Chapter 60, Chapter 60, Xia

"Lord Shang, I'd like to give it a try," Mo Xin said, her eyes shining.

The debt of gratitude was as heavy as a mountain, and Mo Xin did not know how to repay Lord Shang for saving her life.

Not only hers, but also her mother's life.

On a snowy day when hunger and cold were intertwined, the mother, carrying a meager backpack, and her daughter awaited their inevitable death with no hope. Just as they reached the end of their journey, they suddenly heard of the benevolent act of the Warm Home, which provided relief to displaced people.

With a desperate determination, her mother gritted her teeth and led her to the place where the rumors were true or false.

Fortunately, they persevered and made it to Warm Home.

Even more fortunately, the rumors were true, and the preferential treatment they received from Nuan Anju left them feeling apprehensive and helpless.

But the kind heart of Master Shang touched the hearts of those in the dwelling, which were either numb, desperate, or broken.

What a wonderful professor! She wanted to do something to repay him.

Unfortunately, she was too young to do much.

Since the person outside who wants to take her as a disciple knows Lord Shang, she can learn martial arts from him. After she has mastered the skills, she can contribute her own strength to Lord Shang.

Shang Yuji did not stop her, but encouraged her a couple of times. The little girl was as sweet as if she had eaten honey, and smiled with innocent and pure eyes.

Those outside the window noticed a sudden light at the end of the tunnel inside; Xiang Fei's limp body regained its strength, and he leaned against the window, tears welling in his eyes, deeply moved.

Just then, Shang Yuji looked up and met his gaze, her eyes twitching as she looked away.

The sight of that big man clutching his heart stung her eyes.

She couldn't help but wonder if Xiang Fei was a good mentor.

Shang Yuji called Xiang Fei in, and then called Mo Xin's mother. After explaining the situation, Mo Xin spoke to her mother alone. When she returned, her mother agreed to let Mo Xin become Xiang Fei's apprentice.

Finally, witnessed by his mother and Shang Yuji, Xiang Fei and Mo Xin completed a simple apprenticeship ceremony.

Before leaving, Shang Yuji spoke to Mo Xin alone, saying that if Mo Xin and Xiang Fei got into a fight, she could go to Lotus Path to find her, and she would always try to get justice for Mo Xin.

In any case, Mo Xin was just an unarmed child. How could he possibly fight against Xiang Fei, who was burly and strong?

She also gave Xiang Fei a few words of advice: "Brother Xiang, I know that your sect trains the skin and flesh first when practicing swordsmanship, but Mo Xin is just a child. I hope that when you teach her, you will not be too harsh."

She didn't want to hand over a lively and energetic child only to have them return as a pitiful child with a bruised and swollen face, their body covered in bruises.

Xiang Fei patted his chest at the three of them and said, "Don't worry, the Xiang family's sword technique is designed for children, and we have a separate set of martial arts manuals for them!"

Because of the matter between Xiang Fei and Mo Xin, Shang Yuji left home as the sun was setting, estimating that it would be past dinner time by the time she arrived at the mansion.

Wang Si accompanied her back to the mansion. Just as they stepped out of the gate of Nuan'an Residence, after taking a few steps, several disheveled people ran out from around the corner outside the courtyard and rushed straight towards Shang Yuji. Wang Si quickly protected her, and the two of them, who had only just come out, retreated step by step back into the courtyard.

With a few thuds, these people knelt before Shang Yuji, crying and wailing all at once, which temporarily disturbed her thoughts.

.

Lotus Road Residence.

The glow of the sunset spread across the sky, gradually fading until it slowly dissipated.

The candles in the courtyard wall lamps were lit, and the dishes on the table lost their last bit of heat. A person sat alone at the table, not touching his bowl or chopsticks.

"Young master, a message came from Nuan'an Residence that the young lady is busy with the apprenticeship ceremony for Young Master Xiang and a young girl in the residence, which has delayed the time. She told you not to worry. Why don't you eat something first to fill your stomach, and when the young lady returns, you can ask Sister Zhao to cook some hot dishes so you can all eat together?" Old Chen couldn't bear to see him sitting there for half an hour and spoke up to persuade him.

Jiang Xi went to sit quietly, listening to his words. Coming to her senses, she slowly turned her head, her eyes vacant as she stared at Old Chen, and stammered, "She clearly said she'd be back around mealtime... Could something have happened to her? I have to go find her..."

He hurriedly got up, his steps faltering, and muttered, "...I need to bring some food. She must be hungry too. It has to be hot..."

Tears that had been held back for so long finally burst forth. Jiang Xi picked up the dishes and was about to take them to the kitchen to warm them up when the tears blurred her vision, almost making her unable to see where she was going.

Aunt Zhao rushed over and handed over the food box: "Young Master Jiang, this is the food that has been kept warm for the young lady. When you go to find her, please take it with you."

The food box, which was considered somewhat substantial in Zhao Sao's hands, was firmly held by Jiangxi. He carefully carried the food box, casually put on the cloak that Old Chen had brought, and left the mansion quickly without looking back.

.

Warm and cozy courtyard.

"My lord, Lord Shang, I deeply regret leaving Nuan'anju. Please forgive my mistakes and allow me to return."

"Yes, yes, sir, we will definitely follow the rules of Nuan'anju. Please have pity on us!"

"You are a great philanthropist known throughout Yangzhou! You will surely take us in!"

"..."

This commotion attracted the attention of the nearby residents. Although it seemed that the victims were a few pitiful people outside the door, when they saw that the other party was Miss Shang, the scales in their hearts shifted.

They didn't recognize the people kneeling outside the door, but they certainly didn't recognize Miss Shang.

Who doesn't know that since Miss Shang came to Yangzhou, many more livelihoods have sprung up in Yangzhou?

How many people have earned wages through these jobs to support their families?

The good reputation of Miss Shang in Yangzhou is not something that can be built on mere words.

The people have discerning eyes; they can naturally tell who is truly sincere.

They could see that those who worked under Miss Shang were not easily beaten or scolded; they could eat hearty porridge and minced meat, wear warm clothes, and even their wages were clearly calculated and handed over to them!

Everyone in Yangzhou knows that working for Miss Shang is the best job imaginable!

Since the people outside were kicked out by Miss Shang, they must have their reasons. Miss Shang would not slander people for no reason.

Several people nodded to the ground. Shang Yuji's expression was complicated. She quickly matched the people in front of her with the information that Wang Si had reported a few days ago.

"Tian Laowu stole the wages of the person in the next bed and refused to admit it. The stolen goods were found under a tree outside the house, and he was kicked out."

“Sun Gan has a volatile temper. He was arrested multiple times in just five days for fighting and brawling. He even assaulted law enforcement officers who were in the middle of the fight. He refused to listen to advice and was expelled.”

“Wang Xiaoba, dissatisfied with the regulations of the residence, repeatedly instigated people to cause trouble. When the trouble started, he hid behind the scenes and benefited. When the matter was exposed, he was expelled.”

"If I remember correctly, quite a few of you were the ones who caused trouble back then."

They thought that Shang Yuji was busy on weekdays and wouldn't notice these little things. Besides, she was just a young girl. They thought that if they shed a few tears, begged for mercy on their knees, and played the victim, she might soften her heart and let them return to Nuan'an.

Unexpectedly, she still remembered their past crimes. But compared to saving face, when they thought of the treatment they had received in Nuan'an Residence, they were sure that some gentlemen might not have lived as comfortably as in Nuan'an Residence. So what if they had to lose face in order to go back?

A face cannot fill the hunger in one's stomach, but a warm and comfortable home can.

Only after being evicted from their home did they realize how precious a place of residence truly was.

"We were ignorant and arrogant back then. We hope you will have mercy and forgive us."

Tian Laowu, who was in charge, wanted to say something nicer, but Shang Yuji shook her head and rejected it: "Nuan'anju only accepts those who help themselves, not those who are greedy."

Impulsive Sun Gan, who had been holding back his anger the whole way, immediately jumped out and shouted at her when she disagreed: "You're asking for it! A delicate noble lady who claims to be a kind-hearted person, how can you be considered kind if you don't agree to our request! Hurry up and agree, or I, Sun Gan, will have plenty of ways to make you—ouch!"

It's unclear who kicked first, but someone else followed with a punch. Gradually, more and more people started to resort to violence. Not only the residents outside the Nuan'anju, but even the displaced people inside the dwellings couldn't stand it anymore and secretly added a few punches.

In the end, the ragged men lay on the ground, their bodies covered in bruises, looking terrible. When the soldiers arrived, they casually asked the men what had happened and then took the scoundrels away.

There's no need to doubt the people's testimonies. It's a joke. Compared to these frequent inmates in prison, the popular merchant girl from Yangzhou is clearly the better one.

After seeing off the soldiers, Shang Yuji thanked everyone. The people waved goodbye and left, each keeping their merits and fame hidden.

After finally finishing everything, Shang Yuji leaned against the door to catch her breath.

The setting sun on the horizon cast only a sliver of its afterglow, signaling the end of the day.

In a daze, she seemed to see someone running towards her step by step against the direction the crowd was heading.

When she met those anxious, tearful eyes, she finally laughed out loud.

Along with the soft sobs came a tight embrace.

The chaotic thoughts he had been carrying vanished the moment he saw her. All his words turned into simple intimacy. He nestled his ear to her shoulder and whispered:

"Ah Ji, I miss you..."

Upon smelling the familiar scent, he immediately relaxed and nestled close to her.

Facing the mocking glances of some of the remaining villagers, Shang Yuji smiled openly at everyone, waved one hand to express her apology for leaving first, and then took Jiang Xi's hand with the other, leading him into the temporary residence left for them in Nuan'anju.

Her slender, jade-like fingers slowly climbed up the smaller one, while Jiang Xi carried the food box and walked obediently beside her. As she walked, two colorful bracelets were revealed beneath her sleeves.

Xiang Fei rubbed Mo Xin's head with his big hand. Mo Xin didn't struggle because he had helped her earlier by squeezing into the crowd and kicking Sun Gan.

As the sunset faded and the sky darkened, Mo Xin caught a glimpse of the two colorful bracelets out of the corner of her eye.

As if in an instant, they transformed into a new round of colorful clouds.

Before returning home, Shang Yuji had already spoken to Wang Si, telling him to go back to the Lotus Road residence and explain the situation to the people there. Tonight, she and Jiang Xi would be staying at Nuan'an Residence.

Although it was a temporary place to rest, it was fully equipped and no different from a normal room.

Jiang Xi opened the food box. At the bottom of the box, there were several small pieces of charcoal burning in an iron basin. They had been burning stubbornly all the way, keeping the food in the box warm through the interlayer.

He brought out the food, his eyes bright and his smile radiant. In the candlelight, his cheeks, flushed from crying, and the corners of his eyes held a touch of allure, blending with his gentle smile. The fairy in the painting had thus become a mortal.

Shang Yuji reached out and poked the corner of his lips with her finger: "Have you eaten?"

Not wanting him to look away, Shang Yuji changed her approach from poking to pinching: "Hmm?"

"No, no, I want to eat with Ah Ji."

Fortunately, the food in the food box was enough for two people. Shang Yuji wasn't picky and pulled him to sit down and eat with her while the food was still warm.

She had a lot to do during the day, but when she had some free time, she suddenly remembered that she had originally planned to go out and buy tools for making clay characters.

It's getting late, so we'll postpone buying the equipment for now.

Nuan Anju didn't have any bills she needed to check or plans she needed to make. Jiang Xi had come and gone in a hurry and hadn't brought any needles or thread. With so much free time, she didn't know what to do.

The room contained nothing interesting except for ordinary furniture, not even a single interesting travelogue.

Shang Yuji searched high and low to see if any fish had escaped. Jiang Xi had already cleaned up the dishes and chopsticks. He wanted to take them to the kitchen to wash them with warm water, but the kitchen of Nuan Anju was too far from the room. He didn't want to leave Aji and not see her for a long time.

The story goes that the pain of unrequited love is unbearable!

When Shang Yuji realized he was quite quiet, she turned around and saw him struggling between the food box and her. In just a moment, once their eyes met, the food box was defeated in this doomed unfair struggle.

The dishes and chopsticks can be washed tomorrow when Ah Ji isn't around, but it's so rare for him to be with Ah Ji!

After searching around, Shang Yuji couldn't find anything to pass the time. Then, she realized that the most fun thing was right there beside her all along.

Shang Yuji stood by the bed and beckoned Jiang Xi to come over. He walked over in a few steps, and as soon as he reached the bedside, Shang Yuji pressed him down to sit.

Silently and obediently, he quietly raised his eyes and stared at her intently. Shang Yuji placed her hands on his shoulders, and in the position where they were facing each other, he sat and she stood, she bent down and slowly closed the distance between them.

The pounding of his heart grew stronger in his ears, and his eyes itched because something was too close, but he really didn't want to blink; he just wanted to keep staring at her like this.

They were only a hair's breadth apart, their breaths mingling, but Shang Yuji stopped what she was doing, sighed, and angrily poked the bright red mole on his left cheek.

Forget it, if I really mess with him, I'll be the one who gets tormented in the end.

“Aji…” He tilted his head slightly and murmured her name.

"Ah Ji, I'll let you do whatever you want..."

A tear slid down his cheek, and he broke into a stunningly beautiful smile, a smile that revealed all his tenderness, allowing her to take it all.

Like a white goose willingly offering its neck to be slaughtered.