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In Suzhou, there was a family with the surname Zhen. The head of the family, Zhen Fei, was a successful scholar from the Kang Yuan era, having achieved the status of a juren seventeen years ago. The family was quite wealthy, and the couple had only one daughter, who had just turned nine. She was exceptionally beautiful, like a fairy descended to earth, and her talents and upbringing were also commendable, making her a perfect match for Xue Pan.
Master Xue felt somewhat disappointed upon hearing this. He initially thought Bai Tang was going to arrange for a woman from their family to marry Xue Pan, but it turned out to be just an unrelated juren's daughter. However, upon further reflection, he realized that being a juren was not a low status. Although their family had the title "Imperial," they were ultimately from a merchant background, and it was possible that the Zhen family might not think highly of them. Adjusting his mindset, Master Xue accepted Bai Tang's suggestion and decided to send someone to Suzhou to investigate the Zhen family's situation. If the Zhen girl was indeed as Bai Tang described, arranging a match for Xue Pan would not be a bad idea.
"Master, what does the Zhen girl look like?" Xue Pan asked directly without any shyness, unlike other young men. He was genuinely concerned about this matter. This child had an innate preference for beauty that he couldn't shake off.
"You'll know once you see her yourself." Given the connection between Xue Pan and Zhen Yinglian, he would surely like her at first sight.
Xue Pan's eyes lit up as he turned to his father. "Father, I want to go to Suzhou!"
Master Zhen understood his son's temperament; if he didn't allow him to go, Xue Pan would surely sneak away. After learning Lightness Skill from Young Master Bai, he could reach his destination without needing a carriage.
"Alright, I'll have Xue Fu accompany you!" Xue Fu was Master Xue's trusted aide.
"Master, do you want to come with me?"
"No, I still need to go to the capital to see your senior brother!" Bai Tang waved his hand.
"Huh? I have a senior brother? Who is it?"
"Your cousin Jia Zhu!"
"Is my cousin also a disciple of Master?"
Not only Xue Pan but even Master Xue was surprised. Master Xue recalled the news that had circulated in the capital a few years ago and suddenly realized, "Zhu Er was saved by Young Master Bai when he was on the brink of death?"
Bai Tang wasn't one to do good deeds without recognition; he smiled and said, "I merely spoke a few words and taught Jia Zhu a set of exercises for strengthening his body. His recovery from death depended entirely on himself. In fact, Jia Zhu just needed to resolve his mental block; once that was done, his body would heal naturally!" Moreover, he had given him a Peiyuan Pill.
"Young Master Bai is truly altruistic; I admire you greatly."
"Master, did you also teach my cousin martial arts?" Upon hearing that Jia Zhu had also learned martial arts, Xue Pan felt a competitive spirit rising within him. "I wonder who is stronger between me and my cousin?"
"Naturally it's you!" Bai Tang spoke honestly. "Your cousin practices techniques for physical strength and doesn't have much offensive power."
"Oh!" Xue Pan felt disappointed; he thought he finally had a rival! Ever since mastering his martial arts skills, no one could defeat him, leading him to become quite proud of himself—thinking of himself as second only to his Master.
Bai Tang waved his hand, and Xue Pan flew out.
"Young Master Bai!" Master Xue jumped up in shock. How had his son offended Bai Tang? He only had one son; if he died, there would be no one to send him off.
"Master?" Xue Pan dazedly got up from the ground, but he wasn't injured. Bai Tang had been quite measured in his actions.
"I only used a bit of force," Bai Tang said, pulling Xue Pan closer to him with a swift motion. "There are quite a few people in this world with my level of strength. Although they don't appear easily, they have subordinates roaming around. Those subordinates are quite powerful. If you continue to be so arrogant and self-righteous, you might as well give up your life."
Xue Pan gasped, "Master, are those people really out there? Why haven't I seen them?"
"That's because they keep a low profile, unlike your arrogance!" Bai Tang glared at Xue Pan.
"Young Master Bai, those people wouldn't be from hidden noble families, would they?" Master Xue asked. He had heard from his grandfather that before the previous dynasty, there were many noble families in the world. During times of war, some families were destroyed while others chose to hide away. These families were deeply rooted and even the royal family couldn't compare; perhaps Young Master Bai came from one of those hidden families.
"Sort of," Bai Tang thought for a moment and advised the two of them, "If you encounter a leprous monk who is barefoot and crazy, and a scruffy Taoist priest, don't offend them but also don't believe what they say. These two are not ordinary people."
"Are they bad people?" Xue Pan asked curiously.
"Not exactly bad people. They are just lackeys; the real trouble lies with the person behind them."
The father and son of the Xue Family were filled with confusion, but Bai Tang had already changed the subject. The three chatted casually for a while until Bai Tang excused himself to rest and returned to his room. The next day, Bai Tang got up, and Master Xue had already brought Xue Pan to invite him for breakfast, followed by a beautiful young girl.
"This is Miss Xue Baochai!" Master Xue proudly introduced his daughter, noting that her beauty, demeanor, and talent surpassed even those of noble ladies.
Bai Tang smiled as he looked at Bao Jie. He hadn't spied on her yesterday due to fatigue from traveling, but now she had come to him willingly.
"Your daughter is dignified and composed, with a heart as pure as an orchid and an elegant demeanor—like a peony among flowers."
Such high praise made Master Xue's eyes squint with joy: "Young Master Bai holds my daughter in such high regard; how about letting her become a disciple of yours?"
Bai Tang was surprised; what was this about?
"Master Xue, it's not easy for women to learn martial arts!"
"Master Xue knows that Bai Tang has misunderstood and quickly said, 'She doesn't want to learn martial arts; she wants to study literature with Young Master Bai.'
Study literature? I can't! Although I have been in school for sixteen years, when it comes to literature, I, a college student, am not even one-tenth as good as the little girl Bao Jie. How can I teach her?
'Xue Pan's original teacher was quite good; Miss Xue can learn from him.'
'But...'
Seeing Bao Jie’s disappointed and pitiful expression as she lowered her head, Bai Tang's heart skipped a beat: 'I can teach Miss Xue another skill.'
Bao Jie suddenly looked up, gazing at Bai Tang with anticipation.
Bai Tang smiled kindly at her: 'The struggles in the Inner Courtyard are not peaceful. I can teach you some skills in identifying poisons and making medicine, so that when you get married in the future, you will have an extra layer of protection!'
Bai Tang's secondary profession is Pharmacist.
Bao Jie’s face turned bright red; she wished she could hide away. How could Young Master Bai casually mention her getting married? Master Xue, however, fully agreed with Bai Tang's words. He knew very well that the women in the back courtyard were not simple; he had suffered losses during his time there. One of his father's concubines had once drugged him, and if it weren't for his good fortune, he would have long been a pile of ashes by now. This is also why he only has Aunt Xue as his legitimate wife and no other concubines."
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