Chapter 236: Qian Xiwen

Episode 2: Pool of Covert Battles

Matters of martial arts weren't pressing. Since his family members didn't approve of the small martial arts school, he could put it aside for now. At worst, he could simply practice with Steward Geng and the others in the future.

While in Jiangning, he had, for a time, considered practicing with Steward Geng and other household members. In his previous few encounters, he had relied on his calm demeanor, calculations, and a ruthless streak that allowed him to go all out. What he lacked, however, were the conditioned reflexes developed from sustained sparring, something that couldn't be achieved through shortcuts.

He also knew that finding a martial arts master outside the family wasn't realistic. For instance, Alliance Leader Cheng of the Hundred Blade Alliance, or even skilled martial artists he might find through Kang Xian, like Lu Agui who accompanied Kang Xian, were probably not simple individuals. With their connections, taking them as masters wouldn't be an issue. However, such pursuits carried a different meaning; for him, it was merely a game, and it felt inappropriate to formally bother them. There was already a disparity in status between civil and military arts. If he were to seek a master while conveying, "I don't really care about this," such an attitude would be overly frivolous, unless it was a matter of genuine friendship between brothers.

While it would be simpler to approach family members directly—he had taught Steward Geng's son to read, and Geng, out of respect, found it hard to truly spar, which wasn't a major issue and could be resolved with some persuasion—the main problem was that most people in the Su family in Jiangning, even those hostile towards him, fundamentally held the same view as Su Tan'er and the three maids: he shouldn't truly engage in martial arts.

That time, he persuaded Steward Geng and largely settled the concerns of Su Tan'er and the others, so he practiced at home for a few days on a whim. On the very first day, Steward Geng couldn't hold back and landed a punch on his face, then flat-out refused to spar with Ning Yi again. After much coaxing, he finally convinced him. The second day's sparring was much more intense. Ning Yi took several blows to his body and one to his eye, leaving him with a visible bruise when he had dinner with his family that evening.

He was mentally prepared for injuries during sparring. Essentially, his own combat skills weren't advanced, and the extreme force he could exert after cultivating internal energy wasn't practical to use against Steward Geng. While Steward Geng wasn't a renowned martial artist, he had witnessed many real-life conflicts during his years with the Su family. It was even said that when the Su family transported goods, Steward Geng would personally lead, having confronted and defeated several groups of bandits. He was indeed quite formidable.

For Ning Yi to achieve such results during fair sparring meant he was pushing Steward Geng to the point where he sometimes couldn't hold back, which was quite good. He planned that if he continued sparring like this for half a year, combined with the effects of his internal energy, he could consider himself at least half a martial arts master. However, this was causing Steward Geng considerable trouble behind the scenes, with his son at home asking, "Father, how could you hit the teacher like that?"

By the third day, Steward Geng could barely retaliate. Ning Yi then gave him another "pep talk" to continue sparring, which resulted in a punch to his nose, causing a profuse nosebleed that required a bandage. His injuries weren't severe, but when the Old Master saw them, he flew into a rage, summoning others to scold them, "Do you all think I'm dead?!" Later, upon discovering Steward Geng's involvement, he called Geng over and reprimanded him severely.

When Ning Yi learned of the situation, he went to offer an explanation. He was naturally eloquent and carried an air of authority in his dealings. However, regarding this particular matter, his family found his actions truly bizarre. They knew Ning Yi enjoyed telling stories of pugilistic legends, but it was one thing for a hot-blooded youth to train in admiration of heroic figures; it was quite another for a renowned scholar like Ning Yi to get beaten black and blue every day. The Old Master could only laugh helplessly, "What utter nonsense..."

Then he turned to Steward Geng and added, "Young Master Ning likes to fool around, but you're an elder in the household; how could you be so insensible...?"

After that incident, Ning Yi understood it was inappropriate to pursue such activities at home in Jiangning. However, now that he was here in Hangzhou, with only Su Tan'er and a few others present, once things settled, he could naturally compel Steward Geng to spar with him again. If Wen Ding or Wen Fang voiced objections, he could simply scold them and then make them join the training.

With this matter settled, the next morning, he followed his plan and went to find Old Man Qian, whom Old Master Qin had mentioned. According to Old Master Qin, this man was named Qian Jingru, courtesy name Xiwen, an old friend of his who deeply loved books. For this reason, Qin had entrusted Ning Yi to deliver several of his collected books, but nothing more was said.

However, after arriving in Hangzhou, Ning Yi made some inquiries and learned that the Qian family was likely a prominent and well-known clan in the city. The fact that Qian Xiwen's lectures were common knowledge among ordinary people certainly indicated this. Ning Yi understood that Qin Siyuan's request to deliver the letter wasn't just a simple errand; it was somewhat meant to introduce him to an influential person. But his interactions with Old Master Qin and Kang Xian had been purely coincidental, and Ning Yi didn't expect to always be able to converse meaningfully with such elder statesmen. So, this time, he went without any grand expectations, simply to deliver the letter and books.

That morning, he took Xiao Chan out and asked a few more questions about the Qian family. He learned that the Qians were not only a prominent Hangzhou clan but also renowned large landowners throughout the surrounding area, said to possess immense wealth. The surname Qian, which also means "money," immediately sparked an image of dazzling golden splendor in Xiao Chan's mind, a picture of instant riches, which she playfully shared with Ning Yi on their way.

However, upon arriving at the Qian residence, he realized that the Qian family was quite different from Xiao Chan's "dazzling golden splendor" image. While the enclosed houses and courtyards still exuded an air of a prominent family, this cluster of courtyards on the east side of Hangzhou appeared quite old. What had settled there was not an outward display of new money, but rather the disciplined standards and simplicity of a well-established household.

At the gate, Ning Yi announced his name and handed over the letter and books. The elderly gatekeeper took them in and asked the master and servant to wait briefly in the gatehouse. In a moment, an old steward came out to greet them, leading them not to the main hall, but directly to "the master's study." Along the way, Xiao Chan curiously observed her surroundings. The walls, buildings, and paths didn't seem particularly grand, perhaps even less so than the Su residence in Jiangning, yet everything felt perfectly arranged. In some places, neat repair marks were visible, but they didn't make the place look shabby. Many of the decorations and furnishings exuded an scholarly atmosphere. It seemed that generations of continuous habitation had imbued even the smallest details with a lively spirit.

"So, this is what a prominent clan looks like," Ning Yi murmured softly, noticing Xiao Chan's curious gaze. The old steward leading them clearly overheard and offered a proud smile. Xiao Chan tiptoed and whispered, "I've been to the Puyang family's home and a princely manor with Young Mistress. Those places were very beautiful, but they didn't have this kind of feeling."

The old steward in front nodded, his smile growing even more pleasant. He turned back and said, "The Master just returned from lecturing in the countryside yesterday and is in a very good mood. It's not common for someone like Young Master Ning to be invited to the study for a chat on their first visit. Young Master Ning, please feel at ease when you meet the Master later..."

The steward likely assumed Ning Yi was a junior arriving from elsewhere to pay respects with a letter. Having a good impression of them, he offered this advice to ensure Ning Yi wouldn't be overly nervous and thus make a poor impression on his master.

Ning Yi nodded, smiled, and thanked him.

The path from the gate to Qian Xiwen's study wasn't far. After these few words, as they rounded a corner in the corridor ahead, a voice suddenly called out: "Qian Weiliang! You still dare to run!" It sounded like playful scolding during a chase among young people. Immediately after, a figure suddenly rushed around the corner, nearly colliding with Ning Yi. This was a man in a scholar's robe, similar in age to Ning Yi, probably in his early twenties. He was being chased and glanced back as he hurried away.

Another man of similar age then rushed out. He paused in surprise, cupped his hands in a quick salute, and then continued the chase. However, as he ran, he kept glancing back, seemingly at Ning Yi or Xiao Chan, nearly tripping before finally focusing on the path and running after the first man.

"These are the two young masters from the second branch," the steward explained. "Please excuse their behavior, Young Master Ning. This way, please."

As the old man rounded the corner, Ning Yi was about to follow when he noticed a red object lying in the grass nearby. He picked it up and saw it was a red coral brush holder, likely dropped by the two young men just now, fortunately landing on the grass without breaking. By then, the young men had run far away. Ning Yi carried the item as he followed the old man, and just before they arrived, he took out the brush holder, explained how he found it, and asked the old steward to return it to them. The old steward looked at the brush holder with a somewhat wry smile and did not reach out to take it.

"Ah, it's Young Masters Weiliang and Weiqing," the steward chuckled. "This brush holder doesn't belong to the two young masters of the second branch. It's actually the Master's favorite item, and it went missing a few days ago. I can't believe Young Master Ning found it. Perhaps Young Master Ning could return it to the Master in person later?"

Ning Yi frowned. "Isn't that inappropriate?" Anyone else would surely see it as a prime opportunity to build a connection with Qian Xiwen and earn goodwill. But for Ning Yi, if the situation was somehow linked to an internal matter like theft within the Qian family, then as an outsider, he absolutely should not get involved.

"No matter, no matter," replied the steward.

The old steward, however, smiled genuinely. In a moment, they arrived outside Qian Xiwen's courtyard. Xiao Chan was directed to a waiting room for servants outside. Ning Yi frowned, putting the brush holder into his sleeve. Led in by the old steward, the elder, Qian Xiwen, was already waiting in the room. He was an elderly man with salt-and-pepper hair and beard, neatly combed. He wore a clean, simple gray robe that, though without patches, clearly showed signs of being washed many times. He had likely finished reading Qin Siyuan's letter and was now turning the pages of the books Ning Yi had brought. When Ning Yi entered, he amiably gestured for him to sit.

"Since our parting in the capital, I haven't seen Duke Qin for eight years," Qian Xiwen began. "Liheng, you've come from Jiangning. Is Duke Qin's health still well?"

After a brief exchange of names, Qian Xiwen began asking Ning Yi about Qin Siyuan. He likely regarded Ning Yi as a junior connected to Qin Siyuan and inquired about many family matters, such as the two brothers Qin Shao and Qin Shaoqian, often sighing with sentiment. Ning Yi answered everything he knew. Before long, Qian Xiwen changed the subject.

"In early summer this year, military conflict resumed in the north; Jin and Liao have gone to war," he said. "Regarding this matter, Liheng, did you hear anything from Duke Qin when you left Jiangning?"

"Duke Qin has gone to the capital," Ning Yi replied. "He might have arrived by now."

"Oh," Qian Xiwen responded.

Qian Xiwen nodded, looking at Ning Yi reflectively and appraisingly. His previous question had been very skillfully phrased; he likely thought Ning Yi was merely a junior of Qin Siyuan's and wouldn't know much about the matters he was truly interested in. However, Ning Yi naturally understood the implication and responded directly. At this time, the news of Qin Siyuan's reinstatement had not yet been announced, so Ning Yi's answer indicated that he was at least aware of the inside story from eight years ago. Qian Xiwen pondered Qin Siyuan's situation, then asked about Ning Yi's own circumstances.

He inquired about Ning Yi's family background, his marital status, and his academic pursuits. These were typical questions an elder would ask a junior. The old man, well-versed in many books, had actually already read some of the *ci* poems Ning Yi had written in Jiangning and remembered the name Ning Liheng. He had harbored doubts in his mind earlier but waited until now, after discussing Qin Siyuan, to ask. After confirming, he didn't comment on the quality of the poems, but simply asked what kind of books Ning Yi usually enjoyed reading and how he approached his studies. Ning Yi replied that he liked reading legendary tales and folk stories. As for his studies, he simply used the kind of arguments he'd heard when joking with Old Master Qin and Old Master Kang, giving mediocre and ordinary answers that neither showed off nor offended anyone.

At this point, Ning Yi probably guessed what Old Master Qin had written about him in the letter. The old man knew his character and would certainly not exaggerate how extraordinary a certain young man was. He likely simply reminisced with Old Man Qian, adding a sentence or two at the end, perhaps something like, "A young friend is coming to Hangzhou; please look after him a bit." Old Master Qin had always hoped he would pursue a literary career, so this Old Man Qian naturally saw him as a junior seeking patronage and learning, which explained his attitude.

An ordinary person, having heard of his reputation for poetry, would have offered a few flowery praises. Qian Xiwen, however, did not flatter with empty words; this indicated an attitude of having already accepted the responsibility of mentorship. Since he regarded Ning Yi as his own disciple, strict requirements naturally came first, and indiscriminate praise was out of the question. His cultivation was also excellent; he showed no displeasure towards Ning Yi's preference for leisure reading like supernatural tales. When Ning Yi gave rather unremarkable answers, Qian Xiwen merely frowned slightly in thought, then took a few books from a nearby bookshelf.

"It's perfectly fine for someone as vibrant and energetic as Liheng at your age to enjoy reading short supernatural tales," Qian Xiwen said. "Judging by your writing, you're not someone who gets bogged down in minor details. However, there are also some tricks and principles in choosing and reading books. This old man believes that with some books, reading one is just reading one. But if one can discern profound truths from minor details and gain insights, reading one book is like reading two or three. Heh, sometimes one even secretly delights in such cleverness. Since Liheng is interested, you might as well take these few legendary tales back to read. I have also read them; the stories are ingenious, and the writing is good. If you find them interesting, I also have two other books here, which I have annotated. You might consider reading them alongside."

Ning Yi took the books and looked at them. On one side were several currently popular ghost stories, one of which he had even bought and read before. The other two, intended for "supplementary reading," were *Zuo Zhuan* and *Spring and Autumn Annals*. The *Spring and Autumn Annals* had "Addendum" and "Examination" written after its title. These were common books, so the emphasis was likely on the annotations.

Ning Yi took the books and thanked him, a wry smile forming inwardly. This old man was quite good; after their recent conversation, he had developed a degree of fondness for him. In truth, given Old Master Qin's discerning eye for people, since he had introduced him, Ning Yi knew the man wouldn't be unreliable.

If he were truly dedicated to scholarship, eager to make progress, or passionate about a career through official examinations, then perhaps he should have bowed his head and acknowledged a master now. But he wasn't, and these truths were difficult to express. In the future, he would inevitably fall short of the other party's good intentions. Qin Siyuan had probably already guessed his current mindset, and likely had a hint of mischief when writing the letter, internally laughing and scolding him.

The old man was good, but if there were no future matters requiring assistance, their interaction would likely be limited to this one time. Having established this in his mind, and after chatting a few more words with the old man, Ning Yi stood up to take his leave. Qian Xiwen nodded, "You may go." As he turned to leave, Ning Yi remembered something, turned back, took out the coral brush holder, and returned it to him.

Given Ning Yi's mindset, if he genuinely had a favor to ask, to avoid touching upon the Qian family's "scandal," he would never have returned the brush holder in person. But since he had no such intentions, it didn't matter. Only when he returned it did he realize that things might be different from what he thought. Qian Xiwen frowned, a wry, amused smile on his face, and looked at Ning Yi: "You picked it up when you came in?" For some reason, he seemed disbelieving, but there was no malice in his expression.

"Yes," Ning Yi confirmed, "I picked it up from the grass when I came in earlier."

"Heh, what a coincidence!" Qian Xiwen thought for a moment, then shook his head and laughed. "Well, well, it's fate. Qian Yu, come here!"

He called out, and Qian Yu, who was clearly the old steward from earlier, responded and came in. Qian Xiwen smiled: "Liheng found my coral brush holder. Go and fetch ten thousand coins as stated in the notice."

Ten thousand coins were equivalent to ten *guan*, a significant sum for an ordinary family, though not much for Ning Yi. He was somewhat taken aback. As Qian Yu exited the room, Qian Xiwen wiped the brush holder and smiled, "At home, I like this brush holder the most. It often goes missing, so I put out a reward: whoever finds it will receive ten thousand coins. Since Liheng found it, the reward should naturally be honored."

"Often goes missing?" Ning Yi repeated.

"Heh, it just disappears, somehow," Qian Xiwen replied.

"And you often find it?" Ning Yi pressed.

"Yes, hasn't it been found this time?" Qian Xiwen chuckled.

Ning Yi was speechless for a moment. Soon after, Qian Yu led a servant who brought the money: ten *guan* worth of coins, not banknotes. They were strung together with rope and brought over in a large box. Ning Yi's face twitched. At this time, one copper coin weighed over three grams, so one thousand coins were nearly four kilograms, and ten thousand coins amounted to almost forty kilograms. The sturdy servant carried the box with both hands and placed it on the floor with a thud. Steward Qian's eyes were vacant, seemingly preparing to disassociate himself. Qian Xiwen blinked awkwardly, stroking his chin, but never suggested changing it to banknotes, and simply handed the ten *guan* in coins to Ning Yi.

Seeing everyone's attitude, Ning Yi found it amusing, though he didn't know what the Qian family was really up to. He didn't ask the servant for help, simply reached out, picked up the box, and left with a smile, bidding them farewell.

Xiao Chan saw them coming outside the gate and quickly went to help, wanting to take the box from Ning Yi's arms. Ning Yi laughed, "No rush, no rush, it's very heavy." Xiao Chan, naturally thinking of her duties as a maid, replied, "Xiao Chan is used to doing things, and I'm very strong."

Ning Yi pretended to set the box down slightly, and Xiao Chan was almost dragged to the ground by its weight. Fortunately, Ning Yi immediately caught the box, laughing uncontrollably.

When she heard that the box contained ten *guan* of coins, Xiao Chan's face rounded in surprise, presumably thinking the Qian family was being a bit unreasonable.

Steward Qian was also somewhat embarrassed. As they approached the gatehouse, he quietly explained the reason behind the situation. It turned out that although the Qian family was a prominent and well-known clan throughout the region, Qian Xiwen managed his household with extreme strictness, insisting on simplicity, so the children in the family received very little monthly allowance, and funds were never disbursed in advance. One time, one of the younger family members encountered some trouble and urgently needed money, so he took Qian Xiwen's favorite coral brush holder. After Qian Xiwen understood the situation, he posted a notice in the household, offering a reward of ten thousand coins to anyone who could help find it. Later, that same young family member returned the brush holder, and Qian Xiwen indeed kept his promise, giving him the ten thousand coins.

After this incident, the brush holder would often go missing seven or eight times a year. Each time, Qian Xiwen would still post the reward notice, and after a day or two, someone would bring it back, claiming they had finally found it. Qian Xiwen always paid the reward, but...

"The Master says that ten thousand coins, if converted to a banknote, would just be a small piece of paper," the steward explained. "Since everyone wants reward money, giving it in copper coins always seems like more. So, each time, the young masters in the household have to laboriously carry it back..."

The old steward spoke of this with an amusing laugh. Only then did Ning Yi and Xiao Chan understand. It went missing every time, was found every time, and then went missing again every time—how could Qian Xiwen not know the truth? He was merely feigning ignorance, giving them an opportunity to receive a special favor outside the rules. Whoever returned it was naturally the one who took it. These people, revealing their identities each time, naturally wouldn't dare to act recklessly. They would only dare to take the brush holder when they genuinely needed money. The ten *guan* of copper coins was probably just a playful jab at these children.

Thinking about it, this was probably why Qian Xiwen's expression was so odd when Ning Yi produced the brush holder. The brush holder could only have been taken by one of the children in the family; it wouldn't genuinely be lost for an outsider to pick up...

Carrying the box and the books Qian Xiwen had given him, the master and servant rode back in a carriage. Back home, Su Tan'er was slightly surprised to see the ten *guan* of coins. Ning Yi recounted what he had witnessed at the Qian residence today, and Su Tan'er was filled with admiration.

"That Old Man Qian is truly a good person," Su Tan'er remarked, "and he manages his household so well."

"He's an interesting person," Ning Yi agreed, "but we probably won't have many opportunities to interact in the future..."

Tan'er nodded, then turned to look at her unconstrained husband, her gaze complex.

Two more days passed. Ning Yi, following his wife's plan, began accompanying her to visit various merchants in the Hangzhou area who were involved in the cloth trade, presenting himself as the Su family's live-in son-in-law. He strictly adhered to his role as a mere accompaniment and a protector, not doing anything to complicate matters. Once introductions were made, he completely minimized his presence, allowing his wife to subtly and gently showcase her own capabilities.

In Hangzhou, the Su family had no established foundation. To develop here would almost be starting from scratch. Only under such circumstances could he more clearly see his wife's talents and abilities. For his peculiar taste, watching these various interactions and confrontations was one of the most enjoyable things for him.

He was already tired of such matters, but occasionally observing them without responsibility was always interesting.

A standard, simple, and dutiful live-in son-in-law – this was the first impression he would leave on Hangzhou throughout the coming summer...