Chapter 103

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Chapter 103: Visit

The weather gradually cooled, marking the arrival of a good autumn.

By now, Zhang Xiaohua had finished reading all the martial arts manuals at the Lotus Escort Agency, although he hadn’t looked at any of the saber or sword manuals. Once, after returning the last martial arts manual, Zhang Xiaohu casually picked up a sword manual. When the librarian registered the book, Zhang Xiaohu remembered that he had only asked Third Master Qu for permission to borrow fist manuals. He anxiously watched the librarian, who, surprisingly, didn’t question it and was merely puzzled about why he was borrowing only one book this time. Zhang Xiaohu breathed a sigh of relief.

However, Zhang Xiaohua didn’t seem to have the aptitude for learning sword manuals. Despite flipping through it more than ten times, he couldn’t understand the content. It puzzled him greatly since he recognized the characters and understood the sword techniques, but he just couldn’t comprehend or remember them. So, he set it aside.

After that, Zhang Xiaohu stopped borrowing books from the library, which surprised the busy librarian, who found the now leisurely days quite unsettling.

Zhang Xiaohua spent most of his time studying with Li Jinfeng, only closing his eyes to recall his martial arts techniques in the evenings.

One day, Zhang Xiaohua was sitting on the kang, idly flipping through some books Li Jinfeng had brought him. Just as he was engrossed, Zhang Xiaohu pushed the door open and entered.

Zhang Xiaohua joyfully asked: “Second brother, why are you back so early today?”

Zhang Xiaohu smiled somewhat awkwardly and said: “I practiced martial arts all morning at the martial arts hall and got a bit tired. Besides…”

He hesitated at this point.

Zhang Xiaohua found it odd that his second brother wasn’t continuing and asked: “What’s the matter, Second Brother? Is something wrong at the martial arts hall?”

Zhang Xiaohu looked down and thought for a moment before saying: “Well, Xiaohua, the martial arts hall plans to teach me internal energy cultivation techniques tomorrow, so they let me come back early today to rest and prepare.”

Zhang Xiaohua was thrilled and almost jumped off the kang. He exclaimed: “That’s great, Second Brother! I didn’t expect the Martial Arts Hall to teach you internal energy cultivation techniques so soon. Congratulations! I thought it would take a few more years. Hahaha, once you learn it, you can teach me too. Then I can also learn internal energy techniques. Let Yu Lun envy me. I’m Super Xiaohua~”

Before Zhang Xiaohua could finish celebrating, he suddenly thought of Zhang Xiaohu’s expression when he entered the room. Immediately, he realized that things might not be as simple as he thought, there seemed to be a problem.

Sure enough, Zhang Xiaohu’s face showed no sign of joy.

Confused, Zhang Xiaohua asked: “Second brother, what’s going on? Maybe you can’t teach me?”

Zhang Xiaohu nodded affirmatively and said: “Yes, Xiaohua. Today, Third Master Qu told me about teaching me the internal energy cultivation techniques tomorrow. I asked him if I could teach you once I learned it. But Third Master Qu said that these internal energy techniques are a closely guarded secret of the Lotus Escort Agency. Only those who are part of the agency and have special permission can learn them. Although there are many people practicing at the Martial Arts Hall, very few get Third Master Qu’s approval to learn internal energy techniques. Hehe, you don’t know Xiaohua, Third Master Qu even hinted that I should join his faction. I don’t even know who runs this escort agency or what factions exist within it, so it doesn’t matter to me. Of course, I agreed. They say it’s good to lean against a big tree for shade, so I’m not foolish enough to refuse this olive branch.”

Zhang Xiaohua felt disappointed and pouted, saying: “What kind of secret technique is so secretive? How about this, Second Brother, you can secretly teach me, and I won’t tell anyone. How about it?”

Zhang Xiaohu smiled wryly and said: “If it were that simple, it would be great. Third Master Qu also said that internal energy techniques are not like martial arts such as fist or sword techniques. Practicing internal energy isn’t something that can be accomplished overnight. Only when one reaches a very profound level can one be qualified to teach others. If I were to teach you right after I start practicing, it would actually harm you and could even lead to serious problems like qi deviation. By the time I’m proficient enough to teach you, you might already have other opportunities. I think what Third Master Qu said makes a lot of sense, don’t you think, Xiaohua?”

Zhang Xiaohua shrugged and said: “Second Brother, how would I know? I’ve never practiced internal energy before. Oh well, if you can’t teach me, then so be it. I’m not really that keen on this internal energy stuff. I haven’t even mastered my fist techniques yet. I’ll focus on perfecting my martial technique first before thinking about anything else.”

Zhang Xiaohu was a bit skeptical and asked, “Are you really not going to pester me to teach you anymore?”

Zhang Xiaohua laughed and said: “I’ve really given up. But you have to share your insights from your practice with me, alright?”

Zhang Xiaohu touched his chin and said: “Well, Third Master Qu didn’t mention anything about that, so I suppose it’s okay.”

Zhang Xiaohua clapped his hands and said: “It’s settled then. I want to see who will be better at learning internal energy techniques in the future, you or me.”

Zhang Xiaohu felt a pang of sadness in his heart and said: “Of course, you’ll be better. I have a feeling about it.”

In truth, Master Qu San had said some things that Zhang Xiaohu hadn’t told Zhang Xiaohua. Zhang Xiaohua’s right hand was already crippled. Not only could he not do heavy work or carry heavy objects, but the meridians in his hand might also have been destroyed. Without the meridians in his hand, how could there be a complete internal energy flow? In other words, Zhang Xiaohua might not be able to practice any internal energy techniques at all in the future.

So, every day, aside from practicing martial arts, Zhang Xiaohu spent most of his time sitting cross-legged on the kang, with his five centers facing the sky, practicing the internal energy cultivation method. Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaohua, watching his brother in this position, found it both amusing and curious. Could this Clay Bodhisattava-like posture really be how one cultivated internal energy? It seemed extremely strange. However, he knew that Zhang Xiaohu was just a beginner and wouldn’t be able to explain much, so he kept quiet and watched carefully, afraid of making any noise that might disturb his second brother.

Actually, the practice of internal energy emphasizes tranquility, as stillness within oneself can generate movement and produce internal energy. Generally, beginners use special meditation rooms to practice. Zhang Xiaohu also used a meditation room while at the martial arts hall. Although he knew practicing at home was less suitable, he was a diligent person who never wasted a moment. Since there was no room for further improvement in his martial arts, he naturally turned his efforts to practicing internal energy techniques. Fortunately, Zhang Xiaohua was injured and not very mobile, and he knew not to disturb his brother, so nothing untoward happened.

One day, Zhang Xiaohu went to the martial arts hall, and Zhang Xiaohua was left alone in the room. He was sitting idly on the kang when someone knocked on the door. When the person entered, it was Teacher Li Jinfeng.

Li Jinfeng entered the room with a cheerful smile, carrying some books. He had been busy with his own studies and hadn’t visited for a while. He first asked about Zhang Xiaohua’s injury and was pleased to hear that it had greatly improved. Then, they chatted about the books Li Jinfeng had left last time. Zhang Xiaohua had read them thoroughly and had many questions, leading to a lively discussion and even some heated debates.

As they were talking, someone else knocked on the door. Zhang Xiaohua found it surprising, as it was rare for anyone to visit his second brother’s room. He raised his voice and called out: “Come in.”

However, the door did not open, and no one entered. Zhang Xiaohua found this even more curious. Who was it? He called out again: “There’s someone here, come in.”

Still, no one entered.

Li Jinfeng glanced at Zhang Xiaohua, then walked to the door and opened it. He saw a young woman standing outside. Bowing slightly, he asked: “Miss, who are you looking for?”

The young woman responded curiously: “Did I come to the wrong place? Is this where Zhang Xiaohu lives?”

Li Jinfeng quickly replied: “You’re at the right place, Miss. This is where Zhang Xiaohu lives, but he’s not here at the moment.”

“Oh, I see.” The young woman relaxed and said: “Is his brother, Zhang Xiaohua, here? I’m from Huanxi Villa, and I came to check on him.”

Li Jinfeng replied: “Yes, Zhang Xiaohua is here, sitting on the kang. He’s injured, and the doctor advised that this is a critical recovery period, so he’s staying in bed as much as possible. Please, come in.”

The young woman asked, “Was that voice just now Zhang Xiaohua’s?”

Li Jinfeng said puzzled: “Yes, it was him who invited you in. Didn’t you hear him speak?”

The woman said: “The voice didn’t sound quite right.”

Li Jinfeng then invited her into the room. As she entered, Zhang Xiaohua recognized her and was extremely happy. He called out: “Big Sister Qiu Tong, why are you here?”

With that, he was about to jump off the kang.

[TL_Note: a traditional heated brick bed]

Qiu Tong quickly stepped forward and pressed down on his shoulders, saying: “Zhang Xiaohua, stay on the kang. Didn’t your friend say the doctor advised you not to move? Sit down quickly.”

Zhang Xiaohua cheerfully replied: “It’s okay, Sister Qiu Tong. I’ve been playing off the kang for several days. But the doctor saw me and said that this was the critical final period, so I must be very careful not to move the bones and undo all the progress. That’s why I’m staying on the kang. Look, I’m fine.”

As he spoke, he was about to wave his arms around, but Li Jinfeng quickly ran over and held him down, saying: “Don’t be reckless. You can play in a few days.”

Seeing that both of them were concerned about him, Zhang Xiaohua laughed and sat back down on the kang. He then said to Qiu Tong: “Big Sister Qiu Tong, this is my enlightenment teacher, Li Jinfeng.”

Qiu Tong looked puzzled and asked: “Enlightenment teacher?”

Li Jinfeng blushed and said: “Miss Qiu Tong, don’t listen to Zhang Xiaohua’s nonsense. I’m just a scholar who came to Pingyang City with him and his brother. We became fast friends. Recently, I came to see him because of his injury and to help him with his studies.”

He then briefly explained how he had been teaching Zhang Xiaohua to read and concluded: “It’s nothing much. Zhang Xiaohua is very smart, and it was just a small effort on my part. I wouldn’t call myself an enlightenment teacher.”

Qiu Tong listened with delight and said: “If you are teaching Xiaohua to read, then you are indeed his enlightenment teacher. But if you see him as a younger brother and he calls you ‘Big Brother Li’, that’s perfectly fine too. By the way, Zhang Xiaohua, you can write now? That’s very impressive! Once you’re fully recovered, you must write something for your big sister to see.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua immediately tried to get up, saying: “I can write with my left hand, Big Sister Qiu Tong. I can write something for you right now.”

When Qiu Tong heard this, she was surprised to learn that he was using his left hand.

She quickly said: “No need to rush, we can wait until later.”

But Zhang Xiaohua, eager to show off his new skill, insisted on writing right away. Li Jinfeng brought the ink and brush to the kang, and Zhang Xiaohua wrote a few characters. To Qiu Tong’s surprise and delight, his handwriting was indeed as good as Li Jinfeng had praised. Which made Qiu Tong very happy for Zhang Xiaohua and constantly praised him.

Zhang Xiaohua smiled even more happily.

After discussing recent events, Qiu Tong explained the purpose of her visit: “A few months ago, Uncle Qu sent someone to inform the villa master that you were injured at the escort agency and needed to stay there to recuperate. I wanted to bring you back to the villa to recover, as the escort agency is full of men who might not know how to take care of you properly. But the villa master said you are also a member of the escort agency, and with your brother here, it would be more comforting for you to stay. Moreover, it might worry your brother if you move to the villa. So, the master decided not to bring you back. Then, I had to travel to the south for some matters and recently returned. Seeing that you hadn’t returned to the villa, I decided to visit you while taking care of some business in Pingyang City. Since your condition has greatly improved, it’s better for you to fully recover here before coming back to the villa.”

Zhang Xiaohua, feeling embarrassed, said: “Big Sister Qiu Tong, and the Villa Master Big Sister too, you are all so kind to me. I only worked at the villa for a month before I had to stop and rest here to heal. I must have delayed all the work at the villa. I’m really sorry for causing you all this trouble.”

Qiutong smiled and replied: “It’s no trouble at all. We all see you as our dear little brother. Although the villa master hasn’t met you yet, she’s a kind-hearted and good person. Given your young age and the fact that you’re injured, how could she blame you? Besides, Liu Er returned a month after you got injured, so you haven’t really delayed anything at the villa.”

“Ah?” Zhang Xiaohua exclaimed: “Liu Er came back, then… Does that mean I can’t go back to the villa? You wouldn’t want anymore, would you?”

Qiu Tong laughed: “Of course not, Xiaohua. Uncle Qu has already spoken to the villa master. You will stay at Huanxi Manor from now on and won’t need to go anywhere else. There are many tasks at the manor. Even if you don’t do Liu Er’s work, there are plenty of other things you can do. The villa master would never abandon you.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua patted his chest and said: “What a relief! If no one wanted me because of my injury, that would be a huge loss. Lucky, lucky.”

Qiu Tong glanced at Li Jinfeng and said: “You should also thank your Big Brother Li here. You’ve come a long way from before. You can read, and write, and your handwriting is excellent. You could live well anywhere with those skills. But, of course, it’s better to stay at the villa under the master’s protection than being outside. The villa master would be very happy to know you can read and write. So, you should thank your enlightenment teacher here properly.”

Zhang Xiaohua said seriously: “Big Sister Qiutong is right. Big Brother Li is really good to me, and I have no words to express my gratitude. It’s just that I can’t repay him now, I’ll have to wait until later.”

Li Jinfeng waved it off, saying: “Xiaohua, there’s no need for such formality. Being able to teach you is already fulfilling my desire to be a mentor. Having the chance to show off a bit of the prestige of being a teacher in front of others is an opportunity you’ve given me. I don’t need to thank you, and you don’t need to thank me. Let’s not mention the word “repay” in the future.”

Qiu Tong looked at Li Jinfeng, feeling that what he said was somewhat interesting and was not like the petty and vulgar people she usually encountered.

Then, she said to Zhang Xiaohua: “Xiaohua, I just haven’t seen you for a few months, how come your voice has changed so much? It used to be a bit delicate, but now it’s somewhat hoarse and deep. Could it be that the injury or internal wounds haven’t healed properly?”

Zhang Xiaohua was taken aback, raised his head, and carefully vocalized, “Eh, eh, ah, ah~”, and then said puzzled: “There hasn’t been much change, Big Sister Qiu Tong.”

Qiu Tong smiled and said: “If there hasn’t been any change, then how come I couldn’t recognize it when I was outside the room just now?”

Zhang Xiaohua scratched his head and said: “The doctor at the clinic didn’t mention any internal injuries. According to Yu Deyi, his internal energy didn’t enter my meridians, it only injured my fist.”

At this moment, Li Jinfeng interjected: “Miss Qiu Tong, young people’s voices often change during their teenage years. The previous one can be called a child’s voice, which can be sharp and high-pitched. Xiaohua’s voice is now transitioning into something a bit hoarse. After this period, the voice will stabilize and won’t be as high-pitched as before. However, Xiaohua’s voice still sounds quite good, quite magnetic.”

Qiu Tong smiled and said: “Mr. Li, you truly have a vast amount of knowledge to know all this.”

Li Jinfeng blushed slightly as he modestly replied: “These are things I read in books. I’ve only dabbled a bit, and by applying it practically, I’ve come to understand it. I don’t dare to take credit.”

Seeing his humble demeanor, Qiu Tong’s impression of him improved even more.

Then, Qiu Tong asked: “Xiaohua, when do you think your injury will heal? I’ll calculate the time and I can pick you up the next time I come to Pingyang City for business.”

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and said: “Actually, I could go back now, but I don’t think the doctors at the escort agency would agree. I think it should be fine in about ten days.”

After hearing this, Qiu Tong responded cheerfully: “Alright, I’ll come to pick you up in ten days. Anyway, there are plenty of things to do in Pingyang City for the villa. Even if I don’t come, I’ll send someone else.”

Li Jinfeng then said: “Miss Qiu Tong, Xiaohua’s injury might not be fully healed by then. Why not wait until he’s fully recovered, and I, along with his older brother, can escort him there? That way, you won’t have to worry about coming to pick him up.”

Qiu Tong thought this made sense and said: “Alright then. If I can come in ten days, I will come to pick him up. If not, you can send Xiaohua over and check out the environment at the villa, so you don’t have to worry about Xiaohua.”

After finishing the conversation, Qiu Tong said a few more words and then took her leave. Zhang Xiaohua insisted on getting out of bed to see her to the door and watched reluctantly as she turned down the corridor.

After Qiu Tong had walked away and was no longer in sight, Zhang Xiaohua turned and went back into the room.

Once inside, he noticed that Li Jinfeng had not followed him in. Looking back, he saw Li Jinfeng still standing dazedly, staring at the empty corridor as if lost in thought. Zhang Xiaohua called out: “Big Brother Li, what are you doing? Did you run into someone you know again?”

Li Jinfeng then turned around and, smiling at Zhang Xiaohua, replied: “Who could I possibly know here? The escort agency is filled with martial artists, and there are very few who would take notice of a weak scholar like me. I don’t have any friends here.”

As he spoke, Li Jinfeng helped Zhang Xiaohua with his right hand, carefully assisting him back onto the bed.