Chapter 3, Third Sister

"There is no need to mention it; I was watching from upstairs when you went out that day. Liu the Fatty was watching you at the street corner, and even after you had disappeared from sight, he was still standing there, his eyes nearly popping out. " Xiao Du said with a smile, "Actually, he is quite a decent person. I heard he is especially shy when it comes to women and has never visited a brothel. If even he has mustered the courage, it shows just how handsome you are, You Chun!"

On the night we first met, I wanted to escort you home, but you refused. However, I was worried, so I had a brother secretly follow you. He followed you all the way to Huamanlou and thus learned of your identity. Since you were unwilling to speak, I could only inform my mother to accommodate you. Sister Chun, try to see it more lightly; this is not a big deal. How many people in this world are fortunate enough to do whatever they want? It turns out that my mother did not force her to entertain clients for this reason. Yan Chun suddenly felt a bit afraid of him.

All day long, Yan Chun wandered the streets. She did not cry; too many disappointments had left her numb. Should she blame Xiao Du? He had done nothing wrong to her, yet it was herself who had always wanted to scheme against him. But why, in this vast world, can I, Yan Chun, not find a single person who truly loves me

There is still me

A touch of lofty spirit, a swift breeze across a thousand miles

Entrusted to the dust of the world, Du Feng is sent away

Yan Chun despaired, thinking that he still did not know her identity. If only she could have ten more days, she was certain she could make him formally marry her. But now, she had no choice but to take the risk and try! What if it didn't work? Yan Chun smiled bitterly, wondering whether she should simply die or continue living like this

The old woman was already in her forties, and being in such a place, there was nothing left to misunderstand. She exclaimed, "Heavens! Does the girl have someone outside?" Yan Chun was almost in tears, gritting her teeth and shaking her head, "No, I have only seen him a few times." The old woman sighed, "What is he like? Tell me, and if you are not happy, quickly think of a way to find him.

Xiao Du was so shocked that he jumped in place, pointing at Liu Dayuan and exclaiming, "What! Just him? With his character, you actually want to marry him?" Yan Chun raised her eyebrows in anger and replied, "What’s wrong? Didn’t you just say he was quite good? Be careful with your words; he is my husband!" Xiao Du was stunned on the spot, lamenting, "Chun Jie, you..." Yan Chun's expression turned cold as she sternly commanded, "Be decisive! Either you apologize, or we sever our friendship!" Xiao Du took a deep breath, and suddenly his expression brightened. He had always been someone who could let go and take things lightly: "You, Yu Chun, this little woman, are biased to this extent! If I had known there were so many benefits to being your husband, I wouldn’t have called you sister!"

Du Sidao: "How brave you were just now, yet why are you feeling shy all of a sudden? If you don't answer, I might just start calling you 'Bamboo Pole'!" Yan Chun felt that there was a hint of mockery in his smile, and her face turned red again. She scolded herself for acting like a naive little girl, and thus revealed her real name, 'You Chun'.

Xiao Du smiled and nodded: "It should be my treat. Let us meet at Jufeng Building tomorrow at 2:00 PM!"

On the way back, Yan Chun felt as if she were walking on a pile of cotton. She tried her best to keep her mouth shut and not laugh, but the joy could not help but seep out from every pore of her body, making her appear even more charming than usual. Coincidentally, she encountered that chubby man again on the road; she couldn't help but smile sweetly at him and then quickly walked away, leaving the black chubby man standing there in a daze.

Returning to Huamanlou, Yan Chun could not suppress her wild thoughts. In her childhood, she had encountered a wandering Taoist who predicted that she would experience a turn of fortune upon reaching the age of twenty-five, after which she would enjoy a life of abundance. So, does that mean that after today, her fortune will change? Why today? ... Of course, it is because of the encounter today ...

The next ten days were filled with joy, as if even the heavens were particularly favoring them. Yan Chun told her mother that she was ill and did not want to entertain guests, and surprisingly, her mother did not press her, even allowing her to visit the doctor every day. Thus, she found excuses to see Xiao Du daily, using all her efforts to make him happy. As a result, just as she expected, Xiao Du increasingly enjoyed spending time with her.

Seeing the astonished expression on Xiao Du's face, one could easily fit a large duck egg in his mouth. At the age of nineteen, it seemed he had never considered such matters; he merely murmured, "Sister Chun, why do you always manage to startle me?"

Yan Chun felt delighted in her heart, but pretended to be angry and said, "I asked you to help me, not to laugh at me." Xiao Du exaggeratedly bowed and said, "No problem, the young lady's wish is my command. I will ensure that this fat fly disappears from before you." This comical act made Xiao Du appear even more childish. Yan Chun tentatively asked, "Master Du, are you twenty-five this year?" Xiao Du replied, "You have good eyesight! Others don't even think to ask my age. I was born in the Year of the Rooster, and I am nineteen this year."

Liu Qing immediately knelt down before Yan Chun and bowed deeply twice, saying, "Thank you, miss, for saving my boss!" Yan Chun was so embarrassed that she exclaimed, "Ah!" and tried to escape. Du Fengji had already pulled Liu Qing up with a smile, then moved his legs around, finding that none of his bones were broken, and the external injuries were truly minor.

Another voice said, "No, this is a female!" Yet another voice remarked, "Damn, she's quite a good-looking female. Damn it, since we can't find that yellow-skinned kid, why don't we take her back and have some fun!" While speaking, he also reached out to touch Yan Chun's face.

Du Fengji noticed that she no longer referred to him as "Master," and was very pleased, widening his eyes and nodding. Yan Chun said, "I was thinking about the big fat man we just encountered, wearing a large floral garment, his belly just barely pushing up a flower. He was also very dark, it was truly..." She covered her mouth and giggled, instantly radiating charm.

She is enjoying this chilly tranquility, yet faintly in the distance, some noisy voices can be heard, seemingly saying: "Right around here, where the hell did that kid run off to?"

Seeing her like this, Du Huangpi was momentarily taken aback, but it was not his turn to be stunned. A group of people, enraged by him, had already charged forward, shouting loudly, and began to engage in a chaotic scuffle with him

Yan Chun was utterly shocked. It is indeed difficult to determine Du Fengji's age based on his appearance, but he certainly does not look like someone who is only nineteen years old! It is not that he appears particularly old; rather, it is the mature and wise look in his eyes that even an old man might not possess. And to think that I am actually six years older than him!

Liu Dayuan finally spoke up: "Bullying him? My goodness, who would dare!"

Xiao Du's fighting style is quite terrifying; he runs forward at an extremely fast pace, darting in and out of alleys, causing the pursuing group behind him to stretch into a long line. Whenever there are fewer than three people closest to him, he suddenly strikes, and no one who has been hit by his punch is able to get back up. This kind of fighting continued for the duration of two meals, and those surrounding Du Fengji were clearly exhausted.

Today is her birthday, and after this evening, Yan Chun will be twenty-five. She does not even know how she has lived to such an age. It is already late at night, and the man beside Yan Chun is fast asleep. As before, she sits in that comfortable armchair, not thinking about anything. However, today the soft cushion seems to have a kind of pull, making her feel as if she is slowly sinking, falling into an unknown place. She becomes inexplicably irritable and unconsciously puts some force into her feet, giving the cat a hard squeeze. The soft cushion seems to have a kind of pull, making her feel as if she is slowly sinking, falling into an unknown place. She becomes inexplicably irritable and unconsciously puts some force into her feet, giving the cat a hard squeeze. The cat lets out an unpleasant cry and jumps out immediately.

Du Feng turned to her and asked, "What about you?" Yan Chun had not yet recovered from her shock and asked blankly, "What about me?" Xiao Du shushed her, saying, "You were doing fine a couple of days ago, why are you acting so foolish again? I’m asking how old you are." Yan Chun replied sadly, "I’m twenty-five." Xiao Du exclaimed, "Ah, you’re so much older than me. I’m sorry for being so rude while talking to you these past few days. If I had known, I wouldn’t have called you by your name, I would have called you Sister Chun instead." Yan Chun said softly, "Don’t you dislike me?" Xiao Du replied, "What’s there to dislike? You look even younger than I do."

Xiao Du stuck out his tongue: "Two people are placing some black and white lumps on a piece of wood, it's so boring it could drive one to death. You go play by yourself, I will find someone to persuade Liu Fatty to give up."

Today, she was so happy because Du Fengji said to her: "You Chun, it is truly wonderful to meet you. I have only had male friends, not a single female friend." Her heart felt as if it had grown wings, and her face involuntarily turned red. After her heartbeat calmed down a bit, she wandered outside alone for quite a while, returning only when it was getting dark.

Du Si, however, did not pay attention and just laughed heartily: "... that truly is a fresh flower inserted in a cow's belly... I know him, you are fortunate; once I saw him wearing a green outfit with black stripes, looking just like a big watermelon. He came to ask me to transport goods, and I took the opportunity to give his belly a pat... Do you know? His name is Liu Dayuan. Indeed, he is both big and round!"

Yan Chun suddenly felt an infinite hope arise within her. She thought to herself that one must strike while the iron is hot, so she mustered her courage and said: "Mr. Du, actually, I am not a refined young lady from a prominent family." Little Du laughed and replied: "I knew that long ago; what refined young lady would poke someone with a bamboo pole?" Yan Chun hurriedly said, fearing that if she stopped speaking, she would lose the courage to continue: "I am a courtesan." Little Du looked at her with a grin and slowly said: "Well, I already knew that too."

Xiao Du had already come to greet her from afar, happily calling out, "You Chun! You came so early." This difference made Yan Chun feel a bit disappointed, but she softly told herself that she could try to see him more in the evenings. The thought made her feel a bit shy, and she couldn't help but smile.

Yan Chun felt as if a fire was burning inside her, making it almost impossible to breathe. She could not suppress the urge to go out for a walk. The corner gate was locked, so Yan Chun changed into a plain light blue outfit and crawled out through a hole in the wall. Immediately, she felt that the world had become vast; the weather was chilling to the bone, and the street was quiet with only her shadow moving. Yet it was only at this moment that she truly felt alive.

Turning his head, Du Fengji smiled and asked Yan Chun, "My name is Du Fengji, also known as Huangpi Xiao Du. What do you go by?" After the earlier awkwardness, Yan Chun suddenly hesitated to reveal her flower name, struggling to find the words.

With a cold eye, I observe the affairs of the world; with a warm heart, I lean towards the emotions of humanity

It is still me

The man walked straight up to Yan Chun and said in a low voice, "Little girl, don't wander out in the middle of the night next time, hurry and run away." The group of people roared and all threw down Yan Chun to surround him. Yan Chun quickly stepped back, wanting to run, but she couldn't bear to leave the person who was saving her in danger, so she couldn't help but stop.

Why should the world be so busy and troubled?

In fact, Yan Chun did not run far; she turned back from another alley, holding a bamboo pole for hanging clothes. In just a short while, more than ten people were already lying on the ground. It was difficult to see clearly in the darkness, but from the staggering footsteps of Du Huangpi, it was evident that he had also been injured

This is the third brother among the ten brothers—also the only one who can roll his eyes and scold Du Fengji as "Third Sister".

The hand that turns the rain and clouds, though uncrowned, still wears the red tassel

Liu Dayuan was surprised: "Then why did he hit me?" Yan Chun lowered her head and said, "It was my fault, I am truly sorry. I was a bit dazed at that moment." She briefly recounted what had happened, then raised her head apologetically, "Don't you blame me?" Liu Dayuan did not respond, but looked into her eyes and gently asked, "Ask your own heart, do you really dislike me that much?" At that moment, Yan Chun felt that she did not dislike this chubby man at all. Apologetically raising her head, she asked again, "Don't you blame me?" Liu Dayuan did not answer, only looking into her eyes and gently asking, "Ask your own heart, do you really dislike me that much?" At that moment, Yan Chun felt that she did not dislike this chubby man at all.

Yan Chun widened her eyes in surprise and asked, "When did you find out?"

In an instant, the color drained completely from Yan Chun's face. Xiao Du asked in surprise, "What’s wrong, feeling unwell?"

Xiao Du said again: "Sister Chun, I feel that we are very compatible, and I don't have many relatives..." Yan Chun's heart began to race again: "Here it comes, is he about to say 'Marry me'?"

Xiao Du looked at this and then at that, and couldn't help but tease, "Look at the way you two are exchanging glances. Liu Dayuan, brother-in-law! You really have some skills! I apologize! I'm sorry!" As he spoke, he picked up a bowl of cold tea from the table, held it with both hands, and knelt down in front of Liu Dayuan.

Yan Chun then understood why Xiao Du was nicknamed Du Huangpi. His skin color was a peculiar murky yellow, with a hint of black, resembling a yellow mud road after rain. Even his white teeth appeared pale yellow, and coupled with his wavy, curly hair, he looked entirely wrinkled and listless, in stark contrast to the dashing figure of the leader from the night before.

At that moment, a voice came from an alley to the right of Yan Chun: "Old Du's men are really damn energetic, but their eyesight is a bit lacking. Your father is right in front of you, yet you can't even see him?" Accompanying the voice, a tall figure slid down from the eaves. He had been hanging there like a spider web; if he didn't move or make a sound, it would have been truly difficult to notice him.

In the room, Liu Dayuan, who had been feeling gloomy, suddenly said: "Yan Chun, I know I am not as good as Master Du in many ways, but please think about it carefully. Master Du is too young; he does not understand how to treat people well. Aren't you tired being with him?" Yan Chun was taken aback: indeed! She had been so tired these past few days, pretending and being on edge! Not seeing Yan Chun respond, Liu Dayuan continued: "I may be ugly, but I truly like you. I will be the best person for you in the world!"

This meal lasted for two hours. Yan Chun deliberately sat next to Xiao Du, who not only did not avoid her but instead animatedly shared some amusing stories, making her laugh continuously. It was not until a brother came looking for him that Xiao Du stood up, and before leaving, he said: "You Chun, if you encounter any difficulties, do not hesitate to speak to me!"

Later, Yan Chun's assistance to Xiao Du was indeed substantial. Most of Xiao Du's brothers are orphans, and this Third Sister provided them with the care that they could only receive from their mothers and sisters.

She truly had little experience; it was better if she did not run at all. As soon as she did, those people immediately heard the commotion. One shouted, "Aha! So you are here, brothers, come over!" Yan Chun's heart raced wildly as she tried her best to run, but how could she outrun these people? In just a few steps, she was caught up with.

And drink from the golden goblet, while drawing the jade bow.

It is often heard that goodness is accompanied by much suffering, while it is rarely seen that evil is met with retribution

Fearless in the face of myriad hardships, unyielding against a thousand kinds of astonishments

This statement caused Liu Dayuan's face to change color, and he hurriedly looked towards Yan Chun. Upon seeing his panicked expression, Yan Chun felt a wave of tenderness in her heart and quickly gave him an encouraging glance to reassure him

Yan Chun secretly thought it was bad, realizing she had encountered local thugs. She quickly turned into a small alley, holding her breath and crouching in a dark corner. After a stick of incense's time, fifty to sixty people armed with long knives and clubs hurriedly passed by the mouth of the alley, and no one noticed her. Yan Chun let out a sigh of relief and turned to run back.

Yan Chun certainly knew what would happen next, and she found it somewhat amusing that instead of honestly staying at the Flower Pavilion to entertain guests, she had ended up on the street being assaulted. Yet deep down, there was a sense of sorrow. She did not resist, merely lowered her head and followed those who were cursing and swearing.

The large group behind said: "Look at you, you are quite a character. The boss said, as long as you change your name and don't say your surname is Du, we will let you go!" The person sneered coldly and replied: "Sure, no problem. I'll change my name to your father!" The people on this side were furious upon hearing this: "Du Huangpi! You are doomed."

Yan Chun's throat felt dry and hoarse, and after a long time, she forced a smile and said: "It is a bit, I don't know why I suddenly feel dizzy. It must be the weather is too hot, I need to go back and rest." Xiao Du laughed and said: "If I hadn't seen your brave side, I would definitely think I scared you. Can I walk you back?" Yan Chun tried her best to act normal: "It's not easy to come out and have fun, why go back so early? I still want to find someone to play chess with."

That hand shook her: "Hey! What are you thinking? I'm talking to you!" Du Fengji thought to himself that this girl might have been frightened. Yan Chun suddenly realized, her face flushed: "W-what?" Du Fengji sighed, no longer speaking in the tone they had just discussed, but instead directly issued a few commands. Yan Chun complied and walked to a distance, following Du Fengji's instructions to shout loudly: "Everyone, get out of the way, the officials are coming!" The fighters on both sides immediately stopped, those who could walk helped those who could not, and in an instant, they retreated completely, even dragging away the bodies on the ground. This was an unwritten rule among the thugs: regardless of victory or defeat, do not confront the officials. Yan Chun's shout was like a signal to retreat.

Suddenly, a noisy commotion was heard from downstairs. Mama rushed up in a panic and said, "Master Du has brought people up. Master Liu, a wise man does not suffer immediate losses; you should hide quickly!" Yan Chun asked in surprise, "How does Master Du know he has arrived?" The way she referred to "he" made Liu Dayuan feel at ease. Mama replied, "Master Du had instructed Mama before that as soon as Master Liu arrives, we must quickly report it."

In leisure, I sing wildly while riding a swift horse, drunkenly resting among the blossoms, my head on a thousand reds

Inquire about the world's relentless pursuit, how many layers of recklessness can there be

On the second day, at noon, Yan Chun arrived at Ju Feng Lou, and before the hour of Wei, Xiao Du also arrived.

Xiao Du said: "Then You Chun, it's getting late today. Where do you live? Let me take you home." Yan Chun was startled and hurriedly replied, "No, no, it's fine. I can go back by myself." As she spoke, she turned and fled as if in a panic, but suddenly stopped again and said to Du Fengji, "How about I treat you to dinner tomorrow at Ju Feng Lou? I'll wait for you at the hour of Wei." As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt a bit nervous, fearing that Xiao Du would refuse.

How could Yan Chun tell him that she was thinking of how to scheme to win him over? She deliberately stood on a higher step, casting a sidelong glance at him with her watery eyes, and said in a delicate tone: "Do you want to hear?"

Xiao Du winked at Yan Chun and said, "Actually, this brother-in-law is not bad, it's just that his taste in clothing is a bit lacking." Yan Chun rolled her eyes at Du Si, and seeing the sweat on his forehead, she took out a handkerchief to wipe it for him. At this moment, Xiao Du had truly become like a younger brother in her heart. Xiao Du gazed at her affectionately and suddenly said, "Sister Chun, do you know? You look a lot like my mother, so I liked you the moment I saw you!" Yan Chun replied, "Ah, no wonder I feel we resemble each other!" Then she laughed and said, "You know what? I also liked you the moment I saw you, and I even thought about marrying you. Just look at what you missed out on, do you regret it now?" Xiao Du gazed at her affectionately and suddenly said, "Sister Chun, do you know? You look a lot like my mother, so I liked you the moment I saw you!" Yan Chun replied, "Ah, no wonder I feel we resemble each other!" Then she laughed and said, "You know what? I also liked you the moment I saw you, and I even thought about marrying you. Just look at what you missed out on, do you regret it now?"

Yan Chun saw a leading figure give a signal, and a person wielding a stick quietly entered an alley, the meaning of which was unclear. When Xiao Du passed by the alley, a stick suddenly extended from the side and struck down at him! Only then did Yan Chun realize the danger and shouted, "Be careful!" He then rushed forward, waving a bamboo pole. However, Du Fengji, attempting to dodge, was already too late; he could only move his head aside, and the stick struck fiercely against his left leg. Consequently, his leg buckled, and he knelt down right in front of the rushing Yan Chun. Fortunately, this kneeling action prevented Yan Chun's poorly aimed bamboo pole from hitting him. Behind them, a person wielding a broadsword was preparing to chop down with a wide swing when suddenly a bamboo pole came thrusting towards him. In a panic, he leaned back, and with a wave of his hand, he sliced the bamboo pole into two diagonal pieces.

Liu Dayuan's hands were covered in cold sweat, trembling and afraid to help Du Si. Yan Chun glared at him: "Look at you! Why aren't you moving? Do you want to bully my brother?" Saying this, she stepped forward to help Du Fengji up.

Yan Chun sighed, "In fact, he never really valued me; he probably hasn't even thought about it at all." She suddenly found it strange that she did not feel particularly upset at this moment, yet just a moment ago, when she thought of Xiao Du, she felt a pang in her heart.

Upon hearing the sound, Du Fengji immediately recognized that his brother Liu Qing had arrived. He instantly relaxed and wiped the blood from his face: "I have been fighting for half a day already, and it is this young lady who saved me. I am here to express my gratitude for her life-saving grace!" As he spoke, he slowly stood up

The vast soft red passes through my eyes, everywhere I roam freely.

Upon seeing her, the old woman in the flower-filled building exclaimed, "Miss, why do you look particularly beautiful today? Have you heard about your good fortune?" Yan Chun was taken aback, asking, "What good fortune?" The old woman replied with a smile, "This afternoon, Master Liu from the silk shop came in and specifically requested you, saying he wants to take you as his concubine. Master Liu is quite well-off and not very old; you will enjoy a good life now." However, Yan Chun felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head. Master Liu was that black, chubby man who looked like a watermelon. For the past few days, she had been fantasizing about a happy future with Xiao Du, completely forgetting her current situation. Suddenly, her face turned pale as she stood there in shock.

She lowered her head, joy overflowing from her heart, unstoppable. Her status was humble, but he was a local ruffian; perhaps he would not mind? Yan Chun planned to withhold her identity from him for now, waiting until he could not do without her, then everything would be easier. As for how to capture a man's heart, that was precisely her forte

Once everyone had left, Liu Qing asked Du Fengji: "Boss, when will we take them down? Why do we always have to endure that old rabbit Du? It's not like we can't beat him!" Du replied: "I am waiting for someone, but the time is almost right. Tell the brothers that from now on, we no longer need to endure old Du, but for every victory we achieve, we must deliberately lose twice. You may go now!" Liu Qing had no doubts about such a strange order, and after agreeing, he left.

Sighing at the murky world, where can one find a hero?

Such a solemn act of serving tea and admitting fault left Liu Dayuan at a loss for words. Just moments ago, this little brother of Du had given him a good beating, and the threats like "Look at your disgusting character, how dare you provoke Du, I could turn you into a bun and still find you too fat" were still ringing in his ears. Now, he actually admitted his mistake!

Why not me

Yesterday, that hand rested on her shoulder again: "You Chun, it seems that I must adapt to your pace in the future. Every time I talk to you, I have to give you some time to smile foolishly. What good thing are you thinking about? Can you tell me?"

With a strong shoulder bearing righteousness, I stride boldly over the uneven path

The name Hua Yan Chun immediately reveals her profession. Indeed, she is the star courtesan of Hua Man Lou.

In the evening, Yan Chun returned to Hua Man Lou, where Liu Da Yuan had been waiting for her at the door. It was then that Yan Chun realized how Xiao Du had "persuaded" him. Seeing Liu Da Yuan's bruised and battered face, Yan Chun felt a twinge of guilt and decided to take him back to the room to apply medicine.

Liu Dayuan stared intently at Yan Chun, as if asking: How is it? Yan Chun smiled at him, a smile that captivated him: "You don't need to hide." Liu Dayuan understood this meaning perfectly, so when Xiao Du entered, he was left standing there, motionless and grinning foolishly.

At this moment, the people brought by Liu Qing had already engaged in combat with Lao Du's men. Both sides had deployed elite forces, but Lao Du's subordinates were already exhausted from being dragged down by Xiao Du. Moreover, the new reinforcements outnumbered them, so it wasn't long before more than twenty lay on the ground, while only two were injured on Xiao Du's side. Du Fengji and Liu Qing stood by, watching with cold smiles; with their experience, they both knew that tonight, Lao Du was doomed.

Yan Chun now set her mind at ease, merely widening her eyes to gaze at Du Fengji. She discovered something intriguing: this person bore a slight resemblance to herself, both having slender, tall figures and elongated eyes. In the darkness of the night, both of their skin tones were dark. ... He opened his mouth, his teeth as white and even as her own, and his hands were similarly slender ...

Her skin was slightly darker, but her figure was long and graceful. On her face, a pair of charming almond-shaped eyes slanted elegantly, and her long fingers were always lazily resting on her pointed chin, exuding a beauty that was more than just skin deep. Her feet were unbound, larger than those of an average man, yet they were slender, giving off a unique charm. At that moment, she was barefoot, playing with a large tabby cat on the ground, which squinted its eyes and allowed her to tease it, emitting a soft purring sound from its throat. Her feet were unbound, larger than those of an average man, yet they were slender, giving off a unique charm. At that moment, she was barefoot, playing with a large tabby cat on the ground, which squinted its eyes and allowed her to tease it, emitting a soft purring sound from its throat

To cut down the people of the world, to smile at life while picking flowers

Yan Chun's first sentence to Xiao Du was: "That day, you said Liu Dayuan is actually quite a good person, what did you mean by that?" Xiao Du looked at the somewhat awkward atmosphere and cautiously replied: "He is not a bad person at heart, and he is unconventional. My elder brother has told me that Liu Dayuan is skilled in business."

Yan Chun said, "This morning you said you wanted to acknowledge me as your elder sister, does that still count now?" Xiao Du replied, "Why wouldn't it count? Let the brothers go buy some sacrificial offerings right away, tomorrow I will formally acknowledge you as my sister." Yan Chun smiled and said, "Since that's the case, you hit my brother-in-law, so now you should admit your mistake!"

In a time of chaos and turmoil, how can one achieve fame?

At that moment, a voice came through: "Boss, there is news that Old Du's men are planning to ambush you tonight. I brought the brothers..." Suddenly, the person saw their boss covered in blood, kneeling in front of a woman, and asked in shock, "Huh? Boss, what happened to you..."

And see me

Xiao Du continued, "Would you be my... older sister?" Then he laughed again, "Anyway, since we just met, I have already knelt before you, it seems I am destined to suffer losses in this lifetime.

Yan Chun felt his gaze was scorching hot, and she couldn't help but feel a bit flustered: "Aren't you afraid of him for saying that?" Liu Dayuan chuckled lightly: "When I came to make my decision, my mother warned me. Just now, she said I was overestimating myself. But look at me, am I afraid? I plan to compete for the woman that Master Du has his eyes on, and I anticipated that he would hit me. In fact, this is still mild for him. But I am not afraid! I must compete with him. Yan Chun, as long as you give me this opportunity!"

Du Huangpi chuckled, "That’s true, anyone would be doomed. If I can live another seventy or eighty years longer than you, that would be enough to break even." He turned to Yan Chun with a sidelong smile, "Sister, why aren’t you leaving? Are you interested in me? Even if you are, you’ll have to wait for your brother to come find you tomorrow." If it were an ordinary girl raised in a traditional family, she would surely be angered by such words. However, someone like Yan Chun could already discern the true meaning behind his words. She read concern and anxiety in his gaze, so she nodded earnestly and turned to flee.

Yan Chun suddenly felt a powerful force rushing towards her, numbing her arm. The bamboo pole was about to slip from her grasp when Du Fengji, kneeling before her, quickly reached out to grab her arm and pulled her into his embrace. As Yan Chun fell into his arms, the angled end of the bamboo pole pierced the throat of the swordsman like a sword. The uncontrolled long knife fell between the two, and Du Fengji pushed Yan Chun away, caught the knife, and swung it behind him, slicing through the waist of the assailant rushing from behind. A spray of blood rained down on Du Fengji, staining his face red, and thick blood flowed down from his head, making it impossible for him to open his eyes. Coupled with the intense pain in his leg, he did not rush to rise but remained on one knee before Yan Chun, fully alert. The remaining thirty or so individuals momentarily dared not approach.

Life is fraught with difficulties, and the ways of heaven are not necessarily just

On the second day, she wore a coarse blue cloth dress. Du Fengji had grown accustomed to her meticulous grooming over the past few days and found her unadorned appearance to be quite charming. Thus, he smiled and said, "You, Youchun, would look even more beautiful if you didn't bother to dress up!" Upon hearing this, the courage that Yan Chun had finally mustered seemed to vanish into thin air. She dared not speak directly, yet could not remain silent. After a long pause, she lowered her head and said pitifully, "Master Du, someone has been pestering me lately." Little Du laughed and said, "Is it that Liu Fatty?" Yan Chun looked up in surprise, asking, "How did you know?"

Though a person may cherish beauty, even heroes are captivated by a city.