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

69

"Zhu Zi, we've traveled a thousand miles, but we must part ways eventually. You can stop here." Shang Zhirong looked at He Yuzhu's reddened eyes and said gently, "With your master's skills, those petty thieves on the road are nothing to fear."

We're just going back to our hometown in Shandong, it's not a final farewell. We'll definitely meet again someday.

"Master, this is my home address." He Yuzhu handed over a slip of paper. "Remember to write to me once you've settled in your hometown."

"Alright." Shang Zhirong took the note, turned to the coachman and said, "It's getting late, let's set off."

The crisp sound of the whip rang out, and the carriage slowly drove away.

He Yuzhu stood there, waving goodbye until the carriage disappeared completely into the distance.

He didn't know that this separation would mean they wouldn't be able to reunite for another thirty years.

Around noon, the convoy stopped for a rest outside the city.

Shang Zhirong untied the bundle, preparing to share the roast chicken inside, when she suddenly discovered a paper package hidden inside.

She unfolded the paper package and found a letter and a thick wad of cash inside.

She handed the money to her mother, gesturing for her to keep it safe, and then unfolded the letter.

"When Master sees this letter, he must have already left the capital."

"Years will pass, and I will not be able to serve you by your side. This money is a token of my filial piety." After reading the letter, Shang Zhirong's eyes welled up with tears.

After listening to the contents of the letter, Madam Shang sighed softly and said, "Zhirong, you have taken in a good disciple who values ​​loyalty and righteousness."

From then on, He Yuzhu would still come to this small courtyard to practice his skills every evening.

He sat on the stone bench where his master used to sit, and in a daze, he always felt that his master was still by his side.

That day, he suddenly stood up and decided to go to Yangshi Lei and ask him to help repair the courtyard.

"Auntie, may I ask if Yangshi Lei lives in this alley?" He Yuzhu asked an old woman who was sewing shoe soles in Labaying Alley.

"What did you say? Speak louder, this old woman is hard of hearing, I can't hear you!"

"Is Yang-shi-lei living in this alley?" He Yuzhu raised his voice and asked again.

"Where would we get landmines in this alley? The neon-lit bastards were driven away long ago, what's the point of burying landmines?" The old woman's words left He Yuzhu speechless, so he could only wave his hand and continue walking forward.

After turning two corners, He Yuzhu saw several middle-aged women chatting idly at the entrance.

"Aunties, are you resting? I wanted to ask you about someone. Does Yangshi Lei live in this alley? I'd like to ask him to help repair my house."

"You mean Lao Lei? Go straight ahead, the third house is his." An older woman kindly pointed out the way to her and couldn't help but praise her, "Young man, you're really tall."

He Yuzhu thanked the women and then arrived at the front of the Yangshi Lei family's house.

Seeing that the gate was open, he went straight in and asked, "Is Master Lei home?"

As soon as I entered the courtyard, Yangshi Lei came out to greet me.

"I am Yangshi Lei. May I ask who you are...?"

"Master Lei, I asked you to repair my house three years ago in Qudeng Hutong."

My surname is He, do you remember me?

"Oh my!" Yang Shilei slapped his forehead. "I remember now! But you've changed so much. It's been three years, and you've grown so tall. I almost didn't recognize you." He warmly ushered He Yuzhu into the courtyard.