Chapter 196: The Journey Home |
Fine rain fell like cream, silently soaking Gaolin County.
A passenger boat slowly approached the dock.
Chen Qing wore a simple blue robe, holding an ordinary oiled paper umbrella in his hand.
He stood at the bow, gazing at the familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar outline of the county town, his heart filled with considerable emotion.
Several years had passed, feeling like a lifetime ago.
The boat shook lightly and steadied against the gangplank.
Chen Qing disembarked with the sparse passengers, not alerting anyone. Like an ordinary traveler returning home, he slowly merged into the misty drizzle of the county town.
Following the address Wu Manqing had left in her previous letter, he passed through the streets and alleys to arrive at a quiet and elegant courtyard in the inner city.
White walls, black tiles, and vermilion gates slightly ajar, it was worlds apart from the connected, dilapidated fishing boats at Mute Bay in his memory.
Chen Qing took a deep breath of the moist air fragrant with grass and trees, then gently pushed open the courtyard gate.
The courtyard wasn't large, but it was neatly arranged.
In the corner grew several early summer flowers, covered with dew, appearing even more delicate.
The door to the main house was open. He could see a familiar figure sitting with her back to the doorway on a low stool by the window, mending a garment by the natural light, completely focused.
That movement was still the most deeply etched image in his memory.
Seemingly hearing the sound of the door opening, Lady Han's needle and thread paused. She turned her head with some confusion.
When her gaze fell on the tall figure at the door, she first froze for an instant, then the sewing basket in her hands dropped to the ground with a "pa," needles and thread scattering everywhere.
"Ah Qing?"
Lady Han's voice carried unbelievable trembling as she suddenly stood up, her eyes instantly reddening.
"Mother, I've come home."
Chen Qing quickly stepped forward, his face showing a warm smile from the heart.
Lady Han grabbed his arm in one motion, carefully looking him up and down as if to confirm this wasn't a dream.
Her hands trembled slightly as she touched Chen Qing's solid arms, tears falling uncontrollably. "It really is my Qing'er... You've come back, truly come back... You've grown taller and stronger... Good, good..."
She spoke incoherently, a thousand words stuck in her throat.
"Mother, I'm fine."
Chen Qing in turn grasped his mother's hand, softly comforting her, "Haven't I come back?"
"It's good you're back, good you're back..."
Lady Han wiped her tears with her sleeve. After finally calming her emotions somewhat, she suddenly remembered something and hurriedly said, "Quick, quick, come inside! Though the rain isn't heavy, getting wet for long isn't good. Have you eaten? Mother will go cook for you right now!"
She pulled Chen Qing toward the house, chattering endlessly with concerned words.
"Mother, I'm not hungry. I ate on the road."
Chen Qing replied with a smile, letting his mother pull him inside to sit down, "Don't bustle about, sit and rest."
The interior furnishings were simple yet comfortable. The table and chairs were clean, and a tea set was arranged on the table.
Lady Han still couldn't stay idle. She quickly went to pour a cup of hot tea and thrust it into Chen Qing's hands. "Quick, drink some hot water to warm yourself. These past years... how have you been there?"
She threw out a string of questions.
Chen Qing held the warm teacup, warmth flowing through his heart.
He selected what he could say and roughly explained.
"Mother actually guessed early on that my son must have made something of himself out there."
Lady Han used her sleeve corner to dab at her eyes again, trying hard to calm her excitement, though the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn upward, "At first, the Wu family arranged for two young maids to come over, saying they would serve me. But with my laboring fate, how could I get used to that? I felt uncomfortable all over."
As she spoke, as if recalling her initial awkwardness, she lightly patted her knee. "But not long after, probably... over a year after you left? Madam Wu came personally again, saying she'd received word from you and insisted on moving me to a different place. I said that courtyard was fine, but she wouldn't agree, saying it was damp and dilapidated, that you... you would worry about it while away."
Lady Han's voice lowered, carrying endless emotion. "Then we moved here. This courtyard is truly good, quiet and bright. Of those two maids, only one was kept to occasionally help out. Madam Wu was thoughtful, knowing I wasn't used to being surrounded by servants."
Finally, she said quietly, "Later on, even the County Commandant himself came to visit once! Such a high official, yet so polite, and he brought some nourishing supplements, saying it was his goodwill. Though mother had little experience, by then I completely understood."
She reached out to touch Chen Qing's arm, her eyes moistening again. "My Ah Qing has truly made something of himself! Mother's heart... mother's heart is truly..."
She couldn't continue, only patting Chen Qing's hand heavily, tears rolling down, but all from gratification.
Chen Qing didn't interrupt Lady Han, letting her pour out years of concern and speculation.
Though his mother had a few fine lines added to the corners of her eyes, her complexion was rosy and her eyes clear.
The clothes she wore were of soft cotton fabric, clean and tidy with impeccably neat cuffs and collar edges, clearly showing she lived an extremely stable and comfortable life.
His last lingering worry finally completely settled.
"Only when mother lives well can I be at ease away from home."
Chen Qing took Lady Han's hand in return and patted it gently.
"Your grandfather's health is still fairly robust."
Lady Han sighed, her tone somewhat complex. "That child Chen Heng... Alas, he failed the martial examination several times and lost his spirit. Your second uncle and aunt emptied their coffers supporting him. Now he can only work as a helper at the county government, earning hard money. Life is tight."
"Your grandfather doesn't say it, but in his heart he probably regrets it deeply... Alas, better not to mention it."
She shook her head, seemingly unwilling to discuss more of the lamentable, vexing matters from the old residence.
Just as they were talking, brisk footsteps came from outside the courtyard gate, accompanied by a familiar voice. "Aunt, I got some newly arrived fine cotton cloth. It feels so soft, I brought it to make you an undergarment..."
Before she finished speaking, Yang Huiniang entered carrying a small cloth bundle with a beaming smile.
Looking up and seeing Chen Qing standing in the room, she instantly froze in place, her eyes widening suddenly, the cloth bundle in her hands nearly slipping.
"A... Ah Qing?!"
Yang Huiniang's voice was filled with incredible delight. Her gaze examined Chen Qing up and down as if to confirm this wasn't an illusion. "When... when did you get back?"
Chen Qing turned around, his face showing a gentle smile. "Cousin, I just arrived not long ago."
Yang Huiniang quickly approached, circling him halfway, her eyes shining with joyful light as she murmured, "You're different, truly completely different..."
The Chen Qing before her stood tall and straight as a pine. Though he wore only a simple blue robe, he naturally possessed a certain bearing.
"How am I different? I'm still me."
Chen Qing chuckled and asked, "How have you been lately, Cousin? Is everything at the cloth shop still going smoothly?"
Yang Huiniang came back to her senses and quickly nodded, her face blooming with a genuine smile. "Good, all good! Thanks to your blessing, the young master has been very considerate. Things are going quite well at the cloth shop now."
She paused, her tone carrying emotion. "Life has become much more comfortable. Some time ago, thanks to Manager Wu's connections, in the inner city... well, in a more peripheral area, we acquired a small courtyard with two sections. We've finally truly settled down."
When Chen Qing heard this, he understood in his heart.
This was definitely Wu Manqing's handiwork. She had both repaid the favor and maintained appearances while keeping the measure extremely precise. She had resolved Yang Huiniang's family difficulties without appearing overly solicitous or overstepping boundaries. Everything was just right, truly watertight.
Lady Han listened from the side and took Yang Huiniang's hand, saying, "Huiniang also has future blessings."
As if remembering something, she enthusiastically suggested, "Huiniang, go back right now and call your parents over! Ah Qing has come home, it's a great joy. Our family should gather together for dinner tonight!"
Yang Huiniang's eyes lit up when she heard this, clearly very moved, but she didn't immediately agree. Instead, she instinctively first looked at Chen Qing, inquiry in her eyes.
Times were different now. She knew well that her cousin's status and intentions were what mattered.
Chen Qing nodded, "Go ahead. Let's make it lively."
Having received Chen Qing's approval, Yang Huiniang's face instantly bloomed with a bright smile. She crisply responded, "Alright! I'll go right now!"
Then she turned and ran out, her figure showing a girlish excitement.
About half an hour later, Yang Huiniang returned leading Chen Jinhua and Yang Tiezhu.
Yang Tiezhu was still his honest and simple-looking self. After entering the door and seeing Chen Qing, he only smiled honestly with a bit of constraint, then silently stood to one side.
But Chen Jinhua's expression was much richer.
As soon as she entered the door, her gaze locked firmly on Chen Qing, her face instantly piling up with smiles.
"Oh my! My dear nephew! You've finally come back! Auntie has missed you so much!"
Chen Jinhua's voice rose several octaves. With a few steps she came right up to Chen Qing. "Look! Look at this distinguished air! I told you, our old Chen family's ancestral graves must have sprouted green smoke! To produce an extraordinary person like you, Ah Qing!"
Once her chatterbox opened, it couldn't stop. Her mouth rattled off nothing but praise and flattering words, and connecting this to the Chen family's current glory, she as the aunt also basked in reflected honor.
Chen Qing listened with a calm expression, occasionally nodding faintly, not engaging.
He had long understood his aunt's character, shrewd and opportunistic.
His aunt's fawning and flattery was to him merely an insignificant little episode on the journey home. Having heard it, that was that.
"Mother, enough." Yang Huiniang said in a low voice from the side.
"I'm speaking the truth."
Chen Jinhua straightened her back. "I haven't seen my nephew in several years. Can't I even praise him?"
The dinner proceeded in this somewhat peculiar atmosphere.
Lady Han and Yang Huiniang occasionally chatted about domestic matters. Yang Tiezhu ate with his head down, occasionally chiming in.
Chen Jinhua almost entirely revolved around Chen Qing, seizing every opportunity to express her concern and pride.
Chen Qing mostly just ate quietly, occasionally responding.
After the meal, Yang Huiniang helped Lady Han clear the dishes.
Chen Jinhua seemed to want to say something more to Chen Qing, but seeing him rise as if preparing to rest, she swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue. In the end, she could only bid farewell with Yang Tiezhu and Yang Huiniang.
After Yang Huiniang's family left, the courtyard returned to tranquility.
Rainwater dripped from the eaves, splashing tiny droplets on the flagstones.
After tidying up, Lady Han sat down across from Chen Qing.
Mother and son chatted about domestic matters until late into the night.
After the conversation lapsed, following a brief silence, Lady Han suddenly nervously rubbed her hands on her apron and asked in a low voice, "Ah Qing, this time going out... was there any news of your father?"
Chen Qing looked at that faint glimmer of hope in his mother's eyes and took a deep breath. "Mother, I asked Colonel Pang to investigate carefully. The roster of those performing corvée labor at Thousand Blade Canal three years ago was verified repeatedly, with no omissions or errors in the records. No one has seen father since, and all these years without any word..."
As his words fell, the room plunged into deathly silence.
Lady Han sat there blankly, letting out a soft sigh. "...Mother understands."
She didn't ask another question, only slowly standing up.
"You're tired from traveling. Rest early."
The door gently closed, separating inside from outside.
Chen Qing knew that Lady Han's last bit of hope had finally completely settled tonight.
He sat alone by the window, listening to the rainwater dripping from the eaves, waves rising in his heart.
What he had seen and heard upon returning home today flashed through his mind scene by scene, his mother's stable and prosperous life, his cousin's success at the cloth shop, even his aunt's excessive fawning.
Even though he was far away at the sect, doing nothing and saying nothing, he had already changed the trajectory of fate for those around him.
The warmth and coldness of human relationships in this world, the interweaving of interests, were all very real.
"Hah!"
Chen Qing let out a light breath, then took out an Aura Tempering Pill to consume and continued cultivating.
The next day, the weather cleared.
Chen Qing went out early in the morning, strolling toward the Zhou Courtyard in his memory.
The closer he got, the more unfamiliar it felt.
The surrounding houses seemed to have all been renovated, and the streets were much tidier.
When he saw the familiar gate lintel, Chen Qing's steps paused slightly.
The Zhou Courtyard's plaque remained, but the gate wall had clearly been expanded, appearing much more imposing.
Vigorous shouts of fist practice came from within the courtyard, far surpassing what it had been like in the past.
He stepped inside to see dozens of young disciples in the spacious courtyard performing Through-arm Boxing stances in neat formation, full of youthful vigor, their fist winds impressive.
Standing at the front of the formation, loudly instructing and correcting movements, was none other than Sun Shun.
"Your horse stance must be stable! Power penetrating to the fingertips! What do you all look like so soft and limp..."
Sun Shun was scolding them when his gaze inadvertently swept past the entrance and his voice abruptly stopped.
He stared wide-eyed, fixated on that figure slowly walking in, his mouth opening and closing as if unable to believe it.
"Chen... Junior Brother Chen?!!"
Sun Shun fiercely rubbed his eyes, then his face erupted with enormous wild joy. With a few steps he rushed over and grabbed Chen Qing's arm, shaking it vigorously. "It really is you! When did you get back?!"
This commotion immediately attracted all the disciples' attention.
The sounds of practicing fists died down. All the young, unfamiliar faces looked over curiously, their gazes examining Chen Qing as they whispered among themselves.
"Is this the Senior Brother Chen Qing that Master and Senior Brother Sun often mention?"
"He looks so young... is he really that formidable?"
Sun Shun was so excited his face glowed red. He couldn't be bothered with instructing disciples anymore and pulled Chen Qing inside. "Quick! Come in quickly! If Master knew you were back, who knows how happy he'd be!"
Just as he was speaking, two people emerged from the back courtyard upon hearing the commotion.
It was Zhou Liang and his wife, Lady Li, who had come upon hearing the news.
Zhou Liang was thinner than he had been a few years ago, with more white hair at his temples.
He saw Chen Qing in the courtyard at a glance, first freezing, then indescribable joy bursting from his eyes!
"Disciple pays respects to Master!"
Chen Qing cupped his fists toward Zhou Liang.
This person before him was his enlightenment teacher and also his guide on the martial path.
Zhou Liang quickly stepped forward and heavily patted Chen Qing's shoulder, carefully examining him up and down. "Good! Good! Good! It's good you've come back!"
Master's wife Lady Li stood to the side, her face also full of disbelief and deep emotion as she murmured, "Good that you're back, good that you're back... truly... truly unexpected..."
Zhou Liang pulled Chen Qing along, pride overflowing in his eyes. "You've come back at just the right time! Some time ago, your senior sister Zhou Yu and her uncle Li Yuan also returned from the Sea Sand Sect."
He paused, his tone carrying a kind of exhilarating satisfaction. "That Li Yuan, heh, when he sees me now, he's extremely polite! No longer has that look of arrogance from back then! Can't go three sentences without mentioning you, roundabout asking about your news! In my heart, ah, it's satisfying!"
"You're my disciple, Zhou Liang! You came out of my Zhou Courtyard! You've made great achievements, and as your master, my face has honor!"
Not long ago, Li Yuan had returned together with Zhou Yu.
You must know, although Li Yuan hadn't said it explicitly in the past, his words and expressions always conveyed some contempt for Zhou Liang.
This time was completely different from the past. His attitude had changed considerably, even carrying some politeness that had never existed before.
All of this was because of Chen Qing.
Zhou Liang saw this transformation in his eyes, and in his heart naturally felt vindicated and deeply moved.
Afterward, the group entered the house. Master's wife Lady Li had already prepared hot tea.
After everyone sat down as host and guests with tea fragrance wafting, Chen Qing noticed a familiar figure outside the window sweeping fallen leaves in the courtyard.
"Qin Lie?"
Chen Qing said uncertainly in a low voice.
Zhou Liang followed his gaze, a trace of complexity crossing his face as he sighed, his voice becoming somewhat lower. "Not long after you left, someone discovered him and his sister collapsed in a ruined temple outside the city, nearly starved and frozen to death. His sister... didn't make it through, and although he went mad, at least it was a life. I really couldn't bear it, so I brought him back, gave him food to eat, let him do odd jobs around the courtyard. At least he has a place to stay."
Zhou Liang paused, his tone carrying some relief mixed with helplessness. "Fortunately, his madness comes and goes, mostly peaceful. For ordinary instructions, sweeping and chopping wood, these simple tasks, he seems to still understand somewhat and can do them. Just consider... just consider the courtyard has an extra laborer who can't speak."
Chen Qing silently nodded upon hearing this.
He could understand Zhou Liang's benevolence. This was perhaps the best arrangement for Qin Lie.
The group returned inside the house to drink tea.
Zhou Liang spoke of recent circumstances. "Colonel Pang came looking for me some time ago, saying there's a martial hall in the inner city not doing well in business. He wanted me to take it over and hold up appearances. I thought it over and declined. After all, I'm old and don't have that competitive spirit anymore. Guarding this Zhou Courtyard, teaching these children willing to endure hardship, if I can train one or two to transforming strength, I'll be content."
Speaking of disciples, Zhou Liang looked at Sun Shun. "Right now the courtyard indeed has two or three promising seedlings with good bones and temperament. I think they have a very good chance of breaking through the transforming strength bottleneck."
Sun Shun listened from the side but could only smile bitterly and shake his head. "Master, you don't need to console me. transforming strength... Alas, I've attempted to break through five or six times. Each time I feel I'm just one step away, but I just can't cross over."
These past few years, he had continuously attempted to break through to transforming strength but had never been able to breakthrough this shackle.
Sun Shun suddenly looked up at Chen Qing with curiosity. "Junior Brother Chen, you... what realm have you reached now? When you left, you already far surpassed us. Now you must be even more unfathomable, right?"
When Zhou Liang and Lady Li heard this, they immediately focused their gazes on Chen Qing.
They knew well that Chen Qing was exceptionally talented, but they couldn't imagine what step he had reached now.
Chen Qing put down his teacup and smiled slightly. "Thank you for your concern, Master and Senior Brother. This disciple only just barely broke through to True Aura not long ago."
"True Aura!?"
Sun Shun cried out in a low voice, his eyes instantly widening to the size of saucers, the teacup in his hand nearly slipping.
Although he had been mentally prepared, knowing that Chen Qing must far surpass him, the impact brought by the two words "True Aura" still exploded like thunder in his ears!
That was a realm he couldn't even look up to!
Zhou Liang drew in a sharp breath even more sharply, not even noticing the tea water spilling from his hand.
Having stayed at the Sea Sand Sect's outer division, he understood far better than Sun Shun what the two words "True Aura" meant!
That was a true expert, the level of a sect's elders or even sect master!
Breaking stone monuments, releasing True Aura externally!
What realm had his disciple been at when leaving Gaolin County?
Just a few years and he had already... reached True Aura?!
And he wasn't even thirty yet, right?!
Zhou Liang's heart pounded wildly, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Lady Li's mouth hung slightly open, her eyes full of disbelief.
Even within the Sea Sand Sect, True Aura held an extraordinary status!
After a long while, Zhou Liang finally spoke. "True Aura! My disciple, Zhou Liang! Heaven has not treated me, Zhou Liang, poorly! In this lifetime, it was worth it! Worth it!"
He laughed heartily, though tears faintly glimmered in the corners of his eyes.
To be able to teach a True Aura expert, what glory was this?
After the excitement, Zhou Liang insisted on keeping Chen Qing for a meal, having Lady Li prepare the best food and wine.
Chen Qing, seeing his master's overjoyed appearance, didn't refuse.
Over the next half month, Chen Qing stayed in Gaolin County.
Besides visiting the Zhou Courtyard to reminisce with his master and Sun Shun, he also visited old acquaintances Cheng Ming and Pang Qinghai.
As for the Wu family, Wu Manqing's branch had long since moved to the prefectural city. Only collateral branches remained in Gaolin County, with whom he had no connection, so naturally there was no need to visit.
Most of the time, he stayed at home keeping his mother Lady Han company. The days passed peacefully and warmly.
However, although Chen Qing kept a low profile, news of his return to Gaolin County still spread among several influential powers in the inner city within a small circle.
Those who could reach Colonel Pang's level more or less vaguely knew that this young man who had gone out from Gaolin County now held an extremely high position at the Five Terraces Sect and was an extraordinary important figure.
On this day, the Han family head and Luo family head, together with Guangchang Martial Hall Master Liu Suifeng, Tianju Martial Hall Master Zhao Kaishan, and Hongyun Martial Hall Master Lin Hongyu, jointly visited Colonel Pang.
Several people with influence in Gaolin County gathered together, carefully probing in their words.
"Colonel Pang."
The Han family head deliberated before speaking. "I heard that Chief Chen of the Five Terraces Sect has returned home to visit his parents. Should we... prepare modest gifts and go pay our respects? To fulfill our duty as local hosts."
Liu Suifeng stroked his beard from the side, his eyes still showing some disbelief. "Who would have thought... truly who would have thought, at the Blue Scale Assembly that year, though that youth first showed his edge and his defeat of Qu Yaohui was already astonishing, it's only been a few years..."
He shook his head, as if still unable to connect the youth in his memory with the "Chief Chen" in Colonel Pang's mouth.
Zhao Kaishan also felt considerable emotion. "Who could have predicted that the lad on the arena stage back then could reach such a level now. Colonel Pang, he now..."
The words trailed off, but the inquiry was obvious.
Though Lin Hongyu didn't ask directly, the complex light flickering in her eyes showed she too was deeply moved by this news and awaited Colonel Pang's answer.
Pang Qinghai looked at them and slowly shook his head. "No need. Chief Chen's return home this time is to accompany his mother. He doesn't like disturbances. Moreover..."
He paused, looking at them and speaking bluntly. "Without prior connections, trying to climb up the pole to establish relations now is already too late. Listen to my advice, just pretend you don't know about this matter and each mind your own business."
The group immediately showed embarrassment and regret.
The Luo family head still felt somewhat unwilling and couldn't help but ask, "Colonel Pang, forgive my presumption, but this Chief Chen... what exactly is his status within the Five Terraces Sect that even you..."
Pang Qinghai was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "What status? I can only tell you, if nothing unexpected happens, he will be the Five Terraces Sect's future sect master. Do you understand now?"
"Fu... Future Sect Master!?"
The Han family head, Luo family head, along with Liu Suifeng, Zhao Kaishan, and Lin Hongyu all lost their voices simultaneously, their hearts struck as if by a heavy hammer, stirring up tremendous waves!
A sect master!?
That was a magnate commanding the martial forces of an entire prefecture!
A figure truly standing in the clouds!
The difference between them and these families and martial halls confined to one county was like heaven and earth!
Such a small place as Gaolin County had actually produced such a true dragon!?
And they had watched this true dragon soar from before their eyes back then but failed to establish even the slightest favorable connection with him!
The group looked at each other, all seeing tremendous shock in each other's eyes.
Especially Liu Suifeng, Zhao Kaishan and the others couldn't help but recall the somewhat green yet already sharp-edged youth at the Blue Scale Assembly years ago. Comparing that to the lofty, unreachable status Colonel Pang spoke of now, their hearts were filled with mixed feelings, lamenting how unpredictable worldly affairs were and how opportunities once missed could never be pursued again.