Shuai Chang arrived while he was practicing the “Swift Wind Fist,” each move looking quite impressive. Shuai Chang walked over to help him adjust his posture, saying, “In this move, your wrist and elbow need to use finesse.”
Fu Bai was startled upon seeing him and cupped his fists in greeting, “Disciple greets Master.”
Shuai Chang nodded, “Your comprehension is decent, but you tend to enjoy researching problems alone. Didn’t I say you could come to me with questions? You are the only disciple of my Fu Qingya, so there’s no need to be anxious when you see me.”
Fu Bai felt a pang of shame from Shuai Chang’s words, “Yes, I realize my mistake.”
Shuai Chang patted his shoulder and said, “I’ll demonstrate the ‘Swift Wind Fist’ for you. Focus and remember.”
Shuai Chang immediately assumed a stance and threw punches with precision, the sharp sound of wind seemingly attached to his fists. Fu Bai’s eyes sparkled as he watched intently, his heart racing with excitement.
This was his master, who was capable of anything!
“Did you memorize it?”
“Disciple remembers, Master!”
Shuai Chang nodded in satisfaction, “You have a good foundation, relying on talent and hard work. From now on, with me as your master, you need not practice alone. The martial world will soon belong to the younger generation like you. Wait for the day you defeat me and take my position as the leader.”
Fu Bai’s blood boiled with excitement after hearing Shuai Chang’s words, and he exclaimed, “I will definitely defeat you!”
Two days later, news arrived from the knight Li Yan that the dam in Zhanjiang had burst, releasing a scroll of cowhide paper from within. Those who saw it claimed it was a treasure map, leading to the hidden valuables of the former dynasty’s imperial treasury, worth a fortune. Whoever obtains the treasures could restore the former dynasty and become emperor.
Aside from the notion of becoming emperor being rather far-fetched, the other speculations had some basis.
The Zhanjiang dam was built by the emperor of the former dynasty, costing half the treasury’s silver. To save money, the prime minister suggested a cruel scheme to the emperor, forcing able-bodied men from the public to build the dam without pay. The emperor agreed, leading to public outrage and eventually the overthrow of the former dynasty.
The current Zhou dynasty had only seen two rulers, with a shaky foundation. The new emperor had killed his father to ascend the throne and held a poor reputation among the people. The current rumors were certainly not orchestrated by the court.
It was rumored that the former emperor had a young son raised outside the palace; perhaps this was a ploy by his old supporters.
Regardless, to prevent turmoil in the martial world and inter-faction conflicts, Fu Qingya, the martial arts leader, decided to personally go to Zhan City.
Moreover, Li Yan’s letter made no mention of who currently possessed the treasure map. The local powerful force in Zhan City was the Qing Gang, which had become increasingly tyrannical in recent years. No matter who had the treasure map, it would not escape their grasp, indicating that Zhan City was indeed in trouble.
Shuai Chang handed the letter to Chunyulan, “Let’s pack our things; we’ll set off for Zhan City soon.”
“I can wear male clothes now? You didn’t deceive me, husband,” Chunyulan said happily, his smile bright and fresh like flowers blooming.
Chunyulan was not well-versed in the martial world; after reading the letter, he felt there was nothing amiss. However, traveling as a woman would be inconvenient. Female heroes in the martial world typically wore male clothing while traveling.
Shuai Chang, concerned for his well-being, hadn’t embraced him much these past two days, fearing emotional distress might harm him. Yet Chunyulan liked to snuggle closer to him.
Now, holding onto Shuai Chang’s sleeve with one hand and wrapping his other around Shuai Chang’s waist, Shuai Chang helplessly caught his hand, saying, “I’ve prepared some new clothes for you; go choose one to wear.”
Chunyulan shifted his focus, “Where are the new clothes?” He had always known he was a man and should wear men’s clothing, but ever since awakening from amnesia and injury, he had never done so. Each day he was adorned in layers of silk and jewelry, with no moment to be clean.
“Husband, first help me remove my makeup, and my hair too. I want to look like you.”
Shuai Chang had prepared for this long ago. Hearing this, he took Chunyulan’s hand to the vanity and wet a cloth nearby, saying, “Close your eyes.” Since coming here, he had done this for Chunyulan daily and was now quite skilled at it.
He wiped away Chunyulan’s eyebrow powder and rouge, revealing Chunyulan’s true appearance.
Not feminine, but very beautiful.
Anyone who saw would surely comment this way.
“Even as a man, Lán’er, you are undoubtedly the most beautiful in the martial world,” Shuai Chang praised.
“So regardless of gender, my husband and I are a match made in heaven.” Talented scholars should indeed be paired with beauties, and the martial arts leader should certainly match the first beauty.
Shuai Chang went to retrieve several newly made outfits, “Silver white, moon white, bamboo green, black, and vermilion; there are two of each. The embroidery patterns on the sleeves are different. Which one do you want to wear today?”
“Moon white,” Chunyulan said without hesitation.
Moon white isn’t white but a light blue. Shuai Chang usually preferred wearing moon white clothes.
Although Chunyulan was unaware of what couple outfits were, he secretly wished to wear the same color as Shuai Chang to discreetly showcase their relationship.
Shuai Chang helped him change into the clothes, and Chunyulan remarked, “This is so easy to wear! Women’s clothing is layered and cumbersome; it’s a hassle to wear and even more so to take off. I truly hope that once we go out, we won’t return to the martial arts manor.”
“When Fu Bai grows older and his martial arts and understanding improve, I will resign from this leader position and take you on adventures. By then, you can wear whatever you like.”
Chunyulan nodded, “I believe in you, husband.” Shuai Chang had never deceived him.
Before leaving, Shuai Chang entrusted all matters of the martial arts manor to Fu Bai, saying, “If you’re uncertain, use a carrier pigeon to communicate, and don’t neglect your training.”
“Yes, disciple will send off Master and Master’s wife respectfully.”
Chunyulan had never ridden a horse, so Shuai Chang rode with him.
Zhan City was over two hundred miles from the martial arts manor, and they could reach it within two days on horseback.
In the evening, the two arrived at an inn for rest. They noticed that many diners in the inn were wearing swords and daggers; these were all members of the martial world.
Although Shuai Chang was the martial arts leader, not everyone in the martial arts manor knew his appearance, so when they entered, apart from a slight stir caused by Chunyulan’s face, they did not attract special attention from others.
A smiling waiter approached, “Sir, are you dining or lodging?”
Shuai Chang tossed him five taels of silver, “Take good care of the horses outside and prepare a room with some hot water for bathing. Now, cook a few fresh vegetables, slice two taels of beef, and get a jar of bamboo leaf green. The leftover silver is your reward.”