Chapter 4: Walking the Jianghu Together in the Wind
How old are you? Do you need to add a parent's signature on the leave of absence form? Alright, let's see what your father has to say.
Uh, no... no need! Zheng Dongting was somewhat intimidated by Zu Siqian's wealth, "My junior brother and I are enough. Mr. Zu, you can rest assured, I will protect my junior brother and ensure he suffers no harm."
What happened next is something Zu Beiqiu could never forget for a lifetime
"This, I... I have never left Yizhou in my life, and now I must go to Yangzhou..." Zu was hesitating as he spoke, filled with sorrow for the autumn.
He unfastened a broad black iron bow measuring four feet from his body, drew a white-feathered arrow from the quiver at his waist, and nocked it onto the string, standing ready in a tense posture
Zu Bei Qiu was so frightened that he immediately crouched down on the ground, covering his head with both hands, and quietly asked, "What is happening? What is this situation?"
"How long can it be? Do we really have to walk for ten years?" Zheng Dongting sighed and said, "This might be for the best; perhaps when we arrive in Yangzhou, we can catch Luo Qiutong at her mother's house."
Indeed, indeed. Do not let others say that my family is dismissing their wife and still requires someone to write on their behalf. Do you need attendants when you go to the Luo family?" At this point, Zu Siqian suddenly raised his voice and shouted, "Come here!" As soon as he finished speaking, several hundred burly men wielding knives and clubs emerged from the courtyard of the Zu family.
Father! So you have long wanted me to part with Qiutong... Zuo Beiqiu, upon hearing Zuo Sixian's words, felt as if struck by lightning, as if the world around him was collapsing entirely before his eyes
"Since we can find her at Renyi Manor, do we still need to go to Luoyang?" Zu Beiqiu asked cautiously, "Isn't Luoyang... even farther?"
"Good... good, so wonderful, good... so refreshing! Good... so exhilarating! Good... so..." Zu Beiqiu murmured obsessively.
"You might as well turn into a vegetable on the ground; why is it so difficult to move you to a new spot?" Zheng Dongting widened his eyes, "The Luoyang Sword Discussion Conference is approaching, and the top young talents of the martial world will be selected for the title of the foremost young master. This is a grand event that occurs once every twelve years! Anyone of significance in the jianghu will come to Luoyang. As for your Luo Qiutong, if she is indeed in Yangzhou, she will certainly be in Luoyang by then!"
Ah? Both Zu Beiqiu and Zheng Dongting widened their eyes simultaneously
My son, these years have been unjust for your father. Back then, it was a grave mistake to seek the financial support of the Luo family along the Jiangnan road, which has ruined your lifelong happiness with a fickle woman. This woman, who does not adhere to the duties of a wife, has left home for ten years without returning; who knows how many lovers she has had during this time. I pity your infatuation with her, pretending not to know about all this, only hoping that one day you will awaken and see through the true nature of this seductress. Who would have thought your infatuation would remain unchanged until now!" At this point, tears shimmered in the old man's eyes. "My son, today you have finally awakened and grown up. A real man should have multiple wives and not hang himself on a single tree. Have you written the divorce letter? I have more than ten teachers under me, ready to write a hundred copies for you at any time!" A real man should have multiple wives and not hang himself on a single tree. Have you written the divorce letter? I have more than ten teachers under me, ready to write a hundred copies for you at any time!
"Shut your mouth, and stop embarrassing yourself here." Zheng Dongting felt a cold sweat break out all over his body upon hearing this, and he leaned closer to Zu Beiqiu, speaking in a low voice.
"Out of words? Hehe, that's right, everyone is like that!" Zheng Dongting rubbed his sore shoulders, "Remember the first martial arts skill you saw when you entered the martial world: our master's unique technique, the Swallow's Flight and Cloud Soaring. Imprint this moment in your mind; no matter how much suffering you endure in the martial world in the future, you will ultimately feel it was worth it, because you have witnessed what lightness skill truly is"
"Senior brother, are you going to carry me as we walk?" Zu Beiqiu asked hesitantly
It is approximately located in the northeast of Bazhou and the southwest of Jinzhou. Zheng Dongting took a large white towel from his waist to wipe the sweat from his neck
Father, this is all the senior brother's idea!" The two of them hurriedly vied to speak.
This gentleman speaks in a most disjointed manner. This is the official road of the Tang Dynasty, constructed by the government; what business is it of yours? The trees along this road are all over a hundred years old; could it be that you planted them before you were even born? To demand that we pay a toll based on such claims is a business no one would be willing to engage in. " Zu Beiqiu stood up, retracting his hands into his sleeves, and spoke with utmost seriousness.
Uncertain of how many mountains he had crossed and how many rivers he had traversed, Zheng Dongting finally came to a halt on a flat stretch of road. He resembled a wind god treading on colorful clouds, gliding effortlessly along the surface until the soles of his shoes began to emit wisps of smoke, yet he stopped reluctantly.
What the hell, junior brother, why are you so gloomy!
Indeed! This is wonderful! Upon hearing this, Zu Bei Qiu's round face beamed with joy, resembling a sunflower facing the sun. "Senior brother truly has great insight!"
As soon as his feet touched the ground, he felt a sharp pain in his legs, and involuntarily fell to his knees: "This, this, this, is, is, is just like - a picture - book ... ... "
"What a fool from Yizhou, it seems you have never heard of this kind of bandit slang." Zheng Dongting sighed, "Let me tell you, that is just nonsense made up for the sake of rhyme; to put it bluntly, it means robbery."
Zu Beiqiu sighed helplessly, forcing himself to step forward and sat down heavily on the purple bamboo chair. Suddenly, a cry of despair escaped Zheng Dongting, causing him to fall to the ground, which in turn made Zu Beiqiu kneel down as well.
"Senior brother, what are you doing?" Zu Bei Qiu asked in confusion
Zheng Dongting carefully scrutinized the burly man before him. He noticed that the man's eyes shone with brilliance, exuding a strong vitality. The nine-ring broadsword in his hand had a thin blade and a thick body, with an ancient and rugged design, clearly indicating that it was no ordinary weapon. Realizing he was up against a formidable opponent, Zheng felt a sense of dread in his heart.
"Disciple, what are you doing? Don't act like this, it's so embarrassing..." Zheng Dongting forcefully grabbed Zu Beiqiu's fleshy neck and yanked him down to the ground.
Oh... Zhu Beiqiu nodded, suddenly pushed Zheng Dongting aside, and lunged towards the tree trunk by the roadside. Using both hands and feet, he climbed up to the top of the tree, crying out in a heart-wrenching manner, "Help! We're being robbed! Officer, help!"
"My child," Zusi Qian said, his eyes brimming with tears of excitement as he approached Zu Beiqiu, firmly grasping his shoulders. "I have waited a full ten years for you to make this decision!"
Perhaps. Zheng Dongting furrowed his brows
"Do you still want to carry me?" Zu Bei Qiu asked with concern
Of course, no problem. I just held my breath for a moment earlier. Zheng Dongting once again knelt partially, took a deep breath, and said, "Alright, get on, hold onto the handrail tightly, and whatever you do, do not let go!"
It is precisely!
"Rest assured, with me, the bounty hunter Zheng Dongting, here, who would dare to stir up trouble on the head of the Tai Sui!" Zheng Dongting said nonchalantly. As soon as his words fell, a sharp, piercing whistle rang out above the two of them, and a hollow arrow with a long black feathered shaft grazed the top of Zheng Dongting's head, firmly embedding itself in a dead tree trunk by the roadside.
Um. Zubi Qiu cautiously sat back down on the purple bamboo chair, gripping the armrests tightly, her feet pressed closely together, nervously glancing around, unsure of what would happen next
However ... ...
Suddenly, the blurred scene became exceptionally clear. Zu Beiqiu felt his body soaring like a cloud to the top of a giant tree, while the official road beneath him transformed into a narrow brown line as thin as a worm. Just as he was about to focus his gaze, that familiar wild wind swept everything away once again. He found himself floating up and down between one giant tree and another, with falling leaves and screaming birds and beasts swirling around him.
"Not bad, this is the lightness skill of us Jianghu people. How does it feel?" Zheng Dongting asked proudly
Suddenly, from the valley opposite the two, a jet-black steed burst forth, ridden by a burly man clad in black clothing and armor. This man stood at least 1.8 meters tall, with bulging eyes, a prominent nose, a gaping mouth, and a face covered in a beard resembling steel needles, looking as fierce as a starving bear: "This road is mine, this tree is mine; if you wish to pass through here, leave behind a toll for the way!"
I am most annoyed by your mention of that lascivious appearance from the time of the courtesans! Zheng Dongting raised his hand and struck Zuo Beiqiu on the forehead with a heavy blow, saying, "Remember, you promised me that you would divorce her."
"Is five hundred bodyguards enough?" Zusi Qian asked. "Give me one day to prepare, and I can gather three thousand people."
"I report to you, Father, that I have not yet thought that far ahead." Zu Beiqiu said listlessly
Zu Bei Qiu was taken aback upon hearing this: "The Luo family's benevolent estate is in Yangzhou, which is three thousand miles away from Yizhou! Why would we go so far for this?"
Ah, this is at the junction of Jianan Road and Shannan Road. My subordinates who go out to conduct business have told me that such border areas are the most populated by bandits" said Zu Beiqiu, trembling with fear.
Zu Siqian was having breakfast in the living room of the Zu family when he met Zu Beiqiu and Zheng Dongting. Upon hearing that the two were preparing to set off for Jiangnan Renyi Zhuang to submit their letters of resignation, he suddenly stood up and overturned the dining table in front of him, sending plates and pastries crashing to the ground. His actions startled Zu Beiqiu and Zheng Dongting, causing them to retreat several steps.
Two trails of white dust slowly rose along the official road as two robust horses carried Zu Beiqiu and Zheng Dongting to the sparsely populated outskirts of Yizhou. After traveling several miles, Zheng Dongting pulled on the reins, simultaneously reaching out to grasp the reins of Zu Beiqiu's mount, bringing both horses to a stop.
"I am merely arguing based on reason..." said Zu Beiqiu with a sense of grievance
Mr. Zu, please do not be angry; allow me to explain
"Did we not agree yesterday to dismiss Luo Qiutong?" Zheng Dongting stared at him with wide eyes, "Now that we cannot find Luo Qiutong, we can only send the divorce papers to her family first"
"Stop talking nonsense, just sit down when I tell you to," Zheng Dongting said impatiently and with a commanding tone.
"I know what I just said, you don't need to repeat it," Zheng Dongting said impatiently
The horses in Yizhou City are too fat, running as slowly as a turtle. At this speed, when will we reach Yangzhou?" Zheng Dongting jumped down from his horse and then waved to Zu Beiqiu, "You come down too.
But you just said ... ...
"Don't tell me you've never been to Yangzhou!" Zheng Dongting exclaimed in surprise, raising his eyebrows. "When your wife left home ten years ago, didn't you ever think of going to her family to look for her?"
The journey from Yizhou to Yangzhou is long, and I fear that by the time I arrive in Yangzhou, Qiutong will have already returned home, so ... ...
The next day, Yizhou welcomed a beautiful day with gentle winds and bright sunshine. Zheng Dongting had packed his bag early and arrived at Zu Beiqiu's room. Upon meeting, he said: "Alright, junior brother, I have already planned our itinerary. Our first stop on this journey through the rivers and lakes will be the Luojia Righteousness Manor in Jiangnan, and for our second stop, we will head to the capital, Luoyang"
I was just about to tell you that my weight is above average, and it cannot be borne by a horse or a strong ox.
"Hehehe, junior brother, there is no need to worry; with your senior brother here, you shall be free from concerns." Zheng Dongting took out a folded purple bamboo chair from the bag behind him. When unfolded, this bamboo chair is about the size of a rattan chair, featuring only a backrest and a seat, along with armrests on both sides, but lacking chair legs. Two sturdy vines, as tough as iron, are tied to the back of the chair. Zheng Dongting bent down, shouldered the two vines like a backpack, and then knelt partially down: "Come, come, come, junior brother, please take a seat on this purple bamboo chair." This bamboo chair, when unfolded, is about the size of a rattan chair, featuring only a backrest and a seat, along with armrests on both sides, but lacking chair legs. Two sturdy vines, as tough as iron, are tied to the back of the chair. Zheng Dongting bent down, shouldered the two vines like a backpack, and then knelt partially down: "Come, come, come, junior brother, please take a seat on this purple bamboo chair."
"Well, Hou... the disciple taught by Mr. Mu is the one I trust the most." Zu Siqian squinted his eyes and turned to Zu Beiqiu with a smile, "Son, I have heard that there are many beautiful women in Jiangnan. Marry a few more back; our Zu family should expand its branches and leaves."
He extended his hand, gently reaching into the ethereal air, wanting to experience the sensation of a palm cloak, when suddenly a shadow darted into his hand, and a tingling sensation immediately followed. He brought his hand before his eyes and gently opened it, only to see a vibrant green bird in a state of panic, looking around wildly in his palm. He quickly raised his hand gently, and a gust of wind swept by, lifting the green bird into the air. The bird flipped in the airflow, spread its wings, and flew far away. He quickly raised his hand gently, and a gust of wind swept by, lifting the green bird into the air. The bird flipped in the airflow, spread its wings, and flew far away.
I... I do not know. At that time, my father exerted great effort to facilitate the marriage between the Zhu and Luo families, and the betrothal gifts amounted to tens of thousands of taels of silver. If I were to divorce now, I must obtain my father's consent in accordance with filial piety; otherwise, it would be contrary to propriety. Zhu Baiqiu said with difficulty.
"What a pretentious attitude! How can you even say that? Are you just taking without giving anything back?" Zheng Dongting struggled to rise from the ground.
"I am tired, let me rest for a while." Zheng Dongting shook his body, causing Zu Beiqiu to fall to the ground.
"Are you saying that Qiu Tong is very likely still at her family home?" Zu Bei Qiu suddenly became spirited, her face flushed with excitement
How pitiful are the hearts of parents in this world. Master Zu, you are a man, I admire you!" Zheng Dongting walked over in a carefree manner and patted Zu Siqian's shoulder firmly, "You need not worry about the divorce letter; I will ensure that my junior writes it himself. Such matters must be handwritten to convey sincerity, don't you agree?
His body was propelled backward with great force. The fierce wind whipped around his head, and in an instant, his headscarf was blown into the air, flashing before his eyes and transforming into a distant, indistinct gray dot. The trees lining the official road rapidly receded behind him, forming a long corridor of yellow and green as they blurred together. Everything around him became entangled—the sky, the earth, the white clouds, and the fallen leaves. The distant fields and forests instantaneously morphed into a vibrant rainbow of colors, continuously swirling and shifting before Zu Beiqiu's eyes, leaving him dizzy and entranced.
"This is... cough..." Zheng Dongting awkwardly cleared his throat and said, "This is a warning shot, indicating that there is an ambush from the underworld here"
Zu Bei Qiu fell off the horse and instinctively rubbed his sore backside with his hand. At the same time, Zheng Dong Ting struck out with two palms, hitting the hindquarters of the two horses. Both horses neighed in unison, raising their heads and turning to run towards the direction of Yizhou City
Zu Bei Qiu let out a long sigh, stumbled to his feet from the ground, closed his eyes, and forced himself to steady his turbulent emotions: "Senior Brother, where are we now?"
"Ah, no, what do we do? Our mount is gone!" Zu Beiqiu took a few steps in pursuit, stumbled, and fell to the ground, his hands weakly reaching towards the direction where the horse had disappeared. "What now? Without a mount, it would take three to five days to walk back to our hometown in Yizhou. Senior brother, is your mind not functioning properly?" After expressing this complaint, he realized he was sitting on the dusty official road and quickly stood up, frantically brushing off the dust from his body.