Chapter Seven
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Just after Gu Yusheng got off the carriage, he heard that Gu Yuren was also at the Qi family’s salt shop, currently in the backyard practicing swordsmanship with Qi Qiongqiong.
Gu Yusheng was pleased in his heart and said, “Big brother, had I known you were coming to the Qi salt shop today, I wouldn’t have left the house this morning!” After paying the coachman, he left Xiao Guimu behind and hurried toward the backyard.
The backyard was where the Qi family practiced martial arts and swordsmanship; it was quite spacious.
Upon arriving, Gu Yusheng saw Gu Yuren personally guiding Qi Qiongqiong in the Neon Sword technique. Gu Yusheng knew his brother wanted to use this teaching opportunity to be close to Senior Sister Qiong—after all, teaching the Neon Sword technique didn’t require such hands-on instruction. He tried to quietly withdraw.
“Second brother, please wait,” Gu Yuren called without turning around.
Unable to escape, Gu Yusheng approached and said, “Big brother, Senior Sister Qiong, sorry to interrupt your sword practice!”
Qi Qiongqiong smiled upon seeing Gu Yusheng and said, “Junior Brother Yusheng, you’ve come at just the right time! Your big brother is teaching me the Neon Sword technique, but after all this time, I still don’t understand what he’s teaching! He said you’ve also learned the Neon Sword technique. Why don’t you two show me a demonstration so I can observe?”
She pressed the precious sword in her hand into Gu Yusheng’s palm.
Gu Yusheng took the sword but stood still, eyes fixed on Gu Yuren.
Gu Yuren glanced back and said, “Second brother, why are you staring at me? Since Senior Sister Qiong wants us to spar, then let’s spar. Besides, I want to see if your Neon Sword skills have improved.”
Gu Yusheng smiled and said, “Yusheng will follow the instructions of Senior Sister Qiong and big brother.” With that, he drew his sword with a sharp sound, leapt into the air, and was already standing on the green tiles of the roof.
Gu Yuren smiled slightly at Qi Qiongqiong and said, “Junior Sister Qiong, watch carefully!” Then he leapt up like a soaring eagle, swinging his long sword to strike at Gu Yusheng in midair.
The sun was setting in the west. The clash of swords rang out with a clear, resounding “clang,” sparks flying in the fading light. On the rooftop, sword shadows tangled, sometimes moving in unison, sometimes opposing. In moments, the Qi family’s salt shop backyard became a battlefield filled with killing intent—though the “clang” was mixed with cheers.
Amid the rosy glow, Gu Yuren said to Gu Yusheng, “Second brother, it’s been over two years since we last met. Your Neon Sword technique has improved greatly! Excellent!”
Gu Yusheng humbly replied, “Thanks to your wise guidance, big brother.”
Qi Qiongqiong stood below, watching the falling dust anxiously, shouting up to the roof, “Stop fighting! You two brothers stop! The tiles are falling off!”
Gu Yuren called down from the ridge, “Junior Sister Qiong, are you watching closely? Every move and stance—observe them carefully!”
Qi Qiongqiong shouted back, “I’ve seen everything clearly! If I don’t see better, my father will have to hire workers tomorrow to repair the roof!”
Just then, a young man ran into the backyard, looking up at the rooftop for a moment before laughing heartily: “You’re fighting? Why didn’t you invite me, Qi Guang?” He drew his sword and swiftly climbed onto the roof.
Qi Guang was the only son of Qi Wei and Yin Yuanyuan. Though only seventeen, he was already a successful candidate in the imperial examinations! Since Gu Yuren and Qi Qiongqiong’s engagement, Qi Guang no longer called Gu Yuren “senior brother” but addressed him as “brother-in-law.”
Standing on the roof, Qi Guang said to Gu Yuren, “Brother-in-law, I haven’t sparred with Senior Brother Yusheng for a long time. Now, let me fight him?”
Gu Yuren thought to himself, “It seems Qi Guang didn’t realize that my brother and I were demonstrating the Neon Sword technique for his elder sister’s benefit. That’s good—it means he won’t pester me to teach him the technique.”
Smiling, Gu Yuren said to Qi Guang, “Brother Guang, you’ve never beaten Second Brother. If you want a fight, then have it!” He then gave Gu Yusheng a meaningful glance.
Gu Yusheng understood immediately and smiled, “Big brother, rest assured! I will use the Lou family sword technique taught by Father to defeat Junior Brother Qi Guang.” Gu Yuren knew their father Gu Datong did not know the Neon Sword technique.
Qi Guang immediately said, “Senior Brother Yusheng, don’t be too confident! Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘When a scholar has been away for three days, one should look at him with new eyes?’ Besides, it’s been nearly three years since we last met! During these years, I’ve trained hard and made great progress!—Let’s fight and see!”
“All right!”
On the roof, sword light flashed, shadows overlapped, and the wind howled again.
Qi Guang’s movements were agile and elegant, his sword strokes like the wind. Amid the sword shadows, he said to Gu Yusheng, “Senior Brother Yusheng, how is my swordplay now?”
Seeing Qi Guang's lightning-fast strikes, Gu Yusheng no longer dared to be careless. Amid the sword shadows, he replied, “Junior Brother Qi Guang, you’re right! After three days apart, one should indeed look with new eyes—you’ve improved tremendously in these three years!”
Qi Guang quickened his attack tempo and said, “Of course! Otherwise, how could I dare to follow Brother-in-law to compete in this year’s martial examination?”
Gu Yusheng defended while keeping pace and asked, “You are all going to participate in this year’s martial examination?”
Qi Guang slowed his attack and said, “Yes. Brother-in-law and I agreed privately a long time ago. You’re the third person to know.”
So Gu Yuren and Qi Guang also planned to take the martial examination this year!
Gu Yusheng was delighted. He turned defense into offense, gathering strength and thrusting his long sword toward Qi Guang, reminding, “Junior Brother Qi Guang, beware of my swift sword!”
Qi Guang was also a peerless expert. He leapt aside, and Gu Yusheng’s sword missed.
Gu Yusheng said, “Junior Brother Qi Guang, your dodging of my strike just now proves that you are destined to be this year’s martial champion!”
Qi Guang asked, “Then who will be the martial first and second place?”
Gu Yusheng laughed, “The martial champion will be Gu Yuren from Yangzhou, and the runner-up will be me, Gu Yusheng, also from Yangzhou.”
Qi Guang said, “I wholeheartedly accept that.”
Dusk fell.
Gu Yuren, Qi Qiongqiong, Gu Yusheng, Qi Yaoyao, Xiao Guimu, and Qi Guang—six young people—sat around a round table, drinking quietly while discussing how to raise funds for Gu Yuren, Gu Yusheng, and Qi Guang’s participation in the martial examination.
Qi Qiongqiong put down her cup and said to Gu Yuren, “Senior Brother Yuren, there is something I have never understood.”
Gu Yuren inclined toward her and said, “Junior Sister Qiong, please ask whatever you don’t understand.”
Qi Qiongqiong looked at Gu Yuren earnestly and said, “Senior Brother Yuren, tell me, why do my parents, your father, and Uncle Xiao Tianjian insist that we practice martial arts and swordsmanship from childhood?”
Gu Yuren sincerely replied, “First, to strengthen our bodies; second, for self-defense; third, to pass down and carry forward the Lou family sword technique.”
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Qi Qiongqiong nodded, then shook her head, saying, “For strengthening the body and self-defense, we only need to practice some gymnastics and basic defense skills. Why must we endure long years of hardship studying those unfathomable supreme techniques? As for passing down the Lou family sword technique, that is necessary! But it’s not the ultimate goal.”
Gu Yuren asked, “What is the ultimate goal then?”
Qi Guang interjected, “Brother-in-law, Mother once told me the ultimate purpose of our martial training is to repay the court someday.”
Qi Yaoyao shot Qi Guang a glare and said, “It’s the middle of the night, why are you shouting? When elders speak, children should keep quiet!”
Qi Guang dodged his sister’s gaze and said, “Second sister, I’m already seventeen!”
Qi Yaoyao raised an eyebrow, “Still shouting! Father and Mother and the others are asleep—you want to wake them?”
Gu Yusheng, used to Qi Yaoyao’s boldness, smiled quietly and said, “Junior Sister Yao, actually what Junior Brother Qi Guang just said makes sense. Ultimately, those who practice martial arts do so to serve the country and people loyally.”
Qi Yaoyao shot Gu Yusheng a look and said, “Serving the country and people loyally, huh? But Second Young Master Gu, how can you serve the country without a title? Let me ask you again: Has Senior Uncle Gu agreed to you two brothers taking the martial examination?”
Qi Qiongqiong nodded and said, “Junior Brother Yusheng, though Second Sister’s words are a bit harsh, they are true and to the point! Speaking of your attempts to obtain official rank, the elders have always wanted you to take the civil exam. Why won’t they let you take the martial exam?” She looked at Gu Yuren, Qi Guang, and Gu Yusheng. “Junior Brother Yusheng missed the capital exam last time due to illness, while Senior Brother Yuren and Qi Guang went but failed. I think both Senior Brother Yuren and Qi Guang are better at martial arts than letters. Despite years of study, if this year they only take the civil exam, I doubt they will achieve top honors.”
Gu Yuren stood excitedly and said, “Junior Sister Qiong, you are absolutely right! We must know our own strengths: for the civil exam, Qi Guang and I lack natural talent; but for the martial exam, we have full confidence!”
Qi Qiongqiong sighed and softly asked, “Why do our elders forbid you from taking the martial exam?”
Gu Yuren said after hearing her murmur, “Junior Sister Qiong, our elders are not ordinary people. Their actions must have secret reasons.”
After his words, everyone raised their cups and drank silently.
After a while, Qi Yaoyao took out a small cloth bag and placed it on the table, saying, “Senior Brother Yuren, I already know about the secret plan for the three of you to take the martial exam. This is five taels of silver I’ve saved over the years. It’s not much, but take it for your travel expenses.”
Qi Guang snatched the bag and said, “Thank you, Second Sister!”
Qi Yaoyao smiled, “Why thank me? One of you is my younger brother, and the other two are my senior brothers in the same school!”
Gu Yusheng pressed the small pouch hanging at his waist, which felt empty, and bitterly said to Gu Yuren, “Big brother, I’ve been spending recklessly these years with no savings.”
Qi Yaoyao asked, “Second Young Master Gu, what do you do? Aren’t you a salt worker? Salt workers earn good silver monthly. How could you spend so much?”
Everyone stared at Gu Yusheng, who blushed deeply. He stammered, “I often go out...” He intended to say he often went out on business and spent on carriage rentals, but seeing the scrutinizing looks from Xiao Guimu and Qi Yaoyao, fearing their relentless questioning, he stopped and said, “I often go out drinking with friends and spend too much.”
Xiao Guimu added sharply, “A bunch of bad company.”
Qi Yaoyao rolled her eyes at Gu Yusheng and said, “No wonder you’re broke! Looks like you’re best suited to working the salt fields!”
Qi Qiongqiong, being the eldest daughter of the Qi family, stopped Qi Yaoyao from continuing and said to Gu Yuren, “Senior Brother Yuren, I’ll cover the travel expenses for the three of you to take the martial exam—don’t worry. It’s late; why don’t we finish this cup and rest?”
“Agreed.”
The next day, Gu Yuren, Gu Yusheng, and Xiao Guimu rented a carriage back to the salt fields.
That night, Gu Yuren told Gu Datong he wished to marry Qi Qiongqiong immediately.
Gu Datong was so happy he shed tears. Early the next morning, he set off for the Qi salt shop to discuss wedding preparations with Qi Wei and Yin Yuanyuan.
Qi Wei happily said to Yin Yuanyuan, “Madam, this is wonderful! Our Qiong’er is finally getting married!”
Yin Yuanyuan reminded Gu Datong, “Senior Brother Gu, the wedding date shouldn’t be too far off. This month is fine.”
Qi Wei also said to Gu Datong, “Senior Brother Gu, have you heard that the current emperor has opened a special imperial examination? I saw the official announcement at the Yangzhou prefectural office two days ago. The examination is set for next spring. Yuren and the others must first participate in the provincial autumn exam; time is tight. It seems the young couple will soon be separated after marriage.”
Gu Datong said, “That’s true. But please don’t worry, Junior Brother Qi and Junior Sister Yin. I will hurry back to the salt fields to prepare the wedding.”
Qi Wei said, “No need to rush for one or two days! It’s too late today; better to go tomorrow.” Gu Datong looked outside at the pitch-black night and said, “There’s no moon tonight; it’s indeed unsafe to travel at night.”
The next day, Yin Yuanyuan ordered her maid to summon her son Qi Guang and second daughter Qi Yaoyao. She instructed them, “Yaoyao, Guang, your eldest sister is about to marry. Go to the treasury immediately and receive one thousand taels of silver to prepare her bridal clothes.”
Qi Yaoyao and Qi Guang happily replied, “We will obey Mother’s command!” Then they were about to head to the treasury.
Qi Qiongqiong, preparing to greet her mother, heard this and said, “Mother, we are merchants; every coin of silver is hard-earned. Please don’t be extravagant with the wedding. Keep everything simple.”
Yin Yuanyuan felt Qi Qiongqiong was so sensible she almost felt reluctant to see her marry. She asked, “Qiong’er, honestly, have you waited long for this day?”
Qi Qiongqiong blushed, “Mother, I don’t want to marry yet. But Senior Brother Yuren, he...”
Yin Yuanyuan laughed heartily, “He’s forcing you! A grown daughter cannot be held back!”
Qi Qiongqiong, like a delicate rose flushed with color, half shy, half joyful, teased, “Mother, you’re being unreasonable...” She covered half her face and ran out.
Qi Yaoyao, straightforward as always, asked Yin Yuanyuan, “Mother, since Eldest Sister wants a simple wedding, should Guang and I still collect that one thousand taels?”
Yin Yuanyuan replied nonchalantly, “Money can be earned! But this is our first daughter’s wedding at the Qi salt shop. The dowry must not be meager! One thousand taels is too little—go get two thousand taels for the bridal clothes!”
Qi Yaoyao and Qi Guang joyfully said, “Thank you, Mother!” and hurried to the treasury.
Yin Yuanyuan was momentarily puzzled by their enthusiastic thanks, thinking, “Why are they so happy? The dowry is for their eldest sister; she should be the one to thank me. Oh well, perhaps they’re just overjoyed for her big day.”
After leaving her mother’s room, Qi Qiongqiong thought it was a good chance to prepare the dowry and help Gu Yuren, Gu Yusheng, and Qi Guang with their travel expenses. She waited at the treasury entrance.
Soon, she saw Yaoyao and Guang emerge from the room, each holding a treasury token.
Qi Qiongqiong approached Yaoyao and whispered into her ear, “Second sister, collect eight hundred taels in silver notes and the remaining two hundred in cash. Hide the cash in your room—it will be given to the three of them as travel funds for the martial examination.”
Yaoyao flicked the treasury token with her finger and asked, “Eldest Sister, for the other one thousand taels, should it be silver notes or cash?”
Qi Qiongqiong was surprised, “Second sister, how much did Mother actually give you for the dowry?”
Yaoyao held up two fingers, “A total of two thousand taels.”
Qi Qiongqiong lowered her head, “That’s really extravagant!”
Yaoyao said, “Two thousand taels isn’t much! Over the years, Eldest Sister has worked tirelessly for the Qi salt shop, braving sun and rain and even several near-death transports. Though our salt shop doesn’t earn a fortune daily, after so many years we’ve saved quite a bit of silver. This two thousand taels is nothing.”
Qi Guang agreed, “Eldest Sister and Second Sister are right! Stop saying it’s too extravagant! Second Sister, don’t be envious of the two thousand taels. Over the years, Eldest Sister has devoted herself to the salt shop and made great contributions. When you marry that ‘Masked Hero,’ I’ll ask Mother for four thousand taels for your bridal clothes—double Eldest Sister’s.”
Qi Yaoyao kicked Qi Guang playfully and scolded, “Who’s envious? You don’t know Second Sister at all! You’re a young man sounding like a nagging gossip—so disappointing!”
Qi Guang rubbed his backside, “You’re really something! Before, you always told me to be quiet and said I was mute. Now I say a few words to comfort you and you call me a nagging gossip.”
Qi Yaoyao raised her foot to kick Qi Guang again, but he dodged and teased, “What comfort do you need?”
Qi Guang said, “To comfort you that you’ll soon reunite with the ‘Masked Hero’ and be united in marriage.”
Qi Yaoyao suddenly drew the Lou family sword with a clang.
Qi Guang quickly hid behind Qi Qiongqiong, silent.
Qi Yaoyao stared a long moment, then smiled and said, “Not coming? Hiding behind Eldest Sister like a scared turtle?”
Qi Guang peered out from behind Qi Qiongqiong and asked, “Where are we going?”
Qi Yaoyao rolled her eyes, “To the treasury to get the silver!”
A few days later, the Gu family notified the Qi family that the wedding date was set for the ninth day of the intercalary fifth lunar month.
In May in Yangzhou, the air was full of passionate, romantic atmosphere: lush green hills, fragrant blossoms, and picturesque scenery. The East River winding east of the city resembled a long green ribbon, flowing endlessly. The rice paddies were verdant and robust; from a high hill, one could see a sea of green stretching endlessly.
Along the salt road extending on the north bank of the East River, a grand wedding procession flowed. Auspicious drums and joyful music played continuously, awakening even the Stone Horn Mountain and the waters of the East River.
Gu Yuren rode a tall, fine horse beside the bridal sedan chair, handsome and radiant. He was both groom and protector. Though the scenery was beautiful, his mind was focused on the bride inside the sedan.
Qi Qiongqiong wore a red bridal gown and a red veil, sitting inside the bridal sedan with a rosy face. She swayed gently to the music, heart full of joy. She had walked this salt road hundreds of times, but today her mood was the happiest.
In the afternoon, the wedding procession returned to the Gu salt fields.
Amid the crackling of firecrackers, Gu Yuren dismounted first, followed by Qi Qiongqiong exiting the bridal sedan. Aunt Wang, the luckiest woman at the salt fields, guided them forward. Gu Yuren and Qi Qiongqiong stood side by side in the main hall, where Gu Datong was already seated at the eight-immortals table.
Someone loudly sang, “First bow to Heaven and Earth!”
Gu Yuren and Qi Qiongqiong knelt facing the main hall door, bowing deeply.
The voice called again, “Second bow to the elders!”
They turned and bowed to Gu Datong.
The third call was, “Husband and wife bow to each other!”
Gu Yuren and Qi Qiongqiong bowed to each other.
The fourth call was, “Escort the bride to the bridal chamber!”
Aunt Wang brought a colored ribbon tied in a double heart knot. One end was given to Gu Yuren to hold, the other to Qi Qiongqiong. Gu Yuren led Qi Qiongqiong into the room.
When Gu Yuren deftly lifted Qi Qiongqiong’s red veil, the bridesmaid Xiao Guimu suddenly asked, “Brother Yuren, Miss Qi, your wedding bows looked so practiced—did you rehearse beforehand?”
Aunt Wang laughed, “Miss Xiao, don’t you know? Every couple must rehearse before the wedding. Otherwise, what if something goes wrong?”
Xiao Guimu murmured, “To rehearse, the bride and groom must have met beforehand! Wait, Aunt Wang, are you telling the truth?”
“The truth, of course!” the young men in the bridal chamber laughed in unison.
The next day, Gu Yuren and Qi Qiongqiong rose early.
Qi Qiongqiong took a packet of silver from her red bridal gown pocket and handed it to Gu Yuren, saying, “Dear husband, I brought your travel expenses for the martial exam!”
Gu Yuren happily asked, “How did you raise this silver?”
Qi Qiongqiong said, “It was saved by Second Sister and Guang when preparing my bridal clothes.”
Gu Yuren took the silver, weighed it in his hand, and smiled, “It’s heavy! How much is it exactly?”
Qi Qiongqiong said, “Not much, only two hundred taels. I don’t know if it’s enough?”
Gu Yuren excitedly reached out and embraced Qi Qiongqiong, saying, “Thank you, my wise wife. It’s enough!”
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