Chapter 72: Entering the Manor

Sitting in the carriage, Zhang Xiaohua gazed at the familiar scenery by the roadside, feeling as if he were in a dream. This was the third time he had taken this road today, but this time, his second brother, Zhang Xiaohu, was not with him. Looking at Qiutong sitting beside him, he felt even more the mysterious nature of life’s connections.

If it weren’t for the thief who stole Qiutong’s money bag this morning, if he hadn’t run fast enough to catch the thief and retrieve the green money bag, if he hadn’t met this Qiutong sister, he would probably be on a carriage back to Luzhen right now. After all, neither the security agency nor the Piaomiao Sect wanted him, and he couldn’t delay his second brother’s future here.

Thinking of Zhang Xiaohu, a smile appeared on Zhang Xiaohua’s lips. His second brother originally wanted to explore the world in Pingyang City but was persuaded to practice martial arts. Surprisingly, he showed great potential and received praise from the martial arts master. It seemed that fate had a way of turning things around.

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua’s distant gaze, Qiutong asked with concern, "Xiaohua, are you sleepy? If you’re tired, you can take a short nap. When you meet the young lady later, you need to be energetic."

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said, "No, Qiutong sister, I just feel a bit sore in my arms, but I’m not tired. At home, I work from morning till night in the fields, and I never feel tired. I won’t feel tired now either."

Qiutong looked at Zhang Xiaohua with affection and said, "Seeing you reminds me of my younger brother. However, he is a scholar and not as hardworking as you. It’s truly a pity that you have to work in the fields at such a young age."

Zhang Xiaohua shook his head and said, "Sister, you don’t understand. In the countryside, if you don’t work in the fields and grow crops, there won’t be any food to eat. All the boys in the family have to work in the fields when they reach a certain age. It’s not just me; I’m used to it, so there’s no need to feel sorry for me."

However, Qiutong, overwhelmed with maternal affection, didn’t think much about it. She felt that Zhang Xiaohua was a replica of her own brother, who had suffered enough in the countryside. Now that he was under her care, she was determined to ensure his stability and safety. Her affection for him grew even stronger.

Suddenly, Zhang Xiaohua remembered something and asked, "By the way, sister, you said the young lady will see me later. Who is she? Is there anything I should pay attention to?"

Qiutong smiled and said, "The young lady is the master of Huaxi Manor. She treats us all very well. You don’t need to be too formal; just be respectful and say some nice words. She is very kind-hearted and will surely take you in when she sees you, a little strongman."

Hearing the word "take in," Zhang Xiaohua, who had been somewhat relieved, felt a bit anxious again. After all, he was just a teenager. Although his mindset was mature, the repeated rejections he had faced today had diminished his confidence. However, this was part of growing up, a process of finding balance in the face of reality’s harshness.

The carriage took the same road as in the morning, but at a crossroads, it turned right onto a small road instead of continuing to the main road leading to the Piaomiao Sect. The sky was already dark, and smoke was rising from the houses along the small road. For a moment, Zhang Xiaohua felt as if he were in Guo Village.

After a while, the carriage passed through several alleys and suddenly arrived at a large square. The square was surrounded by many trees, lush and green. Facing the square was a gate larger than that of the Lotus Security Agency, with two stone lions on either side, more imposing than those at the Lotus Security Agency. The red-painted gate was closed, and no one was standing there. Above the gate was a black signboard, similar to that of the security agency, with four characters. Unfortunately, Zhang Xiaohua only recognized the characters "manor," so this must be Huaxi Manor.

Sure enough, Qiutong whispered to Zhang Xiaohua, "Xiaohua, this is our Huaxi Manor."

Zhang Xiaohua’s heart stirred, and he asked, "Qiutong sister, our Huaxi Manor is so close to the Piaomiao Sect. Is there any connection between us and the Piaomiao Sect?"

Qiutong looked at Zhang Xiaohua and said, "I didn’t expect you to be so observant. I’ll tell you when you truly stay in the manor, but I can’t say anything now."

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua didn’t press further. In his heart, he thought, "What kind of connection could there be? We’re so close. Hehe, are you treating me like a child?"

Even Zhang Xiaohua didn’t realize how much he was thinking and how much he had deduced from Qiutong’s words. If it were a year ago, would he have been able to gather so much information from such subtle clues?

The carriage didn’t stop at the main gate but turned left and followed the high wall. After a while, it stopped at a side gate, which was quite large, large enough for four carriages to pass through. This side gate was guarded by a guard who was familiar with Qiutong. He checked the contents of the carriage and asked about Zhang Xiaohua, then waved the carriage in.

Zhang Xiaohua, who had never been to the manor, thought he would have to get off the carriage when they entered the gate, but the carriage continued on. After a long while, it passed through many fields, forests, and even a pond before stopping at a round door.

Qiutong helped Zhang Xiaohua get off the carriage, and the carriage drove away.

Entering the round door, they found a different world inside. The courtyard had a large trellis covered with green plants, with triangular leaves swaying in the wind. Under the trellis were stone tables and benches. In one corner of the courtyard was a pond with colorful fish swimming in it. On the right side of the courtyard were several dozen rooms, larger than Mr. Liu’s house in Bayigou. On the left side was an open area with stone locks and weapons, probably used for martial arts practice. Facing them was another round door, but it was unknown where it led.

Qiutong led Zhang Xiaohua into the courtyard and pointed to the stone bench under the trellis, saying, "Xiaohua, sit here and rest for a moment. I’ll go report to the young lady and then take you to see her."

Zhang Xiaohua nodded and put his small bag on the stone table, then sat down. Qiutong smiled at him, then walked through the round door, turned a few corners, and disappeared.

Zhang Xiaohua sat on the bench, waiting. After a while, when Qiutong didn’t return, he became impatient and stood up to wander around. He looked at the unknown plants on the trellis and the fish in the pond, and finally, he walked to the weapons and picked up a knife, slashing a few times, then a spear, thrusting a few times. He also played with a few other weapons whose names he didn’t know.

Just as Zhang Xiaohua was engrossed in playing with the weapons, he suddenly heard a cough, followed by a stern voice, "Put the weapons down and stop messing around."

Zhang Xiaohua, startled, quickly put the hammer-like object back on the rack and turned around. He saw a tall, red-faced old man standing at the round door, about fifty years old, with gray hair and a beard. He looked imposing even without showing anger.

The old man strode over and sternly asked, "Who are you, child, and what are you doing here?"

As he approached, Zhang Xiaohua noticed that the old man’s left sleeve was tucked into his waist, and only his right arm was visible. He was a one-armed man.

Zhang Xiaohua quickly replied, "My name is Zhang Xiaohua. Sister Qiutong brought me here to plant herbs."

The old man became even angrier upon hearing this, stomping his foot and saying, "What is Qiutong up to, bringing a child here? How much strength does he have to do field work?"

Without waiting for Zhang Xiaohua to respond, the old man turned and walked through the round door, turning a few corners like Qiutong and disappearing.

Zhang Xiaohua was left standing under the trellis, feeling puzzled. This time, he didn’t dare to touch anything and sat down obediently, counting the ants on the ground.

Meanwhile, Qiutong left Zhang Xiaohua in the courtyard and entered the inner gate. She passed through several courtyards and gardens and several winding corridors before reaching a large red-walled courtyard. If Zhang Xiaohua had followed her, he would have been lost and overwhelmed by the scenery.

The courtyard faced a large hall, whose doors and windows were intricately carved with beautiful patterns. The sky was not yet completely dark, but the hall was already lit. Inside, there were several tables and chairs, and the decorations were very luxurious. In one corner, an incense burner emitted a faint fragrance, filling the hall with a gentle aroma.

Qiutong entered the hall, looked around, and found no one. She then went to the side rooms, but they were also empty. She had to leave the hall and search elsewhere.

After a short while, Qiutong returned with a young woman in her early twenties. The woman was dressed in the common red martial arts attire, with a sword hanging from her waist. Her black hair was casually curled and draped over her shoulders. Her skin was very fair, smooth as jade, and her phoenix eyes and arched eyebrows gave her a heroic and spirited appearance, not the usual frailty of a woman. She was likely the master of Huaxi Manor.

As they walked, the woman asked, "What’s the matter? Couldn’t you find a familiar hand? You shouldn’t bring a newcomer here without knowing their background."

Although her words were a reprimand, they didn’t sound harsh, and one wouldn’t feel that she was angry. Qiutong smiled and said, "My dear young lady, can’t you trust Qiutong? Besides, Uncle Qu didn’t object. He knows what’s important and wouldn’t recommend someone without being sure."

When the young lady entered the hall, Qiutong carefully poured her a cup of water and continued, "Besides, his second brother has already joined the Lotus Security Agency, which will certainly investigate their family. Any abnormalities will be discovered. And this little guy is really quite interesting."

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The story continues with the next chapter.