Chapter 32: What

Su Tang opened her eyes.

Moonlight lay hazy before her. Beneath her was a wooden bed. There was no protruding arrowhead at her chest, nor any pain. It had only been a dream. But what was that man who appeared later in the dream? There was nothing like him in the original memories. Did that mean she died even in her dream?

Su Tang bit her lip, about to curse the unfairness of her dreams, when she suddenly realized she was holding something in her hand. Instinctively, she tightened her grip. It was both hard and soft, and, most troubling, warm.

Her fingertips trembled fiercely. How—and when—had she—

"Awake?"

A gentle murmur reached her ears.

Su Tang hurriedly released her hand, giving a muffled reply.

"I just…"

"Nightmare?" the young gentleman asked.

Su Tang nodded.

Moonlight spilled across the opposite side of the bed, lighting even the patterns on the quilt. Su Tang listened as the young gentleman beside her withdrew his hand. He had comforted her, after all.

"What... What did I say?" she asked.

In the shadowed darkness on the inner side of the bed, Jing Yuan saw Su Tang's slightly lowered eyelids. Thinking back to how she had gasped and reached out in her sleep, murmuring "hold tight," and even cursing once, Jing Yuan replied, "Nothing much."

Su Tang breathed a sigh of relief. At least she hadn’t cursed aloud.

"Go back to sleep." Su Tang exhaled, turned onto her side, and faced away from the young gentleman.

Jing Yuan watched her back for a moment, then rolled over as well.

Su Tang lay at the edge of the bed, watching the hazy moonlight, her eyes flickering.

******

"Woof woof—"

"Cock-a-doodle-doo—"

Having eaten his fill, the big black dog chased the neighbor’s crowing rooster, creating chaos.

The sun had already risen. Outside, voices drifted in as early vendors called out their wares beyond the courtyard.

Jing Yuan left through the gate.

Su Tang watched him from the entrance. Dressed in simple floral attire, she was still graceful and serene. The neighbors noticed, quietly envying him. That fellow had really lucked out.

Once Jing Yuan rounded the corner and disappeared, Su Tang closed the gate and turned to Li Qing Tian beside her. The smile on her lips vanished, replaced by stern resolve.

"Sister Li, I want to learn martial arts."

"Alright," Li Qing Tian agreed. Whatever the young lady wished to learn, she would oblige.

*

The autumn wind blew gently, leaves falling beneath its touch.

With the teacher leaving the hall, the students inside relaxed at once—some stepped out for convenience, others strolled to stretch their bodies, and some sat beside Jing Yuan.

Jing Yuan glanced up at the newcomer, then continued reading.

"Yesterday, our conversation gave me much to ponder," Huang Wen Zhao said warmly, smiling at his own words. "Perhaps you didn’t think much of it, but every word was true. Horse-hoof Pastry—is that the name? Yes, I believe so."

Jing Yuan closed his book, gazing quietly at him.

Huang Wen Zhao met his gaze directly, lips curved gently like a breeze.

"I was in a rush then, unable to savor its taste, but I bought some along the way. Sweet and crisp, worthy of its name. Since it was a gift from your wife, it should be exceptional. With such a wife, you are truly blessed."

His tone carried a familiar warmth, but Jing Yuan remained impassive.

Huang Wen Zhao’s smile stiffened, and he spoke solemnly, "Yesterday, every word I said to you was from the heart. Today, I won’t repeat myself. With friends, honesty is best. Let me be frank—I heard the teacher took you as a disciple. At first, I felt indignant, but after some thought, I realized I was wrong."

"When the teacher first met you, he was drawn to your talent. You must possess abilities beyond the ordinary; advancing three levels at once shows your prowess. I deeply admire you. The teacher’s discerning eye commands my utmost respect."

"This academy is known only because of him. Students from a hundred miles around come here, myself included. Though I was not born here, I hope the academy lives up to his reputation. Thus, the outstanding among us form a society together. One day, your name will surely grace the list. If you join us, the academy's renown will soar, and you will have your place. What do you think?"

Huang Wen Zhao’s cheeks flushed, eyes bright, as nearby students eavesdropping clenched their fists in anticipation.

Several students farther away watched as well.

Jiang Bowen kept a stern face, Fang Jun Cai and Zhang Hong Sheng stared intently at Jing Yuan.

"He’ll accept, won’t he?" Zhang Hong Sheng asked.

"Brother Huang is inviting him personally—if he doesn’t, he’s blind to kindness," Fang Jun Cai scoffed.

Liu Zi Yu shrank his neck, feeling a chill on the back.

Jing Yuan seemed unaware of the tension in the academy. When Huang Wen Zhao finished, Jing Yuan lowered his head and continued reading.

As Huang Wen Zhao’s face turned pale, Jing Yuan tossed out two words: "No need."

"Ha."

Huang Wen Zhao laughed softly, his expression warming in an instant as if spring breezes swept his face.

"Jing Yuan is indeed as your wife says: reticent."

"Then I won’t trouble you further."

He rose to leave, but Fang Jun Cai couldn’t help rushing over. "Lu—Brother, our Huang is being courteous, calling you Jing Yuan. Do you really think being the teacher’s disciple lets you act so recklessly?"

"Huang's society isn’t for just anyone. If not for the academy teaching us, where would we be? The society exists for the academy's reputation. As the teacher’s disciple, you should bear that responsibility. Yet Huang invited you himself, and you refuse. Where does that put the teacher and the academy—"

Fang Jun Cai grew angrier, reaching out as if to strike, but Jiang Bowen and Zhang Hong Wen quickly restrained him.

"Calm down, calm down."

"Jun Cai!" Huang Wen Zhao called sharply.

Whether because they held him back or Huang’s voice, Fang Jun Cai finally calmed.

After much persuasion, everyone returned to their seats.

Only Jing Yuan seemed unaffected, immersed in his book.

The nearest students exchanged glances and shook their heads.

******

At the tavern in Ping’an Town—

Fragrant tea wafted in the air as Chief Fang glared at the suddenly arriving Master Zhao, gritting his teeth. "What are you doing here again?"

Master Zhao wore an innocent look, clutching his belly and flashing his gold tooth. "Just came to take a look," his gaze drifting, intentionally or not, toward Su Tang.

Chief Fang nearly choked with rage.

On the other side, Xuan Ji Zi stroked his beard and smiled, "Master Zhao, you faithfully carry out what others entrust to you—such diligence."

Master Zhao shivered inwardly, quickly putting on a smile as if his own wife were present.

"Master, master, you see through everything but say nothing. My sister told me to keep an eye on my brother-in-law—I have no choice, right?"

Chief Fang coughed even harder.

Lu Da Shan, also in the room, finally sensed something was amiss and boomed, "What? What did you say?"