TRWSB – Chapter 131 A New Beginning for Yun Hu

At dawn, Yun Ping arrived with Yun Hu in tow.

Zhuang Hao, dressed in a fresh set of clothes, stepped forward to greet them. Despite his ordinary disguise, his new attire gave him a refined air that caught Yun Hu’s curious gaze.

“Old Yun, what brings you here?”

Yun Ping looked at Zhuang Hao with a hint of embarrassment. “I’ve come with an unreasonable request.”

Perhaps due to the natural humility of people from small towns when facing those of higher status, Yun Ping’s demeanor was particularly deferential.

“Please, speak freely,” Zhuang Hao replied graciously.

Yun Ping pulled Yun Hu forward. “This grandson of mine has decent talent, but I’ve failed him. I couldn’t afford a proper teacher or good training manuals, and I’ve held him back. Young Master, you’ve seen the world. I hope he can follow you and gain some experience. I heard your cousin is a merchant—could you perhaps arrange for my grandson to join as a guard?”

Zhuang Hao chuckled. “That’s certainly possible. But Yun Hu, didn’t you say you wanted to become a mercenary and marry the captain of a mercenary team?”

Yun Hu’s face turned red as he stammered, “The Flying Tiger Mercenary Group already finished their recruitment last month. They require experienced applicants and won’t take novices like me who’ve just entered the third level of Dou Qi. I don’t meet their criteria.”

Sitting on the carriage and swinging his legs, Qi Shaorong mused, Whether it’s the past life or this one, finding a stable job is no easy feat.

Zhuang Hao nodded. “If you trust me, Old Yun, leave Yun Hu with me. I’ll have him work as a guard for my cousin for now, and when an opportunity arises, I’ll help him find a teacher.”

Yun Ping was overwhelmed with gratitude. “Thank you so much! Yun Hu, stay in the guard team and make sure to listen and follow orders, understood?”

“Understood,” Yun Hu replied earnestly.

With Zhuang Hao’s agreement, Yun Ping left, satisfied.

After Yun Ping’s departure, Yun Hu let out a sigh of relief.

Glancing at Zhuang Qian, Yun Hu nudged Zhuang Hao with his elbow, whispering, “Your cousin looks pretty capable. Are you sure you can make this decision on your own? Shouldn’t you consult him?”

Zhuang Hao waved dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. I can handle small matters like this.”

Yun Hu blinked. “I’m glad to hear that, but aren’t you technically under his roof right now? Shouldn’t you be more careful? If I cause trouble and you get kicked out, that’d be terrible.”

Zhuang Hao rolled his eyes. “You’re overthinking it.”

Still unconvinced, Yun Hu asked, “What’s your cousin’s temperament like?”

“Pretty good,” Zhuang Hao replied.

“If I stay, will he pay me a salary?” Yun Hu inquired.

“Yes,” Zhuang Hao said curtly.

“Ten gold coins a month?” Yun Hu asked, holding up both hands eagerly.

Zhuang Hao shot him an exasperated look.

Embarrassed, Yun Hu lowered one hand. “Five. Five gold coins a month—no less.”

Zhuang Hao: “…”

“What are you two talking about?” Zhuang Qian walked over.

Zhuang Hao gestured toward Yun Hu. “He wants to stay on as a guard.”

Hearing this, Yun Hu immediately straightened up, resembling a schoolboy awaiting a teacher’s approval.

Zhuang Qian nodded. “I’ll make the arrangements.”

Although Yun Hu was carefree and bold around Zhuang Hao, he was far more respectful toward Zhuang Qian. However, after a brief conversation, his true nature resurfaced.

“You’re saying my cousin cooked meals, fetched water, chopped firewood, picked vegetables, butchered pigs, and caught fish at your house?” Zhuang Qian asked, his tone incredulous.

Yun Hu nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Your cousin’s a quick learner. He was clumsy at first, but once he got the hang of it, he was really fast and efficient!”

Zhuang Qian twitched slightly, screaming internally. Big Brother, you’ve suffered so much! I’m sorry for failing you as a younger brother!

“And you’re saying my cousin stole clothes from your house to wear?”

Yun Hu nodded again, this time with a serious expression. “Yes! Life’s tough when you’re on the road. Although his actions weren’t right, it was understandable.”

Zhuang Qian let out a frustrated sigh. “So it’s true. I can’t believe it’s actually true!”

“True? What’s true?” Yun Hu asked, puzzled.

“Nothing,” Zhuang Qian muttered, shaking his head.

Looking hesitant, Yun Hu asked cautiously, “Will I really get paid twenty gold coins a month?”

Zhuang Qian nodded. “Yes. If you’re worried, I can pay you half a year’s salary upfront.” He took out a pouch of coins and handed it to Yun Hu.

Yun Hu accepted the pouch carefully, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Zhuang Qian, however, looked at him skeptically. “One more thing. As the saying goes, family scandals shouldn’t be aired in public. From now on, don’t talk about my cousin’s past. If word of this reaches the capital, my brother’s reputation will dominate the gossip circles for at least a month.”

Yun Hu nodded earnestly. “Don’t worry. I won’t mention a word of it to anyone.”

Yun Hu approached Zhuang Hao, giving his back a hearty slap.

“Little thief, your cousin is incredibly generous! He looks like someone destined for greatness. How on earth did you end up with such an amazing cousin? You’re so lucky. Stick with him, work hard, and you’re bound to succeed,” Yun Hu said enthusiastically.

Qi Heng, watching nearby, chuckled and turned to Qi Shaorong. “Young master, where did this big oaf come from? He’s hilarious. Seems he really admires Zhuang Qian!”

Qi Shaorong smiled, thinking, Yun Hu, this fool, has completely backed the wrong horse.

“His sister, though, is quite sharp,” Qi Shaorong noted. “It’s amusing how siblings can differ so much in intelligence!”

Zhuang Hao laughed and said, “My cousin’s very generous. Follow him and work hard—you’ll eat well every day, with plenty of pork to go around.”

Grateful, Yun Hu clapped Zhuang Hao’s shoulder. “Brother, thank you! When I make it big, I won’t forget to take care of you!”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Zhuang Hao replied with a smile.

“Of course!” Yun Hu declared heartily.

As Zhuang Qian sat nearby, watching, Qi Shaorong rested his chin on his hand, amused by the scene.

Zhuang Hao noticed Zhuang Qian’s stare and raised an eyebrow. “What are you staring at? Speak up.”

Zhuang Qian sighed dramatically. “Brother, you’re tarnishing the thousand-year reputation of the Zhuang family!”

Qi Shaorong burst into laughter. “Didn’t that reputation get tarnished long ago?”

Zhuang Qian shook his head. “That was different! Last time, it was a display of wit and adaptability. But stealing clothes? That’s just embarrassing. And worse, stealing shabby ones at that!”

Zhuang Hao: “…”

Qi Shaoying: “…”

At the Yun Family Courtyard

Yun Que, sewing clothes, looked concerned. “Grandfather, was it really a good idea to send my brother off as a guard?”

Yun Ping sighed bitterly. “If your brother stays here, he’ll never accomplish anything. Letting him go out into the world might be the best for him.”

“But we don’t even know those people well!” Yun Que protested.

Yun Ping shook his head. “Great accomplishments often require taking risks. Those two travelers were clearly extraordinary. Who knows, your brother might achieve something that even surprises you.”

Yun Que smiled faintly. “I hope so.”

Early Morning Practice

At dawn, Zhuang Qian noticed Yun Hu practicing martial arts. Spotting Zhuang Qian, Yun Hu eagerly approached him.

“Young master, you’re up! Are you hungry? Should I hunt a wild boar for you? I once caught a boar this big—it was delicious!” Yun Hu boasted, spreading his arms wide.

Zhuang Hao stepped out from the carriage and interrupted, “Enough. Last time you hunted a boar, didn’t it almost castrate you? Don’t get any wild ideas.”

Yun Hu’s face flushed with embarrassment. Pulling Zhuang Hao aside, he hissed, “Pretty boy, stop saying things like that in front of your cousin!”

“Why?” Zhuang Hao asked, amused.

“Why? Because he’s my boss now! I’m counting on him to raise my pay. You’re ruining my image!” Yun Hu exclaimed.

Zhuang Hao: “…”

While Yun Hu scolded Zhuang Hao, he turned back to Zhuang Qian with a wide smile, a complete shift in demeanor.

Watching this dynamic, Zhuang Qian felt a strange sense of amusement. He had met plenty of people who were deferential to his brother but dismissive of him, or the reverse. However, someone who switched between attitudes depending on the sibling? That was new and oddly entertaining.

A Critical Decision

“Ah Qian, come here. I need to talk to you,” Zhuang Hao said.

Yun Hu quickly interjected, “Don’t badmouth me!”

Zhuang Hao rolled his eyes. “Relax, I don’t have time for that.”

Zhuang Qian walked over, curious.

Qi Heng leaned toward Qi Shaorong, whispering, “Young master, where did Zhuang Hao pick up such a walking comic relief?”

Qi Shaorong smiled. “Don’t underestimate him. That oaf has potential.”

Qi Heng chuckled. “Well, anyone who can fluster Zhuang Hao must have some talent.”

Meanwhile, Zhuang Hao spoke in a low, serious tone to Zhuang Qian. “We’re not waiting any longer. We’re heading straight into the Misty Forest to avoid the blockade.”

Zhuang Qian hesitated. “But, brother, the Misty Forest is full of dangerous beasts and toxic plants. It’s not exactly safe!”

Zhuang Hao nodded. “I know, but staying here is even more dangerous. My movements seem to have been leaked. If we linger, things will only get worse.”

“But you and Qi Shaorong can’t fully use your powers yet. I’m not sure I can protect you both,” Zhuang Qian admitted.

“I’m not counting on you to protect us,” Zhuang Hao said bluntly. “Just keep yourself safe. Yi Fan is nearby. Qi Heng has already contacted him. We’ll rendezvous in the forest. Yi Fan’s skilled in dealing with poisons, so the forest’s miasma won’t be an issue. Plus, my strength is starting to recover.”

Zhuang Qian blinked in surprise. “Wait, didn’t you say it would take a month?”

Zhuang Hao nodded. “That was the original estimate, but I’ve had some unexpected luck. The seal on my abilities seems to be weakening ahead of schedule.”

Relieved, Zhuang Qian nodded. “That’s great news. I’ll inform the others to prepare for departure.”