“If you could kill me with your pathetic skills, I’d rather kill myself with tofu!” Ling Yan’s tone was provocative, only fueling my rage. “Come on, fight me! Idiot! Bastard!” I shot back before launching myself toward him.
Crash bang clang—
A fight broke out outside. Old Dad looked distressed, while Ling Shuang paced nervously inside, and Shang continued sipping his tea.
Outside, we fought fiercely. I punched Ling Yan in the face, and he cried, “Hey! Why hit my face? Don’t you know how important it is to me?” “Nonsense!” I slapped him again.
Ling Yan kicked me in the rear. “Damn! You kicked my butt! How am I supposed to sit now?” We continued exchanging blows—he kicked my stomach, I poked his eyes, and he chopped at my head with a knife-hand.
After hours of battling, we were both exhausted, collapsing onto the roof for a saliva war.
I found him annoying, standing akimbo, pulling out a mango, peeling it, and eating while tossing the peel aside.
His eyes went dark, and he rolled off the roof. I laughed, “Oops, cousin, how careless! What if you damaged your brain? Wouldn’t that make you even more stupid?”
Ling Yan was stunned, his leg twitching. I struck a victorious pose, “I, Miss, declare! The battle of Ling Xiaochan vs. Ling Yan is won by Ling Xiaochan! Hahaha!”
My laughter echoed as Ling Yan’s heart bled at my arrogance.
[Volume Two – Jianghu: Chapter Thirty-Seven – Leaving the Ling Mansion.]
Shang said Mo Ran mentioned matters awaiting me at the First Under Heaven Hall, so he packed my bags last night. After breakfast, I was to return. Ling Shuang, Ling Yan, and Old Ling Dad saw me off at the main gate.
Ling Shuang looked at me tenderly, “Han’er, take care of yourself, visit when you can…”
“Cough cough,” Ling Yan interrupted, “Well, see you later.”
“Later, my foot! I hope I never see your disgusting face again!”
I never thought someone as terrible as you could exist, and you’re even gay!”
“You… you… you’re nonsensical!” Ling Yan’s face alternated between red and white. “Hmph! Better than your unreasonable behavior!” I kicked him and walked away, hearing Ling Yan’s murderous scream behind me: “Ling Xiaochan! If I can’t have children because of this, I’ll kill you!”
Moran ran away with a scream. I swallowed and said, “I was just playing around. If you’re unhappy, please go wash your face. There’s hand soap and a towel in the bathroom. I’m out of here!”
I ran away quickly, realizing I couldn’t provoke this scary Shang. If I had known earlier, I wouldn’t have played around!
[Volume Two: Jianghu, Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Young Lady of the Beggar Clan]
A few days later, Xiao Yuan arrived at the First Under Heaven Hall to report for work. After working for several days, he discovered how hardworking Xiao Yuan was! Moon, you must protect him!
With Xiao Yuan managing Lian Xing Pavilion, business improved significantly. Moreover, the branch of the First Under Heaven Hall has begun construction in the capital of Zhen Ming Kingdom.
Even before opening, citizens are discussing it, and some have placed orders. I’m sure I’ll be even richer soon! Wahaha…
Perhaps the Jade Emperor’s mood wasn’t great recently. Heavy rain had fallen for several days, dark clouds covered the sky, and the sun refused to show its face. However, this gloomy weather didn’t affect the First Under Heaven Hall’s business, with a constant stream of customers.
This morning, I woke up to a commotion outside, including a girl’s voice. I walked over and asked, “What’s happening?” Everyone remained silent, just making way for me. I saw a disheveled girl about my age, looking fresh and beautiful, with star-like eyes and cherry-like lips.
The girl was holding a broken bowl and using a stick as a crutch. She seemed to be a beggar, but how could such a young and beautiful girl be a beggar? She pretended to be a male beggar and deliberately spoke in a male voice, “Miss, have you finished looking? If so, please allow me to stay at the inn.”
I trembled, wondering if I had heard wrong. “But our inn’s accommodation is expensive. I’m afraid you don’t have enough money, and you haven’t made a reservation.” The girl raised her lips with a mischievous smile, “Miss, you’re so forgetful! Didn’t my father, General Yang, book a room the day before yesterday and pay in advance?”
I thought for a moment, “Indeed, that’s true.”
“But what proof do you have that you’re General Yang’s daughter?” The girl didn’t look anxious. She removed her headscarf, letting her long hair cascade down. “I am General Yang’s only daughter, Yang Ziru.”
Although I didn’t understand why she would disguise herself as a beggar, it wasn’t my place to ask. “My apologies. Please have the young master take your luggage and sign in at the counter.” The girl smiled and walked towards the counter.
I turned to the employees who had tried to stop Yang Ziru from entering. “In the future, no matter how noble or humble a guest is, you cannot prevent them from entering the inn. Understood? Don’t make the same mistake again.” My tone was calm, but the underlying message was clear: “Whoever acts rashly, I’ll kill them!”
The staff took a deep breath and bowed: “Yes, boss!”
I grinned and turned away. They didn’t take me seriously! Hmph, now they know my power!
Shang had to leave early today due to urgent court matters, leaving without eating lunch. I was disappointed. We had only been together for a few days and had agreed on a week. What troublesome official business!
I ate white rice listlessly. Moran called, “Han?” I immediately turned, “What?” Moran said, “I’m going to check if Ning Xiang Pavilion has delivered lunch to the guests who ordered in Lian Xing Pavilion.”
“Eat your meal and stop daydreaming,” I nodded weakly, “Oh.”
After Moran left, I lost all appetite. Without Shang, nothing tasted good. I went to He Huan Pavilion to check on business and saw Yang Ziru practicing the Dog-Beating Stick Technique.
“Huh, is she from the Beggar Clan?” I realized such a clan actually existed. How bizarre. Why would a noble lady leave her comfortable life to pretend to be a beggar? Ancient people’s minds were strange.
Suddenly, a dog-beating stick flew towards me. I dodged, narrowly avoiding what could have been a fatal blow. Just as I was about to curse, I heard applause, “Boss Ling indeed has great skills!” Yang Ziru approached, whispering, “With such impressive skills, have you ever considered joining the Beggar Clan?”
“I have no interest in being a beggar. Under the party’s leadership, I live a happy and prosperous life, with plenty of money, good food, clothes, and sleep. I’d rather be a content citizen than pretend to be poor in the Beggar Clan.”
Yang Ziru looked at me with a warning gaze: “Hey. Don’t discriminate!” I was speechless; this girl was just too weird. “It’s human nature, Miss Yang, don’t take offense.” Yang Ziru sighed, “Isn’t the Beggar’s Sect good? Why doesn’t everyone want to join?”
I patted Yang Ziru’s shoulder and said, “Yang Ziru, I understand your passion for the gang, but not everyone shares your views. They don’t see being a beggar as honorable, while your perspective is different.”
Yang Ziru shrugged, “Perhaps you’re right.” She leaned in closer and added, “And don’t always call me Yang Ziru; it might expose my identity. Call me the future first leader of the Beggar’s Sect!” I wiped sweat from my brow and nodded, “Uh, okay.”
Happily, she picked up her dog-beating stick and bounced back to the training ground to continue practicing. I was dizzy—this girl was strange, abandoning her noble status to become a beggar.
But if I said there was a noble lady in the Beggar’s Sect, would anyone believe me? Hehe O(∩_∩)O~
…
[Volume Two: Jianghu, Chapter Thirty-Nine: Mo Ran Runs Away from Home.]
