Chapter 92: Fellow Travelers

With a means of transportation, the midday sun naturally had no effect on Zhang Xiaohua. Sitting in the carriage, he recalled the journey to Pingyang City with his second brother, thinking to himself, "No wonder people prefer living in big cities; the experience is truly different, and the quality of life is much higher. In the countryside, even if one wants to enjoy such a life, there are no conditions for it. I wonder how much it costs to take a ride? It's better not to ask, or Ma Jing will start nagging again."

The sound of hooves "clattering" echoed, and after about two cups of tea, the towering gates of Pingyang City came into view. Seeing Pingyang City again, Zhang Xiaohua was no longer surprised, as if it were a matter of course, already accustomed to it. Human habits are indeed terrifying; this was only the third time he saw it, and the novelty was already gone. If he faced it every day, even the most precious things would be ignored.

The carriage entered the city, and Zhang Xiaohua thought it would head towards the carriage station, but unexpectedly, it turned in another direction. Although Zhang Xiaohua was not good at remembering routes, he knew the general direction. He asked Ma Jing in confusion, "Brother Ma, the carriage station isn't in this direction, right? Did I remember wrong?"

Ma Jing, already tired of Zhang Xiaohua's strange questions, looked at him and said irritably, "The carriage station isn't in this direction, but Zui Xiang Lou is."

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua quickly stood up. Fortunately, he was short and almost hit the top of the carriage. His sudden movement startled Ma Jing, who asked, "What's up, brother?"

Zhang Xiaohua, blushing, said, "Brother Ma, I really don't want to go to Zui Xiang Lou. Can you let me off here?"

Ma Jing, seeing Zhang Xiaohua's embarrassment, laughed and said to the driver, "Driver, please stop and let my brother off."

The carriage stopped, and Zhang Xiaohua quickly jumped off, afraid that the carriage would continue and take him to Zui Xiang Lou.

Ma Jing leaned out of the carriage and asked, "Brother, do you know the address of the carriage station? You can go there to find a carriage to return. Don't forget to walk back. Also, where are you going? The carriage can take you there later."

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said, "I know, Brother Ma. I don't need the carriage to take me. Just remember to go home early."

With that, he waved and ran off.

"Go home early? I finally get out, and it's unlikely I'll go back early," Ma Jing thought, a lecherous smile on his face.

Zhang Xiaohua ran for a while, feeling that he was far enough from the carriage, and then stopped to ask a shop assistant for directions to Lianhua Security Agency.

Although it was noon, the wide streets of Pingyang City were still crowded with people. Zhang Xiaohua struggled to push through the crowd, all the while being cautious about whether anyone was eyeing the silver in his pocket. Even though he didn't have a money bag on his waist, he still couldn't feel at ease, thinking back to how he and his second brother encountered a thief on their first trip to the city, which was quite amusing.

Just as he was thinking, he suddenly saw a familiar figure ahead. Zhang Xiaohua was taken aback. It was truly a case of "speak of the devil, and he shall appear." He hardly knew anyone in Pingyang City, so this figure must be either Zhang Xiaohu or the thief he almost caught last time. Seeing the thief walking ahead, Zhang Xiaohua found it amusing, thinking that he must be looking around with his eyes. Zhang Xiaohua quickened his pace.

Sure enough, in front of the thief was a scholar holding a folding fan, fanning himself and looking around. Whenever there was a new stall on the roadside, he would stop to look at old books or buy some writing materials. His money bag dangled from his waist, making the thief nod in approval. The thief had been following for a while but hadn't found a good opportunity. Now, with fewer people and a fork in the road, the thief quickened his pace, about to approach the unsuspecting scholar. Zhang Xiaohua, who was behind, couldn't stand it and decided to stop him. However, he had learned from his previous experience. Remembering how a group of people surrounded him and helped the thief escape, he looked around, thinking that those people might still be around. If he acted rashly, he might catch the thief, but he wouldn't be a match for the group. Last time, his second brother was there, and they didn't act. This time, he was alone, and he might be ambushed. He remembered Liu Kai and Mr. Liu's advice: doing good is good, but one must first consider one's own safety. What should he do?

Seeing the thief's hand reach out, the scholar was still looking at a sign on the roadside. Suddenly, Zhang Xiaohua's eyes lit up, and he shouted loudly, "Brother Zhang, what are you doing here?"

Zhang Xiaohua's voice was loud, and several people around turned to look at him, especially those surnamed Zhang. The scholar also turned around, and seeing him turn, the thief quickly withdrew his hand, pretending to buy something and looking at a nearby stall.

Seeing the scholar turn around, Zhang Xiaohua was also surprised. He recognized the scholar, Li Jinfeng, who had traveled with him in the carriage a month ago. It was truly a coincidence; he only knew a few people, including the thief, and today he had met two. Zhang Xiaohua smiled and walked up, and Li Jinfeng was also surprised. Although he didn't have a deep impression of Zhang Xiaohua, they had traveled together for a long time, and it had only been a month since they parted. Seeing Zhang Xiaohua walking towards him, and seeing no one else responding, he guessed that Zhang Xiaohua was looking for him.

Zhang Xiaohua greeted him, "Hello, Brother Li."

Li Jinfeng asked in surprise, "Are you Zhang... Zhang Xiaohua? I almost forgot your name. It's been a month. But why did you call me Brother Zhang just now?"

At this moment, the thief, seeing that the two were acquainted and recognizing Zhang Xiaohua as the one who had chased him before, slipped away. Zhang Xiaohua then told Li Jinfeng about seeing the thief. Li Jinfeng touched his money bag, thinking that what Zhang Xiaohua said was true, and said gratefully, "I owe you one. If not for you, my monthly living expenses would have been gone. I must thank you properly."

Zhang Xiaohua modestly replied, "Brother Li, you're too kind. We are acquaintances, and even if we were strangers, I would still help. If I thanked you for such a small favor, it would diminish our friendship from our trip to Pingyang."

Li Jinfeng, seeing that Zhang Xiaohua made sense, looked at him with new respect. He felt that this young man was no longer the same as when they first met, less naive and more mature and composed. He liked him as if he were his own younger brother and patted his shoulder affectionately, saying, "Alright, since you put it that way, I won't be formal with you. We are both wanderers, and if you need help in the future, just let me know."

He then gave Zhang Xiaohua his address, which Zhang Xiaohua carefully memorized.

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua's simple attire, Li Jinfeng was curious and asked, "What are you doing now? Why are you dressed like this? Are you working for a wealthy family? And where is your brother?"

Zhang Xiaohua briefly told Li Jinfeng about his recent situation but didn't mention Huaxi Manor or the Piaomiao Sect. Li Jinfeng, although in Pingyang City, was a scholar and knew little about the martial world, so he thought Huaxi Manor was just a wealthy family's estate. Hearing that Zhang Xiaohua and Zhang Xiaohu had waited for them for a long time at the carriage station, he blushed, feeling ashamed. That day, he had been pulled out by Shangguan Yun, first for a meal and then for drinks. By the time he sobered up, it was already late morning, and he had forgotten about his promise to the Zhang brothers. If not for Zhang Xiaohua's reminder, he would have forgotten about it.

Li Jinfeng, being a well-read scholar, said, "Brother Xiaohua, I did forget that day, making you wait for a long time. I apologize."

He bowed deeply, and Zhang Xiaohua quickly pulled him up, saying, "Brother Li, there's no need for that. The Lianhua Security Agency is easy to find. We can ask for directions."

Li Jinfeng then asked, "Brother Xiaohua, where are you going now? Is it to the Lianhua Security Agency?"

Zhang Xiaohua laughed and said, "Brother Li, you're really a genius. How did you guess? I'm indeed going to the security agency."

Li Jinfeng laughed and said, "Hearing that the manor is outside the city and that you haven't been in the city for a while, it's not hard to guess that you're going to the security agency to see your brother."

Zhang Xiaohua scratched his head and said, "Hearing Brother Li's analysis, it makes sense. Sometimes I just don't think, so I can't see simple things clearly."

Li Jinfeng patted his head and said, "You're still young, and it's the time to think. When you encounter problems, don't ask others first; think for yourself. Maybe you'll find a solution. Others' answers are theirs, and they might be right, but they may not be suitable for you. The answers you find yourself are truly yours."

Zhang Xiaohua, hearing this, felt as if a lightning bolt had struck his mind, as if he had realized something, but when he thought about it carefully, he couldn't grasp it.

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua's dazed look, Li Jinfeng said, "I haven't been to the security agency to see Shangguan Yun and Yu Lun for a long time. Let's go together."

Zhang Xiaohua happily said, "Really? Those two are also at the security agency? Are they also guards?"

Li Jinfeng, seeing Zhang Xiaohua's excited look, shook his head and said, "I don't know what they do at the security agency. They might be learning martial arts, but they are not guards. They come from wealthy families, especially Shangguan Yun, who is very rich. He wouldn't join the security agency."

Zhang Xiaohua blushed, remembering that Li Jinfeng had just told him to think more. He had forgotten and rashly asked if they were guards. They probably followed Master Wen and others to learn martial arts. He sighed, thinking he needed to think more and not speak rashly. Silence is golden!

Then, Zhang Xiaohua said, "Brother Li, I know. The Lianhua Security Agency has a martial arts school, and it costs money to learn. I guess Shangguan and Yu are there to practice martial arts."

Li Jinfeng laughed and said, "That's probably it. They have plenty of money. Let's go see them, and I should apologize to your brother in person. By the way, what's your brother's name?"

Zhang Xiaohua stuck out his tongue and said, "My second brother is Zhang Xiaohu."

Then, the two walked towards the security agency while talking.

The security agency was near the city gate. Zhang Xiaohua had just entered the city with Ma Jing's carriage and fled. If not for meeting Li Jinfeng, he would have already reached the security agency. Even though Li Jinfeng, being a scholar, walked slower than Zhang Xiaohua, they soon arrived at the security agency's gate.

At the gate, there were many people coming and going, looking quite busy. The two stone lions were still imposing, but Zhang Xiaohua paid less attention to them, feeling indifferent.

Li Jinfeng walked up the steps and greeted the guards at the gate, "Excuse me, I'm here to see Shangguan Yun, who is practicing martial arts. Could you please let me through?"

The lead guard smiled and said, "Oh, you're here to see Young Master Shangguan. Do you know where to go? We are quite busy today and might not have time to guide you."

Li Jinfeng said, "I've been to your security agency more than once. I know where Young Master Shangguan is. I can go by myself."

The guard gestured and said, "Please go ahead, sir."

Li Jinfeng nodded, turned to Zhang Xiaohua, and led him into the security agency.

Zhang Xiaohua, dressed as a servant, was not questioned by the guards, who assumed he was Li Jinfeng's attendant.

In front of the gate, there were some people moving around, all on official business, and no one was practicing martial arts. Zhang Xiaohua decided not to ask and followed Li Jinfeng, thinking he would ask Shangguan Yun for information later. Although Zhang Xiaohu was not a dedicated martial arts practitioner, they were under the same roof, so there might be some familiar faces.

Last time, Zhang Xiaohua had only been to a row of small houses on the right side of the courtyard. Now, they were all closed, probably for rest. Li Jinfeng did not stop at these houses but followed the corridor to a spacious courtyard. Facing them was a row of houses, silent and still. The courtyard was planted with many large trees, providing a cool and shady environment. Passing through the courtyard, they faced a screen wall with two doors on either side. Li Jinfeng turned left without hesitation, entered the door, and walked down a long corridor. At the end of the corridor was a row of elegant houses. Li Jinfeng led Zhang Xiaohua to a few rooms, carefully identified one, and knocked softly.

After a while, a lazy, slightly hoarse voice said, "Who is it? What's the matter?"

Hearing this voice, Zhang Xiaohua's heart skipped a beat. Wasn't this Yu Lun's voice? He still remembered it, even though they hadn't spoken much.

Sure enough, Li Jinfeng said, "Brother Yu, it's me, Li Jinfeng. I came to see the two of you."

Before he finished, another voice said, "Oh, it's Brother Jinfeng. Come in quickly. It's been a while since you last came. Is your coursework busy?"

This voice was slightly arrogant, and it was Shangguan Yun.

Li Jinfeng pushed the door open and said with a smile, "My coursework isn't busy, but I'm preparing for some exams, so I haven't had much free time. As soon as I had some time, I came to see the two of you."

Inside, Shangguan Yun and Yu Lun were sitting in two chairs, still a bit drowsy from their nap. Seeing Li Jinfeng enter, they both stood up, nodded, and then sat down again, as they were familiar and not overly formal.

"Ha, Brother Li, you're too kind. Speaking of martial artists, only Shangguan can be called one. I only have a bit of basic skill, not worthy of the title," Yu Lun said humbly.

Shangguan Yun said, "Yu Lun has made progress recently. With more hard work, he will have his day. Don't be too modest."

After they finished speaking, Li Jinfeng said, "I brought a familiar friend today. Can you guess who it is?"

"An acquaintance? Our acquaintance?" The two looked at each other, puzzled.

Li Jinfeng smiled and said to the outside, "Zhang Xiaohua, come in."

Zhang Xiaohua then walked in, smiling, and greeted them, "Greetings, brothers. It's been over a month since we last met."

The two looked at the young man in simple attire, puzzled. Why was Li Jinfeng's attendant speaking to them like this?

After a closer look, they recognized him as the young man from the countryside who had traveled with them to Pingyang City, now dressed as a servant.

Shangguan Yun, seeing Zhang Xiaohua bow, did not stand up but nodded in return. Yu Lun did not return the bow but walked up and said, "Zhang Xiaohua, we traveled together. Ha, how did you end up working for Brother Li?"

Li Jinfeng quickly explained, "Not at all. I can't even take care of myself, let alone find a servant. This young brother is working at Huaxi Manor."

"Huaxi Manor?" Shangguan Yun raised an eyebrow and said, "That's a good place. The treatment should be good. Zhang Xiaohua, you have good luck. You found a good place as soon as you arrived in Pingyang City."

Yu Lun asked, "Is Huaxi Manor famous?"

Shangguan Yun looked at him and said, "Huaxi Manor is a property of the Piaomiao Sect, just like the Lianhua Security Agency, both managed by the Piaomiao Sect."

Yu Lun understood and asked Zhang Xiaohua, "By the way, Zhang Xiaohua, when you came to Pingyang City last time, weren't you planning to come to the Lianhua Security Agency with us? Why did you go to Huaxi Manor?"

Zhang Xiaohua, blushing, said, "Well, we originally planned to come to the security agency to practice martial arts, but they said it costs money, and we didn't have any, so..."

Before Zhang Xiaohua could finish, Yu Lun laughed and said, "I thought so. When you asked about the Lianhua Security Agency, I was puzzled. I didn't know you wanted to practice martial arts. If I had asked you more, I would have discouraged you. Poor scholars can't practice martial arts. Without money, what martial arts can you learn? The cultivation of martial arts is not something you can imagine. It's better to do a promising job like a servant. When you earn money, buy some land, and when you're older, get married and have a family. That's a good life."