Chapter 4: Who Benefits from Whom

She gently set down the broom and was about to pass through the side door to return to the backyard's Vermilion Bird Courtyard. Suddenly, she heard the door creak.

Si Tian walked lightly to the right wing of the house, a mud-brick structure with poor lighting; even during the day, the room was shrouded in a dim yellow hue

Shang Yu glared, exclaiming: "What are you laughing at? This is a rule set by the master; do you think I want this? One by one, you all come to take advantage of me!" His handsome sword-like eyebrows were furrowed together, and his indignant appearance was quite comical, as if he were the one who had been wronged.

On her second ascent of the heavenly stone steps, she felt a slight sense of confidence and was particularly attentive, hoping to catch a glimpse of her purple pouch somewhere on the steps. Unfortunately, despite her wide-eyed search, there was still no sign of it. By the time she gasped her way to the last step, it seemed that the two bowls of thin porridge she had eaten earlier were already gone. She longed to muster the strength to walk through the mountain gate, but her entire body felt weak, as if taking another step would leave her breathless. She sat down right outside the mountain gate, not even wanting to move a finger.

Aunt Yang smiled and said, "There is no need to mention that; in the past, your mother sent me countless pieces of clothing"

Aunt Yang stood frozen, holding the kitchen knife in her hand, her eyes wide open like the large green beans on the cutting board

Aunt Yang smiled happily: "That's great, now you have the money for your mother's medicine. The Seven Forces Gate is truly wealthy; can you see any apprentice in the city who can earn this much? Iron Bull at Blacksmith Zhao's only makes ten wen a month. You are really lucky; I have lived at the foot of this mountain for nearly ten years and have never heard of them taking in apprentices, and they only accept female apprentices."

After chatting casually with Aunt Yang for a while, the simple meal was also prepared

Mother, I am leaving. I will come down the mountain to see you when I have time

Aunt Yang served the rice and said, "Go call your mother to eat."

After a moment of silence, the woman's voice softened: "Elder brother, please be kind and make an exception. The master is not here, so could you just pretend you didn't see me resting?"

A clay bed, with a half-worn cotton quilt adorned with red peony flowers that have faded and dulled with age, resembling the pallor of a mother's face. No one would have imagined that twenty years ago, the renowned Xi Ran from the eastern capital of Luoyang now lies on a clay bed in the countryside, as haggard as a withered flower in the wind

It seemed that someone was speaking inside the mountain gate, and she stood up and walked in.

Shang Yu's voice, as usual, was cold and impatient: "You don't believe it? Then you can go back."

She quickened her pace and ran to the kitchen first

This was the third time she met him today. Since she had already been left at Qishi Gate by him and had seen his amiable side during her leave, she no longer felt as anxious and fearful as she did the first time. She calmly met his gaze, her expression clear and steady, like a stream that remains undisturbed by the winds and storms, flowing gently and quietly

The girl's accent is a bit strange, as she pronounces the three characters "登徒子" as "蹬兔子".

Si Tian appeared somewhat reserved, sitting only on half of the chair, with her hands resting lightly on her knees

Aunt Yang's eyes were reddened from the smoke. As she turned around and saw her, she immediately smiled and said: "Ah Qian is back. Your mother just went to sleep; I will call her when the meal is ready"

Brother, these steps are so high, so steep, and so numerous; I do not believe anyone can keep walking up without resting

Si Tian smiled and said: "The Seven Forces Gate is only accepting female disciples this time, and there is another condition that they must have a basic understanding of medical principles. Brother Tie Niu cannot go, as he has been by the river for half a day already."

She was eager to laugh, when suddenly, Shang Yu appeared by the door. She immediately bit her lip and looked at him "seriously".

Indeed, I only heard Shang Yu say: "Alright, come over and kiss me, and I will pretend I didn't see it"

The tranquility of the Seven Forces Gate was beyond her expectations. Is it truly the case that such a prestigious establishment as the Seven Forces Gate has only a handful of people? Then why does the reputation of the Seven Forces Gate soar in Daliang, commanding such respect? Moreover, Shao Pei's method of accepting disciples seems rather straightforward, lacking even the customary initiation rites. His approach is indeed quite unique, much like the man himself, shrouded in mystery.

Shao Peichun's lips curled slightly, accompanied by a hint of admiration: "Firstly, you are quite patient; secondly, you are sufficiently honest; and thirdly, well, you kissed Shang Yu"

He was very pleased with her reaction. When Lin Xiyan heard the last sentence, her eyebrows twitched slightly, seemingly surprised and unwilling. However, she showed no change in expression, her eyes remained as clear and transparent as amber.

Xi Ran smiled bitterly in helplessness, looking at her emaciated daughter with heartache. After the family change, it seemed as if she had grown up overnight. She was the only reason that kept her going until now

Si Tian supported her as they arrived in the outer room, where Aunt Yang had already prepared the meal. A bowl of thin porridge, a plate of green vegetables, and a boiled egg were laid out.

Shang Yu cast a glance at her, his brows furrowing slightly, and let out a huff: "Go, clean the entrance of the mountain thoroughly." As he spoke, he closed the mountain gate and left leisurely and gracefully, glancing back at her with a hint of threat in his gaze

Si Tian gently shook her head, wondering why she did not need to know; she only needed to know the result. In a complex situation, knowing too much and probing too deeply can actually dig a pit for oneself. Beneath the lush grass lies a flat and picturesque scene, perhaps on that day she would step right into it, shattering all the superficial brilliance.

She felt very awkward; although it was unintentional, it seemed as if she were eavesdropping on others, unsure whether to step back a little or to remain here.

Hastily finishing her meal, Si Tian handed three or two silver coins to her mother. "Mother, you must take your medicine properly. I will have ten silver coins every month from now on. I live on the mountain, so if you have any issues, please ask Brother Tie Niu to come find me on the mountain." As she spoke, she felt uneasy and said to Aunt Yang, "Aunt Yang, when Doctor Zhou comes, you must remember to let him use good medicine."

This is fine

Xi Ran was sleeping lightly and immediately opened her eyes

Si Tian responded and stepped into the room

Is that so? It would be good for you to learn some martial arts. Kind people are often taken advantage of. Mother only realized this too late, which is why we have fallen into such a predicament, and it has also implicated you

Shao Pei stood at the door and said softly, "Si Tian, come here."

Aunt Yang's chimney has already begun to emit blue smoke, blooming with the essence of human life against the vast sky. The green mountains serve as the best backdrop for the cooking smoke, as if money is the finest complement to wealth. She took a deep breath, as if she could already smell the aroma of the dishes. Now, even simple tea and plain rice can bring out a delightful flavor for her

She smiled and said, "Aunt Yang, once I get it, I will definitely let you see it, and I also want to give you some. Thank you so much for taking us in."

I got closer and heard a girl's voice

Si Tian exited his study, gently closing the door as before, and walked through the corridor to the backyard

Two little birds chirped and flew, chasing and playing, just like when she was young with Xiao An. The past resembles an ink wash painting, weathered by the winds and rains of time, its colors faded, yet the stroke belonging to Xiao An grows increasingly vivid, like a sharp blade suddenly protruding from the canvas, piercing the heart with pain

Si Tian's face turned even redder, as if the scene playing out inside the door was exactly the one between him and Shang Yu that morning. He was being too excessive; wasn't this a case of using public office for private gain, taking advantage of the situation?

Aunt Yang was indeed bending over to cook. At her feet was a feathered chicken, looking up and waiting for the tea leaves to fall from Aunt Yang's cutting board.

Shao Pei poured a cup of tea, took a couple of sips, and then nodded to indicate that Si Tian should sit down in the chair

In the last sentence, Si Tian immediately turned red upon hearing it. Shao Pei seemingly ignored her embarrassment, did not provide a detailed explanation, and continued, "I have important matters to attend to and will be leaving the mountain for a month. As a Zhuque, you do not need to force yourself to be strong in martial arts; learning one technique from our school will suffice. Starting tomorrow, I will have Shang Yu teach you and Lin Xiyan. When I return in a month, I hope both you and Lin Xiyan will have learned it, and then we can begin studying medical principles"

Shao Pei was very pleased with her calmness and composure, her youthful face elegant like quiet snow, serene like a new moon, akin to a clear spring waiting for the clouds to pass and the sky to turn blue. In her, there was none of the awkwardness and naivety typically seen in a fourteen-year-old girl

Si Tian felt a pang in her eyes, and she quickly tilted her head back, straining to keep her eyes wide open, forcing the moisture back. She took a deep breath, lowered her head, gently nudged her mother's shoulder, and softly called out: "Mother, it's time to eat"

Si Tian smiled apologetically and said, "Yes."

In the midst of hesitation, a sharp reprimand was heard: "Deng Tuzi!" Then, a girl rushed out from the mountain gate, her face flushed with embarrassment, not even looking where she was going, nearly colliding head-on with him.

Si Tian felt a pang in her heart; her mother had never spoken like this before. She took her mother's bowl again, placed the egg yolk into it, stirred it carefully, and set it in front of Xi Ran

Si Tian glanced at it and saw only four characters: Recruitment of disciples has ended

Shao Pei's gaze was calm and profound, still possessing a chilling brilliance that could captivate the soul with its clarity; a mere casual glance could evoke a sense of coldness.

Aunt Yang smiled enviously: "Having a daughter is wonderful, so considerate. My son, on the other hand, has no idea where he is every day."

Si Tian stopped outside the door, her face flushed. ... She said the same thing, and then, ...

She had no choice but to find a broom in the corner of the courtyard and carefully sweep the seven layers of the courtyard.

This sect has four factions: Qinglong, Baihu, Xuanwu, and Zhuque. Qinglong, Baihu, and Xuanwu are required to study martial arts, weaponry, and hidden weapons, while Zhuque does not study martial arts but must be proficient in medical theory and also have some knowledge of poison-making

My goodness, I have never seen so much silver in my entire life

Xi Ran looked at her daughter, a phrase lodged in her throat, yet she could not bring herself to say it. Instead, she gently stroked her head and smiled, saying: "Alright. Once I recover from my illness, we will return to Luoyang"

Si Tian peeled the eggs and placed them in her mother's bowl. Xi Ran sighed, then picked out the egg yolks and put them in her daughter's bowl, saying softly, "I choke on the yolks as soon as I eat them, you have them."

Si Tian felt a pang in her heart. Aunt Yang used to be a worker for her family, earning merely eighty wen a month. However, one thousand taels of silver, which previously represented only half a year's income for her family from the embroidery and rouge shops, now constituted a vast fortune, requiring her to exchange three years of freedom for it. Yet, she already considered herself fortunate, reflecting on those women in the brothels who exhausted their youth, forced smiles on their faces, and ultimately ended up with only a few taels of silver in hand

Si Tian looked at him, quietly waiting for him to continue speaking

I went to the Seven Gates on the mountain. Yesterday, I heard from Brother Tieniu next door that they were accepting disciples. Mother, I have already been accepted.

Si Tian was also filled with joy and could not help but say, "Once I complete my studies, I have heard that I can receive one thousand taels of silver"

Mother, do not overthink; it is important to take good care of your health

He interrupted his own topic and, unable to restrain himself, asked: "Do you know why I kept you?"

Si Tian smiled, the past has become so distant that it feels as if it belongs to someone else’s story. When recalling it, one can only feel a sense of bewilderment

One thousand taels

When she reached the seventh courtyard, she was particularly cautious. This was Shao Pei's study and residence; he seemed to be a person who loved tranquility, and she was afraid of disturbing him, so she tiptoed and made every effort to remain silent

Xi Ran slowly sat up: "Has Tie Niu left? If he were here, it would be reassuring."

He coldly affixed a large notice to the mountain gate

Si Tian washed her hands and came over to help. While tidying up the vegetables, she said: "Aunt Yang, Qishi Gate has accepted me, and from now on, I can receive ten taels of silver every month."

Si Tian gently crouched down and looked at her mother

Is this idea really something the master instructed him to do? Why? Si Tian did not dare to ask, only wanting to laugh. It seemed that Senior Brother Shang was quite embarrassed after being rejected by that woman, his expression very unpleasant. However, wasn't he the one who took advantage of the girl? How could it be said that the girl took advantage of him? By saying this, it also included her, which was truly a bit unreasonable; she felt quite wronged and inexplicably gave her first kiss to him.

Si Tian hurriedly made her way back. Since she had told Shao Pei that she would return in about an hour, she could only arrive early and not delay.

She slept restlessly, her delicate willow-leaf eyebrows knitted together, her thin lips slightly parted, whispering a name almost inaudibly, Xiao An

Si Tian nodded in agreement, neither servile nor arrogant

Aqian, where did you go this morning

The door is gently closed, while the small window is wide open. In front of the window lies a bamboo grove, where the gentle breeze sweeps through the bamboo leaves, producing a soft rustling sound akin to the tinkling of jade ornaments.

Shao Pei took a sip of tea and said, "You may go."

Si Tian loves it more than herself, because it can lay eggs to nourish her mother. The Lu Hua chicken clucked a few times upon seeing her and approached. She smiled, patted it, and called out "Aunt Yang".