Chapter 22
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Chapter 22: Hidden Meaning
Situ Ping responded: “Compared to small gangs like our Evil Tiger Gang, the difference is like heaven and earth.”
Wan Chengjiu replied: “Then, how about I have our sect elder, Yun Feng, take you as his disciple? Once we’re family, the Evil Tiger Gang and the Ten Thousand Swords Peak can live in harmony. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Situ Ping showed a joyful expression on her face, but her heart was filled with bitterness. Normally, if she had such an opportunity before, she would have been overjoyed and readily agreed without hesitation. However, at this moment, she had more to consider. Getting involved in the highly confidential sect affairs of the Ten Thousand Swords Peak meant they wouldn’t easily let her leak information. Yet Wan Chengjiu’s blatant seizure of her treasure left her deeply disheartened. Joining their sect would mean the Evil Tiger Gang would naturally belong to the Ten Thousand Swords Peak. Although the Evil Tiger Gang wasn’t large, it was still her possession. Now, giving it to someone else made her feel resentful.
However, Wan Chengjiu’s following words somewhat reassured her: “Gang Master Situ, if you join our sect when you have accomplished such a great achievement, you can choose suitable advanced martial arts from our sect’s classics for further study. With this, you’ll surely advance even further and join the ranks of the top experts in the martial world.”
After weighing her options for a moment, Situ Ping knelt down and bowed deeply to Wan Chengjiu, saying: “I pay my respects to Sword Master Senior Uncle.”
Wan Chengjiu chuckled and helped her up, saying: “Good niece, rise for now. In a few days, we’ll choose an auspicious day for you to apprentice under Elder Yun formally. Come, Xiangyang, greet your Senior Sister Situ.”
Ma Xiangyang stepped forward as instructed and respectfully greeted: “Greetings, Senior Sister.”
Situ Ping returned the gesture, saying: “Greetings, Junior Brother.”
In the council chamber of the Ten Thousand Swords Peak, the atmosphere was harmonious, and all matters were settled.
Not to mention the bloodshed and intrigues of the Jianghu, at the Zhang family’s small courtyard in Guo Village, peace and warmth prevailed.
The afternoon sunlight was brilliant, even in winter, it felt warm. In the courtyard of the Zhang family, led by Zhang Cai, everyone basked in the sun. The winter downtime was the favorite time for farmers, there was no need to rise early for work, and the women usually busy around the kitchen stove could join in the conversation with their men. Watching her family lazily enjoying themselves, Guo Sufei felt deeply content, especially with Liu Qian, who was adept at household chores, by her side.
Liu Qian had arrived at the Zhang family’s home just a few days ago.
Guo Sufei hadn’t expected Liu Qian to arrive so quickly. She had thought it would be after the New Year, perhaps during the spring plowing season. When Liu Qian came yesterday at noon, Guo Sufei was busy tending to several injured family members. As soon as Liu Qian entered the door, she greeted everyone and immediately helped Guo Sufei with the chores. She left Butcher Liu, who had escorted her, to chat with Zhang Cai. This instantly made Guo Sufei feel much more relaxed, and many household matters became well-organized. Moreover, Liu Qian had brought pork belly for Zhang Xiaohua and plenty of snacks for his grandmother. This brought smiles to both of their faces. Although her grandmother couldn’t see anymore, she held Liu Qian’s hand and kept praising her, making Liu Qian blush.
Liu Yueyue hadn’t come, and Butcher Liu felt awkward explaining. He mentioned that there were matters at home that needed attending to, and with Liu Qian’s arrival, there was also a need for someone to look after their family. Zhang Cai and Guo Sufei didn’t mind at all. They reassured Butcher Liu, saying: “Every home has its own business, and everyone plays an important role. As long as the children have good intentions, that’s what counts.” This helped ease Butcher Liu’s embarrassment a bit.
However, Butcher Liu’s embarrassment was soon forgotten by lunchtime. When Zhang Xiaohua returned with liquor from outside, Butcher Liu promptly pulled Zhang Cai aside to drink. He had already put the matter behind him.
As Butcher Liu left, he kept instructing and asking Liu Qian to take care. He also entrusted Guo Sufei’s family to take good care of Liu Qian. Guo Sufei thought to herself: “Does he even need to say that? If we don’t take good care of her, how can we expect her to stay?”
Since Liu Qian’s arrival, not only did Guo Sufei feel a sense of relief and no longer rushed around, but other family members also sensed a change in the atmosphere at home. It wasn’t just the small changes in the environment inside and outside the house that brought freshness or the different cooking methods that opened up their appetites. Simply having such a beautiful and graceful girl join their large family brought joy to everyone’s hearts.
Although just one day couldn’t signify much, this beginning allowed the Zhang family a taste of the sweet life.
The exclusive healing medicine from the Piaomiao Sect proved to be remarkably effective. In just a few days, Zhang Xiaohu’s external wounds had mostly scarred over, leaving only some discomfort in his bones and organs. Zhang Cai still needed a cane, but his external wounds, like Xiaohu’s, had also scarred over. Zhang Xiaohua, on the other hand, was lively as ever, running around with a wooden stick every day, practicing what seemed to be martial arts, though in a rather unconventional manner resembling more a wild beast.
The most unfortunate one, Zhang Xiaolong, now seemed to be the happiest. His internal and external injuries were more severe than the others, and although he was just beginning to show some improvement, his arm was still in bad shape. It would be a while before it could be fixed, and even longer until the next dressing change. What made Xiaohu and Xiaohua envious, however, was that whenever Xiaolong needed anything, like meals, it was Liu Qian who fed him. While it used to be Guo Sufei and Xiaohua feeding him, they stepped aside when Liu Qian arrived. The first time Liu Qian fed him, both Xiaolong and Liu Qian blushed deeply and felt awkward, making the food grow cold by the time they finished. However, Liu Qian quickly adapted to her role, being open and confident. Seeing Liu Qian’s ease, Xiaolong figured she must have taken care of her father and brother at home, so he felt there was no need for him to be overly reserved. Soon enough, they became accustomed to each other.
Farmers have their own simplicity and masculinity. Although Zhang Xiaolong hadn’t read many books and didn’t know many characters, and his appearance was plain and ordinary, his inherent temperament, and steady demeanor, deeply attracted Liu Qian. She admired him greatly, feeling that Xiaolong was like an unpolished gemstone. Born into a poor family and untouched by refinement, it was divine will that she could meet such a person.
Zhang Xiaolong couldn’t help but feel even more amazed. Liu Qian, with her graceful and charming demeanor, possessed both the simplicity and practicality of rural life and the refined manners of a cultured woman. From efficiently managing household chores to her graceful demeanor in social interactions, everything about her filled Zhang Xiaolong with admiration. He had never imagined encountering such an outstanding girl in his many years of living in the countryside. At this moment, he felt like he was living in heaven, wishing that his injuries could heal in the blink of an eye so that he could spend countless years with this girl who had already engraved herself into his heart, growing old together with her.
In short, Zhang Xiaolong and Liu Qian were drawn together by mutual affection, like magnets irresistibly attracted to each other.
Zhang Cai and Guo Sufei observed all of this, holding their thoughts close to their hearts. Although their son had his own merits and strengths, they couldn’t overlook the fact that Liu Qian came from a scholarly family. Her perspective naturally differed from that of ordinary rural folk. Their son barely knew a few characters, how could he compare with Liu Qian’s vast knowledge? Moreover, although Mr. Liu lived in the countryside, their family was well-off. According to Zhang Xiaohua’s description, their lifestyle far surpassed their own.
The disparity in social status would be a significant obstacle. Even if the girl were willing, her father and older brother would likely not approve of a match with someone from such a different background. It was indeed a difficult situation. How could they subtly gauge the girl’s feelings?
As the afternoon sun lazily streamed through, although it made one feel sleepy, Guo Sufei was busy with her needlework, pondering quietly to herself. How could she subtly inquire about the young lady’s thoughts without leaving a trace? Just then, the grandmother spoke up: “Sufei, I remember Xiaolong is nineteen this year, right?”
Guo Sufei replied: “Yes, Grandma, he turned twenty after the New Year.”
Grandmother asked again: “Not long ago, you mentioned finding a wife for Xiaolong. Why haven’t I heard anything about it recently?”
Guo Sufei, upon hearing this, felt delighted in her heart. It was like feeling drowsy on one side and having someone bring a pillow to you. True, her own mother couldn’t see clearly, but her heart was bright indeed. She quickly continued: “Well, Grandma, it’s like this. Before the New Year, Zhang Cai and I had this idea. We scoured through all the neighboring villages and towns, looking at every girl around. But the ones we liked weren’t interested, and the ones interested didn’t seem suitable. We haven’t found a suitable match for Xiaolong yet. Then this incident happened during the New Year, and we lost our enthusiasm. When the weather warms up and Xiaolong’s injuries heal, we’ll search again diligently. We’ll find a good daughter-in-law who satisfies our family.”
After finishing her explanation, Guo Sufei didn’t even glance at Zhang Xiaolong, who was looking at her with a ‘pitiful’ gaze. She pretended not to care and said: “Let Qianqian, this female scholar, who is still in our home, take a look and evaluate too.”
Who was Liu Qian? With her keen perception, she had long caught onto the hidden meaning behind Guo Sufei’s words. Liu Qian blushed instantly but didn’t know how to respond, so she just lowered her head and remained silent.
Grandmother, however, had no intention of letting it go. She continued: “Then you better hurry up. Look for someone who resembles Qianqian. These days, with Qianqian taking care of Xiaolong, even I, an old woman, have benefited from it. This child has a good heart and is meticulous. I might not be able to see, but I imagine she must be quite charming. Sufei, if you find a daughter-in-law who is not as good as Qianqian, I won’t be pleased.”
Oh, she was being too straightforward! Liu Qian’s face blushed fiercely. Unable to endure it, she stood up and hurried into the house. On the other side, Zhang Xiaolong became anxious, his face flushed. “Grandma, Mom, look at what you’re saying~ You scared her away.” His eyes glanced towards the house, showing concern. If it weren’t for his injuries, he would have chased after her already.
Only Zhang Xiaohua sat on his small stool, looking up in admiration at his blind grandmother. Truly, old ginger is spicier than young ginger. Just a few days ago, he had confided in his grandmother about his eldest brother and Big Sister Liu Qian’s affair, and now his grandmother skillfully brought it up. It seemed like there was a chance for the sister-in-law.
In fact, Guo Sufei found it quite strange herself. Her own mother had always been very composed since she could remember. Bringing up this matter today was indeed effective in gauging the girl’s attitude, but it was also quite rash. It didn’t quite match her mother’s usual style. According to her original plan, they should have waited another ten days or so before taking a closer look.
