Chapter 37: Aunt Zi

In the northern reaches of Yong Province lies the city of Moran.

Situated on the frontier of the Great Feng Dynasty, the landscape outside its walls is somewhat desolate, marked by rolling mountain ranges that lack any sense of lushness. Yet, within the city, it is incredibly vibrant—one of the most prosperous hubs in all of northern Great Feng.

At high noon, the sun hangs high in the sky, casting down a myriad of golden rays. The city gate is a flurry of activity, with a constant stream of people moving in and out.

A burly man walks with long, steady strides, his posture as straight as a pine. Although he wears simple, coarse linen clothing, it cannot conceal the vigorous and resilient aura he radiates, drawing sidelong glances from passersby. Beside him, a boy of about ten, with a spirited and bright-eyed look, clutches the man's hem tightly, gazing at everything around him with intense curiosity. A girl of seven or eight, her face slightly tanned, follows along with her two small braids bobbing gently, her eyes filled with wonder at the bustling scene.

Once inside the city, the clamor surges like a tide. Shops line both sides of the street; travelers rest in teahouses, peddlers hawk their wares, and a storyteller delivers his tale with rhythmic cadence—all these sounds weave together into a lively symphony. Further ahead lies a marketplace, where stalls are packed tightly, overflowing with an dazzling array of goods. The man is forced to shield the two children in front of him, carefully maneuvering through the crowd.

A crowd has gathered in rings around a street performer. Cheers erupt one after another as the performer’s throwing knives dance through the air, striking the bullseye with unerring precision, drawing gasps of amazement from the onlookers. Seeing these novel sights, the two children are jubilant, their cheeks flushed with excitement. The little girl chirps like a lark, chattering to her master and junior brother about her delight.

"It's so lively here!"
"That trick just now was truly amazing."
"That sugar figurine looks delicious."

The man taps her gently on the head. "You little glutton." He then walks over to the vendor and buys a skewer of sugar figurines for each of them.

Leading his two disciples through the streets and alleys for nearly an hour, the man arrives at the Ruyi District, the busiest part of the city. Compared to the rest of the city, the flow of people here is significantly heavier, consisting mostly of the wealthy and powerful. They are dressed in magnificent attire, surrounded by entourages, and exude an air of immense prestige. The man and his two disciples, suddenly appearing in this haven of luxury, naturally attract attention, though onlookers usually glance away after a moment.

Rumor has it that the Ruyi District is backed by a powerful figure. Years ago, a young nobleman from the capital acted recklessly here and was found the next day with his limbs broken, hung upon the city gate. It was only after a high-ranking official from the noble's family came in person to meet the powerful figure behind the Ruyi District that the youth was safely brought home. Since then, no one has dared to cause trouble here.

The burly man and the two children continue deep into the Ruyi District. Before long, they arrive outside a music house called the "Hall of Subtle Sounds." The man releases a faint surge of his aura.

The little girl asks in a crisp voice, "Master, why are we here?"

The man lowers his head and smiles, explaining, "Master needs to visit an old friend. It would be inconvenient for you to follow, so you shall stay here for a while. We will leave together after I have finished my business."

The children nod in innocent understanding. Just then, a graceful figure emerges from within. She is in her thirties, wearing a pale purple dress. With fair skin and elegant features, she stares intently at the man at the door, her eyes filled with resentment.

The man’s lips move, as if he has words to say but hesitates. After a long silence, the woman in the purple dress is the first to speak, her eyes slightly red. "Zhou, you actually dare to come and see me?"

The man rubs his nose and says dryly, "Miss Ziying, it has been a long time."

The woman rolls her eyes. "Hmph, as if anyone wants to see a heartless man like you." As she speaks, she turns to walk inside. Watching her back, the man offers a bitter smile and prepares to lead the children away. But at that moment, the woman named Ziying turns back. "Well? Aren't you coming in?"

"Oh, right," the man nods hurriedly and leads his two disciples inside.

The Hall of Subtle Sounds is a place of entertainment, but unlike a brothel, the women here only perform music and art, never selling their bodies. It is rumored that the Hall is supported by a major immortal sect. Upon entering, a young woman of sixteen is playing the pipa on stage. The strings produce a continuous, melodic flow, and the surrounding patrons are completely entranced.

Ziying leads the trio to a small courtyard in the back. Entering the room, a rich, sweet fragrance greets them. The first thing that catches the eye is a carved pear-wood bed, draped with pale pink curtains that sway gently in the breeze, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Beside the bed sits a dainty pear-wood vanity, complete with a bronze mirror, powder boxes, and other toiletries. In a jewelry box nearby rests a lamb-fat jade hairpin, warm and translucent. In the corner of the room stands a massive sandalwood wardrobe, its doors carved with intricate, lifelike flowers and birds.

Clearly, this is Ziying’s private chamber. If those who knew her were to see this, their jaws would surely drop. It is widely whispered in Moran City that Miss Ziying of the Hall of Subtle Sounds has always despised men. To be invited into her private chamber, let alone to have a close conversation with this celestial-like woman, would be considered an immense favor.

Ziying pours a cup of tea for each of them. Once the heartless man takes his, she says indignantly, "Zhou You, it’s been many years. I didn't expect your son and daughter to be so grown up."

The man offers a bitter smile. "You misunderstand. I am not yet married; they are my newly accepted disciples."

"Oh, so they are apprentices," the cold look on her face suddenly melts into a bright, charming smile. "What brings you here this time?" Ziying asks nonchalantly while teasing the two children.

"I’m looking for that old geezer in Dyeing Clothes Lane. I have a debt to settle with him."

The woman in the purple dress looks clearly surprised. "What debt? Could it be that those fellows actually dared to provoke you, you wretch?"

Zhou You shakes his head slightly. "They didn't provoke me, but while my junior brother and sister were traveling down the mountain, they were ambushed by a junior from Dyeing Clothes Lane. They owe me an explanation."

The woman in the purple dress clicks her tongue, gloating. "Someone is going to be in trouble now." She calls the two children over to her side, her expression softening. "What are your names?"

The two children answer timidly.

"My name is Liu Nianyu, I am Master’s eldest disciple."
"I am Yu Chi."

Ziying brushes the children’s faces gently. "I am an old friend of your master; you may call me Aunt Zi." The children look at their master, and seeing him nod, they speak in unison: "Aunt Zi."