Chapter Forty-Three: The True Worth of Life Lies in Contentment

"Who are you?"

"It was I who sent my daughter to invite you last time. We shall meet again on the fifteenth." The red glow trembled, swaying its head and tail, darted into Ye Liuyun’s body, then reemerged, snatching up a scroll. With a streak across the sky, it vanished in an instant.

Everything happened so quickly that only Shen Lian heard the voice from the red glow.

Jian Thirteen and Jian Fourteen hurried to Ye Liuyun's side, taking out a translucent pill tinged with moonlight and placing it in his mouth.

Ye Liuyun slowly regained consciousness. His soul had been shaken, causing him to faint, but he knew well that the medicine was not what roused him.

“I’m fine, you two need not worry.”

He reached to his chest, his expression changing. Jian Thirteen quickly leaned in to whisper a few words in his ear.

Only then did Ye Liuyun relax, saying calmly, “Young Master Shen, your methods are impressive—Ye Liuyun is truly in awe.”

“Brother Ye, what say you to wiping the slate clean over Bai Yufei and the Green Bamboo Gang?” Shen Lian replied with a gentle smile.

“And what of the matter between us?”

“You decide.”

“When spring returns and the flowers bloom, I shall await you at Famous Sword Manor at any time.” Ye Liuyun tapped the handle at his side, and his wheelchair rose from the ground, landing inside the sedan chair.

Jian Thirteen and Jian Fourteen lifted the sedan and vanished into the vast night.

Bai Yufei exclaimed anxiously, “Young Master, Famous Sword Manor is every bit as dangerous as a dragon’s den or a tiger’s lair. Why agree to this?”

“If you ask me, we shouldn’t have let that arrogant fellow go today,” An Renjie grumbled at the side.

“Spring’s arrival makes it a fine time. Famous Sword Manor is renowned across the land—surely the scenery then will be splendid. There’s no harm in going.” Shen Lian shook his head and smiled faintly.

Such is the realm of martial heroes—grudges and feuds, you kill me, I kill you; there is never an end.

Shen Lian found little joy in it. If every matter in this world could be solved by a single act of violence, then there would not be so much trouble.

“Uncle Wu, help me prepare a few things. Tomorrow, I’ll make a trip back to the Shen residence.” Leisurely, Shen Lian turned to the inn. Forcing back the young lord of Famous Sword Manor brought him no thrill—it was no more than usual.

******

The sun rises each day, but at Old Master Shen’s age, seeing the sunrise on any given day does not guarantee he will see its sunset.

These past two years had brought him little to fret over. In fact, his disappointing eldest son and Xu’s wife had somehow produced a grandson just two months prior. Yet when the child was born, they neither invited Shen Lian nor informed him of the news—Uncle Wu, who was close to Shen Lian, was not told either.

The whole residence brimmed with joy, but Old Master Shen showed little happiness at this new grandson.

Only today, upon hearing that Shen Lian had returned, did his face light up, and he even had a few extra bites at dinner.

As for the so-called newborn grandson, he could not even be bothered to spare a glance, nor had he ever held the boy.

Now, the mood in the Shen household was rather peculiar.

A grandson-in-law was receiving better treatment than a biological grandson—truly an oddity in all the land.

Though Shen Lian bore the Shen surname, he was not entirely the Shen family’s own.

Had Old Master Shen lost his wits?

Shen Lian accompanied the old man for a walk in the garden. Sparse snow lingered, dusted with frost, peeking through withered branches.

“You lazy lot! Why hasn’t anyone fetched a coat for Young Master Lian? If my good grandson catches a chill, none of you will fare well,” Old Master Shen said, genuinely angry at the sight of Shen Lian standing there in thin garments, looking cold.

“Grandfather, it’s nothing. My internal strength has improved a bit—this little chill means nothing to me,” Shen Lian said, laughing.

“I nearly forgot—you’ve studied martial arts, and your health is much better than before. Every time An Wanli visits me, he sings your praises, saying his son has improved greatly from associating with you. Even that arrogant Xu boy can’t stop praising you. Even the former Governor Shuo, when he came to bid farewell, called you a man of rare talent.” The old man beamed as he spoke—there is perhaps nothing in the world that brings greater joy to an elder than such things.

His own accomplishments were beyond the reach of most men, but nothing delighted him more than a brilliant descendant.

“Perhaps they do it out of respect for you.”

“I’ve never heard them praise Qingshi or Qingshan. Speaking of Qingshi, that boy is always a worry,” Old Master Shen said with a hint of anger when Shen Lian’s eldest uncle was mentioned.

“Both hands are flesh—there’s no need to be upset. If it’s about my newborn cousin, it’s even less worth your concern.” Shen Lian’s face was serene, his manner calm.

“You’re too clever, Shen Lian,” the old man sighed.

With a gesture, he dismissed all attendants.

“How did you know?”

“Grandfather, surely you know my medical skills rival any physician in Qingzhou. My uncle and aunt are incapable of bearing children.” Shen Lian looked deeply at the old man. Naturally, upon returning home, he called on both Shen Qingshi and Shen Qingshan and met his newborn cousin. Xu’s wife showed some shyness, but also a trace of pride.

Yet Shen Lian betrayed no emotion, merely observing them.

With his expertise, a simple examination—just a glance—was enough to discern their physical condition. How could he not know the truth about his so-called cousin’s origins?

“Have you told anyone else?” the old man asked suddenly.

“What do you think?”

“I almost wish you had told others—at least it would mean the Shen family still matters to you.”

The old man, shrewd as ever, knew that if even this did not trouble Shen Lian, then the wealth and glory of the Shen family truly held no value in his eyes.

“A golden carp is never meant for a humble pond—when the wind and clouds gather, it becomes a dragon. The world of Qingzhou is too small for you. Still, I’m glad you visited this old man before you leave.” There was a bittersweet note in the old man’s voice. After letting Shen Lian go his own way for two years, this once frail sapling was now unafraid of wind or rain.

“It’s not that Qingzhou is too small—our pursuits simply differ. Life is about contentment, not much else,” Shen Lian replied candidly, seeing no need for pretense now that his grandfather had spoken so openly.

He was also struck by the old man’s wisdom. Though Shen Lian had some experience, he still had much to learn in the face of such seasoned understanding.

“Enough. I won’t stop you—nor could I. Just remember, you grew up in the Shen family,” the old man said, his age showing, his attachment to worldly things fading as the end of life drew near.

Shen Lian gently embraced the old man. Despite his thin clothing, he did not feel cold; the warmth of his body seeped through the thick layers the old man wore.

At last, Shen Lian released him, smiling, “Grandfather, I have always remembered your kindness. No matter where I go, I will always be Shen Lian.”

He walked away from the garden, his conscience clear.