Chapter 86: Ella Is a Magistrate's Wife

“There’s no such thing as accidentally stumbling onto a path or being misled. One’s nature determines which road to take—the foundation of character is what matters. Strip away the flowery talk of benevolence and righteousness, and martial virtue is nothing more than drawing a line in the sand—in plain terms, it’s just a set of rules, a form of moral restraint. No matter how much you train your fists and feet, you can never be invincible. Today you gain an advantage by throwing lime, hurling hidden weapons, or pulling a knife—tomorrow, others will learn to do the same.”

Liu Qingshan spoke as the thoughts came to him, without bothering to organize his words in front of Chen Zuming.

“Back in the day, even those who lived by the code knew not to bring disaster upon wives or children. But all of that was only possible because of strength and the discipline it imposed. Is that the right way to understand it?” Chen Zuming voiced his own interpretation.

“That’s part of it, but the reasoning holds. If you’re highly skilled and, without deep grudges, cripple or even kill someone, their only options are to find someone even tougher or plot against you in secret. If they can’t get you, well, you must have family—wife, children, kin. But if you truly have no ties, no taboos, then your opponent can only accept their misfortune.”

“Then, if I truly change my ways from now on, and apply myself with diligence, will you consider taking me as your student?”

“It’s not out of the question. And even if you don’t formally become my disciple, you can still learn a great deal. For instance, the boxing manual I gave your father is far more detailed than others.”

“He refuses to let me see it, which is why I came to you directly!”

“You’re right to ask for it, but much of what’s in there requires decades of foundation in the art. Without my direct instruction, what you’d learn would only be superficial.”

“So, does that mean you’re willing to teach me a bit?”

“I’ll start by giving you a few words—my own master made me recite them on the spot: ‘The art of boxing has never been passed down lightly; within it lies endless mystery. Should it be taught to the unworthy, it brings disaster and shortens one’s years.’”

Chen Zuming understood instantly. In truth, the fact that Liu Qingshan had passed on these four lines was already a hint.

After he had memorized them, Liu Qingshan added, “Here’s another saying from me, for you to ponder as you will. ‘A true man recognizes justice and adapts to the times; a hero knows when to advance or retreat, to yield or extend.’”

Liu Qingshan’s words, couched in a deliberately enigmatic tone, had a profound effect—at least, on the way back, the boy kept muttering them under his breath.

When they got off the car and were saying their goodbyes, Park Hye-jin, unable to hide her concern, said, “Shanzi, is the young master all right? I can’t help feeling a little uneasy...”

......

Early the next morning, Yu Yi and Mao Shaochong arrived, bringing breakfast with them.

Since they had decided to learn from Liu Qingshan, the two also requested to join the film crew and accompany him to Hengdian.

Shi Hui arrived soon after, carrying a bag containing the plane tickets and other documents that she’d obtained earlier from the crew.

“All we have to do is reach the airport before eleven. The flight goes directly to Yiwu, and there’s an official shuttle to Hengdian World Studios, which passes through the Ming and Qing Palace Gardens. The Dad Hotel there has already opened; Kunal can get off there, and the Indian crew from Hong Kong will also be staying at that hotel.”

She was every bit the capable assistant, showing not a trace of inexperience.

Liu Qingshan nodded. “Give Jawahar a call in a bit and have the hotel arrange two cars for us. Also, Director Zhang gave me a number regarding the future studio’s location—pass that along to Shahrukh as well.”

Shi Hui smiled. “The two of them will be here soon. You can tell them yourself.”

“Oh? We didn’t discuss any of this yesterday.”

“They both got a call from Mr. Klam last night. He wants to establish a hotline between the capital and Hengdian so information flows smoothly at all times.”

“Looks like Klam attaches great importance to the studio’s grand opening.”

“He’s very much looking forward to it. I hear he might even make it in person for the occasion.”

Chen Zuming, looking disheveled as ever, came down the stairs from the second floor. “Klam? He’s a true magnate! Shanzi, why not let me handle the reception when the time comes?”

“Oh, spare me!” Liu Qingshan saw through his intentions. “Even your father might not get to play host—at most he can just accompany him.”

Klam, with a net worth in the tens of billions, was one of Asia’s most prominent tycoons, even without mentioning his ties to the Sashara Group. The mere prospect of his visit must have already alerted the local authorities.

“How did you sleep last night? You still look half-asleep.”

Liu Qingshan, Chen Zuming, and Kunal had all gone to bed late. Chen Zuming especially, being used to nightlife and always bringing red wine when traveling, could never sleep early.

“By the way, Shanzi,” Chen Zuming ignored Liu Qingshan’s concern, “I found a sandalwood tea tray in the room next to where I slept. That’s mine now—I’m bringing it to Hengdian for tea!”

Liu Qingshan nodded helplessly. One of the upstairs guest rooms was being used as a temporary storeroom, filled with gifts from India.

He knew about that sandalwood tea tray—like the pocket-sized golden nanmu tea tray Klam gave him, it was portable and exquisite.

And then there were the most expensive cigars—Chen Zuming had managed to talk his way into getting a whole box last night. Genuine handmade Havana Montecristo cigars, twenty-five in an aluminum case—it had pained Liu Qingshan to part with them.

Before anyone could respond, Chen Zuming turned to Shi Hui. “My assistant Ella will be over soon. Let her stick with you for now!”

His assistant was quite well-known, rumored to be a distant relative of Lin Fengqiao’s family, and had been by Chen Zuming’s side since he was ten.

“Ella, is it? Don’t worry, Mr. Chen, I’ll take good care of her!” Others dared not disregard Chen Zuming’s status, so Shi Hui quickly made her position clear.

Not long after, Jawahar and Shahrukh arrived together, accompanied by another strikingly beautiful woman.

After exchanging a few words with Jawahar and Shahrukh, Chen Zuming pointed at the woman. “That’s Ella—she comes from a family of officials. I don’t even dare mess with her!”

Ella, dressed with crisp elegance, shot him a look and extended her hand to Liu Qingshan. “Brother Qingshan, Sister Qiao asked me to pass on a message: from now on, Jaycee is yours to discipline—scold him, hit him, whatever’s necessary. Sister Qiao won’t shield him!”

Sister Qiao had become Lin Fengqiao’s signature nickname, and even younger members of the family like Ella used it.

Liu Qingshan did not dare be neglectful and quickly introduced Shi Hui.

It was obvious to him now—the Chen family had long planned this, sending Chen Zuming to him for a clear purpose: to reform him, and rid him of his spoiled ways.

He had made it plain to Chen Zuming the night before: from now on, he was to steer clear of vice, gambling, and drugs. If he failed, Liu Qingshan would sooner offend his father than keep him around.

Jawahar and Shahrukh had further conversations with Liu Qingshan, and only then did the group set off.

Strangely, Park Hye-jin was nowhere to be seen. According to Yu Yi, she’d been in an urgent company meeting since early morning.

Yet when they reached the airport, they found Park Hye-jin was taking the same flight—apparently, she’d received orders from Korea to rendezvous with Park Hyun-ji at Hengdian, and then return together to headquarters.