Master Deng had spent the night at the theater and was looking rather drained. He lowered his drooping eyelids and glanced sidelong at Lu Chen. "Hah, how much did you even pay in tuition? You get into trouble out there, and now you've got the nerve to come begging me?"
Lu Chen dropped to his knees with a thud and said nothing.
Master's Wife spoke softly. "The boy is diligent and often runs errands for me without complaint. Now that he's gotten into trouble and come to us for help, we can't very well let them drag him before the authorities. That would reflect poorly on the martial hall, too."
Master Deng scoffed.
"Madam, we run a martial hall, not a charity. He pays, I teach him boxing. That's a straightforward business deal. He's not a personal disciple who's kowtowed and submitted a formal letter of allegiance. Are we supposed to clean up after every Tom, Dick, and Harry who gets into legal trouble from now on?"
Master's Wife gave a cold snort. "When have the authorities ever seriously pursued murderers? They just grab some unlucky scapegoat and close the case."
Master Deng curled his lip. "Then he can blame his bad luck. He injured constables and resisted arrest before fleeing—that's already a serious crime. Who'd want to get tangled up in this mess? How much money and how many favors would it take to smooth things over? Madam, it's not worth it for some poor student!"
"Is worth it or not worth it something you can judge by money alone?"
Master's Wife's phoenix eyes narrowed, a trace of anger entering her voice.
Seeing her reaction, Lu Chen understood. Perhaps it was the goodwill he'd earned by diligently running errands for her, or perhaps her lonely life behind the walls of the compound had stirred some pity for him.
Whatever the reason, with Master's Wife as his powerful backer, he could get through this crisis.
Master Deng had married into her family and was already in a subordinate position. Seeing her displeased, he couldn't help softening his tone.
"Don't be angry, Madam. Look at those tattered clothes of his—where would he get the money to learn martial arts? The source of his money is unclear. For all we know, he earned it through some crooked business. Let a maid look into his background first. If he's truly innocent, we can help him then."
Master's Wife considered it, then said, "That'll do. Have Liu Qi go with Xiao Gao."
Xiao Gao was the maid who had woken Lu Chen that morning.
It wasn't that Master's Wife didn't trust her. It was just that South City was always a rough place, and a young woman going alone might run into some street thugs who'd harass her. Having Liu Qi go with her would make things safer.
After asking where Lu Chen lived and learning it was on Sheep Pen Street, the maid Xiao Gao went to the martial hall to find Liu Qi, and the two of them headed there together.
They found a tea stall and asked the owner for news about Lu Chen.
Just then, Blind Man came around the street corner.
After hearing Lu Chen's signal the previous night, they had all gotten out of the city in time and only sneaked back after daybreak.
After all, the constables were after Lu Chen.
As long as Blind Man and the others avoided a direct run-in with the authorities, they were still safe for the time being.
He was wondering where his big brother had hidden when he suddenly spotted Liu Qi asking about Lu Chen at the tea stall.
A flash of menace crossed Blind Man's lone eye. Without a word, he walked over and sat down at the stall, picked up the teapot, and poured himself a bowl of hot tea.
Liu Qi and the maid didn't know who he was. They only sensed a sinister chill about him and thought he didn't look like a decent man.
The tea stall owner, however, had already gone deathly pale. The hand gripping his rag trembled slightly.
With Blind Man sitting there, how could the owner dare say a single word against Lu Chen?
He forced a smile at Liu Qi and said, "There's nothing bad to say about Lu Chen! Which of his neighbors wouldn't praise him for his loyalty and decency?"
Liu Qi nodded, then left the tea stall with Xiao Gao and continued asking around the street.
Everywhere they went, the old man selling flatbreads, the cobbler, even the prostitute leaning against a doorway—all had nothing but praise for Lu Chen.
Blind Man, Shuan Hu, and the others followed at a distance, their dark gazes sweeping over every neighbor who answered.
After making a round of Sheep Pen Street,
Liu Qi couldn't help exclaiming, "I knew it! Brother Lu is a fine man. He must have been framed. Look at how everyone likes him—what kind of criminal could have that sort of reputation?"
"That's right. Brother Lu is kindhearted and often helps us buy things," Xiao Gao said softly.
The two returned to the residence and reported everything they had seen and heard.
Master's Wife sat upright in her chair, a smile rising on her lovely face as she turned to Master Deng.
"Well? I told you Lu Chen was a decent boy."
Master Deng snorted twice through his nose, then turned away in disdain and busied himself with the tea set, offering no reply.
Lu Chen had already expected this.
Those who scraped out a living on the streets wanted nothing more than a peaceful life. They wanted to avoid trouble, not go looking for it.
No one would offend him over a few idle remarks, and Blind Man and the others must have returned by now. With them holding the fort,
even if someone had suspicions, they wouldn't dare say a word against him.
Master's Wife told Master Deng to go to the authorities and settle Lu Chen's case.
The Plum Blossom Martial Hall had operated in Wen'an County for many years, so naturally it had connections at the authorities' office. With the goodwill the martial hall had built up over the years, they would likely be willing to make an exception.
Master Deng was reluctant to go and dragged his feet, refusing to set out.
Only after Master's Wife shot him a glare did he slowly straighten his clothes and mutter as he left.
About an hour later,
Master Deng finally returned.
"The authorities said the boy injured three constables, and the evidence is conclusive. If he wants to put the matter to rest, he has to pay compensation."
"How much?" Master's Wife asked.
"Ten taels for each constable, thirty taels altogether. Heh, can this poor boy even afford it?" Master Deng said gleefully.
Lu Chen knelt on the ground, head bowed, and said nothing.
Master's Wife glanced at him, and her heart softened for some reason. "The martial hall will front the thirty taels for him."
"What? Madam, have you lost your mind? That's thirty taels of silver! It's as much as the household spends in a month. How can we do that?"
Master Deng was always stingy. The moment he heard they were advancing the money, he sprang to his feet in alarm.
"Lu Chen is a grateful boy. He'll pay us back," Master's Wife said.
Lu Chen spoke up at just the right moment. "Please rest assured, Master. I'll repay this money."
"Hmph. Then we'll consider it a loan, and we'll charge interest," Master Deng said with a cold snort.
"I'll abide by whatever you decide, Master," Lu Chen said.
Master Deng immediately drew up a promissory note:
Borrowed thirty taels of silver, monthly interest of one-tenth, compounded, to be repaid in full within one year.
Lu Chen pressed his fingerprint onto it.
Master Deng put away the note and smiled. "Good. If you don't pay by the deadline, don't blame your master for following the rules of the martial world."
Master's Wife said gently, "Now that he's signed the note, the martial hall will handle the matter. Lu Chen, go get some rest."
"Yes."
Lu Chen bowed and left the main hall, returning to his guest room.
At noon,
Maid Xiao Gao brought over a meal and passed on the message.
"Brother Lu, Madam said the case at the authorities' office has been settled. Once you've had lunch, you can go home."
Lu Chen nodded. After eating, he went to thank Master's Wife.
In the spacious courtyard, the winter afternoon sun was warm.
Master's Wife wore a short jacket and long trousers as she practiced her punches.
The cloth clung tightly to her jade-like legs. Her thighs were full and rounded, stretching the trouser legs taut, while her calves narrowed sharply. The fabric rubbed against her shapely legs, and the sweat-dampened material clung to the roots of her thighs, turning nearly transparent and faintly revealing the flesh beneath.
Her figure held both the supple strength of a martial artist and the distinctive fullness of a mature woman.
Lu Chen stood respectfully at the side and waited until Master's Wife finished her set before walking over.
A maid approached with a towel. Master's Wife took it and wiped the fine sweat from her brow, then glanced at him. "The matter's settled. Why haven't you gone home? What are you standing around here for?"
He bowed. "Lu Chen will remember your kindness today."
Master's Wife chuckled. "I helped because you've always been diligent about running errands for me."
"It's my honor to serve you, Madam," Lu Chen said.
Master's Wife smiled. "Anyone can say pretty things. Working hard at your martial arts is what matters." She waved a hand. "Go on."
Lu Chen said no more and quietly left.
Before you continue