Aunt Qin Xiu and the Su Residence

When Qin Geng returned to the shanty, Uncle Xu, Xu Chun, and Uncle Jin had long since gone out with their rickshaws.

Such was the lot of the poor: stop working and you stopped eating. Even if yesterday had brought a little good news, the sun still rose today, and they still had to go out into the streets and sweat themselves dry for a few copper coins.

Qin Geng shut the battered wooden door, his heart pounding faster than it had when he sprinted with his rickshaw.

"Five silver dollars... and another five next month!"

He paced before the hard plank bed, his straw sandals rustling softly against the muddy floor.

Qin Geng took the little cloth pouch from inside his robe, untied it, and poured all six silver dollars onto the bed.

"Clink—"

In the dim shanty, that crisp, lovely sound was sweeter than a star performer singing onstage.

Six silver dollars were a fortune in the slums.

If word got out, it would not just be the thugs from Yi He Shantytown. Even the poor fellows who lived alongside him might turn green-eyed.

Qin Geng drew a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

Money in his pocket invited disaster. Spent on acquiring skill, it became a blessing.

Shopkeeper Lu's words still rang in his ears: "From scholars to rogues, every trade can lead to the divine."

Those words had set his blood aflame, making him feel he could pull a rickshaw all the way down a road to the heavens. But he knew only too well how dangerous this world was.

The "zombies" he had seen that morning at the foot of Bell Mountain, dressed in official robes and leaping three meters at a time, had been a bucket of ice water over much of his swagger.

Running fast was a way to save his life;

Knowing how to fight was the foundation for living it!

Daoist arts, Confucian arts, feng shui, yin and yang—they sounded wondrous, but where was he supposed to find a master?

Such experts either hid deep in the mountains or sat as honored guests in grand houses. A rickshaw puller like him had no way to reach them.

Only the martial world offered a way in. Here in Tianjin, plenty of people opened schools and took disciples, and plenty more guarded homes and courtyards. Its paths were the wildest, but also the most practical.

"Pay back the money first!"

Qin Geng made up his mind.

He crouched and rummaged beneath the bed for a good while before dragging out a moldy little wooden chest from the very back.

It held nearly everything he owned. After picking through it, he found a blue-gray long gown.

Though repeated washing had faded it and its cuffs bore two patches, it was his only "respectable" garment compared with the sweat-stained, grease-smeared short shirt and vest he wore to pull his rickshaw.

Once dressed, he found a sturdy hemp cord and bound the six silver dollars tight against his waist, close to his skin, then fastened the sash of his gown.

Only after making certain everything was secure did Qin Geng open the door. Leaving his rickshaw behind, he strode empty-handed out of Xu Jin's Shanty.

Leaving the shanties, he followed the main road north for over an hour before the tall walls of Jinmen City came into view.

The moment he entered the city, noise washed over him.

Tianjin was now the Great Xin Dynasty's largest northern metropolis—the "gateway to the Son of Heaven, where nine rivers reached their lower courses."

Although foreigners had carved out a vast tract to the east as concessions, built Western-style houses, and posted foreign constables carrying clubs, the old city still possessed its own bustle and splendor.

The streets teemed with traffic: rickshaws, carriages, bicycles, and now and then even a black motorcar belching dark smoke, the conveyance of a foreigner or a wealthy comprador.

Shops stood shoulder to shoulder on either side of the road.

Cloth merchants, sellers of imported goods, secondhand clothes dealers, and food vendors flew their banners in the breeze while shop assistants called out one after another.

"Hot rice cakes, fresh from the steamer—"

"Scissors sharpened—kitchen knives honed—"

Qin Geng moved through the crowd with a spring in his step, though his gaze had unconsciously grown more searching.

Before, he had watched this prosperity for the spectacle, full of envy. Now, with six silver dollars on him and Shopkeeper Lu's advice in mind, he looked at the world with more confidence—and a growing ambition to take his place in it.

He had a clear destination this time: the area around bustling Secondhand Clothing Street.

On previous trips into Jinmen City, he had usually gone to the Su Family's grand residence. Back then, he had been a poor relation come to borrow money and beg favors. No one faulted him for arriving empty-handed, though he might earn a few disdainful looks.

This time was different.

This time he had come to repay a debt—and to ask another favor.

If he wanted something done, he had to observe the proper courtesies.

Last time I visited Aunt, she kept glancing at the Western watch on First Madam's wrist. She couldn't hide how much she envied it.

As Qin Geng walked, he calculated silently. I wonder if six silver dollars will buy anything close.

His aunt, Qin Xiu, had suffered her share.

Years ago, his scoundrel of a father—her own elder brother—had gambled until he was desperate to recoup his losses, then sold his unmarried younger sister into the Su Family as a maid to pay his debts.

How old had she been then? She had cried herself hoarse while several thugs forced her into a carriage.

Qin Geng had been young. He could only watch, powerless to help.

Over the years, his aunt had endured life with the Su Family. With her looks and quick wits, she had risen from maid to concubine. She might be only the seventh-ranked wife, but to outsiders, she had flown onto a high branch and become a phoenix.

Qin Geng knew how hard it had been for his aunt to become that phoenix. She had honed her wits into needles and pricked out a way to survive among the women of that deep, sprawling house.

She had probably scraped together the money for his rickshaw by denying herself.

That kindness weighed more than a mountain.

Lost in thought, Qin Geng turned into a shop with an impressive storefront: Hendeli Watch Shop.

It was a renowned name in Tianjin, specializing in clocks and watches from the West.

The moment he stepped inside, he was met by a distinctly Western air.

The glass counters gleamed, displaying all manner of mantel clocks, pocket watches, and delicate wristwatches.

Rows of clocks hung on the walls, ticking together as though a river of time were flowing past.

There were few customers just then, only two compradors in suits examining pocket watches.

The proprietor was a man in his forties. He wore gold-rimmed glasses, his hair was slicked smooth, and beneath his dark-blue robe and mandarin jacket, a strip of snowy-white shirt cuff showed. A gleaming gold watch on his wrist completed an air of shrewdness that blended East and West.

When Qin Geng came in, the proprietor did not drive him off like some snobbish shop assistant.

A man in this trade needed sharp eyes.

At a glance, he saw that although Qin Geng was shabbily dressed and his gown did not fit, he carried himself with spirit. Those eyes of his were startlingly bright. He looked less like a loafer wandering in than a man with money and a purpose.

"What can I show you, young man?"

The proprietor came out from behind the counter. "A mantel clock for your home, or a pocket watch you can listen tick?"

Qin Geng was not intimidated. He cupped his hands and said, "Shopkeeper, I'd like to choose a gift for an older female relative. Nothing too expensive, but it should be presentable."

He paused, then added a little awkwardly, "My budget is around one silver dollar."

At Hendeli, one silver dollar was hardly a major sale.

Gold and diamond watches could easily cost dozens or even hundreds of silver dollars.

But the proprietor's smile did not dim. A businessman knew that harmony brought wealth; even a mosquito's leg was still meat.

Besides, in Tianjin, there were plenty of men who were beggars one year and lords the next!

"One silver dollar... For an elder, it's the thought that counts."

After a moment's thought, the proprietor turned to a velvet tray in a corner of the counter and took out several relatively simple women's wristwatches.

"Have a look at these. They came from Japan. Their movements aren't as precise as Swiss ones, but they keep good time."

"This silver-edged one has a dainty face and a little piece of red glass set in it. Quite festive."

Qin Geng leaned closer.

The watch was finely made. Its silver-white case gleamed coolly under the light, and its strap was narrow black calfskin. Roman numerals marked the face, with a tiny red stone set at twelve o'clock. He knew it was colored glass, but it certainly made the watch stand out.

Though his aunt was a concubine, she was only in her early twenties. The style was neither dowdy nor frivolous. It suited her perfectly.

"How much is this one?"

Qin Geng asked.

"This watch normally sells for one and a half silver dollars."

The proprietor flicked a few beads on his abacus. "Since it's for an elder, I'll give you an honest price: one silver dollar and a hundred copper coins. That's practically cost price. Consider it the start of a friendship."

Qin Geng calculated in his head.

One silver dollar and a hundred copper coins were within his means.

He nodded, readily took out a silver dollar, then counted out a hundred copper coins and stacked them neatly on the counter.

"Done. I'll take it. Would you mind wrapping it nicely for me?"

"Of course! Just a moment."

The proprietor deftly took the money and found a small box printed with gilt foreign lettering. He lined it with red silk, carefully placed the watch inside, then tied a pretty bow around it with a red ribbon.

Qin Geng accepted the box and tucked it carefully inside his robe. After thanking the proprietor again, he left.

Ninggan Street, Su Residence.

This was one of Tianjin's famed wealthy districts, home to people of riches or rank.

And among them, the Su Family stood at the very top.

The Su Family had made its fortune in silk. Later, rumor had it, they established connections with foreigners, and their business grew until it even extended into arms and canal shipping.

Qin Geng stood outside a side gate of the Su Residence and looked up at its towering walls.

This was no mere residence. It was a city within a city.

The outer wall alone stood a good nine meters tall, built of tightly fitted blue bricks and topped with barbed wire.

Inside, pavilions and towers rose in layer upon layer. It was said there were more than a thousand rooms, while the guards, servants, maids, and older serving women together outnumbered the soldiers in a battalion.

The main gate, painted vermilion and studded with bronze, was for honored guests and the masters of the house. It stayed shut most of the time.

The side gate stood open, with people constantly passing through.

There were vendors delivering vegetables and meat, stewards carrying account books, and guards in uniform.

Qin Geng went straight to the side gate and cupped his hands toward a young servant guarding it.

"Excuse me."

The servant was leaning against the doorframe, picking his teeth. At the sound, he raised his eyes for a look.

For a gatekeeper at a grand household, the most important skill was not guarding the property. It was recognizing people.

Even a poor relation so distant the family could barely trace the connection would be remembered after one visit: his background, and exactly how he ought to be treated.

"Well, if it isn't Xiao Wu!"

The servant recognized Qin Geng at once. He showed no fawning, but no arrogance either. Instead, he teased with a sly look, "What's this? Not out with your rickshaw today? Come to get some silver dollars out of Seventh Madam?"

Qin Geng nodded and smiled politely. "Yes. I have something I'd like to see Seventh Madam about. Sorry for the trouble, but could you announce me?"

"Sure. Wait here."

The servant made no trouble for him. He turned and called to a younger page inside the gate, "Hey, go tell them Seventh Madam's nephew from her own family is here."

"Right!"

The page answered and ran inside.

"Rest here a while, Xiao Wu," the servant said. "This household has a lot of rules. It'll take some time for the message to go in and an answer to come back."

"I understand, I understand."

Qin Geng was in no hurry. He squatted beside the wall to wait.

He waited a full half hour.

That was how a grand household worked: messages passed through layer after layer, each rank strictly observed.

Not until Qin Geng's backside had gone numb did the errand boy return, panting. He leaned over and whispered a few words in the gatekeeper's ear.

The servant nodded, turned to Qin Geng, and cupped his hands. "Xiao Wu, Seventh Madam says you may come in. Xiao Yan'er, show him the way."

The page called Xiao Yan'er answered brightly, "Follow me, Xiao Wu."

"Thank you."

Qin Geng stood, straightened his robe, and followed Xiao Yan'er across the threshold of the Su Residence.

The instant he entered, the clamor outside fell away, replaced by an oppressive hush and solemnity.

A smooth bluestone path lay beneath his feet, with neatly trimmed flowers and shrubs on either side.

Following Xiao Yan'er, Qin Geng passed through moon gate after moon gate and along one covered corridor after another.

The Su Residence was astonishingly vast, a maze within its walls.

As they passed a secluded courtyard, Qin Geng faintly heard piercing screams and the crack of a whip striking flesh.

He instinctively glanced over. Two burly men stood at the courtyard gate with Mauser pistols tucked into their belts, their faces fierce.

"That's..."

Qin Geng's heart jolted.

"Shh—"

Xiao Yan'er, leading the way, turned and put a finger to his lips. In a low voice, he said, "Xiao Wu, that's the clan's Discipline and Punishment Office. A private prison. They lock up servants who break clan rules, or... business rivals who won't cooperate. Just keep walking. Don't look and don't listen."

A chill ran down Qin Geng's back.

This was the foundation of a great household. This was power.

Within these high walls, they were the law, with the power of life and death in their hands.

It only strengthened his resolve to learn martial arts and make something of himself.

In a world that devoured people, only by becoming a wolf could he avoid being slaughtered like a sheep.

After another quarter of an hour or so, they finally reached a small courtyard deep within the residence.

It was not large, but it was arranged with considerable elegance.

Several crabapple trees grew in the courtyard. Autumn had turned their leaves yellow, lending the place a beauty touched by desolation.

"Seventh Madam, Xiao Wu is here."

Xiao Yan'er stood at the door and announced him respectfully.

From inside came a woman's languid voice, edged with coolness. "Let him in."

Qin Geng drew a deep breath, lifted the door curtain, and went inside.

A faint incense burned in the room.

A woman in a pale purple qipao sat on a cushioned couch, reading a book.

She looked to be in her early twenties, with fair skin and features that bore some resemblance to Qin Geng's. But she also carried the bearing of someone long accustomed to authority, along with a faint sorrow she could not quite conceal.

This was Qin Geng's own aunt, the Su Family's seventh concubine, Qin Xiu.

Behind her stood two pretty young maids, gently tapping her legs with padded massage mallets.

"Aunt."

Qin Geng stepped forward and bowed with utmost respect.

Qin Xiu set down her book and glanced up at him. A smile tugged at one corner of her mouth. "What wind blew you in today? Why aren't you out pulling that precious rickshaw of yours? What brings you to my grand old house?"

Her words were sharp, but there was little coldness in her eyes.

Qin Geng did not beat around the bush. He took the heavy cloth pouch from inside his coat and offered it to her with both hands.

"Aunt, I've come to pay you back."

Qin Xiu paused, apparently surprised.

She waved the maids away.

"Five silver dollars?"

She made no move to take the pouch. She merely asked the question in an even voice.

"Yes. Principal and interest. It's all here."

Qin Geng spoke earnestly. "And... thank you for lending me the money to buy my rickshaw. I won't forget what you did for me."

Then he took the beautifully wrapped box from inside his coat, placed it gently on the table, and pushed it toward Qin Xiu.

"Last time I came, I saw you glance at First Madam's foreign watch several times. I can't afford one set with diamonds, but this watch is a small token of my gratitude. I hope you won't think poorly of it."

Qin Xiu looked at the box, and something shifted in her eyes.

She reached out with slender fingers and gently opened it.

The silver case, black strap, and red glass ornament gleamed in the room's soft light.

She stared at the watch for a long while, her gaze growing distant.

At last, she gave a quiet sigh and closed the lid.

"Hah. No one visits a temple without a reason."

Qin Xiu looked up, her shrewd composure restored. "You think I don't know what you're like, boy? Between these five silver dollars and the watch, you've probably emptied your pockets."

"So tell me, what do you want this time? Don't try that 'pay back a loan and you can borrow again' routine on me. I doubt I'll even have time to warm this money in my hands before you scheme it away."

Caught out, Qin Geng showed no embarrassment. He scratched his head and grinned shamelessly. "Nothing gets past you, Aunt."

His smile faded, and his expression turned serious. "Aunt, I want to learn martial arts."

"Martial arts?"

Qin Xiu frowned.

"Yes."

Qin Geng's gaze was firm. "The world's too chaotic, and I don't want to pull a rickshaw all my life. I've heard the Su Family has plenty of remarkable people in its service, especially Master Zhou, the House Guard. He's a true expert. I'd like you to introduce me. Even if I can only become an apprentice, I want to learn a few real moves to defend myself."

Qin Xiu looked him up and down, her expression conflicted.

"You? Learn martial arts?"

She shook her head. "You think learning martial arts is child's play? You'd have to endure real hardship! And it costs a fortune. The apprenticeship gift and medicinal baths alone would be no small sum. You can barely feed yourself now. Where would you find the money to fill that bottomless pit?"

As she spoke, she glanced at the pouch and the box on the table.

Her fingers brushed over the box.

Her slender hand pushed the shabby money pouch back toward him, leaving only the box with the watch.

"I'll keep the watch. Take the five silver dollars back."

"Aunt, I—"

Qin Geng grew anxious and started to speak.

"..."

Qin Xiu shot him a glare, cutting him off. "Let me make this clear. I'll introduce you once. Whether Master Zhou agrees to take you on depends on you."

"And if you do start learning martial arts, the expense will be astronomical. I may have a place at the Su Family table, but I still have to watch their faces. I can't afford to support someone training in martial arts."

"Even if you're starving later, don't come asking me for money."

Her words were harsh, but warmth surged through Qin Geng's chest.

He quietly put away the pouch and bowed deeply to Qin Xiu.

"Don't worry, Aunt. If I get through the door, I'll walk the rest of the road myself. I'll earn my own money! I won't cause you any trouble!"

"All right, stop making grand promises."

Qin Xiu waved impatiently and called toward the door, "Xiao Hong!"

A young maid in green came in.

"Madam."

"Take him to the stables in the inner courtyard and see if Master Zhou, the House Guard, is there. Tell him this is my nephew from my family, and he wants to learn a few moves to defend himself. Ask Master Zhou to see what he can do."

"Yes, Madam," Xiao Hong answered brightly. She turned and beckoned to Qin Geng. "Come with me."

Qin Geng bowed to Qin Xiu once more, then followed Xiao Hong out.

After leaving Qin Xiu's courtyard, Xiao Hong led him toward the northwest corner of the estate.

The grounds here were plainly less refined than the front courtyard. Stone slabs gave way to a packed-earth path, and the faint smells of horse manure and fodder drifted through the air.

After winding through several turns, they arrived at a large yard beside the stables.

The yard was spacious, almost bare.

Yellow earth covered the ground. Several heavy stone locks lay scattered about, and a few wooden training dummies stood in a corner, their surfaces cracked by palm strikes.

In the middle of the yard, a man in black training clothes sat with his back to them on a long bench. He was not tall, but he was exceptionally sturdy. With unhurried movements, he wiped down a short blade that flashed coldly in the light.

The man seemed to hear their footsteps. Without turning his head, he asked in a low voice that rasped like metal against stone, "Who's there?"