said: “Fame goes to you, profit to me.”

The young gentleman said calmly: “Very good. That’s also my plan.” He took out a small porcelain pot and sniffed it at his nose, then said: “Besides us, what other groups are looking for him?”

The short fat man said: “Quite a few. Imperial Guards, Ministry of Justice, Court of Judicial Review, Flag Guard – the court is using everyone available. If not for fear of alerting the prey, even the Zhengtong Army might be deployed into the city…”

The young gentleman said “oh”: “What? The court only deployed officials and didn’t mobilize martial world figures?”

The short fat man said: “How could they not? Last night over two hundred masters gathered at the Ministry of War – Shaolin, Wudang, Mount Emei, Kunlun – elite disciples from all sects came out. One group was led by the old bald thief Lingyin, another followed the Daoist Yuan Yi. Many elderly masters came forward.”

Another person interjected: “What use are these orthodox sect masters? Didn’t you see those thieving Daoists from Mount Emei scared out of their wits? Each one drunk as a lord – what help can they be?”

The short fat man sneered: “Don’t blame them. This is what they call ‘Drunk on the battlefield, don’t laugh at me – how many return from ancient wars?’ If not for their cowardice and fear of death, where would our wealth and glory come from?”

“Hahahaha!” Everyone threw back their heads and laughed wildly, truly arrogant beyond measure.

The young gentleman said: “Enough idle talk. How do we find that fellow now? Do you have any ideas?”

The short fat man said: “No need for Young Master Huo to worry. This morning the court already captured Heavenly Dog Li and is now threatening and bribing him to sniff out that fellow’s whereabouts.”

The young gentleman said “oh”: “Heavenly Dog Li? The madman who stole Consort Li’s embroidered shoes?”

The fat man said: “That’s him. This fellow likes to smell beautiful women’s feet. The officials knew his quirk and threw Consort Li’s stockings to the city outskirts – caught him within half an hour.”

The young gentleman laughed: “That’s indeed a clever trick. With Heavenly Dog Li’s nose, even if that fellow turned to ash, he’d still be sniffed out.”

The short fat man chuckled: “Exactly! When Heavenly Dog Li finds the person and hundreds of court officials swarm in, beating everyone bloody in mutual destruction, who would know that we ‘Snake Spear’ Huo Tianlong are still hiding in the shadows? With a cold shot from your ‘Hundred-Pace Piercing Snake Fire Gun’ – bang! – that fellow’s eyes would roll back, probably not even knowing how he died.”

“Hahahaha!” Huo Tianlong clapped and laughed loudly, and the others joined in wild laughter. The short fat man laughed: “Alright, for the sake of one hundred thousand taels of gold, let’s hurry over. If others get there first, our dreams of wealth will come to nothing.”

Everyone agreed repeatedly and left hurriedly.

A’Xiu also brushed the dirt from his hands and stood up, secretly excited: “There’s going to be a fight!”

Having listened for a while, he understood these martial world figures’ scheme. Apparently a wanted criminal was about to appear, and to catch him, the officials had found the sharp-nosed “Heavenly Dog Li” to track him. Little did they know that the mantis stalks the cicada while the oriole waits behind – another group of masters followed, waiting to fire cold shots and reap the benefits.

A’Xiu had heard about wandering doctors, wandering sorcerers, and wandering swindlers since childhood, but this was his first time witnessing them personally. He was somewhat curious and wanted to see some excitement, so he followed behind everyone to gain martial world experience.

The short fat man had very short legs, not much taller than himself, and carrying giant axes made him walk slowly. A’Xiu could keep up.

After walking about two streets, wine shops lined the front, and from afar they could hear loud drinking sounds. A’Xiu was delighted: “More wine to drink!”

The most exciting places in the martial world were wine shops – all the encounters with enemies and intervening in injustices happened in inns. He was joyful and quickly followed, waiting for the group to enter the wine shop, when he saw the short fat man stop and say: “Everyone look across the street.”

Everyone turned their heads, and A’Xiu followed the heroes’ example and turned his head too.

Across the street was also a wine shop, but unlike the noisy bustle here, it was quiet and still. The shop was full of court officials in different uniforms but all carrying swords at their waists. Among them sat a little old man with a red pointed wine-stained nose and a mouth that had collapsed inward, looking quite like a dog – this must be the “Heavenly Dog Li” with the powerful sniffing ability.

For some reason, though “Heavenly Dog Li” had wine and food before him, he wore a mournful expression and wouldn’t move. Several officials bent down with arms around his shoulders, constantly comforting and persuading him. But “Heavenly Dog Li” kept trembling as if the place he was going was hell and the person he sought was a demon king – even with thousands accompanying him, his little life still couldn’t be guaranteed.

Everyone watched for a long while, each feeling ominous. The short fat man quickly said: “Stop looking. Everyone go eat something to nourish your strength – we’ll need it for work later.”

The group said no more and entered a nearby wine shop, apparently to monitor “Heavenly Dog Li’s” movements.

A’Xiu also followed to the door and quietly peered inside. Though it wasn’t yet noon, the room already reeked of alcohol. Here a pot, there a jar, with frequent “damn” and “hell” sounds – apparently many martial world figures were gathered here.

But unlike the nervous tension across the street, here it was joyful and festive with toasting and drinking, as if still celebrating New Year.

A’Xiu’s heart was excited and he tiptoed into the shop, planning to venture boldly into the martial world.

“Hey, little brat…” Before he’d taken two steps, his collar tightened as someone grabbed him. A waiter said coldly: “What are you doing here?”

A’Xiu was startled and afraid of being thrown out. He quickly pointed randomly at the crowd: “I… I came with him…”

With people coming and going all around, all heroes’ backsides, pointing randomly made it hard to distinguish truth from falsehood. The waiter said lazily: “Whatever you say. If you want to eat and drink in the shop, you need money. Did you bring enough silver?”

A’Xiu hummed: “Of course I have some.” He took out a gold ingot and stuffed it into the waiter’s hand, saying proudly: “Can you make change?”

The waiter was overjoyed: “Didn’t expect you little brat to be so wealthy! What… what would you like to eat?”

A’Xiu looked left and right, seeing the young gentleman had already taken a seat, ordered a pot of white wine with four small dishes. He quickly said: “The same as that.”

Seeing the waiter leave, A’Xiu also imitated adults by first picking a table to sit at, then pouring a cup of hot tea. Just as he was about to drink proudly, he heard quiet conversation from behind: “Master Ximen, you said ‘that fellow’ was injured – what exactly are the details?”

At these words, the young gentleman immediately put down his chopsticks, and the short fat man who was pouring wine also slowed down, all paying attention.

A’Xiu stole a glance back and saw the table behind was full of fishermen who, despite the deep winter, were barefoot as if not afraid of cold. Across sat a man dressed like a wealthy landowner, holding a folding fan and drinking wine. Seeing people at all tables looking at him, he coughed: “Helmsman, speak quietly – walls have ears. Don’t let word leak out.”

They say “much talk leads to mistakes.” In the martial world, saying the wrong thing meant death, letting something slip meant death. Even A’Xiu, a ten-year-old child, knew this, but the helmsman forgot completely – he was bound to be in trouble.

Sure enough, before the helmsman could speak, a hand patted his shoulder as someone bent down smiling: “Helmsman Jing, it’s been a while.”

The helmsman was puzzled: “You are…”

Bang! A firearm slammed onto the table with intricate engravings and a small snake cast on the barrel – crafted very delicately.

The fishermen were shocked and said tremblingly: “This… this is a snake fire gun… you… you are…”

“I am Huo Tianlong.” The young gentleman smiled and took a seat, not forgetting to pat “Master Ximen’s” shoulder to show intimacy.

Seeing the young gentleman merely place his gun on the table and already intimidate the entire scene, A’Xiu was greatly shocked. He heard a “hey” sound as several fishermen grabbed iron oars to stand up but were pressed down. The short fat man put one hand on each person’s shoulder and smiled: “Why draw weapons just because everyone wants to drink and make friends? Is this how the Three Rivers Gang treats guests?”

He poured wine for everyone at the table and smiled: “This must be ‘Crouching Bull Saint Hand’ Ximen Song, Master Ximen? Long admired your reputation – Fat Zhang toasts you.”

At the three words “Fat Zhang,” the fishermen’s faces changed as they said tremblingly: “You… you’re the Fat Zhang who single-handedly lifted Master Lu and broke the Shandong Chain Fort?”

The short fat man smiled: “Look how my evil reputation has spread. Come, let our two tables get friendly and make friends.”

As he spoke, he called companions to move cups and dishes. Without waiting for the “Three Rivers Gang” to agree, he had already occupied the main position.

In the martial world, the big bullying the small and the strong oppressing the weak was commonplace, but this was A’Xiu’s first time witnessing it. He watched excitedly as the young gentleman smiled lightly and put his arm around Ximen Song’s shoulder: “Brother Ximen, just now I heard you mention someone was injured, right?”

This Ximen Song was quite calm and composed, waving his folding fan: “I heard from a friend earlier this year that fellow suffered some injury in the Jingzhou battlefield and his skills aren’t what they used to be, so I mentioned it to Helmsman Jing…”

Before he finished speaking, Young Master Huo said: “So that’s the news! Then let me return the favor – I heard that fellow’s left leg was injured in Beijing and has now been chopped off. His skills are declining!”

“Hahahaha!” Everyone laughed together. Fat Zhang grinned fiercely: “Brother Ximen, spare us these old clichés…” He poured a cup of wine and brought it to Ximen Song’s lips: “This cup is to honor you. The next cup…” He gripped his battle axe grimly: “Will be penalty wine.”

Looking at Fat Zhang’s fierce appearance – both vicious and experienced, not knowing how many he’d killed – he frightened the fishermen into slight trembling.

A’Xiu was also secretly amazed: “This Fat Zhang is so formidable – he must be a peerless master.”

“Man is the knife and cutting board, I am the fish and meat.” Fat Zhang was about to use force, but the officials across the street were preoccupied and turned a blind eye.

That Ximen Song wasn’t afraid either, only waving his folding fan: “Brother, don’t bully old folks. You know my rules, Ximen Song. Getting me to talk isn’t hard…”

Young Master Huo said: “Just afraid the price isn’t right.” With a flick of his hand, he threw out a gold ingot weighing at least fifty taels.

Everyone exclaimed in surprise, realizing Huo Tianlong’s wealthy background. A’Xiu had heard this group talking earlier and knew Huo Tianlong wanted fame and scorned gold, naturally spending lavishly.

Everyone urged: “Ximen Song, speak up. What exactly happened to that fellow?”

Seeing Ximen Song motionless, Helmsman Jing hummed and also threw out a gold ingot: “Master Ximen, is this enough?”

Looking at this Ximen Song, he was apparently an information broker who made a living selling news. Earlier he had deliberately spoken loudly to attract business.

He waved his folding fan with a slight smile at the corner of his mouth, still showing no intention of speaking – apparently wanting everyone to add more silver.

Suddenly his head hurt as a firearm pressed against it. He heard Huo Tianlong whisper: “Speak.”

Ximen Song forced a smile: “Very well, I heard someone say that fellow… that fellow appeared at Wanfu Tower last night, was surrounded and attacked, and has been seriously injured. He can’t move until noon…”

Fat Zhang spat: “Nonsense.” Just as he was about to curse loudly, Young Master Huo stopped him: “Wait, that fellow can’t move? Why?”

Ximen Song said: “His meridians were sealed by someone.”

Helmsman Jing was shocked: “Sealed by someone? Who has such skill?”

Ximen Song said: “Three words: Grand Accountant.”

Everyone unanimously fell silent. Huo Tianlong took a deep breath: “Grand Accountant… this person… is he the head of the ‘Nation-Guarding Iron Guard’?”

Ximen Song nodded and said quietly: “To tell the truth, I have a friend working at the inn, ranked thirty-nine, nicknamed ‘Faceless Scholar.’ He was at Wanfu Tower last night and personally saw that fellow exchange a palm strike with the ‘Grand Accountant.’ This is absolutely true, no false words.”

Fat Zhang suddenly said: “Wait, can’t move until noon? Isn’t that almost time?”

Ximen Song said quietly: “Exactly so. If not for such urgency, why would the court capture Heavenly Dog Li and force him to lead the way?”

Everyone found this increasingly reasonable and pondered silently. A’Xiu was also extremely excited, thinking: “All the demons and monsters have emerged – there’ll be quite a show!”

Hearing excitedly, he wanted to drink wine to add to the fun, but the wine and food still hadn’t come. He quickly shouted: “Waiter! Waiter!”

After shouting several times with no response, he had to run over himself and grab the shop assistant’s sleeve, saying loudly: “Waiter! Where’s my wine and food? Why hasn’t it come?”

The clerk said coldly: “What wine and food?”

A’Xiu was stunned: “Didn’t I just give you a gold ingot? Don’t you remember?”

The clerk yawned: “What gold ingot? I didn’t see any.”

A’Xiu’s mouth fell open. Being inexperienced in the world, he only now realized he’d been swindled.

The clerk waved his hand: “Scram, scram, scram! No money, get out. Stop bothering us.”

A’Xiu was angry and grabbed the clerk’s clothes, shouting: “Give me back my money! Quick!”

The clerk was annoyed: “What? Want to fight?” With a wave of his hand – slap! – a loud sound, and A’Xiu’s cheek swelled red from a solid slap.

A’Xiu was stunned. Though he’d suffered humiliation from Shuning and Zai Jing, he’d never been slapped. Who would have thought he’d be bullied by a waiter?

Seeing the clerk turn away, still chatting and laughing with others, A’Xiu took a deep breath and suddenly pounced on the clerk’s back, roaring: “Want to bully me? No way!”

The clerk was furious: “Damn, isn’t this looking for death?” With a backhand grab, he threw A’Xiu straight out.

Bang! A’Xiu crashed into tables and chairs, and all the bowls and dishes fell and shattered.

This fall was quite severe – his hands and feet were all scraped. A’Xiu gritted his teeth and climbed up when suddenly someone stepped heavily on his back. A waiter bent down and said coldly: “Boy, you broke things in the shop – how will you compensate?”

He supplemented with a punch to his back, making A’Xiu scream in pain.

The earlier clerk walked over and added another vicious kick, cursing: “Stinking brat, dare to cause trouble in our shop? Tired of living?”

After several kicks, he searched A’Xiu’s pockets and said with delight: “Good boy, still have another gold ingot!”

The waiter said: “Take it. He broke the bowls and chopsticks – just right for compensation.”

A’Xiu gasped: “That’s my money… give it back, give it back…”

He tried to get up, but his back was in severe pain and his hands and feet were scraped. After several struggles, he couldn’t stand up.

A customer at a nearby table looked at him coldly: “Boy, leave quickly. This place is full of dragons and snakes. It’s not a place for you. If someone beats you to death or injury, no one will collect your corpse.”

This wasn’t wrong. In the past, A’Xiu lived in an official residence surrounded by immortals and protected by gods, like a little hero from heaven. Now demoted to the Asura realm, he suffered greatly.

He lowered his head to wipe tears and slowly stood up. Seeing a stool by his feet, he suddenly grabbed it with his backhand, his eyes showing inexplicable killing intent.

The clerk said “oh”: “What? Getting serious with grandpa?” He picked up a kitchen knife and smiled: “Come on, little bastard. See if grandpa dares kill you? Come on!”

A’Xiu’s heart jumped. Holding the stool and trembling slightly, he wanted to advance but didn’t dare, wanted to retreat but was unwilling.

The clerk mocked: “Come on, come quickly! Weren’t you quite brave? Why don’t you dare advance now? Hahaha, hahaha!”

This clerk mixed in the busy market and apparently often fought with people. Plus his build was twice A’Xiu’s size – if they fought face-to-face, he’d definitely suffer greatly.

A’Xiu knew he had no chance of winning and turned his gaze across the street, hoping someone could stand up for him. Across the street were full of officials, but they ignored him. They were probably waiting to catch the wanted criminal and were too lazy to manage children fighting.

Looking at the people in the shop, they were drinking and talking as usual, equally lively.

Seeing A’Xiu was afraid, the clerk smiled and was about to speak when a customer said irritably: “Stop provoking him. Boy, go home and drink milk early. Don’t try to be tough.”

The clerk laughed: “His mother’s quite busy – I can’t guarantee there’s milk when he gets home.”

“Hahahaha!” Everyone laughed until they fell over. A’Xiu heard his mother being humiliated and was agitated, tears almost bursting out. But he knew he couldn’t cry – crying meant losing.

At this moment, he had to try to think of a way to get justice for himself. Nothing in the world can’t be overcome by reason. A’Xiu took a deep breath and looked around the shop. Only that “Young Master Huo” seemed like a decent person. Seeing him still drinking and eating, he walked to the table and said quietly: “Big brother.”

Young Master Huo was talking with Ximen Song and, hearing the child’s words, acted as if he hadn’t heard: “So you’re saying your friend…”

A’Xiu saw he was ignoring him and reached out to shake him: “This big brother, that clerk cheated my money. Could you help me…”

The young gentleman looked back at A’Xiu, stared quietly for a moment, then backhanded a slap – crack! – giving him a big slap!

A’Xiu covered his face, feeling burning pain, and said tremblingly: “You… why did you hit me?”

Before he finished speaking, the young gentleman raised his hand again for another backhand slap, this one with extra force, making A’Xiu dizzy and crash into tables and chairs, falling to the ground.

After hitting him, the young gentleman poured wine for Ximen Song again: “Where were we just now?”

Ximen Song said: “We were talking about my friend called ‘Faceless Scholar’…”

The two continued chatting, not even glancing at the child on the ground.

A’Xiu held his cheek with his mouth agape, but understood why he was beaten. This “Young Master Huo” didn’t look down on him or dislike him – he was just swatting away a fly.

Flies buzz annoyingly, so naturally one swats them away to prevent them from getting close. Otherwise, circling around would be irritating.

A’Xiu slowly lowered his head as tears dropped down one by one. In the past, though Shuning and Zai Jing didn’t get along with him, they still treated him as someone – no one dared despise him lightly. But now he was like a roadside stone or street grass – absolutely no one would care about his life or death, and no one would stand up for him.

At this moment, besides swallowing anger and accepting fate to leave, what else could he do?

The martial world was treacherous. A’Xiu’s hands and feet were scraped and his back ached, but his heart was even more desolately cold.

He hunched his back and turned to leave when suddenly he reached out and grabbed the fire gun from in front of Young Master Huo, running wildly toward the shop exit.

“What are you doing?” Everyone was shocked and reached out to stop him. A’Xiu, being short and small, immediately crouched under the board table.

Fat Zhang roared furiously: “Stinking brat! Are you looking for death?” An axe swung over. The customers around, first because it wasn’t their business and second because they didn’t want to make enemies, all stood up to avoid it.

Bang! The board table was actually split in half. Looking for A’Xiu, he had disappeared somewhere.

This siege of the wanted criminal relied on this “Snake Fire Gun” – who would have thought it would be stolen by a troublesome child?

The young gentleman took a deep breath, instantly leaped up like a great eagle, swept across and rushed to the door to wait like a hunter for prey, when he heard Ximen Song laugh: “Brother Huo, he went through the back door.”

“Hahahaha!” The customers in the shop laughed. Fat Zhang jumped with rage and led over ten subordinates, desperately squeezing out the back door. They saw a child in the distance running wildly – who else but A’Xiu?

“Chase quickly!” Over ten people roared and all chased out. A’Xiu also gritted his teeth with only one thought – to throw away this fire gun, preferably into a stinking ditch so that fellow Huo could never find it. That would be satisfying.

He ran panting and turned a street corner, shocked to see a high wall facing him – he had run into a dead-end alley.

Just as he was trembling, he heard light sounds from the alley entrance, then a figure dropped down. That “Young Master Huo” with excellent lightness skills had already caught up from behind.

He also heard heavy footsteps as Fat Zhang, carrying double axes and panting heavily, led people to catch up.

A’Xiu was doomed. He had provoked these fierce martial world figures who killed without blinking – their martial arts were countless times higher than that clerk’s. Now with over ten people surrounding him alone, what could he do?

A’Xiu’s legs seemed filled with vinegar as he slowly reached the wall. Suddenly he lifted the small flute from his chest and blew it with all his might.

This flute was a token given by father – as long as he blew it, great help would come. But after blowing for a long time until his lips were numb, rescue troops still didn’t arrive.

A’Xiu was sweating profusely when he remembered he had already dismissed “Shuai Jinteng.” How could he manage to appear in time at this moment?

Everyone heard the flute sound low and ethereal, seeming present yet absent, and couldn’t help exclaiming: “This flute sound is quite strange.”

Young Master Huo said: “This flute sound is extremely high-pitched. Unless one has deep internal power, it can’t be heard.”

Fat Zhang was surprised: “This is indeed a rare thing.” He slowly walked up, licking his lips: “Little ghost, hand over your flute. Let grandpa have a look.”

A’Xiu’s hands trembled as he slowly handed over the flute. Fat Zhang snatched it and blew it in his mouth, laughing: “Boy, you’re quite obedient.”

A’Xiu knew his life was in danger and choked: “Don’t hit me… don’t hit me… whatever you want me to do, I’ll listen to you…”

Fat Zhang smiled: “Don’t cry, don’t cry. I won’t hit you. I just want to…” Suddenly his eyes widened as he struck down heavily, shouting sternly: “Kill you!”

Thunder roared overhead. A’Xiu screamed and fell to the ground. This palm struck the stone wall, shaking stone chips down – its power was frightening.

A’Xiu cried loudly. He had been mischievous since childhood and never listened to father’s words. Now he had finally trapped himself in a desperate situation.

He couldn’t help crying loudly: “Father! Come save A’Xiu quickly! Father! Father!”

With no way forward and pursuers behind, while great help was delayed, A’Xiu naturally cried earth-shakingly loudly.

Fat Zhang laughed: “What use is calling father? Having your mother come to keep me company might have some use.”

Just as he was about to strike again, he heard Huo Tianlong say: “Old Zhang, don’t kill him. This child is still somewhat useful.”

Fat Zhang smiled: “Oh my! Look at my poor memory – I almost forgot your master’s little quirk…”

Hearing the word “quirk,” A’Xiu was even more afraid, crying and trembling against the stone wall, wishing he could squeeze himself into it.

Fat Zhang grinned fiercely: “Boy, I advise you to behave. If I cripple you later, then…” His right hand gestured as he laughed loudly: “You won’t sell for a good price!”

Seeing Fat Zhang rushing to grab him, A’Xiu heard a loud shout and fell prone to the ground, actually drilling into the wall like a mouse. Everyone was shocked and quickly looked at the wall base to see a dog hole – he had escaped death!

Everyone looked at each other, only then remembering the fire gun was still in A’Xiu’s hands. Fat Zhang was furious and raised his battle axe to strike the wall forcefully, shouting sternly: “Stinking brat! Come out!”

Boom! Another boom! But A’Xiu had already drilled through the dog hole. Suddenly hearing a loud clang as if he’d knocked over something, he looked up quickly to see broken walls and ruins with weeds growing everywhere – he had broken into a dilapidated large mansion.

This mansion before him was gloomy and filthy, with collapsed tiles and fallen walls – not one place was intact, even more broken than a haunted house.

Looking at the courtyard, it was full of piled timber, plus several Luohan statues were erected and a large bell hung – apparently this broken house was being converted into a Buddhist temple.

After looking for a while, he suddenly heard a light sound from the wall top as a figure flew up – Young Master Huo had climbed over the wall.

A’Xiu was scared pale and crawled into the house, looking everywhere for a hiding place. Suddenly he saw a huge plaque abandoned on the ground, dirty and grimy, leaning against the wall – it could probably hide him.

He came to the plaque and was about to hide behind it when his eyes turned and he saw dusty golden characters on the plaque: “Pacifying West Grand Commander’s Mansion” – five characters.

A’Xiu was slightly stunned and thought: “Pacifying West Grand Commander?”

Hua Mei’s family also had a similar plaque – the prestigious “Five Armies Grand Commander’s Mansion.” Having seen it thousands of times since childhood, he was familiar with these characters. But who was this “Pacifying West Grand Commander”? Why had he never heard of him?

Just as he was looking, he suddenly heard a thunderous sound as the surrounding wall collapsed. He heard Fat Zhang shout: “Everyone search! Drag that little ghost out!”

A’Xiu was shocked pale. Who cared about any “Pacifying West Grand Commander”? He quickly ducked behind the plaque and was about to hide against the wall when he heard a light crack – this wall actually opened backward. Caught off guard with his center of gravity lost, he rolled down.

A’Xiu was frightened and rolled straight down. Just as he was about to cry loudly, his back tightened as someone grabbed him. A voice came to his ear: “Don’t shout.”

This voice was deep and steady with an imposing air. A’Xiu trembled with fear and quietly looked up to see a very, very high nose bridge, then a pair of eyes bright and sparkling as if hiding raging flames.

All around was gloomy, dark, and extremely damp. Vaguely, A’Xiu felt he had fallen into boundless hell.

He trembled all over with a crying voice: “You… who are you?”

The person smiled and brushed aside his messy hair. Dim light fell, revealing his forehead covered in blood-red – clearly the character “Crime.”

“Woo woo!” A’Xiu was extremely terrified, struggling with hands and feet, but the person covered his mouth and nose. He groaned miserably, both afraid and suffocated. In shock and urgency, he fainted.