Xiao Hu gives gold, Yingtai accepts charity

After the duel ended, Liang Shanbo, Zhu Yingtai, and Yin Xin returned to the school together.

Along the way, Zhu Yingtai walked briskly, a smile playing on her lips. She walked beside Liang Shanbo, glancing at him every now and then before turning back.

Back at the schoolhouse, Yinxin closed the door.

Zhu Yingtai sat on her wooden couch, looking at Liang Shanbo opposite her, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Brother Liang, you are truly amazing. I never imagined that you could defeat Xiao Hu."

Yin Xin, standing to the side, couldn't help but chime in, "Yes, Young Master Liang, I was stunned when you threw that Young Master Xiao to the ground just now. That Young Master Xiao is so strong, and you were able to throw him away, it was simply... simply divine!"

As Liang Shanbo listened to the two women praising him, he couldn't help but smile slightly. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Zhu Yingtai suddenly sigh softly.

"Brother Liang," Zhu Yingtai's voice lowered, "yesterday I advised you so much, saying that I really underestimated you."

Liang Shanbo's gaze was gentle: "My dear brother, there's no need for that. I know you care about me."

Zhu Yingtai looked at him. His eyes were clear and bright, without a trace of blame.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Is Brother Liang there?"

It was Xiao Hu's voice.

Yin Xin hurriedly went to open the door to the outer room, and Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai both stood up.

As soon as the door opened, Xiao Hu's tall figure completely blocked the doorway. He was carrying a burlap sack, which was bulging and made a dull clattering sound from inside.

He went into the inner room, placed the burlap sack at the foot of Liang Shanbo's bed, and cupped his hands in greeting to Liang Shanbo: "Brother Liang, this is three thousand coins."

Liang Shanbo glanced at the burlap sack.

Three thousand coins, heavy as a feather, felt like a wad of cotton in Xiao Hu's hands.

He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Brother Xiao."

Xiao Hu waved his hand: "No need to thank me. This is what I owe you for losing to you, it's what I should do."

He grinned and said, "Brother Liang, you must teach me that...that 'push-up' sometime."

Liang Shanbo nodded: "Definitely."

Xiao Hu nodded, then turned and left.

Liang Shanbo looked at the burlap sack at the end of the bed, remained silent for a moment, and then called out to Zhu Yingtai, "Brother."

Zhu Yingtai looked at him.

Liang Shanbo said, "The other day in the county town, you gave me those things: paper, ink, brush, belt, headscarf, and robe, which cost a total of 1,410 coins."

Zhu Yingtai was taken aback.

Liang Shanbo continued, "I will return those things to you now."

Zhu Yingtai's eyes widened slightly as she asked, "Brother Liang, the reason you've clashed with Xiao Hu this time is to repay this money to me?"

Liang Shanbo frankly replied, "That's the main reason."

A complex mix of emotions welled up in Zhu Yingtai's heart—admiration, gratitude, and a touch of bitterness.

She lowered her head, composed herself, and then looked up at Liang Shanbo, trying to make her voice sound calm: "Brother Liang, we are sworn brothers. There's no need for such formality."

Liang Shanbo shook his head, looking at her earnestly: "My dear brother, you treat me to meals in the fine kitchen every day and fetch me a basin of hot water every night. This is already more than enough. I, Liang Shanbo, am eternally grateful."

He paused, then continued, "But if I were to accept those things you gave me for nothing, I would truly feel guilty. Actually, when you bought those things for me in the county town the other day, I wanted to politely decline. But then I thought, since you want me to have those things, then I will have them."

He said, word by word, "However, I must spend my own money to feel at ease. Today I received three thousand coins, which is enough to repay this debt. Please grant me this request, my dear brother."

His voice trailed off.

The school building fell silent.

Zhu Yingtai looked at him. His eyes were full of sincerity and determination.

Her admiration and emotion grew even stronger.

For this sentiment, he didn't hesitate to challenge Xiao Hu... and actually won!

Yin Xin stood to the side, watching Liang Shanbo with admiration in her eyes. Though she was a maid, she understood his feelings. Young Master Liang was a man of principle!

Zhu Yingtai was silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "Alright, I'll accept it. But if Brother Liang ever needs money in the future, he can always take it from me. We're sworn brothers, there's no need to be so formal."

A smile appeared on Liang Shanbo's lips, and he nodded: "Okay."

Immediately, Silverheart opened the burlap sack.

Inside the bag were strings of copper coins.

Yin Xin counted out 1,410 coins and accepted the money.

There were still 1,590 coins left in the purse, enough for Liang Shanbo to spend for quite some time.

……

……

The following day at noon.

Wang Shu and Gu Jun headed towards the back of the mountain as usual.

Passing through the back gate of the school, across the field, and up the winding mountain path, the dense pine forest opened up before us after a while.

We've arrived at "Songzha".

The thatched roof gleamed golden in the sunlight, the bamboo wind chimes under the eaves tinkled in the wind, and tiny white flowers dotted the pine fence in front of the house.

The two knocked on the door and entered.

Meng Wenlang sat on a bamboo mat by the window. Outside, a mountain stream murmured, and orchids grew lush and green.

After Wang Shu and Gu Jun knelt down, Meng Wenlang suddenly asked, "I heard that Liang Shanbo actually defeated Xiao Hu in wrestling yesterday?"

Wang Shu and Gu Jun exchanged a glance. They didn't know where Mr. Meng had heard the news, but they weren't surprised, since the matter had already caused a sensation throughout the entire academy.

Wang Shu nodded: "Yes, sir."

Meng Wenlang's gaze sharpened slightly: "Tell me about it."

Wang Shu then recounted the entire incident of the previous day's fight. He described how Liang Shanbo loosened his clothes and let his hair down, revealing his strong upper body, to Xiao Hu's two attempts to grab him failing, and finally, how Liang Shanbo threw Xiao Hu to the ground.

After he finished speaking, the thatched hut fell silent.

Meng Wenlang remained silent.

Liang Shanbo.

It's Liang Shanbo again!

This boy is not only a prodigy in his studies, but also so brave and skilled in martial arts that he was able to defeat Xiao Hu in a wrestling match.

Meng Wenlang looked at Gu Jun and asked, "How did Liang Shanbo behave after his victory yesterday?"

Gu Jun said gently, "After he defeated Xiao Hu, he remained calm, neither arrogant nor feigning humility, but simply composed and indifferent. Such composure is not something an ordinary person can possess."

Meng Wenlang nodded and looked out the window.

The mountain stream murmurs, and the pines rustle in the wind.

The thought of taking Liang Shanbo as his disciple resurfaced in his mind.

only--

There's no need to rush this matter; it's best to observe carefully. Liang Shanbo has only been here for a few days, but barring any unforeseen circumstances, he'll be studying at Wansong Academy for three or four years.

Meng Wenlang withdrew his gaze and began lecturing to his two disciples, Wang Shu and Gu Jun.