Zhang Wan'er carried a small basket and walked into the Yu Ying Tang hall with practiced ease, Da Ming following behind her.
Chen Ye lounged on a reclining chair, passing the time with a book in his hands.
Hearing footsteps, he put the book down.
Seeing that it was Zhang Wan'er, he sat up with a smile. "Wan'er, have you eaten?"
Zhang Wan'er’s cheeks turned slightly red as she respectfully bowed and answered in a soft voice, "Yes, I have."
"Director Chen, my mother asked me to bring some pastries over."
She placed the basket on the wooden table in the hall.
Looking at the gentle and well-mannered Zhang Wan'er, Chen Ye was quite pleased.
Da Ming was truly lucky to have won such a wife—must have been good karma from his past life.
Who needed a princess when there was such a kind and virtuous girl?
Chen Ye chuckled and happened to glance at Da Ming standing beside him, looking as clueless and goofy as ever.
With a slight headache, Chen Ye said, "Da Ming, go to the kitchen, pick up that half rack of ribs, and escort Wan'er home."
Da Ming nodded earnestly and headed toward the kitchen.
Zhang Wan'er quickly said, "That’s not necessary, Director Chen… The ones you sent a few days ago haven’t even been finished yet."
Chen Ye grinned. "Oh, what’s the harm? You’ll be marrying Da Ming soon."
"Our families will be in-laws, we should exchange gifts often."
Hearing this, Zhang Wan'er’s face turned crimson.
She lowered her head slightly, feeling shy.
Seeing the young girl’s embarrassment, Chen Ye didn’t tease her any further.
In his opinion, Zhang Wan'er was far better than the Princess Jiangzhu that Da Ming had been pining for.
Da Ming returned with the half rack of ribs. Chen Ye waved his hand, signaling him to escort Zhang Wan'er home.
Zhang Wan'er bowed respectfully once more before leaving with Da Ming.
Chen Ye stood up, picked a piece of osmanthus cake from the basket, and popped it into his mouth.
Chewing a few times, he nodded in satisfaction and returned to his book.
---
Deep into the Night
The moon shone brightly, and a crisp breeze rustled through the reeds by Tai Lake.
Swish, swish…
Three drenched figures darted through the reeds, their passage bending and snapping stalks with soft crackles.
Their movements were swift and agile.
They ran along the lakeshore for a while.
Ahead, a small boat was moored by the water’s edge.
A man stood at the bow, peering toward them.
Sun Sheng's eyes lit up with relief.
"Go! He’s one of mine!"
With a burst of speed, Sun Sheng covered several yards in just a few steps.
Qiong Aohai kept pace beside him.
The woman following behind them had an excited glint in her eyes, mumbling under her breath, "Now this is fun."
"Brother Shun!"
The young man standing at the bow, Xiao Liu, called out excitedly when he saw Sun Sheng.
"Get on! We’re going home!"
Sun Sheng leaped onto the boat first, urging the others.
Qiong Aohai and the woman followed closely behind.
Xiao Liu quickly rowed, guiding the small boat into the thick reeds until it vanished from sight.
Sun Sheng glanced back but saw no sign of the Six Doors agents.
Letting out a long breath, he cursed under his breath, "Damn it, we were this close to getting caught."
Qiong Aohai, standing beside him, shared a look of relief.
Escaping from Murong Longyuan, a first-rank constable, was nothing short of a miracle.
Qiong Aohai turned toward the crossdressing woman standing nearby and cupped his fists respectfully.
"Thank you for your help, Miss. May I ask for your name?"
The woman’s eyes curved into a smile, revealing two small tiger-like fangs. She grinned playfully.
"My name is Xi Yue."
Qiong Aohai responded with utmost seriousness. "Many thanks, Miss Xi."
Hua Xi Yue chuckled and clasped her hands together in an exaggerated martial salute.
"We martial heroes stand for justice—when we see injustice, we draw our swords!"
Sun Sheng rolled his eyes at her words.
His gaze sharpened as he studied Hua Xi Yue, his tone casual but laced with a hidden edge.
"Who exactly are you?"
Hua Xi Yue noticed the suspicion in his eyes and huffed in protest.
"Hey, hey! I just saved your skins!"
"What’s with that look? You thinking about tossing me into the lake?"
"If I meant you harm, I wouldn’t have helped you back there!"
She sounded quite indignant.
Sun Sheng didn’t respond—he simply exchanged a glance with Qiong Aohai.
To have forced Murong Longyuan, a first-rank constable, to retreat, this woman had to be someone extraordinary.
During their earlier skirmish, Sun Sheng had caught glimpses of hidden weapons taking down the agents pursuing them.
Among them were second-rank martial artists.
Yet they had been struck down in mere moments.
Just how powerful was she?
Qiong Aohai understood Sun Sheng’s unspoken thoughts.
He nodded slightly and once again expressed his gratitude.
"Regardless, we are deeply thankful for your help, Miss Xi."
Hua Xi Yue waved it off casually. "We’re all just wandering souls of the Jianghu."
"If you really want to thank me, just buy me a drink someday."
"The Jianghu way—what’s life without a drink, a sword, and a laugh to settle all grudges?"
Qiong Aohai blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter.
"Alright then! If you ever visit Hai Jing Gang, I’ll bring out our finest wine for you!"
Sun Sheng, however, ignored the exchange.
Using his inner energy, he dried his soaked clothes. With one foot propped on the bow, he leaned forward, gazing toward the water dock and islands ahead.
Tai Lake was dotted with countless small islands, each one home to water bandits.
The island up ahead was his hideout.
A cluster of simple wooden houses stood there.
Several boats were moored along the shore.
His men were waiting for him by the dock.
Seeing Sun Sheng return safely, they erupted into cheers.
"Brother Shun!"
"Hahahaha!"
"Boss!"
Sun Sheng’s face broke into a smile at the sight of his brothers.
As the boat reached the shore, he jumped down, grabbing his men in rough embraces.
"How are you all?"
"Just a few scratches, nothing serious," they replied with grins.
Sun Sheng checked their wounds and let out a quiet sigh of relief.
These brothers of his were older than him, with wives, children, and elderly mothers waiting for them.
If any of them had died tonight, it would’ve been on his conscience.
Though everyone in this line of work was prepared for the worst, losing a comrade was never easy.
Hua Xi Yue, having also dried her clothes with inner energy, leaped onto the island.
She took a quick look around, wrinkling her nose.
"So small."
"I thought your territory would be bigger."
"And you’ve only got this many men?"
Sun Sheng shot her an annoyed glare.
"You think I’m like those other water bandits?"
Hua Xi Yue blinked innocently.
"And what’s the difference?"
"Isn't it all about robbing people on the water?"
"Even if I told you, you wouldn’t understand."
Sun Sheng was wary of Hua Xiyue and chose not to argue with her.
If he argued too much, he’d be the one getting beaten and embarrassed.
"Xiao Liu, prepare some side dishes. Qiong and I are having a few drinks!"
Sun Sheng turned and shouted to Xiao Liu.
Xiao Liu, a tall, thin man with sallow skin, was Sun Sheng's most trusted aide.
With a quick acknowledgement, Xiao Liu secured the boat and headed straight for the kitchen.
"Brothers, take a break for now."
Sun Sheng called out to the others, and the group dispersed.
Then, he led Qiong Aohai into his room.
Hua Xiyue, full of curiosity, followed them inside.
The room was small, furnished with a simple table, chairs, a bed, and a wooden cabinet.
In the corner, several jars of wine were sealed with red clay.
Sun Sheng walked over, grabbed two jars, and placed them on the table.
He then took out two porcelain bowls—white with black rims—from the cabinet.
As he pried open the red clay seal, a strong fragrance of wine filled the room.
The aroma was intoxicating.
Just the scent alone was enough to make one feel slightly tipsy.
"Brother Qiong, sit down. We made it out alive—we have to drink to that."
Sun Sheng lifted the wine jar, and clear, emerald-green liquor poured smoothly into the bowls.
Qiong Aohai took a whiff, his eyes lighting up.
"Shaoxing Nu’er Hong?"
"Good eye." Sun Sheng praised.
Hua Xiyue, seeing that there was no bowl for her, immediately protested.
"Hey, where’s my bowl?"
Sun Sheng glanced at her, then grabbed another bowl and poured her a serving.
The clear, green liquid filled the bowl, giving off a light, delicate fragrance.
Hua Xiyue stared at it, a slight flush of excitement on her fair face.
She had never tasted alcohol before.
Back in the valley, her grandfather forbade their people from drinking.
Qiong Aohai sat down and let out a wry chuckle.
"Honestly, I should be the one treating you to this drink."
He hadn’t meant to drag Sun Sheng into this mess, and he felt a bit guilty.
Sun Sheng raised his bowl and gave Qiong Aohai a nod.
"This is my turf—consider it my hospitality."
"Cheers!"
Lifting his bowl, Sun Sheng threw back his head and drank boldly.
Qiong Aohai also raised his bowl, about to drink—
But then—
He froze, a strange expression crossing his face.
After a brief internal struggle, he gritted his teeth and said,
"Sh-shishu… I offer you this toast!"
"Pfft!"
Sun Sheng spat his wine out on the spot—nearly spraying Hua Xiyue, who was sipping hers.
He coughed violently, his face flushing red.
"Wait—hold on a second—"
Qiong Aohai was older than him by quite a bit.
In the martial world, he was renowned as "Peerless Divine Palm"—a true hero.
Yet now, he was calling Sun Sheng "Shishu"—Martial Uncle.
Technically speaking, by seniority, it was correct.
But hearing it felt all kinds of wrong.
"All these formalities—let’s not bother with them. You're older than me, just call me Brother Sun."
Sun Sheng hurriedly waved it off.
Qiong Aohai, still holding his bowl, let out a sigh of relief.
To be honest, calling Sun Sheng "Shishu" felt incredibly awkward.
With a nod, he mimicked Sun Sheng’s bold manner, tilting his head back and downing the entire bowl in one go.
When he finished, he flipped the bowl over—completely empty.