‘Sir, I’ll be on my way then.’
Zhou Heng already knew what he wanted to know. He turned to leave.
Old Wu had already told him the news, and he knew what he had to do.
He was mentally prepared for all of this, so he chose to study and take the examination with Su Chong and Su Hua, using the imperial examination as an alternative.
This was the only way he could go now. He would go back. He would hide his edge and make sure no one noticed. Then he would go back to the capital.
Zhou Heng came out and saw Su Xiaolu and Su Chong practicing their swordsmanship.
He stopped in his tracks.
Now, Su Xiaolu and Su Chong were not beginners anymore. The two of them were holding their swords and exchanging blows. Their moves were sharp and smooth. It was obvious that they were fighting with swords, but it made people feel warm.
Su Xiaolu could not compare to Su Chong. The difference was huge. Su Chong doted on his sister and played with her.
As siblings, some were like brothers in arms.
Others hated each other and would not rest until they died.
He knew it was impossible, but he couldn’t help feeling envious. If only he could have it too.
“Alright, alright. You’re acting like a monkey. It’s time to eat. Let’s eat first.”
Gui You couldn’t stand it anymore. He clasped his hands behind his back and left.
Su Chong and Su Xiaolu stopped.
Su Chong smiled brightly and said, “Xiaolu, you’ve improved so much.”
Su Xiaolu blushed, but she felt sweet after being praised. “Thank you for holding back.”
She knew her own limits. “I’ll call my master. Big Brother, you guys go first.”
Su Chong nodded and smiled at Zhou Heng. “Little Brother Heng, let’s go over.”
Zhou Heng smiled and nodded.
Su Xiaolu went into the house to call Old Wu.
Su Xiaolu asked softly, “Master, what were you talking to Zhou Heng about?”
Old Wu looked at Su Xiaolu. It had been a few years since they last met, but the girl was still so curious.
Old Wu flicked Su Xiaolu’s forehead. “I won’t tell you.”
After saying that, Old Wu walked out the door arrogantly.
Su Xiaolu rubbed her head and chased after him. She hugged Old Wu’s arm and wheedled, “Good master, the best master…”
Old Wu was very helpless and could only admit defeat. “Alright, alright. I’ll tell you when I bring you out in a few days.”
He was really at her mercy.
Anyway, he was here to bring the girl out to train. There was no harm in telling her about Zhou Heng.
Su Xiaolu tilted her head and looked at Old Wu. “Master, where are we going?”
“Of course it’s to test your abilities. There’s a person in Guyue county who has a strange illness and has been seeking treatment for many years.”
Old Wu looked at Su Xiaolu and sized her up.
He thought that the little girl would become famous in the next few years, but she didn’t. After practicing martial arts for a few years, she wouldn’t have lost her medical skills, right?
Su Xiaolu met Old Wu’s gaze and said confidently, “Then I’ll listen to Master.”
“Yeah.”
Seeing that the little girl was so confident, Old Wu was relieved.
He sat down in the house and looked at the large table of sumptuous dishes.
It was the same as before. He had to give the children red packets.
Old Man Wu and Gui You gave the money bag very simply. Su Sanlang said a few words, and then dinner was served.
Old Wu ate the medicinal cuisine first. There was a mutton soup that nourished his body. He ate some meat and drank some soup. Old Wu felt it carefully.
It tasted delicious, not greasy, and the meat and soup were delicious.
Seeing Old Wu taste it carefully, Su Xiaoling waited nervously.
“Master, how is it? I didn’t lie to you, did I? Is it delicious?”
Su Xiaolu asked with a smile. She even picked up a lion’s head for Old Wu and said, “Master, quickly try this lion’s head. It helps with blood circulation to relieve pain and relaxes the muscles and bones. You’re tired from walking all the way here. This is just right.”
Old Wu picked them up and ate them. The lion’s head wasn’t greasy. Instead, it was very refreshing. There were crispy pickles inside.
It was delicious, too. And he had recognised its medicinal properties.
Su Xiaoling even made a nourishing porridge that tasted delicious.
After tasting it, Old Wu said, “You didn’t lie to me. Learn well in the future and try to make hundreds of medicinal cuisine recipes.”
It’s all good for one’s health. One can eat it even if they were healthy. Just don’t overdo it.’
He was looking forward to it.
“Uncle-Master, don’t worry. I’ll definitely work hard.”
Su Xiaoling was pleased that she had been acknowledged.
“Aye. Learn well. You’ll have to figure that out yourself. Neither the lass nor I can teach you.”
Old Wu said in a gentle tone. In terms of medicinal cuisine, he and Su Xiaolu seemed to be naturally lacking in their nerves. Both of them only knew how to cook porridge. In short, it was not appetizing.
Su Xiaoling was really talented. Her medicinal cuisine was better than many normal dishes.
Every dish was to his liking.
Good food with good wine. How delightful.
This year had been really good.
On the third day of the new year, Old Wu found Madam Zhao and Su Sanlang.
Looking at the husband and wife as always, Old Wu sincerely felt that Su Sanlang was not bad. Now that the family was better and they still had their feet on the ground, it was not bad.
“Brother, why are you looking for us?”
Su Sanlang asked.
Madam Wu also looked at Old Wu, waiting for him to speak.
Old Wu said, “It’s nothing serious. It’s just that I’m going to take the little girl out for training in two days. Let me tell you that the little girl is different from ordinary women. I hope you understand this.”
Su Xiaolu would be traveling a lot in the future. Just take it as a warning to the couple in advance.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao looked at each other. Su Sanlang smiled slightly and said to Old Wu, “Big Brother, we both know what Xiaolu wants to do. We won’t stop her.”
Every child could do what they wanted.
He and Madam Zhao had discussed this long ago. On this matter, there was no conflict. Being free was a good thing, unlike him, who had never left the town in his life.
“It’s a good thing you guys think that way. That’s it, then. Get busy.”
Old Wu looked at him and said, ready to leave.
After turning around and taking a few steps, Old Wu turned around and said, “Su Sanlang, if there’s a chance in the future, you and your wife should go out more. There are many good sceneries outside.”
With that, he left without looking back.
Su Sanlang held Madam Zhao’s hand and said with a smile, “Darling, if Chong and Hua are going to take the exam in the capital in the future, let’s go take a look together and see the world.”
Su Sanlang had not wanted to go outside, but Old Wu had casually mentioned it. He thought about it and felt that a lifetime was not long. If there was a chance, he should go around and take a look.
Madam Zhao smiled and nodded. “Alright, as you wish.”
They smiled at each other.
Old Wu brought Su Xiaolu out on the eighth day of the New Year.
Guyue County was two days away from Goathorn Town. After leaving town, Su Xiaolu followed Old Wu on the mountain path. The master and disciple went to Guyue County while picking herbs.
