Prologue

The man nodded. "What I am saying is precisely your situation"

"Those who enter the Yun Family Manor should have a clean background. Your reputation in the martial world is not particularly good; how could you possibly enter the manor?" Fu Linchun said slowly.

"Seek joy today, for such matters cannot be merely spoken of; one must possess the ability to accomplish them."

The man was taken aback, squinting his eyes to gaze at her

"Hmm?" Fu Linchun raised his eyebrows, turning to the disciple with a calm expression. "Who are these people? They are not from our village; to intrude like this is tantamount to seeking death"

Your father is a scholar; he must have taught you to read and write. Recite a stanza of poetry for me.

The man squinted his eyes and remained silent. After a while, he set down the paper and pen, and said with a smile

The man ignored her, busy searching for something at his desk, and complained:

She smiled and said, "A total of twenty. Thanks to the purchases made by the people in the village, Yun Family Village is a living advertisement, and the remaining ones will be sold out soon."

Your mother is truly a wise person. Unfortunately, while she teaches you this, she herself is unable to do so, which is why she passed away from overwork at such a young age for the sake of her family.

This morning, your approach can only be spoken of; in reality, it is unworkable

She wiped her mouth, retracted her puffed cheeks, and her expression became somewhat more serious. Sitting up straight, she resembled her mother as if they were cast from the same mold

She blinked, her small eyes revealing a sense of amusement. Her parents indeed left her with fields to collect rent from, and this rent must be saved meticulously in order for her to grow up; this person has inquired with great accuracy.

Her eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands, saying, "Once a word is spoken!"

She said with a smile, "If those farmers want to usurp my land, then let them not entertain such thoughts."

"You recklessly save others; be careful, or it will lead to trouble sooner or later," he replied smoothly

"Is that all you can say?" Her dark eyes faintly revealed a hint of uncontainable anger

However, if a person is good-looking but lacks the right temperament, they may not meet the needs of the Yun family estate

With small, curved eyes, somewhat nonchalantly, he asked, "What is not working?"

A young man, around twenty years old, sits in the pavilion, wearing a floor-length spring robe. His long hair is neatly tied back, and without raising his head, he holds a black piece and is deep in thought

The man suddenly shed two lines of clear tears and said hoarsely

A disciple entered the pavilion holding a warm cup of tea and said, "Young Master Chunxiang, please have some tea"

If I win, will you... spend New Year's Eve with me this year?" She blushed, squeezing her puffy face hard, fearing that he might suddenly look up and see the dreadful state from her late-night revelry last night

Those farmers are all honest people, are you so heartless just for your own sake

Thinking of this, he smiled faintly, patted her back, and tied the blue tassel that symbolized the secrets of the Yun family estate around her.

Did your father not teach you?

"Naturally, it is 'Drink today while there is wine, tomorrow's worries will come tomorrow.'" she replied without any hesitation

Uncertain how much time had passed, the sunlight streaming in from outside gradually shifted, and only then did the man hurriedly enter

"How fragrant it is." She smiled broadly and took a deep breath. Fu Linchun, fragrant when spring arrives, indeed! "Fu Linchun, let's play a game of chess."

Fu Linchun swiftly darted past him, the white bullet tearing through his clothing, revealing the eagle-shaped birthmark on his arm

She is not surprised by this answer. She is young and has a strong streetwise demeanor; how could she possibly reach someone like Master Fu Linchun, who is of such high status? However, if she likes someone, she must express it; that is her principle. She likes Fu Linchun, she likes Fu Linchun...

Do you know why, among the many children in the manor, I have chosen to test only you

There is nothing funny about it. Now she has four copper coins, at most she will become an assistant or subordinate to the golden abacus in the future, just a step lower, merely following behind him.

Are you happy today

"Truly remarkable." There was a smile in his eyes as he took out a pair of plump earrings from his waist. "This deserves a reward"

"Indeed," she replied

The player moved their eyes around thoughtfully. "Fu Linchun, the prescription you mentioned last time was very effective; the person I saved is recovering quite quickly."

She lowered her eyes and gently caressed the clean sleeves of her clothes, saying

"That robe is not meant for me to wear." She blinked.

The answer was quite proper, yet the sitting posture was problematic. The man slightly furrowed his brows, enduring the urge to personally demonstrate the correct way for a little girl to sit.

When he took the paper that read "Li Jinzhao," his expression revealed an unmistakable surprise

One of the future candidates for the Golden Abacus of Yunjiazhuang has been born

Fu Linchun finally lifted his eyes to look at her after making a move

The lake-colored waist tag cover was purchased by him at double the price two years ago. It is said to have been blessed by a high monk and witnessed by many as effective. The martial world is always fraught with violence, and one can never be sure when an inexplicable calamity might occur. Moreover, the embroidery is particularly exquisite, and the material is of excellent quality; he had a hard time acquiring it.

"Uncle! Uncle! I have an uncle now!"

If one is an honest person, how could they possibly take my land rent? If you were in my position, would you prioritize your own safety or protect those honest farmers who have taken your land rent and caused you to starve?

You are still a bit too young

"Alright." He smiled

She looked utterly perplexed and said

Every piece of fabric in the store is of excellent quality and comes at a very high cost. Naturally, a poor family like yours would find it expensive. Now, look at the situation; every piece of fabric has issues, how can it still be sold?

She felt a surge of joy and became even more focused on the game. She had played chess with Fu Linchun about ten times, and his skills were not impressive, making it quite easy to win against him. It was clear that he was intent on keeping her company for the New Year's Eve

"Hmm... me?" She tilted her head in contemplation

At that moment, the disciple's heart skipped a beat; clearly, he was merely a footnote in the annals of the martial world, so how could Fu Linchun possibly remember him? Feeling guilty, he turned and ran away

She jumped down from the chair and, without asking the host, first took the fruit from the coffee table to satisfy her hunger. She wondered what the difference was between the meals at Yun Family Village and those outside.

Then create it, for the flaw is the priceless truth. Who wouldn't want a priceless treasure

She thought for a moment, glanced over, and shifted her gaze to the fruit on the coffee table behind the man

She smiled mischievously and then followed suit

"Your esteemed father is well... insightful. Did your mother, who was once a talented woman from the Jiangnan region, not teach you?"

"The truth... the truth..." he murmured

"Please take a seat. Are you called Li Jinchao?"

"......" This morning there is wine, and I drink to my heart's content; tomorrow's worries will come tomorrow. She gathered her courage and, while he was putting the fat earring on her left ear, she said loudly: "Fu Linchun, you are just like my parents, I like you!"

"In Yun Family Village, a total of seven disciples have purchased it. How many did your mother make?" he asked softly

His voice was too faint for her to hear clearly, yet joy filled her entire being as she earnestly played against him. She restrained herself from scratching her face and crossing her legs, patiently waiting for him to make his move

The man secretly scrutinized her. This child had a hint of a streetwise demeanor; if it were not for her excellent calligraphy, it would be quite difficult to discern that she was the descendant of a private school teacher

I don't know," she confessed

Indeed, it is the Blood Eagle... You have truly bad luck, encountering someone you should not have met. I must ask for your understanding in this matter. His voice was clear and gentle, completely devoid of any murderous intent

When I was seven years old, my mother used her saved-up private funds to buy fabric at that expensive cloth store to personally make clothes for me. She laughed and said this with great enthusiasm for conversation

The orphans taken in by Yun Family Village are mostly distant relatives of the Fu and Gongsun families, and you are a distant relative of Young Master Fu Linchun. If you pass my test, you will become a member of Yun Family Village, and you will no longer have to deal with thugs and ruffians at such a young age.

The swift stroke of the pen halted at the character "jin"; the man did not lift his head and casually inquired:

She entered as instructed, and a handsome young man was waiting at the desk.

The fragrance remains, and his gentle voice resonates above her head

A child who has lost their parents is indeed deserving of sympathy, but what Yun Family Village needs is certainly not a weakling... At nearly ten years old, having lost their parents two years ago, they still have no plans for their own future...

His breath was close to her, and her ears turned red. "You really smell good..." she murmured. Had she known this, she would have made herself fragrant when she took a shower yesterday; becoming a little spring in the city wouldn't have been bad either

"Uncle, are you using my situation as a metaphor?" she asked curiously

The streetwise demeanor of this young girl is truly at odds with the style of the Yun family estate The man pondered for a moment and said thoughtfully

She tucked her hair behind her ear, her face flushed. He often said, "Alright, alright," being a very laid-back good person. If this continues, who knows, one day a girl might say to him, "Marry me," and he would also respond, "Alright."

Cute? He paused for a moment, then smiled as he put another one on her head

Of course not. She laughed heartily, "What I am wearing, although it is two years old, is made of the finest fabric and could not be more perfect."

Alright

It is said that Yunjiacun takes in some orphans with delicate features. Look at her, with small eyes like ink, a small mouth resembling fresh red petals, chubby cheeks, and delicate skin, she is entirely a replica of her mother in her childhood. She admires her mother's beauty and naturally takes pride in her own, but unfortunately, she seems to lack any grace.

Moreover, Uncle said she has a strong commoner demeanor, and someone as refined as him might... never mind, never mind. She smiled brightly, moved closer to him, and said: "Fu Linchun, could you help me put on my earrings?"

Fortunately, he is not a boy; otherwise, if left to his own devices in the city, in a few years, he would surely become a good-for-nothing ruffian.

She glanced at the sky and casually remarked, "It's fine, just don't forget about dinner."

It is said that in Yunjiacun, there are all kinds of people from the martial world, and when they cook, they use knives longer than their arms to chop vegetables, causing blood to spray; indeed, it is far more than what those local ruffians would spray.

I do not know whether my mother is a talented woman. Since I have memory, my mother has only taught me one thing, which is to live happily every day. If tomorrow brings catastrophic events, we will deal with them tomorrow. If I marry one day and lose my joyful days, I should still enjoy today.

Mother, when she wakes up, must tell Fu Linchun that he has to accompany her for three New Year's Eves!

Occasionally gathering together to have some fun

Just find a few local thugs to intimidate and scare, forcing those farmers to pay their rent for the fields

She immediately opened her sleepy little eyes and sat up with some effort

Her eyes rolled around, and she held the green ears of grain high, allowing him to see that four copper coins were tied to the top.

Hehe, saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. My uncle said that recently a new group called the Blood Eagle has emerged in the martial world, specifically infiltrating various sects. The disciples of the Yun family village are all orphans, so it is hard to guarantee that no one will sneak in. It will be very difficult for me to come here in the future. Today, I want to make a bet with you, how about it?

I will have someone bring food as soon as you answer me a question

However, she felt a bit puzzled. A few years ago, Yun Family Village had taken in a group of orphan disciples, which was said to be a public adoption. This time, however, it was somewhat different. Clearly, there were quite a few orphans in the village, yet they could not meet face to face. Moreover, even this kind of "adoption examination" was held in such a secluded study, with each person being tested separately.

The man was taken aback and instinctively picked up the badge holder.

The man was taken aback, lowering his eyes to conceal his emotions. He smiled and said

The man smiled gently and took out a green tassel, on which was tied a copper coin

Is this little fellow both a talented singer and songwriter, or is it a genuine expression of emotion? If it is the former, then the scene-stealing is even more impressive than his; perhaps this adult should step back. If it is the latter, then this little rascal truly possesses a depth of emotion that he cannot hope to match

What you are wearing is a priceless item with flaws

"It is simply inborn, and there is nothing we can do about it," he said, bowing his head as he gently placed it on her. The fluffy pom-pom brushed against her cheek, making her childlike face appear very adorable

He slowly crouched down, allowing his true emotions to be revealed before her. His voice choked as he said

It is a waste of talent for you to write history. The children gathered at Yun Family Village this time will be the true pillars behind Yun Family Village. This string of accessories you tie around your waist, the children who will undergo the test with you this time, will either become your masters or your subordinates in the future. Remember, a single copper coin represents your current status, and how many coins you can acquire in the future will depend on yourself.

Indeed! I know it is hard for you to believe, but don't you think we have a bit in common...

"What happened?" he asked politely

She waited and waited, finishing a plate of fruit, and then sprawled on the chair to doze off. There is a posture for sitting and a posture for standing, only then can one resemble a mother. Anyway, she cannot see her own reflection now, which is akin to her mother not being present, so she might as well be casual about it

"Then let's have a quick Q&A session," she said readily

Yes

The disciple suddenly raised his head and stammered, "Young Master Chunxiang, I have just entered the estate..."

The man seemed to be very patient while waiting, but at the same time, he took the ink brush and wrote the three characters "Li Jinchao" from left to right on the paper she handed him

How does she look like this

Your mother is indeed my cousin. After she eloped with your father, there was no news of her until I found you just before the New Year. Originally, I should not have taken personal feelings into account and come to inquire about you myself, but I truly wanted to see you... Qianqian has taught you very well. For both public and private reasons, I want to keep you in the estate and not let you suffer any longer...

She began to gaze intently again

Distant relatives? Her eyes widened in surprise

"Please write your name once," he said

Cannot use

Being literate and able to do calculations is to avoid being at a disadvantage. I am a girl, and I can neither become a scholar nor hold an official position; studying hard in a cold window is simply a waste of time

Uncle, my mother once used her saved private funds to buy fabric at that cloth store and personally made clothes for me

"What is so funny?" He did not take it to heart

If you look at me like this again in the future, then being together is also not bad

It's the fifteenth! The selection for the Golden Abacus is approaching at the end of the year, and he should be aware of it. The Golden Abacus is one of the heirs of the Yun family, yet she is the last to be selected. She is not nervous at all; what is meant for her will come to her. As for what is not meant for her, living a carefree life is also acceptable, though there is a slight regret. If she becomes a minor character in the future, she fears there will be few opportunities to see him again.

Upon hearing this, she smiled broadly. "Thank you, uncle." One must still observe the necessary etiquette.

"Do you have dealings with those local thugs?" The man looked utterly astonished

She glanced at the name that had been partially crossed out, thought for a moment, and then smiled broadly, revealing her teeth as she picked up the pen to completely black out the character "Li" for that old man, leaving only "Jin Zhao".

He rarely laughed heartily and said: "A team of four horses is hard to chase."

The people around me, once again.

In his early twenties, he is Fu Linchun, the young master of Yun Family Village. He has a very good temper; when someone interrupts his entertainment, he does not get angry, and even a pleasant smile appears at the corners of his mouth

She continued to stare at him, then pouted her lips, rolled up her sleeves, and repeated:

I haven't had lunch yet; I assure you that I will be very happy once I finish eating

Whether she can be taken in or not, she does not mind much; after all, no matter where she is, she can still survive

Indeed, she felt quite the same.

Uncle! With his eyes suddenly reddening, tears burst forth uncontrollably.

Alright! A smile is hidden at the corners of the mouth

Upon hearing this, the man chuckled softly

She touched the smooth little desk

"Uncle, fortune is sought in danger, and that fabric is now the cover for your waist badge; you are currently wearing a priceless treasure"

She completely understands why no one accompanies him to play chess, as he spends too long in contemplation. Several times, she has dozed off before he makes a move. Even after he finally plays, it is often a losing one, which truly leaves one at a loss for words

It is easy to say, but what if they have already set their sights on this?

However, the land rent is collected once every three years, and I have not personally collected it yet

She bit into the juicy fruit, leaning on the table, and caught a glimpse of her blurred little face reflected in the bronze ware on the bookshelf

This morning, do you know the meaning behind the name your parents gave you

But your mother bought defective fabric

Is that the largest fabric store on the street? She gazed intently, following his busy figure.

It sounds very mysterious, but as long as life goes on, she does not mind. She wants to take the green ears, but the man holds on tightly. She raises her eyes to meet his, yet he gazes at her with a look full of nostalgia

How old are you this year? After attending a private school, how could you possibly know the local ruffians? Even if you ask those people to reclaim the rent, what is their background? It would be strange if they didn't take your rent as a child; it would be better to report it to the authorities!

She widened her eyes, witnessing Fu Linchun deftly play a white piece. The white piece swiftly penetrated the disciple's body without losing speed. It's murder! ... She understood that in the martial world, fighting and killing were not surprising, but witnessing it firsthand was truly ...! ... She quickly turned the chessboard around to prevent others from thinking that the white piece was played by her!

I have heard that everyone in Yunjiacun is expected to write books. If the uncle wants me to write a book, then I would rather not.

He calmly accepted her silly gaze and said softly

After your parents passed away one after another, they left behind fields for you to collect rent from, but your parents were educated individuals who did not understand the complexities of human nature. If those farmers were to take advantage of your young age and seize your land, what would you do

A corner of the Jianghu · Yun Family Manor Branch

"I can write and do calculations, but I cannot recite from memory," she admitted

The method you are using is somewhat vulgar, yet it is still a method. I will go prepare some food for you, so please wait here.

Her expression brightened with joy as she hurriedly took it. The fluffy white ball earrings, adorned with pearls, made her chuckle and say, "If I can't become the master of the Yun family estate, you mustn't laugh at me"

The man turned around and scolded

Tears streamed down her face like a fountain, her small face flushed red from crying, she cried until the sky darkened and the earth turned dim, her clothes soaked with tears and snot, yet she refused to stop!

The man was stunned

Then, with a small cry of "Wow," she burst into tears and threw herself into his warm embrace

"... Are you really my uncle?" She looked utterly shocked

How old are you this year

Her heartbeat stopped

This little rascal, somewhat unconventional, differs greatly from the image of the golden abacus of the Yun family estate throughout the ages. However, her responses are quite clever, and even if she cannot become a golden abacus, being a small minion dealing with the lower and middle classes would suit her well

Fu Linchun raised her eyebrows and looked over at her with a gentle expression, just about to speak when suddenly her lips stiffened and her demeanor changed abruptly

Looking around to ensure no one was present, she then lifted her skirt and jumped onto the pavilion. Hey, a perfect leap

She is still observing the chessboard. Hmm, how strange, did he perhaps take some pieces? Why are several missing? Speaking of which, in the past when playing chess, pieces would often go missing, there must be something amiss

The man slowly raised his head, while the little girl still wore a playful smile, seemingly oblivious to reality

However, regardless of the form, it is easy to blend into the streets.

"You are still... I forgot your lunch!" he exclaimed

The man should say: "That is the one."

My mother saved up her private funds, but it was still not enough to buy a good piece of cloth, so she asked the fabric store to sell her a piece of defective cloth

The man nodded and approached her, saying:

Her slender eyes were constantly gazing at his cheerful smile

The man's facial muscles twitched slightly, yet he maintained a warm smile

What to play? What should we play? Drinking games? Fighting? Or is she deliberately mingling with those ruffians to protect herself? Could it be that her mother allows her to act like a little rogue on the streets? He pondered and asked again

This Fu Linchun is someone she met two years ago at the Fen Zhuang. He possesses an elegant demeanor and a warm presence, reminiscent of her parents. If she could spend the New Year's Eve with him, it would surely feel just like the years spent with her parents. Upon reflecting on this, her face flushed red. Although she is still young, she has already begun to think that spending a lifetime playing chess with Fu Linchun wouldn't be so bad. If such thoughts were to be spoken aloud, she might be scolded by this fellow for being shameless.

The exquisite brush and inkstone have been prepared, and she carefully rolled up her sleeves, standing on a small stool to wield her brush

The yamen is for the wealthy. Uncle, I usually maintain good relations with those local ruffians, asking them to intervene, splitting the profits fifty-fifty. By tightening my belt, I can still make ends meet. These thugs will show some loyalty the first time around, and a fifty-fifty split can appease them. As for the future, after all, the land rent is collected once every three years; we can discuss it then

There was news just now that all the new goods in the fabric store have defects, and it is likely to incur significant losses

The man's expression was stiff. Is it necessary to cry more fiercely than he does? How is this adult supposed to cope with himself?

But you are the one who has played chess with me for two years without backing down. " His voice suddenly softened, and he smiled: "Regardless of whether we win or lose, I will accompany you through the New Year's Eve.

How many coins have you obtained

"Come in." A steady male voice came from within the concealed library.

Is that so? This morning, do you know that your mother is a distant relative of the Fu family from Yunjiabao?" The man's expression was gentle

There is nothing wrong with dealing with ruffians and hooligans, though she did not say this out loud, she only said:

This autumn, when you go to collect the harvest, you may encounter such a situation. You said, how will you respond then?

"Whatever." He did not look up, only gazing at her for a moment, then he continued.

"Good character!" he exclaimed. ... Observing a person through their writing is indeed the most precise; the strokes are simple yet cannot conceal their spontaneity. Is this little girl deliberate or ...

The door was gently closed

In the past two years, she had never seen such a dramatic expression on him, which made her instinctively alert. Just as she was about to turn around, she was met with a wave of intense pain and darkness.

Nevertheless, she still very much enjoyed playing chess with him. She smiled as she gently touched her fluffy earrings, and he, being an elegant person, surely did not know the significance of gifting earrings in the marketplace. It does not matter; this time it is a reward, and next time it may very well be a token of affection.

"Isn't it what you wore? Then where did the problematic fabric your mother bought go?" He could no longer contain his curiosity

The defective fabric is much cheaper, but every piece of perfect fabric in the fabric store is purchased at a high price. Even if all of it is sold as defective goods, it will not earn even half of the cost, and this time it is certain to incur a loss