You Are the Mute [Comprehensive Martial Arts] - Chapter 18
“Oh, by the way, could I have this Water Tablet too? Please?” Wang Lianhua suppressed his inner elation, striving to appear as composed as usual. Unbeknownst to him, his face bloomed into a radiant smile, rendering his attempts at restraint utterly futile.
Qiao Yiying looked up, momentarily stunned by Wang Lianhua’s beauty. His words left her utterly speechless. Though she couldn’t speak, her inner silence was no less profound. He had just taken her previous Water Tablet—now he wanted this one too? Wait, is his true love actually Water Tablets?
Wang Lianhua saw the helplessness in Qiao Yiying’s eyes and chuckled. “I want to keep it as a memento.” This one has “A-Ying” written on it. I can’t let her erase it—I want to carve an inscription on it to commemorate this moment.
What could Qiao Yiying do? With a resigned expression, she handed him the Water Tablet. Wang Lianhua carefully tucked it into his chest, as if it were a precious treasure.
Just as she was considering making another Water Tablet, she saw another identical one appear before her. Qiao Yiying looked at him in confusion. How did he get another one so quickly?
Wang Lianhua chuckled, explaining, “Of course I wouldn’t give you just one.” He had originally planned to give it to her tomorrow or the day after, hoping to use the opportunity to chat more and get closer, strengthening their bond.
But now there was no need for such tactics. Their connection was already strong. It was clear he and A-Ying were destined to be lifelong friends. Look, she was already letting him call her A-Ying—and it had only been a day! This realization filled Wang Lianhua with immense joy.
Thank you, Qiao Yiying mouthed, taking the Water Tablet with mixed emotions. Who would have thought that after coming to this world, the person who treated her best and cared for her most would be Wang Lianhua? She wondered how they had become such close friends in the past, making him so devoted to her.
Wang Lianhua had initially expected it would take a long time to grow close to Qiao Yiying, but things had progressed so smoothly that he was overjoyed by everything he saw. This joy, however, came to an abrupt halt when someone came calling.
“What did you say?” Wang Lianhua demanded, glaring at the person before him, his voice strained with barely suppressed fury.
Li Xunhuan, his face still bruised, replied helplessly, “My father and elder brother have ordered me to escort Miss Qiao to the Capital.” So stop glaring at me like that, okay?
After returning to Li Garden, Li Xunhuan was jointly beaten by Master Li and his elder brother, Li Laoda. They showed no mercy, partly out of genuine anger and partly because Li Xunhuan’s martial arts training had toughened him, making him resistant to pain. As a result, he ended up with a bruised and swollen face, and three rattan canes were broken in the process. Only Lin Shiyin’s tearful pleas for mercy spared him further punishment.
Master Li likely believed that Li Xunhuan’s sheltered upbringing and limited exposure to the world had made him too easily deceived after their deaths. While kindness was a virtue, it needed to be tempered with judgment to prevent exploitation. His youngest son’s naivety, lacking both restraint in kindness and moderation in repaying debts, made him vulnerable.
Therefore, Master Li decided to banish Li Xunhuan from the family home, forcing him to experience the harsh realities of the world and weather life’s storms. This would toughen him up and prevent him from being unable to shoulder the family’s responsibilities in the future. To this end, he considered having Li Xunhuan travel with Wang Lianhua. Among all the people Master Li knew, none could match Wang Lianhua’s cunning and shrewdness.
Traveling with Wang Lianhua for a time would undoubtedly teach Li Xunhuan valuable lessons. However, Master Li ultimately rejected this idea. He understood his young friend well: Wang Lianhua was a man who loathed trouble and resisted all constraints. Master Li doubted his plan would ever come to fruition.
Master Li desperately needed some time away from Li Xunhuan; otherwise, he feared he would die of anger. He thought of Qiao Yiying, who was practically a lifesaver for their family. If Li Xunhuan could give away Li Garden and his marriage engagement to repay a debt to his “Eldest Brother,” there was no reason he couldn’t protect Qiao Yiying properly.
Therefore, Master Li ordered Li Xunhuan to accompany Qiao Yiying and ensure her safe passage to the Capital. Moreover, as the Divine Calculator, she was bound to encounter trouble along the way. Having his son accompany her would expose him to the world, let him experience hardship, and hopefully teach him some common sense.
And so, Li Xunhuan was kicked out of the house by his father. Master Li now needed to focus on his health, as well as raising his eldest son and niece properly. All three of them needed to stay healthy and live long lives.
He no longer trusted his younger son. Who knew what mischief Li Xunhuan might get up to in the future? “Rivers may change their course, but human nature remains constant.” Even if Master Li’s harsh treatment forced Li Xunhuan to weather storms, what if it didn’t change him? Better to rely on himself than trust his son.
Master Li and Li Laoda had long abandoned any thoughts of Li Xunhuan becoming a Zhuangyuan. Preserving their lives was paramount. The father and son reasoned that they could always have another, more ordinary child who might one day pass the imperial examination. As for the current trio, they were willing to give up on them entirely to ensure their own survival.
In short, Li Xunhuan was unceremoniously kicked out and thrust before Qiao Yiying. But before he could even finish speaking, Wang Lianhua glared fiercely at him.
“Uncle,” Li Xunhuan greeted Wang Lianhua with proper courtesy. “Father has banished me, saying I won’t be allowed home unless I repay Miss Qiao’s kindness.” So please stop glaring at me; I have no choice in this.
Wang Lianhua snorted coldly. “Then wander the Jianghu forever. You don’t need to go back.” Having never known a true home himself, he saw nothing wrong with Li Xunhuan’s banishment.
Li Xunhuan forced a bitter smile before bowing to Qiao Yiying. “Yet I cannot leave Miss Qiao’s kindness unacknowledged. I implore you to allow me to escort you to the capital.”
“The Li Family has already paid the divination fee,” Qiao Yiying replied, showing Li Xunhuan the words on the Water Tablet. “Silver for goods, transaction complete.”
Li Xunhuan’s expression turned serious. “Miss Qiao, you are mistaken. Kindness is kindness, not a mere transaction. Though my martial arts are lacking, my flying dagger skills are passable. If anyone troubles you, I could at least offer some assistance.”
Qiao Yiying’s heart stirred at his words. The higher her reputation soared, the more trouble she would inevitably attract, and the martial arts skills of her future opponents would undoubtedly surpass those she had faced before. Little Li’s Flying Dagger never missed its mark. With Li Xunhuan by her side, her safety would be virtually guaranteed.
But… Qiao Yiying glanced at Wang Lianhua and wrote on the Water Tablet, “What do you think?” Now that he was her friend and they were traveling to the Capital together, she naturally wanted his opinion.
What did he think? Of course, he thought it was a terrible idea. But Wang Lianhua couldn’t say so. He saw the hopeful glint in Qiao Yiying’s eyes, clearly indicating she wanted Li Xunhuan to accompany them. Gritting his teeth, he could only say, “Let him come along, then.”
Qiao Yiying smiled and wrote a line on the Water Tablet, discreetly showing it to Wang Lianhua while avoiding Li Xunhuan’s gaze:
“If trouble arises, let Li Xunhuan handle it. You just stay by my side and watch.”
Reading these words, Wang Lianhua’s chest immediately felt lighter, and his breathing eased. He shot a smug glance at Li Xunhuan, thinking, Let him come if he wants. A-Ying cares most about me anyway. Hmph!
Li Xunhuan: “……”