novel-bin Chapter 81 Before Departure
Chapter 81 Before Departure
The news spread faster than Jiang Lan had anticipated.
No more than a day after the siege ended, the courtyard gate in the alley was knocked on precisely on time this morning.
The knocking was rhythmic and measured, unlike casual visits between neighbors; it sounded more like a well-planned, polite visit.
Cheng Erniang put down the wooden basin she was about to use to wash vegetables, wiped the water off her hands, and slowly walked to the courtyard gate.
The old wooden door creaked slightly when pushed open, breaking the tranquility of the alley in the early morning.
A familiar figure stood outside the door.
His gray silk robe was spotless, made of a fine material that ordinary people would not dare to wear. His hair was meticulously combed, and even his sideburns were neatly trimmed.
The middle-aged man deliberately straightened his back, a slightly humble smile on his face.
He is Jiang Lan's second uncle, Jiang Dazhuang.
"Sister-in-law, is Alan in the yard?"
Jiang Dazhuang's voice was gentle, and his tone was more polite than ever before. He leaned forward slightly and bowed, adopting an extremely humble posture.
Cheng Erniang was gentle and not good at dealing with such sudden intimacy. She simply stepped aside, said softly "Yes," and let the person into the courtyard.
The snow in the courtyard had not completely melted, and Jiang Lan was practicing his boxing in the center of the courtyard.
He had just finished a set of Tiger Stance, his body as steady as a pine tree, his limbs calm, and fine beads of sweat on his forehead that slid down his body, soaking through his inner clothes.
Hearing the noise, he looked up.
"Second Uncle."
He spoke, his tone slightly distant.
Upon seeing this, Jiang Dazhuang immediately stepped forward quickly, deliberately keeping his footsteps light, for fear of disturbing the rhythm of his boxing practice.
He stood in front of Jiang Lan, his gaze sweeping over her from head to toe, from her well-defined physique to her restrained aura. He couldn't hide the flattery and envy in his eyes.
"Ah Lan, you've really made something of yourself."
Jiang Dazhuang rubbed his hands together, his smile growing more earnest, his tone full of deliberate flattery.
"I heard the news this morning and rushed over. I heard you're heading to Anxi City to join a major sect for cultivation. This is the most joyous occasion for our Jiang family in recent years!"
He paused, suppressed his smile, adopted a look of deep family affection, and added a touch of emotion to his tone.
"Your grandfather heard the news last night and didn't sleep a wink. He sat on the doorstep smoking his pipe for half the night, repeatedly muttering your name. He's old, his legs are stiff, and his health is deteriorating day by day. He can't make the long journey to see you off, but he's been thinking about you constantly."
"Your second aunt also got up early this morning to say that no matter what conflicts or disagreements there may have been in the family before, blood is thicker than water, and we are still family. You have gone so far away, and we don't know when you will be able to return. The old lady wants to see you one last time and give you a proper send-off."
Jiang Dazhuang's gaze was sincere, and his words were earnest.
Jiang Lan heard everything clearly but remained indifferent.
Now that he has distinguished himself and holds a letter of recommendation from a major sect, he is about to travel to the prefectural city to step into a higher realm of martial arts.
In previous years, clansmen who would have avoided him would now rush to claim kinship and try to rekindle their so-called blood ties.
How hypocritical, how ridiculous!
Seeing that he remained silent, Jiang Dazhuang assumed that he was moved and pressed on while the iron was hot, gently advising him:
"Your grandfather has no other thoughts, he just can't bear to part with you. Do you think we could spare half a day before you leave, and find a clean restaurant so the whole family can sit down and have a farewell meal? Let the old man see you with his own eyes, and he'll feel at ease."
The words were spoken with sincerity and seemed to be entirely out of concern for the elders, but in reality, every word concealed a calculation.
If Jiang Lan attends the banquet, he will tacitly accept the kinship ties imposed upon him by the Jiang family. If he gains a foothold in the prefectural city and the Daishan Sect in the future and rises to prominence, these hypocritical family members will have a legitimate reason to curry favor and seek help from him.
Human relationships at the bottom of society are always a precise calculation of advantages and disadvantages.
The weak have no family ties, while the strong are loved by all.
Jiang Lan continued wiping away her sweat without stopping, her expression calm and undisturbed.
He glanced towards the kitchen out of the corner of his eye. Cheng Erniang had already silently gone inside, and the faint sound of the spatula lightly touching the iron pot on the stove could be heard. His mother was gentle and loyal, and even though she had suffered neglect from the Jiang family, she still held a sliver of hope for the clan in her heart.
He didn't want to put his mother in a difficult position, and he didn't want to be bound by these useless emotional shackles.
Jiang Dazhuang remained standing in the same spot, his hands hanging at his sides, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the seams of his trousers repeatedly, his posture awkward and humble.
In just one year, the hardships of life had already left their mark on him. Deep wrinkles appeared at the corners of his eyes, and glaring white hairs sprouted at his temples. He exuded a sense of weariness and vicissitude from struggling at the bottom of society.
His only son, Jiang Hao, got a stable job as a guard for the Liu family in the county town, so he rarely came home and neglected his elderly father. Jiang Dazhuang stayed alone in the old house, doing odd jobs, working hard in all kinds of weather, living a plain and impoverished life with no dignity whatsoever.
That's why he was so eager to seize Jiang Lan's suddenly rising connections, hoping to use the glory of this branch of the family to gain a glimmer of hope for the future for himself and the Jiang family.
Jiang Lan stopped what she was doing, and neatly draped the coarse cloth towel in her hand over the bluestone on the edge of the well. Her movements were orderly and her mind was calm.
"Second Uncle, thank you for your trouble. Please thank Grandpa for his concern."
"I've just been too busy lately. I need to pay my respects to the martial arts school, fulfill all the instructions from my master, pack my luggage for the journey, prepare provisions for the road... I'm busy with all these trivial matters and have no free time every day. I simply can't find the time to attend the banquet."
His tone was sincere, and his reasons were sound, leaving no room for criticism.
"Once I have arrived in the capital and settled in, I will immediately send a message back to my hometown. If the opportunity and conditions permit, I will invite my grandfather to stay in the capital for a while, as a junior to show my respect."
A promise made in the distant future gently pushed aside all the emotional blackmail and scheming entanglements before her. It preserved the proper etiquette of the younger generation while completely blocking the Jiang family's current avenues for currying favor.
Jiang Dazhuang's expectant expression froze instantly, his lips trembling slightly. He knew in his heart that this was a tactful rejection, yet he couldn't find any reason to refute it. All the emotional appeals and polite words he had prepared were stuck in his throat, unable to be uttered.
He opened his mouth, but could only manage a stiff smile: "Alright, alright. Your future is the most important thing; these little family matters are nothing. I'll definitely talk to your grandfather about it when I get back. He'll be happy to hear that you have this intention."
After saying that, he stood there awkwardly, unable to find any reason to stay any longer.
"Then you can busy yourself with your chores, I won't disturb your practice."
Jiang Lan nodded slightly and politely saw him off.
Jiang Dazhuang turned and walked away, but after taking two or three steps, he suddenly stopped and turned back. His gaze, filled with complex emotions, fell upon the increasingly composed young man before him. After a moment of silence, he finally uttered a simple word of advice:
"The journey is long, so please be careful in everything you do and take good care of yourself."
Jiang Lan nodded in agreement, "I understand."
……
As time flows by, the sun rises higher, the morning chill fades, and the afternoon sun pierces through the clouds, illuminating the streets and alleys of Changping.
The old teahouse on the street corner is still bustling with people, packed with guests.
Some lamented the downfall of those powerful forces that had dominated for years, with all their leaders imprisoned.
Some were amazed by the swift and decisive actions of the Armed Forces Department, which eradicated the chaos of pharmacies selling banned drugs overnight.
Some people are saying that the martial arts landscape in the county has been completely transformed.
The city was in an uproar, and the discussion was heated.
The martial arts school gates were open, and the disciples inside stood in twos and threes, whispering among themselves, creating a tense and oppressive atmosphere.
Upon seeing Jiang Lan enter the courtyard, all the discussions abruptly ceased.
Several familiar disciples spoke up, calling out softly, "Senior Brother Jiang."
Jiang Lan nodded slightly in response, and continued walking straight towards her master's room without stopping.
But before they could even reach the door, a completely different sound of carriages and horses suddenly came from outside the alley.
The clear, melodious sound of the copper bells rang out, tinkling and echoing throughout the quiet alley.
Upon hearing the sound, all the disciples turned to look at the gate, their eyes filled with curiosity and nervousness.
The next moment, a finely crafted blue-curtained carriage slowly came into view.
The carriage was covered with clean and smooth blue cloth curtains, the frame was polished, and the horses were magnificent and strong, clearly indicating that it was trained by a major sect.
The coachman landed and deftly lifted the carriage curtain.
A middle-aged man in a gray robe was the first to get off the bus.
He had a black jade token hanging from his waist, with intricate patterns. This was the exclusive mark of the outer sect stewards of the Daishan Sect, symbolizing their orthodox status within the sect.
He landed firmly, his gaze sweeping lightly over the martial arts school courtyard, his eyes carrying the indifference and detachment of a master from a major sect looking down on a small place.
Then, he bent down slightly, reached out, and carefully helped the second person down from the carriage.
Liu Yun.
She was once the most outstanding female disciple of the martial arts school, with exceptional talent and a delicate temperament. She was Liu Changqing's carefully cultivated direct descendant.
Today, she has shed her usual sharp and powerful attire for martial arts practice. She wears a light blue cotton dress with a simple cloak over it, her figure slender and delicate, her hands tightly clutching a small, plain cloth bundle.
The girl's face was pale, her lips were light in color, and her eyes were obviously red. There was still moisture in her eyes, but she bit her lower lip tightly, trying her best not to shed tears.
She stood beside the unfamiliar carriage, taking one last, deep look back at the gate of the martial arts school where she had spent so many years.
After a moment of lingering affection, she lowered her head, suppressed all her emotions, obediently turned to the side, and followed the middle-aged man in the gray robe into the martial arts hall courtyard.
The entire courtyard was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
All the disciples' eyes were fixed on Liu Yun and the gray-robed deacon, their hearts filled with mixed emotions.
hurried footsteps sounded in the backyard, and Liu Changqing strode out.
The usually composed and calm man walked with a slightly hurried pace today, his eyes revealing a barely perceptible reluctance, yet he still maintained the dignified demeanor of a grandmaster.
He strode up to the middle-aged man in the gray robe, stood upright, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and said, "Senior brother has come from afar and must be tired from the journey. I trouble you to personally escort my daughter."
The gray-robed deacon casually raised his hand, then waved it off indifferently, his tone distant and carrying the disdain of a superior: "It's my duty, no need to be polite."
"We will set off today, using both water and land routes, and arrive at the Cangwu Mountain Gate in three days. Upon arrival, we will first be settled in the outer sect residence to rest and recuperate. After all the procedures for obtaining our sect registration and qualifications are completed, we will be directly transferred to the inner sect pharmacy to study under the elders, becoming a key junior that the sect is cultivating."
These words undoubtedly sealed Liu Yun's future in front of everyone.
Cultivated by direct descendants, practicing within the inner sect, and receiving guidance from elders, their starting point far surpasses that of ordinary outer sect disciples, making it an opportunity that countless martial arts students dream of.
Liu Changqing nodded slightly and turned to look at his silent daughter beside him.
He raised his hand, wanting to pat his daughter's shoulder as usual to offer comfort and advice, but as his hand hovered in mid-air, looking at his daughter's unfamiliar and uneasy expression, he paused slightly and slowly lowered it.
After years of careful upbringing, the thought of parting ways is unbearable, but I can only let her go and explore her own path.
"Once you enter the sect, abide by the rules and diligently cultivate. Follow your master's instructions in all matters, restrain your mind and nature, and do not act willfully or recklessly."
The instructions were gentle, yet they concealed endless expectations and concerns.
Liu Yun lowered her head and eyes, her voice soft and weak, carrying the bittersweet feeling of a young girl leaving her hometown: "This disciple understands and will follow Father's teachings."
The gray-robed deacon's gaze swept over the disciples in the courtyard once more, slowly passing over Sun Shun, Xiao Bai, and others, before finally lingering on Jiang Lan for a moment.
An ordinary disciple with nine acupoints...
The deacon glanced at him, then turned to look at Liu Changqing, making a show of force in front of everyone.
"Junior Brother Liu, the head of the academy has asked me to convey a message."
"The number of county-level recommendation slots is extremely limited, representing a rare opportunity allocated by the sect. Each slot carries the sect's resources and must not be wasted."
"In the path of martial arts, talent, aptitude, opportunity, and temperament are all indispensable. Sects spare no effort to cultivate truly promising talents; conversely, those with mediocre talent, shallow foundation, and insufficient temperament, even if they manage to enter the mountains by chance, will only waste resources and will find it difficult to achieve great things."
"Junior Sister Liu is the right candidate chosen by the sect in advance, and her future is already set. As for the other martial arts school disciples, their aptitudes vary, and their opportunities have not yet arrived. Whether they can enter our Cangwu Mountain Sect still requires long-term observation."
His words, seemingly fair and impartial, were in fact a public categorization of social classes.
To tell everyone frankly: Liu Yun is the chosen one of the direct descendants, a genius recognized by the sect; while the rest of the people, including all the diligent disciples present, are mediocre people who are not even worthy of the sect's attention, and have little chance of even competing for a spot.
All the disciples in the courtyard lowered their heads, and no one dared to speak.
The young man's resentment and glimmer of hope were completely crushed by these few words.
Liu Changqing remained calm and composed, showing neither anger nor resentment. He simply nodded in response, "What Senior Brother says is absolutely right. It is the rule of the sect, and that is how it should be."
As the owner of a local martial arts school, he had no choice but to accept the rules of the major sects, even if he wanted to protect his own.
The gray-robed steward said no more, turned around and helped Liu Yun up again, then stepped onto the carriage.
The blue cloth curtain slowly fell, blocking the view between the inside and outside.
The crisp sound of the bell rang again, the wheels rolled, rolling over the wet and slippery bluestone road, and slowly drove out of the alley.
Sun Geng stood beside the weapon rack, his face gloomy and unsightly, his fists clenched silently, his eyes filled with resentment and frustration, yet he was helpless.
The remaining disciples looked at each other in pairs, their eyes dim, and no one spoke. The entire courtyard remained deathly silent.
Everyone was jolted awake by the formidable barriers and brutal hierarchies of the major sects.
Diligent cultivation in small places is not worth mentioning in the eyes of such sects.
After a few breaths of silence, Liu Changqing suddenly raised his eyes, his gaze precisely locking onto Jiang Lan in the crowd.
Their eyes met, one still, the other deep.
"Come with me."
With just three simple words, devoid of emotion, he turned and strode towards the study in the backyard.
Jiang Lan followed silently, her steps steady and her expression calm.
The study in the backyard, with its wooden door closed, shuts out all the noise of the courtyard.
Liu Changqing sat upright behind his desk, quietly watching Jiang Lan standing in the room, remaining silent for several breaths.
After a long silence, he spoke slowly, his voice low and calm:
"You heard what I just said."
"Mm," Jiang Lan replied succinctly.
"This senior master is straightforward and sharp-tongued, and doesn't know how to be polite or tactful." Liu Changqing's tone softened, with a hint of deliberate reassurance. "The Cangwu Sect has extremely high entry requirements and extremely scarce resources. The sect has always valued talent and innate ability. These words are normal in the sect. You don't need to take them to heart and disturb your own Dao heart."
He feared that his young disciples, being arrogant and haughty, would feel slighted and resentful, which would affect their cultivation.
Jiang Lan remained silent, offering no explanation or expressing any emotion.
He doesn't need comforting or reassurance.
He rose from the muddy bottom, and along the way, he had heard countless scornful remarks, ridicule, and denials.
A mere remark of contempt from the sect is not enough to disturb his resolve.
Seeing his calm demeanor, Liu Changqing's eyes flashed with approval, then he changed the subject and got straight to the point:
"What brings you here today?"
Jiang Lan stood upright, clasped his hands in a respectful bow, displaying impeccable manners, and spoke clearly:
"This disciple has come to bid farewell to Master today. I will soon be ready to travel to the prefectural city to begin my cultivation at the Daishan Sect."
Liu Changqing's eyebrows twitched slightly, showing no surprise whatsoever, as if he had already seen through everything.
He calmly pressed further, "Zhou Tieshan contacted you?"
"Yes," Jiang Lan replied frankly. "Commander Zhou, mindful of our past relationship, has gifted me a letter of recommendation from the Daishan Sect, granting me an opportunity."
The study fell silent once again.
He gazed at Jiang Lan silently, his eyes deep. After a long while, he slowly got up and moved to the wooden cabinet against the wall.
The old wooden cabinet had deep, dark grain and neatly arranged locks. He reached out and opened the cabinet door, taking out a small, dark red wooden box from the deepest part of the cabinet.
The wooden box is not large, but its edges are smooth and shiny from years of wear, bearing the marks of time. It is clearly a precious item that has been treasured for a long time.
Liu Changqing returned with the box, gently placed it on the desk, and slowly pushed it in front of Jiang Lan.
"Open it and take a look."
Jiang Lan did as instructed, raising her hand and lifting the lid of the wooden box.
The items inside the box are neatly arranged and easy to see.
A thick stack of silver notes was neatly piled up, with one note on top worth fifty taels, and dozens more stacked below, totaling a full three hundred taels. The notes were brand new, flat, with clear lines, and felt substantial.
Beside the silver note, ten round pills were neatly wrapped in oiled paper. The aroma of the medicine was subtle and mellow, neither pungent nor overpowering, making them the most reliable Qi-cultivating pills for beginners in martial arts training. On the surface of the oiled paper, the medicinal properties, effects, and contraindications were handwritten, with neat and meticulous handwriting.
"Three hundred taels of silver notes."
"Ten Qi-Nourishing Pills".
"The prefectural city is not like the county town. Every inch of land is precious. Food, clothing, housing, transportation, social interactions, and networking all cost money. Although the Daishan Sect provides food and lodging for its disciples, the sect has a strict hierarchy. Cultivating connections, acquiring resources, and making a living all require money to pave the way."
"Keep all these supplies safe and carry them with you for any needs on your journey."
Jiang Lan lowered her eyes to look at the heavy supplies in the box, her fingertips twitching slightly, but she did not immediately take them.
Three hundred taels of silver and ten pills of Peiyuan Dan.
For ordinary martial artists in county towns, this is a rare and precious opportunity that they have accumulated over many years.
He spoke up, his tone sincere: "Master, I have done nothing to deserve such a reward. This generous gift is far too much for me."
Liu Changqing raised his hand to interrupt him directly, his tone firm and brooking no refusal.
"Take it."
"You have made countless contributions to the martial arts school, and this reward is well-deserved and rightfully yours."
Liu Changqing's gaze deepened as he continued the sentence:
"Moreover, if you can successfully enter the Daishan Sect and establish yourself in the prefectural city, achieve success in your cultivation, and distinguish yourself, one day you will be famous in the martial arts world and hold a high position, and the world will know that you came from the Guangchang Martial Arts School."
"Your glory is the glory of Guangchang Martial Arts School. Today the school is doing its best to cultivate you, and in the future you will repay the school. It is a natural and mutually beneficial relationship."
Jiang Lan understood completely, and felt no more burden in her heart.
He bent down, slowly closed the wooden box, took it with both hands, solemnly clasped his hands and bowed: "Disciple will remember Master's cultivation and will live up to the expectations of the sect in this life."
Liu Changqing waved his hand slightly, sat down again, and looked at Jiang Lan with a mixture of relief, reluctance, and a sense of worldly wisdom.
"When you first entered the martial arts school, I never imagined you would get to where you are today."
He lowered his voice, speaking slowly as if to himself or giving instructions:
"Your physical constitution is ordinary, your talent is average, and your comprehension is not outstanding. In terms of martial arts talent, you are far inferior to Liu Yun and many other geniuses from the same sect."
"But you possess a quality that none of the genius disciples have."
"You can endure it."
These three simple words reveal Jiang Lan's biggest trump card.
"Others practice a boxing technique once and then become tired and do it perfunctorily. But you practice day and night, ten times, a hundred times, a thousand times, relentlessly until you polish it to perfection."
"Others become complacent and arrogant after achieving a little success, and stop making progress. You, on the other hand, concentrate on your studies, improve every day, endure loneliness, and guard your true self."
"In this world, there are countless people with exceptional talent, and every year there are geniuses who become famous at a young age. But after the great waves have washed away the sand, those who can ultimately weather the storms, stand firm, and go all the way are never the arrogant geniuses, but rather the resilient people like you who are willing to put in the hard work, endure, persevere, and fight to the death."
He looked up and solemnly instructed:
"After joining the Daishan Sect, remember to stay true to yourself and do not compete with others in terms of talent, opportunities, or connections."
"You only need to remember one thing—endure longer than everyone else, be more composed than everyone else, and fight harder than everyone else."
"Only those who can endure will last long."
Jiang Lan bowed deeply, his posture respectful, and every word resonated with him: "This disciple will remember Master's teachings for the rest of my life."
"Go." Liu Changqing waved his hand, his tone indifferent. "Get ready as soon as possible and set off on time, lest you miss the opportunities ahead."
Jiang Lan turned around in response, walked to the door of the study, and then suddenly stopped.
He turned his head slightly, looked at his master who was sitting alone at the desk, and spoke softly:
"My senior sister went to the sect, and from then on, we were separated by the mountain gate, leaving Master alone to guard the martial arts school..."
The words were left unsaid, but the deeper meaning was self-evident.
Liu Changqing dedicated his life to teaching martial arts and nurturing students, giving his all to cultivate his disciples. Now, all of his most outstanding students have left, leaving him the only one left to hold down the fort in the vast martial arts school.
Liu Changqing waved his hand dismissively, forcibly suppressing the loneliness in his heart, and feigned composure in his tone:
"I'm already used to being alone. Besides, I have your master's wife with me, so it's fine."
The words seemed carefree, but Jiang Lan saw through them clearly.
In public, he is a composed and dignified martial arts school owner; in private, he is an old man who watches his students go far away and guards the old ways alone.
Jiang Lan said no more, bowed and took his leave, then pushed open the door and walked out of the study.
In the front courtyard, all the disciples remained, waiting quietly.
Upon seeing Jiang Lan walk out of the room, Sun Shun, who had been anxiously waiting, was the first to rush forward, his expression complex.
"Junior Brother Jiang, are you really leaving?"
Jiang Lan nodded gently.
Sun Geng opened his mouth, but a thousand words stuck in his throat. He didn't know how to comfort or bless him.
In the end, he simply raised his hand heavily and slapped Jiang Lan's arm with a solid and heavy force.
"Take care on your journey. Once you reach Anxi City, be sure to send word back. No matter what the future holds, we will be waiting for your news at the martial arts school."
"Okay," Jiang Lan replied softly.
Upon seeing this, the other disciples quickly gathered around and stepped forward.
Someone handed over a bag of dried food they had personally sun-dried, dry and easy to store, perfect for the journey; someone offered homemade rice wine, light and refreshing; someone else provided a small, polished wooden blade as a protective item for the traveler…
Each item was a trivial trinket, devoid of gold or silver, or rare elixirs, yet brimming with the most sincere camaraderie among fellow disciples from the lower ranks.
Jiang Lan accepted them all, nodding her thanks in return, and readily embraced this rare kindness.
……
The courtyard gate was half-closed, and the house was brightly lit. It was not yet nightfall, but Cheng Erniang had already lit the house lamps in advance.
Inside the kitchen, smoke curled upwards.
She stood in front of the stove, busy at work, the large pot of water boiling and bubbling, steam rising in wisps.
The chopped meat and vegetables were neatly arranged on the cutting board, the kneaded white dough was smooth and glossy, and several coarse cloth bags were neatly stacked on the side, with the edges and corners tidied up. Every detail was properly and thoughtfully arranged.
Hearing the sound of the courtyard gate, Cheng Erniang didn't even look up, continuing to roll out the dough, her voice gentle and calm: "You're back? Take a rest first, the dumplings will be ready soon."
"Um."
Jiang Lan did not rest. She walked slowly to the kitchen door, leaned against the door frame, and silently watched her mother's busy figure.
Time is the most ruthless thing; it never spares anyone.
He vaguely remembered his childhood: a dilapidated hut in Reed Bay, the dock swaying in the wind and rain, and his family living in poverty. Back then, rice was scarce and water was plentiful; the porridge was thin and bland, so thin you could see your reflection in a bowl. At every meal, his mother would always scoop out the few grains of rice she had for him.
After years of trials and tribulations, life gradually became stable, with no worries about food and clothing, and white flour and meat were no longer scarce.
But my mother's back became more and more bent each year; the calluses on her hands grew thicker and thicker; and the white hairs at her temples became more and more glaring.
She lived a frugal life, worked hard silently her whole life, and gave me the best of everything.
Jiang Lan remained calm and spoke softly, "Mother."
"What's wrong?" Cheng Erniang straightened up and turned around, her gaze gentle.
"After I settled in Anxi City, I sent a message home immediately."
"it is good."
"If you encounter any difficulties with household matters, you can go directly to the martial arts school to find Senior Brother Sun. I have already entrusted everything to him."
"it is good."
"I have already informed the pharmacy manager in advance. All the medicinal materials you need each month will be recorded in my account, so you don't need to worry about the money."
Cheng Erniang paused slightly as she rolled out the dough, her eyes welling up with tears, but she maintained her composure, continuing her work with her head down, softly instructing:
"Your mother knows everything. Don't worry about home while you're away. Focus on your cultivation and make a good future for yourself. Don't be frugal. If you're thin, buy more clothes. Wear more clothes when it's cold. Don't get cold or hungry."
"I know."
Cheng Erniang was skilled and quick in wrapping cabbage and pork dumplings. Her movements were neat and smooth, and each dumpling was pinched neatly and plump.
Her voice was soft, carrying the gentle warmth of time, as she slowly recounted long-forgotten stories.
When you were little, your favorite thing was dumplings with cabbage and pork filling.
"One year during the Lunar New Year, your father was away at sea and had not returned. The family was poor, with only a head of cabbage left and no meat at all. You were not picky about food, so you obediently finished the vegetables and drank the clear soup, and even smiled and told me it was delicious."
"I know in my heart that it's bland and tasteless. But you're understanding and don't want to make me sad."
"Later, when your father returned, he brought back a small amount of fresh meat. You were overjoyed, as if you had found a priceless treasure. Your father then smiled and promised that in the future, when life was prosperous, he would make sure you ate meat every day and had your fill at every meal."
His voice slowed, and what he left unsaid was all regret.
Life is unpredictable; promises remain, but friends are gone.
Jiang Lan listened quietly, remaining silent, her heart filled with mixed emotions, yet she showed no sign of it.
The poverty and hardship of the past are the foundation for our progress today.
A moment later, Cheng Erniang wiped her hands clean, took down the coarse cloth bag that had been packed on the wall, and solemnly handed it to Jiang Lan.
The cloth bag was thick and heavy, with fine stitches, filled with a mother's heavy worries.
"Inside are several sets of clothes and thick cotton trousers. Anxi City is further north, and the winter cold is far worse than in the county town, so please make sure you dress warmly. There is also a jar of your favorite pickled vegetables, which will help you eat more on the journey. I have hidden the silver notes for you carefully, keep them close to your body, and don't lose them."
Jiang Lan took the luggage; it felt heavy in her palm, and a warmth seeped into her heart.
"Mother, don't worry. I have my own way of making a living in Anxi City, and I don't need to worry about money."
Cheng Erniang nodded, said no more, and turned to put all the plump dumplings into the boiling water.
Plump white dumplings bob and float in the pot, steaming hot, the gentle smoke soothing away all the anxieties and worries ahead.
Before long, the dumplings were ready.
Two plates of dumplings are neatly arranged, one piping hot and the other slightly cold.
Cheng Erniang pushed a slightly cool plate in front of him: "This plate isn't too hot, eat it first."
She remained seated quietly to the side, watching him eat, without touching her chopsticks or bowl.
He still says the same thing he's said for years: "I'm not hungry."
Jiang Lan silently lowered her head and quietly finished the whole plate of dumplings. They were warm to the touch and tasted like home, the most comforting flavor in the world.