Jianghu Demolition Squad

Unfamiliar with the Five Tastes of Life (Part Two)

Spring brings growth, summer brings abundance, autumn brings harvest, and winter brings storage.

At that time, the man was so severely injured that he was on the verge of death. The Lin family was afraid to leave him in the medical hall with no one to take care of him, so they brought him back to the Lin family and took good care of him until he recovered.

He introduced himself as Qianqiu, a wandering scholar with no family, who had traveled far and wide, only to encounter bandits on this journey. He had seen them harassing a woman and, unable to stand by, intervened, only to find himself outnumbered and outmatched.

To repay the Lin family’s kindness, he offered to become their servant.

Lin Chou, a cautious man, had Qin Feng investigate Qianqiu’s background. Satisfied with the man’s honesty and impressed by his noble character, his tragic past, and his gratitude, Lin Chou decided to take him on as a disciple, believing fate had brought them together through Si’er’s act of kindness.

With the Lin family safeguarding the region, Hangzhou had enjoyed a period of peace and tranquility. Time seemed to flow at a gentle pace, making the days feel long, yet looking back, the years seemed to vanish in an instant.

Over a year had passed since the bandit attack outside the city.

This year, a heavy snowfall promised a bountiful harvest, blanketing the landscape in white, branches laden with delicate, snow-covered blossoms.

This year, Hua Lian would be leaving to train in the mountains with his master, his return date uncertain.

This year, Lin Zhi would marry Qianqiu, their union born of mutual affection.

Xun’er, having caught a cold, could only watch from the Hua family’s gate as Hua Lian departed. His figure, enveloped in swirling snowflakes, gradually disappeared into the distance.

Lin Zigui left the city with Hua Lian. She stepped on the crunching snow, her hands behind her back, the white fur of her silver fox coat snuggling against her small face: “Hua Lian, why do you need to go out and learn martial arts?”

“Because I want to be like Uncle Lin,” Hua Lian replied, “roaming the jianghu, upholding justice. I need to hone my skills to do that.”

“You could learn from my father too.”

Hua Lian smiled, “I’m not very talented in swordsmanship. Although Uncle Lin is a skilled swordsman, I wouldn’t achieve much under his guidance.”

“But what about Sister Xun’er? What will she do when you’re gone?”

Hua Lian opened his mouth to respond, then paused, his gaze fixed on the vast expanse of snow. After a long moment, he sighed. “Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices. You can’t have everything…”

“You could marry Sister Xun’er first,” Lin Zigui suggested. “Then, once she’s your wife, you can take her with you to the mountains.”

Hua Lian blushed, his voice taking on a stern tone. “Don’t be silly! Marriage is a serious matter, not something to be taken lightly. Besides, Xun’er is still young…”

She was inexplicably angry and snorted heavily, “Sister Xun’er is almost fifteen! Mother said she’s old enough to marry. She’s such a wonderful person. If you don’t want her, plenty of others do! If you leave now, someone else will snatch her away, and you’ll be the one crying!”

Hua Lian laughed, his long, slender fingers reaching out to ruffle her hair. “That’s why I need you to keep an eye on her for me. If someone steals her away, I’ll hold you responsible when I return.”

“Hua Lian… you’re really leaving?” Lin Zigui mumbled, her head drooping. “Second Sister is getting married. Mother said she won’t be able to play with me as much after she’s married. And now you’re leaving too. I…”

Hua Lian crouched down, gently tapping her forehead. “You still have Qianqiu and Brother Lin, and Xun’er. And I’m not gone forever. I’ll be back, even if it takes a while. We can still go spring hunting together. Father said you have a natural talent for martial arts and that he’ll train you. Then we can spar together.”

He stood up and took her hand, leading her through the snow. Their footprints formed a trail across the pristine white blanket.

“Then you have to come back quickly.”

“Alright.”

Lin Zhi and Qianqiu’s wedding took place in late winter, just as spring was beginning to stir. The air was still crisp and cold, their breath forming white clouds in the air.

The Lin family had a tradition of holding celebrations on boats. The previous year had been too hectic, filled with unforeseen events, so they decided to combine the wedding feast with a boat trip, a unique and cost-effective celebration.

Early that morning, Lin Zigui was roused from her sleep by the maidservant. She could barely open her eyes, so she kept them closed, allowing them to dress her and style her hair.

When Zhu Jiu arrived, she was already neatly dressed.

She scooped Lin Zigui into her arms and kissed her cheek.

As they stepped outside, the snow had melted, but the ground was still cold and damp. Zhu Jiu wanted to carry her daughter.

Lin Zigui, now eight years old, had grown considerably taller than she was two years ago. Carrying her wasn’t as easy as it used to be.

Lin Zigui wriggled free. “I’ll walk with Mother,” she said.

Zhu Jiu chuckled. “All grown up now, are we? Too big for your mother’s hugs?”

Lin Zigui snuggled against Zhu Jiu’s arm. “Si’er will always love Mother.”

The Lin estate was not far from West Lake. A short carriage ride brought them to the shore where Zhu Jiu led her onto the boat.

The decorated boats were magnificent, their roofs adorned with colorful silk brocade, red curtains, and gold tassels. The main boat was grand, with three decks, already bustling with guests.

As the mistress of the household, Zhu Jiu had to attend to her guests.

Lin Zigui wandered around with her eldest brother, Lin Jiang. It was the first time their family had hosted such an extravagant boat party, and it was Lin Zigui’s first time attending a wedding, let alone one held on a boat. Everything was new and exciting, and she didn’t feel bored at all. Before she knew it, the bride and groom arrived.

Although Qianqiu was marrying into the Lin family, the ceremony followed traditional customs.

Qianqiu led led Lin Zhi to pay their respects to the ancestral tablets and to heaven and earth. Lin Zhi was then escorted to the bridal chamber, while the groom was subjected to the customary teasing and toasts.

Lin Zigui had heard her mother say, “The most beautiful a woman will ever be is on her wedding day.”

It was a shame that Lin Zhi’s face was hidden beneath a red veil throughout the ceremony. Lin Zigui couldn’t catch a glimpse of her sister’s expression, which she found rather disappointing.

The banquet hall buzzed with lively chatter and laughter, the air thick with excitement. Guests crowded around the groom, urging him to drink more and more.

Lin Zigui watched the festivities with wide-eyed curiosity. What was so special about this wine that poets and swordsmen throughout history had been captivated by it? Even now, the guests were clamoring for the groom to indulge.

She knew she wouldn’t be able to appreciate the taste, but she couldn’t resist reaching for Zhu Jiu’s unattended wine cup and taking a small sip.

As expected, she couldn’t discern any particular flavor, but she felt a burning sensation as the liquid traveled down her throat, like a stream of fire.

A tingling sensation spread through her head, followed by a feeling of lightness, as if she were floating.

The sensation was intriguing, and she couldn’t help but finish the remaining wine in the cup.

By the time Zhu Jiu noticed, Lin Zigui was already tipsy, her eyelids drooping.

Zhu Jiu was both amused and exasperated. She gave Lin Zigui a gentle swat. “You little drunkard,” she chuckled. “Just like your father!”

She called for Wang Chang. The main boat was crowded and noisy, and Zhu Jiu didn’t want to subject Lin Zigui to the commotion. She carried her daughter to a smaller, quieter boat.

She removed Lin Zigui’s shoes and outer robe, tucked her into bed, and instructed Yue’er and Wang Chang to watch over her before returning to the main boat.

Lin Zigui fell into a deep sleep. She didn’t know how much time had passed when a sudden dizziness jolted her awake. She felt the world spinning around her, her body swaying uncontrollably.

She opened her eyes to find Zhu Jiu shaking her gently.

She rubbed her eyes and called out softly, “Mother?”

Zhu Jiu’s face was etched with worry, a stark contrast to her usual calm demeanor. Relieved to see Lin Zigui awake, she quickly dressed her.

Lin Zigui, still groggy, noticed something was amiss. “Mother, these aren’t my clothes.”

They looked like Yue’er’s.

Though Yue’er was only two years older, their sizes were similar.

Zhu Jiu called out, “Yue’er!”

Yue’er approached, oddly wearing her dress.

“I’m sorry, child,” Zhu Jiu said to Yue’er, her voice heavy with regret. “You’ll have to stay with the Lin family.”

“Madam,” Yue’er replied, her voice steady, “I belong to the Lin family. This is my duty.”

Zhu Jiu turned back to Lin Zigui, her eyes filled with pain.

Zhu Jiu retrieved a white handkerchief, a single character, “Lin,” embroidered in gold thread on one corner.

She tucked it into Lin Zigui’s robes, her hand lingering over her daughter’s heart. “Si’er,” she choked out, tears welling up in her eyes, “from now on, you must change your name. You can’t tell anyone you’re Lin Zigui. Go to Yangzhou with Ah Chang and find your aunt, Lin Qingchao, at the Qixian Palace. Show her this handkerchief. Stay with her. She’ll take good care of you.”

“Mother, why do I have to go to my aunt’s place?” She had never even met this aunt.

Zhu Jiu, however, was in a hurry, unable to explain. She led Lin Zigui out of the cabin and towards the side of the boat.

A rope ladder hung over the side, leading down to a smaller boat bobbing in the water. Wang Chang and Yue’er had already climbed down.

Zhu Jiu knelt in front of her, cupping her face with hands trembling, her lips quivering and eyes brimming with tears.

“There’s a sword,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, “the Fenghou Sword. It’s in the ancestral shrine at home, where your father often burns incense. Si’er, remember this: if anyone captures you, if they try to force you to tell them about the sword, pretend you don’t know anything. Don’t reveal its location unless your life depends on it. Promise me, Si’er. Promise me.”

Zhu Jiu leaned in and kissed Lin Zigui’s cheek, then retrieved a small pill and placed it in her daughter’s mouth.

Lin Zigui was still confused, unable to grasp the meaning of her mother’s words, but she sensed that they were about to be separated.

“Madam, we must hurry!” Wang Chang urged from below.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted on the main boat. Only one vessel separated them, and as Lin Zigui turned to look, she saw people screaming as they were thrown overboard. Chaos reigned.

The glint of sunlight reflecting off metal was unmistakable. Swords and blades.

Such weapons had no place at a wedding celebration.

Despite her young age, Lin Zigui was a bright and observant child. Realization dawned on her in an instant.

Someone was taking advantage of the Lin family’s wedding to exact revenge.

Zhu Jiu scooped Lin Zigui into her arms and lifted her over the railing.

Lin Zigui clung to her mother’s neck, refusing to let go. “I’m staying with Mother!”

Zhu Jiu resorted to a clumsy lie. “Si’er, go with Ah Chang first. Mother will come to see you in a few days.”

Lin Zigui didn’t believe her. As Zhu Jiu tried to lower her down, Wang Chang, standing on the rope ladder, reached up to pull her down. Lin Zigui tightened her grip around Zhu Jiu’s neck, her small hands turning Zhu Jiu’s delicate skin red. “If Mother doesn’t leave, I won’t leave either! I’m staying with Mother and Father!”

She burst into tears. Zhu Jiu, unable to hold back any longer, hugged her daughter tightly, tears streaming down her face. “Be good, Si’er,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Please, be obedient.”

“I won’t go! I don’t want to go! I want to stay with Mother and Father!”

Tears streamed down Zhu Jiu’s face as she pried Lin Zigui’s fingers from her neck, her own heart breaking. She had no choice but to be cruel.

Lin Zigui’s small body dropped, caught securely in Wang Chang’s arms.

She reached out towards Zhu Jiu, her voice a desperate cry. “Mother!”

Zhu Jiu collapsed onto the deck, clutching her chest, her sobs wracked with despair. “My child, my child…” she cried, her voice a heart-wrenching lament.

Wang Chang, holding Lin Zigui tightly, landed on the smaller boat just as a commotion erupted on the larger boat beside them.

Yue’er quickly rowed them away as dozens of smaller boats surrounded the Lin family’s wedding boat.

Escaping in broad daylight, on the open water, would be impossible. They were too far from shore, with nowhere to hide.

Wang Chang made a split-second decision. “Young Miss,” he said urgently, “take a deep breath!”

He pulled Lin Zigui close and rolled sideways, plunging them both into the icy water. Yue’er followed without hesitation.

The people of Jiangnan were familiar with water, having grown up surrounded by rivers and canals. Once submerged, they moved with the grace and agility of fish.

Wang Chang swam underwater, holding Lin Zigui close, until they reached a patch of water weeds. Only then did they dare to surface, gasping for air.

The enemy boats were vigilant, their eyes scanning the water’s surface. A direct escape was impossible. They had to remain hidden, waiting for an opportunity.

Winter’s chill lingered in the air, the water even colder.

Lin Zigui, still young, struggled against the biting cold.

Wang Chang and Yue’er huddled around her, their bodies shielding her from the worst of it. The pill Zhu Jiu had given her helped, a warm energy radiating from her chest and core.

They were close to the main boat, too close for comfort. They had to stay submerged, only surfacing briefly for air.

Lin Zigui wanted to cry out, to scream, but she couldn’t make a sound.

Several times, she peeked through the open windows of the main boat, catching glimpses of the fighting inside. Swords clashed, screams echoed, and splashes of crimson stained the deck, a horrifying contrast to the festive red decorations.

She desperately searched for her family, but her view was limited. She couldn’t find them.

Those who tried to escape the boat, whether by rowing away or swimming, were quickly intercepted, their struggles silenced.

They had reached a secluded area near the mountains, far from any potential help.

After what felt like an eternity, the sounds of fighting gradually subsided.

As Lin Zigui surfaced for air, she saw figures clashing on the roof of the main boat.

The distance made it difficult to discern their faces, but she recognized their silhouettes.

She saw her father, recognized Hao Yi and Qin Feng, and even Qianqiu.

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She never imagined that in the fleeting moment she saw, her father had his back to Qin Feng, but that loving Uncle Feng turned his hand and stabbed her father in the chest with a sword.

Lin Zigui’s mind went blank. “Father!” she screamed, the word trapped in her throat.

Wang Chang surfaced first, clamped his hand over her mouth, pulling her head against his chest. “Don’t look, Young Miss,” he choked out, his voice thick with grief.

He pulled her back under the water, her mind fogged over, forgetting even to struggle.

It all felt like a nightmare, too horrific to be real, her limbs felt foreign as if they didn’t belong to her anymore.

Finally, silence descended upon the water. Ripples spread across the surface as a boat approached.

“Someone’s there!” a voice called out.

A long sword was thrust into the water, and Wang Chang shielded both Lin Zigui and Yue’er with his body, taking the blow. Pain shot through him, forcing a gasp from his lips.

“Go over and take a look.”

Wang Chang surfaced, pushing Lin Zigui beneath him to keep her hidden, his voice a low whisper, “Miss, don’t come out no matter what, don’t make a sound. Yue’er…”

Lin Zigui watched in horror as the blade pierced his chest. She felt helpless, paralyzed by fear.

As Wang Chang spoke, Yue’er dove deeper, swimming away from them, towards the distant shore.

The boatman approached, hooking his pole around Wang Chang’s body, pulling him towards the boat.

Lin Zigui clung to his clothes, desperate to stay with him. But Wang Chang gently pried her fingers loose, his hand reaching up to caress her face, his thumb brushing away a tear.

He was hauled onto the boat, the blade still embedded in his chest. But as he landed on the deck, a surge of adrenaline coursed through him. With a roar, he drew his own blade and charged towards the nearest attacker. “You bastards! Go to hell with your grandfather!”

The attacker never expected such ferocity from someone so gravely wounded. Caught off guard, he was struck in the chest, collapsing onto the deck alongside Wang Chang.

The remaining attackers, alerted by the commotion, swarmed Wang Chang, their blades flashing. He had already breathed his last as he fell.

Unwilling to take any chances, they stabbed him repeatedly before tossing his body into the water.

“There may still be people underwater. Someone go down and take a look.”

Hesitation rippled through the group. Fearful of encountering another formidable opponent like Wang Chang, no one volunteered to dive in.

Just as they were delayed, another boat arrived and said, “Everyone, we caught a little girl in the east. Judging from her clothes and appearance, she seems to be the person described by Young Master Qianqiu.”

“Lin Chou’s daughter captured? The Lin family members would rather die than hand over the Fenghou Sword, but Zhu Jiu, out of love for her daughter, must have told her where it’s hidden, hoping it would save her life in a moment of danger. She’s the only one who knows the sword’s location now. We must keep her alive.”

“Where is Young Master Qianqiu?”

“They took the girl ashore, and he’s on his way there now.”

“Let’s go! We can’t fall behind!”

A chorus of agreement followed as the boats hastily departed.

The water’s surface returned to its peaceful stillness. Lin Zigui, however, remained submerged, only daring to surface for air when she could hold her breath no longer.

She swam towards Wang Chang’s body, which floated lifelessly on the surface, the surrounding water stained a dark red.

She tugged at Wang Chang, calling out, “Ah Chang. Ah Chang.”

She called his name twice, her voice breaking into sobs. Wang Chang remained unresponsive.

Tears streamed down her face, her skin pale from the cold water, her eyes red and swollen.

She turned and swam towards the main boat. Halfway there, her limbs grew heavy with exhaustion. She wanted to sink, to let go, but her body, as if guided by a will of its own, continued swimming until she reached the boat.

She grabbed the rope ladder hanging over the side and climbed aboard, collapsing onto the deck. Her body trembled with cold, with only a small flicker of warmth remaining in her chest.

Moments later, a burning sensation spread through her skin, a painful contrast to the icy water. She couldn’t tell if the droplets on her face were lake water or sweat.

The attackers had set the wedding boat ablaze before leaving. Flames now engulfed the vessel.

Lin Zigui forced herself to her feet, stumbling towards the interior, her voice a desperate cry. “Mother!”

“Father!”

“Eldest Brother! Second Sister!”

“Second Uncle!”

“Aunt!”

No one answered her. The inside of the boat was deathly quiet, with only the sound of wood cracking as it burned.

The banquet hall, once filled with laughter and celebration, was now eerily quiet, its occupants lifeless.

Bodies lay scattered across the floor, blood pooling in crimson rivers.

She stood amidst the carnage, tears blurring her vision, her chest constricted, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

She tried to scream, but no sound emerged, as if something were lodged in her throat.

The silence was suffocating, terrifying. She fought against it, her voice a desperate rasp. “Mother! Father!”

The sound emerged, broken and raw, forced through the tightness in her throat.

She stumbled forward, her eyes falling upon the bodies of Lin Yuan and his wife, a spear piercing both their chests. Lin Zhi knelt before them.

Just moments ago, she had regretted not being able to see her second sister’s face on her wedding day.

Now, Lin Zhi’s face was uncovered, beautiful in death, but devoid of life, her skin ashen

A sword clutched in her hand, tearstains still visible on her cheeks, a gaping wound marring her delicate neck.

She reached out, touching Lin Zhi’s face. It was icy cold. She tried to speak, but no sound came out. She wrapped her arms around her sister’s neck and sobbed.

She continued towards the top deck, her tears seemingly endless, her eyes burning with pain. On the stairs, she found her Eldest brother, Lin Jiang, his lifeless eyes staring into the emptiness.

She reached the top deck, the carnage so extensive she could barely find a place to stand.

Her eyes immediately fell upon Hao Yi. He stood out because he was still upright.

It was like a beacon of light in the endless darkness, a glimmer of hope, and a surge of joy washed over her. Tears streamed down her face as she laughed, a grotesque expression of relief and despair.

But as she approached, she saw the blood staining Hao Yi’s chest, the emptiness in his eyes.

He was only upright because he was leaning against his blade.

Her hope shattered, her heart breaking into a million pieces.

The figure kneeling before Hao Yi had been decapitated, their head lying a short distance away, blood pooling around it.

Even so, she recognized him instantly. It was Lin Chou, her father.

Beside him, her hand still clasped in his, lay Zhu Jiu. A dagger protruded from her chest, her face pale, her eyes closed, her expression serene, as if she were merely sleeping.

She picked up Lin Chou’s head and knelt beside Zhu Jiu, gently nudging her mother’s body. “Mother,” she whispered.

She frantically searched her own pockets, then her father’s and Hao Yi’s, finally finding a bottle of medicine. She poured out a pill and tried to feed it to Zhu Jiu, but it wouldn’t go past her lips. Lin Zigui closed her eyes, praying that when she opened them, her mother would be awake.

It was all in vain.

She couldn’t accept it. She knelt beside Zhu Jiu, clutching her father’s head, nudging her mother’s body, as if trying to wake her from sleep, clinging to a desperate hope.

But as time passed, the reality of her loss crashed down upon her, crushing her spirit. She collapsed onto her mother’s body, her cries of anguish echoing across the deck.

Her heart-wrenching cries seemed to expel her very soul.

On the calm river surface, only the mournful wail of the bitter north wind and the sorrowful sobbing of the fire echoed her cries.

Clouds drifted across the sky, time slipping away unnoticed as the fire intensified. Lin Zigui lay beside her mother, unwilling to leave the boat.

A gust of wind swept across the deck as a figure landed on the roof. “I’m too late, it seems,” the figure said, their voice cold and detached. “The party’s over, everyone’s gone. Why is there a little girl still here?”