Chapter Forty-Four: Entering the Liu Residence as a Martial Instructor

At the mention of his master, a shadow fell across Mu Qingcang’s face. His eyes grew moist as memories surged—he recalled that spirited, naive young man he had once been, roaming the world with nothing but his fists and a sword, seeking teachers and learning from every corner. In the southern lands of Han, he had encountered the man hailed as the greatest in Jiangnan, who had taken him in, guided him with patient diligence, and paved the way for the renown he later earned in the martial world. His master was a man of boundless heart, free of sectarian prejudice, never holding back despite Mu Qingcang’s origins in Dongli. The kindness Mu Qingcang received was as weighty as a mountain. Yet, as a disciple, he had never truly served at his master’s side, never fulfilled his duty.

Sensing his uncle’s melancholy, Long Tianfeng quickly steered the conversation elsewhere, ordering food to be set and regaling them with stories from Wucheng. Thus did Mu Qingcang and Xiao Wu settle in.

Lady Long, too, was a forthright heroine of the martial world. She brought her children to pay respects to the visiting uncle, and in the evening, personally prepared a sumptuous meal and fine wine, lavishing hospitality upon uncle and nephew. After the meal, she left Long Tianfeng to keep them company, and withdrew to her own chamber.

Later that night, Long Tianfeng and Mu Qingcang sat in the main hall, sipping tea and chatting idly, when a commotion arose outside. Two men’s voices could be heard: “Sixth brother, you’re back?” “Yes, where’s Master?”

A young man entered, just past twenty, tall and powerfully built, with broad, striking features. His plain black garments only accentuated his strong shoulders and long legs; his stride was that of a tiger or an ape.

Peering out the window at the night sky, Long Tianfeng asked in surprise, “Tiger, how are you back at this hour? Aren’t you supposed to be on night duty with the master?”

Turning back, he introduced him to Mu Qingcang: “Uncle, this is my rather hopeless disciple, Lei Hu. Because of my ties with the Prefect, I had him assigned as a personal guard at the Liu household. Tiger, come pay your respects to your granduncle and little uncle.”

At his master’s command, Lei Hu hastily set down two parcels of pastries, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully, then paid his respects to Long Tianfeng before taking his place beside him.

“Tiger, is there a reason for your return?” his master asked.

Lei Hu replied gloomily, “No.”

Long Tianfeng noticed his disciple’s disgruntled look and was about to let it pass, when Lei Hu burst out with his grievances: “Master, tell me, I was doing a fine job, but this afternoon the master called me in and said that from tomorrow I’m to follow the young lady around, to be her protector. What kind of work is that for a grown man—trailing after a little girl all day? And what’s there to protect? She’s just a pampered child. I’d be better off serving the young lord, or even Young Master Hai—at least he’s the legitimate grandson of the Liu family.”

“The young lady? You mean the girl at the Liu estate? Did you get reassigned because you made a mistake?” Long Tianfeng asked.

Tiger leapt up as if deeply insulted. “I didn’t make any mistake! Just a few days ago the master was praising me as the most capable. Master, you don’t know—our young lady is a handful. Her birthday is coming up, and the family agreed to let her go out and play. But as soon as she stepped out, trouble followed. Today on the street, she somehow ran into the youngest son of the Fang family, and the two sides ended up brawling right there. Our people were outnumbered and beaten badly. The old matron was furious and wanted to punish her by making her kneel in the ancestral hall. If the master hadn’t intervened, she’d still be there.”

“So the master assigned you to her because of this?”

“Seems like it. I just don’t understand—our master is so wise in all things, but when it comes to the young lady, he loses all sense, spoils her to the skies.”

Lei Hu shook his head in bafflement. Mu Qingcang, overhearing this, thought it couldn’t be a coincidence, and quickly cut in: “This young lady you mention—is she about six years old, dresses as a boy? And did the fight happen on South Street?”

“Yes, granduncle, you know her?” Lei Hu replied with particular respect. He had already heard from his brothers that, though this granduncle was younger than his own master, he was a living legend. Today was their first meeting, but Lei Hu had long admired him. He answered eagerly, even volunteering more information: “The master had her late in life, so she’s still very young. But she’s unlike any young lady I’ve ever seen. The Liu family is a grand household in Jiangnan, yet never have I seen a daughter like her—mischievous, never staying in her rooms, always wandering about. Since last year, she insists on dressing as a boy and refuses to wear girls’ clothes. She causes such a stir, and yet master never restrains her.”

Noticing the disapproval in Lei Hu’s tone, Mu Qingcang smiled. “Since your young lady is so spoiled, I suppose she often scolds and beats the servants as well?”

Lei Hu was taken aback, then scratched his head sheepishly. “Actually, no. She treats the servants quite well. She’s always smiling at us.”

Mu Qingcang turned to Long Tianfeng. “I saw her on the street today. She may be young, but she’s destined for greatness.”

Long Tianfeng caught the implication, and landed a hearty slap on his thick-headed disciple’s back. “Did you hear that? Your granduncle has traveled far and wide, met countless people. If you can’t trust his judgment, whose can you trust? You’d better do your job and protect the young lady well. If I hear a word of complaint, I won’t let you off. Now go see your mistress—she’s been asking after you.”

Lei Hu grinned sheepishly and withdrew. Mu Qingcang then said to Xiao Wu, “Why don’t you go out for a walk? I have something to discuss with your senior brother.”

Xiao Wu nodded silently and left.

The two men exited one after the other, leaving the room quiet. Long Tianfeng narrowed his eyes, watching Xiao Wu’s retreating figure—such a quiet child. Remembering his uncle’s earlier words, he quickly asked, “Uncle, is there something you need?”

“Tianfeng, I do have a favor to ask.”

“Uncle, just say the word. If it’s within my power, I’d go through fire and water without hesitation.”

Mu Qingcang laughed. “It’s nothing so dire. I heard you’re close with Lord Liu, so I’d like you to introduce me to the Liu household—as a martial instructor.”

“What? A martial instructor?” Long Tianfeng thought he’d misheard. It was understandable; his uncle was no ordinary man. In the Han kingdom, perhaps his name was little known, but in Dongli, the name Mu Qingcang inspired awe. His martial skill was nearly peerless—if not the very best, then among the top three. Yet he was a man of quiet ambition, devoted to the pursuit of mastery, uninterested in founding sects or taking many disciples. In recent years, he had withdrawn from the world altogether. For someone of his stature to become a children’s martial tutor—Long Tianfeng could scarcely believe it.

Outside, in the courtyard, Xiao Wu gazed up at the night sky. The moon was a half-circle, the stars sparse. He stood in the shadow beneath a tree, his favored spot, hidden from sight, like a beast waiting for its moment. Yet tonight, an image kept surfacing in his mind—a small, mischievous face with large, bright eyes. The word “young lady” echoed in his thoughts, and a soft chuckle slipped from his lips.