Once they had settled on the house, everyone worked together, and with many hands sharing the load, they had the whole place tidied up and arranged in less than two hours.
The small courtyard was tucked away in a quiet, remote spot, yet it had quite a number of rooms. Three chambers were more than enough for their needs, and it also came equipped with a kitchen and an outhouse, offering every basic facility they could require.
Looking around the rooms that had now been arranged and furnished, Shen Ying felt a tangle of emotions in her heart. She laid the young prince down gently on the bed and stroked his forehead softly. We finally have a stable place to call home.
The little prince was still so young and tender; if they continued to rush and travel like this, he would surely fall ill. Taking some time to rest and settle down would also give the child a chance to grow stronger and healthier.
Most importantly, the world had fallen into chaos by this point, and if they kept traveling further south, the journey would only become more difficult and dangerous.
There were already many displaced people and refugees gathered in and around the county town. Aside from Wei Jinhu, their group was made up of the elderly, women, and children. Compared to the other refugees, most of whom were gaunt and emaciated from hunger and hardship, their group, though wearing tattered and worn clothing, still had relatively healthy complexions. This difference would easily draw unwanted attention and cause others to set their sights on them.
If they truly hoped to reach the southern regions safely, they had no choice but to strengthen their own abilities and learn how to protect themselves.
As night fell, everyone agreed that they should celebrate properly for moving into their new home. In less than an hour, Chunya, working with quick and skillful hands, had prepared four dishes and a bowl of soup.
Over the dinner table, Shen Ying took out a jade pendant and placed it on the table. Chunya, Jinhu, the world is in turmoil now, and we all need to master skills that will help us protect ourselves and stay safe. From what happened last night, I can see clearly that both of you are capable and reliable enough to take on important responsibilities. I have found a teacher for you. Would you be willing to learn from him?
Learn what? I’ve never been good with books or studying. The words may know me, but I certainly don’t know them. Wei Jinhu’s entire face crumpled into a frown the moment he heard this, with his brows drawn tightly together in deep lines.
Chunya, however, had her eyes shining bright with excitement. Sister Ying, I am willing to learn anything and everything.
Shen Ying picked up a piece of braised pork and placed it into her bowl. I know you are clever and quick-witted. What I want you both to learn is martial arts, as well as basic knowledge of medicine and healing.
When you are traveling and living out in the world, it is almost inevitable that you will get hurt or injured. It is always better to know more skills than you need, and having more abilities will never be a burden or hold you back.
Hearing that he would not have to spend his days learning how to read and write, Wei Jinhu let out a long breath of relief. That is much better. When do we start?
I will take you to meet him shortly.
After dinner, as darkness settled all around, Shen Ying sat holding the Second Imperial Prince in her arms, her fingers tapping lightly and rhythmically against the surface of the table. A soft breeze drifted through the air, making the leaves rustle and whisper. A faint smile curved at the corners of her lips. Our guest has arrived. Since you are here as a visitor, there is no need to lurk around like a thief in the night.
Before her words had even faded away, a figure dressed entirely in black appeared in the middle of the open courtyard, moving as silently and swiftly as a ghost or shadow.
Wei Jinhu was so startled that he leaped straight up from his seat, and out of pure instinct, he quickly stepped forward to stand in front of Shen Ying, shielding her behind his own body.
Chunya remained alert and watchful at all times, gripping her dagger tightly in her hand, ready to act at a moment’s notice.
What was even more impressive and touching was the way Tudou behaved. Though his legs were trembling violently beneath him and he was shaking all over from head to toe with fright, he still stood firmly by Chunya’s side, refusing to take even a single step back.
Seeing how all three of them reacted in this moment, Shen Ying nodded her head in satisfaction.
Wei Jinhu might be impulsive and reckless at times, but his greatest strength was his unwavering loyalty and devotion. As long as he had enough to eat and a place to belong, he would be willing to give his very life for those he cared about. As for Chunya and Tudou, these two young children possessed hearts full of gratitude and kindness.
The man dressed in black glanced briefly at the group gathered in the courtyard, and his brows furrowed slightly. These two have decent natural aptitude and potential. Shall we begin right away this evening?
Shen Ying stepped forward and gently pulled Wei Jinhu aside to make way. These are the two people I mentioned. We can start immediately.
Once they realized that this man in black was actually the teacher who would be instructing them, Wei Jinhu and Chunya both adjusted their attitudes and treated him with far more respect and courtesy.
Shen Ying sat back down to watch as, before beginning any formal training or lessons, the teacher first tested and assessed the natural abilities and aptitude of the two students.
After about fifteen minutes, the man in black’s eyes lit up with understanding and assessment. Wei Jinhu is already older, and his natural aptitude is somewhat limited. However, he possesses immense strength and physical power, which is a great advantage. As for this young girl Chunya, she has excellent natural gifts and potential, and with proper training, she will surely become highly skilled in the future. What is more, she has a determined and unyielding character that will help her succeed.
Hearing these words, Shen Ying let out a breath she had been holding, feeling reassured and relieved. Then I will leave them entirely in your hands.
……
Out in the open courtyard, the man in black showed no mercy or leniency at all. He attacked and struck out repeatedly at Wei Jinhu and Chunya, pushing them to their absolute limits. He taught them not only standard martial arts moves and techniques but also many practical skills and methods that could be used to defeat or kill an enemy when necessary.
Watching all this unfold through the window, Shen Ying felt even more pleased and satisfied. It seemed that the money she had spent had not been wasted in vain. She had paid one thousand taels of silver for this training, and if it helped her raise two capable and reliable people who could protect them, it would be worth every single coin.
When morning came, the man in black departed just as swiftly and quietly as he had arrived, leaving no trace of his presence, as if he had never been there at all.
As for Wei Jinhu and Chunya, their clothes were already soaked through with sweat, and their faces were pale and drained of color. At that moment, both of them lay flat on the ground, unable to move even a finger, feeling as though every last bit of strength and energy had been drained right out of their bodies.
When Shen Ying got up and saw the state they were in, she walked over and handed them a small porcelain bottle. This contains medicine for treating bruises, sprains, and injuries. After training through the entire night, you are bound to be covered in cuts and soreness. Apply this ointment to your skin later to help with the pain and healing.
Wei Jinhu slowly pulled himself up from the ground and grinned broadly at her. Thank you, Sister Ying. My arms ache so badly right now that I can barely lift them.
He then hurried back to his room with heavy, thudding footsteps.
Chunya was still very young, yet she had undergone just as rigorous and demanding training as anyone else. Though small and slight in build, she struggled with great effort to pull herself upright and stand steadily. Sister Ying, there is no need for this. You should keep such good medicine for more important uses. I have tough skin and a strong body, and I can handle any amount of hardship or pain. I will go and prepare breakfast first.
The young girl was clearly suffering from great discomfort and soreness all over her body, yet she forced herself to stay strong and walked unsteadily and shakily toward the kitchen.
Shen Ying shook her head firmly, reached out, and pulled her back gently but firmly. I am not some cruel and heartless master who will work people to the bone and give them no rest. Enough of this. Go back to your room and get some sleep. You can also help me watch over and soothe the child. Leave the cooking and meals to me.
Chunya still wanted to insist that she was fine and could keep working, but Shen Ying spoke to her in a firm and unyielding tone. I told you before, you must listen and follow instructions.
Thank you, Sister Ying. Tears welled up in the young girl’s eyes and spilled over, her voice thick with emotion.
Having lived within the imperial palace for many years, Shen Ying had long since grown accustomed to the coldness and warmth of human relationships and the changing attitudes of others. She had never been fond of tears or excessive displays of emotion, so she simply turned around and walked straight into the kitchen.
Flames crackled and blazed brightly beneath the stove. As she cooked, Shen Ying also turned her mind to thinking about ways they could earn money.
They could not simply sit idle and consume their savings without working; that would never be a sustainable way to live. Furthermore, the five of them needed money every single day for food, clothing, and all their daily necessities. Most importantly, the young prince had a delicate constitution and required careful, high-quality care and nourishment, which also cost a great deal of money. If they continued to live in this small courtyard without having a steady way to earn income, their situation would soon attract the attention and curiosity of others, putting them in danger.
Bubbles rose and popped continuously as the porridge in the pot simmered slowly. Staring at the fragrant, steaming rice porridge, and then glancing over at the meat buns she had prepared earlier, Shen Ying’s eyes suddenly lit up with a brilliant idea. That is right! We can sell steamed buns. Or perhaps, to be more careful, we should sell vegetable-filled buns instead.
They had enough people in their household to handle the work, and selling steamed buns was a small-scale business that required little initial investment. There was no risk of losing large amounts of money, and such ordinary work would not draw unwanted attention or suspicion from others.
Having made up her mind, she decided to proceed with this plan immediately.
At breakfast, Shen Ying brought up the idea of selling steamed buns.
Wei Jinhu’s mouth was stuffed full of food, and he nodded his head repeatedly in agreement. That is a wonderful idea. The fillings this girl makes taste so delicious and fragrant. I will be responsible for watching over the stall, and I will make sure that no one dares to cause trouble or disturb us.
We can help with making and preparing the buns too. Chunya and Tudou spoke these words almost at exactly the same time, their voices filled with eagerness.
Shen Ying was someone who always acted quickly once she had made a decision. After breakfast, she took Chunya and Tudou along to deliver the corn breads they had prepared earlier to all the neighboring households nearby, as a friendly gesture to introduce themselves and build good relations with the people living around them.
Afterward, she asked Wei Jinhu to begin preparing everything they would need to set up their stall and start selling.
To steam and sell steamed buns, having the right tools and equipment was absolutely essential. Fortunately, Wei Jinhu was a capable and hardworking person, and within less than two hours, he had gathered and arranged every single item and tool they could possibly need.
Oh my goodness! Look at all these things you are carrying in and out of the house. What exactly are you planning to do with all of this?
An elderly woman had walked straight into their courtyard without being invited or welcomed, her eyes darting around everywhere as she looked from place to place, a greedy and curious expression clear on her face.
Believing it was best to avoid unnecessary trouble and conflict, Shen Ying responded to her with a warm and friendly smile. We are planning to make steamed buns and set up a stall to sell them. Otherwise, our whole family will soon have no way to survive or make ends meet.