Chapter 2, The King of Children
"A Feng, hurry up, what are you dawdling for!" Ouyang Liang's eyes widened fiercely, exuding arrogance. "Third Young Master, this lowly fellow is just a rural farmer, lacking experience in the grand world. I implore you not to stoop to the level of such a person, so please hurry up." Ouyang Liang displayed a respectful demeanor towards me, yet immediately turned fierce towards his attendant. Alas, it seems the Ouyang family will not rise to prominence in his generation.
"Xiangyu, where are you planning to go today, to Xiaolin Garden or Dreamland?" I said to Xiangyu with a smile. I hold a deep affection for Xiangyu, treating her as my own sister. This is mainly because my sister from my previous life passed away at a very young age. All my care and love are now directed towards Xiangyu. Every time I see her smile, I feel extremely happy and joyful.
At this moment, Ouyang Liang was sitting on the throne, feeling quite pleased with himself, enjoying snacks and sipping on exquisite Longjing tea. He watched the dozen or so children from the West City playing games in front of him, feeling extremely excited. Finally, he could be like the Third Young Master, observing others play while he himself assumed the demeanor of someone in a superior position. Ah! Would the Third Young Master come to challenge me? He recalled how the Third Young Master had single-handedly defeated more than ten adults last year, filling him with great fear. However, upon seeing the older boy beside him, he felt reassured.
"Brother Feng, Brother Feng, I am here, right here, come quickly, come quickly." A little girl even smaller than me, wearing a purple cotton jacket, with two horn braids, her big eyes blinking, and her little face rosy, was at that moment not far away, jumping and waving her hand.
Ouyang Liang was filled with extreme anger in his heart. Zhang Xingfeng, you are merely relying on your powerful family background and high martial arts skills, how excessive this is. Damn it, he glanced at the nearby Wolf Feng. He recalled that scene: Wolf Feng fought barehanded against a fierce Northeast tiger for less than ten minutes and killed it. When Wolf Feng came to see him, he was still covered in blood—the blood of the Northeast tiger. A surge of overwhelming rage ignited in Ouyang Liang's heart, and he became ruthless. Looking at Zhang Xingfeng, he thought to himself, you and the *Tu* *Shu* are unkind, so I shall be ungrateful. He recalled that scene again: Wolf Feng fought barehanded against a fierce Northeast tiger for less than ten minutes and killed it. When Wolf Feng came to see him, he was still covered in blood—the blood of the Northeast tiger. A surge of overwhelming rage ignited in Ouyang Liang's heart, and he became ruthless. Looking at Zhang Xingfeng, he thought to himself, you and the *Tu* *Shu* are unkind, so I shall be ungrateful. Hmph.
"Brother Feng, I also heard the adults say that it's very fun, so just take us there!" This year, even 5-year-old A Xing wants to go there. Oh my!
"Xiangyu, you cannot go to that place. If you do, your father will punish you," I said with a serious expression. I knew that if I didn't maintain a stern demeanor, this girl would not give up.
Before me is a group of children. "Third Young Master, I have important intelligence," shouted a chubby boy dressed in fine clothes, raising his right hand. This boy is my staunch supporter. Naturally, I also take special care of him
"Brother Feng, Brother Feng, Xiangyu Mei is already waiting for you outside, hurry up!" A small child with big eyes and arched eyebrows, his face flushed, shouted while running and panting.
I am already six years old. After entering the initial stage of fasting last year, I feel as if I have returned to my childhood, communicating and playing with the children around me. Alas, why hasn't A Xing come yet today? Looking at the time, he should have arrived by now
Ouyang Liang glanced at the pile of stones, his brow furrowing slightly. Then he smiled and said, "Third Young Master, please rest assured, I will make it look beautiful. Ah Feng, these things are all entrusted to you; make sure you handle them well, otherwise... hm!" Ouyang Liang looked at the attendant beside him and commanded.
Oh, I understand now. I won't go, but why would my father hit me if I did?" Xiang Yu looked at me with a puzzled expression, hoping that the all-knowing and all-powerful Brother Feng could provide her with an answer. However, this time she was disappointed; her Brother Feng was momentarily taken aback. He replied seriously, "Don't ask. Just go to the garden today." "Oh, I understand now." As she spoke, tears were about to flow from her eyes.
"Third Young Master, Ouyang Liang from Xicheng actually dares to stand alone, which is intolerable. When I, Pang Fei, learned of this, I immediately led my brothers to confront him. However, his attendant was quite formidable, single-handedly knocking us all down. Third Young Master, you must avenge us. Just for daring to disrespect the Third Young Master, he deserves to be taught a lesson!" Pang Fei appeared indignant, shouting, "Teach him a lesson! Teach him a lesson! Anyone who dares to provoke the Third Young Master must be taught a lesson!" The group of children echoed in agreement. Just for daring to disrespect the Third Young Master, he deserves to be taught a lesson!" Pang Fei appeared indignant, shouting, "Teach him a lesson! Teach him a lesson! Anyone who dares to provoke the Third Young Master must be taught a lesson!" The group of children echoed in agreement.
"Wolf Blade, are you not going to take action? Have you forgotten your mother? Ah." Ouyang Liang said hastily, his tone extremely fierce
Ah Feng, this Third Young Master is renowned for his martial arts throughout the entire Suzhou city. You should seek his guidance, so hurry up and go. Ouyang Liang looked at the Third Young Master, imagining the scene of him lying at his feet later. A wave of excitement surged within him as he said to the Third Young Master: "Third Young Master, please come and teach this country bumpkin."
A stir in my heart: his mother
"What is it?" I said, wearing a cool expression, truly embodying the demeanor of someone in a position of authority. Unfortunately, the audience consisted of a group of children. Hehe, but just look at Xiangyu's admiring expression. Delightful, it is truly delightful.
I had no choice but to tell jokes to Xiangyu as we walked, ha, although Xiangyu had not yet laughed, A Xing had already started to chuckle. Fortunately, Xiangyu soon followed suit and laughed. Wow, the rain had finally passed and the sky cleared up. Instantly, the sky appeared even bluer, and the air felt particularly fresh. Even the beggar seemed to have gained some dignity, saying, "Hello, Third Young Master" and "I have met the Third Young Master." Ever since that day, when I, as a five-year-old child, defeated more than a dozen little rascals, all the children in Suzhou recognized me as the King of Children. Naturally, these children were extremely respectful when they saw me, and my status was certainly an important factor.
The wolf's edge trembled, and the mother could not help but clench her fists. In her heart, she silently thought: I am sorry, but for my mother, I have no choice but to fight you. Taking a deep breath, her gaze fixed ahead—Zhang Xingfeng.
"Brother Feng, I'm tired of playing, I'm not going anymore. I just heard the adults talking about how great Yicuilou is, and there are many aunts to play with, but it seems to cost quite a bit of money. Brother Feng, don't you have money? Come with me! Please!" Xiangyu looked at me, her big eyes revealing a pleading expression, her hands tightly clutching my clothes and shaking them incessantly. This tactic has always been effective, but this time I absolutely will not agree.
As I walked through the door, seeing that Ouyang kid, I couldn't help but look down on him a bit. He doesn't even have the courage, yet he still wants to be the king of the children. What a dream!
I looked at his little demeanor and secretly mocked him in my heart: let's see if you can still laugh later. A warm smile appeared on my face as I said, "Ouyang Liang, it's nothing much, I just find that pile of stones in the south unsightly, could you move it to the north for me? Make it quick." I glanced at that pile of stones, secretly laughing to myself, thinking that even an adult would probably take a whole day to finish it. As for Ouyang Liang, he couldn't even move those big stones, let alone finish the task, ha
We rushed down two streets and finally arrived at our destination—the small garden in the West City. This is one of our four major bases (one in the East City, one in the South City, one in the North City, and this one in the West City). This is indeed a place for us children to play. To be honest, Ouyang Liang has little ability; he is absolutely poor at fighting, yet he managed to drive off A Fei and the others. It seems this attendant is not an ordinary child and deserves a closer look. After passing through the flower beds, crossing the stone bridge, and going through a gate, an open space appeared before us, with only a few stone chairs and a dozen long stone benches nearby. The open area was covered with green grass, a place for us children to frolic. In the center of the stone chairs was a rather imposing stone bench, which was my exclusive throne—usually no one sits there, but today, a child in a red brocade outfit—Ouyang Liang—was sitting on it. He is extremely thin, but his face is very pale, resembling his father, Ouyang Laogui, who is notoriously cunning. My father once said that the Ouyang family excels in business, but their conduct is excessive, which determines that the Ouyang family can never achieve great success. Just by looking at Ouyang Liang, one can tell that this kid is also a cunning character.
Yicuilou is a place that combines a brothel and a library. If my father were to find out that his most proud son, who is not yet 6 years old, took two even younger children to visit a brothel, he would surely be furious. Fortunately, I learned about it early; otherwise, if Xiangyu had taken A Xing there, it would have been a laughingstock.
Of course, Young Master San's matters are my matters. I hope Young Master San will not be polite and will feel free to give orders. I, Ouyang Liang, will certainly ensure that Young Master San is satisfied. Ouyang Liang appeared very generous, with a beaming smile on his face, secretly feeling grateful for being able to overcome this difficult situation.
I regretted what I had just said. How could I treat Xiangyu like this? Seeing her on the verge of tears, I immediately took her hand and said, "Xiangyu, don't cry. It was my fault just now. Don't be angry. You will understand about Yicuilou when you grow up." "Oh," Xiangyu wiped her tears. She still didn't seem completely happy. I sighed inwardly; children will forget things after a while.
Wolf Feng gritted his teeth and began the task of moving stones. I frowned for a moment, then smiled and said to Ouyang Liang, "Ouyang Liang, I asked you to come and move them personally; this is how you show your respect for me, don’t you think? Come on, you rascal, hurry up and start moving. Didn’t you hear me?"
Alright, let's go. I did a somersault off the stone lion at the entrance, landing gracefully. A-Xing immediately looked at me with starry eyes, but I was completely unfazed. When you encounter such situations every day, you wouldn't care either. Besides, it also shows that my charm is quite considerable. Never mind, I still need to go see my dear sister
Wolf Peak looked at his master before him, filled with intense anger. However, his mother still needed treatment. Suddenly, the image of his mother's weathered face and her withered yellow hair surfaced in his mind. It seemed he could hear her monotonous reminders echoing in his ears: "Xiao Feng, come back early in the evening; the mountains are too dangerous. Ah, remember to come back early." A pang of pain gripped his heart.
Ouyang Liang, you are quite impressive, having become the leader. Ah, haha! The voice reached his ears, causing Ouyang Liang to startle, and the snack in his hand fell to the ground. A sudden fear gripped his heart; it was the Third Young Master. He began to feel anxious. Upon seeing the big boy beside him, he felt a bit more at ease.
"Third Young Master, greetings. I, Ouyang Liang, am merely spending time with my friends in Xicheng and have no intention of taking the lead. I hope you do not misunderstand me; I, Ouyang Liang, am extremely loyal to you. Please do not listen to the slanders of some petty individuals." Ouyang Liang, feeling pressured by my imposing presence, could not help but adopt a submissive demeanor, his face displaying a fawning expression. I felt a surge of disdain in my heart. "I hope you do not misunderstand me; I, Ouyang Liang, am extremely loyal to you. Please do not listen to the slanders of some petty individuals." Ouyang Liang, feeling pressured by my imposing presence, could not help but adopt a submissive demeanor, his face displaying a fawning expression. I felt a surge of disdain in my heart
Who is this boy, so impressive? He actually made this Ouyang kid believe that he can defeat the Third Young Master, who has already defeated more than ten thugs!
I felt nothing in my heart; it was rather unbecoming to bicker with a child. However, regardless of the circumstances, he was challenging my authority, and I still needed to teach him a lesson. I immediately smiled and said, "A Fei, you did well this time, very good. Come, let’s go see what audacity this Ouyang kid has to dare act this way. I want him to know that I am not to be trifled with." Our group charged towards the West City with great momentum, and the street vendors and passersby hurriedly avoided us. They all knew who these kids were; they were the children of the most powerful families in Suzhou. The one in the middle, with delicate features and dressed in a small white cotton jacket, is the third young master of the Zhang family, one of the four great families. You know about the four great families, right? That third young master, at the age of 5, single-handedly fought off more than a dozen little rascals. Impressive, right? Now, a year has passed, and he must be even more formidable.
I gazed at Ouyang Liang, feeling a sense of astonishment. This Ouyang Liang, at the age of 7, is already using such grandiloquent words to achieve his own ends. It seems that another little fox is about to emerge from the Ouyang family, but I am not someone with a low intellect who can be easily deceived. A glimmer of light flashed in my eyes: "Ouyang Liang, didn't you hear what I asked you to do? Ah, why aren't you going quickly!"
Suddenly, a mischievous thought crossed my mind, heh heh. I smiled and said: "Ouyang Liang, I know you are loyal. Now I have something I would like you to help me with, but I am not sure if you can do it"