Chapter Twenty-Seven: Debts of Kindness Are Hard to Repay

It is often said that one must cultivate both literary and martial skills to serve the imperial family. To be called a master of martial arts is not mere praise; it is a title earned through tireless diligence from childhood, enduring bitter winters and scorching summers, at least ten years of arduous effort before one can claim accomplishment. Yet hard work is just a part of it. Over ten, even twenty years, the costs required for training in martial arts are considerable, often exceeding those of scholarly pursuits.

The poor may study literature, recite texts, borrow books, inherit ancestral manuscripts, or even copy them by hand; a single book can suffice for several people, dozens even, without issue. But martial arts are different. Even with a stroke of luck and some basic skills acquired, true mastery is unattainable without resources. Training is a relentless process of pushing and strengthening the body. Every day requires at least one meal of meat; without it, the body cannot sustain the exertion, and before any skill is honed, one's health will fail—how then can one train further?

Moreover, injuries are inevitable, requiring medicines and herbs for recovery. If one were to tally all expenses, the cost for a martial artist to achieve mastery is astonishing. The stronger the practitioner, the greater the expense. And the money earned by martial artists is often made at the risk of their lives, spent as quickly as it comes. Thus, hiring a powerful martial artist costs more, but it cannot be helped.

The Ji family escort agency once held respectable strength, but with the chaos of the times, it has become increasingly inadequate. If only they could gain another expert's aid, their power would grow immensely. But how could a true master be content with just food and lodging, without monetary reward?

"Mr. Xu..." Ji Yun pondered for a long moment, then shook his head and refused, "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Xu. The current situation of the Ji family martial hall is neither my fault, nor yours—it is the state of the times, and there is nothing to be done. If I were to use your goodwill to secure the safety of the escort agency, my conscience would not rest easy. I have yet to repay the debt I owe you; how could I shamelessly ask for your help again?"

"You worry too much," Xu Yuan replied. "Truth be told, the 'master' I mentioned is someone you know as well. Speaking of debts, it is this person who owes you, so coming to work as repayment is only right."

"I know them? And they owe us a debt?" Ji Yun was utterly bewildered. Mr. Xu had many acquaintances, but the number of martial masters he knew was not vast. At this moment, Ji Yun could not recall any expert who was connected to both him and Mr. Xu, let alone one who owed him a favor.

"I may not remember, but even if they do owe us a debt, it’s not proper to have them work without pay, just for food and lodging," Ji Yun mused and shook his head again.

Escort work is unlike any other; even a short route takes nearly a month, while longer journeys can stretch over several months. If the goods could be delivered in a few steps, there would be no need for the escort agency's services. Only dangerous, arduous routes, combined with valuable cargo, require their protection—escort agencies always earn hazard pay.

Thus, even if there were an expert who owed him a favor, running one or two escort jobs would suffice, but in the end, it would not solve their problems. If they were truly made to work for nothing, it could easily turn friends into enemies.

"You’ll understand when you meet them," Xu Yuan said, keeping the matter mysterious. There was no point in saying more now, as Ji Yun likely would not accept it. It would be better to wait until they met.

Just then, Cai Shulan called out for them to come eat.

"Good evening, Mr. Xu," Ji Wen greeted politely at the dinner table.

The names Ji Wu and Ji Wen were chosen well. Compared to the rough and passionate Ji Wu, Ji Wen, two years younger, appeared quieter and more composed, a scholar in bearing, with skin fair and delicate, unlike Ji Wu's bronze tan. The two brothers, one literary, one martial—the perfect complement.

"Mr. Xu, please have some wine. This Immortal’s Intoxication was saved especially for you," Ji Wu said eagerly, pouring wine for Xu Yuan as soon as he sat down.

"Immortal’s Intoxication...," Xu Yuan smiled as memories surfaced. He raised his cup, "Let’s drink together."

"Together!" Ji Yun and Ji Wu raised their cups as well, while Ji Wen and Cai Shulan joined in with pear juice.

"Even the little one drinks wine?" Xu Yuan asked, noticing Ji Wu’s flushed cheeks.

"I’m almost fifteen, not a little one!" Ji Wu protested loudly.

"Better to drink openly with us than sneak behind our backs," Ji Yun said, smiling. He was not a strict father, indeed quite enlightened.

"Ha, you’re right," Xu Yuan nodded gently.

Though he had only met Ji Wu three times, two years had already passed.

At fifteen, in this era, one is expected to shoulder the responsibilities of adulthood; in rural areas, it would not be unusual to see a fifteen-year-old boy holding two children.

"One more cup, Mr. Xu, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen you—we must welcome you properly."

"One more cup, to celebrate everyone’s safety."

"One more cup, to wish—" Ji Wu had a whole repertoire of toasts, continuously pouring wine for Xu Yuan.

Xu Yuan never refused; several bowls of wine went down, yet his expression remained unchanged. Ji Wu, however, competing with him, grew redder by the minute, his speech turning sluggish.

After three rounds, Ji Wu kept signaling to Ji Yun and Cai Shulan, glancing frequently at Xu Yuan.

"What’s the matter? Is there an ambush of five hundred swordsmen outside, waiting for you to break a cup as the signal?" Xu Yuan joked.

"Ah—" Ji Yun coughed twice, slightly embarrassed. This mischievous boy was a bit too eager, but since Mr. Xu had already noticed, he braced himself and said, "Mr. Xu, what do you think of Ji Wu?"

"In what sense?" Xu Yuan asked.

"Well... ah," Ji Yun was momentarily at a loss for words.

"This child is a bit unruly, but he’s clever and diligent. Ever since meeting Mr. Xu these past two years, he’s worked hard, no longer skipping school, training diligently—this is all thanks to you," Cai Shulan interjected, proving herself a wise and supportive wife.

"Yes, yes, Ji Wu admires Mr. Xu greatly, thinking of you day and night, mentioning you more often than his parents," Ji Yun continued, "Would Ji Wu be fortunate enough to study under you for a time? Of course, if it’s inconvenient, please forget we asked."

Sitting beside Xu Yuan, Ji Wu gazed at him with burning expectation. He had learned to be clever; after being refused twice when he sought apprenticeship on his own, this time he enlisted his parents’ help as allies.