Notes on Longevity

Chapter 221 Yun Chu Climbs Over the Wall at Ya Xiang Lou, Cheng Han and Mu Yu Deliver to Uncle

After waking up, Yang Chenghan wandered around the Zhao residence alone. One reason was to familiarize himself with the environment, since he didn't know how long he would stay in Huangzhou. The other reason was that since he had come here to learn business, he needed to be familiar with the rules of the Zhao residence so that he wouldn't be at a loss as to where guests should rest when they came to the Zhao family.

Fortunately, while he was strolling around, he happened to run into Huang Zichao, who was arranging dinner, coming out of the kitchen.

So Huang Zichao led Yang Chenghan back the way they came and told him about some of the rules of the Zhao family. The rules were no different from those of other wealthy families, but they were more relaxed. Yang Chenghan quickly remembered them: According to some of the Zhao family's rules, as long as there were no guests at home, it was fine to be a little more relaxed on weekdays.

Huang Zichao also remarked that the Zhao family was the wealthiest family in his memory. They would rather take a small cut than let others owe them anything.

After listening to Yang Chenghan's words, he felt that it made sense. He had followed merchants in the capital and found that everyone they met was either mean-spirited or greedy. Now he understood why his father had sent him all the way to Huangzhou to learn business.

The two chatted for a while, and he became familiar with the environment and rules of the Zhao residence. Before dinner, Huang Zichao added one last thing: "By the way, Young Master Cheng Han."

"Although the Zhao family's rules are somewhat loose, there are still some things I need to remind you of."

Yang Chenghan asked, puzzled, "What is it?"

"The courtyard is where the master and mistress live. Although young master Chenghan is family and can come and go as he pleases, the south room of the courtyard is the master's study. Young master, please remember not to go in there at any time. If you need to find the master, just knock on the door."

Yang Chenghan remained silent but nodded repeatedly. Finally, he raised an eyebrow and asked himself, "Why did Steward Huang have to mention this rule? Isn't this the usual rule for the study, regardless of the household?"

Seeing Yang Chenghan's expression, Huang Zichao sensed a distance between them and quickly explained, "This isn't to say that you, young master, are an outsider. It's just that since the Zhao family was established, the rules for the study have always been like this. Although I've been in the Zhao family for over thirty years and am familiar with all the rules and regulations, this one seemingly unintentional yet deliberate rule is truly baffling. Every time the master falls ill, he locks himself in the study. Even when the madam personally brings him medicine, she can't even get in the door." Although Madam Rili was curious about the study and wanted to explore it, she ultimately had to give up on the idea. All the servants and maids in the entire mansion also kept their distance. As far as I know, since the Zhao family settled down, only Master Yang and Madam Yang have ever entered the master's study. Young Master Chenghan is Master Yang's only son, and the master will naturally dote on you. Although I don't know if the master will allow Young Master Chenghan into the study, I still remind you that without the master's permission, you should stay away from the study.”

After pondering for a moment, Yang Chenghan nodded and replied, "Thank you for the reminder, Steward Huang. I will keep it in mind."

After saying that, Huang Zichao led Yang Chenghan to the Sihebei Courtyard where they were having their meal.

As dusk sheds its dazzling cloak and reveals a bright moon, the lights that had been arranged at the Zhao residence are lit one by one. Yang Chenghan, following behind Huang Zichao, watches this scene with deep emotion: If I could have such a sight in this life, it would not have been in vain to have come to this world.

Amidst the dazzling lights and the bright moon overhead, as smoke billowed from the kitchen and everyone busied themselves preparing food, someone quietly slipped out of the house via a ladder.

"Miss, it's almost lunchtime. Shouldn't we eat first before running out here?"

Zhao Yunchu changed into a black outfit. She squatted on the courtyard wall, watching Wan Dou slowly climb the ladder with her petite body. "I'm almost sick of the food at home. I eat the same thing every day. Today, I'm taking you out to eat something better."

While Huang Zichao left the kitchen to wander around with Yang Chenghan, Zhao Yunchu secretly ran into the kitchen to take a look at the dinner. When he saw that it was all vegetarian dishes, he turned around and ran away.

"But at noon I saw Butler Huang leading several brothers back with a lot of meat! I love Dongpo pork the most."

Wan Dou struggled to climb up the courtyard wall. She and Zhao Yun Chu squatted face to face on it, but then they heard a voice from outside the courtyard: "Miss, come down quickly. The guards saw me when I went out."

Upon hearing that Lihua was anxiously waiting outside the courtyard, Zhao Yunchu grabbed Wandou without saying a word, turned around and jumped down amidst Wandou's terrified expression: "It's alright, Miss, I'll take you to Yaxianglou to eat Dongpo pork in a bit."

After landing, Pear Blossom quickly came to the two of them. Just then, several burly figures appeared at the back alley of the house, and one of them shouted, "Come quickly, Miss is here."

"Miss, it's almost time for dinner. You should eat first before you run."

Zhao Yunchu wouldn't listen to any of this. Holding Wandou in her arms and pulling Lihua along, she turned and ran: "Impossible! I've been eating vegetarian food every day for the past few days and I'm practically turning into a monkey."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Yunchu and the other two had disappeared from sight, and only more and more figures could be seen at the entrance of the alley.

"Huangzhou City is full of people and all sorts of people, so send a team of guards to follow the young lady."

"Yes."

After leaving the Zhao residence, Zhao Yunchu and his companions headed straight for Dongmen Street, where the night market was the most abundant, with a plethora of delicious food and fun activities. The most famous Yaxianglou in Huangzhou City was also located there. Huangzhou City had always been a gathering place for martial arts practitioners from all over the world, and at night, these martial arts practitioners would go to Yaxianglou together or alone to drink and discuss philosophy.

Once on the street, the shouts and calls of vendors rose and fell, and the colorful lights illuminated Huangzhou City, making it a bustling and prosperous place.

Zhao Yunchu led Wan Dou through various stalls selling trinkets and toys, searching for something. Once they had chosen what they wanted, Lihua, who followed behind them, was responsible for paying. After strolling around for a while, Wan Dou complained of being hungry and insisted on eating something.

So, Zhao Yunchu led Wan Dou to buy several strings of candied hawthorns, as well as sugar figurines and steamed rice cakes. Afterward, they bought a lot of candied fruit and poria cocos cakes at a snack shop. Finally, each of them carried a bowl of crystal soap and strolled down the street.

"Miss, when shall we go to Ya Xiang Lou?"

While Wan Dou was munching on a candied hawthorn, she was also scooping up some crystal soap with a spoon. Her mouth was so full that she could barely speak. Zhao Yun Chu could only vaguely hear the words "Ya Xiang Lou".

Holding the candied hawthorn, she savored the taste and said to Wan Dou, "Let's go buy some mung bean cakes, and then go to Ya Xiang Lou."

Upon hearing this, Wan Dou pouted and said, "But Miss, the things we bought are all available at Ya Xiang Lou."

Zhao Yunchu smiled upon hearing this: "You just don't understand."

Wan Dou was puzzled. She turned to Li Hua beside her and asked, "Sister Li Hua, what does Miss mean by this?"

Pear Blossom smiled calmly: "It's to save money!"

"save money?"

“Yes,” Pear Blossom smiled slightly, “didn’t you break a porcelain vase in the house the other day?”

"Huh?" Wan Dou immediately feigned fear upon hearing this. "But I've already been punished."

Zhao Yunchu turned her head and stared at Wan Dou with a pitiful expression: "You were punished, but you only had to face the wall for a while to reflect on your mistakes. However, it was me who had my monthly allowance deducted. Right now, I only have three hundred taels of silver notes. A meal at Ya Xiang Lou costs at least fifty taels, and their pastries are sixty coins a serving, with only a few pieces in each serving. If I keep eating like this, I won't have any money left before the end of the month. By then, I won't even have the strength to climb over the wall, let alone eat."

"Huh?" Wan Dou was a little confused. "So it was Miss who fined me."

Wan Dou sounded a little sad, but Zhao Yun Chu didn't seem to care. She simply said, "Otherwise, I still want to see my little Douzi get married."

As Zhao Yunchu ate his candied hawthorn, he fantasized about the grand scene of Wan Dou's wedding.

However, Wan Dou's words surprised her: "Miss, I don't want to get married."

"why?"

Zhao Yunchu asked.

"Wan Dou is short, who would like her? Besides, I don't want to leave Miss."

Zhao Yunchu and Lihua clearly heard the inferiority complex in Wan Dou's words, and they comforted Wan Dou, saying:
"It's alright, who wouldn't love such a cute little bean?"

"But, Sister Pear Blossom..."

"Don't be afraid! When you get married, if anyone bullies you, come to me. I'll see who dares to touch my people."

Pear Blossom squatted down on the long street, amidst the bustling crowd. She stroked Wan Dou's small head and said, "That's right. Although we are both maids, and people may look down on us, we have our young lady. Besides, you know how protective the master is of his children. We are the personal maids of the eldest daughter of the Zhao family. Even if we are bullied outside, do you think the master would let them get away with it, not to mention the young lady?"

Wan Dou nodded subconsciously, then immediately shook her head and said, "No. Last time, the young man who went out on business was bullied by a young master, but the master took the young man and fought back. The master is a really good person."

"That's right, otherwise just the porcelain bottles you broke would be enough to keep you a slave in the Zhao family for more than ten lifetimes."

“If Miss will stay in the Zhao family, I will never get married. I am willing to be Miss’s servant.”

Pear Blossom kept comforting Wan Dou, but Wan Dou's words left her speechless. However, she felt that Wan Dou's words made sense. If she hadn't been sold into the Zhao family mansion but into a brothel, she couldn't imagine where she would be today. She sighed and said, "Alright, besides, you have an older brother in the martial arts world. I don't think his intention was for you to stay in the Zhao family mansion as a slave for the rest of your life. If you get married, he will definitely be happy for you."

"Yes!" Wan Dou nodded vigorously, but tears welled up in her eyes and flowed uncontrollably. "In a few days, when my brother returns to Huangzhou, I will ask him if he will be happy if I get married."

"Most definitely."

The brief pause made the bustling street even more crowded. A group of martial arts practitioners dressed in various colored armor and carrying swords walked in a procession. Among them, some were dressed in plain white robes with flowing sleeves, while others were chatting amiably with fans in hand.

"I heard that Li Chengru has left Huangzhou. I wonder who will be in charge of this martial arts world now, becoming the number one person in the world outside the imperial court!"

"Is there any need to say more? It must be that kid surnamed Lu. Some of us have seen his kung fu before, and he's incredibly ruthless. He looks like a weakling like Li Chengru, but he's actually a master of hard kung fu. I almost got killed by one of his punches before."

"What? Did you offend them?"

"How could I possibly provoke them? I can only suggest a friendly spar."

"Hahaha, he was almost beaten to death that day, and he was still being stubborn!"

"I want you to take care of it!"

As Zhao Yunchu and the other two watched the group of people talking loudly as they headed towards Yaxiang Tower, they began to have doubts. These people didn't seem like people to be trifled with. Perhaps they should skip it today and go another day.

But she quickly changed her mind because the group was too eye-catching. The guards who hadn't followed Zhao Yunchu and the others had all caught up with them. There were about ten of them, all tall, strong, and muscular.

Then, at Zhao Yunchu's command, they set off straight for Yaxianglou.

"uncle."

In the northern courtyard of the Zhao residence, Yang Chenghan, guided by Huang Zichao, came to eat. He bowed to Zhao Wuyong and An Zhilan.

Seeing this, Zhao Wuyong, who was sitting in the superior position, laughed and said, "Nephew, don't be so formal. You must remember that this is your home."

Yang Chenghan was somewhat apprehensive. He took a deep breath and said, "Nephew understands."

"By the way, I just saw Butler Huang showing you around the mansion. Have you gotten familiar with the surroundings yet?"

Yang Chenghan replied, "I'm familiar with everything."

At this point, Yang Chenghan paused slightly, then took something from his belt and handed it to Zhao Wuyong.

It was a piece of jade with tassels.

Zhao Wuyong took it and examined it carefully in his hand. As he continued to rub the wood and jade, his brows furrowed more and more until he took a deep breath and his expression relaxed.

Seeing this, An Zhilan asked curiously, "Master, is there anything special about this wooden jade? I noticed you were frowning and taking deep breaths the other day."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuyong rubbed the wooden jade in his hand even faster. Then he held the wooden jade up in front of An Zhilan, who was full of confusion. An Zhilan, who was already confused, was now even more puzzled. She looked at the heavy, round wooden jade that resembled a crane or a goose and asked, "Master, please stop being mysterious."

Zhao Wuyong laughed loudly, "Madam, don't be impatient, let me explain the secrets of this wooden jade."

"it is good!"

Zhao Wuyong gestured for Yang Chenghan to sit down, and a servant stepped forward to ask, "Master, is it time to eat?"

Zhao Wuyong looked around the courtyard and said, "I don't see Yunchu. She must have sneaked out again. Let's prepare some food and save some for her."

"Yes, sir."

After the servants left, Zhao Wuyong smiled at Yang Chenghan and said, "Speaking of which, you have a younger sister, but this child is like a shrew. She doesn't like needlework and prefers to play with swords and spears. I'm too old to persuade her, and your aunt spoils her too. As a result, she has turned a delicate girl into a shrew. If you see her in the future, stay away from her and don't let her target you."

An Zhilan frowned slightly upon hearing this, her lips slightly upturned as if she wanted to say something but then she swallowed it back down. Seeing this, Yang Chenghan quickly replied, "Uncle, you are overthinking it. Although Chenghan wants to go into business, I have been learning martial arts from my father since I was a child. I think my skills are no worse than my sister's. If my sister is willing, Chenghan is willing to have a friendly spar."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuyong slapped his forehead and laughed loudly, "Look, I was so busy touching the jade that I forgot about this."

Then An Zhilan asked again, "Master, you still haven't told us about the origin of this wooden jade."

Zhao Wuyong pushed his hand away and said, "No rush."

He picked up the wooden jade in his hand, sniffed it, and then stared at Yang Chenghan and asked, "This wooden jade is yellowish but dark, so it should be lightning-struck wood. The yellow spots on the surface should be left by the original wood. Although the original wood smell has been covered, the wood fragrance has a hint of sandalwood, so it should be made of sandalwood."

Yang Chenghan smiled slightly and said, "Uncle is indeed knowledgeable and experienced; it is indeed made of living sandalwood."

"Living sandalwood? What's that?"

An Zhilan listened in a daze, her mind filled with confusion.

Zhao Wuyong explained to her, "Thunder rumbles and a thin sword falls from the sky. The so-called 'living sandalwood' is sandalwood that has been struck by thunder but is still alive. This kind of sandalwood is extremely precious, and Taoists often use it to make magical artifacts. By the way, you also know Abbot Tanxiangzi of Leitan Temple. The wooden sword on his back is made of living sandalwood."

"I see."

An Zhilan nodded in approval, as if waking from a dream.

"This item was supposedly given to my father by a Taoist priest when he was young. It was said to ward off disasters and evil spirits. Later, my father gave it to me so that I could always keep it with me. But I think my uncle should need it more than I do."

Yang Chenghan said this.

"Why?"

Zhao Wuyong and An Zhilan spoke in unison.

Yang Chenghan suddenly stood up, bowed and said, "Just now, when I was getting familiar with the courtyard with Steward Huang, I learned that Uncle is often ill. As a junior, and having come to accompany Uncle on his business trip, I cannot just eat and stay for free."

Upon hearing this, An Zhilan quickly stood up and said with a smile, "Han'er, what are you saying? You're family, there's no such thing as eating and staying for free."

Zhao Wuyong smiled and said, "That makes sense. Just like when you ask someone for a favor, you can't go empty-handed. In that case, I'll accept it."

An Zhilan turned to look at Zhao Wuyong in disbelief, "Not...Master?"

Yang Chenghan said, "Aunt, this is just a junior's courtesy."

"This..." An Zhilan saw Zhao Wuyong looking at Yang Chenghan with great satisfaction and loving the wooden jade in his hand. Since Yang Chenghan insisted, she couldn't say anything more and could only accept it. She squeezed Yang Chenghan's shoulder and said, "Han'er, don't have any worries about staying at home. Just remember that your uncle and aunt are not outsiders. The capital is your home, and this place will always be your home too."

"Han'er understands. I will be troubling Auntie these days," Yang Chenghan said, stepping back a step to curtsy.

"There's no trouble at all, please sit down, please sit down."

"Yes."

(End of this chapter)