Chapter 2, Calamity from Outside, The Yun Siblings

Talking about a few moves naturally refers to playing Go. Then, Yun Shuhuan put away the knife and nodded in response: "Alright, young master"

According to Xu Zhong's words, it can be said that he has achieved a minor success in internal martial arts. Under full strength, breaking stones is no longer a challenge. Xu Jie knows that his strength seems to be much greater than that of an average person, yet he has not truly sought out a large stone to test his strength. This path of martial arts has long ceased to be of primary concern to Xu Jie; he regards it merely as a means to strengthen his body and regulate his spirit. If Xu Jie were to wield a sword and traverse the world, engaging in life-and-death battles, the recently successful scholar Xu Jie would not necessarily be willing to do so. Naturally, he prefers a well-chosen life, with food, drink, and attendants at his service, and there is no need to seek out hardship.

As soon as Xu Jie finished speaking, before Yun Xiaolian could say anything, Yun Shuhuan quickly interjected: "Xiao Lian, you will attend to this in the evening"

As the game progressed, Yun Xiaolian had already been attending to the side, serving tea and water. The sky had grown somewhat dim, prompting her to light a candle. The old butler, missing a front tooth, entered with a long knife in hand. Upon seeing Xu Jie engrossed in the chess match, he refrained from interrupting, gently placing the knife horizontally on a nearby chair before quietly exiting.

Thus, Xu Jie has persisted in practicing martial arts for over ten years, although in recent years his enthusiasm has waned compared to earlier years. However, he has made considerable progress in the practice of breathing techniques during these years. Whenever he feels fatigued from studying, a few rounds of breathing exercises immediately refresh him. It seems that he can gradually sense a force circulating within his body.

Upon hearing this, Xu Jie also felt that Xu Zhong had a point. However, it seemed that no matter how this matter was handled, it would be troublesome. Initially, Xu Jie thought of simply throwing the salt by the riverside and letting whichever party arrived first take it away, thus avoiding trouble. But upon further reflection, he realized that this was not a reliable solution either. In the end, another group of people would still come to seek accountability, thinking that the Xu family had hoarded the salt.

"Young master, where is brother? I turned my head to pour him a glass of water, and he just disappeared." The young girl's tone was extremely gentle, with a hint of mild complaint in her words

Upon entering the gate, one finds oneself in the outer courtyard, which consists of only two sections; the outer courtyard is relatively large, while the inner courtyard is smaller. In the outer courtyard, there is a young man wielding a long knife, practicing his swordsmanship with vigorous movements.

Some people went to move the corpses along with the contraband salt, showing no concern for the gruesome appearance of the bodies, without even a hint of discretion

As the New Year approaches, a pile of corpses has appeared by the river, which is truly ominous Xu Jie said while walking in, expressing his complaint Over the past few years, Xu Jie has mostly been away from home, studying in the county town, and has just passed the examination to become a scholar He usually only returns to Xujiatun occasionally, and the reason he is home at this time is that the New Year is approaching, and the county school is on break, allowing him to reunite with his family

Yun Xiaolian nodded gently and smiled, saying: "Young Master, even as a mere maid, I am not as particular about cleanliness as you are. In the middle of winter, I just soaked them yesterday, and now I have to soak them again tonight"

The old man with a missing front tooth furrowed his brow upon hearing this, and without asking further questions, went to find a knife for Xu Jie

In the years that followed, Yun Shuhuan became increasingly effeminate, yet he remained strikingly handsome, or rather, one might say he was exceptionally dashing. However, the term "dashing" does not quite fit, as Yun Shuhuan exuded a certain softness. Coupled with his naturally reticent demeanor, this softness became even more pronounced. Even during the boy's voice-changing period, Yun Shuhuan did not undergo significant changes; his tone of speech still carried a hint of femininity. When Yun Shuhuan first entered the Xu family at the age of eleven, Xu Jie truly did not realize that this boy possessed such an effeminate nature. Even during the boy's voice-changing period, Yun Shuhuan did not undergo significant changes; his tone of speech still carried a hint of femininity. When Yun Shuhuan first entered the Xu family at the age of eleven, Xu Jie truly did not realize that this boy possessed such an effeminate nature

There is also a pair of young siblings who were bought from the city about five or six years ago. Although the family did not lack hands to help with work, Xu Jie happened to see this pair of siblings for sale at the pawnshop and, feeling a moment of compassion, decided to buy them. Now, one is fifteen and the other is twelve

Xu Jie turned to look at Yun Shuhuan, feeling that Yun Shuhuan, who had just hurriedly interrupted, seemed somewhat off, unlike his usual taciturn demeanor

Yun Shuhuan is very dedicated to practicing with the sword, and the family is fortunate to have a good master, Xu Zhong, who is skilled with the blade. As for Xu Zhong's level of martial arts, Xu Jie does not have a clear understanding. Since childhood, Xu Jie has also practiced with swords and spears alongside Xu Zhong.

After speaking, Xu Zhong leaned on his cane and headed towards the town entrance. A farmer handed his hoe to someone nearby and, accompanied by several other farmers, made his way along the main road to report to the authorities in Qingshan County.

Xu Jie sat down heavily on the chair to his left and waved his hand, signaling Yun Shuhuan to take a seat. The two began to play chess, each displaying considerable skill, evenly matched. The competition between equals is also the reason why Xu Jie enjoys playing chess with Yun Shuhuan.

A man carrying a hoe, upon hearing this, handed the hoe to the person beside him, then cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and prepared to lead the others to report to the authorities

There truly exists something like internal energy cultivation. The technique of breath regulation is also taught by Xu Zhong. Xu Jie was naturally overjoyed, but later discovered that this technique of breath regulation is not as fantastical as depicted in movies, capable of allowing one to soar through the heavens and traverse the earth. The actual effect of practicing it is that it can refresh the mind and spirit, and also significantly increase one's strength

Xu Zhongxian had evidently guessed the general situation. Leaning on his crutch away from the water's edge, he frowned and said in response to Xu Jie's words: "Damn it, the smuggled goods on the Fushui River are being handled by a group of people upstream in Fushui County, and there are also a bunch of rascals from Qingshan County involved. The real authority lies with the forces from Dajiang County. The fierce conflict we are witnessing must involve the major powers from Dajiang County and Fushui County. Our Xu family town has always been composed of good citizens, abiding by the law. In the face of such matters, it is our duty to report to the authorities. Old Ba, go report to the authorities. If we do not report, and both parties come seeking us, that would truly be troublesome.

Yun Xiaolian was clearly not reserved in front of Xu Jie, speaking very casually. This was also due to Xu Jie’s easygoing nature, which did not emphasize the sense of hierarchy.

Xu Family Town was originally an ordinary rural town, where most people made a living through farming for generations. However, since the return of these soldiers, the town has changed; there are now many more people practicing with knives, guns, and clubs.

"Second Uncle, it is necessary to take more precautions in this regard. Those who earn a living at the cost of their lives are likely not easy to deal with," Xu Jie reminded.

Xu Jie tossed a white piece onto the chessboard, conceding defeat. He laughed and said, "Yun, this round is yours. Let's have another game."

Xu Jie followed Xu Zhong back home. The courtyard at home was not small, and an old man with a missing front tooth stood at the entrance. Seeing Xu Zhong and Xu Jie returning, he greeted them with a smile and said, "Second Master, Young Master, you have returned a bit earlier today"

Xu Jie looked at the little girl who had just begun to develop and chuckled, "Your brother has gone to prepare the chessboard in the hall. Young master, I have returned, and I am quite thirsty."

Xu Jie took the teacup with a smile, drank it all in one go, and then returned the teacup to the young girl. He smiled and said, "Thank you for the tea, Xiao Lian"

After speaking, Xu Jie stood up and said to Yun Xiaolian: "Please remind Aunt Gu to boil some more hot water later, as I want to take a soup bath in the evening"

The old man with a missing front tooth is named Xu Youjin, who is also the old steward of the Xu family, managing various trivial matters. There are also several servants in the household, including a middle-aged couple with the surname Gu, who have no children. They have been in this courtyard for over ten years, with one assisting Xu Youjin in handling some minor tasks, while the other is responsible for boiling water and cooking in the wood shed.

Xu Zhong nodded at the old man with the missing tooth and directly entered through the main door. Xu Jie, however, laughed and said: "Jin Bo, something has happened today, quickly go and fetch my knife."

This young man is Yun Shuhuan, who is fifteen years old. He has a very cold demeanor and is never willing to speak much. Xu Jie knows that this lad probably harbors many thoughts in his heart. After asking a few more questions without getting to the bottom of it, Xu Jie became disinclined to inquire further. Over the years, Yun Shuhuan has worked diligently and shows great respect for Xu Jie, also taking on the role of a bookkeeper. Xu Jie treats the siblings very well, not at all like a harsh master. As the years passed, Yun Shuhuan continued to work hard and maintained his respect for Xu Jie, also serving as a bookkeeper. Xu Jie has been very kind to these siblings, not resembling a cruel master. Thus, the two siblings have grown even more grateful.

Xu Jie spoke up, saying: "Second Uncle, this matter is likely not as simple as it seems. There are many people smuggling salt along the waterways, and this clearly looks like a conflict among those salt smugglers. In the future, someone will inevitably come to demand these salt goods. With two to three thousand jin, that amounts to several hundred taels of silver. Those salt smugglers who take risks will certainly want to retrieve their goods. After reporting to the authorities, if the salt goods are confiscated by the government, it will only escalate the conflict. Second Uncle, we need to deliberate on this matter further."

"Yun Xiaozai, stop practicing and accompany me for a few rounds of discussion." Xu Jie, at present, is indeed not as enthusiastic about martial arts as Yun Shuhuan. Yun Shuhuan seizes every moment to practice, never slacking off throughout the year, which makes Xu Zhong nod repeatedly in approval. Xu Zhong is very attentive in teaching Yun Shuhuan martial arts, likely considering the need for someone to protect Xu Jie.

At this moment, a young girl emerged from a side room holding a teacup. The girl appeared to be no more than twelve years old, with delicate features and fair skin, making her a beautiful girl in the making. It must be said that the Yun siblings truly possessed good looks; when they were brought home, they were dirty and unkempt, which concealed their true appearance.

After speaking, Yun Shuhuan went into the hall to prepare the chessboard and pieces

After purchasing it, Xu Jie realized that these two siblings were somewhat extraordinary. The elder brother, Yun Shuhuan, could actually read and not at a basic level; he was able to recognize characters from general books. Even the younger sister, Yun Xiaolian, could recognize quite a few characters.

Xu Jie laughed and said: "Xiao Lian, are you planning to go on strike? Is it too tiring to serve me while I take a bath? Then tonight, let your brother take your place to serve me. You can take a break."

The old man with missing teeth was startled by Xu Jie's words and quickly asked, "Young master, what has happened? Do we still need to take out the knife?"

Upon reflection, reporting to the authorities seems to be a relatively prudent approach. The salt goods are indeed the crux of the matter; at the very least, once the items are in the hands of the government, rather than in the Xu family's possession, it constitutes a form of resolution

Thus, Xu Jie often teased the young girl Yun Xiaolian, claiming that he had brought back a treasure. Xu Jie’s appearance was somewhat different from that of the brother and sister; his features were well-defined, giving him a somewhat rugged look, which also carried a hint of handsomeness. Describing Xu Jie as handsome would be quite fitting.

Xu Zhongwen nodded and said to those around him, "Go home and bring out your swords and guns!"

Yun Xiaolian, as a purchased maid, has indeed been doing such tasks since childhood, having served Xu Jie during his baths for several years. She assists Xu Jie in scrubbing his back, washing his hair, and arranging his hairstyle with great proficiency. In earlier times, Xu Jie was still a boy who had not yet matured, while Yun Xiaolian was only eight years old. Under the orders of Xu Jie's grandmother, Xu Zhushi, there were no taboos to speak of. As Xu Jie grew older, Yun Xiaolian became accustomed to it.

Xu Zhong furrowed his brows as he looked at the people around him and said, "Take the corpses and these bags of salt to the town. Lao Ba, you and a few others go to the county seat to report to the authorities"

Several hundred taels of silver is indeed not a small sum. For an ordinary family in the city, having seven to eight hundred copper coins in a month is sufficient for their expenses. One tael of silver is equivalent to a thousand copper coins, and ten taels of silver a year would be considered a well-off family living in the city. This illustrates the significance of several hundred taels of silver.

Xu Jie entered the hall with a smile on his face. The delicate and handsome Yun Shuhuan had already prepared the chessboard and pieces, placing them on a small table, and had arranged two armchairs on either side, standing by and waiting.

Xiao Lian was certainly not complaining about being tired or intending to go on strike; she also understood that Xu Jie was merely joking with his words, so she just nodded in response

The young girl blushed slightly, hurriedly offering the teacup in her hand, and said: "Young master, please drink first; I will go pour tea for my brother afterward"

Usually, the casual conversations in the town would only disperse when the sun is about to set. However, upon encountering such an event today, they dispersed immediately.

Upon hearing this, Yun Shuhuan, who usually spoke little and rarely smiled, revealed a slight smile at the corners of his mouth. He lowered his head to collect the black and white pieces on the chessboard, preparing for the next game

In his childhood, Xu Jie was particularly dedicated to practicing martial arts, often training from morning until night. It was as if he had watched too many martial arts films in his previous life, which made him especially fond of martial skills, believing that he could soar through the heavens and traverse the earth like in the movies. It was only later that he realized martial arts were not that miraculous, and one could not fly to the sky or cross a river on a single reed.

The cloud beside him, Xiao Lian, spoke in a crisp voice akin to the chirping of a yellow oriole: "Young Master, it is getting late; Aunt Gu's meal should be served soon, and the ancestor is waiting for you in the inner courtyard to have dinner."

After careful analysis, Xu Jie began to regard his second uncle with increasing respect. Usually, this second uncle appeared to be an ordinary rural man, showing no signs of having extraordinary plans regarding certain matters. However, it was only after today's incident that Xu Jie realized his second uncle was indeed somewhat remarkable.

Upon hearing this, Xu Jie looked up and smiled, saying: "I took the game too seriously and lost track of time. Young Yun, let us continue our battle after we finish our meal"

The young girl looked at Xu Jie's smiling face, her cheeks flushed even more, and she turned around to pour water again