Chapter 3: Reunion after a Long Separation

"Why are you still wearing the Hu clothing?" The noblewoman, upon seeing Chu Ying's attire, sighed and said, "Dressing like this will attract unwanted attention in Yu City."

Bu Hui circled around Lin Wenqing, then stopped and asked, "You are twins, aren't you?"

"Xiao Yang, how many people are there in our family in Yucheng?" Lin Wenqing asked

This time, a noblewoman in white descended gracefully, followed by a maid carrying a guqin, with a faint fragrance lingering in the air

Lin Wenqing stuck out his tongue and said with a smile, "My father is Lin Xiao"

Yes

The bell tower is a wooden structure. Although the State of Qi has devoted itself to its maintenance for a century, the interior still shows significant signs of age. Lin Wenqing took a stroll on the first floor, which was faintly scented with sandalwood, but did not find more people, so he ascended the spiral staircase. Upon reaching the tenth floor, panting, he finally saw the first person. It was a man dressed in light brown robes, boldly sitting sideways on the windowsill. Lin Wenqing, coming up from the stairwell, only caught a glimpse of his profile; he wore an ice-blue stone earring on his earlobe, exuding a strange beauty.

By the way, you are currently studying at the Guangnifu. "Chu Ying snapped his fingers and said, "However, I don't believe you will just let it go like that. There must be some calculations involved, right? Hurry up and tell me, if you don't, then you are not my brother!"

"Alright. Young lady, I have to go out for consultations. You should also attend your morning class," Bu Hui said, reaching out to pat Lin Wenqing on the head.

"She is a senior relative of mine," Chu Ying explained, "She is playing the guqin."

Lin Wenqing suddenly realized and asked, "Is your mother from the State of Qi? Is that why you are here?"

"Ying'er, you have arrived." The noblewoman had her back to Lin Wenqing, making it difficult to see her face clearly, but her silhouette evoked an inexplicable sense of familiarity in Lin Wenqing.

Lin Wenqing stared at Bu Hui with resentment for quite a while. After clearly seeing the mockery in his eyes, she pouted and, feeling dejected, confessed: "My name is Lin Wenqing. I am the sister of that idiot Jing. He didn't want to study and went home, so I came to take his place."

Gently lowering the curtain, Lin Wenqing reviewed the message reported by Xiao Yang in her mind. Today was the day calculated for Bu Hui to go to Big Ben, and Lin Wenqing decided to go and take a look.

Although the young master and the young lady were born from the same mother, their fates were unfortunately different. When the young lady was born, her cries were loud and clear, indicating that she was a healthy baby. In contrast, the young master was not only weak but also vomited after drinking milk. By the age of three or four, he was still suffering from minor illnesses every three days and major illnesses every five days, and the medicine in their residence was never in short supply. At that time, in order to protect her daughter's health, Madam Qi entrusted Lin Wenqing to a close friend for care. It was not until both children reached the age of ten, and Lin Wenjing's health had improved to that of a normal child, that Lin Wenqing was brought back home. It was also at the age of ten that Xiao Yang first met his younger sister, Xiao Liu, who had left with the young lady.

The clock tower was built by the founding emperor of the State of Qi, Emperor Wu of Qi. According to legend, it was miraculously completed in a single day by the manifestation of a celestial deity. Its significance to the State of Qi is akin to the note reading 'King Chen Sheng' that was found inside a fish's belly, both serving as symbols of divine mandate. In reality, this is quite absurd; the tower was merely constructed using some advanced techniques to achieve its height. It is not particularly impressive and is only meant to impress the uninformed people of Qi.

After several rounds of grappling, it became evident that Chu Ying's martial skills were far superior to those of the young lady. However, he lacked experience in dealing with the biting and grappling tactics of street urchins, which left him completely unable to exert his strength against Lin Wenqing's relentless entanglement. Despite having immense strength, he could only struggle in vain. Ultimately, he ended up in a stalemate with the young lady, both collapsing to the ground at the same time. Thus, they became acquainted through their fights, spending nearly a year together in a state of camaraderie, which concluded with Chu Ying's sudden disappearance. During this time, as he and his sister Xiao Liu took turns accompanying the young lady on outings, he was often teased by Chu Ying for being effeminate. That truly was a rather painful memory to look back on.

Lin Wenqing recalled that in order to conceal the identity of the young lady from the Lin family, she had provided the address of Xiao Yang's parents, the residence of the steward, Old Lin and his wife. In recent years, due to Old Lin's growing capabilities, he had gained considerable favor from her father and had been transferred to the State of Zhou. The original location had long been vacated, and the letters that Chu Ying mentioned were sent there, so naturally, she had not received them. Lin Wenqing, realizing this belatedly, exclaimed softly, "I’m sorry. The address I provided before was not genuine." The original location had long been vacated, and the letters that Chu Ying mentioned were sent there, so naturally, she had not received them. Lin Wenqing, realizing this belatedly, exclaimed softly, "I’m sorry. The address I provided before was not genuine."

Lin Wenqing left the medicine hall in a gloomy mood, her bright morning spirit completely dissipated, feeling as if she were like the Monkey King who had fallen into the palm of the Buddha, suffering greatly. Upon arriving at the Jiwizhai for the morning class, she found that most of the seats were empty. After inquiring, she learned that everyone had been punished with confinement due to the recent boat race incident. They would not be released for at least ten to fifteen days. With so few attendees, the instructor seemed somewhat disheartened, monotonously lecturing on the "Lunheng" written by the Minister of the Bu family at the age of thirty, causing Lin Wenqing, who had diligently studied the "Lunheng" earlier, to struggle to stay awake. After the class finally ended, she hurried home and called for Xiao Yang to come over.

Then please take care as you leave. Chu Ying kindly supported the noblewoman's hand

"Hmm. My mother is from the State of Qi." Chu Ying nodded and said, "I have been in the State of Qi for the past few years. I wrote to you; did you not receive any of my letters?"

Dr. Bu has a wide social circle in the city, and his whereabouts are uncertain each day. We observed him for half a month and found that there is only one place he visits regularly. That is the big clock in the center of the city, which Dr. Bu visits once every three days

Is it her? It really is her! Although Lin Wenqing was stopped by Xiao Yang, her thoughts were in disarray. Her entire body went limp, relying entirely on Xiao Yang for support, as she kept murmuring, "She is still alive, still alive! Still alive..." By the end of her words, tears began to fall from her eyes.

Lin Wenqing hid behind the statue, observing Chu Ying's almost innocent expression, and exaggeratedly clicked her tongue, thinking to herself: This kid Chu Ying can also pretend to be obedient. She said in a hushed voice to Xiao Yang: "Look at how he pretends to be..."

Chu Ying was a good brother and close friend that the young lady met during her chaotic life as a pseudo-beggar. At that time, he was the leader of another group of beggars. Once, in order to help with the transport rights, the two agreed to a duel. On the day of the duel between the young lady and Chu Ying, Xiao Yang happened to be accompanying her, so he clearly remembers the scene from that day. Chu Ying was two years older than the young lady and had developed well, almost resembling a young man. He was quite worried about the young lady, who only reached his nose in height, and was planning to go to the dock manager to expose her identity and seek help, but the two sides had already started fighting.

"Miss, what is wrong with you?" This was the first time Xiao Yang had seen the energetic Lin Wenqing in such a state, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of anxiety in his heart

"Aunt Hui." Chu Ying respectfully bowed to the person

The familiar name "Little Yang Liu" instantly transported Little Yang back six years, to the time when he and the young master and young lady were only ten years old

The Big Ben, regarded as a "miracle" from the era of Emperor Wu, has always been under strict protection by the officials of the Qi and Tu Shu states, with unauthorized individuals prohibited from entering the building. The Guangnifu Academy was established by the Prince of Qi to showcase his flourishing cultural governance, and the members of the academy naturally enjoy certain special privileges, one of which is the freedom to enter and exit the miraculous Big Ben.

Will Aunt Hui come at that time? Chu Ying also knew that the noblewoman's temperament could not remain angry for long, so she tugged at her sleeve and said playfully, "After Uncle's birthday, it will be your birthday. I have already prepared a gift and would like to give it to you in advance"

"Do you need my help?" Chu Yingchong blinked at Lin Wenqing and said, "Just like before"

Chu Ying smiled and said, "I had already guessed it. Although you used to wear a coarse cloth on the outside, your inner garment was made of fine satin. It is obvious that you cannot be from a poor family. Now, tell me, which noble family do you belong to?"

"Doctor Bu?" Clearly, this answer was somewhat unexpected for Xiao Yang. He hurriedly advised, "Miss, having a feud with someone like Doctor Bu right after arriving in Yu City is not very wise, is it? How about we take it easy..."

Lin Wenqing cautiously glanced at Bu Hui and stammered, "Um... actually..."

Lin Wenqing gently lifted the bamboo curtain, admiring Yu City, where the green eaves of ordinary households and the vermilion lofts of affluent families vied for beauty. The State of Qi devoted the strength of the entire nation, spending a century to refine this city, transforming it from coarse earthenware into exquisite porcelain. Today, Yu City is imbued with the vigorous vitality bestowed by its strong military prowess, as well as the cultural elegance cultivated by its flourishing civil governance. This renowned city has reached its zenith. Today, Yu City is imbued with the vigorous vitality bestowed by its strong military prowess, as well as the cultural elegance cultivated by its flourishing civil governance. This renowned city has reached its zenith

Hearing this familiar catchphrase, Chu Ying helplessly shook her head and said, "Unfortunately, you will return empty-handed today. Doctor Bu comes here every day to attend to my elder. There is nothing particularly special going on."

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting shallow bamboo shadows on the pale fabric curtain, while the air was filled with a rich aroma of medicine. Despite the bright weather, Lin Wenqing's mood was anything but sunny; she watched the plump Bu Hui pacing back and forth in front of her, feeling quite uneasy.

"You are quite a rarity. It is rare for a girl like you to be so bold." After scaring Bu Huijian enough, she chuckled and said, "I told you, I don't like to meddle in other people's affairs. I was just curious and asked you. However, I must seriously remind you of something: in the future, if you fall ill or get injured, it is best not to let other doctors touch you. If you encounter a skilled one, they can easily see through your disguise."

"Oh dear!" Lin Wenqing waved her hand impatiently and said, "It's not a matter of whether I want to provoke him or not. He knows I am a woman!"

For the beggars, the tips earned from helping with the unloading at the busy docks outside the city can be a significant source of income. Initially, the beggars divided into several factions, competing fiercely for the "privilege" of assisting with the transport, often resulting in conflicts among the groups. The dockworkers, weary from their monotonous life at sea, viewed the brawls among the beggars as a form of entertainment; as long as it was not excessive, they were pleased to see the beggars vying for the right to assist in the transport in this manner. At that time, a young lady who was keen on martial arts often intervened in these skirmishes, eagerly testing the fighting techniques taught by her master during her morning practice. With a slight foundation in martial arts, Lin Wenqing gained a considerable advantage among the beggars who relied solely on brute strength, gradually becoming a "leader" of one faction.

Chu Ying smiled and greeted the foolish Xiao Yang standing nearby, saying: "Xiao Yang Liu, long time no see. You finally seem to have a bit of masculinity now"

Lin Wenqing certainly knew how reckless the two of them had been in their previous dealings with books. However, this matter concerned the gender she had concealed. If things went too far and there was a backlash, it would not be good. She chuckled dryly and shook her head, saying: "After all, he is the son of the Deputy Minister of the Bu family, and in terms of seniority, he is still my senior brother. If I go too far and he holds a grudge, that would not be good."

Lin Wenqing's expression changed dramatically upon hearing this

The man also heard the sound of someone approaching, so he turned his face and saw the sneaky Lin Wenqing and Xiao Yang, a hint of confusion appearing in his clear eyes

Lin Wenqing did not expect to be seen through so quickly, and let out a dry laugh, saying, "I suppose so."

Xiao Yang looked at him in confusion and said: "The master has a water transport dock here, where about three boats are usually moored. Additionally, there is an inn, a bookstore, and a... um, brothel."

As the two conversed, they had already arrived at the front of Big Ben. Lin Wenqing looked up at Big Ben and suddenly recalled something that his aunt had said in the past.

Upon hearing this, Lin Wenqing immediately felt anxious. She looked at Bu Hui with eager eyes and asked, "Doctors, is it really that serious?"

As the stronghold of the Lin family, Hongcheng was a place lacking in able-bodied laborers at that time. Most young men, upon reaching the age of fifteen or sixteen, would be incorporated into the rapidly expanding Lin family. The few beggars in the city were those who had fled from other regions due to famine; they had not received any education and could not enter the ranks of the Lin family's managers or servant trainees. Additionally, due to their insufficient stature, they had not yet developed the strength that could be sold. Thus, the beggars loitering on the streets of Hongcheng were mostly around eleven or twelve years old, and those slightly older could go to the Lin family's recruitment office to take a strength test, thereby legitimately escaping the life of begging. Due to their similar ages, the mischievous Lin Wenqing quickly became familiar with these beggars at the docks.

"There is also a Doctor Bu from the Guangnifu," said Chu Ying, then hesitated and asked, "Did he offend you?"

In fact, I am not someone who enjoys meddling in others' affairs. Bu Huishun casually grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds from the coffee table, sat there cracking them open, and while doing so, asked, "If you feel that you do not need me to provide a certificate stating that your health is particularly weak and that all physical exercise is prohibited, then you can turn around and leave now."

Hmm. It depends on qualifications. You know, it is rare to find a doctor as handsome, charming, and exceptionally talented as I am. " Bu Hui stood up gracefully, brushing off the seeds from his clothes, with his hands clasped behind his back, pretending to be profound. Unfortunately, the flesh around his jaw and abdomen began to jiggle back and forth due to this exaggerated movement, instantly transforming the scene from a serious play into a farce.

The young lady who returned from that noble lady's home resembled the young master, yet was more lively and active, in good health, climbing trees to pick jujubes, wading into rivers to catch fish, and engaging in cockfighting and dog racing, "committing all sorts of mischief"! The young master's deep-rooted fear of the young lady was almost cultivated during that period. Imagine, suddenly appearing was a twin sister, whose physical strength and height far surpassed his own, who had been raised like a porcelain doll since childhood. Whenever things did not go her way, she would take delight in teasing him and would even create troubles for him to bear the blame. How could Lin Wenjing, who was just managing to escape from the sickbed and medicine cabinet, and was planning to start a new life, not regard her with the utmost fear?

"I will go. If I don't go and you throw a tantrum, who can stand it?" The noblewoman said in anger, "Alright. I won't talk to you, little monkey, anymore. I still have to go back."

Chu Yingxian was taken aback for a moment, then realized: "No wonder you were able to act with impunity in the city back then! It turns out your father is not only the landlord of Hongcheng but also the creditor of the entire city."

"Hehe," Lin Wenqing said, "I actually haven't figured it out yet. After all, I'm not familiar with this area of Yucheng. However, with you here, it will be much more convenient. I came today just to see what Bu Hui is up to by coming to this clock tower every three days. After all, knowing oneself and knowing the enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles!"

Xiao Yang opened his mouth, then closed it again, turning around dejectedly to go out and make arrangements. He knew his master too well; at this moment, Lin Wenqing was filled with anticipation for the newly arrived academy life. Being caught off guard by Bu Hui, she was certainly uneasy. Even if she did not retaliate, she still needed to hold some leverage over the other party to find peace of mind

Lin Wenqing nodded slightly and said, "There are fewer people, but it should be enough. Xiao Yang, I need to look into someone. Please spread the word for me."

The man was taken aback for a moment, and after a long pause, he uncertainly spoke up: "Lin Wenjing?!"

Hmm. He pretends to be me at home, deceiving my parents. Lin Wenqing obediently replied

The mocking voice abruptly ceased, and Xiao Yang felt Lin Wenqing's grip on his shoulder suddenly tighten significantly, his expression instantly becoming rigid. That expression was as terrifying as seeing a corpse come back to life. Xiao Yang couldn't help but turn his head for a glance; the noblewoman, appearing to be in her thirties, with bright eyes and white teeth, was smiling warmly as she conversed with Chu Ying, her brows and eyes filled with tenderness, showing no signs of anything amiss. The figures of Chu Ying and the noblewoman quickly disappeared into the staircase. Lin Wenqing instinctively stood up to pursue them, but Xiao Yang hurriedly stopped him, advising, "Miss, you cannot go. You will be discovered."

Lin Wenqing stared at the lightning-shaped wound on the boy's forehead, her pupils slowly dilating. Before she could think, she called out: "Chu Ying!"

On this side, Comrade Xiao Yang reminisced about the past, shedding tears. On the other side, however, he encountered an old acquaintance in a foreign land, filled with warmth and enthusiasm. Lin Wenqing had completely forgotten that he had come to seek guidance on his shortcomings; instead, he relentlessly pressed Chu Ying about the reasons for their parting and life after their separation.

Sitting on the soft cushion prepared by my family, listening to the sound of the wheels rolling over the yellow earth road, and feeling the slight jolts of the bumps, is actually a very comfortable experience

Bu Hui did not pressure her, but rather spoke leisurely: "You are from the Tang Kingdom, so you may not be familiar with the curriculum of our Guangnifu. In addition to the six main subjects of rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics, Guangnifu also places special emphasis on physical training for students. It is quite common for students to wrestle bare-chested or to hold swimming competitions at Daqi Lake."

"Young Master, the street we just came from is Xuanwu Avenue. If we go around Big Ben, we will reach Zhuque Avenue. On the left is Baihu Avenue, and on the right is Qinglong Avenue," Xiao Yang said while protecting Lin Wenqing.

Lin Wenqing snorted, struck him heavily on the shoulder, and scolded with a smile: "Still laughing! Quickly tell me, where have you been fooling around these past few years?"

"Gentlemen, my young master is a scholar from the Guangnei Prefecture. Here is his business card." Little Yang trotted up to the two imposing door gods in front of the building, presenting the business card along with a small token of appreciation.

At the end of Zhuque Avenue is the palace of the State of Qi, correct? Lin Wenqing set up a pergola and gazed into the distance

"It's me!" Lin Wenqing ran up to Chu Ying, tugging at his clothes, and said, "You little rascal, what are you doing here? I've been looking for you for a long time! You didn't say a word when you left. Even if you don't say anything, you should at least remember to send me a letter to let me know you're safe! Do you even consider me a friend?"

... ...

Lin Wenqing rolled his eyes, recalling that Bu Huixian had entered this bell tower before him, and uncertain whether he was upstairs, he inquired: "Apart from the esteemed elder, are there any other people or books upstairs?"

In other words, is he dressing in women's clothing at home? The expression on Bu Hui's face twisted, as if he were imagining how Lin Wenqing, a man, would sway his hips and pose in front of the mirror.

I remember that at that time, the young master was often tied up on the bed by the young lady to impersonate her while she pretended to be asleep. The young lady would dress as a boy, sometimes taking him along, and other times taking her younger sister, Xiao Liu, to their own shop or the dock to have fun. The dock was crowded and chaotic, mainly filled with passing merchants and sailors making a living on the water, as well as beggars from inside and outside the city.

Lin Wenqing looked at Bu Hui, who was posing and preening, with a face full of displeasure. The sense of profound mystery that had previously created pressure dissipated in an instant, and she even felt an impulse to pick up the pestle and hit someone.

Chu Ying looked at Lin Wenqing, whose eyes were shining and mouth was rapidly opening and closing, and laughed heartily, saying: "Lin Wenjing, you really haven't changed at all!"

Chu Ying pressed her lips together and said softly, "The child can manage. Aunt Hui need not worry about me"

As the two were joyfully reminiscing, they suddenly heard a melody drifting in. Lin Wenqing looked up towards the top floor and turned to Chu Ying, asking, "Who is up there?"

"I often dress in male attire at home as well." Lin Wenqing saw through his thoughts and, in order to restore her brother's reputation, quietly offered a defense.

"Go ahead and speak. What exactly is going on?" Bu Hui placed a cup of clear tea in front of her, looking at her with a smile as he spoke

You, just like your mother, are exactly the same. The noblewoman helplessly tapped his forehead and said, You are always so stubborn. Well, at least the Zhou family can still protect you. In a few days, it will be my brother's birthday. You should carefully prepare a gift for him. After all, he is your own uncle. As the saying goes, a nephew resembles his uncle, yet you two always seem to be like fighting cocks.

She glanced at the many citizens around her who were bowing in reverence to the tall tower, stuck out her tongue, and thought to herself: It really is just as Aunt Hua said, these people from Qi truly treat it as a deity.

"At that time, I wasn't talking to you; I was saying that I had become separated from my family and ended up on the streets?" Chu Ying pulled Lin Wenqing over, and the two of them sat down by the window together. "Later, my mother found me. Because time was pressing, I had to leave without saying goodbye to you."

The carriage galloped along the broad Xuanwu Avenue and soon arrived at the location of Big Ben. This place is not only one of the most famous landmarks of the State of Qi but also the center of Yu City, radiating to the Four Gods Street, naturally bustling with crowds. Before the carriage could reach the square, it was blocked by the flow of people, prompting Lin Wenqing to disembark and walk over with Xiao Yang. Fortunately, Xiao Yang had been in Yu City for nearly half a year and often visited the city to enjoy the lively atmosphere, making him very familiar with the roads.

"Report back. You have investigated the preferences and daily routine of that fat man thoroughly for me," Lin Wenqing said with a hum.

"Who are you checking?" Little Yang did not expect that her young lady would return from her first day of class, full of vigor and determination to investigate. She remembered that back in Hongcheng, when she conducted an investigation, it often meant trouble. If the person being investigated had any incriminating evidence against them, there was a nine out of ten chance they would have to obediently comply from then on.

The sound of the floorboards above creaked underfoot, producing a jarring noise that made one's teeth ache, serving as a reminder to the two below, who were enjoying each other's company, that someone was coming. Chu Ying hurriedly hid Lin Wenqing and Xiao Yang behind a statue, while she returned to her original position. Lin Wenqing cautiously peered through the gap between the statue's arms and soon spotted the familiar figure of Bu Hui. After exchanging nods with Chu Ying, he quickly descended. Just as Lin Wenqing was about to emerge from his hiding place upon seeing Bu Hui leave, he noticed Chu Ying gesturing for him to stay put, as there was still someone coming down from upstairs.