A gentle, melodious voice resounded within Jishi Hall.
"Zhang San next door is in dire straits, can't afford his next meal."
Tan Yun hummed a tune while dusting the counter with a feather duster, cheerfully singing, "Such a sorry state is self-inflicted, all because of laziness and playfulness."
"Tan Yun, you're becoming more and more diligent."
Tan Yun put down the feather duster and looked at the couplet on the wall, musing, "These characters are half-baked, yet still somewhat decent....."
"You can understand them?"
Just then, a voice rang out from behind.
Startled, Tan Yun turned around to find An Jing. She patted her chest and said, "You gave me a fright, sir!"
"This is my proud work."
An Jing looked at the wall and said slowly.
"I wish for no suffering in this world, so that the medicine may gather dust on the shelves."
The couplet was written in a cursive style rarely legible, even a month ago an elderly scholar couldn't recognize the characters.
Tan Yun had joined the Demon Sect from a young age, and martial arts had been taught to her by the elders of the sect. Killing a few people was easy, but as for words, she only recognized the two characters for the Demon Sect. How could she decipher the complex cursive in front of her?
As for becoming the Sect Hierarch's maid, that was a temporary assignment from the Human Sect's Sect Master. Zhao Qingmei's personal maid was from the Vermilion Bird Seat.....
I can't let this young doctor know I'm illiterate; he might mock me....
Tan Yun chuckled dryly twice, then said earnestly, "Sir, my mistress comes from a prominent family, she practiced calligraphy since childhood. Following her for so many years, recognizing these characters is no big deal."
"Impressive!"
An Jing gave a thumbs up, sighing internally: No wonder she hails from a distinguished family, even the maid is so talented, it's truly admirable, "A talented maid like you..."
"Sir, the missus has already prepared the food, let's eat."
Before An Jing could finish, Tan Yun interrupted with animated gestures, "The missus has been busy since early morning, you mustn't let her effort go to waste."
"Really? I'll go see. Here, you can have this candied fruit."
An Jing, filled with anticipation, quickly headed towards the back hall.
Watching An Jing leave, Tan Yun heaved a sigh of relief, "I nearly lost my lifetime's reputation just now."
......
An Jing and Tan Yun eagerly sat at the table, and shortly Zhao Qingmei brought plates of delectable dishes.
The dishes included stir-fried chives, braised pork with bamboo shoots, sweet and sour carp, and braised tofu.
"Wife, it's plenty already, let's sit and eat."
An Jing looked at the dishes, swallowing hard.
"There's still a pork rib and winter melon soup."
Zhao Qingmei lastly brought a pot of rib soup, topped with freshly sprinkled green onions, emitting a tantalizing aroma.
"Sir, let me pour you some wine."
Tan Yun quickly picked up the wine pot and obediently poured An Jing a small cup.
An Jing took a sip of sake, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.
A month ago, he was all alone, who would've thought that now he would have such a virtuous, gentle, and beautiful wife.
"Husband, try this."
Zhao Qingmei picked up a piece of braised pork and placed it into An Jing's bowl, "I simmered it for more than an hour, it should be flavorful."
"Delicious, melts in the mouth, rich but not greasy."
An Jing took a bite of the braised pork, surprised at how good Zhao Qingmei's cooking was.
Seeing An Jing's satisfied expression, Zhao Qingmei felt a sense of happiness too.
"Husband, there's something I want to discuss with you."
"What is it, just say it."
"There is only one doctor in this clinic: you. It's quite busy, and when it comes to female patients, it's somewhat inconvenient. How about having Tan Yun learn some medical skills from you to share your burden?" Zhao Qingmei said gently.
Tan Yun, who was eating heartily, looked up, bewildered at Zhao Qingmei.
Sect Hierarch, why didn't you discuss this with me beforehand?
An Jing chuckled, "Since my wife suggests it, there's no objection. Tan Yun is sharp and knowledgeable, surely a good student of medicine, as long as she is willing."
"She will be willing." Zhao Qingmei smiled, looking at Tan Yun.
"Miss... Tan Yun is willing."
Tan Yun forced a smile, then said, "Sir, you just got married, and you're quite busy. How about starting in half a month?"
"That works too."
An Jing thought for a moment and agreed.
Zhao Qingmei nodded in satisfaction. With Tan Yun around, An Jing could avoid those flirtatious women, and she would have another pair of eyes to help her out.
After the meal, the task of cleaning up naturally fell to Tan Yun.
The crescent moon hung high, the night was sparsely starred.
"Husband~!"
Zhao Qingmei's voice was melodious, trailing off at the end.
She then pulled An Jing into their room.
An Jing felt a warm sensation arise, his body heating up. Looking at the beautiful face in his arms, how could he not understand?
........
The night was silent and still.
In Spring Breeze Alley.
"This is just the beginning, I can still drink more, come, let's drink a few more cups."
Zhou Xianmin staggered home, carrying a wine jar, drunk.
Zhou Xianmin wasn't just anyone; he was the storyteller at the teahouse.
Since ancient times, scholars have been known for their amorous affairs. In his free time, apart from earning some silver coins by storytelling at the teahouse, he indulged in pleasure at various brothels.
"Bang!"
Zhou Xianmin kicked open his courtyard door and took a step into his house.
"Don't move!"
Suddenly, a bright blade was held to his neck, if he moved another step, the blade would decapitate him.
Zhou Xianmin sobered up instantly, cold sweat dripping.
"M-m-master, spare me."
"Get inside first."
Zhou Xianmin swallowed hard, not daring to shout, and walked inside.
Inside was a figure dressed in black, holding a bright blade, standing straight by the table.
Though he was a Jianghu storyteller, Zhou Xianmin had no martial strength, his body went limp at the sight, and he cried, "Master, spare me, I'm just a poor scholar..."
"A scholar is just right."
The black-clad person spoke hoarsely, a grating voice, difficult to hear.
"A scholar?"
Zhou Xianmin was puzzled, did robbers now choose their victims based on profession?
"Do you recognize this book?" The black-clad person produced a book.
"I do, this is the primer book for students in Yan Country." Zhou Xianmin picked up the book from the ground and answered honestly.
"Teach me." The black-clad person said.
"Ah!?"
Zhou Xianmin thought he misheard, this person wanted him to teach a primer book for students.
Could this be an unusual test?
"I said, start teaching from the simplest characters." The black-clad person said coldly.
"Alright, alright." Zhou Xianmin quickly said, "As long as you spare me, you can do whatever you want with my life."
Then, Zhou Xianmin lit a candle and opened the primer book.
Under the weak candlelight, Zhou Xianmin began teaching the black-clad person.
"Let's start with the simplest numbers, this character is 'one'."
"I got it."
"This character is 'two'."
"Keep going."
"This character is 'three'."
"It seems recognizing characters isn't hard. I already know how to write 'four'."
The black-clad person chuckled, pride evident in their voice.