Chapter 0005: Aunt Thirteen

At this time, many restaurants have specifically established a bird-watching pavilion to provide a venue for wealthy individuals who have leisure time and enjoy playing with and showcasing birds to gather together for entertainment. It is said that this hobby originated from the Eight Banners' young nobles in the capital.

Within the system, Ye Xuan's personal attributes have also undergone significant changes

Qi and blood: 12

"Alas, Ah Xuan, Master knows that you are very intelligent and principled in your work, but Master hopes you will remember that no matter what you do in the future, you must always be true to your heart" Huang Feihong said, putting down the bowl and chopsticks in his hands, with a weighty tone.

"You haven't eaten either, come, sit down and eat together!" Just as Huang Feihong was about to pick up his chopsticks, he suddenly stopped upon seeing Ye Xuan standing beside him.

Oh, it's Ah Xuan. The door is not closed, come in!" A somewhat melancholic voice of Huang Feihong came from inside the room

"Sit down, Feihong, this photography is very easy, just look over there," Uncle Zhang said, pointing at the camera in Aunt Thirteen's hand.

Seeing the appearance of Huang Feihong, Ye Xuan felt quite uncomfortable and contemplated whether he should discuss with him the reasons for the failure of the Self-Strengthening Movement, telling him that the Qing government was beyond saving and that in a few decades, it would be overthrown by someone with the surname Sun

Standing behind Huang Feihong, Ye Xuan followed the direction pointed out by the old man and saw a group of people gathered around an ancient camera that could only be seen in museums on television in the past. A tall woman, dressed in a Western-style outfit, was crouched behind the black cloth of the camera.

Ready, one, two, three

The number of foreigners in Foshan is increasing. Walking down the street and observing the foreigners coming and going, Huang Feihong said to Ye Xuan, who was walking behind him

Drink! Drink!

Master Huang, Master Huang...

Huang Feihong was very pleased to have received this disciple. Ye Xuan not only possessed great talent for martial arts but also demonstrated exceptional diligence. What was even more commendable was that, despite his extensive knowledge and reading, this disciple remained humble and maintained harmonious relationships with his fellow brothers, never looking down on those who had not studied much. The only concern he had was that this disciple had a very clear sense of right and wrong, and at times, his ideas were somewhat unconventional and out of sync with the world. In this chaotic era, Huang Feihong was deeply worried that one day this disciple might cause some major trouble.

"Master Huang, you have arrived. Mr. Zhang said that if you come, you may go to the Sparrow Appreciation Tower. He is currently inside chatting with someone." As expected of Huang Feihong, upon entering the restaurant, countless people greeted him with cupped fists in salute. Ye Xuan followed Huang Feihong through the crowd, and a waiter approached.

However, Ye Xuan believes that he is not bound by rules, but rather is respecting a person with chivalrous and benevolent heart in this old society

Skills: Cross Fist (Level 3), Worker Tiger Fist (Level 2), Tiger Crane Double Form Fist (Level 2), Acupuncture (Level 1), Western Medical Surgery (Level 1, Temporary), English (Level 4, Temporary), Firearms (Level 4, Temporary)

After several months of interaction, Huang Feihong also realized that this disciple's temperament could not be changed by him in a short time; he could only hope that the disciple he valued would not take a wrong path

Foshan, as part of Guangdong's coastal region, is no exception. On the streets, one can see foreigners dressed in Western attire, and British and American soldiers walk with their hands behind their backs, as if surveying their territory. Along the way, Ye Xuan observed that whenever ordinary citizens spotted a foreigner, they would often display a hint of fear and unconsciously make way. Meanwhile, the foreigners would charge through as if it were their right.

These changes have come about over the past few months as Ye Xuan has gradually improved through martial arts training. Observing the changes in his personal attributes within the system each day also serves as his motivation for practicing martial arts

Datong Restaurant is one of the largest local restaurants in the vicinity. People from Guangdong have a habit of drinking morning tea, so the restaurant is currently crowded and quite noisy.

Inside the Sparrow Tower, apart from a few tables, the space is quite spacious. Surrounding it are rows of birdcages, with precious birds frolicking inside, their sounds crisp and pleasant.

"Thirteenth Aunt?" Huang Feihong was taken aback upon seeing the woman, then smiled and said

Oh, have we arrived? Then let us go in!" Huang Feihong glanced at Ye Xuan with curiosity and turned to walk into the entrance of the Datong Restaurant.

This is my newly accepted disciple, Ah Xuan, who just returned from studying in the United States a few months ago. Seeing that the people beside him were all looking at Ye Xuan behind him, Huang Feihong introduced with a smile

"Ah Xuan, the world has changed. You have been back in the country for a few months now. Have you thought about what you want to do in the future?" Huang Feihong suddenly asked while eating.

"Alright, thank you very much, little brother!" Huang Feihong said with a smile, clasping his fists in greeting to the waiter

"Master, Westerners greet each other with a handshake," Ye Xuan reminded from behind Huang Feihong

After several months of martial arts training, Ye Xuan's physique was no longer the frail form it had been upon his arrival. Instead, his body was now well-defined with muscles, each distinct and full of explosive power, exuding a subtle yet formidable aura characteristic of a martial artist.

Agility: 11

How do you do! A foreign woman reached out to shake Huang Feihong's hand and exclaimed a phrase in a foreign language

"What is DO?" Huang Feihong was taken aback and turned to ask Ye Xuan.

Looking again at the originally vibrant-colored "Guifei Sparrow" that was placed on the table, it is now hanging upside down in the cage, its feathers completely burned off, transformed into a roasted little bird

Flying Phoenix

Oh! Huang Feihong smiled awkwardly

Is it really that good abroad? More than a decade ago, some people in the court shouted the slogan 'Learn from the strengths of the foreigners to strengthen ourselves' to promote reform. Yet, more than ten years have passed, and why have we not only failed to strengthen ourselves, but instead signed more and more unequal treaties? Huang Feihong looked bewildered, reaching out to touch the paper fan in his bosom, as if asking Ye Xuan, or perhaps speaking to himself.

For over a month, aside from reorganizing the disbanded Black Flag Navy into a militia and training the militia, whenever he had free time, Huang Feihong would pick up the paper fan gifted by Liu Yongfu to admire it, and sometimes he would even lock himself in his room, forgetting to come out for meals

"Master, this foreign woman is inquiring about you, asking us if you have been well recently. You can simply reply 'I am fine,'" Ye Xuan whispered in his ear.

Regarding the so-called Self-Strengthening Movement, Ye Xuan, who has studied modern history, is most aware of the consequences of this so-called movement.

Seemingly hearing the murmurs of those beside her, the woman emerged from the black cloth and, upon seeing Huang Feihong, a charming smile appeared on her exquisite face

Alright, Master!" Ye Xuan wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a smile

"Fine, fine!" Huang Feihong chuckled dryly as he shook hands with the foreign woman and quickly withdrew his hand, then whispered to Ye Xuan in complaint: "The words of these foreign devils are truly peculiar."

The dishes were placed in front of Huang Feihong, and Ye Xuan stood by with a smile, saying: "Master, let's eat first"

Indeed, haven't we heard that the court is engaged in some sort of Self-Strengthening Movement? Perhaps the Qing court is in great need of these foreigners now

Spirit: 10

"Hello, Uncle Zhang and Aunt Thirteen!" Upon hearing Huang Feihong introduce himself, Ye Xuan extended his hand to shake hands with the two.

Strength: 11

This old Zhao's 'Imperial Concubine Sparrow' is indeed quite rare, recently making quite a splash, and is very precious. Uncle Zhang gestured for Huang Feihong to sit down, pointing at the emerald-colored bird in the cage on the table.

Pfft! — Ye Xuan looked at the little bird that was still smoking and couldn't help but laugh out loud

Training Points: 1000

Oh, good, how thoughtful!" Looking at Ye Xuan, who was standing beside him, Huang Feihong's face flashed with a hint of satisfaction

Hello, fellow villagers!" Huang Feihong said with a smile while walking and cupping his fists.

"Fei Hong, come, let us take a picture with this bird." After the greeting, Uncle Zhang laughed as he took Huang Fei Hong's hand and walked towards a table on which a birdcage was placed

Ye Xuan pushed the door open and saw Huang Feihong sitting at the table, holding an unfolded paper fan in his hand

"Master Huang, Master Huang..." Upon seeing Huang Feihong enter, those people immediately clasped their hands in greeting and simultaneously made way for Huang Feihong and Ye Xuan to pass.

"Toefl ... ... Feihong, take a look, who has come back with me this time?" The old man smiled and winked at Huang Feihong, pointing with his paper fan to a spot not far behind him.

Master Huang is being modest

Ye Xuan did not follow Huang Feihong, but instead walked to the side of Thirteen Aunty, looking with great interest at the antique camera in her hand. This type of camera, in addition to the main body and a wooden tripod, also requires a person to hold a device resembling a solar spotlight. The most peculiar aspect is that this device also needs to be supplemented with magnesium powder

Since the First Opium War, the corrupt and incompetent Qing government has been viewed as a piece of fat meat by various foreign powers, who have humiliated it at will. The Qing government has simultaneously suppressed its own people with great severity while showing extreme tolerance towards foreign powers, repeatedly signing various unequal treaties. The foreign powers have divided the territory within China, acting recklessly and without restraint.

What is it? Huang Feihong came to his senses and turned to glance at Ye Xuan.

Liu Yongfu has indeed departed, taking several thousand Black Flag troops to Annam to engage in combat with the French forces. Aside from leaving behind several hundred Black Flag naval troops for Huang Feihong to incorporate into a militia, he also left behind a fan inscribed with the words "unequal treaty"

... ...

"Knock, knock, knock, Master, it's time to eat!" Ye Xuan said, holding a plate of food in one hand while knocking on the door of Huang Feihong.

"Fei Hong!" An elderly man, holding a paper fan and wearing glasses, approached Huang Fei Hong with a smile

Ah?! Hearing Huang Feihong's question, Ye Xuan was taken aback. All along, he had lived with the mindset of a passerby, and even in his work, he had always followed the tasks assigned by the system, never having considered the matters Huang Feihong inquired about.

Aunt Thirteen saw Huang Feihong, smiled, and quickly walked over, reaching out to grasp the hand that Huang Feihong was about to clasp in a fist, and shook his hand.

"No need, Master, I can just go out to eat later." Upon hearing Huang Feihong's words, Ye Xuan quickly shook his head. Sometimes, the environment truly influences a person. Ye Xuan, who previously had no concept of the master-disciple relationship, has, after several months of immersion, begun to accept this somewhat ridiculous rule in the eyes of modern people.

"Uncle, it has been several years since we last met, and you seem even more spirited now," said Huang Feihong, looking at the elder with a smile.

"Ah Xuan, stop for a moment. Uncle Zhang has invited me to the Datong Restaurant for tea. Change your clothes and come with me." Huang Feihong suddenly said, having been watching Ye Xuan complete a set of martial arts moves.

Oh, no, I meant to say that the Datong Restaurant has arrived. Ye Xuan swallowed the words that were about to come out, forcing a smile on his face.

"Yes, Master." Seeing that Huang Feihong was insistent, Ye Xuan had no choice but to sit down, pick up the bowl and chopsticks, and serve himself a bowl to begin eating.

Alright! Huang Feihong smiled slightly and followed Uncle Zhang as he walked over

At that moment, a foreign woman walked over behind Aunt Thirteen. Aunt Thirteen smiled and took the foreign woman's hand, turning to Huang Feihong with a smile and saying, "Come, Feihong, let me introduce you. This is Joanna."

Hello! Hello! Upon hearing that Ye Xuan had returned from studying abroad, both individuals politely shook hands with Ye Xuan

Puff!

In the courtyard, Ye Xuan stood bare-chested, his figure twisting and turning. At times, he resembled a tiger, his movements powerful and commanding, exuding an aura of might akin to a dragon soaring and a tiger leaping; at other times, he resembled a crane, his agility and swift actions embodying a serene and tranquil spirit, each move demonstrating the intricacies of the Tiger-Crane Double Form Fist.

Do not move, if you do, it will not look good, sit properly

A fierce burst of fire shot out from the lamp that resembled the sun, startling the composed Huang Feihong, who abruptly kicked Zhang Jiugong, along with his chair, out of the way and leaped to the side himself

"Sit down and eat, Master has something to say to you," Huang Feihong said, seeing that Ye Xuan had not taken a seat, and could only emphasize his tone.