Notes on Longevity

Chapter 219 Clouds shroud the Berlin Forest, fog obscures the view; it is precisely in this body that one enters the mountains.

Zhao Wuyong was slightly taken aback when he saw Yang Chenghan. Yang Chenghan's sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes were quite similar to Yang Tianqian in his youth, except that he was less arrogant and domineering. He immediately went to Yang Chenghan's side and said, "Nephew Chenghan, you've finally arrived."

An Zhilan quickly stepped forward to greet him, saying, "Han'er must be tired from his journey. Come, sit down and have some tea to rest. Butler Huang, please prepare hot water for Han'er to take a bath and also get his new clothes ready. Although Han'er is young, he is as tall as Brother Yang was when he was young."

"Got it!"

Huang Zichao readily agreed upon receiving the order, and turned around with a smile to prepare.

An Zhilan patted Yang Chenghan's shoulders and arms, her eyes full of relief: "How wonderful it would be if I had a son like you!"

As she spoke, she glanced at Zhao Wuyong standing to the side.

Zhao Wuyong felt uneasy under her gaze and quickly replied, "Don't joke with Cheng Han. Even if we wanted a son now, it would be too late."

"What about before?"

Zhao Wuyong was speechless at An Zhilan's question. He wanted to retort, but considering that Yang Chenghan was still there, he didn't dare to say it. Instead, he changed the subject: "Nephew, please don't be offended. Your aunt was just pleased to see that you are strong and healthy with bright eyes. She was not joking."

"Master, you..."

An Zhilan was about to retort when she heard Yang Chenghan laugh and say, "Nephew understands."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuyong patted Yang Chenghan on the shoulder and said with a smile, "That's good. Quickly sit down, have some tea, and rest."

"Someone, bring the tea!"

Zhao Wuyong pulled Yang Chenghan to sit in the main seat of the main hall and chatted with him, while An Zhilan took tea from the servants and dismissed everyone. At this moment, there were only the three of them in the main hall.

An Zhilan poured tea and stood beside Zhao Wuyong, listening to Yang Chenghan recount some of his experiences over the years: "After my father retired from the martial world, he settled in a village outside the capital. When I was young, they found a school for me and I studied there for a few years. However, I would get sleepy as soon as I looked at those classic texts. Later, while wandering around the capital, I met a passing merchant. After talking with him, the merchant gave me some books, saying that it was better to be a wealthy man than to wander the martial world and suffer hardships. I was also interested in those books and didn't get sleepy like when reading classic texts. Later, I left the school and studied martial arts with my father while also studying those business books. Over the years, I have read them all and also learned some business from the merchants who came and went in the capital. They said that although I am just a child, I have some talent. So my father decided to send me here, hoping that my uncle could teach me a little."

Zhao Wuyong listened quietly as Yang Chenghan slowly recounted his past, nodding in approval: "I see. It's both out of interest and talent. So, you'll come with me to broaden your horizons these days. As for your final choice, I'll ask you then."

Upon hearing this, Yang Chenghan stood up, bowed, and said, "Thank you, Uncle."

Seeing this, Zhao Wuyong waved and laughed, "Nephew, there's no need for that. Although we are not related by blood, based on my friendship with Brother Yang, we are closer than family. No matter what you choose from now on, you will stay in Huangzhou City."

"Sir, madam."

As soon as Zhao Wuyong finished speaking, a servant walked to the door, bowed, and said, "The hot water for Young Master Cheng Han has been prepared."

"Okay, you wait here."

"Yes."

Zhao Wuyong replied, and as he stood up, Yang Chenghan also stood up. He said, "Then I will go and freshen up first, and come back later to pay my respects to you both."

"Han'er, it's alright." An Zhilan took over Yang Chenghan's words and said with a smile, "After traveling for more than a month, you must not have eaten or slept well. You should go back to your room with Steward Huang to rest first, and we can talk about everything after you've rested. You should treat this place as your own home and not stand on ceremony."

"I understand, Aunt."

"Junior, please take your leave."

Yang Chenghan picked up the bundle, bowed to the two men, and stepped back to the door. Then, a servant took the bundle and led him deeper into the Zhao residence.

Zhao Wuyong and An Zhilan walked to the door. They watched Yang Chenghan's figure gradually disappear. Finally, the two sighed softly. Zhao Wuyong said, "What a good child. If it weren't for the prejudices of the world back then, how could Brother Yang have retired from the martial world?"

"That's not prejudice, that's fear!"

An Zhilan hit the nail on the head, and Zhao Wuyong shook his head: "Yes, who isn't afraid? A few years ago, a fox demon caused chaos in Dayan. Who knows if she will end up like this?"

"Master, you said you wanted Han'er to stay away from the business world before he arrived, but now you want to take him out? Aren't you afraid someone will recognize him?"

An Zhilan complained softly, saying that he was being hypocritical.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuyong shook his head and smiled, quickly explaining, "My wife, our child came here to study. If I directly refuse him, what will he do? How will I answer when Brother Yang asks about it later? I don't want him to be tainted by money, but we have to take it one step at a time."

"So, Master has a plan to make him back down?" An Zhilan asked, puzzled.

Zhao Wuyong took a deep breath and said with a relaxed expression, "Of course not."

“Aren’t you just making trouble for yourself by saying that?” An Zhilan felt that Zhao Wuyong’s actions were completely unnecessary. “Besides, Master, think about it. Han’er is not a child anymore. If you don’t have a plan, he will find out something is wrong sooner or later. What will you tell Han’er then? I don’t want you two to fall out over this.”

Zhao Wuyong laughed and pulled An Zhilan into his arms. Looking in the direction Yang Chenghan had left, he said, "Madam, don't worry. Rather than trying to do it, it's better to go with the flow. Doing business is not simple. The intricacies of it cannot be mastered by enthusiasm alone or a little talent."

An Zhilan seemed to understand but not quite. She nestled in Zhao Wuyong's arms and sighed, "But wasn't Grandfather's decision to become a merchant based on nothing but passion?"

Zhao Wuyong was both amused and exasperated. "It wasn't out of passion, but because we had no other choice."

"Forced to do it?" An Zhilan asked, "Is it because of that thing in your study?"

“Every time you get sick, you lock yourself in your study and won’t see anyone. Do you know how worried I am about you?”

Zhao Wuyong's expression suddenly darkened, and he said, "Yes, my grandfather was also filled with regret back then. If he had known that this would happen, he would never have taken those things that did not belong to him. But it's too late to regret it now. Fortunately, Yun Chu did not contract this disease, so I can die without regrets."

“Master, you can’t say that.” An Zhilan quickly put her hand to Zhao Wuyong’s mouth, her eyes filled with tears, and said.

Zhao Wuyong laughed loudly, "Don't talk about it, don't talk about it, the present moment is the most important. But speaking of which, why hasn't Yun Chu shown up today? Usually, she would have been making a ruckus by this time."

An Zhilan's voice choked slightly as she said, "It must be because of Han'er. After all, she hasn't met him yet; he's still an unmarried child."

"What unmarried child? She's always brandishing knives and guns; she's practically ready to tear the house down."

Zhao Wuyong laughed heartily upon hearing this: "I don't know what this child is thinking. A girl has to learn martial arts. If she weren't my only child, how could I let her act so recklessly?" "What's wrong with a girl learning martial arts? It's good for her to have a skill to protect herself. I'd love for someone to teach her!" An Zhilan said reproachfully.

"Alright, alright," Zhao Wuyong quickly coaxed An Zhilan when he saw she was a little angry. Suddenly, he seemed to remember something: "Isn't Cheng Han skilled in martial arts? He's the son of the number one martial artist in the Jianghu. His martial arts skills must be comparable to those of those sects."

"Does Master mean for Han'er to teach Yun Chu martial arts?"

Zhao Wuyong stroked his beard smugly and said, "That's right. If we could also arrange a marriage, that would be even better!"

"Huh?" An Zhilan found it unbelievable: "Master, this is not appropriate."

"What's wrong with it?" Zhao Wuyong countered, "Don't you like Cheng Han?"

An Zhilan was speechless. After hesitating for a long time, she replied, "I do like him. Han'er has sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, a tall and straight figure, and his appearance is much better than those rich young men who come to propose marriage."

"Isn't that settled?" Zhao Wuyong patted An Zhilan's shoulder in his arms and said, "My mind is made up. If we can bring them together, then we will. If not, I will think of another way."

"Master, are you saying that Yun Chu will only marry Han'er?" An Zhilan broke free from Zhao Wuyong, her expression shifting from disbelief to incredulity: "Master, if it works out, that's fine, but if it doesn't, won't that hurt both children?"

“Oh! That’s not quite right.” Zhao Wuyong picked up where she left off, and asked mysteriously, “Madam, didn’t you just say you wanted a child like Cheng Han?”

"Yes, but this..."

Before An Zhilan could finish speaking, Zhao Wuyong added, "In that case, whether they can make it work out depends on us."

"Furthermore, if you want Yunchu to marry into another family, we can't always keep an eye on her. What if she gets bullied?"

Upon hearing this, An Zhilan flew into a rage: "Let's see who dares! Who dares to bully my daughter?"

"Isn't this right!"

Zhao Wuyong shrugged and continued, "As the saying goes, a married daughter is like water spilled from a cup; even if she's going to be spilled, it's best if it spills at home! The two of them have never met and have no blood relation, so it would be perfect if they could get married. Besides, how many boys like Cheng Han are there in Huangzhou City, let alone the whole world?"

An Zhilan thought Zhao Wuyong's words made sense; marrying a distant relative was not as good as marrying a close one. The two then secretly decided to marry.

Meanwhile, under Huang Zichao's guidance, Yang Chenghan took a bath and changed into new clothes. When he came out of the bathhouse, he surprised Steward Huang and the waiting servants and maids.

Yang Chenghan's previous tattered and somewhat disheveled appearance couldn't hide his brilliance, but now he was even more admirable. Huang Zichao stepped forward and looked at Yang Chenghan with increasing delight. He said, "As expected of Young Master Chenghan, you look even more radiant in your new clothes."

Yang Chenghan was caught off guard by the sudden exaggeration and quickly replied, "Butler Huang, please don't say that. I'm just a farm boy, what kind of spirit do I have?"

Huang Zichao exclaimed "Eh," and then said, "Young Master Cheng Han, there's no need to be modest. Your demeanor is no less impressive than Master Yang's. If you were to learn martial arts, you might become the number one martial artist in the future."

"I am well aware of Cheng Han's meager skills."

"Young Master, have you practiced martial arts with Master Yang?" Huang Zichao asked upon hearing this.

Yang Chenghan replied, "I studied under my father for a few years."

"That's incredible! Since you were personally taught by Master Yang, you must be the number one in the martial arts world."

Yang Chenghan was very uncomfortable with Huang Zichao's constant praise. After all, he had thought that his father's friend was just a small merchant. Who knew that he was from the wealthy Zhao family? Moreover, he had been running back and forth between the school and the fields since he was a child, and had always been filial to his parents. He really couldn't enjoy being taken care of like this.

So, rubbing his already rumbling stomach, he asked, "When are we eating?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Zichao quickly put away his playful smile and said with a faint smile, "Young Master Chenghan, the kitchen is already preparing the food. Please return to your room, Young Master."

Surrounded by Huang Zichao and a group of servants, Yang Chenghan walked around a garden, through artificial hills and lakes, and arrived at the room they had prepared for him.

Yang Chenghan left Huang Zichao behind and dismissed the rest of the group. As he entered the room, a delicate floral fragrance filled the air, and the first thing that caught his eye was a painting hanging on the wall. In the painting, trees were hidden in the clouds and mist, and below the clouds, a line of egrets leisurely flew upwards. A gentle breeze seemed to caress the trees, causing the branches and leaves to sway quietly. Among them, the most conspicuous tree soared straight into the sky, and upon closer inspection, a red-tailed cuckoo quietly perched on its crown. At the very bottom, a poem stood like the trees: "Clouds veil the cypress forest, mist obscures the eyes, a red-tailed cuckoo atop the green pine. A line of egrets leisurely roams, just as they enter the mountains."

Below the painting, a small square table made of Phoebe zhennan wood stands quietly, while two armchairs, also made of Phoebe zhennan wood, are placed close to the edge of the table.

The counters, inside and out, are filled with all sorts of rare and precious objects: a palm-sized Southern Red Agate Lion, a half-person-tall White Jade Qilin, and a crackled Blue and White Double Fish Plate. In the middle of each object, various flowers are in full bloom: orange-red Clivia stands tall and proud, mature wintersweet takes root in the soil, and elegant white magnolias grow back from broken branches.

Near the door, there were two passageways on either side. The right side led to the bedroom, and the left side to the study. Huang Zichao led Yang Chenghan to the bedroom first and then to the study: "This was originally where Master Yang sat and observed. For martial artists, in addition to skill level, mental state is also very important, just like those who cultivate Taoism, to calmly observe themselves. However, back then, there were no tables, chairs, or cabinets like these; there was only a meditation chair."

As Yang Chenghan entered the study, in addition to the fragrance of flowers and trees, a faint scent of ink gradually wafted in. Each of the four corners of the study had a long, brightly lit cabinet, with various books neatly arranged. In the center of the study stood a long black table and a square chair, with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones all properly placed.

"Butler Huang, isn't this place too big for me to live alone?"

Upon seeing all this, Yang Chenghan felt a strange sense of unease. He knew that in his village, the rooms were only about ten feet long, while this study was at least three or four feet long, which made him truly apprehensive.

“Young Master Chenghan, this room isn’t actually very big. It was specially prepared for you. Most importantly, it was once occupied by Master Yang, so you won’t feel unfamiliar with it. You’ll get used to it after a while.”

"If you feel bored, there are still many rare and interesting objects in the main hall. You can take your time to play with them."

Yang Chenghan remained silent, staring intently at the large study. Having grown accustomed to living in a small house, the sudden change of environment left him feeling empty.

"Young Master Chenghan, you're already quite familiar with the room, so this old servant won't disturb you any longer. The food will be brought over shortly. Just call me if you need anything."

Huang Zichao bowed to Yang Chenghan and said this.

Yang Chenghan nodded, then bowed to Huang Zichao and replied, "Thank you."

"Young master, you're too kind."

After saying that, Huang Zichao stepped back, turned around and left, leaving Yang Chenghan at a loss in the study, wandering around the desk and the shelves full of books.

(End of this chapter)