Courtyard House: Passing through the Silly Pillar, Activating the Blessed Cave Heaven

27

In this dog-eat-dog world, anyone who can expand their business across the country must be a formidable individual who has endured countless trials and tribulations.

Upon arriving at the kitchen, Wu Baotian instructed He Yuzhu to first clean the ingredients needed for the day before testing his knife skills.

He Yuzhu washed the vegetables as instructed by his master and stood in front of the cutting board waiting for orders.

Wu Baotian handed over a white radish: "Cut it into thin strips."

He Yuzhu placed the radish on the cutting board, picked up a knife to weigh it, and then began to chop it with lightning speed.

Wu Baotian observed from the sidelines with a cold eye—a true expert can tell whether someone has real skill just by making a move.

This twelve-year-old boy's knife skills were even better than his son's at the same age.

After all the radishes were shredded, Wu Baotian picked up a small handful, examined them carefully, and nodded in satisfaction.

"The knife is very steady, and the shredded vegetables are cut evenly and neatly."

But you are still young and not strong enough. After you finish chopping vegetables every day, fill a pot with sand and practice flipping the pot.

After practicing for half an hour, rest for the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, then continue practicing for another half hour.

He Yuzhu thus began his apprenticeship.

After the lunch service opened, he followed Wu Baotian to help out in the kitchen.

At the end of the Wei hour (1-3 PM), after the stove fire was sealed, He Yuzhu cleaned up the stove and went home with his master.

After Wu Baotian went inside to rest, He Yuzhu said to his teacher's wife, Liu E:

"Master's wife, my sister-in-law told me that there is a female boxing master named Shang nearby, whose kung fu is very powerful. I would like to visit her."

Go ahead, and be careful on the road.

Her house is just over there on the east side; you can find it by asking around.

"Remember to come back early, you need to go to the restaurant with your master around 3 PM." Liu E said while sewing the shoe soles.

"I understand. I'll be right back and it definitely won't delay things."

"Master's wife, please rest." He Yuzhu bowed and ran out of the courtyard gate in a flash.

After asking some children playing at the east end of the street, I quickly found the Shang family's residence.

The vermilion gate was tightly closed.

He Yuzhu grasped the brass door knocker and gently knocked three times.

After a while, a girl with her hair in two buns opened the door a crack and asked with her almond-shaped eyes, "Who are you?"

"Sister, is this the residence of Master Shang Yunxiang, the senior of Xingyi Quan? My name is He Yuzhu, and I have come here specifically to become his disciple and learn martial arts." The young man bowed with his hands clasped, his sleeves still carrying a faint scent of scallions.

"My husband's surname is indeed Shang."

"Please come in first. We need to ask the master's permission before you can become his apprentice." The girl stepped aside to make way. "How old are you this year?"

"I'm twelve years old."

What should I call my older sister?

"Just call me Xiao Cui." The maid closed the door. "You wait here, I'll go inform the master."

After about half a cup of tea's time, the vermilion gate opened again.

Xiao Cui waved to him: "The master is willing to see you."

Passing through the screen wall, He Yuzhu saw a woman with her hair tied up sitting under the pomegranate tree. She had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and an extraordinary demeanor.

She tapped the stone table lightly with her fingertips: "You were still an infant when my father passed away, how would you know his name?"

He Yuzhu quickly said, "My name is He Yuzhu. I live in Nanluoguxiang and I am currently learning cooking from Wu Baotian in Muzhu Hutong."

I once met an old man practicing boxing at Shichahai. He told me that it was Xingyiquan.