Loose Lips

Situ Ping responded, "Compared to a small gang like our Fierce Tiger Gang, it's naturally as different as heaven and earth."

Wan Chengjiu said, "Then how about I have Elder Yun Feng of my sect take you as a disciple? From then on, we'll be one family. The Fierce Tiger Gang and Wan Jian Peak living in harmony, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Situ Ping's face showed joy, but her heart was filled with bitterness. Logically, if such an opportunity had suddenly appeared before, she would have been overjoyed and agreed without a second thought. However, at this moment, she was thinking more deeply. If she became involved in the highly classified affairs of Wan Jian Peak, Wan Jian Peak would naturally not allow her to leak any information. But Wan Chengjiu openly snatching away the treasure she had obtained made her disheartened. By taking her into the sect, the Fierce Tiger Gang would naturally belong to Wan Jian Peak. Although the Fierce Tiger Gang was not large, it was her own. Now, handing it over to someone else, it was hard not to feel resentful.

However, Wan Chengjiu's subsequent words reassured her considerably: "Gang Leader Situ, if you join my sect, you've made a great contribution this time. You can find a suitable advanced martial art from our sect's scriptures to cultivate, and you'll surely reach new heights, entering the ranks of martial arts experts."

After weighing it in her heart for a moment, Situ Ping knelt gracefully and bowed to Wan Chengjiu, saying, "Greetings, Sect Leader, Sword Master, Martial Uncle."

Wan Chengjiu smiled and helped her up, saying, "Good niece, rise for now. In a few days, we'll pick an auspicious date for you to formally become Elder Yun's disciple. Come here, Xiangyang, greet your Senior Sister Situ."

Ma Xiangyang stepped forward as instructed and bowed in greeting, "Greetings, Senior Sister."

Situ Ping returned the courtesy, "Greetings, Junior Brother."

In the council hall of Wan Jian Peak, the atmosphere was harmonious, and all matters were settled.

Never mind the bloodshed and deceit in the martial arts world; the Zhang family courtyard in Guo Village was filled with warmth at this moment.

The afternoon sun was so brilliant. Although it was winter, the sunlight felt even warmer. In the Zhang family courtyard, led by Zhang Cai, everyone was basking in the sun. The idle winter season was the favorite time for farmers. They didn't have to wake up early to work, and the women who usually stayed by the stove could chat with their husbands. Watching her family relax lazily, Guo Sufi felt immensely satisfied, especially with Liu Qian, who was doing needlework, beside her.

Liu Qian had arrived at the Zhang family a few days ago.

Guo Sufi hadn't expected Liu Qian to arrive so soon; she thought it would take at least until after the New Year, perhaps when spring plowing began. When Liu Qian arrived yesterday at noon, Guo Sufi was busy preparing food for the injured members of the household. As soon as Liu Qian entered the house, after greeting them, she started helping Guo Sufi, leaving Liu the Butcher, who had brought her, to talk with Zhang Cai. This made Guo Sufi feel instantly much more relaxed, and many household chores became orderly. Moreover, Liu Qian had brought pork belly for Zhang Xiaohua and many pastries for his maternal grandmother, bringing smiles to both of them. Although the maternal grandmother could no longer see, she still held Liu Qian's hand and praised her incessantly, making Liu Qian blush.

Liu Yueyue hadn't come. Liu the Butcher awkwardly explained that there were things to attend to at home, and since Liu Qian was here, her family also needed someone to look after them. Zhang Cai and Guo Sufi naturally didn't mind. They kept comforting Liu the Butcher, saying, "It's busy at home; no one can be spared. The child has her own matters; it's the thought that counts." This only slightly eased Liu the Butcher's awkwardness.

However, Liu the Butcher's awkwardness only lasted until lunch. After Zhang Xiaohua returned with wine from outside, Liu the Butcher pulled Zhang Cai aside for a drink, having long forgotten about the matter.

As Liu the Butcher left, full of food and drink, he repeatedly instructed Liu Qian and also asked the Guo Sufi family to take good care of Liu Qian. Guo Sufi thought to herself, Does he even need to say that? If we don't take good care of her, how can we get her to stay?

Since Liu Qian's arrival, not only Guo Sufi felt relieved and no longer flustered, but the other family members also felt the changes in the household. Not to mention the small changes in the environment of the house and courtyard that brought novelty, nor the different cooking methods for meals that whetted their appetites, just having such a beautiful young lady join this big family brought immense joy.

Although just one day wasn't enough to prove anything, this beginning allowed the Zhang family to catch a whiff of a sweet life.

The specially prepared medicinal ointment from the Misty Sect was indeed effective. In just a few days, Zhang Xiaohu's external injuries had mostly scabbed over, although his bones and internal organs were still a bit sore. Zhang Cai still needed a crutch, but his external injuries, like Xiaohu's, had also scabbed over. As for Zhang Xiaohua, he was already running around energetically, wielding a wooden stick every day as if practicing martial arts, though his unskillful movements suggested it was just a superficial display. The most fortunate, Zhang Xiaolong, who had the most severe internal and external injuries, was now showing some improvement. His arm was still in a cast, and it would be a long time before the next dressing change. What Zhang Xiaohu and Zhang Xiaohua envied was that whenever Zhang Xiaolong needed anything, like eating, Liu Qian would feed him. Although Guo Sufi and Zhang Xiaohua used to feed him, they were sidelined after Liu Qian arrived. The first time she fed him, both Zhang Xiaolong and Liu Qian blushed deeply, feeling very awkward, and by the time they finished eating, the food had gone completely cold. However, Liu Qian quickly got into character, acting very naturally. Seeing Liu Qian like this, Zhang Xiaolong guessed that she must have served her father and brothers a lot at home. Since the young lady was so generous, he didn't need to be too reserved either, and they quickly became familiar with each other.

Farmers have their own simplicity and fortitude. Although Zhang Xiaolong hadn't read many books and didn't recognize many characters, and his appearance was unremarkable, his inherent temperament and steady demeanor deeply attracted Liu Qian, earning her admiration. She deeply felt that Zhang Xiaolong was like an unpolished jade, born into a poor family, yet to be carved. Meeting such a person was truly heaven's will.

As for Zhang Xiaolong, he was even more smitten. The beautiful and lovely Liu Qian possessed both the simplicity and sincerity of a country girl and the grace and propriety of a refined lady. From her efficiency in managing household chores to her elegant way of interacting with people, everything made Zhang Xiaolong adore her. He had never imagined that such an outstanding girl could emerge from the countryside where he had lived for so many years. He felt as if he were living in heaven and wished his injuries would take a thousand years to heal, looking at the girl who had already etched herself into his heart and wanting to grow old with her.

In short, Zhang Xiaolong and Liu Qian were mutually in love, drawn together like magnets.

Zhang Cai and Guo Sufi observed this with deep affection. Although their son had strength and physique, Liu Qian was from a scholarly family, and her standards were naturally different from those of ordinary villagers. Their son barely knew a few characters; how could he compare to Liu Qian's vast knowledge? Moreover, although the Liu family lived in the countryside, their family was well-off. According to Zhang Xiaohua's description, their living conditions were far beyond comparison to their own. If there was such a mismatch in social standing, even if the girl was willing, her father and brother would not agree. This was indeed difficult. How could they probe the girl's feelings?

And so, although the afternoon sun made one drowsy, Guo Sufi, while doing needlework, pondered how to indirectly discover the girl's thoughts without leaving any trace. Just then, the maternal grandmother spoke, "Sufi, I remember Xiaolong is nineteen this year, isn't he?"

Guo Sufi replied, "Yes, Mother. After the New Year, he'll be twenty."

The maternal grandmother asked again, "Didn't you mention a while ago that you were looking for a wife for Xiaolong? Why has there been no news lately?"

Upon hearing this, Guo Sufi's heart filled with joy. It was as if she was feeling sleepy, and someone had sent a pillow. Her own mother, despite her blindness, had a clear mind. She quickly seized the opportunity and said, "It's like this, Mother. Before the New Year, Zhang Cai and I had this idea. We searched through all the girls in the neighboring villages, but the ones we liked, their families didn't like us, and the ones who liked us, we didn't find suitable. We hadn't even found anyone suitable for Xiaolong to see when this incident happened before the New Year, and we lost the mood for it. When the weather gets warmer and Xiaolong's injuries heal, we'll look again, and find a good daughter-in-law that our whole family will be satisfied with."

After speaking, she ignored Zhang Xiaolong's "pleading" gaze and pretended to be casual, saying, "While Qianqian, this female scholar, is still with us, have her take a look too, and help us screen them."

Who was Liu Qian? With her sharp mind, she had already understood the unspoken meaning in Guo Sufi's words, and her face instantly turned red. But she didn't know how to respond and simply lowered her head without speaking.

The maternal grandmother, however, had no intention of stopping. She continued, "Then you must hurry. Look for someone with Qianqian's appearance. These past few days, Qianqian has been taking care of Xiaolong, and even I, an old woman, have benefited. This child has a good heart and is meticulous. Although I can't see, I imagine her appearance is also exceptionally beautiful. Sufi, if you find me a daughter-in-law who is not as good as Qianqian, I won't be happy."

Alas, these words were too direct. Liu Qian's face burned hot. Unable to bear it any longer, she stood up and ran into the house. Zhang Xiaolong, on the other hand, became anxious and said with a blushing face, "Grandmother, Mother, what are you saying? You've made her run off." He looked towards the house, his eyes filled with worry. If he weren't injured, he would have chased after her long ago.

Only Zhang Xiaohua, sitting on his small stool, looked admiringly at his grandmother, who couldn't see. The older the ginger, the spicier it is. Just a few days ago, he had mentioned his elder brother and Liu Qian to his grandmother, and now she had subtly brought it up. He could see that the prospect of this sister-in-law was promising.

Actually, Guo Sufi was also quite surprised. Her mother had always been very composed since she could remember. While bringing up this matter today could indeed probe the girl's feelings, it was too abrupt and unlike her mother's usual style. According to her original plan, she would have waited another ten days or half a month before carefully observing.