Notes on Longevity

Chapter 233 A Fleeting Journey Through Five Years of Swordsmanship, Every Lament is a Tale of Greed
After speaking, Zhao Wuyong looked up at the azure sky, watching the birds fly overhead and the drifting clouds, and then said, "They are willing to tell their stories because they value your status. They know that I only have one daughter, Yunchu, and I would rather she learn martial arts than let her be tainted by these worldly matters. Therefore, when I choose a son-in-law in the future, I will definitely choose someone who is proficient in business and can also uphold his principles. But such a son-in-law is really too rare in this world."

Yang Chenghan frowned upon hearing this. He said, "A good son-in-law is hard to find, and Yunchu is not allowed to pursue a career in commerce. If no one can carry on Uncle's ambitions, what will become of the Zhao family in the future?"

Zhao Wuyong glanced at Yang Chenghan and smiled, "We'll talk about the future later. By the way, how's your kung fu? How does it compare to Lu Ya's?"

Zhao Wuyong's sudden change of tone left Yang Chenghan somewhat bewildered. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Even the number one martial artist in the world, Young Master Lu, was able to escape yesterday's person, which shows that there are always people more skilled than you. My father was once the number one martial artist in the world, but he was forced to live in seclusion in the countryside. In terms of martial arts, he might not be able to surpass him by even a fraction."

"You're still too modest," Zhao Wuyong chuckled. "If you weren't confident in your skills, how dare you face so many martial arts practitioners yesterday? I don't believe your old man didn't teach you some tricks up his sleeve."

Yang Chenghan, embarrassed by Zhao Wuyong's blatant exposure, scratched his head and laughed, "Chenghan has practiced martial arts since childhood, but I didn't know how powerful my father was before. I only knew that my father told me that the Yang family's kung fu was unique in the world. No matter who we win against, we will never lose. That's why I dared to face so many people. I just don't know how I would compare to Young Master Lu."

“There are many extraordinary people in this world. Your father was once known as the number one martial artist of his time, and was said to be invincible except for immortals. Lu Ya is also an extraordinary person, but those old guys are either dead or injured and no longer come out of the mountains. I think that the person who could make him lose track of him must also be an extraordinary person, otherwise how could he have escaped? As for whether it was one of those old guys, it’s hard to say.”

Yang Chenghan's brows furrowed slightly with worry: "It's not necessarily impossible for a son to pay for his father's debts."

Zhao Wuyong said, "You're too honest, kid."

Yang Chenghan asked, full of doubt, "What do you mean by that, Uncle?"

"Do you think your old man would let you get hurt?" Zhao Wuyong chuckled. "Brother Yang is a protective man. Back then, he would fight against the entire martial world for a single demon. Let alone you. If you get hurt, he won't care about human relationships or worldly rules."

Yang Chenghan remained silent, only gazing up at the sky.

"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore." Zhao Wuyong coughed twice and got back to the point: "One last question, if you learn business from me and become highly skilled, would you be willing to join my Zhao family?"

Yang Chenghan found Zhao Wuyong's question somewhat strange, but after hesitating for a moment, he stood up and stood in front of him, then knelt down and kowtowed, saying: "Whether it is studying or learning martial arts, it is all about inheritance. I am learning business from my uncle, so my uncle is my master. A teacher for a day is a father for life. Now that I have completed my studies, I will naturally help my uncle solve his problems."

"Good, good, good," Zhao Wuyong nodded in satisfaction: "Now that you've joined my Zhao family, you'll have to listen to me in everything from now on."

"Now, I'm going to give you something to do. Are you willing to do it?"

Yang Chenghan said, "I will do my best."

Zhao Wuyong smiled slightly: "There's no rush to learn business. Go find Yun Chu now and teach her martial arts."

"Huh?" Yang Chenghan was confused and bewildered.

After lunch, Zhao Yunchu changed into the blue double-breasted shirt he usually wore when practicing martial arts. In his hand was a thick, three-foot-six-inch blue and white sword that had not been opened. He began with a back-sword flourish, then followed with a wrist-scissor flourish and a sword-pointing flourish, then turned and swung his sword, followed by a cloud-sword swing and a leg swing. Finally, he finished with a wrist-scissor flourish and a somersault to point his sword.

The entire sword technique is fluid and powerful, like the wind blowing across the sea, creating small waves. When the wind picks up, it creates waves that crash against the rocks and submerge them. Finally, the wind calms down and the sea recedes.

Zhao Yunchu stood tall with her sword on her back, looking incredibly dashing. Wan Dou, standing to the side, cheered loudly, "Miss is amazing!"

Pear Blossom cheered her on, shouting, "Miss, one more! I haven't had enough!"

Zhao Yunchu was also inspired by the shouts of the two men, and immediately began to show off her swordsmanship.

Not far away, Yang Chenghan and Zhao Wuyong stood under a tree, watching Zhao Yunchu practice his sword. For a moment, he didn't know what to say. He only heard Zhao Wuyong say, "Ever since Lu Ya came to the Zhao family, this child has been pestering Lu Ya to learn martial arts every day. He has been learning for quite a few years now."

Yang Chenghan asked, "When did Young Master Lu arrive at the Zhao family?"

Zhao Wuyong raised his eyebrows and thought for a moment, then said, "The second day of the sixth month of the tenth year of Wen Shang."

Yang Chenghan lowered his head and thought for a moment: "That is, one month after the great chaos ends?"

"Yes, he also came from the capital."

"A young man named Li Chengru came with him."

"He was the best in the world at that time."

"Moreover, the title of martial arts alliance leader was bestowed upon him by His Majesty. In an instant, martial arts practitioners flocked to him, surrounding the entire city of Huangzhou. All officials and merchants in Huangzhou rushed to see him, and I was no exception."

"But Li Chengru's heart was not in the martial arts world, and he left after a short time. It is said that he resigned from his position as the leader of the martial arts alliance a few days ago and devoted himself to traveling and enjoying the scenery. And that year, I invited Lu Ya to my home and made him the door god of the Zhao family."

"Young Master Lu, is it because of your relationship with your father that you chose to come to the Zhao family?" Yang Chenghan blurted out.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuyong smiled and said, "Yes. I remember the first thing he said to me was, 'Do you know where Yang Tianqian, the venerable senior Yang, is?'"

“Lu Ya has a high status in the martial arts world, but in my eyes he is just a child. His obsession with Brother Yang is almost insane. But in order to keep Brother Yang from being disturbed, I told him that I didn’t know where Brother Yang went after he left.”

"So, I also want to say something to you. Just like these businessmen today, there must be a reason why they are willing to approach you. For example, Lu Ya came to the Zhao family because of my relationship with Brother Yang, while they are doing so because of our relationship."

Yang Chenghan bowed and said, "Nephew understands."

"Okay, let's go."

Yang Chenghan nodded and left.

As Zhao Wuyong watched Yang Chenghan walk towards Zhao Yunchu, it inexplicably reminded him of how Yang Tianqian walked towards her on their wedding day, just like Yang Chenghan was now. However, back then, Yang Tianqian was young and arrogant and could not be stopped, regardless of whether you were a god in heaven!

Zhao Yunchu's first swordplay was like a fleeting glance in Yang Chenghan's eyes; it was beautiful but not practical.

"Young Master Cheng Han."

When Lihua saw Yang Chenghan and the others approaching, she quickly bowed.

Wan Dou, who was standing to the side, stopped clapping and cheering and quickly called out, "Young Master Cheng Han."

Yang Chenghan nodded in return to the two, and Zhao Yunchu quickly slung her sword over her shoulder and ran toward Yang Chenghan upon seeing him, saying, "Brother Chenghan."

Yang Chenghan was a little uncomfortable being addressed like that by Zhao Yunchu, but he didn't know how to address Zhao Yunchu properly. Calling him "Brother Yang" was a bit too much, and calling him "Shouren" was inappropriate in terms of seniority. Helpless, Yang Chenghan could only respond with a curt "Brother Chenghan, what brings you here?"

Yang Chenghan turned to look at Zhao Wuyong, who was already standing under the tree with An Zhilan, and said, "My uncle asked me to teach you martial arts."

"Really?!" Zhao Yun was pleasantly surprised upon hearing this, then followed Yang Chenghan's gaze and called out to the two adults under the tree, "Father! Mother!"

Pear Blossom and Wan Dou remained silent and bowed to the two men.

Zhao Wuyong and An Zhilan waved briefly, then Zhao Yunchu pulled Yang Chenghan to the center and asked, "Brother Chenghan, how do you teach me?"

Yang Chenghan glanced at the sword behind Zhao Yunchu and asked, "How long have you been practicing swordsmanship?"

Zhao Yunchu replied without hesitation, "Five years."

"Five years," Yang Chenghan frowned inwardly, then asked, "What did Young Master Lu teach you?"

Zhao Yunchu was a little confused. She said, "Just swordsmanship?"

"Brother Lu said that swordsmanship is the way of the gentleman, while knives and spears are too domineering and not suitable for me to practice."

Yang Chenghan nodded, seemingly lost in thought: "I see."

He then asked Zhao Yunchu for a sword and demonstrated a set of sword techniques for him.
Zhao Wuyong, standing under the tree, watched Yang Chenghan practice his swordsmanship and couldn't help but sigh, "If only Brother Yang were here."

An Zhilan took his arm, rested her head on his shoulder, and said, "Fate is unpredictable, and life is full of uncertainties. Don't always lament these things. Look, Cheng Han is here now, isn't he?"

Zhao Wuyong turned his head to look at An Zhilan, who was leaning against him, and asked, "Have you thought about their marriage?"

An Zhilan said gently, "Master's judgment has never been wrong, and I also genuinely like Han'er."

Zhao Wuyong gently released An Zhilan's hand from his arm, then pulled her into his embrace again, patting her shoulder softly as if soothing a baby to sleep, and said, "No rush, there's plenty of time. Let them get to know each other better first, and we'll discuss marriage when the time is right."

"Sir, would you like to write a letter to Brother Yang and tell him?"

An Zhilan's consideration was thorough, and Zhao Wuyong nodded in agreement: "It is appropriate to inform them. On their wedding day, we will bring Brother Yang and Sister-in-law Yang to Huangzhou so that they can witness Cheng Han and Yun Chu's marriage."

Finally, Zhao Wuyong took An Zhilan's hand, turned around, and said, "Let's go, we won't disturb the children any longer."

Finally, An Zhilan playfully said, "There are hibiscus on the mountain and lotus flowers in the marsh."

Zhao Wuyong raised an eyebrow and thought for a moment, then said, "Her beauty is as radiant as a bright mirror, and her elegance as exquisite as brocade."

Finally, the two said in unison, "A talented man and a beautiful woman, a perfect match."

The trees sway in the wind, and beautiful couples stand beneath them.

Plants do not compete for spring, yet they continue to thrive; waves do not compete for speed, yet they surge endlessly.

In the days that followed, Yang Chenghan not only learned business from Zhao Wuyong, but also taught Zhao Yunchu martial arts. He also began to gradually take over some shops, which, according to Zhao Wuyong, was the unity of knowledge and action. Since he had learned something, he should put it into practice; as the saying goes, "Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles."

Yang Chenghan lived up to expectations. After taking over several shops, he began to negotiate business with other vendors, as well as subsequent expansion and closures. Among them was Gu Yi.

Only now did Yang Chenghan understand why Zhao Wuyong had told him, "In this world, money is the root of all evil; who isn't a person who strives for profit?"

"According to the previous agreement, our Zhao family will receive twelve taels of silver, but what about the taxes?"

"According to our dynasty's tax system, one-thirtieth of the tax is levied. In the past three months, we sold a thousand bolts of silk fabric, bringing in a total of 30,000 taels of silver, with 900 taels of tax paid. That's 900 taels of real money. Look at the two brothers who came with you, and then look at yourself! Back then, we gave you a six-month rent-free shop because we thought you had it tough, and even let you use our business name. Is this how you do business?"

Inside an inn, Yang Chenghan was already red with anger. In his mind, the phrase "no merchant is without guile" had become his stereotype of merchants. Seeing Yang Chenghan so angry, Gu Yi quickly explained, "Young Master Yang, it's all my fault. I blame myself for not explaining things clearly to you at the time. Here's what I'll do: I'll make up for the taxes for these three months, and I'll also pay the majority of the taxes after that, seven... no, eight. Please calm down, Young Master Yang."

Gu Yi knelt down in front of Yang Chenghan with a thud, but Yang Chenghan was a soft-hearted person, so he did not agree: "How about this, you close the shop first, and I will go back and discuss it with my uncle."

After saying that, Yang Chenghan got up and stormed off.

After watching Yang Chenghan leave, Gu Yi slapped himself several times, regretting his past actions. He shouldn't have deliberately concealed the tax issue because he thought Yang was young and unfamiliar with business. Now, those two are doing very well in business, while he has ended up like this because of a few hundred taels of silver.

Even a mournful cry is a manifestation of greed!
Yang Chenghan returned to the Zhao residence filled with worry, and was even absent-minded when watching Zhao Yunchu practice swordsmanship.

Zhao Yunchu, prompted by Lihua, came to his side and asked, "Brother Chenghan, I've been waiting for you. What's wrong?"

Zhao Yunchu's sudden appearance startled Yang Chenghan. He shook his head and said, "Do you remember the silk merchant who came to our house a few months ago?"

Zhao Yunchu nodded and replied, "I remember. Their voices sounded fine to me, so why do you still look so worried? Did something happen to them?"

Yang Chenghan sighed: "The two brothers in the jewelry business are fairly decent, but Gu Yi is the only one who deserves it. I can't entirely blame him; I guess I'm just not very familiar with business."

Zhao Yunchu frowned and thought for a moment, then suddenly remembered something: "Oh, right. Father said he's waiting for you in the main hall."

She thought for a moment and said, "So that's why Dad made me practice martial arts here so early in the morning to wait for you."

Yang Chenghan didn't understand: "What do you mean?"

Zhao Yunchu, carrying his sword, said, "Father didn't say anything, so I can only wait for you here and then call you over."

Yang Chenghan frowned. He had originally planned to go find Zhao Wuyong as soon as possible, but he felt too ashamed to face the old man, so he could only stand there in a daze.

(End of this chapter)