Differences in Perspective

After leaving the Zhou residence, Fu Da Chun looked at the bulging silver in Xiang Yang's arms with a hint of envy. However, he was more annoyed by Zhou Fugui's dishonesty and his failure to keep his word.

"He said before that whoever could go up the mountain to redeem his daughter would be taken as his son-in-law, and he'd give three of the Zhou family's large tea houses as a dowry. Now look, it's shrunk so much. If it weren't for you, Little Yang Bro, telling me not to, I would have gone to argue with him."

Xiang Yang, holding the Wild Goose Feather Saber, glanced at the sky, which had already darkened. He pulled Fu Da Chun to a nearby restaurant to eat. They ordered a table full of dishes, both meat and vegetarian. Although not as good as the meal at the Zhou residence that noon, it was still quite decent.

On the red square table were braised beef, stewed duck feet, steamed chicken wings, and stir-fried beef brisket – these were the meat dishes. There were also three vegetarian dishes, green vegetables, stir-fried with oil, emitting a refreshing aroma. Not to mention the restaurant's special fruit wine, which was sweet with a hint of spiciness and fruity aroma; even two large pots wouldn't be enough.

Bang. Xiang Yang and Fu Da Chun clinked their wine cups. After the fruit wine went down, they each picked up a piece of food and put it in their mouths. The braised beef was salty and fragrant, complementing the lingering taste of the fruit wine in their mouths. It was truly as blissful as being an immortal.

"Little Yang Bro, I have to say, we really shouldn't have stepped in today.

If Zhou Fugui were a trustworthy person, we brothers would have gone all out for wealth and status. But in the end, we only got a thousand taels, which really wasn't worth it. You're the only descendant of the Xiang family; we're counting on you to carry on the family line."

According to Fu Da Chun's thinking, if Zhou Fugui had been trustworthy, he should have taken Xiang Yang as his son-in-law after Miss Zhou was safely returned, along with the three large tea houses as a dowry. This way, Xiang Yang wouldn't have to worry about the rest of his life; he could just live comfortably. It wouldn't have been impossible to go for it, especially since wealth was tempting.

But now, risking his life, he only earned this little money, which wasn't even enough for one year's income from those three tea houses. In Fu Da Chun's opinion, it was not worth it.

Xiang Yang saw that Fu Da Chun's face was flushed from the fruit wine and his eyes were a bit hazy. He shook his head, finished the clear green wine in his hand, and said calmly, "Do you know what it means to be well-matched? Do you know the difference between social classes?

The Zhou family is a prominent and wealthy family, famous tea merchants in Anyuan and even in several neighboring counties, with assets worth over a hundred thousand. And me?

I come from a poor and humble background, with ancestors who were farmers. Relying on my father's legacy, I can only be a constable at the county yamen, earning a meager official salary. That's the gap. Do you think Zhou Fugui would marry his daughter to me?"

As he spoke, Xiang Yang's phoenix eyes were as calm as a lake. Fu Da Chun felt a strange sensation, seeing himself belittled so much, yet Xiang Yang didn't seem upset.

"Hmph, a prominent family. I'd like to see how his daughter will get married in the future. Someone who was abducted by mountain bandits has already ruined her reputation.

Speaking of which, I actually feel a bit fortunate. If Zhou Fugui had truly taken you as his son-in-law, you would have gained wealth but lost your dignity. You probably wouldn't be able to hold your head up in the county town in the future, becoming a laughingstock for others, and needlessly tarnishing the good name left by Uncle Xiang.

Besides, I think you, Little Yang Bro, are very capable. If you join the Divine Constable Gate in the future, then the Zhou family will truly be unable to reach you."

Xiang Yang smiled and nodded, "That's true. A true man with ability can achieve wealth with his own hands. We brothers should have this spirit, not be seen as greedy and lustful lowlifes."

Xiang Yang's words made Fu Da Chun's blood boil. He repeatedly agreed and then chatted nonsense, talking about the Zhou family, then his Fu family's tavern, and then the county yamen. This allowed Xiang Yang to learn a lot of information.

During the time Xiang Yang was handling Xiang Da Niu's funeral arrangements, the county town had not been peaceful. One person died here, a daughter was kidnapped there, and young men took advantage of other men's absence to forcibly have relationships with respectable women. These incidents were numerous.

"But you don't need to worry, Little Yang Bro. Captain Wang said that the county yamen isn't too busy, and everyone can handle it. You can rest at home this month, sort out your feelings, and report to the county yamen at the beginning of next month."

It was now mid-June, with more than ten days left until the end of the month. It was considered a long holiday. However, Huangfu Xu wasn't thinking about where to go for fun, but rather how to kill Hu Qiang during this period and find out the real culprit who murdered Xiang Da Niu.

"By the way, have there been any updates on the Giant Bear Gang recently? They are the largest underworld gang in our county town. After so long, they must have committed quite a few crimes."

Xiang Yang asked casually. Upon hearing about the Giant Bear Gang, Fu Da Chun glanced around at the neighboring tables. Seeing that no one was paying attention to them, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Shh, Little Yang Bro, you don't know, but the Giant Bear Gang has been very arrogant recently. They've repeatedly raided the territories of the Green Wolf Gang and the Little Knife Society, showing a trend of unifying the underworld in Anyuan. I heard that their arrogance stems from their plan to bring in a strong individual from outside the region to be their leader, but that person is still elsewhere."

A strong individual? Xiang Yang immediately thought of Hu Qiang, who was about to descend the mountain to the Giant Bear Gang's territory to recuperate and enjoy himself. He likely meant him. Of course, it was not impossible that there were indeed strong individuals from other counties being recruited by the Giant Bear Gang.

"In that case, Da Chun, you have good sources of information. If there's any news about the Giant Bear Gang in the future, come and inform me."

Xiang Yang couldn't bother to hide his intentions anymore and said solemnly.

Fu Da Chun's hand movements slowed as he picked up food. He looked up at Xiang Yang, a bit puzzled, but still agreed. This was a trivial matter. His Fu family tavern was a melting pot, and many members of the Giant Bear Gang came to drink wine there every day. He wasn't afraid of not getting information.

The two of them ate for a good half hour, their stomachs bulging. Fu Da Chun, in particular, had drunk a few more cups and could barely walk, needing Xiang Yang to support him.

After paying the bill, Xiang Yang sent Fu Da Chun home. By the time he reached his own small courtyard, it was late at night, with only the occasional crowing of roosters and barking of dogs from the neighbors.

He hid the silver in a small cellar dug in the ground of his humble house. Seeing the small cellar filled with silver, a pleased expression appeared on Xiang Yang's face. "Poor in cultivation, rich in martial arts." He wouldn't have to worry about the medicinal soup needed for practicing the Iron Crotch Technique. Next, he would focus on practicing, honing his saber techniques, and waiting for the day Hu Qiang descended the mountain.

He covered the cellar with a lid and scattered grass over it. Xiang Yang went back to the kitchen to find the medicinal soup he had brewed the previous night. He poured a large bowl and slowly heated it over a low flame, while he, having nothing else to do, drew the Wild Goose Feather Saber and practiced in the courtyard.

Perhaps it was because he had killed someone during the day, but Xiang Yang's saber strikes were more sharp and killing-intentful than before. The moves were the same, but the feeling was that he was three points more powerful than the day before.

For example, a thrusting strike. Before, he was thrusting into the air, with force but no momentum. It was martial arts, not a killing technique. But now, when he thrust out, it was as if there was a living person in front of him, whose vital point he had struck with his saber. There was more ferocity, a change within a single day.

Xiang Yang was delighted and was still immersed in practicing his saber when the aroma of the heated medicinal soup wafted over, making him reluctantly sheath his saber.

"Without internal energy, the Iron Crotch Technique is my foundation. I need to practice it day and night."

Xiang Yang picked up the large bowl, drank the medicinal soup, and then returned to his small house to await the feeling of his body burning like fire. Today, his cultivation was more composed and experienced. He hoped that the cultivation effect would not diminish too much.