Zhu Yuntang (or Zhu Yun) beckoned with a finger.
Luo Yan obediently leaned close to his ear and heard him say coldly, โKeep making noise, and Iโll throw you down.โ
โโฆโฆโ
If she ever bothered Zhu Yuntang again, she was a dog.
At that moment, Guyu had already rounded up the others.
With two left helpless, he clasped his hands around his mouth and shouted, โI give up.โ
Zhu Yuntangโs brows relaxed as he gently set Luo Yan down.
After several rounds of circulating his inner energy, his breath grew disordered and a thin sweat appeared at his temple.
Deciding not to interfere further, he plucked a blade of dogtail grass, held it in his mouth, and leaned against an old tree to rest.
Luo Yan wasnโt in the mood to talk either, so she called everyone together and asked, โWhy did you all think I was a female ghost before?โ
Liu Changyi, who was ten years old this year, naturally liked the sister who shimmered from her clothes to her hair and sat close to her affectionately, answering, โJia Nainaiโs house is haunted.โ
โBecause the house was always empty?โ
โSomething like that.โ Liu Changsheng shrank his neck. โEvery time we went to the Jia residence, the next day our whole bodies would ache. Itโs really weird.โ
Then, realizing Luo Yan was a Jia family girl, he straightened his chest and corrected himself, โBut after you all moved in, it got betterโthereโs more people, so the yang energy is strong.โ
Luo Yan doubted this and pressed, โWhy did you go to the Jia residence? What kind of pain? Muscle? Internal injury? Which part exactly?โ
Liu Changsheng scratched his head, confused. โIt just hurt a lot, thatโs all.โ
โโฆโฆโ
Zhu Yuntang had overheard the entire conversation.
Squinting, he sized Liu Changsheng up and down, finally piecing together the reason.
About two years ago, he had taken a job near Linchuan Commandery.
After receiving the payment, Zhu Yuntang didnโt want to return to the tower to report immediately, so he rode the deceasedโs horse around leisurely.
Such a high profile naturally attracted some pursuers, so Zhu Yuntang abandoned the horse and took to a bullock cart.
The old man driving the cart was delivering goods to Qingyuan Village, and Zhu Yuntang stopped along with him.
Seeing the Jia residence was grandly built, he simply drew his sword and moved in.
Anyone who approached without caution was driven away with stones.
Liu Changsheng came most often and was naturally pelted the most.
After going home in terrible pain but unable to find any injury marks, he could only blame it on ghosts.
Luo Yan wanted to dig deeper, but Zhu Yuntang didnโt want to listen anymore, brushing off his sleeve: โGoing fishing?โ
There was a small stream in the village, with the deepest parts just chest-high.
Upstream often swept down small fish, perfect for frying or stewing.
Luo Yan was still sulking.
Though she walked with Zhu Yuntang, she only showed a cold profile.
Noticing his gaze, she immediately let out a โhmphโ to show her attitude.
She really held grudges tight.
Zhu Yuntang pinched a strand of the girlโs hair and twirled it between his fingers.
He couldnโt do hair buns, but having learned to braid grasshoppers, he got carried away.
When he made a rough shape, Luo Yanโs face darkened.
He felt unusually guilty: โIโll help you undo it.โ
Then he remembered how Luo Yan had pulled many hairs from him while he was unconscious and quickly added, โAt least it looks better than what someone else made.โ
โโฆโฆโ
Now it was Luo Yanโs turn to feel guilty, but she pressed her lips tight and refused to say a word, brushing off Zhu Yuntangโs hand as she walked away with a โda da da.โ
Zhu Yuntang smiled indifferently, broke off a few branches, and sharpened them in a few strokes.
Everyone gawked, and Liu Changsheng even shamelessly bowed, โBrother Jia, can I have one?โ
Brother Jia? Who?
He suddenly recalled Luo Yan had just called him โA Xiong,โ which made him Jia Yun.
โYou donโt need it,โ Zhu Yuntang said but still tossed one over. The reason was simpleโthere must be comparisons to know whoโs better.
He finally handed the smoothest and prettiest sharpened one to Luo Yan. โWant it?โ
Both ends of the long stick were sharpened into spear points.
Holding it felt like a slimmed-down weapon.
Luo Yan quickly took it and swung it a few times in the air.
โSatisfied?โ
โโฆโฆโ Her smile stiffened. Seeing a few defective sticks at her feet, she turned her face and called Guyu and the others over, โIf you want one, take it. We donโt need so many.โ
Having accepted Zhu Yuntangโs generosity, Luo Yan couldnโt treat him like air anymore.
Making conversation, she said, โIf youโre not catching fish, why are you still standing here?โ
โWatch closely.โ Zhu Yuntang tossed it into the air.
Liu Changsheng volunteered and entered the water.
Seeing a small fish pinned at the end of the stick, he shouted, โReally caught one!โ
Luo Yan immediately threw aside her previous quarrels and looked at Zhu Yuntang eagerly. โTeach me, teach me.โ
Catching fish required sharp eyesight and speed, which he couldnโt teach, so he stalled: โThere are too many people now. Iโll catch a few first for them, then teach you alone later.โ
Her eyes lit up as she stretched out her palm.
โI wonโt get mad at you again from now on.โ
She swore by raising three fingers, not all five.
But Zhu Yuntang just twitched his lips and said nothing.
โฆ
In the end, everyone got a fish.
Qinglian tore off some tough grass and twisted it into a rope, threading it through the gills and tying a knot, making it easy to carry by hand.
Luo Yan was eager to try and said to Zhu Yuntang, โLet me hold it for you.โ
He tossed it over casually.
At that moment, the fish suddenly flapped wildly, its tail slapping Luo Yanโs face, making her scream loudly.
โโฆโฆโ
Zhu Yuntang clicked his tongue and took the fish back, thinking she should be practicing Shi Hou Gong instead.
Back at home, Jia Yufang was so surprised to see the youth carrying several river fish that she dropped her teacup.
Luo Yan proudly recounted her catch and only went inside to change after being urged twice.
Seeing Zhu Yuntang recovering well, Jia Yufang asked, โGood child, the Langzhong should arrive today. Do you want to go down the mountain with him?โ
โGrandmother!โ Luo Yan shouted sharply, wrapping a cloak around herself and rushing out to shield the youth, โHeโs not going anywhere.โ
She spoke urgently, with a nasal tone.
Zhu Yuntang raised an eyebrow with interest, but then heard her say, โIf A Yun leaves, who will play with me? Just let the Langzhong take some medicine. I think even if he doesnโt take it, heโll get better.โ
โโฆโฆโ
He had overestimated her.
Jia Yufang could only laugh and cry, โIโm not trying to chase him away. After the Langzhong checks him out, if thereโs nothing serious, he can stay as long as he wants.โ
Luo Yan was skilled at acting spoiled, immediately saying affectionately, โGrandmother is the best.โ
โYou little rascal, Iโm going to add some dishes for you.โ
The courtyard quieted down. Zhu Yuntang tugged at Luo Yanโs hair and whispered, โWho said I want to stay?โ
He had expected her to sulk, but she asked instead, โYou finally escaped here and donโt want to lie low? Itโs already the third day and you havenโt hurried to contact anyone, which means youโre unattached. Where else do you want to go?โ
He choked on the words: โNot escaping, just passing through.โ
โAlmost the same.โ Luo Yan shrugged and gently bumped him, โThis afternoon Iโll bring spices, Changsheng will bring bamboo tubes with steamed rice, Guyu will bring wild game. Weโll roast everything in the forest. Are you coming?โ
โGoing.โ Zhu Yuntang answered decisively.
Since someone new came into the household, Luo Yan visibly brightened.
Jia Yufang was both relieved and worried.
She heard the children had arranged a barbecue, gritting their teeth to use all kinds of seasonings, and brewed a whole pot of fire-relieving tea.
While waiting for the tea to cool, someone came to the door with something.
Liu Changsheng was the most excited, his voice growing louder and louder:
โBoss, boss!โ
Luo Yanโs heart and eyes almost flew out the window.
Jia Yufang hurried to pour the tea, repeatedly warning, โBarbecue is hard to digest. Just taste a little, donโt be greedy.โ
Luo Yan nodded earnestly.
Once sure, she grabbed Zhu Yuntang and ran out.
After a few steps, she realized Qinglian wasnโt there and asked the newly recruited little brother, โWhere is she?โ
โOut in the fields.โ
According to Liu Changsheng, older children either worked in town, farmed, or had already married.
He and Guyuโs family were a bit better off, so while they didnโt have to farm every day, they still helped with herding cattle, driving ducks, or watching younger kids.
Luo Yanโs eyes reddened after hearing this. Scared, Liu Changsheng waved his hands frantically and explained to Zhu Yuntang, โI didnโt do anything.โ
โGet lost.โ
Zhu Yuntang bent close to her and studied her. โAlready about to cry?โ
โNo.โ Luo Yan, afraid others would hear, pulled him to take a few hurried steps. โI just think everyone is so pitiful.โ
He didnโt agree. โThey have family, a place to go, and food to eat. How are they pitiful?โ
He spoke calmly, like stating a fact. But Luo Yan couldnโt help but apply it to both him and herselfโ
They had food, and a place to stay for now, but no family.
Also very pitiful.
โA Yun.โ The girl looked up, her dark eyes glistening with tears in the light. Her fingers gently hooked his, voice serious, โI can be your family.โ
Zhu Yuntang grinned, โDream on.โ
โโฆโฆโ
If she pitied him any more, sheโd be a dog.
Meanwhile, Guyu had already started the fire.
Changyi and Guyang, still young, sat on a nearby pile of stones chatting.
Liu Changsheng was a little afraid of Zhu Yuntang and only dared approach Luo Yanโs side, whispering, โBoss, the spices.โ
She handed him the food box. โYou put in the amount.โ
Her ten slender fingers were like green jade.
Zhu Yuntang glanced casually, guessing she came from a wealthy family but fled into the mountains with a maid to hide from disaster.
That was why she was straightforward, quick to anger and quick to tears, stirring everyoneโs sympathy.
Catching his gaze, Luo Yan turned her face away. โArenโt you helping?โ
Zhu Yuntang shrugged. โI donโt know how.โ
A Jia-level killer from Lan Yue Tower had no shortage of silver, but little chance to be near a kitchen.
He deliberately said, โYou shouldโve done these chores before. Go help.โ
Luo Yan fiddled with the Jinyun Pattern on her sleeve, pretending not to hear.
A smile flickered in his eyes. Not to embarrass her for now, he said, โCall me when youโre done,โ and closed his eyes to rest.
Luckily, Changsheng and Guyu were experienced and managed everything smoothly.
Luo Yan wanted to join in, so she arranged the teacups Jia Yufang had prepared and poured the flower tea into each.
When the big chunks of meat were grilled, Changsheng wrapped them in banana leaves and placed them on a stone slab, then suggested, โBrother Jia, your dagger looks better than our knives. Why donโt you cut the meat?โ
Zhu Yuntang remained still, coolly saying, โQuite bossy.โ
The sizzling hot oil on the barbecue mixed with rich spices, making Guyang and Changyiโs mouths water.
Luo Yanโs appetite was also stirred as she turned to plead, โDa Xia Yun, lend it to me for a bit. Iโll wash it clean later.โ
He twitched his ear and finally took action.
โWait.โ Luo Yan grabbed his sleeve. โWash it with tea water first, then roast it on the fire, both sides.โ
โโฆโฆโ
Eating grilled meat with full seasoning for the first time, Changsheng and the others barely found a chance to speak.
Luo Yan was used to it.
After one bite, she stopped and idly asked, โDoes anyone in your family read books?โ
Changsheng instinctively shook his head but suddenly remembered and pointed at Guyu.
โHis A Xiong is at Guanglu Academy. Heโs the only one who reads books in our village.โ
There were also private schools in town.
The fee was not expensive, but for Qingyuan Village, it was another world.
They had children to reduce burdens.
Sons inherited trades, married, and had children.
Daughters worked the fields and wove cloth, then married off.
Reading books? Going to school? A losing business.
Luo Yan sighed sadly.
In her previous life, before her illness worsened, she had spent several years at school.
Later, during long hospital stays, her parents hired authoritative private tutors to ensure she didnโt fall behind in academics and arts.
She couldnโt yet explain the purpose of reading at her age, but she subconsciously felt it was very important.
Zhu Yuntang was staring blankly nearby. She leaned over and whispered, โA Yun, can you read?โ
He remained silent.
โA Yun?โ She reached to tug his sleeve but he easily dodged.
Luo Yan looked puzzled and caught sight of his ear turning red quietly.
Suddenly enlightenedโhe must be illiterate, so he was shy.
Unable to resist seeing Zhu Yuntangโs embarrassed look, she covered her face and quietly laughed for a moment.
Then she grabbed his wrist and cleared her throat. โMy family once hired a female teacher. Reading and arithmetic are no problem. Does anyone want to learn from me?โ
Five-year-old Wang Guyang eagerly answered, โI want to eat garlic.โ
โโฆโฆโ
She glanced at Liu Changsheng, who quickly looked down at his toes.
Then she looked at Liu Changyi, the little girl with a mouth full of oil, happily sucking her fingers.
It was okay, there was still Guyu.
Just as she was about to speak, he slowly raised his hand and said in a muffled voice, โI want to learn.โ
Luo Yan clapped warmly, โThen itโs settled. A Yun, Guyu, Changsheng, Changyi, class starts at my house in three days.โ
โHow come Iโm included?โ Liu Changsheng struggled, โIโm not cut out for this.โ
โTry first. My grandmother will prepare cakes and tea, and I have lots of fun things too.โ
She finally convinced them all. Suddenly noticing Zhu Yuntang was unusually still, she looked backโhe was nowhere near.
The villagers were simple and honest.
She wasnโt worried about Zhu Yuntangโs safety and helped clear the bones, carrying the food box home.
Changsheng siblings took the news to find Qinglian.
Guyu brothers still had to herd cattle.
Luo Yan was left walking alone on a mountain path.
Halfway tired, she sat under a tree for a rest, pondering Zhu Yuntangโs name.
The surname was obvious, but his given nameโwas it Yun, Jun, Yun, or Yun?
At that moment, a bony hand snatched the wooden stick from her and drew a circle around the character โๆ.โ
Luo Yan looked up in surprise, โSo you can read!โ
โI only recognize a few.โ Zhu Yuntang erased his name and asked her, โHow do you write yours?โ
โIโll teach you.โ
To make it clear, Luo Yan wrote slowly, stroke by stroke. When she finished, Zhu Yuntang had already copied a rough version in his clumsy handwriting.
She was slightly surprised and praised, โYou learn fast.โ
Zhu Yuntang patted the dust off his hands, dismissive. โJust memorizing, not hard.โ
In the tower, he memorized martial arts moves, the most painful spots to strike, how to kill with one blow, acupoints, and the tastes and poisons of different herbs.
Not being taught to read didnโt mean he was a fool.
โI knew you could do it.โ Luo Yan wrote down the names of their new friends and told him, โThis is Liu Qinglian, this is Wang Guyu, this is Changshengโฆโ
Finally writing down โJia Luoyanโ and โJia Yun.โ
โChildrenโโ
Footsteps approached from a fork in the mountain path, accompanied by a call, โItโs going to rain.โ
Luo Yan tossed the stick away and grabbed Zhu Yuntangโs hand. โLetโs go home.โ