Inner Courtyard

The Zhao Family Martial Hall was a large compound with two courtyards.

The outer courtyard housed ordinary disciples, none above Bright Force. At night, some snored, some ground their teeth, some talked in their sleep... It was noisy and chaotic.

The inner courtyard was much quieter. Besides Ning Yun, three Hidden Force disciples lived there as well. However, those three rarely returned, only occasionally showing their faces at night.

Peng Yue had come back to stay last night.

He was awakened by birdsong. His master kept several cages of thrushes, and at this hour, they chirped away merrily.

Peng Yue rolled over and sat up, his head aching, his mouth dry, his throat feeling as though it had been stuffed with a wad of cotton. Last night's drinking had gone on until midnight. He could not remember how much he had drunk; he only remembered that, when he returned, the junior brother who had been punching desperately in the yard had already vanished.

He climbed out of bed, scooped up a ladle of cold water and gulped it down, then washed his face. Only then did he become somewhat clearer-headed.

After tidying himself up simply, he hurried out to greet his master. Sleeping late from a hangover and making his master wait was hardly a good look.

"Master." Peng Yue smiled as he bowed, the angle of his bend just right. But when he raised his head, he saw that his master did not look well.

Zhao Yan did not look at Peng Yue. His gaze rested on the thrushes beneath the corridor, his voice mild and unreadable. "Peng Yue, everyone in the outer courtyard is your junior brother or sister. As a senior brother, you must look after them. In the future, do not say things that harm unity."

Peng Yue shrank back slightly, and the smile on his face froze for an instant.

He did not dare talk back, nor did he dare make excuses. He knew exactly what his master meant—the things he had said, deliberately or otherwise, about Xu Qing's innate aptitude some time ago. He knew those words would sooner or later reach his master's ears. The martial hall was only so large; walls had ears.

He simply had not expected his master to admonish him face-to-face.

Truthfully, he was unconvinced.

He, Peng Yue, was a genuine Hidden Force practitioner. He had endured bitterly at the martial hall for two years, suffered enough hardship and exhaustion, with calluses piled layer upon layer on his palms. Only after breaking through to Hidden Force had his master granted him medicinal soup. What was Xu Qing? An outer-courtyard disciple with mediocre-to-poor innate aptitude, not even at Bright Force. Why did he get meat and medicine the moment he entered? Why?

Besides, Peng Yue believed he had merely spoken the truth. Poor aptitude was poor aptitude—was no one even allowed to say it?

But he did not dare say any of that. His master's expression was right there before him; saying more would just be asking for a beating. Zhao Yan rarely lost his temper, but whenever his face darkened, the entire martial hall had to fall silent.

"This disciple knows his mistake." Peng Yue bent deeply at the waist, his face piled with an expression of sincere repentance. "From now on, this disciple will watch his words and actions and set an example for his junior brothers and sisters."

Zhao Yan glanced at him and waved a hand. "Go attend to your business."

Peng Yue straightened, backed away two steps with his waist still bent, then turned and headed out.

The moment he left the inner courtyard, he saw Chen Wang bringing Xu Qing over.

"Senior Brother Peng." Chen Wang hurriedly bowed, his waist bending briskly. Xu Qing followed behind and copied him, calling out, "Senior Brother Peng."

Peng Yue smiled at the two of them, but the smile only floated on his face, thin as a layer of frost. He said nothing and headed for the courtyard gate. Yet after taking two steps, he could not help turning back for another look.

That junior brother named Xu Qing wore a fitted blue outfit and was following Chen Wang inside. His back was ramrod straight, his steps steady and sure.

Peng Yue's gaze rested on Xu Qing for a breath before he withdrew it.

He turned and strode out of the martial hall. His steps were hurried and heavy, as though he wanted to crush something beneath his feet.

Xu Qing followed Chen Wang through the moon gate.

It was his first time entering the inner courtyard, and he could not help taking a few extra looks.

The inner courtyard was far quieter than the outer one. Blue bricks paved the ground, with fine green moss growing between the seams, soft beneath one's feet.

Several clumps of bamboo grew in the corner, their leaves emerald green. When the wind blew, they rustled softly.

Beside the bamboo was the training ground. The plum-blossom stakes and wooden dummies were much like those in the outer courtyard, but no one stood there working stances or practicing punches.

Near the northern side stood a small pavilion with upturned eaves. Beneath it sat a stone table, a grandmaster's chair, and several stone stools. A tea set rested on the table, and thin wisps of white steam still rose from the spout of the white porcelain pot.

Several cages of thrushes hung beneath the pavilion corridor, chirping brightly. Their calls were crisp rather than annoying, adding a touch of life to the place.

Compared to the outer courtyard, this place felt like another world.

There were no dull thuds from wooden dummies, no bangs of stone locks hitting the ground, no shouts from fellow disciples. There was only the wind, the bamboo, and the birds.

Zhao Yan sat in the pavilion, with a young man standing beside him.

The man wore a moon-white long robe. His features were handsome, his brows and eyes gentle, with a faint smile at the corners of his mouth. His stance differed somewhat from ordinary people's, his body leaning slightly to the left.

Xu Qing had heard Chen Wang speak of the inner courtyard. At a single glance, he recognized him—Senior Brother Ning Yun, a genius with exceptional innate aptitude and high comprehension, who had entered Hidden Force in less than half a year. Later, while taking the martial examination, someone had broken the tendons in his foot. From then on, he could no longer practice profound martial arts.

Xu Qing did not look further. Keeping his head lowered, he followed Chen Wang and stopped beside the pavilion.

"Master, I've brought Junior Brother Xu. I'll return to the outer courtyard first." Chen Wang gave a chuckle. When Zhao Yan waved a hand, he bowed and withdrew.

Zhao Yan said nothing. He looked Xu Qing over from head to toe. His gaze was not as sharp as before, carrying a little more warmth.

"Master." Xu Qing lowered his head and stepped forward to bow respectfully.

This was the third time he had met Zhao Yan.

The first time had been when he became his disciple. At the time, his master had said his innate aptitude was mediocre-to-poor, his tone calm and devoid of emotion.

The second time had been when he returned from his rest day, after killing Liu San. His master had been explaining stance work when his gaze swept over him. Xu Qing had felt as though an old tiger had fixed its eyes on him, as if he had been seen through from head to toe. His heart pounded like a drum, his palms drenched in sweat. That one glance had felt as long as a lifetime.

This was the third time.

This time, he felt no pressure. It was partly because he had broken through to Bright Force, and partly because Zhao Yan's gaze truly had become gentler.

"Bright Force in twenty days—you are very good." Zhao Yan nodded, speaking unhurriedly. "I have watched all of your progress. Though your innate aptitude is mediocre-to-poor, you have comprehension and are willing to put in the effort. That is enough."

He paused before continuing, "You have broken through to Bright Force and now qualify to take next year's martial examination. But with your current foundation, taking it would be pointless. You would only be there for others to step on."

"I called you here today to discuss something else. You qualify to take an attached post outside. With a post, you will have some monthly income and gain experience as well."

At those words, Xu Qing's eyelids lifted slightly.

He had been worrying about income. He had spent nearly all his silver and only had a little over one tael in loose silver remaining.

The martial hall's meat and medicinal soup could no longer satisfy his training needs. Now that he had broken through to Bright Force, his need for meat and medicine would only grow greater and more demanding. Naturally, that required more silver.

The martial hall had begun providing him with meat and medicinal soup only three days after he entered. He was grateful and did not dare ask for more. Now that his master had brought up taking an attached post of his own accord, he was giving him another helping hand.

"What are your thoughts? Tell me—are you willing to take an attached post outside?" Zhao Yan asked again.

"This disciple is willing!" Xu Qing bowed, earnest gratitude in his voice. "I simply do not know where this disciple should take such a post, or how it is done."

Zhao Yan lifted his teacup and took a sip, speaking without haste. "Escort agencies, gambling dens, fish markets, grain markets, docks, the yamen... All of those places are willing to show me some respect. The monthly stipend is about the same. If there is somewhere you prefer, I will write you a letter, and you can take it there."

Xu Qing did not answer at once. He lowered his head and weighed the options carefully.

Escort agencies traveled north and south and would broaden his horizons, but a long journey could last ten days to half a month. It would delay his training and leave him unable to look after his family. Gambling dens, fish markets, grain markets, and docks were mixed waters where fish and dragons mingled, all controlled by gangs and powerful households. Getting involved would easily invite trouble.

The yamen...

Xu Qing's heart beat faster.

With an attached post at the yamen, he would have half an official status. He would not be a true official, but with a badge hanging at his waist, everyone would have to regard him more highly when he went out. With that status, he could deal with those gangs and street thugs openly and legitimately.

He had never served as a constable, but he knew their methods well.

Causing disturbances, resisting arrest, obstructing officers in the performance of their duties, assaulting an officer... There were plenty of charges to deal with those hooligans and thugs. Even killing someone could be done with a perfectly respectable justification, without sneaking around anymore.

If people from the Azure Flood Dragon Hall dared cause trouble at his young aunt's bun shop again, he could act directly and with complete justification, without even needing to hide it.

And besides—the yamen was well-informed and could reveal many things unknown outside. He needed that information.

"Master." Xu Qing raised his head, his gaze steady. "This disciple wishes to take an attached post at the yamen."

Zhao Yan glanced at him, nodded, and did not ask why. He rose and entered the study.

Xu Qing waited outside the pavilion. His gaze fell involuntarily upon Ning Yun.

Ning Yun gave him a gentle smile, like the winter sun—not scorching, but warm. Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed. Ning Yun smiled and nodded. Neither spoke.

Zhao Yan emerged from the study holding a letter.

"This is a letter for Constable Qi at the yamen. Take it to him tomorrow, and he will arrange something for you." Zhao Yan handed over the letter, his tone mild. "The yamen is unlike the martial hall. It has many rules and complicated hearts. Speak less and do more when you get there. If there is anything you cannot handle, come back and tell me."

Xu Qing accepted the letter with both hands and bowed respectfully. This bow was deeper than the last. He bent at the waist and did not straighten for a long time. "Thank you, Master."

Zhao Yan waved a hand. "Go."

Xu Qing tucked the letter close against his body and turned to leave. His pace was neither fast nor slow, but when he reached the moon gate, Ning Yun's voice suddenly sounded behind him.

"Junior Brother Xu."

Xu Qing stopped and turned back.

Ning Yun stood in the pavilion, sunlight falling over him and stretching his shadow long. His slightly lame left leg cast a crooked shadow upon the ground.

"Work hard." Ning Yun smiled, his voice gentle as a spring breeze, as though advising his own younger brother. "Do not disappoint Master's intentions."

Xu Qing nodded and smiled as well, sincerely. "I understand. Thank you, Senior Brother Ning."

He turned and left the inner courtyard, his steps somewhat lighter than when he had arrived.

After returning to the outer courtyard, he put away the letter and strode toward the training ground.

He still had to stand his stances and practice his punches. Not a single day could be missed.

Taking the post was tomorrow's matter. Today's work was today's work.