Recalling the past under the moonlit night

Yu Chang nodded and said, “The Falling Sunset Cave lies thirty miles outside the southern city. There are indeed many martial arts manuals there, all of which can be freely studied. Moreover, most of the wealthy young heirs of Brocade Jade City gather in that place. There are only two ways to enter Falling Sunset Cave: one, you have real ability; two, you have plenty of money to pay the tuition.”

Song Linjie laughed, “Isn’t that just a nest of useless rats?”

Yu Chang nodded and reminded them, “If you intend to go, I can provide the funds. Just be sure not to speak so carelessly there.”

Zhang Ling replied coolly, “You can rest assured, Commander Yu. We won’t cause you any trouble.”

Song Linjie thumped his chest with confidence and declared, “Uncle, there’s no need for you to spend money. We can break in ourselves.”

Yu Chang shook his head, smiling, “Don’t underestimate this Falling Sunset Cave. There are some quite skilled people there. Some of the top graduates in past years come from that very place. If a talented student from a humble background appears, the Cave always looks after them. ”

Zhang Ling, looking serious, said shamelessly, “Are they good at fighting?”

Yu Chang burst out laughing, “Don’t think just because they come from humble roots that they’re easily bullied. The master of the Cave treasures these students immensely. Even the children of the nobility don’t dare act up inside.”

Zhang Ling cupped his hands, “Then, Commander Yu, we’ll trouble you only to find someone to guide us there tomorrow. There’s no need to pay our way. We’re here for the academy, after all; if we have to rely on connections even for this, we might as well turn back now.”

Yu Chang nodded with a smile, “Since you’re so confident, I won’t insist further. It’s late. Rest early. I’ll have a carriage prepared for you tomorrow.”

With that, Yu Chang took his leave. Song Linjie asked if Zhang Ling wanted to return together, but Zhang Ling said he wanted to walk a bit longer. After Song Linjie left, Zhang Ling wandered alone by the pond. The surroundings were tranquil, perfect for calming his mind and gathering his energy, allowing him a moment of quiet reflection.

After crossing most of the pond, Zhang Ling suddenly looked up and saw a small, lakeside pavilion ahead, lanterns still glowing inside. As he drew nearer, he realized it was the retired veteran Gu Pinghou, sitting alone and idly drinking. Zhang Ling entered the pavilion. The old man, who had been silently drinking, looked up; seeing Zhang Ling, he gestured for him to sit.

Once Zhang Ling was seated, the old man poured a cup and placed it before him. He said calmly, “I only have some poor tea here, young master—please make do.”

Zhang Ling picked up the cup, then glanced at the teapot—it was a cheap set, the kind that cost only a few coins at market. Yu Chang’s casual tea set would far outshine this one. Zhang Ling chuckled softly, “That’s just as well. I don’t care for wine; I can make do with a few cups of tea.”

The old man’s hand trembled lightly as he swirled his cup, then took a sip. He smiled, “It seems we can get along, then.”

Zhang Ling hesitated, then said flatly, “There’s something I’d like to ask. Earlier at the banquet, you and Commander Yu both inquired about my family. Is it because of some old acquaintance?”

The old man paused, then sighed deeply. “You must have heard of General Mingze.”

He continued, “The Minister of Works, Zhang Hongshan, was the general’s father. The Minister had two wives. The senior was from the Lin family of Qinghe, and the general was born of the secondary wife. When the Minister was away on a journey, Madam Lin took the opportunity to force the general’s mother to her death. The general was only twelve that year. Unable to remain, he chose to leave the capital. He joined the army. In the barracks, he was just a boy among men, yet when I first saw him I felt a chill. Later, we learned what he’d suffered, and we all looked after him. Life there was harsh, but the young general never uttered a word of complaint. In battle, he was always at the front. One captain admired him greatly, taught him the art of war. The general memorized every book by heart, and in battles against the Mo Kingdom, he commanded with ease, often turning defeat into victory from dire straits. His military merits are countless. On his own, he became a grandmaster—a rarity in this world. Later, somehow, he even spirited away the saintess of the Brahma Harmony Sect.”

At these words, Zhang Ling was certain his parents were none other than that general and the saintess. He asked, “What happened after that?”

The old man sipped his tea, moistening his throat—such a long tale was taxing for him. He continued, “Zhang Ling, don’t take it amiss, but you look gentle and refined, quite like the general’s wife. That’s why Yu Chang and I suspected you might be related. Now it seems we were mistaken. As for what happened next—well, it became a tragedy known to all. Seventeen years ago, the forces of Chen and Mo clashed. The general and his wife both went to war. In a place called Luping Valley, a decisive battle was fought. But then disaster struck. The whole valley shook and collapsed, burying both armies. The general perished, and so bought seventeen years of peace.”

Zhang Ling sighed, “The general’s life was truly a series of great rises and falls—earth-shaking. Such a pity that this ever-victorious commander died so young, before I could ever see his true face.”

The old man stood and gazed at the water, sorrow clouding his eyes, his posture bent with grief. He sighed, “I’ve heard the general left a son behind. No one knows where he is now.”

Zhang Ling rose and stood beside the old man, likewise gazing at the water. He said quietly, “I believe he will return. And you, elder, will see him again.”

But the old man shook his head. “I’d rather he not come to Brocade Jade City, this place of trouble. Since the general’s death, the corrupt officials have emerged again. Back when the general rode through the city, he offended many crocodiles. If his son returned now, it would be like a lamb among wolves.”

Zhang Ling smiled, “If he knows elders like you still care for him, even if it’s like ants shaking a tree, he will surely do his utmost.”

At this, the old man’s weathered face finally cracked into a faint smile. “If he has such resolve, that’s enough. It’s late, Zhang Ling. Go get some rest.”

Zhang Ling bowed deeply, watching the old man’s aged figure slowly leave the pavilion. Then, full of ambition, he turned and walked away.

The old man lingered a while after Zhang Ling left, gazing at the moon, muttering to himself about his age. He carefully packed up his cherished tea set and departed.

Tonight, the night was enchanting and the road peaceful, moving even those with the coldest hearts to a touch of feeling.