I am about to die of old age, and I have awakened the character of longevity.

Chapter 107: The Master is Here
Snow, bigger.

The bluestone street leading to the pawnshop was covered with a two-inch layer of snow. Many peddlers had already packed up their stalls, spent a few copper coins to buy gifts for their daughters, and then carried their goods home to reunite with their families.

Even if he is usually stingy, as a father, he will bear the pain and buy a gift for his daughter during the New Year's Eve, just to make her happy.

Several figures went against the flow of people and hurried towards Li's pawnshop.

Li Shaoyun walked the fastest. If he hadn't taken Madam Li and Li Ru's slow pace into consideration, he would have wanted to leave his parents behind and run over to bow and apologize to He Chunli.

It was simple, he had seen how terrifying Xie An was.

I have witnessed the admiration and respect that everyone in the Xueling black market has for Xie An.

Li Shaoyun was too scared.

I was really afraid that Xie An would get angry and destroy Li’s mansion.

And to overthrow the Li Mansion, Xie An didn't even need to do it himself, all he needed was a word. Lin Yun, Zhang Lin, Liang Zhi, Wang Xiang... Which one of them wasn't a martial artist who had broken through the barriers?
Among the thirty or so men in the black market, which one is not a desperado?

With just one order, Xie An could make the Li Mansion disappear silently from the world... and the government would not be able to find any trace of it.

Li Shaoyun, who had spent a year in the black market, had a deep understanding of this.

"Dad, Mom, hurry up."

"I'm trying my best to walk." Mrs. Li trotted away as fast as she could. Li Ru, a grown man, walked at the back with a somewhat embarrassed look on his face.

Mrs. Li saw Li Ru's expression and simply showed no mercy. "You've caused trouble, why are you still being so shy? Hurry up."

Li Ru was so "scolded" by Mrs. Li that he dared not refute and quickened his pace to catch up.

Li Shaoyun took the lead and said, "If we can ask for Master He's forgiveness later, Master He will be willing to help us say a few good words in front of Xie An, and the disaster of our Li Mansion will be over.

So, pay when you should, apologize when you should, kneel when you should, and don't be embarrassed."

Mrs. Li nodded in agreement.

Although Li Ru was reluctant, he knew that the matter was of great importance and nodded to indicate that he understood.

Li Shaoyun finally breathed a sigh of relief when he saw his stubborn father nod. "If Mom and Dad can be humble, then things aren't too bad. Fortunately, Xie An didn't come, so we still have a chance to save the situation..."

Before he could finish his words, Li Shaoyun suddenly trembled all over, stopped abruptly, and stared at the carriage in front of him and the tall, beautiful woman in fur standing in Li's pawnshop.

Mrs. Li asked curiously, "Why did you stop?"

Li Shaoyun's face turned pale, and his whole body began to tremble uncontrollably. He pointed at the carriage and said, "Mother, that is Master Xie An's carriage, and that maid is Xie An's maid... Xie An is already in the pawnshop. Our Li family is finished!"

After saying this, Li Shaoyun collapsed directly on the snow, crying out in fear.

Li Ru looked at the luxurious carriage, which was even better than his own. The woman standing at the door of Li's pawnshop was even more elegant. Her brown fur coat set off her tall and graceful figure. Her brows were filled with a fierce and heroic spirit, clearly a powerful warrior. So much so that Li Ru, standing ten meters away, felt a strong sense of oppression.

Although Li Ru had never practiced martial arts, he had seen many martial artists, such as Chen Lei, the owner of the Chen Martial Arts School in Wuqiao Town, the former Zhang Biao, and the armored military officers in the county town.

The aura of the woman in front of him was stronger than any military officer Li Ru had ever seen before.

They say seeing is believing...

Li Ru had already felt personally that he was in real trouble and what Shao Yun said was absolutely true.

pat.

Li Ru was so frightened that he seemed to have lost his soul and collapsed on the ground, shaking.

Compared to Li Shaoyun, Li Ru had lived for decades longer and recovered first. "Let's go, go back immediately, pack up and run. Leave Wuqiao Town and live outside."

"Come back!"

Before Li Ru could take two steps, Madam Li stopped him, "Where can you run to? Can you escape the Tiger and Wolf Gate? If you run away, you will really cut off the last hope of survival for our Li family."

Li Ru turned around and looked at Madam Li, very anxious, "Madam, Xie An is already in the pawnshop. I hit him with a bamboo stick before, and this time he spanked his beloved disciple... He won't let our family go. Let's go..."

Li Shaoyun looked at Madam Li in a panic.

Even when the father and son were panicking, they saw that Madam Li actually displayed a calmness and courage beyond that of a man. Even what Madam Li said seemed to be full of power.

"You also know that Xie An is angry. If he continues to be angry with us, you will not be able to survive even if you run to the ends of the earth. If we, the Li family, want to survive, we must let him calm down. Master, you hit Master He with the stick, so you should take the stick yourself. And you, Shaoyun, have you also offended Xie An?"

Li Shaoyun did not dare to hide anything and told the whole story of how he had provided convenience to Li He in order to curry favor with Zhang Biao, allowing Li He to arrest He Chunli and torture him severely.

Madam Li cried out in grief, gritting her teeth. "Well, you're all getting more capable than the other. All you know is bullying honest people. What else can you do? If you two want to acknowledge me as your wife and mother, then come here and get your punishment."

Perhaps the father and son were intimidated by Madam Li's majesty, or perhaps it was because they both approved of Madam Li's approach deep down in their hearts, or perhaps it was because they felt the difficulty and hard work Madam Li put in to run the household.

The two of them nodded.

Then, Mrs. Li took Li Ru and Li Shaoyun to the door of Li's pawnshop. Instead of going in, she knelt in the snow, folded her hands on the ground, and knocked her forehead on the back of her hands.

"The sinful woman, Tong Ying, has failed to raise her son properly and served her husband without virtue. I apologize to Master Xie Xiang!"

When Li Shaoyun saw his mother kneeling down, his eyes suddenly became extremely hot, and he knelt down as well. As for Li Ru, he didn't say much and knelt beside her.

People around came over to watch the fun, wondering what was going on and talking about it.

"Hey, isn't that the Li family, one of the wealthy families in town? What are they doing?"

"Did you offend someone?"

"Looking around Wuqiao Town, apart from Chen's martial arts school and Li Li, there seems to be no one that Li Ru can't afford to offend, right?"

"Who is Master Xie Xiang?"

"..."

Mrs. Li ignored everyone's comments, continued to raise her head and bowed again.

"The sinful woman, Tong Ying, has failed to raise her son properly and served her husband without virtue. I apologize to Master Xie Xiang!"

Seeing that Madam Li was like this, Li Ru and Li Shaoyun no longer cared about the criticisms of the surrounding villagers and followed suit, bowing and kowtowing.

At this moment, Chunlan, who had just gone out, saw this scene. Although she didn't know that Xie An had become the chief incense master of the Tiger and Wolf Sect, she guessed that Xie An had an extraordinary identity and knew why Madam Li did this.

"Madam, it's freezing out here, and you're not feeling well. Hurry up and get up..." Chunlan went over to help, but Madam Li refused. "Chunlan, go get a stick."

"lady……"

"Go quickly."

Chunlan felt very uncomfortable, but couldn't resist any longer, so she went to the shop to get a broom.

Mrs. Li said, "It's too small. Change it to a bigger one."

Chunlan went to exchange it for a wooden shoulder pole for carrying goods. It was very thick and had iron hooks and locks hanging on both sides.

Madam Li finally gave up and, holding the shoulder pole in both hands, she said to Yuhe who was standing at the door, "Young lady, my family has committed a crime and offended your master. Please give us a beating."

Yuhe ignored him and turned to look into the distance.

She herself was not very familiar with Xie An, so how could she rashly get involved in Xie An's trivial affairs?

Mrs. Li asked Chunlan to beat him with a stick again, but Chunlan didn't dare.

Finally, Madam Li stood up with tears in her eyes. "Master, Shaoyun, please lie down. I will be the villain. Even if you bear a grudge against me in the future, even if Master drives me away and divorces me, I am sorry for today."

Snapped.

A heavy board hit Li Ru on the butt.

It wasn't a light beating, but a very heavy beating.

again and again.

After a few seconds, my butt became red and swollen, and then started bleeding.

Li Ru tried to avoid it at first, but after seeing the tears in Mrs. Li's eyes, he gritted his teeth and endured it.

Some villagers from the surrounding area came over to try to persuade and stop them.

"Madam Li, you are so kind to everyone, how could you be like this? How can you live in the Li Mansion in this way?"

"That's right. It's extremely disrespectful for a woman to hit her husband. You're a woman, why do you have to do that? What's the big deal that requires you to do that?"

"Mrs. Li, please stop..."

"..."

Mrs. Li did not hide the family scandal. She told the story while beating Li Ru and Li Shaoyun with tears in her eyes.

"My former master Xie An, who used to be the court attendant at the Li's Pawnshop, is now the chief incense master of the Tiger and Wolf Sect, in charge of the Blood Ridge black market, and is a top-notch lord in the six towns around.

When Master Xie came to us to redeem me, I, Tong Ying, was rude and even extorted one hundred and eighty taels from him.

I asked Shaoyun to help Li He, and he arrested Xie Xiangzhu's favorite disciple He Chunli and beat him with a stick.

A few days ago, He Chunli misjudged a pawn item and lost two hundred taels. I had the master beat He Chunli with a stick...

We, the Li family, are guilty. We deserve to be beaten. Even if our legs are broken, we deserve it..."

Madam Li burst into tears, taking all the blame on herself. Li Shaoyun was so humiliated by her words that tears streamed down his cheeks. Although Li Ru had been beaten with a stick, he initially felt resentful towards Madam Li, but after hearing what Madam Li said, he couldn't help but shed tears.

These words, like a bomb, caused an uproar.

"What? The clerk from Li's Pawnshop has become the head of the Blood Ridge Black Market?"

"No wonder Madam Li treats her husband and son this way. It's really too difficult for Madam Li."

"Mr. Li is so lucky to have married such a good wife and mother. He beat his own husband and son, but it is Mrs. Li herself who is hurt." "Quick, go tell Master Chen Lei."

"Go tell Li Lilao quickly."

"..."

……

A small house in the backyard of the pawnshop.

Close the door and warm yourself by the stove.

Compared to the noise outside, the room was quiet and warm. The only sounds were the two disciples chewing their cakes and Xie An's voice.

Listen to Xie An talk about his experiences over the past year.

The two disciples sighed, their eyes filled with admiration.

He Chunli rubbed his hands together. "Master, you are amazing. You became the incense master of the Tiger and Wolf Sect in just one year. The Tiger and Wolf Sect are the two most famous and prestigious sects in Qingwu County. It is said that they have thousands of disciples. Even the county magistrate visits them every year."

Han Li slapped his thigh excitedly. "When Master redeemed me, I had a feeling he was going to have a great career. As expected, I knew it, I knew it..."

Xie An chuckled softly, "It's just a few achievements, nothing to brag about."

This is what Xie An really thought.

If it weren't for the fact that these two were his disciples who had followed him for more than ten years, Xie An would not have planned to say this.

Since they are family, there is no need to hide it unless it is something important. Otherwise, it will seem awkward and easily create resentment.

At Xie An's age, he knew very well who was worth cherishing and the relationships he needed to nurture. As for those insignificant people, Xie An was unwilling to waste his time.

Eh.

He Chunli suddenly sighed, "Master is certainly very famous now, but I imagine... this journey must have been quite difficult. It's just that Master didn't say it because he didn't want us to worry."

Han Li nodded repeatedly: "Exactly, absolutely, this is...after suffering comes happiness."

Xie Anduo glanced at He Chunli and said comfortingly, "Little He has matured a lot. In this world, who has it easy? It's not easy for you to be a court attendant master. You are diligent and down-to-earth, but you still get beaten with a stick. Come on, tell us about what happened in the past year, and let the master listen."

He Chunli said embarrassedly: "My experience is nothing compared to my master's..."

He told her everything, and Han Li filled in the details about his encounter. The two of them echoed each other, recounting their experiences of the past year with great emotion.

Xie An could see that they were generally excited about being able to go out on their own.

Han Li and He Chunli also made a good match: after Han Li had his mind cleared, he was mainly responsible for soliciting business and shouting everywhere. Occasionally, he would work as a peddler, going to the countryside to collect some antiques.

He Chunli was in charge of the pawnshop.

Internal and external collaboration have gradually improved the pawnshop business and complemented each other.

Although their stories were not as exciting as Xie An's, everyone has their own way. Xie An knew that they had done quite well and gave them affirmation in his heart.

Finally, Xie An glanced at He Chunli's butt and said jokingly, "What's wrong with your butt? It was beaten to pieces at the end of last year, and it was beaten to pieces again at the end of this year."

He Chunli took a fierce bite of the osmanthus cake and mumbled, "I'm a lowly servant. Even if I manage the shop well, it's useless. If I even slightly displease the master, I'll get a beating."

Suddenly, He Chunli seemed to remember something and looked at Xie An fiercely. "Master is indeed far-sighted. He was right at the beginning. As a slave, no matter how much money you make for your master, you will not get anything. Once you make a mistake, you will be beaten."

Han Li sighed, "Fortunately, Master made He Chunli the Imperial Court Master. If I had been made the Imperial Court Master... I'm afraid my butt would have been beaten to pieces."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone laughed, diluting the solemn atmosphere.

Although Xie An had a smile on his face, he was also feeling emotional in his heart.

This is the fate of a slave.

If He Chunli were a commoner, even if he caused losses to the pawnshop, Li Ru wouldn't dare to beat him directly. That would be illegal, and He Chunli could report him to the police...

But... it's easier to sell yourself than to redeem yourself. If you meet an enlightened and kind master, then it's fine. But if you meet a mean and difficult master who won't let you go, then no amount of money will redeem you.

If Xie An had not gotten in touch with the Tiger and Wolf Sect, it would have been difficult for him to redeem himself safely.

Time and life.

Xie An asked, "What are your plans next?"

Xie An intended to redeem the two men.

With Xie An's current status, it is just a matter of a word.

The question is what the two disciples want to do after redeeming themselves.

Xie An still had to ask this question first.

Han Li glanced at He Chunli and said, "Brother He just told me that he plans to serve as a court official for five or six years, save some money, and then redeem himself to find the master. Then he can marry a woman and have children, and two generations will take care of the master until his death."

These words surprised Xie An, and he couldn't help but look at He Chunli.

He Chunli was a little disappointed, and said in a fierce tone: "Now that the master is a big incense master, I am afraid that he doesn't need me to take care of him in his old age."

The voice was not loud, but the sense of loss in it could not be concealed.

Even a man of Xie An's age couldn't help but gasp and was deeply moved.

When they were at the pawnshop, Xie An knew that He Chunli was filial. But he didn't expect that after a year of separation, his feelings for his master had deepened.

But thinking about it makes me feel relieved.

When family members are always around, we don’t realize how important they are. Only after we’ve parted, with longing flooding in and indelible memories seared into our hearts, do we realize that the bond of family affection has long been etched into our bones, something we can never shake off.

"Han Li, what are your plans next?"

Han Li hesitated and said, "After a year of beatings, I don't have so many thoughts anymore. Although my parents sold me, my father is now seriously ill. I still can't bear to see him die of illness, so I'll contribute more to the family income. After my parents pass away, I will go to take care of my master until his death. If... my master doesn't despise me."

Xie An stared at his two disciples for a long time and saw that their expressions were sincere and did not seem fake.

Suddenly, Xie An's blood boiled and his nose felt a little sore.

"Okay, okay. Master didn't raise you in vain."

Xie An patted the two men's shoulders heavily, "It's just a slave indenture. It's not a big deal. You pack up and come with me to the Li Mansion for New Year's tea and dinner. Your master will speak on your behalf and ask Li Ru to redeem you. As for your butt, Xiao He, I will give Li Ru double the spanking in return."

hiss.

The two disciples stood up in shock at the same time and looked at Xie An in disbelief.

"Master, you...you want to redeem us?"

"master……"

Xie An said with a smile, "Why are you so excited? You remember the Master's kindness, and the Master will naturally remember your kindness as well. The Master left without saying goodbye because he wanted to make a way out there. Now that the Master has the ability, he must help redeem us two filial disciples."

thump!
He Chunli and Han Li suddenly knelt on the ground, sobbing and speaking hoarsely:
"Thank you for your kindness, Master. I, Han Li, will work like a slave for the rest of my life to repay you."

"Master! Even if I, He Chunli, sacrifice my life, I still cannot repay your kindness."

For them, slavery is a lifelong shadow.

Previously, they thought becoming a court attendant was a way to rise to prominence, but after He Chunli was beaten, they realized... a slave is always a slave. It's a fate that's difficult to change in a lifetime.

Now, the master wants to redeem them...

Your kindness is as deep as the sea, we are your second parents!

Xie An knew what they were thinking.

Xie An had firsthand experience of how difficult it was to redeem oneself.

However, now that he has become the incense master, all the hardships in the past have become insignificant.

Eh.

Xie An sighed and helped his two disciples to their feet. "We are all miserable people. It's only natural for us to help each other. Get up. Follow me to the Li Mansion."

The two disciples' faces flushed with excitement. They quickly packed up, but were a little nervous and trembling when they were about to go out.

He Chunli was very unconfident. "Master, Master Li is a master. He's so harsh and hard to talk to. If we just go over there... is it really possible? Will it make things difficult for Master? Or forget it..."

Han Li also tiptoed around, feeling very uneasy.

They had worked in the pawnshop for over a decade and had long been intimidated by Li Ru's power. Now that the time had come to redeem themselves, they couldn't help but feel a little uneasy and guilty.

Xie An could see the fear in the two men's hearts at a glance, so he encouraged them, "With your teacher here, there's no need to be afraid. Let's go."

After hearing this consolation, the two disciples finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Master, the wind and snow are so strong. I'll hold an umbrella for you." Han Li hurriedly took out an old oil-paper umbrella and held it for Xie An. Then the three of them, master and apprentice, stepped into the wind and snow together.

The ground was covered with silvery white snow, the sky was filled with fine snowflakes, and the wind was howling like a knife. However, all this bad weather could not stop the three people from moving forward.

The two disciples followed Xie An closely, half a step behind him, looking at their master:
I felt that this figure was as majestic as a mountain, able to block the mountain wind and tsunami; like a warm stove, sweeping away the coldness of the wind and snow.

It is more like a harbor at a pier. No matter how strong the wind and waves are, as long as you return to the harbor, you will be home.

Ok.

There is a teacher in...

(End of this chapter)