Lotus fragrance scattered by the autumn breeze, banana leaves ringing with the autumn rain.
Zhao Rong rested the entire day, as a bout of autumn rain brought a penetrating chill to Hengyang.
From noon to evening, the rain grew heavier.
Fortunately, Zhao Family Fort was situated on higher ground, and the floodwaters did not enter the houses. Under the eaves, a series of small waterfalls formed, and the drainage ditches dug in front of the houses had become babbling brooks, carrying away fallen autumn leaves with the wind.
Because of the terrible weather, no boats could go out. Zhao Rong wasn't actually injured, and at this moment, he was leisurely helping his grandfather mend fishing nets under the eaves, listening to the murmuring water and the wind chimes, feeling rather content.
Zhao Fu said with a chuckle, "Musheng is treating us tonight; there's no need to cook."
"We just had lunch at Uncle Tian's house," Zhao Rong said with a smile, "Aunt Si and Uncle Ji also said they wanted to treat us."
"That's because Rong'er has made us proud."
"It's not peaceful on the Tanshui River, but with you providing information about the escort agency's missions at Changrui, our boat outings have been much safer, and everyone's grateful to you for that."
Zhao felt honored and joyful, which spread across his pale brows. The elderly man appeared spirited and seemed years younger.
In the old man's eyes, a lifetime of fishing could only lead to what he was now.
Being valued by the escort agency, having the chance to interact with people he would never have met as a fisherman, was a promising future.
As for the danger...
Fishing in these times was no less perilous, as evidenced by the recent encounter with the Hai Sha Gang.
"You once said you wanted to practice martial arts, and your grandfather supported you all the way. I might not be learned, but even I understand that learning a skill is more useful than anything else."
"To forge iron, one must be tough themselves. Now that you've joined the escort agency, you can't slack off. You must learn eagerly, practice your martial arts diligently. The greater your skill, the greater your chances of survival when facing danger."
Zhao Rong nodded repeatedly.
"I heard about the great achievement you made last night at the escort agency, and I reckon the rewards won't be meager."
"But with this, staying peacefully within the escort agency is unlikely."
"If I were the Chief Escort Master, I would definitely take you on missions," said Zhao.
Having heard his grandfather's words, Zhao Rong nodded again, "Grandfather, I have already considered this matter."
"Hmm."
Putting the fishing net aside, Zhao Fu stroked his beard and reminded, "There's something you need to be wary of."
"What's that?"
"The bandits who ambushed the escort likely had ulterior motives."
"If Changrui Escort Agency suffered a major loss near Poyang Lake and the bandits got the goods, there would be no need for them to stir up extra trouble by coming back to attack the agency. This is Hengyang, where there are not only official establishments but also various gangs and martial sects."
"If external forces commit a major crime in Hengyang, it's a slap in the face for the local Jianghu People."
"Common bandits and robbers would never dare to be so bold."
Zhao Rong had considered some of these critical points, but being within the situation, he might have overlooked some aspects.
Looking into the old man's bright and clear eyes, Zhao Rong respectfully asked, "Grandfather, have you discerned something?"
"My sight is dim and I can hardly see anything."
"But..."
Zhao Fu glanced at the curtain of rain in front of the eaves and said in a low voice, "There's someone who should know some inside information."
"Who?"
"Bao Datong."
Hearing this name, Zhao Rong was momentarily startled, "Why him?"
"Since Bao Datong was able to introduce you to the Changrui Escort Agency, it wouldn't have been difficult for him to use that favor to arrange a place for his son. Since he didn't, there must be a reason; he's not confident about throwing his son into that situation."
"Rong'er, you were able to join the escort agency thanks to Bao Datong's recommendation. It's been over a month, and you should formally express your gratitude."
"Grandfather, it's indeed what I should do."
Zhao Rong appeared contemplative, gazing at the elderly man continuing to mend the fishing net.
Old ginger is indeed spicier.
That evening, visiting Zhao Musheng's house was just a few steps away. After dinner, Zhao Rong took him aside to instruct him on some matters about going out to sea.
Although young, Zhao Rong had the most prestige among the younger generation of Zhao Family Fort.
Aside from his martial arts, he was considered the most clever.
If he did not have prospects elsewhere, he would inevitably become the next generation's head of the fishing boats at Zhao Family Fort.
Later, several robust young men sought out Zhao Musheng's house, where Zhao Rong indulged their curiosity by speaking about the escort agency's affairs, and the stories of Jianghu intrigues could captivate any fisherman and elicit looks of longing.
The men of the fort began to shift their thinking; previously, opinions were divided on Zhao Rong's pursuit of martial arts.
First, practicing martial arts required the regular consumption of meat to strengthen the body and nourish the blood, which was a substantial expense. And as the head of the boatmen, Zhao's grandfather had scarcely more than a burial fund.
Second...
Life in the Jianghu involved constant fighting and killing. Having martial arts could embolden one to get involved, and that was not necessarily a good thing.
People used to say, "Why should a fisherman practice martial arts?" Now, those voices were quiet. In just over two years, everyone had realized their previous shortsightedness in judging Zhao Rong.
Little did they know...
Zhao Rong was a rare exception among exceptions.
Thus, the younger generation of Zhao Family Fort also began to practice martial arts and boxing.
Tonight, Little Brother Rong was free, and a few young men came specifically to ask for guidance on boxing techniques, performing what they had learned in front of him.
Seeing their enthusiasm, Zhao Rong demonstrated the Tongbei Fist a few times as a way to digest his meal.
This Tongbei Fist came from Bao Datong, but even if Bao Datong himself were to come, he'd have to give a thumbs-up and praise it, for Zhao Rong had already surpassed the master.
A common saying goes, "To survive in the world, one needs power and connections."
If there really emerged a few from the Zhao Family Fort with martial arts talents, Zhao Rong would definitely be delighted.
In this day and age, it's not only about building up one's combat prowess, but also about having the awareness to develop one's guild.
Why is the Sun Moon Holy Cult so powerful?
Counting the branches and dispatched missionaries, they boast a following of thirty to forty thousand people, making the cult a colossal entity in the world of Jianghu.
...
The following day, the autumn rain let up momentarily.
Zhao Rong paid a visit to the Iron Fist Martial Arts School and, in the courtyard where martial arts were practiced, he saw a young man practicing his punches bare-chested.
"Brother Rong."
Bao Budian, many years Zhao Rong's senior, usually called him "Brother Rong". Today, the term "Brother Rong" surprisingly didn't sound awkward at all. He approached with a bright smile and draped in a robe.
"Young Master Bao, your boxing skills have greatly improved in just a few days," Zhao Rong complimented.
"Oh, not at all..."
"Brother Rong is being too modest, just call me Budian. My father always told me to learn from you, and I still have a long way to go."
Having not seen each other in over a month, Bao Budian's manner of speaking and behavior had changed much, and he led Zhao Rong into a quiet reception room with great politeness, offering him tea.
Zhao Rong set aside the gift he brought and cut to the chase:
"Is Master Bao in?"
"I have specifically come today to express my gratitude for recommending me that day."
Hearing this, Bao Budian simply shook his head.
"My father has gone to meet with fellow martial arts school owners in Baoqing Prefecture and won't be back for several days."
That was indeed unfortunate.
Zhao Rong frowned slightly and surveyed the quiet room, preparing to make small talk with Bao Budian before leaving.
But unexpectedly...
"Brother Rong, please wait a moment."
"Although my father isn't here, he left word that if you were to visit, I should give you something."
Bao Budian turned and walked behind a screen, retrieving a black package.
Zhao Rong took it from him.
Upon handling it, he immediately felt the shape of a silver ingot.
"Young Master Bao, what is this?" Zhao Rong looked at him with a smile.
"My father said, there's something extremely important inside. It's best for Brother Rong to go home and look through it," he said.
"And don't show it to others, lest it brings you lethal trouble," he added with a serious face. Zhao Rong couldn't very well refuse.
Well then, it seems I owe Master Bao another favor.
After a short while, Zhao Rong left the Iron Fist Martial Arts School.
Bao Budian saw him off and then hurried back to the quiet room where Bao Datong, who was supposed to be in Baoqing Prefecture, was actually sitting in Zhao Rong's seat just moments before.
He was holding the old hen Zhao Rong had brought, flipping through the gift box brought by Zhao Rong, with a look of wistful nostalgia and muttering the words "penny-pinching" to himself.
"Father, if you think someone is stingy, how can you bear to give away so many silver taels?"
"Actually, your father is quite frugal too."
"What do you know?"
Bao Datong glanced at him, then relaxed his brow, "But you did well today; you made another acquaintance and left a good impression."
"Father, you've misjudged.
"I always thought I had seen through this guy, until last night when I took a familiar Changrui escort master out for dinner, I realized just how shortsighted I'd been."
"What exactly happened?" Bao Budian was eager to know.
"Hmph, your father can keep his lips sealed, you cannot. It's better you don't know."
Bao Datong was filled with contemplation again, "Hard to imagine, a fisherman's son attaining such skill in a short time. Talent is truly frightening. And he's so astute, his future is bound to be limitless."
"His entry into Hengshan Sect is a done deal."
"Tsk tsk, I feel like the Hengshan Sect has struck a bargain."
As he rambled on, Bao Budian didn't understand.
Suddenly, his father's gaze shifted leisurely to him.
"You rascal, your opportunity has come."
"Ah?"
"If your father were still young, there'd be no chance for you to cling to such big coattails."
...
...
...
PS: Thank you to the great lords, Xingyu and Nanhe, for the huge support!! My thanks! (´-`*ゞ And thank you, everyone, for your support with the votes!