Chapter 3, Filial Piety

Is that so? Ye Wen smiled heartily: "Blessings, blessings."

Left Xiao remained silent for a moment, then said softly: "When both parents passed away, I left that place of sorrow."

Thanks to whom? A tacit understanding

Hello, Master’s wife. Left Little Right quickly greeted, saying: "I am Left Little Right, the disciple of Master."

Yip Man and Zhang Yongcheng felt embarrassed and repeatedly declined. However, after Zuo Xiaoyou spoke a few words, they found themselves without any excuses to refuse.

"A You, what is this?" Ye Wen and Zhang Yongcheng were astonished

I understand. "Yip Man waved his hand, and as a grandmaster of his generation, he still had this level of composure: 'Ah Yau, since you are from Beihe, how did you come to Xiangjiang?'"

In the following days, Zuo Xiaoyou accompanied Ye Wen every day to learn Wing Chun, and occasionally bought some food, clothing, and daily necessities to show gratitude to his master and mistress. This made Ye Wen and Zhang Yongcheng feel quite embarrassed, yet they could not refuse, as these items were all needed by their household. Thanks to Zuo Xiaoyou, the recent days in Ye Wen's home have been quite comfortable

Yes, Master

Ip Man was also born into a prominent family, and he lived in a private residence at that time. Later, during the Japanese invasion of China, the Japanese army confiscated his family's house for use as an office building. This illustrates just how spacious and luxurious Ip Man's family home was.

Thus, early the next morning, Ye Wen, Zhang Yongcheng, and Ye Zhun, the three members of the family, moved into Zuo Xiaoyou's home

Ip Man and Zhang Yongcheng had not eaten meat for a long time. Thanks to the good fortune brought by Zuo Xiaoyou, they devoured more than half of this roast goose, leaving their stomachs feeling bloated. Zhang Yongcheng's already protruding belly appeared even rounder.

... ...

"Continuous strikes and punches, the sun character's thrusting fist"

Who knows! Ye Wen does not understand Zuo Xiaoyou: "But Ah You is intelligent, with a character that is upright and peaceful, making him very suitable for inheriting Chinese martial arts"

"Master, Mistress, please do not say anything more." Zuo Xiaoyou smiled, revealing his teeth: "It is only natural for a disciple to show filial piety to the Master and Mistress. Aren't we going to eat? I am already hungry"

Master, I will do it myself

Zuo Xiao You stopped, turned his head, and saw a tall, beautiful woman with a round belly walking in, carrying a wooden lunchbox.

"A You, you..." Ye Wen and Zhang Yongcheng were so moved that they could not speak. As the head of the family, Ye Wen felt even more guilty towards Zhang Yongcheng.

"Whether it is good or bad, we can distinguish clearly." Zhang Yongcheng is a refined young lady, understanding and considerate. Seeing that there was no desire for further discussion from the left and right, she chose to remain silent, quietly keeping his kindness in her heart

Ip Man is a very competent teacher, extremely patient, and can repeatedly teach by example and explanation in areas where students like Zuo Xiaoyou do not understand

With the guidance of a renowned master, both the left and right students studied diligently. Consequently, the master was pleased, and the disciples were content. In just a few short hours, the relationship between the master and the disciples became much closer.

... ...

Zhang Yongcheng looked at him and smiled slightly. Ye Wen was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Alright, let's eat, let's eat"

Let's eat

Ip Man and Zhang Yongcheng had a very accurate impression of him. Although he was already a thirty-year-old man, he still possessed a strong scholarly demeanor.

People of this era still retain most of their traditions, and Zhang Yongcheng's virtuousness is quite common in this time. However, men like Ye Wen, who are so devoted to their wives, are relatively rare. In Zuo Xiaoyou's view, men like Ye Wen would be well-received in any era; there is no woman who does not like such a man

In the land of Yan and Zhao, there have always been many generous and sorrowful individuals since ancient times. Ye Wen remarked, "No wonder Ah You, you are so tall and robust."

"Master, Mistress, please wait a moment." Zuo Xiaoyou stepped out of the storeroom

Zuo Xiao and You Yi raised Ye Zhun, and Ye Wen and Zhang Yongcheng remained silent for a long time before finally nodding their heads

"I heard your master mention it yesterday." Zhang Yongcheng said with a hint of gratitude in his eyes, smiling as he added, "Ayou, thank you"

"Master, Mistress." Zuo Xiaoyou returned carrying a pile of items. There was a roasted goose, two live chickens, a basket of eggs, and some vegetables and fruits

Oh? Ye Wen was somewhat surprised: "Have you been studying for so many years? Was it in the country or abroad?"

We practice Wing Chun! It is a system that integrates offense and defense. With a single attack and a counter, it aims to defeat the opponent in the shortest possible time

To put it simply, it is somewhat pretentious

With a nonchalant attitude, Zuo Xiaoyou mentioned that he had some matters to attend to in the afternoon and would not be coming to practice martial arts. Upon seeing that Zuo Xiaoyou was not coming, Ye Wen simply locked the door and returned home with Zhang Yongcheng, carrying a pile of items.

Two years of kindergarten, six years of primary school, three years of junior high school, three years of high school, totaling fourteen years

I will listen to you

Do you understand

Zuo Xiaoyou felt a bit ashamed; he lowered his head not out of sadness, but because he was lying, feeling embarrassed to face others

Master, there are also many short individuals in the North River region, but the proportion of tall individuals is somewhat higher compared to the South. Moreover, there are also some tall people in the South, and based solely on stature, it is difficult to distinguish where a person is from

Look, this is the stall game

"Ah You, you have arrived quite early!" Upon seeing Zuo Xiao You, Ye Wen was all smiles.

In this era, education in the country is still relatively backward. Those who can afford to study, especially for over a decade, are almost exclusively the sons of wealthy families, or at the very least, the children of landlords, and they must come from families with a tradition of literary scholarship. Therefore, Ye Wen deduces that Zuo Xiaoyou must come from a family with a considerable academic background.

Zuo Xiao You has played minor roles for over ten years and has encountered many martial arts masters in Hengdian, which has allowed him to learn some skills for strengthening his body. Moreover, having come to this time and space ten years younger has brought his physical condition to its peak. In Ye Wen's view, his foundation is quite good, and he is teaching with great enthusiasm

Master, good morning. Zuo Xiaoyou smiled and said: Today, Master looks very well.

Ayu, have some tea

"It is your first day teaching your apprentice, and I would like to come and take a look." Zhang Yongcheng turned to look at Zuo Xiaoyou with a gentle smile befitting a lady of high status

As the relationship grew closer, it was necessary to formally introduce themselves. One day, after finishing their training, Zuo Xiaoyou went to Yip Man's home to make their acquaintance. Upon seeing the very modest living conditions of Master Yip and his wife, he felt a deep sense of compassion. He insisted on pulling and urging the Yip family of three to move into his home.

Proud and unyielding, yet thin-skinned

Listening to the footsteps gradually fading away, Zhang Yongcheng said softly: "Ah You is tall and has the demeanor of a scholar, he should be a well-educated young master from a prominent family"

"Ah You, I see that your manner of speaking is refined and measured; you must have studied for several years, haven't you?" Ye Wen asked with a smile, holding a teacup.

I am going to buy something. Left Xiaoyou quickly left the rooftop.

"Yongcheng, you are here!" Upon seeing his wife bringing lunch, Ye Wen was very happy and quickly stepped forward to take the lunch box, while reproaching her, "I already said we would eat out for lunch, why go through all this trouble? I really admire you."

Yip Man smiled and said, "Ah Yau, this is your master’s wife"

She is Zhang Yongcheng, the wife of Ip Man

A Yu... I apologize. Ye Wen is not very accustomed to comforting others and momentarily does not know what to say.

Roast goose is for lunch, and these other items are for the teacher's wife to replenish her health. Zuo Xiaoyou set down the items, wiped his sweat, and smiled, saying: "I noticed that the teacher's wife doesn't look too well, which should be due to a prolonged lack of nutrition. Generally, it's fine, but now that the teacher's wife is pregnant, she should supplement her nutrition more. These two chickens should be stewed, she should eat two eggs every day, and have some vegetables and fruits daily. A reasonable nutritional balance will benefit both the teacher's wife and the child in her womb."

After a moment of contemplation, Zuo Xiao You said: "I have studied for fourteen years"

Not long after

The one who brings about change is this disciple before him, and Ye Wen is naturally filled with a sense of gratitude and joy

Where are you going, Ayou

Alright. Although Zuo Xiaoyou did not refuse, upon seeing the dishes served from the lunchbox, all of them were dry vegetarian dishes with very little oil.

Unknowingly, it was noon. Zuo Xiaoyou was practicing the wooden dummy, drenched in sweat. At that moment, a gentle yet somewhat heavy sound of footsteps approached, accompanied by a pleasant voice saying: "It's time to eat"

After the meal, Zuo Xiaoyou intended to help Zhang Yongcheng clear the dishes, but was refused by Zhang Yongcheng, who said that this was a woman's task and that men should not interfere. Ye Wen also brewed a pot of tea and said, "Ayou, sit down and keep me company for a while."

Do not mention martial arts anymore, go wash your hands and eat.

Ip Man stepped forward to mediate: "First, let's have a meal. Ah You, come eat with us."

In the past, Yip Man drank tea using porcelain cups, and the tea was of good quality; even if it was not precious, it was still very refined. However, due to the pressures of modern life, he could only use glass cups, and the tea leaves were also cheap, inferior tea.

What is there to thank for? Left and right, one pretends to be confused

Zuo Xiao You feels great sympathy for this man; the plight of poverty has driven a martial arts master to such a state, which is truly a misfortune of the times

No one will mock, for in this unfortunate era, the vast majority of people are quite similar

I am from Beihe. Left Xiaoyou did not explain anything, only answered the questions simply. As for how Ye Wen understands it, that is his own matter

Uh... Ye Wen's expression stiffened, and he cleared his throat awkwardly, saying: "Judging a person by their appearance is a grave mistake. Ah You, you are right in your admonition."

Having received modern education for many years, coupled with over a decade of social experience, I do not feel that all professions are inferior, with only reading being esteemed. However, I still have a psychological aversion to certain jobs that lack prestige

Zuo Xiaoyou glanced over Zhang Yongcheng's face, looking at Ye Wen with a hint of curiosity

Yip Man quickly said: "Master, I did not mean that..."

It seems that your family has a profound academic background

Master, Mistress, the disciple is alone in this world without any relatives. I am fortunate that Master did not abandon me and accepted me as a disciple. As the saying goes: "Once a teacher, always a father." Now that Master and Mistress are living in hardship, it would be one thing if the disciple had no means to help, but since there are vacant rooms in my home, how can I bear to watch Master and Mistress suffer here? Moreover, would Master and Mistress have the heart to let the junior disciples suffer alongside you?

Domestic. Left small, right path

You, always asking about others' sorrowful matters. Zhang Yongcheng walked over, first reproaching Ye Wen for a moment, then looking at Zuo Xiaoyou, who was silently bowing his head, with a touch of maternal brilliance and kindness, gently said: "Ah You, the dead cannot be brought back to life, do not be too sad. If your parents have spirits, they certainly would not wish for you to be this way"

Now encountering a young man of similar background and temperament, Ye Wen felt a sense of familiarity and asked, "A You, where are you from?"

Zhang Yongcheng took it seriously and sincerely said: "Thank you for paying two years' tuition at once; this money has been a great help to us"

He could not help but smile. Ever since he received two years' worth of tuition fees yesterday, his frugal life has greatly improved. When he handed the money to his wife yesterday and saw her smiling face, he felt very happy. At last, he fulfilled his responsibility as a man to provide for his family

"The master’s wife speaks too harshly." Seeing that Zhang Yongcheng was also an honest person, Zuo Xiao shook his head and said, "No matter which martial arts school you attend, you must pay tuition fees. I have heard of the master’s great reputation in Foshan and know of his formidable skills. Therefore, I paid such a large sum of tuition at once simply to learn more skills from the master; there is no need for the master’s wife to thank me."