Notes on Longevity

Chapter 222 To be a carefree wanderer, roaming the world with nowhere to be found

After Zhao Wuyong announced that it was time to eat, the kitchen staff brought out the prepared food in less than a quarter of an hour.

Yang Chenghan was very tempted by the dazzling array of delicious dishes in front of him. Although he had lived near the capital since he was a child, it was just a small village. To eat these things, he would have to go to the city to find restaurants. However, his family was poor and he had to earn his own food and lodging through his own labor. It was already a miracle that he had survived to this age, let alone delicacies from land and sea, phoenix marrow and dragon liver, and all kinds of seafood.

After all the dishes were served, Zhao Wuyong started eating first. Then An Zhilan got up, picked up some food, and placed it on Yang Chenghan's plate with a smile, saying, "Han'er, eat more after traveling for more than a month to nourish your body."

Faced with these delicacies, Yang Chenghan suddenly became reserved. He picked up his chopsticks and looked at An Zhilan, who kept putting food on his plate and thanked her repeatedly. He also looked at the various kinds of meat with different shades of color that were gradually piling up on the plate, but he didn't know where to start eating.

Zhao Wuyong seemed to have noticed this as well. He put down his chopsticks, chewed the food in his mouth, and after swallowing, asked, "What's wrong, nephew? Is the food not to your liking?"

An Zhilan, who was busy serving food to Yang Chenghan, was also awakened by his words. She stopped what she was doing, looked at Yang Chenghan with a puzzled expression, and said, "Yes, Han'er, if it's not to your liking, tell your aunt, and I'll ask the kitchen to make something you like."

"No it's not."

Yang Chenghan put down his chopsticks and smiled awkwardly. "Uncle, Aunt, it's not that the food doesn't suit my taste, it's just that I grew up in a village outside the capital, where I was used to simple meals every day. So, I feel a little embarrassed to suddenly be eating these mouthwatering delicacies."

Yang Chenghan's words left An Zhilan somewhat flustered. She smiled awkwardly, "Actually, we usually eat quite plain food. But since you're here today, I was thinking of asking the kitchen to prepare more fish and meat. I just didn't expect Han'er..."

An Zhilan was at a loss for words, so she turned to Zhao Wuyong for help. Zhao Wuyong naturally understood, and picked up his chopsticks again to pick up some food, saying, "Silent snowflakes fall, and the golden plate is empty before you even realize it. We merchants have to deal with businessmen from all over the world, from all corners of the country. Even something as simple as eating is a skill in itself."

"The food of our Dayan Dynasty has always been famous for its numbing, oily, and spicy flavors. Fuyang's most famous dishes are the 'Shangzui Rabbit' and the 'Po You Guo' (Po You Hot Pot). The rabbit meat is dark in color, tender yet firm, and it is so delicious that you will want to keep eating it. It is especially good to have the 'Po You Guo' in winter. Even if it is freezing cold outside, it is warm and lively inside. It is a pleasure to stop eating and take off your clothes."

"The cuisine of the South is much lighter than ours, with a mild flavor and a good balance of salty, sweet, and rich. Southern dishes also emphasize presentation, so they are very strict about the chefs' knife skills and control of the heat. Even the ingredients are mostly common poultry and animals. In this way, they can satisfy customers with discerning palates and avoid strong flavors that may make people uncomfortable. Therefore, the South has become a destination for most merchants."

"So, if you want to do business, you have to learn to eat the same things as others, instead of thinking about what you like to eat or whether you can accept it in the short term. This is the first thing I'll teach you when you learn business from me."

"Doing business is not like wandering the world. You need to know how to maintain a proper balance. You can eat some things you don't like, but you must not refuse or show any discomfort. You have to cater to him so that you can do business with him."

Zhao Wuyong's words stunned Yang Chenghan. He had known that there were so many rules about dining when he was with the merchants in the capital. Faced with this sudden instruction, he quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Chenghan will definitely remember Uncle's teachings."

Zhao Wuyong stood up at this moment, walked to Yang Chenghan's side, patted him on the shoulder and said, "Besides that, you also have to listen and observe, observe their expressions when they speak, and listen to their tone of voice. You have to know that people's hearts are hard to see and touch, as the saying goes, 'You can't see into someone's heart.' But you can perceive their meaning in their words. It's like when eating. An extroverted person gets up to pick up food, knows when to raise a glass to toast, and can adapt to the situation very quickly; an introverted and calm person will stare at the food in front of them. Although they also know when to drink to celebrate, they won't do so because they can't find a good excuse. The words will swirl around in their stomach but they just can't say them. Such a person can't do business, let alone go far."

"understood."

Yang Chenghan's eyes widened in astonishment, and the shock in his expression made Zhao Wuyong smile slightly: "Well then, in a few days, some merchants from Wu Kingdom will be coming to see me. You can come with me then. It's better to see them for yourself than to just talk about them."

Yang Chenghan bowed and said, "I am deeply grateful for your teachings today, Uncle. I will definitely follow you and learn business well, so as not to disappoint you."

"Alright, let's eat quickly, otherwise the food will get cold and lose its flavor."

After a conversation, the three of them finally sat down to eat, but just as they were halfway through their meal, someone from the gatehouse arrived.

"Why are you so panicked?"

Zhao Wuyong looked at the gatekeeper who rushed over and shouted, and asked.

The young doorman, panting heavily and unable to speak, pointed behind him. After a long pause, he finally caught his breath and shouted, "Master! Miss has been bullied at Ya Xiang Lou. It was the guard who accompanies her who brought the news."

"what?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuyong suddenly stood up, slammed his chopsticks on the table, and demanded, "Who dares to bully my daughter!"

"They seem to be a group of wandering swordsmen."

Where is Ya Xiang Lou?

Since entering the Zhao residence, Yang Chenghan, who always had a smiling face and spoke gently to everyone, suddenly turned cold, and his anger was bursting out of his body uncontrollably.

The doorman pointed in the direction of Ya Xiang Lou and said, "In the East City, Young Master Cheng Han!"

Upon learning the location, Yang Chenghan hurriedly turned to Zhao Wuyong and his wife and said, "Uncle, Aunt, I will go and bring my sister back right away!"

After saying that, Yang Chenghan turned and walked into the brightly lit night.

Zhao Wuyong watched Yang Chenghan's departing figure. At this moment, he was like a lion that had just awakened, his face filled with surging anger like a raging storm: "Gather the guards and follow Chenghan to Yaxiang Tower!"

"Yes, sir!"

The young gatekeeper, having received the order, turned to leave, but was stopped by Zhao Wuyong: "Wait!"

"What's wrong, sir?"

"Send another person by fast horse to the west city and fetch that young master over."

"Young master." The gatekeeper hesitated for a moment, but he quickly realized what was happening. He hurriedly answered yes, and then, like Yang Chenghan, turned and walked into the night.

"Humph!"

Zhao Wuyong slammed his fist on the table in anger, while An Zhilan said with equal concern, "Master, don't worry. Now that you've brought him out, Yun Chu will be fine."

Zhao Wuyong's face turned pale with anger. He pointed angrily at the door and said, "These Jianghu bastards! Don't they know who's in charge in Huangzhou City? They actually dared to mess with my daughter! If I don't cripple them today, I'm closing down my shop and doing no more business!"

"Please calm down, sir, lest you harm your health again."

Wow! Miss, there are so many people!

Wan Dou held Zhao Yun Chu's hand, while Li Hua followed behind. The three of them arrived at Ya Xiang Lou, surrounded by guards.

Looking at the magnificent pavilion and the constant stream of diners, Wan Dou couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

Pear Blossom tapped Wan Dou's small head from behind and said, "You little rascal, it's not like you've never been here before. Why do you still look like you've never seen anything like this before? Aren't you afraid of embarrassing your mistress?"

"No way, how could I possibly embarrass you, Miss? It's just that there are so many people today!"

Located in the eastern part of Huangzhou, Yaxianglou stands before them like an ancient pine tree, reaching straight into the sky. The crowds are so large that they seem to be overflowing, making the already bustling Yaxianglou even more noisy.

"I wonder if there are any seats left inside. I should have told the manager in advance."

Zhao Yunchu also felt that there were a terrifying number of people today. She turned to look at Lihua and the guards behind her and said, "Sister Lihua, let's go in and take a look."

"it is good."

Pear Blossom readily agreed, and then Zhao Yunchu said to the leading young guards, "Brother Bei, please wait here for a while. If there are any seats available, I will have the waiter come down and call you."

“Miss, there are too many people and too many eyes inside. I don’t know why there are so many martial arts practitioners in Huangzhou City today. I’d better go in with you.”

Zhao Yunchu lowered her eyebrows slightly. She thought that what Brother Bei said made sense, so she said, "Then Brother Bei, come up with us. You guys wait here for now."

"Yes, Miss!" As the group stepped into Ya Xiang Lou, the noise outside was deafening. Looking around, the hall was filled with martial arts practitioners, who held swords, spears, and halberds, drinking and dancing without stopping.

Wan Dou was truly terrified by the situation. Although her brother was also a wandering swordsman, judging from the current scene, it was no different from a rabbit entering a wolf's den—waiting to be slaughtered.

She held Zhao Yunchu's hand tightly, and even the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth was quite noticeable.

Even the usually composed Pear Blossom felt somewhat uneasy walking among them. She knew that many martial arts practitioners would come to Ya Xiang Lou every day to discuss the martial arts world, but to her surprise, the first floor was full of martial arts people today.

Even Zhao Yunchu, who practices martial arts every day and is known for her eccentricities, is somewhat apprehensive. However, in her eyes, there must be a reason why these martial arts practitioners have gathered together.

Bei Ge, who was following behind the three, had been frowning ever since they entered the building, not relaxing for a moment. He was thinking, what are so many martial arts figures gathered together? Should he call them in too? Soon, he dismissed his idea.

They're not particularly noticeable right now, but if we call in all the other guards, who knows what might happen in the end?

Soon, as the group of four entered the building, the waiter who was greeting them spotted Zhao Yunchu and quickly stepped forward to greet her: "Miss Zhao, what would you like to eat today?"

Zhao Yunchu looked around, took a deep breath, and asked, "Are there any seats upstairs?"

"Yes, yes. Please come with me."

The waiter led Zhao Yunchu and her group up to the third floor and then arranged a private room for them.

While ordering, Zhao Yunchu asked the waiter, "Why are all the people on the first floor of Yaxianglou here today, all martial arts practitioners?"

The waiter smiled and said, "Miss Zhao, you are also a martial artist, so you must know something about the martial arts world. It is said that a grand event in the martial arts world is about to begin, and the downstairs and upstairs are full of these martial arts practitioners."

"Is there more upstairs?"

Pear Blossom, standing to the side, asked in surprise.

"Naturally, Huangzhou is the center of the martial arts world, just like the capital of Dayan is Fuyang. Now that the grand event has begun, these martial arts people will naturally gather in Huangzhou."

"Back in the day, after Li Chengru became the leader of the martial arts alliance, he held a grand ceremony at our Yaxianglou. The scene was truly indescribable. All the merchants and officials of Huangzhou City came to congratulate him, and even the capital sent people to offer their congratulations. It is said that it was His Majesty's personal eunuch. The pomp and circumstance were truly unprecedented and unparalleled."

"I didn't realize you knew so much."

Standing behind Zhao Yunchu, Bei Ge couldn't help but chime in as he watched the waiter's eloquent speech.

"There are just more people coming here, and they talk a lot, so you can overhear some things unintentionally."

The waiter scratched his head and finally asked, "Miss Zhao, you may be wealthy, but can you finish all this food?"

The waiter looked at the entire page of paper he had written on and felt a little uneasy.

"Oh, right, there are a dozen or so of my guards outside. Could you call them and arrange another private room next to ours? As for the dishes, just bring the first few here; the rest are for them."

Upon hearing the waiter's words, Zhao Yunchu realized that her own guards had not yet come up. The waiter replied with a "Okay" and hurriedly left.

"A grand event in the martial arts world. What is that?"

After the waiter left, Wan Dou, who was confused, asked a question.

Upon hearing this, Pear Blossom teased, "Didn't your brother tell you? Isn't he also a wandering swordsman?"

Wan Dou shook her head. "After my brother found me, he took me around to make a living. If we hadn't come to Huangzhou, my brother and I might have starved to death on the road of wandering the heavens. We wouldn't have had time to care about any worldly affairs."

Upon hearing this, Lihua quickly shut up. Zhao Yunchu stroked Wandou's little head and said gently, "Don't worry, now that you're with us, your brother will have time to care about these things. By the way, did you see him when you came in just now?"

Wan Dou shook her head again, "There were so many people just now, and everyone had swords and knives. How could I dare to raise my head? But judging from my brother's personality, he probably wouldn't get involved in these things."

"By the way, the last time I saw your brother, he had drunk a lot of alcohol, and his hair and beard were all messed up. Did something happen to him?"

Suddenly, Pear Blossom remembered something, so she asked this question.

Wan Dou nodded helplessly and said, "My brother has always been like this. When I used to follow him, I often saw him staring blankly at a jade bead necklace. Maybe..."

Everyone understood what Wan Dou meant, but no one dared to point it out. After all, in the world of martial arts, who doesn't offend someone? They say one should be a carefree wanderer, roaming the world without a trace, but where in this world are there no people? Where there are people, there will be grudges, and where there are grudges, there will be inexplicable love and hate. Thus, wherever there are people, there is the martial arts world, where human relationships, love and hate rise and fall, an endless cycle of grudges and resentments.

The dishes were served, and Zhao Yunchu and the others were eating, but Brother Bei seemed a little absent-minded. He seemed to have heard a sound, but he was not sure.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Yun asked, "Brother Bei, why aren't you eating? Is it not good?"

Upon hearing this, Wan Dou, who was engrossed in her work, immediately looked up and said, "How could that be? The Dongpo pork here is delicious. Miss, may I have another serving?"

Zhao Yunchu looked at the petite Wan Dou with doting eyes and replied, "Sure, little Douzi. But, with so many dishes ordered, I wonder if we have enough silver notes."

"It's alright, Miss. Just hold this little glutton here for a bit."

Pear Blossom's words deflated Wan Dou, who lowered her head again and busied herself with her rice bowl.

Pear Blossom was amused by Wan Dou's appearance. She pointed at Wan Dou and laughed, "Miss, look at her, doesn't she look like a little monkey?"

Zhao Yunchu glanced at Wan Dou and was immediately amused by her drinking soup from her bowl. However, remembering how Wan Dou had been abandoned and had to wander around with her brother to make a living, her heart softened. She took out a thumb-sized, blood-red agate unicorn from a small pouch at her waist and handed it to Brother Bei. Then she gave him three silver notes: "Brother Bei, go settle the bill first, and also get this girl an extra serving of Dongpo pork. If you don't have enough money, leave this agate unicorn as collateral, and I'll get someone else to pay tomorrow."

Before Zhao Yunchu could finish speaking, a commotion broke out outside the private room, accompanied by the sound of hurried footsteps. Bei Ge seemed to have thought of something. Before he could even take the items and silver notes, he stood up and quickly went to the door, peering through the crack to check the situation outside.

Countless martial arts practitioners, carrying knives and swords, rushed downstairs.

Hearing the commotion, Zhao Yunchu and the other two stood up and asked, "Brother Bei, what's wrong?"

"Something seems to have happened."

Brother Bei looked somber, with a hint of anger in his eyes.

"Miss, please stay here for now, I'll go take a look."

Although Zhao Yunchu was also a martial artist, she couldn't help in this situation and could only say, "Bei-ge, be careful."

After bowing respectfully, Brother Bei turned and left. The three people in the private room were restless, unaware of what was happening outside. Zhao Yunchu wanted to go out and see what was going on, but Lihua stopped her, saying, "Miss, let's listen to Brother Bei and stay here."

Zhao Yunchu said she would go out and take a look, but Lihua refused, blocking the door tightly and not letting her leave.

They only realized what had happened when the waiter appeared before them, disheveled and panting.

(End of this chapter)