119: Ulterior motives

The morning light filtered through the window lattices of the small courtyard in Yuqian Lane, spilling over Su Wan as she practiced her saber techniques.

The slender, straight saber in her hand, shaped like a willow leaf, flipped and turned with grace. The blade's light was like snow and her steps like lotus flowers; it was the "Wind Brushing Willow Catkins" move from the Willow Leaf Saber Technique. Since meeting Chen Linsheng, although she hadn't experienced life-and-death struggles as he had, under his guidance and her own diligence, her Plain Heart Art had stabilized at the third layer, and her Willow Leaf Saber Technique was gradually reaching a higher level.

Especially after the Hidden Dragon Banquet, Chen Linsheng's reputation had soared. Consequently, she, the "gentle girl by Junior Brother Chen's side" who quietly accompanied him, had also gained some fame among the female Disciples of the Yang Wei Martial Arts Hall Branch.

Many female Disciples envied her closeness to a Prodigy like Chen Linsheng, and some even privately asked her for the essentials of the Willow Leaf Saber Technique—this technique was light and agile, perfectly suited for women to Cultivate. Su Wan had a gentle nature and never kept her knowledge to herself, always explaining patiently and even demonstrating in person. Over time, the female Disciples in the hall grew to respect her more and more, and even several female Instructors began to view her in a new light.

One afternoon, Su Wan had just returned from the female Disciple courtyard after guiding several Junior Sisters. Before she could enter Yuqian Lane, she saw a green-curtained carriage parked at the entrance, elegantly decorated and made of high-quality materials. Standing by the carriage were two neatly dressed maids with steady auras. Seeing her approach, the older maid took half a step forward and gave a respectful bow.

"Are you Miss Su Wan?"

Su Wan paused slightly and nodded. "I am. May I ask who you two are?"

The maid smiled slightly. "I have been ordered by my Madam to invite Miss Su to the manor for a chat. My Madam's surname is Lin; she is the Matriarch of the West City Lin Family."

The Lin Family?

Su Wan's mind stirred. The three major Families of Jiuqu Prefecture City were the Lei, Lin, and Fang. The Lei Family established themselves through martial arts, and Lei Hao was frank and righteous; the Fang Family was famous for commerce and was immensely wealthy; while the Lin Family fell somewhere in between. Their Family included officials in the imperial service, merchants managing industries, and even descendants with outstanding martial talent like Lin Yueru. They had deep roots and extensive connections in the prefecture city.

She had no prior dealings with the Lin Family. Why would the Lin Family Matriarch suddenly invite her?

The maid seemed to see her doubt and said warmly, "The other day, my Madam attended a tea party hosted by the wife of Hall Master Zhao of the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall. She happened to see you guiding the female Disciples in saber techniques. She admired your serene temperament and insightful explanations. It so happens that several Young Misses in our manor have reached the age for Foundation Establishment in martial arts, but we haven't found a suitable introductory Instructor. Madam said that a lady with such excellent character and martial arts as Miss Su is the best candidate. Therefore, she specially ordered me to come and invite you, hoping you can spare some time for a chat."

Since things had been put this way, Su Wan couldn't directly refuse. She pondered for a moment and said, "Since I have received Madam's favor, I would be honored to accept. However, I need to go home to tidy up a bit and inform my Family."

"Of course. I will wait for you here."

Su Wan returned to the small courtyard, changed into a simple yet appropriate goose-yellow dress, and tied up her black hair, pinning it with only the white jade hairpin Chen Linsheng had given her. After tidying up the courtyard slightly, she left a note held down on the table before boarding the carriage with the maid.

The carriage drove through the busy streets of the prefecture city and, about fifteen minutes later, stopped in front of an imposing but not ostentatious residence. On the plaque above the gate, the two characters for "Lin Manor" were written with powerful strokes, revealing a hidden strength beneath a soft exterior.

Su Wan was led into the manor, passing through several courtyards before arriving at a side hall surrounded by lush plants and trees. The hall was elegantly furnished, and a faint scent of sandalwood burned within. Seated in the main seat was a woman in her forties, wearing an ochre silk vest and a kingfisher feather hairpin. Her face was dignified and her expression gentle, but her eyes were clear and wise. She was the Matriarch of the Lin Family, Madam Zhou.

"Miss Su is here. Please, have a seat," Madam Zhou said with a smile, her voice warm.

Su Wan bowed and took her seat, her posture neither humble nor arrogant.

Madam Zhou looked her over a few times, the admiration in her eyes deepening. "When I saw you teaching saber techniques at the martial arts hall that day, I felt you had an extraordinary temperament. Seeing you up close today, I find you even more elegant and composed. It's no wonder you've won the heart of such a hero as Young Hero Chen."

Su Wan lowered her eyes slightly. "Madam, you overpraise me."

Madam Zhou didn't beat around the bush and spoke directly. "I invited you here today because I do have a request. I have two daughters, one thirteen and one eleven. They are at the age for Foundation Establishment and martial arts training. Although there are Martial Masters in the manor, most are men. While they are fine for teaching basic moves, they are ultimately a step removed from the essentials of women's martial arts and the way of self-cultivation. I see that the Willow Leaf Saber Technique you practice is light and agile, perfectly suited for women to Cultivate. Even more rare is that your explanations are simple and thorough, and you are patient and meticulous. You are the most suitable candidate for an introductory Instructor."

She paused and continued, "If you are willing, you can come to the manor for ten days a month, teaching for two hours each day, with a salary of one hundred taels. Additionally, the first floor of the manor's library will be open to you. It contains many Cultivation Techniques and insights specifically for women, which you may read at your leisure. What do you think, Miss Su?"

One hundred taels a month meant one thousand two hundred taels a year, an astronomical sum for an ordinary Family. Not to mention the access to the Lin Family's library—the accumulation of a great Family was no small matter.

Su Wan's heart stirred. She wasn't greedy for money, but the resources Chen Linsheng needed for his Cultivation were growing larger by the day. Although he had some fame now and the care of Envoy Ling Feng, he still needed a large amount of silver for support. If she could be self-reliant and share some of the burden for Chen Linsheng, it would be a good thing. Moreover, if there were scriptures in the Lin Family library suitable for women's Cultivation, it would also be an Opportunity for her.

"I am grateful for Madam's high regard. However..." She hesitated slightly. "My knowledge is shallow, and I fear I may not be up to the task."

Madam Zhou laughed. "You don't need to be so modest. For Foundation Establishment and enlightenment, the most important things are a correct Foundation and a steady Heart-Nature, not the level of one's martial arts. Your Foundation is solid and your Heart-Nature is peaceful; you are the best candidate. If you agree, we can start tomorrow. What do you say?"

Having reached this point, Su Wan no longer refused. She stood up and bowed. "In that case, I am willing to do my best."

From then on, Su Wan began her career as an Instructor at the Lin Family.

The two Young Misses of the Lin Family were the eldest, Lin Jingshu, thirteen years old, with a quiet nature and good Comprehension Ability; and the second, Lin Jingwan, eleven years old, lively and active, with slightly less patience but good physical flexibility and no lack of talent.

Su Wan didn't start by teaching the Willow Leaf Saber Technique. Instead, she began with the most basic stances, breathing, and meridian Acupoints. Combining the essential meaning of "Clear Mind" from the Plain Heart Art, she guided them to feel the flow of blood and Qi, and to realize the initial martial Dao state of "Movement within Stillness."

She taught patiently, and the two Young Misses studied seriously. Especially Su Wan's temperament—gentle yet resilient—made the two girls, who had been bound by Family rules since childhood, feel a sense of closeness. The teacher-student relationship grew more harmonious by the day.

During the teaching process, Su Wan herself also gained a lot.

To clearly explain the subtle changes in the flow of blood and Qi at an Acupoint, she had to repeatedly contemplate the corresponding chapters of the Plain Heart Art. Some parts that were originally a bit vague suddenly became clear. To demonstrate the "Willow Leaves Following the Wind" move from the Willow Leaf Saber Technique—how to borrow and deflect force—she had to break down her own understanding of force flow into the smallest details. This breakdown, in turn, gave her a deeper understanding of the Concept of "softness and sharpness coexisting" within the saber technique.

Teaching and learning benefit each other; the ancients truly did not deceive me.