Chapter 17: What Kind of Figure Does Su Wu Really Amount To?

Page 1/3

Su Wu practiced swordsmanship with great seriousness. He knew that this era was gradually descending into chaos, forcing himself to train relentlessly. The half-grown youth Li Cheng had only one thought: not to be looked down upon by the captain. Since he would be walking alongside the captain from now on, he had to prove himself worthy. Wu Song taught with earnest dedication, growing more intense with each lesson, and said, “Brother, your talent for martial arts is truly exceptional! This boy isn’t bad either; his physique is solid, and his comprehension keeps up well.” Physical exercise indeed requires innate talent.

As dusk slowly fell, the three paused. Wu Song gave further instructions: “Brother, your body is already remarkably strong. Practicing martial arts requires daily persistence; the stronger you become, the better. Eat meat—meat every day. This boy too has a good frame and is still growing, so he must eat plenty of meat.” The saying “poor in letters but rich in martial skills” evidently holds some truth.

“Let’s buy meat from the market,” Su Wu said decisively.

The three, joined by Dong Jian, finished their duties and went to the street. They bought ten pounds of meat, some wine, and a few side dishes, then headed to Su Wu’s new quarters. There was no need for a formal housewarming; a simple meal with wine and meat would suffice. The timid little kitchen maid was intimidated by the large men in the house, and upon hearing the orders, busied herself cooking without even daring to peek out.

No need for culinary finesse—just cut the meat, boil it, add some salt. That’s how warriors eat. Su Wu ate heartily, at least there was salt; he had even tried some fitness meals that omitted salt entirely.

Suddenly, Wu Song asked Li Cheng, “You’re from a hunter’s family; what skills do you have?”

Li Cheng answered, “I can shoot; I’m familiar with both bow and crossbow. With a hunting bow, I can hit nine out of ten targets at a hundred paces. As for the crossbow, it’s a simple rural model; I can shoot exactly where I point from over a hundred paces.”

Wu Song was astonished. “You possess such skill?”

Li Cheng nodded dumbfoundedly, clearly not fabricating.

Su Wu turned to look and said, “Excellent. Tomorrow, you’ll register at the government office. They have powerful crossbows there; you’ll receive one.”

“Yes, sir,” Li Cheng replied, genuinely grateful to his benefactor, nodding in earnest.

Dong Jian added, “I’ll help him handle that tomorrow.”

“Let’s drink,” Wu Song said, happiest when sharing a bowl of wine.

The four chatted freely. Wu Song spoke of his martial training, youthful bravado, and the scoundrels at Chai Jin’s manor…

Page 2/3

Dong Jian shared family gossip, matters at the government office, and some recent rumors from Yanggu County. After a few drinks, the youth Li Cheng opened up, telling tales of hunting in the mountains.

Su Wu listened with a faint smile.

Men need a few drinks to loosen up; when spirits align, by morning they become inseparable.

Meanwhile, someone rode swiftly through the night along the official road between Yanggu County and Dongping Prefecture. Arriving at Dongping’s city gate by dawn, he turned around and galloped back toward Yanggu County within an hour.

Early morning, Dong Jian went to the government office while Su Wu, Wu Song, and Li Cheng resumed their lessons. The kitchen maid, without much talk, took the money from her master and went to buy vegetables. The master also instructed to buy cloth, bedding, pots, and pans—so much that if it couldn’t be carried back, a cart would be hired.

For Su Wu, encountering a warrior of Wu Song’s caliber was rare; martial arts training was paramount.

At breakfast, Wu Song arrived early with a simple, hearty smile, already familiar with the layout of the new quarters.

By mid-afternoon, the official Ximen returned from Dongping Prefecture and went to see Yun Liwan.

“Have you met him?” Yun Liwan asked.

Ximen Qing nodded repeatedly. “I have. A huge man, truly fearsome. Even his subordinates are broad-shouldered and strong.”

“That’s only natural!” Yun Liwan beamed, somewhat proud.

“They said they will enter the city at dusk tomorrow. It’s best to settle things that very night, as they hurry north and don’t want to delay…” Ximen Qing reported.

“So urgent? Good. Leave it to you. Find a place for them to stay—hidden, without revealing their whereabouts. Then take Yu Baosi to identify them; the rest you need not worry about.”

Yun Liwan was by no means lacking in strategy.

“Understood,” Ximen Qing bowed slightly. Though the event had not yet occurred, he already felt a grim satisfaction.

Having seen Yu Baosi himself, he knew Yu was no ordinary man. This time, Su Wu was surely doomed.

Thinking of his inevitable death, Ximen Qing’s heart swelled with a cruel pleasure.

Leaving Yun Liwan’s residence, Ximen Qing had another pressing matter and headed straight for a well-known matchmaker’s house in Yanggu County.

The matchmaker’s surname was Xue, known as Sister Xue.

Upon entering, Ximen Qing asked, “How’s the situation? What did the lady say?”

Sister Xue frowned slightly. “Sir, there have been some changes…”

“How come there are changes?” Ximen Qing grew anxious.

“Last time I went, things seemed fine. I even suggested the gentleman visit her, and she never truly refused. But this afternoon, things seemed less warm. I spoke highly of you, yet she said little…”

“What happened? You’ve taken quite a sum from me. If you can’t get this done…” Ximen Qing’s greatest impatience was with women.

Sister Xue smiled again. “Don’t worry, sir. I have a good reputation in Yanggu County. Nothing goes smoothly at first—good things come with twists and turns.”

“Then tell me how much more you want,” Ximen Qing waved his hand.

Sister Xue replied slowly, “Sir, money is needed, naturally. But this isn’t all about money. Meng Yulou is alone, her vast estate closely watched. She lives in constant fear and wants someone she can truly rely on. In Yanggu County, who else but you?”

“Go on…” Ximen Qing calmed, drawn by Meng Yulou’s extraordinary beauty and immense wealth.

“I went to inquire, sir. What do you say?” The matchmaker expertly baited Ximen Qing, prolonging the suspense.

“Speak…” Ximen Qing was impatient, pulling out a string of coins from his sleeve.

Sister Xue took them and said, “Yesterday, the county’s Captain Su helped drive away Zhang Si. That lady even saw Captain Su to the doorstep and was reluctant to let him leave…”

“Who?” Ximen Qing’s brows furrowed.

“The county captain, Su Wu, the one who hunted the big beast on Jingyang Ridge. The lady seems to think she can rely on someone, so she won’t listen to me. This matter… you must intervene. I have a plan.”

Ximen Qing gritted his teeth, “Him again!”

“Ah? Do you have a grudge with Captain Su? Even better. My plan won’t damage your reputation.” Sister Xue teased, waiting for Ximen Qing to ask for details—and more money.

Ximen Qing waved his hand coldly, smiling with disdain. “Who is this Su Wu? He dares to compete for a woman with me? No need for your plan—I have my own.”

With that, Ximen Qing left. Sister Xue called after him, “Sir, I really do have a good plan…”

Ximen Qing paid no heed. Old grudges were yet unresolved, and new troubles arrived. Yun Liwan hadn’t yet considered killing him outright—only maiming him.

In Ximen Qing’s mind, Su Wu was destined to lie dead in the street by tomorrow night.

Page 3/3