After returning from the Northwest region, a cloud of unspoken pain clinging to him, Guozhao Zhiqiang locked himself away in Cloud City for many years. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't step out of Cloud City unless a significant case urgently required his help, or if his juniors, in dire need, called for him. But as soon as he finished any task assigned to him, he would immediately teleport back to Cloud City, seeking the familiar solitude of his sanctuary.
Today was an exception, however. Because Wang Shuchun's birthday was fast approaching, a rare family occasion, Fang Yaoting had specifically asked Guozhao Zhiqiang to accompany Fang Weimin and Fang Weisheng to Fang Manor in bustling Capital City.
When Guozhao Zhiqiang and the Fang twins walked into the vibrant, open market, it was already afternoon, the streets alive with activity. On the busy main street, the rich and the poor walked side by side, their lives intertwined yet separate, each minding their own business. The Fang twins, boisterous and energetic, walked confidently on both sides of Guozhao Zhiqiang, their chatter filling the air.
The Fang twins, acutely aware of Guozhao Zhiqiang's stern presence, knew that because the formidable person accompanying them to Fang Mansion wasn't their usual easy-going father and Uncle Lee, they behaved exceptionally well, not daring to irritate their senior brother, whose reputation for discipline preceded him.
"Senior Brother," Fang Weimin said, a hint of exasperation in his voice, "I don't know why Father won't trust us to come here on our own. We're perfectly capable."
Guozhao Zhiqiang looked straight ahead at the crowded street, his expression impassive. "You two are still children," he stated simply, his voice devoid of humor.
"But we are children with great skills!" Fang Weisheng countered, his chest puffing out in indignation.
Guozhao Zhiqiang said strongly, his voice cutting through their bravado, "Your great skill is only good for catching fish in the back stream and shooting rabbits along the mountainside. Nothing more."
"If you give me a chance, I can defeat you!" Fang Weisheng challenged, his eyes blazing, eager to prove himself.
Guozhao Zhiqiang, without missing a beat, hit Fang Weisheng on the head, a sharp, precise thwack. Fang Weisheng quickly covered his head, rubbing the sore spot.
Fang Weisheng frowned at Guozhao Zhiqiang, his voice a whine. "Senior Brother, do you know that hitting people on their head will make them dumb?!"
Fang Weimin sneered at Fang Weisheng, mocking him. "Or knock some sense into the dumb person," he retorted, a sly grin on his face.
Fang Weisheng pointed his finger at Fang Weimin, his voice accusatory. "Hey, I'm older than you, you have to listen to me!"
"Senior brothers and sisters are older than you! You don't listen to them!" Fang Weimin protested, exasperated. "You are not a good leader. How can I listen to you?"
The twins, their argument escalating into a playful chase, ran ahead, disappearing into the bustling street, heading towards Fang's grand residence.
In four days, it would be Wang Shuchun's birthday, a day Wang Shuchun eagerly anticipated. Guozhao Zhiqiang knew that Wang Shuchun secretly hoped that the Third Master, would bring the twins home himself, but Teacher Lee had fallen ill, and so the duty of accompanying the twins to Fang's residence had fallen to Guozhao Zhiqiang.
The three brothers approached the Fang's residence, a sprawling estate guarded by four imposing figures at the door. The four guards, accustomed to the twins' antics, saw the two young masters messing around on the street, and one of the guards immediately went to announce the arrival of the young masters and their formidable companion.
When the three brothers finally arrived at the majestic gate of Fang Manor, Master Fang, Madam Fang, and Wang Shuchun were already waiting for them at the door, their faces wreathed in smiles of anticipation.
"Grandfather... Mother..." Fang Weimin shouted, his voice bubbling with excitement, running towards Master Fang, leaping into his embrace.
"Grandmother... Mother...." Fang Weisheng shouted, quickly following Fang Weimin, equally eager for the reunion.
Wang Shuchun, her eyes scanning the group with a hopeful eagerness that quickly faded, asked sadly, her voice barely a whisper, "Is your father coming?"
"Mother, Uncle Dachin is sick, and Father is not coming," Fang Weimin said, his voice tinged with regret.
"But Father also mentioned that if Uncle Dachin is better, they might come by boat," Fang Weisheng added quickly, trying to offer a glimmer of hope.
Wang Shuchun sighed, a long, mournful sound, her face falling into an expression of profound sadness. "Then he is not coming," she murmured, her hope extinguished.
"Fang Shimu," Guozhao Zhiqiang greeted respectfully, his deep voice cutting through the melancholy. He handed a small, elegantly wrapped box to Wang Shuchun. "A gift from the Third Master and Teacher Lee," he explained.
Wang Shuchun took the box from Guozhao Zhiqiang, her smile fragile. "Thank you, Zhiqiang," she said softly.
"Everyone, go in," Master Fang said, his voice booming with forced cheerfulness. "I've already asked the maids to cook your favorite dishes." He smiled warmly at the twins, trying to lift their spirits.
The Fang twins, their sadness quickly forgotten at the mention of food, shouted in excitement, "Yeah!" They rushed inside the house first, their youthful energy a sharp contrast to the adults' more somber mood.
After dinner, General Tang, came to visit because he had heard that the twins had returned home, eager to see them.
Guozhao Zhiqiang walked through the sprawling yard, his gaze distant, and saw the twins enthusiastically showing off their moves to General Tang and their six great-uncles, their youthful exuberance filling the space. Then, a wave of bittersweet memory washed over him. He recalled that when he was as old as them, enjoying such carefree moments, he served food in the brothel where his mother worked, his life devoid of such warmth and family. He didn't get a single hug when he was growing up, no loving embraces, only cold indifference. A profound loneliness settled in his heart. He quietly left the training ground, walked to the backyard, and saw Wang Shuchun sitting alone in the distance, her figure silhouetted against the fading light.
Guozhao Zhiqiang approached Wang Shuchun, his steps soft, and greeted respectfully, "Fang Shimu."
"Zhiqiang, sit down," Wang Shuchun said, her voice gentle, inviting him to share her quiet solitude.
"I'm sorry, you must be disappointed," Guozhao Zhiqiang stated, his voice filled with empathy. He knew that although Wang Shuchun didn't explicitly voice her feelings, she waited all year, holding onto hope, just to have dinner with Fang Yaoting. Because Wang Shuchun's birthday was only two days before the first day of the new year, Fang Yaoting usually went home without Lee Dachin and stayed for at least three to ten days, making this absence even more poignant.
"It doesn't matter," Wang Shuchun said, her voice resigned. "Did your Third Master say when he wants the children to return back to Cloud City?"
Guozhao Zhiqiang shook his head, a silent apology. He looked at Wang Shuchun, his gaze direct. "Fang Shimu, can I ask you a personal question?"
"Go ahead," Wang Shuchun allowed, a faint, sad smile on her lips.
"Third Master doesn't live here, why should you stay here? Why don't you remarry?" Guozhao Zhiqiang asked, his question innocent yet profound, seeking to understand her life.
"It is easy for a man to marry as many wives as he wants," Wang Shuchun explained, a touch of weariness in her voice, describing the harsh realities of their society. "For us women, once the husband leaves us, we are no longer needed in society, our purpose seemingly gone." She smiled sadly at him. "Zhiqiang, it's not all your Third Master's fault; it's also my fault. I caused my own suffering by choosing this path."
"He must have feelings for you, that's why he married you," Guozhao Zhiqiang insisted, trying to find a positive in her story, unable to comprehend a love without mutual affection.
Wang Shuchun smiled, a bittersweet expression, and poured a cup of tea for Guozhao Zhiqiang, the steam rising between them. "When I met your Third Master, I was thirteen years old, and our family was invited to celebrate General Tang's birthday. As soon as I saw your Third Master, I secretly fell deeply in love with him, a youthful infatuation." She sighed softly, a wistful memory. "On my sixteenth birthday, my father told me that your Third Master picked my painting out of the fifty-six paintings of young ladies who were suitable to marry him. I was so happy that I couldn't sleep all night, my heart fluttering with dreams. I'd heard the rumors that your Third Master doesn't like women, but I liked him so much, I chose to ignore the gossips, hoping to change him." She put the book she was reading aside, her gaze distant. "On our wedding night, he told me plainly that he would marry again when I gave birth to a son. I could still walk out of the room as an innocent, pure woman, my virtue intact, but I chose to stay because I believed, naively, I could change him, could make him love me." She sighed deeply, a poignant sound, a sad smile touching her lips. "If I knew about the promise between your Third Master and Teacher Lee, I would never marry him, never."
"What promise?" Guozhao Zhiqiang asked, his voice low, his curiosity piqued by this unexpected revelation.
"They promised to love each other until death do them part," Wang Shuchun smiled, tears welling in her eyes, a beautiful yet tragic truth. She sighed, a deep, resonant sound. "Zhiqiang, I am not angry with them. He kept his promise to your Teacher Lee, a true testament to his love. As soon as he knew that I was pregnant, he left the residential area and went to Cloud City, fulfilling his other commitment. He showed me that true love exists, even if it wasn't with me."
Shan suddenly appeared, his ghostly form materializing silently, standing behind Guozhao Zhiqiang, his presence a stark contrast to the intimate conversation. "Zhiqiang," he said coldly, his voice urgent.
Wang Shuchun looked up, her eyes wide with shock and a hint of fear, seeing Shan's spectral form. "Shan..." she whispered, startled.
"I'm sorry, Madam Fang," Shan said, his voice softer now, acknowledging her fright. "Zhiqiang, the juniors failed to catch the snake demon in Mount Eagle. Your juniors are waiting for you, needing your help."
"Thank you, Shan. I will leave right now," Guozhao Zhiqiang replied, his face grim, already preparing himself for the next challenge.
Shan looked at Wang Shuchun, his expression softening further. "Madam Fang, Master Fang said he and Teacher Lee will be on the dock tomorrow because Teacher Lee is much better, strong enough to travel."
Wang Shuchun smiled, a genuine, joyful expression finally gracing her face. "Thank you, Shan. Please tell them I will have someone book a room in Brightness Inn for Teacher Lee, for his comfort." Shan suddenly vanished into thin air, leaving a lingering chill. She looked at Guozhao Zhiqiang, her eyes filled with concern. "Zhiqiang, you be careful." She reached into her belt, pulling out a small, heavy pouch. "Wait. Take this with you." She gave him her money bag, pressing it into his hand.
"Fang Shimu, I can't accept it," Guozhao Zhiqiang protested, shaking his head, his principles overriding his need.
"I have a lot of it. I have no use for it," Wang Shuchun insisted, her voice firm, pushing the gift upon him. "You and the other children might need it for your missions."
Guozhao Zhiqiang, accepting her generosity, took the money bag from Wang Shuchun and stuffed it into his inner robe. "Thank you, Fang Shimu," he said, his voice sincere. He then took out the teleport talisman, its magic already buzzing in his palm. He threw the talisman on the ground. Then white smoke appeared, swirling rapidly. When the white smoke disappeared, he vanished, teleported away to face the next danger.