Beginning with the Five Animals Fist to Become a Saint

In the morning, the snow had stopped and the sky was clear.

Jiang Ning was dressed in a dark blue casual suit with a silver fox fur cloak over it, which made him look less austere and more noble and relaxed.

Su Qingying had also changed her clothes. Instead of her usual plain white, she wore a water-red winter dress embroidered with silver plum blossoms, with a matching cloak over it. This made her skin look as white as snow, and her eyes and brows lost some of their aloofness, gaining more of a down-to-earth charm.

"Should we go to the Wu Prince's Mansion first, or the Xiao Mansion? Or somewhere else?" Su Qingying asked softly.

"Let's go to King Wu Xiang Yuan first. He's impatient and is also Lord Xiao's senior brother," Jiang Ning said with a smile.

The two did not take a carriage or bring any attendants; they simply walked out of the Imperial Preceptor's residence side by side.

The snow was cleared from the main streets of the capital, and children dressed in new clothes chased and played at the alley entrances. Firecracker debris mixed with snow and mud, and the air was filled with a faint smell of sulfur and the aroma of food wafting from each house.

The Prince Wu's residence is not far from the Imperial Preceptor's residence, only a quarter of an hour's walk away.

The gate of the Prince's Mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the two stone lions were also draped in red silk, making them look endearing.

The gatekeeper clearly recognized Jiang Ning, and upon seeing him from afar, he quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "My lord! Grand Preceptor! His Highness has instructed that you two be invited in immediately!"

Since the founding of the Great Xia Dynasty, there has been a custom of visiting relatives and friends on the last day of the year, so the gatekeeper was not surprised at all to see the two arrive.

Passing through the front yard, before even reaching the main hall, one could hear Xiang Yuan's booming voice, like a bell, coming from the direction of the training ground: "Everyone, perk up! So what if it's the end of the year? Does that mean the enemy won't come? Train!"

On the training ground, Xiang Yuan, wearing only a single garment and radiating heat, was personally training a team of guards.

The guards were all drenched in sweat, but dared not slacken their efforts in the slightest.

Upon closer inspection, one can discern that the armor worn by those guards is unusual; it is armor used for carrying heavy loads during training.

"Lord Xiang, can't you even let people rest at the end of the year?" Jiang Ning said loudly.

Hearing the voice, Xiang Yuan turned around, his large, round eyes lighting up. He laughed heartily and greeted them, "Jiang Ning! Grand Preceptor Su! What a rare guest! I'm just loosening up their muscles. We'll have plenty of meat and wine later!" He waved his hand, "Disperse, disperse, everyone go prepare the New Year's Eve dinner!"

The guards, feeling as if they had been granted a pardon, bowed and quickly withdrew.

"Come on, come on, let's talk inside, it's cold outside!" Xiang Yuan warmly put his arm around Jiang Ning's shoulder and then gestured for Su Qingying to join him.

Although he was rough and unrefined, he always held a certain amount of respect for this unfathomable national advisor.

The hall was warm with charcoal fire, and the table was already set with food and drinks. Although not fancy, the portions were generous, and most of the dishes were hearty.

Xiang Yuan personally poured wine for the two of them: "Come on, let's drink to that first, wishing you all the best in the New Year!"

After a few rounds of drinks, Xiang Yuan started talking: "Jiang Ning, you're quite something, kid. The commotion at the Imperial Preceptor's residence the other day... tsk tsk, although I couldn't see clearly, the atmosphere was something that could fool others but not me! Imperial Preceptor Su's cultivation has improved again, hasn't it?"

His gaze swept over Su Qingying with a probing look.

Clearly, he attributed the strange phenomenon that day to Su Qingying.

Su Qingying simply smiled faintly, neither denying nor admitting it, and took a sip of her tea.

Jiang Ning picked up the conversation: "Prince Xiang is very perceptive. But since it's the festive season, let's not talk about these things. How has Your Highness been lately? Are the border troops' New Year's supplies sufficient?"

He also knew that Xiang Yuan was not a leisurely marquis like himself.

Xiang Yuan was a second-rank general who commanded a large army on the border, a man of real power.

"Good! Thanks to His Majesty, the border is relatively peaceful this year, and the rations and pay have been paid in full." Xiang Yuan patted his chest. "It's just that those barbarians in the north are unusually quiet, which makes me uneasy. But who cares? We'll deal with them when they come! Come, let's drink!"

Barbarians.

Upon hearing this word, a thought flashed through Jiang Ning's mind.

He had heard of the northern barbarians before.

Over the years, the barbarian invasions have been a troublesome issue for the Great Xia.

Every year because of this, a large amount of manpower, financial resources, and food need to be invested in the northern border defense.

The bloodline flowing through the barbarians was completely different from that of the Xia people; they could be considered two different races.

This has led to a situation where there has been no reconciliation for over eight hundred years.

Afterwards, he lingered at the Prince Wu's residence for half an hour, politely declining Xiang Yuan's invitation to stay for a meal. Jiang Ning then bid farewell to Su Qingying and headed to the Xiao residence.

The atmosphere at the Xiao residence was completely different from that at the Wu Prince's residence.

The mansion was quiet and elegant, with simple palace lanterns hanging under the eaves, and several old plum trees in full bloom, their fragrance wafting in the air.

Xiao Wuque seemed to have known they were coming and was already waiting in the warm pavilion.

"My lord, Imperial Advisor, please." Xiao Wuque, dressed in a simple blue robe, exuded a refined and scholarly air as he personally brewed the tea.

His gaze lingered on Jiang Ning for a moment, a barely perceptible look of surprise flashing in his eyes.

With his keen eyesight, he could naturally see that Jiang Ning's aura had become increasingly deep and reserved, like a deep pool and a towering mountain, different from when they last met.

However, he was extremely shrewd and showed no emotion on his face, only secretly guessing in his heart.

"May Lord Xiao enjoy a peaceful and healthy year." Jiang Ning bowed.

“Tong’an.” Xiao Wuque smiled. “I heard that the Marquis has been cultivating in seclusion for some time now, and it seems he has gained a lot.” His words seemed to have a hidden meaning, but he left it at that.

"A little progress," Jiang Ning said calmly, taking the tea Xiao Wuque offered. "Has Lord Xiao been busy lately?"

"It's quite peaceful now. After winter, all thirty-six prefectures in the Nine Provinces have quieted down." Xiao Wuque said calmly, "Regarding the matter in the East Sea, my teacher took the initiative to intervene, which has shocked all sides. For the time being, no one dares to make a move. However, this stability probably won't last long. My lord, you still need to make plans as soon as possible."

Xiao Wuque casually mentioned it, but Jiang Ning understood that he was giving him a hint.

Those people will ultimately not give themselves much time to sit back and watch themselves grow.

But thinking about his current strength, he felt more confident.

"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Xiao," Jiang Ning nodded.
Afterwards, the three of them enjoyed tea and chatted, mostly about current affairs, anecdotes, and local customs, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

In most cases, only Jiang Ning and Xiao Wuque were talking, while Su Qingying mostly listened quietly, only offering a few simple responses on rare occasions.

More than half an hour had passed when they left the Xiao residence.

After the snow cleared, the warm sun had already broken through the clouds and shone on the snow, giving it a golden glow.

"This Lord Xiao has been testing your strength several times just now!" Su Qingying said softly as they walked out of the Xiao residence.

Jiang Ning nodded and then said, "His perception is much sharper than Xiang Yuan's, so he should have some guesses about my current strength."

"Where to go next?"

“I don’t have many friends left in the capital!” Jiang Ning said, glancing up at the bright morning sun. “But it’s still early, so let’s go check out the temple fair!”

"Okay!!" Upon hearing this, Su Qingying's eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly.

The temple fair at the end of the year is in full swing. Street vendors are selling sugar figurines, masks, and paper cuttings, while acrobats draw cheers from the crowd. The air is filled with the sweet aroma of roasted sweet potatoes and sugar-roasted chestnuts.

Su Qingying was unusually relaxed, walking around Jiang Ning's side, occasionally her eyes drawn to the exquisite clay figurines or the sparkling glass hairpins.

Seeing that she liked it, Jiang Ning bought a hairpin and handed it to her. Su Qingying took it, a faint smile appearing in her eyes, and lowered her head to put the hairpin in her hair.

The two walked through the crowd and came to a stall where people were guessing riddles. Just as they stopped, Jiang Ning suddenly sensed something and his mind stirred.

It wasn't danger, but rather a familiar aura emanating from the direction of the Imperial Preceptor's residence.

Almost simultaneously, Su Qingying also looked up and said softly, "We have guests at the manor."

At the gate of the Imperial Master’s Mansion.

I opened the slightly ajar door and saw a man and a woman standing in front of me.

The visitors were none other than the Eighth Prince Ji Minghao and Princess Ji Mingyue.

Ji Minghao was dressed in a dark brocade robe, with a silver-gray sable fur coat over it, and a jade belt around his waist.

Although his face still retained some youthful innocence, his demeanor already revealed the composure and nobility unique to royalty, and a faint smile graced his face.

Ji Mingyue wore a royal pink palace dress embroidered with gold butterflies, with a snow fox cloak over it, and her hair was adorned with a hairpin with dangling ornaments, which jingled softly as she moved.

She had a bright and beautiful face, and was holding several exquisite gift boxes in her hands. "Greetings, Eighth Prince, greetings, Seventeenth Princess!" Qinghe immediately bowed when she saw the two of them.

"Please inform the Marquis and the Imperial Advisor that Ji Minghao has come to visit!" Ji Minghao said with a calm expression.

"Your Highness, the Marquis and the Imperial Advisor left an hour ago!" Qinghe reported.

Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed in Ji Minghao's eyes.

“However, Your Highness, please put it down. Judging by the time, the Marquis and the Imperial Preceptor should be back soon!” Qinghe added.

"It's alright. The Imperial Advisor and he aren't here, it's good to see my brother and sister-in-law!" Ji Mingyue said.

After a brief exchange.

Qinghe then led the two into the Imperial Preceptor's residence.

The snow in the courtyard had been swept away, and the red lanterns under the eaves swayed gently, adding to the warmth of the courtyard.

"Pretty auntie!!" The first person to see Ji Mingyue was Xiaodoubao, who was playing in the snow.

The moment she saw Ji Mingyue, she immediately dropped the snowball she had just kneaded and ran over to her.

The next moment, he pounced on Ji Mingyue.

Ji Mingyue immediately grabbed her, afraid that she would lose her balance and fall to the ground.

"Greetings, Seventeenth Princess! Greetings, Eighth Prince!" Jiang Yiming, who had been looking after Little Bean Bun, stepped forward and bowed.

"No need to be so formal!" Ji Minghao smiled faintly; they were all family.

Just now.

Jiang Li and Liu Wanwan also heard the commotion outside and immediately came out.

Then they saw Ji Mingyue and Ji Minghao.

"Greetings, Eighth Prince! Greetings, Seventeenth Princess!" The two immediately bowed.

"Brother and sister-in-law, there's no need to be so polite!" Ji Mingyue stepped forward and immediately helped Liu Wanwan up.

Then, she quickly took the gift box she had brought from Ji Minghao's hands.

"Brother, sister-in-law, these are some snacks, silk, and toys for Xiaodoubao that I brought from the palace. I hope you won't find them too shabby!"

"Mingyue, you're too kind!" Liu Wanwan looked at the gift boxes of various sizes in front of her, a broad smile appearing in her eyes.

Ji Mingyue smiled and shook her head: "In the new year, how can I come empty-handed?"

Then, she took out two exquisitely embroidered purses from her sleeve.

She knelt down and handed the steamed bun to the little girl who was staring at her expectantly.

"Here, this is your New Year's money. May you be safe, healthy, and grow up quickly."

The little dumpling took the purse, her eyes immediately brightening, and she sweetly thanked her, "Thank you, beautiful auntie!"

Upon hearing this address, Ji Mingyue's smile deepened.

She also rubbed Xiaodoubao's head, just like Jiang Ning had done before.

Little Bean Bun, on the other hand, looked completely blissful.

Then, she waved to Jiang Yiming.

"Yiming!"

"Auntie!" he said respectfully as he approached Ji Mingyue.

During his time in the capital, he had heard a lot about Ji Mingyue.

He also greatly admired Ji Mingyue.

"This is also a New Year's gift for you. May you excel in both academics and martial arts and achieve great success."

Jiang Yiming accepted the purse handed to him by Ji Mingyue and thanked her respectfully.

"Thank you so much, Auntie!!"

At this moment, Ji Minghao watched from the side, his expression gentle.

Although he was a prince, he showed no arrogance in front of his relatives in Jiangning; instead, a faint smile always appeared on his lips.

However, his perpetually furrowed brows prevented his eyes from fully relaxing, revealing a hint of melancholy in his heart.

At this moment, Qinghe and Hongmian also brought over hot tea and snacks.

Taking advantage of the good sunshine, the group sat down in the courtyard to chat and wait for Jiang Ning's return.

The charcoal crackled beneath their feet.

The aroma of tea wafted in front of him.

The courtyard was decorated with red paper-cut window decorations that reflected the snow, creating a particularly warm and inviting atmosphere.

Ji Mingyue teased Xiaodoubao from time to time, making Xiaodoubao giggle.

They then took each other directly to the snow and started building a snowman together.

About half an hour later, footsteps were heard outside the courtyard.

That was the sound of boots stepping on stone slabs.

Ji Mingyue looked up and saw Jiang Ning and Su Qingying walking side by side.

Jiang Ning was dressed in a dark blue casual suit, with a silver fox fur cloak over it.

The moment she saw Jiang Ning, her eyes brightened slightly, but then she noticed Su Qingying beside her, and her eyes dimmed slightly.

At this moment, Su Qingying was dressed in a light red winter coat embroidered with silver plum blossoms, with a matching cloak over it, which made her skin look as white as snow and her eyebrows and eyes as beautiful as a painting. Compared with the national teacher in her memory, she was less aloof and more down-to-earth.

at the same time.

Upon seeing Ji Minghao rise to greet him, Jiang Ning immediately cupped his hands in greeting: "Eighth Prince, wishing you a peaceful and healthy year!"

"Brother Jiang, wishing you a peaceful and healthy year-end!" Ji Minghao also cupped his hands in greeting to Jiang Ning, addressing him as "brother" instead of "Lord Marquis."

"Grand Preceptor, wishing you a peaceful and healthy year-end!" He then bowed to Su Qingying, who was standing next to Jiang Ning, with a more respectful expression.

Su Qingying looked at Ji Minghao and nodded slightly.

at this time.

Jiang Ning's gaze fell on Ji Mingyue, who had landed.

Against the backdrop of pristine white snow, Ji Mingyue, dressed in a royal pink palace gown embroidered with gold butterflies, looked even more radiant and beautiful.

"Long time no see!" Ji Mingyue looked at Jiang Ning with a radiant smile.

"May you have a peaceful and healthy year-end!" Jiang Ning said.

"You too!" Ji Mingyue walked out of the snow and came to Jiang Ning.

Looking at Jiang Ning, she couldn't help but tiptoe slightly, as if she wanted to compare heights.

Just now.

Little Bean Bun scattered the nearly finished snowman and the snowballs in his hand, then ran happily to the two of them.

Then, she held Ji Mingyue's small hand in one hand and Jiang Ning's large, well-defined hand in the other.

Then they forcefully put their hands together.

When Ji Mingyue's small, icy hands, chilled from building the snowman, touched Jiang Ning's burning hot palm, her face flushed slightly, and her gaze towards Jiang Ning became somewhat evasive. (End of Chapter)