TFWYH – Chapter 13 Want to learn martial arts

Ling Sheng had a dream since he was little.

He wanted to learn the best martial arts, leap over rooftops, and uphold justice.

But as he grew older, he realized—learning martial arts wasn’t easy.

Those who truly knew martial arts were either military officers or shadow guards, or came from legendary martial sects.

He was just a countryside boy, nowhere near that kind of circle.

But now—he had Tang Wan!

He was convinced that Tang Wan knew martial arts and stuck to her like glue. Even when she returned home, he shamelessly followed her inside.

When Jiang-shi saw her daughter-in-law and Ling Yue return, she breathed a deep sigh of relief. But upon spotting Ling Sheng, she looked confused and whispered to her daughter, “Why did he come too?”

“He got beaten into obedience,” Ling Yue said with a blank expression, using words Jiang-shi didn’t quite understand.

Before Jiang-shi could ask more, Ling Yue was called over by Tang Wan.

Tang Wan took out everything she bought and told Ling Yue to soak the moldy broad beans to begin fermentation.

Jiang-shi’s eye twitched when she saw the two large baskets full of supplies.

So much again?!

And those broad beans!

Aren’t they moldy? You bought them anyway?

“Wan-niang, this is… such a waste of money. The beans are moldy, you can’t eat them!”

Before Tang Wan could reply, Ling Yue quickly said, “Mom, since Sister-in-law bought them, I’m sure she has a plan. Just wait and see!”

She didn’t know what doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste) was, but she believed in Tang Wan.

Jiang-shi sighed and said nothing more, stepping forward to help.

To be honest, she was a bit intimidated by her daughter-in-law now.

And besides, Tang Wan had her own ideas and was spending her own money—what right did she have to interfere?

Only Ling Sheng was truly annoying.

For some reason, he kept pestering Tang Wan, even helping her with various chores.

Tang Wan wasn’t shy about using him either and just sat on the side giving directions.

Ling Chen, watching his cousin being so eager to help, felt a bit upset.

He scooted over and eventually ended up hugging Tang Wan’s leg, looking up at her with big eyes—ones just like Ling Yue’s—pleading: “Sister-in-law, A-Chen can help too!”

Tang Wan glanced at him, pulled out a candied hawthorn stick from the basket, and handed it to him: “Help me eat this!”

“A-Chen means it! A-Chen really wants to help!” Ling Chen stared at the treat, gulping hard, but didn’t reach for it.

He genuinely wanted to help and wouldn’t be tempted.

Tang Wan stuffed the candied hawthorn into his hand and, seeing the two little tufts of hair on his head sticking up again, smoothed them down. “Eat more—getting stronger is helping.”

Ling Chen tilted his little head, confused.

Is Sister-in-law saying I’m too short?

He looked down at himself, then at Ling Sheng’s height, paused in silence, and took a big bite of the treat.

Sister-in-law is right!

I’m too small. I need to grow up fast so I can help her!

Jiang-shi, watching the scene between her son and daughter-in-law, couldn’t help the slight smile tugging at her lips.

This daughter-in-law had really changed.

Less temper, more patience.

Her younger son was starting to get attached to her.

And Ling Sheng, because he wanted something, was being especially hardworking.

All the little red peppers were washed and laid out to dry under the sun.

The moldy broad beans were also all soaking.

“Sister-in-law, what’s next?” Ling Yue asked with a smile, wiping her sweat.

“Wait,” Tang Wan replied with one word, then realizing it sounded too simple, added, “Wait until tomorrow!”

“Alright, I’ll go cook then.” Ling Yue glanced at the smirking Ling Sheng beside her, hesitated a bit, then politely said, “Cousin, why don’t you stay for dinner too?”

“I’ll just—” Ling Sheng had just started to respond when he saw Tang Wan staring at him. He immediately changed his tune, “No need! We’ve already cooked at home. I’ll go back to eat.”

Ling Yue found it amusing and didn’t push.

Jiang-shi shook her head helplessly and went inside to help.

Only Ling Chen stayed alert, watching Ling Sheng like a thief, afraid he might steal his sister-in-law.

Ling Sheng ignored him and smiled obsequiously at Tang Wan. “Wan-niang, I was wrong before. Teach me martial arts, please! Once I learn, I’ll do whatever you say.”

Tang Wan found him annoying and said bluntly, “Martial arts should be learned from a young age. You’re too old!”

Ling Sheng’s face twitched—those words stabbed him right in the heart.

Can’t you be a little more tactful?

But she wasn’t wrong. Ling Sheng didn’t know martial arts, but he knew the basics.

He was nineteen already—starting now was definitely late.

Still, he didn’t want to give up.

He looked at Tang Wan with puppy eyes. “Is it really not possible?”

Tang Wan replied, “It’s tough.”

He paused for a moment before realizing what she meant. Excited, he said, “I’m not afraid of hardship! Really! If I ever complain, I’ll be your grandson!”

…That’s not necessary. I don’t want a pain-in-the-neck grandson like you.

“You’ll never match someone who started young,” Tang Wan added.

Ling Sheng gritted his teeth. “It’s fine. As long as I can learn, I won’t regret it, even if I’m not the best!”

Tang Wan raised a brow.

You said it!

“Starting tomorrow, strap 10 jin of sandbags to your legs, run around the village five times!”

“??”

“You can’t take them off after running—keep them on for meals and sleep too!”

“!”

“Every month, increase the sandbag weight by 10 jin and add five more laps!”

“!!”

“Come see me again in ten months!”

“（#Д）！”

Are you serious?

Are you messing with me?!

Ling Sheng was furious.

This wasn’t something a human could do.

Adding 10 jin each month meant 100 jin after ten months!

Running laps was basically the distance to town and back!

Fifty laps after ten months—he’d be running all day!

“Tang Wan, are you messing with me?!”

“Believe it or not.” Tang Wan gave him a glance and ignored him after that.

You’re a grown man still trying to take shortcuts—how can life be that easy?

Ling Sheng gave her a fierce glare and stormed off angrily.

Tang Wan didn’t spare him a single look.

She had no interest in people who weren’t willing to suffer and just wanted to reap rewards.

“Sister-in-law, can A-Chen learn martial arts?” Ling Chen hugged her leg and looked up at her.

Tang Wan frowned slightly. “It’s really hard!”

“I’m not afraid!” Ling Chen’s eyes shone with determination. “A-Chen wants to protect Mother, Big Brother, Sister, and Sister-in-law too!”

Tang Wan looked at him for a moment, then moved to the side and dropped into a standard horse stance. “Hold this position for an hour every day. Do that, and I’ll teach you.”

“Okay!” Ling Chen ran beside her and copied her stance, his little face tense with seriousness.

Tang Wan adjusted his posture and left him to it.

She didn’t expect such a little kid to actually last.

He’ll probably give up in a few minutes.

But to her surprise, Little Ling Chen didn’t quit.

Even skipped lunch and held that horse stance for a full hour.

His little legs trembled, sweat poured down his face—but he didn’t rest.