The First Sage of Military Strategists

Chapter 74 Returning Home
“I know you have adoptive parents, it seems you have a good relationship,” Qi Yan said with a smile.

"Although they are my adoptive parents, they have treated me very well. I also think about them. They have raised me for many years, so I must consider your future life more carefully," Han Qing said earnestly.

“That’s right, Han Qing, I agree with your idea. How can a person be ungrateful? Don’t worry, I will help you resolve this matter! Tomorrow, I will accompany you home to express my gratitude. If it weren’t for those two, I wouldn’t be here to see you today,” Qi Yan said with a smile.

"That puts my mind at ease." Han Qing nodded.

"Cherish these last few days in Baiyun County. Say goodbye to the old friends here properly. It won't be easy to come back in the future due to the long journeys." Qi Yan patted Han Qing on the shoulder. This rugged and bold woman also had a tender and delicate side.

"Understood." Han Qing nodded slightly.

...

As Han Qing walked out of the main hall and was about to return to his courtyard, Magistrate Qi suddenly said, "Han Qing, I'm hosting a banquet at Chunfeng Tower tonight. Many important figures from the city, including the leaders of the Chai Gang and the Fishing Gang, as well as the masters of various martial arts schools, will be there. If you don't have anything urgent to attend to, why not come and have a drink?"

"Okay, I'll definitely be there!" Han Qing replied.

Although he was leaving Baiyun County, his parents were still there, and he still had to give these people face. In the future, if his parents needed anything, they might need his help.

...

into the night.

The Spring Breeze Pavilion was brightly lit, and the rich aroma of wine mixed with the faint scent of perfume wafted for miles on the wind.

In the attic.

A dancer gracefully moved, her movements elegant and her fragrance enticing, while someone nearby plucked the strings of a musical instrument, producing a melodious sound.

Many guests enjoyed drinking, listening to music, and admiring the graceful figures of the dancers, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

This was the first time Han Qing had attended such a banquet since he transmigrated to this world, and the first time he had been treated like a star, with many guests vying to offer him a toast.

Han Qing was momentarily dazed. He was used to a life of asceticism, and this sudden ease and joy made him feel somewhat unaccustomed to it.

"Come on, Brother Han, let's drink!"

"Brother Han, let me toast you!"

"Brother Han, I've always had a knack for judging people. One day, you'll definitely become a big shot who's famous in this region!"

...

Han Qing never refused anyone's toast. Whenever someone offered him a drink, he would respond enthusiastically and finish every single glass.

These once aloof and dignified figures were now all smiles, as if their tempers had improved a thousandfold, and they were as warm as old friends they hadn't seen for years.

This made Han Qing realize even more deeply that, no matter what, one's own strength is the most important thing.

When you are strong enough, the world will hide its cold, sharp fangs.

It wasn't until late at night, when Han Qing was so full from drinking, that the banquet finally ended.

The next day.

Early in the morning, Qi Yan arrived at Master Fang's courtyard dressed in casual clothes.

"Han Qing, I'll accompany you home today. You're worried about your parents, so let's settle this matter first," Qi Yan said sternly.

Hearing Qi Yan's loud voice and seeing his imposing physique, many of the teenagers felt genuine fear. Apart from Master Fang, who was still lying in his chair, puffing on his cigarette, he showed no intention of getting up to greet them.

"coming!"

Han Qing, dressed in a clean and crisp black robe, quickly approached Qi Yan. The two turned and left the yamen, heading straight for Xinglin Hall along Pingshun Street. There, they found many people moving things, and even the Xinglin Hall signboard had been taken down.

"What is this?" Han Qing asked, puzzled.

"Xinglintang is a century-old brand with an excellent reputation in the city. It's really too shabby for them to be stuck in such a small shop. I moved them to a bigger shop!"

From this day forward, Wanchuntang's shops belong to Xinglintang. Qi Yan reached out and put her arm around Han Qing, seemingly unconcerned about the stares of others. "Thank you, Sister Qi!" Han Qing bowed.

Wanchuntang's store was much larger than Xinglintang's, about five or six times larger.

With the Luo family destroyed, Wanchuntang's business was paralyzed. Its shops were confiscated by the government, and transferring them to the two elders was simply a matter of Qi Yan's word.

The two were chatting when Han Cheng's voice came from inside.

"Be gentle, be gentle! This is a treasure passed down from our ancestors. If it's broken, no amount of money can buy it back!"

Han Qing glanced around and saw Han Cheng walking out of the Xinglin Hall with two shop assistants. The two shop assistants were carrying a dark blue porcelain bottle that was about half a person's height.

The porcelain bottle seemed extremely heavy; the two of them lifted it and it wobbled, making Han Cheng's heart pound with fear.

Suddenly, Han Cheng looked up and his gaze swept across the room, where he saw Han Qing and Qi Yan.

"Hey, you're back!" Han Cheng's face lit up with a bright smile.

"Father, I have passed General Qi's personal guard test," Han Qing said.

"Father knows. The news has spread throughout Baiyun County. I knew you could do it. My son is stronger than me. When you go to Hengshan City, you must practice martial arts diligently and never be arrogant or complacent." Han Cheng said, with a hint of reluctance in his eyes.

The two were heartbroken at the loss of their son in their old age. Han Qing's arrival healed their wounds. Now that Han Qing was leaving home, they didn't know when he would return. They were naturally reluctant to let him go.

Despite his reluctance, he was overjoyed. A martial arts genius like Han Qing was not to be tolerated in Baiyun County, and should go to Hengshan City to make his mark.

Han Qing sensed his father's reluctance to part with him and comforted him with a smile, "Dad, don't worry, I will come back often in the future."

This is of course a lie. Qi Yan had already said that the journey to Sichuan is treacherous, and the world is not peaceful. If you are not careful when you go on a long trip, you may be separated by life and death.

However, leaving the two elders with something to remember them by makes it easier to bear.

"Father knows you'll come back someday. Let's not talk about that now. Wanchuntang's shop will belong to Xinglintang from now on. I used to dream of owning such a big shop. I never thought it would suddenly come true. It all feels like a dream. Thanks to you, if it weren't for you, I would never have been able to achieve this on my own in this lifetime." Han Cheng's smile was tinged with emotion.

"Whatever makes you happy," Han Qing replied.

"This is..." Han Cheng's gaze fell on Qi Yan beside him.

Qi Yan was dressed in civilian clothes today. Although she was tall and strong, few people in Baiyun County had seen her before, so they did not know that she was a general.

"This is General Qi Yan," Han Qing introduced.

Han Cheng was startled and quickly suppressed his smile, making a move to kneel down.

According to the laws of the Great Yu Dynasty, commoners must kneel before officials of the county magistrate level or above; otherwise, they may be imprisoned for ten or eight days.

Qi Yan reached out and supported Han Cheng's arm, raising her hand to straighten his knees from their half-kneeling position.

"No need to kneel! I've come today to express my gratitude. If it weren't for your help, Han Qing, such a prodigy, would probably have died young. You two have made a great contribution and deserve a reward!"

As Qi Yan spoke, she took out a small, emerald-green medicine bottle from her bosom.

"This is a bottle of Wan'an Pills, which can strengthen qi and blood, improve physical constitution, and increase lifespan. It is a famous longevity pill in the world."

"Thank you, Lord Qi!" Han Cheng accepted the medicine bottle with both hands, his attitude still respectful.

Hearing the commotion, Zhang Cuilian had already come out of the pharmacy. However, being timid by nature, she was speechless upon seeing such an important figure as Qi Yan.

Qi Yan didn't linger, turning around and pulling Han Qing to an open space to the side.

"Han Qing, with these two Wan'an Pills, I dare not say anything else, but the two elders will not suffer from any serious illnesses within the next thirty years."

Furthermore, Magistrate Qi promised that, publicly, he would dispatch a separate squad of constables to protect the two elders, and secretly, I would also send skilled guards to watch over them. You can leave with peace of mind; the safety of the two elders will not be a problem.”

(End of this chapter)