Chapter 7: No Peace at Lu'an Manor

The group walked up to the entrance of the manor. Towering trees lined both sides of the path, casting a profound silence over the scene. As the manor gates came into view, Anrui quietly asked Xiaolan, “Did you take care of what I told you this morning?”

Xiaolan blinked and replied, “What was that?”

Anrui, annoyed, pinched Xiaolan, but upon seeing her mischievous smile, realized the girl was teasing her on purpose.

“Don’t worry, miss,” Xiaolan said, “I told Brother Liu this morning: if we’re not back by the hour of the rooster, he should notify the master.”

Satisfied, Anrui nodded, then turned to Muzhenshan, “Uncle Mu, I’ll say a few words to them first. We can’t let them overpower us—reason comes before force. If they act like bullies and refuse to listen, it won’t be too late to teach them a lesson.”

Muzhenshan was here to stand up for Anrui. Seeing the girl’s childlike bravado, he assumed she just wanted to show off a bit. Since he was there to watch over things, he let her be, smiling and nodding his agreement.

Two patrolling guards at the manor spotted the group, gripped their cudgels, and shouted, “Halt!”

Anrui signaled Xiaolan forward. Unperturbed, Xiaolan planted her hands on her hips and called back, “We’re from Jiangnan Town. Yesterday, your men galloped through the town, trampling people and causing harm. Today, we’ve brought the victim to demand an explanation.”

The two guards exchanged glances. One scoffed, “Nonsense! Don’t try to swindle us. You kids aren’t even as tall as my cudgel—maybe you dreamed this up while sucking your milk yesterday.” Both burst into laughter.

Xiaolan was so angry she nearly ground her teeth to dust, glaring fiercely and about to retort when Anrui stepped forward and pointed at Sumu, “Do you recognize this boy?”

The other guard glanced sidelong at Sumu and bellowed, “No, don’t know him at all. Leave now before we have to drive you off with our sticks.”

Anrui smiled, “Very well, it seems you have no intention of talking sense. Then today, we’ll make sure you remember us.”

As soon as the words left her lips, Muzhenshan moved like a shadow. Sumu saw only a blur; suddenly, the two guards were on the ground, clutching their stomachs and writhing in agony, groaning in pain, their cudgels broken into three pieces.

“What… what just happened? Uncle Mu is amazing!”

Sumu’s face was alight with excitement, but Anrui remained composed, waving for everyone to enter the manor. Sumu hurried to her side and pleaded, “Anrui, maybe we shouldn’t stir up more trouble. I was angry yesterday, but I’m not anymore.”

Xiaolan, overhearing, snapped, “And you call yourself a man? Why so timid? In a small town like Jiangnan, our miss goes wherever she pleases—who can stop her?”

Anrui turned and rapped Xiaolan on the head, “What are you saying? Are we bandits? We have reason on our side—there’s nothing to fear wherever we go. Do you understand?”

“Yes, yes, you’re right, miss.”

Anrui turned to Sumu, her tone serious, “Sumu, I’m not just standing up for you. If you always let me protect you, what will you do in the future? You’re meant to be a man who stands tall. If you’re afraid of trouble, how will you protect your parents? If I’m bullied, will you be able to defend me?”

Sumu’s face flushed bright red. He spoke, word by word, “I’m not afraid. If anyone tries to hurt you, I’d rather die than let you come to harm.”

Muzhenshan, listening from the side, was a bit startled by Sumu’s declaration, but then understood. With a clever and beautiful young lady like his own miss, it was no wonder she could charm a foolish boy into such loyalty. All he could do was admire her all the more.

Anrui gazed into Sumu’s eyes, her own sparkling as she said softly, “I believe you.” These simple words filled Sumu with an indescribable thrill—he felt ready to brave fire and steel for her, squaring his shoulders and marching bravely into the manor.

Inside, every step brought a change of scenery: woods, green grass, and blooming flowers harmonizing beautifully with the rustic architecture.

They soon reached a broad open space scattered with weapons, stone hammers, and blocks; a dozen or so horses were tethered nearby—it was clearly a training ground.

Just then, seven or eight men in black rushed out, dressed exactly like the guards at the gate, cursing as they approached.

Sumu’s sharp eyes recognized several as the horsemen from the previous day, with the leader being the very one who had trampled him. He quickly told Anrui they had found the culprit.

The leader of the black-clad men was about forty, with fair skin and sharp, distinguished features—a mature and striking man. His black robe was different from the others': a golden eagle’s head was embroidered on the left shoulder, and a blue jade belt circled his waist.

He led his men to confront the newcomers, frowning as he eyed the three children and one adult, but did not put on airs. Stepping forward, he cupped his fists and said,

“Greetings. This is Lu'an Manor, private property. May I ask why you have entered uninvited?”

One of his men leaned over and whispered in his ear; the leader waved him off, then fixed his gaze on Muzhenshan and continued, “My surname is Wei, given name Wenzheng, steward of Lu'an Manor. May I ask, have my men offended you somehow? They were knocked down for no apparent reason—surely, we deserve an explanation.”

He had heard his men’s report: both were felled by one person who didn’t even seem to muss his clothes—a formidable opponent, no doubt. So he spoke with caution.

Muzhenshan stayed silent, but Anrui replied, “Steward Wei, greetings. Do you recall yesterday, when your men raced through Jiangnan Town, trampling a young man? We heard that if the boy was injured, crippled, or killed, we should come here to find you. But your two men at the gate pretended ignorance and tried to make things difficult for us, so my uncle suggested they take a rest on the ground.”

Wei Wenzheng thought for a moment and did recall the incident, though with pressing matters yesterday, he had quickly forgotten such a trivial affair. Now that the injured party was here, he was taken aback.

“You are quite right. That did happen. We were in a great hurry yesterday, and I regretted it afterward. How is the boy now? Should there be any injury, money is no object.” Wei Wenzheng was puzzled that a young girl was speaking for the group, but he remained polite.

Anrui pointed at Sumu, “This is the boy. Since your trampling yesterday, he has suffered terribly—his mind is dazed, he’s wracked with pain, and it seems he won’t last many days. It’s heartrending, and who at home will care for his elderly parents?”

Sumu, scratching his head, blurted, “I’m fine, though—”

Before he could finish, Anrui stomped on his toe, cutting him off.

Wei Wenzheng examined Sumu, recognizing the boy from yesterday. But Sumu now stood straight and composed—hardly the picture of grievous injury Anrui had painted.

With more urgent business at hand, and important guests resting in the manor, Wei Wenzheng was anxious to resolve this quickly—whether Sumu was really injured or not.

He put on a serious face, “Miss, you are right. I apologize for my actions. The silver needed for this young man’s recovery, I will provide. Here are one hundred taels of fine silver as a token of my apology, and I will also send ginseng and herbs to aid his recovery—these will be delivered to your residence shortly.” He produced several silver ingots and offered them to Sumu with both hands.

Anrui giggled and motioned for Sumu to accept the silver. To Wei Wenzheng she said, “Steward Wei, your sense of justice and responsibility is admirable. We may have been a bit rash just now, so we’ll take our leave.”

She turned and raised her brows at Sumu, signaling that all had gone smoothly. Sumu let out a sigh of relief and gave her a furtive thumbs-up. He had expected these fearsome-looking men to be unreasonable, but in fact they were quite fair—true men of honor.

Seeing the group turn to leave, Wei Wenzheng was relieved as well. A little silver was a small price to pay; his only worry now was how to carry out the tasks assigned from above.

“Heh, so many of you frightened by a few children? Useless fools! How can I trust you with important matters?”

As Sumu’s group was about to leave the manor, they found a yellow-faced, bearded man standing in the courtyard, arms crossed, his burly figure blocking their path.

Wei Wenzheng hurried forward, bowing, “I didn’t expect to disturb Lord Du. Forgive me, these people only came to settle a small grievance from yesterday—a petty mistake. The matter is resolved and they’re about to leave. They’re all good children from town, and I’ll see them out so as not to trouble your mood.”

He explained while signaling Sumu and the others to leave quickly.

Lord Du sneered, “Good children? What kind of ‘good children’ dare come looking for trouble at Lu'an Manor? Perhaps they’re spies. You fools, seize them! Anyone who resists, kill on the spot. Even in a small place like this, one must be vigilant. If my plans are ruined, you’ll all pay with your lives.”

Sumu was furious. He pointed at Lord Du and shouted, “How unreasonable you are! Clearly, you were at fault, and now you want to arrest us. Is there no law or justice left in the world?”

Lord Du was amused by the outburst, “And who is this fool? Here, my word is law. If I tell you to kneel, no one dares let you stand. Talking with a brat like you is a waste of time. Seize them!”

The black-clad men clearly obeyed Lord Du, surrounding the group with drawn weapons.

At this moment, Muzhenshan spoke coldly, “You underlings best stay back, or you’ll soon be gathering up your broken arms and legs. Save yourselves the trouble.”

The black-clad men hesitated, stopping in their tracks—none dared be the first to strike, fearing they might be up against a true master and die in vain.

Lord Du shouted, “Cowards, all of you! If you won’t attack, I’ll deal with you myself!”

His threat worked, and the men charged together.

As the black-clad assailants rushed in, weapons raised, Sumu pulled Anrui and Xiaolan behind him, standing tall between them and the attackers. Muzhenshan nodded approvingly—this boy, though young, had the makings of a true man.

Muzhenshan channeled his energy through his limbs; his chest and abdomen glowed with the light of three stars. With a slight crouch, he shot forward like an arrow, his figure darting like a shadow through the seven or eight men. Weapons clattered to the ground; the assailants collapsed, clutching broken limbs, some unconscious, all writhing in pain. Muzhenshan returned to his original spot as if nothing had happened.

Sumu was dumbstruck—was this even human? He’d seen martial artists pass through town before, agile and strong, but never anything like this, beyond imagination.

Wei Wenzheng’s face turned pale—Muzhenshan’s skill far exceeded anything he’d guessed. How could such a powerful man be following a few children? Today’s trouble would not end easily.

Lord Du’s expression changed when he saw Muzhenshan’s display. Still, he did not panic, but said in a deep voice, “I underestimated you. I thought this remote place was full of ordinary folk, not celestial warriors. Three stars shining—so, you’re a practitioner of refined life-force.”

Sumu had no idea what this meant; he simply stood guard in front of Anrui, wary of a sneak attack. Anrui remained calm and glanced back at Muzhenshan.

Muzhenshan hadn’t expected this man to see through him so quickly—he must be a celestial warrior too. But who exactly was this man, and what was he doing here?