Chapter 282: Tied with Sandbags and Beaten on the Wooden Post

Qin Qin Huairu, unlike Yu Li, readily took the shoebox into her own room.

At that moment, Mother Jia was wiping the cabinet inside; seeing Qin Qin Huairu return, she casually asked a question.

"Where's Banggeng? Didn't he come back with you?"

But spotting the shoebox Qin Qin Huairu had casually placed on the cabinet by the door, she asked again, "What's this?"

Qin Qin Huairu went into the inner room, changed out of her outer clothes, and came out wearing a floral-patterned cotton-padded jacket.

"Banggeng went out to play with Li Li Xuewu."

Mother Jia asked in confusion, "Li Li Xuewu? I heard the sound of a vehicle; didn't he leave by car?"

Qin Qin Huairu fetched hot water and began washing her face.

"Yes, he went out to play riding in Li Li Xuewu's car."

Qin Qin Huairu did not mention the matter of Banggeng learning wrestling.

First, Li Li Xuewu himself had said he was just taking the boy out to play.

Second, she feared her mother-in-law would worry about Banggeng.

In her heart, Qin Qin Huairu approved of Banggeng learning from Li Li Xuewu to go out and play like a real man.

Just as Li Li Xuewu had said, if he stayed cooped up at home with herself and her mother-in-law, wouldn't he turn into a sissy?

"Do you know where they went?"

Mother Jia pressed anxiously, then added, "What could such a small child possibly go out to play at with him?"

"He said they were heading toward Dongsi Dongsi Liutiao; I didn't ask for specifics, but he won't get lost."

Mother Jia pursed her lips and said, "I know he won't get lost; I was just asking."

She spoke no further words; nowadays, Mother Jia simply did not dare to provoke Li Li Xuewu.

For one thing, Li Li Xuewu had caused two disturbances in the courtyard, frightening everyone, herself included.

For another, Qin Qin Huairu was "not what she used to be"; the family's circumstances were visibly improving.

While others might not know the source of all this, Mother Jia knew it crystal clear: it all stemmed from her daughter-in-law's "hard work and sacrifice" and Li Li Xuewu's "enthusiastic help."

Mother Jia had also reached an agreement with Qin Qin Huairu: Qin Qin Huairu promised never to abandon her or the children.

In return, Mother Jia promised not to interfere in Qin Qin Huairu's affairs and to help take good care of the household.

Not to mention Qin Qin Huairu; even with Banggeng, Mother Jia now felt somewhat overwhelmed.

She felt Banggeng was like a wild horse that had broken its reins; the moment he followed Li Li Xuewu and kicked up his heels, he vanished without a trace.

Nowadays, Mother Jia could not speak ill of Li Li Xuewu in front of Qin Qin Huairu, nor could she do so in front of Banggeng.

Because Li Li Xuewu was Qin Qin Huairu's pillar of support, speaking against him would upset her; he was also Banggeng's "partner," and Banggeng would get upset even if someone merely called him "Li Li Erbala."

Even Xiaodang and Little Little Huaihua, who had eaten the things Banggeng brought back, no longer allowed her to speak badly of Li Li Xuewu.

Alas, Mother Jia felt it was becoming harder and harder for her in this household, her voice carrying less and less weight.

Watching Qin Qin Huairu wipe her face, Mother Jia opened the box sitting on the cabinet.

"This... Qin Huairu!"

Mother Jia stared wide-eyed at Qin Qin Huairu inside the room and said, "These leather shoes... where did these leather shoes come from? Did you buy them?"

Qin Qin Huairu herself did not know what kind of shoes Li Li Xuewu had bought; she had assumed they were just the ordinary cotton-padded shoes sold at the supply and marketing cooperative.

Although those cotton shoes weren't cheap—the good ones cost three yuan and thirty-five fen, while the inferior ones were two yuan and seventy-five fen.

Since Li Li Xuewu had given them to her, she hadn't hesitated to accept them just now.

But now that her mother-in-law mentioned it, they were actually leather shoes.

At this time, even the cheapest pigskin leather shoes cost seven yuan and sixty-eight fen.

"Hmm?"

Qin Qin Huairu walked over to the cabinet and took a look; indeed, they were leather shoes.

"These are cowhide leather shoes!"

Mother Jia said, looking straight into Qin Qin Huairu's eyes.

Her meaning was obvious: How could you, Qin Qin Huairu, bear to buy such fine shoes?

Although Qin Qin Huairu now held the status of a cadre, the family's conditions had not yet improved.

Having just recovered from the state of going hungry, how could they afford such expenditure?

Qin Qin Huairu also realized these low-heeled leather shoes were made of cowhide.

It wasn't that these two women understood leather knowledge; rather, it was written inside the shoebox.

【Cowhide Leather Shoes】

Labels and descriptions at this time were unlike those in later generations; they spoke truthfully, stating one thing as one and two things as two—what it said was what it was.

If labeled cowhide leather shoes, they absolutely would not be pigskin; if a mistake occurred, the sales clerk would bear serious responsibility.

Moreover, it was worth mentioning that leather shoes of this era were truly durable; if one was frugal, a pair could last a lifetime.

"Qin Huairu, now that you're a cadre, Mom doesn't oppose you outfitting yourself, but this... but this is too... our family has only just caught its breath!"

Qin Qin Huairu did not let her mother-in-law speak further.

"These were given by Li Li Xuewu."

"Gah~?"

The words Mother Jia was about to say were thrust back by Qin Qin Huairu's statement, leaving her choked and speechless.

"What? He gave them?"

Qin Qin Huairu took the leather shoes out of the box and examined them.

Pointed toe, round vamp, square heel—it was the most fashionable style of the moment.

"How could he bear to give you such fine shoes?"

Jia Jia Zhangshi felt her mouth turn sour, and the words she spoke carried a sour taste as well.

Qin Qin Huairu checked the shoe size; it was indeed her own. That scoundrel...

"I met him at the entrance; he handed them to me. I didn't even look before bringing them back; I had no idea they were such fine shoes."

Qin Qin Huairu sat on a chair, changed into the shoes, and tried them out.

Surprisingly, the size fit perfectly, and they felt quite comfortable to wear.

Once Jia Jia Zhangshi got the confirmation from Qin Qin Huairu's mouth that Li Li Xuewu had sent these, she stood silently to the side, watching.

It wasn't quite fire blazing in her eyes; one could only say her jealousy was blatantly obvious.

Qin Qin Huairu paid no heed to Jia Jia Zhangshi's expression; after trying on the shoes, she put them back into the shoebox and placed it on top of the cabinet.

"You're just accepting them like that? These shoes must be worth at least ten-plus yuan."

Seeing Qin Qin Huairu's actions, Jia Jia Zhangshi understood her daughter-in-law's thoughts.

Not knowing what Li Li Xuewu was actually thinking, she spoke up to ask.

Qin Qin Huairu, however, hadn't thought that much; her own worth was plain for all to see—what was there for Li Li Xuewu to covet?

Her three children?

Every single one of them was a burden.

Kidnapping children isn't fashionable these days.

Every family has three or four; some have seven or eight, even more than ten.

Kidnap a child?

You wouldn't even starve to death with so many around.

Qin Qin Huairu knew she wasn't worth Li Li Xuewu coveting; even if she was leaning on him, it was because she had racked her brains, forcibly dragged herself over, and pressured her way onto him.

Whether it was Banggeng or this pair of shoes, Qin Qin Huairu took them as Li Li Xuewu's kindness toward her; no words were needed, they just needed to get along well.

Li Li Xuewu hadn't asked her when he gave them, so now that she had accepted them, she wouldn't go asking either.

"You don't need to worry about it."

Qin Qin Huairu replied with just this sentence, then turned to inspect the vegetable basket she had brought back.

Today she had taken Banggeng out to buy flour, preparing dough for dumplings for both the Little New Year and the Big New Year.

In years past, daring to dream of dumplings for the New Year was impossible.

Let alone the Little New Year; even for the Big New Year, it was a hit-or-miss affair, entirely dependent on that year's surplus.

Only in these past two years, with the childless First Uncle across the door and the Deaf Old Lady from the rear courtyard pulling Seeing Sha Zhu and her widowed household together to celebrate, had they managed to eat a meal of dumplings on New Year's Eve.

Who knows how we'll manage this year.

Yet Qin Qin Huairu had bought the dumpling flour early.

Eating off others year after year; eventually, one must slowly pay it back.

Before, poverty shortened one's ambitions; now that conditions have improved, if one still picks at others, people will point at one's spine in scorn.

After speaking to her mother-in-law, Qin Qin Huairu went to lift the flour from the vegetable basket.

Jia Jia Zhangshi, however, was relentless, saying, "I don't want to meddle, but sending such valuable shoes—this equals half your monthly wage. How much must he be asking of us in return?"

Jia Jia Zhangshi was sharp-minded; ever since Qin Qin Huairu latched on, she had gained a cadre status and daily benefits.

Leaving aside everything else, just a few days ago when Li Li Xuewu brought back fish, our family even got one.

He claimed it was for Banggeng, but what face could such a small child have? It was just fooling a silly boy.

The fish eaten in this household was all due to looking at the daughter-in-law's face.

Now he sends such fine shoes; does my daughter-in-law's contribution even match what he desires?

Besides, my daughter-in-law hasn't gone out in the latter half of the night these past few days.

Qin Qin Huairu put the flour into the flour jar; the jar was a bit small, and pouring in this half-bag of flour only just covered the bottom.

Looking at the Qin family's grain jars, strangers might think this household was incredibly wealthy.

Good heavens, both the rice jar and the flour jar are size-two jars; they rival the setup of a landlord's family.

"Those shoes equal half my monthly wage; do you think they equal half his monthly wage too?"

Qin Qin Huairu didn't need to tell her mother-in-law how much Li Li Xuewu earned; the people in this courtyard had long since calculated Li Li Xuewu's salary clearly.

Wage standards at this time were very transparent; as long as one knew whether Li Li Xuewu's Section Chief position was principal or deputy, that was enough.

It was the same across all of Four-Nine City: six category standards.

Clapping her hands to dust them off, Qin Qin Huairu covered the flour jar, then walked into the inner room to find the children's clothes for washing.

"If he can give them, it means he can afford them. Since he doesn't stand on ceremony with me, I won't stand on ceremony with him. If he treats me well, I will treat him with all my heart."

Since both Xiao Dang and Little Little Huaihua were playing in the Jinyu Hutong, there was no one else at home at the moment, so Qin Qin Huairu wasn't afraid to speak this way to her mother-in-law.

Jia Jia Zhangshi stood by the cabinet holding a rag, feeling her heart filled with sour juice.

The sour juice was nearly steeping her heart until it shriveled.

In the past, I also had someone to lean on, but after leaning for so many years, all I got was a few mouthfuls of food.

Could it be that this sort of thing comes with price hikes?

Thinking of the leather shoes my daughter-in-law just received, let alone leather shoes, I wouldn't even dare dream of pigskin shoes.

I didn't even get a damn four-cent shoelace.

This wasn't because the person I leaned on back then was stingy, but because those years were harder than now.

Even speaking of today, few people could spare ten-plus yuan to buy a pair of shoes for their lover.

Is the man Liu Lan leans on impressive or not?

But what did she get out of it?

Even with a stable job, isn't she just a kitchen helper?

If not for the opportunity Li Li Xuewu actively gave him, he would have remained a kitchen helper until retirement.

It merely meant scraping together enough to eat, so as not to starve to death.

So when Qin Qin Huairu saw the shoes Li Li Xuewu had given her, she paused for a moment, then calmly put them away with an air of indifference.

Had the gift been cotton-padded shoes worth two yuan, three jiao, and five fen, Qin Qin Huairu might have looked at them with delight.

Now, however, all that remained was a heart full of sweetness and total reliance.

Isn't this exactly what a woman seeks in her life? What more is there to say?

She cleaned out the stove, prepared to dump the coal slag, then planned to fetch a coal briquette to reignite the fire for heating water to wash clothes.

Just as Qin Qin Huairu stepped out carrying the coal slag, she saw Yu Li emerging from Yu Shui's room.

When Qin Qin Huairu came out, she had specifically checked the courtyard to see if Yu Li was there.

Yu Li had done the same, peering out from the doorway for a while before finally opening the door and stepping out.

Today, it truly seemed destined that the two would cross paths.

Qin Qin Huairu glanced at Yu Li's feet, noting she was still wearing cotton-padded shoes, and thought this woman still had some sense of propriety, not strutting around in leather shoes.

Following Qin Qin Huairu's gaze, Yu Li realized that the scoundrel had also given Qin Qin Huairu a pair of shoes.

Thinking that both of them had received a pair of leather shoes, their relationship was plainly evident for all to see.

Qin Qin Huairu, however, was clear-minded; she knew Li Li Xuewu could never belong to her, nor to this scheming bitch standing before her, so she felt no particular emotion toward Yu Li.

"Isn't it almost time to cook?"

Seeing Qin Qin Huairu ask so naturally, Yu Li replied in kind.

"Indeed it is; every day at this time we have to braise pork offal."

Qin Qin Huairu carried the coal slag bucket and walked side by side with Yu Li toward the exit; anyone unaware might have thought the two were as close as sisters.

Yet both women knew well that they were nothing more than "sisters on the brink of bankruptcy."

"When Bang Geng goes to the side house for meals again, don't give him so much; they all have fixed rations too."

Yu Li smiled and said, "Li Xuewu actually told Bang Geng to eat more; their rations are quite sufficient."

This was not Yu Li being polite or pretending to be virtuous by using provisions from the side house.

She knew very well just how abundant the grain reserves in the side house were.

She knew this grain hadn't been purchased from the grain station, but she didn't pry, simply focusing on her work.

"Heh heh heh."

Qin Qin Huairu chuckled and said, "Bang Geng really seems to think he and Li Li Xuewu are in a cooperative partnership."

Speaking these words was like revealing the poison without harm; the two were engaging in a subtle duel.

This was because Bang Geng had returned home saying that when he ate at the side house, Auntie Yu Li gave him generous portions, sometimes even serving him braised meat.

In reality, it was just meat trimmed off during Yu Li's braising process, hardly anything of quality.

But in these times, being able to eat such things was already a blessing.

Today, seizing this opportunity, she expressed gratitude to Yu Li while also clarifying Bang Geng's relationship with Li Li Xuewu.

Incidentally, she also acknowledged the relationship between Yu Li and Li Li Xuewu.

What else could they do? They were all unfortunate souls walking on the edge of bankruptcy.

Yu Li also knew that Li Li Xuewu could never belong to either herself or Qin Qin Huairu; they were merely neighbors who got along well.

Therefore, observing Li Li Xuewu's attitude toward Qin Qin Huairu and Bang Geng, she didn't mind at all.

"It's quite good; when I went to help him feed the chickens, he told me not to bother, saying he could handle it himself. He's far better than the other children in the courtyard who only know how to fool around stupidly."

Seeing Yu Li praise Bang Geng, Qin Qin Huairu smiled and replied, "It's all thanks to Li Li Xuewu looking after him. Just now, I met him at the gate, and he said he was taking Bang Geng to learn wrestling. Heh heh heh, he certainly knows about 'stupid fooling around'."

Yu Li stopped at the screen door of the side house and told Qin Qin Huairu, "He mentioned it to me too, saying I needn't prepare his dinner tonight as he might eat outside."

"Mm."

Qin Qin Huairu nodded and said, "He told me the same, that I needn't prepare Bang Geng's meal."

Well now, the daggers were finally drawn; the two had essentially reported their respective situations to each other.

"Alright, you carry on; I must hurry to dump this coal slag and get back to light the fire and boil water."

"Okay."

Yu Li agreed with a nod and turned back toward the side house.

Li Li Xuewu, however, knew nothing of his two "good neighbor" relations nearly colliding like Mars hitting Earth; he was currently cruising down the street in his Willys.

This was truly a joyride; Bang Geng's chubby face was frozen red.

"Uncle Wu, is the place we're going a martial arts school?"

"No."

Li Li Xuewu shook his head and said, "It's a friend of mine; when we arrive, call him 'Grandpa'."

"Understood."

Bang Geng shook his chubby face and agreed, then asked again, "How does one learn wrestling?"

It seemed this silly child only knew that wrestling was formidable but had no idea how to actually learn it.

Li Li Xuewu grinned wickedly and said, "Haven't you heard that old saying? If you want to throw others, you must first learn how to be thrown."

"Huh? One has to learn how to be thrown?"

"Indeed."

Li Li Xuewu laughed and said, "How do you think martial arts experts are trained? They all start by learning how to take a beating."

Bang Geng hesitated and said, "I've already taken enough beatings at school; can I skip this step?"

"Hahahaha!"

Hearing about Bang Geng getting beaten, Li Li Xuewu offered no words of concern but instead burst into laughter.

If the wind hadn't been so harsh, Li Li Xuewu would have prepared to laugh for a while.

"The beatings you get there are different from those at school."

"Isn't it all just getting beaten? How could it be different? Can they beat you into a flower?"

Seeing the silly boy was quite amusing, Li Li Xuewu smiled and said, "You'll know when you get there. First, they'll hang you up and use you as a punching bag for a while, then tie you to a wooden post and beat you, then untie your hands and feet and beat you..."

Bang Geng frowned and asked, "Then when can I beat others?"

Li Li Xuewu grinned wickedly and said, "Wait until newbies like you come in, then it's your turn to come down."

"Ah?!!!"

Bang Geng looked at Li Li Xuewu in surprise and asked, "I seem to have forgotten to feed the chickens. Could you send me back?"

"Hahaha"

Li Li Xuewu laughed and said, "If I don't send you in, how can I beat others?"

"Ah?!!!"

Bang Geng was surprised again and said, "Even with your build, do you have to get beaten first?"

"Hahahaha"

Li Li Xuewu drove the car to the main entrance of Ding Ding Wanqiu's house.

He pulled the ignition switch and turned off the engine.

Li Li Xuewu said to the somewhat hesitant Bang Geng, "Come on, buddy, we're here. Let's get out of the car."

"Wu Shu, I'm still worried about my three chickens..."

"Hahahaha"

"Those three chickens are pitiful, starving..."

Li Li Xuewu laughed, jumped out of the car, and said to Bang Geng, "This place isn't close to home. Even though the ride wasn't long, try walking it yourself; you'll definitely get lost."

"Wu Shu..."

Seeing Bang Geng's tearful face, Li Li Xuewu threatened, "Put on a smile. You'll need to be polite when you go in, or they'll hit you extra hard."

"Understood."

Hearing this, Bang Geng immediately forced a quick smile.

"Hahahaha"

Li Li Xuewu pinched Bang Geng's chubby face, jumped up the steps, and rang the doorbell.

Although Bang Geng was only in his teens, he understood the importance of appearances.

This mansion Wu Shu brought him to looked extraordinary.

How many people must live in such a big house? How many people must beat me...

"Click"

Just then, the door bar inside was unlatched, and it was the same round-faced child who opened the door last time.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu standing outside the door with a child, Zhou Zhou Changli opened the door somewhat awkwardly.

"Director Li, please come in."

"Oh?"

Li Li Xuewu looked at Zhou Zhou Changli and said, "Haven't seen you in a few days, you've learned manners?"

After teasing just that one sentence, he said no more, and followed the awkward Zhou Zhou Changli into the courtyard with Bang Geng.

The old saying goes, don't hit someone in the face, and don't expose someone's shortcomings. Since we've already come to their door, we shouldn't criticize too much.

It wasn't that Li Li Xuewu feared Ding Ding Wanqiu and Zhou Zhou Changli, but that it would be impolite.

Joking a bit is fine, but saying too much not only annoys people, it also lowers one's own status.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, they saw Ding Ding Wanqiu standing at the entrance of the flower hall where he had taken him last time, waiting for him.

"Master Ding, I'm late, my apologies, my apologies."

"Hehehehe"

Seeing Li Li Xuewu perform the fist-and-palm salute, Ding Ding Wanqiu, deeply moved, returned the gesture with a fist-and-palm salute.

"You're not late; you arrived exactly at our appointed time, hehehe."

No wonder they say Li Li Xuewu is a remarkable person; from the moment he first saw him, he felt this young man was extraordinary.

Indeed, at such a young age, he already held great power.

This "great power" is not in quotation marks, because in Ding Ding Wanqiu's eyes, Li Li Xuewu's identity truly counts as great power.

With wealth beyond measure, some donate, some are given away; how could it all be voluntary?

Do you think they're all tycoons? Even tycoons feel the pain.

In those times, Li Li Xuewu's identity was indeed something that could influence people like him.

Another reason Li Li Xuewu earned Ding Ding Wanqiu's respect was Li Li Xuewu's character.

When they first met, neither knew which way to greet the other.

By their second meeting, they had developed a tacit understanding.

In every subsequent meeting, Li Li Xuewu would refresh Ding Ding Wanqiu's perception of him.

So Ding Ding Wanqiu specifically asked Zhou Zhou Changli on Wednesday to deliver a message to Li Li Xuewu's home, inviting Li Li Xuewu to come play at his house on Sunday.

Although Li Li Xuewu didn't go to the gate to greet him, standing at the bottom of the steps by the doorway to welcome Li Li Xuewu was enough to fulfill the proper etiquette.

"Whose child is this? So spirited and healthy, haha."

Knowing Li Li Xuewu was only nineteen when they met and just turned twenty this year, Ding Ding Wanqiu asked.

Why ask at the door? This is also a form of etiquette, making it easier to know how to entertain once inside.

These etiquette rules need not be detailed.

Li Li Xuewu patted Bang Geng's shoulder and said, "This is a neighbor's child; we get along well enough. I brought him out to see the world."

This explanation made Ding Ding Wanqiu understand Bang Geng's identity, and he smiled warmly, inviting Li Li Xuewu and the other inside.

Bang Geng had been stunned the moment he stepped through the door.

Only two people in such a large courtyard?

Where is everyone?

Where are the sandbag posts?

Where are the wooden posts?

Where are the people hitting the sandbags?

Didn't they say Wu Shu gets beaten too?

It feels like we've come as guests.

The flower hall looks exactly the same as when I last came; the floor heating makes the room very warm.

Of course, before, this floor heating was to keep the flowers and plants stored in the room through winter.

Now, Master Ding has repurposed it; thick felt mats are still laid on the ground in the center, clearly meant for throwing people.

Ignoring Bang Geng's surprised expression, Li Li Xuewu stood in the room with Master Ding and exchanged a few polite words.

Master Ding Ding Wanqiu's purpose in inviting Li Li Xuewu over was simple: one, to befriend Li Li Xuewu, and the other, to plead on behalf of his junior nephew.

Of course, these were expressed subtly, and Li Li Xuewu understood them all.

After chatting and laughing for a while, Li Li Xuewu's body warmed up, so he took off his outer coat.

Over here, they had prepared special clothes specifically for Li Li Xuewu.

Since we agreed to practice wrestling today, we must be professional and have a good time.

Winter cotton clothes restrict movement and can cause unnecessary injuries, so one can change into light wrestling attire in the flower hall.

What Li Li Xuewu and Master Ding changed into now is not the kind of wrestling suits seen on later television or at sports meets, but traditional wrestling attire.

The upper garment is a sleeveless short jacket called a Chief Duan Zi.

This term shares the same name as the luggage sacks of old, but it is not the same thing.

A wrestling belt must be tied around the waist; usually, it is a wide strip, like a taekwondo belt, but it is not hard; it is cotton cloth and very soft.

The lower garment is wrestling pants, which are lantern pants, and the feet wear Sa shoes.

Lantern pants need no explanation; Sa shoes are specially made cloth shoes, looking somewhat like old Jingcheng cloth shoes.

In the past, the lackeys of princes and nobles all dressed this way.

Incidentally, during the Qing Dynasty, the princes and nobles most preferred to use servants from Zhili.

They were all strapping young men, wearing short jackets, lantern pants, and black cloth shoes; they looked imposing.

Of course, later television dramas portrayed this attire as the clothing of hooligans and bullies.

Master Ding, like Li Li Xuewu, changed into wrestling attire.

But after changing, looking at his own big belly and then at Li Li Xuewu's body full of muscles, it felt wrong in every way.

Who is the professional here?

"Ahem, ahem."

Master Ding invited Li Li Xuewu to the center of the felt mat and asked him, "Have you ever wrestled before?"

Li Li Xuewu moved his hands and feet, smiling as he replied, "Back where we are, the children in the alleys just played around blindly; hugging arms and tripping legs counted as wrestling."

"Hehehe."

Master Ding smiled and said, "Actually, what you do is the prototype of wrestling; it is the innate martial nature of children. I started learning martial arts from wrestling."

Seeing Li Li Xuewu move his hands and feet, knowing Li Li Xuewu had a certain physical foundation, he did not speak of basics but instead discussed the history and culture of wrestling.

"Our Jingcheng wrestling is actually Mongol wrestling and Banner people wrestling; its formal name is wrestling, also called Liao Jiao or Director Guan Jiao; from the characters alone, you can tell they all mean the same thing."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said, "The children playing in the alleys, when challenging someone, always say, 'Let's have a match?' We used to say that often when we were young."

"Hahaha."

Master Ding tightened his belt, walked around the felt mat, and jumped a bit.

In the past, two people would face each other and circle around.

That was not circling around for fun; while moving the body, they were looking for the opponent's flaws.

"This skill of ours is not simple; in the past, it was used for killing."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said, "I know a bit about this; the Shan Pu Camp established by Kangxi; the men used to capture Ao Bai were from this group."

"Oh?! You even know about this?"

Master Ding was quite surprised that Li Li Xuewu knew this historical Chief Duan Zi, feeling that Li Li Xuewu was not merely "learned in martial arts."

Actually, this Chief Duan Zi was not read by Li Li Xuewu in some book; he knew it from watching *The Deer and the Cauldron* in later times.

Master Ding reached out and placed his shoulder against Li Li Xuewu's; both slowly applied force.

Both had extremely stable lower bodies, and their upper body strength each had its own merits.

So at this moment, Zhou Zhou Changli and Bang Geng, watching Li Li Xuewu and the other struggle, were both surprised.

Zhou Zhou Changli was surprised by Li Li Xuewu's strength; he knew his junior uncle's power; that was a man who had been single for over ten years.

Bang Geng was surprised because wrestling was not what Wu Shu said, beating people tied to sandbags.

"Hey!"

Master Ding suddenly released the force, then twisted his body, using the strength of his waist to pull the Chief Duan Zi on Li Li Xuewu's shoulder and fling him backward.

"Bang!"

Li Li Xuewu lay on the felt mat and looked at Master Ding.

The mat was thick and solid; he did not feel pain, but he did not expect Master Ding, who was not young, to have such great strength.

What's even more impressive is that Master Ding can skillfully apply this kind of force.

"Come."

Master Ding extended his hand, preparing to pull Li Li Xuewu up.

Li Li Xuewu smiled, reached out, and let Master Ding yank him to his feet.

"Hahaha, this really is different from how we play."

When Master Ding threw Li Li Xuewu just now, he didn't use his legs at all; he simply used Li Li Xuewu's own strength and clever leverage.

"There's nothing mysterious about it; it's just practice makes perfect."

Master Ding said with a smile, "After the Xinhai Revolution, Beiping's Tianqiao district had the most people performing this, but they were all just doing it to earn a meal."

"I know about the acrobats and performers at Tianqiao, but for those who can wrestle, where couldn't they find food?"

Master Ding engaged Li Li Xuewu again, saying, "Do you really think us martial artists just pick up money as soon as we step out the door?"

While asking this, he promptly threw Li Li Xuewu down once more.

"Hey, your physique is truly awesome."

Seeing that Li Li Xuewu could still stand firm after being thrown, Master Ding couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

Li Li Xuewu stretched his arms and said, "I trained in the army too; our instructors practiced Bajiquan and Xingyiquan."

Master Ding believed this; to master martial and literary arts and offer them to the Emperor has been the truth since ancient times.

More than twenty years ago, there were no few hot-blooded men with martial skills who dared to sacrifice their heads and spill their blood for the nation.

Not to mention others, even that great man who 'studied for the rise of China' possessed kung fu.

He studied under Han Han Muxia, one of the seven greatest martial artists of the late Qing and early Republic periods, and Han Han Muxia himself had taken nine teachers, including Xingyi Grandmaster Che Yizhai, Song Yuezhai, Sword Immortal Li Jinglin, the Bagua Southern Lineage heir Ying Wentian, as well as Zhang Zhankui and Li Cunyi.

From this, one can see how many youths excelling in both martial and literary arts dedicated themselves to the country around the time of the Republic's founding.

"The two styles you practice are both for strengthening the body, and your foundation is already solid, so you are indeed a natural talent for wrestling, haha."

After praising Li Li Xuewu, Master Ding explained, "What backgrounds do wrestlers come from? In the past, wrestlers were called 'Pu Hu,' and based on the level of their 'Pu Hu' skills, they were ranked as First, Second, and Third Grade."

"Whenever there were major events or celebrations, the 'Pu Hu' of the 'Shan Pu Ying' would come out to perform their skills."

"Especially when the Emperor held banquets for Mongolian princes, they would compete against wrestlers from Mongolia, and those who achieved a complete victory were often granted the title 'Baturu' by the Emperor."

"By the time of the Republic, the 'Shan Pu Ying' perished along with the fall of the Qing Dynasty, and these 'Pu Hu,' who had relied entirely on eating the 'Iron Rod Crops,' lost their livelihoods."

"To escape their predicament in life, they had no choice but to begin a career of setting up street stalls to perform..."

As if sighing with emotion, Master Ding added, "Master Wan Ba was one of them."

"He was formerly a Third Grade 'Pu Hu' of the 'Shan Pu Ying'."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said, "I have actually seen him at Tianqiao."

"Hehehe."

Master Ding said somewhat sentimentally, "Those who truly began wrestling and performing at street stalls in Tianqiao started with Master Shen San; of course, that was all in the 1940s."

Perhaps thinking of himself, Master Ding looked at Zhou Zhou Changli and said, "Nowadays, people like us are even more useless; we can't even go to Tianqiao anymore, hehehe."

Li Li Xuewu actively engaged Master Ding, saying, "Jiang Jiang Ziya did not meet King Wen of Zhou until he was eighty, Bai Lixi was not employed by Duke Mu of Qin until he was seventy-three, Duke Wen of Jin was not welcomed back to rule until he was sixty-one, Wu Zetian did not become Empress Regnant until she was sixty, and Zhang Sanfeng did not create Tai Chi Chuan until he was one hundred and twenty..."

"Hahahaha!"

Seeing Master Ding laughing heartily, Li Li Xuewu seized the opportunity to exert force and try to throw him, but Master Ding's footwork was too fast, and Li Li Xuewu could not get a grip.

"Hehe, at your age, you can still endure."

Master Ding nodded and said, "I borrow your auspicious words."

As he spoke, he gave Li Li Xuewu another body slam.

Pulling Li Li Xuewu up, he explained, "When I say your physique is good, there is a specific reasoning; martial artists also pay attention to body type, which must be healthy and proportionate. Practitioners should possess the shapes of 'Tong,' 'Tian,' 'Director Guan,' or 'Ri'; they must avoid 'Qi,' 'Jia,' 'You,' and 'Shen'."

"The 'Tong' character type means the person is equally thick from top to bottom, with a robust body and a stable foundation."

"The 'Tian' character type means the person has broad shoulders, long legs, and is tall; they overwhelm their opponent in presence and are not easily grabbed by the 'large collar'."

"The 'Director Guan' character type means the person is tall and mighty with a strong build, yet agile on their feet; this body type is most suitable for wrestling."

"The 'Ri' character type means the person is slender and tall, with proportional upper and lower body."

Pointing at Li Li Xuewu's body, Master Ding said, "A physique like yours is most suitable for practicing martial arts."

Continuing his explanation, he said, "The 'Qi' character type is not good because the body shape is irregular and biased; likely one side is disabled, making this type inconvenient for wrestling and prone to suffering losses in the arena."

"The 'Jia' character type is also unsuitable because the upper body is long and bulky while the lower legs are short; this type also tends to suffer losses in the arena, mainly because the foundation is difficult to stabilize."

"The 'You' character type is similarly unsuitable because the upper body is short while the lower body is long and thick, making movement less agile."

"The 'Shen' character type is even less suitable; with a small head, thin legs, and a large belly, this physique suffers disadvantages and cannot gain an advantage in wrestling."

Master Ding pulled Zhou Zhou Changli over to demonstrate for Li Li Xuewu, explaining, "In terms of 'Director Guan Jiao' techniques, there are twenty key characters: Kick, Draw, Coil, Elbow, Lie, Stretch, Retreat, Dodge, Twist, Empty, Jump, Arch, Push, Slide, Loop, Scrape, Seize, Inside, Fall, and Hook."

As he spoke, he guided Zhou Zhou Changli to demonstrate the sequence for Li Li Xuewu, explaining the intricacies involved while demonstrating.

"The techniques are further subdivided into: Hand Biezi, Arch Biezi, Chuai Biezi, Wen Biezi, Fan Biezi, Liao Gouzi, Mo Bo Qie Shou, Kua Ben'er, Pa Na'er, Chuan Tui, Chuan Dang Kao, Da De He Le, Xiao De He Le, as well as Li Shou Hua, Da Bei Kua, Bao Yao, Cuo Wo'er, Za, and so on; there are simply too many."

Li Li Xuewu studied diligently from the side; seeing Zhou Zhou Changli thrown down in front of him, he reached out to pull Zhou Zhou Changli up and said, "There are indeed many principles involved here."

"Hehehehe."

Master Ding was also somewhat tired; he smiled and said, "Three thousand six hundred major throws, and minor throws as numerous as ox hairs; although the moves differ, each possesses its own unique cleverness."

Saying this, he stepped aside and let Zhou Zhou Changli continue sparring with Li Li Xuewu.

This practice was not a mutual spar, but rather Li Li Xuewu continuously using the methods taught by Master Ding to throw Zhou Zhou Changli.

Although it was not real throwing, merely learning and practicing, it still exhausted Zhou Zhou Changli completely.

Yet despite the sweat pouring down, he did not complain of fatigue.

This was because his Shishu had made it clear today that he brought him here specifically for this task: to be thrown by Li Li Xuewu.

Ding Ding Wanqiu had explained clearly to Zhou Zhou Changli that he was to let Li Li Xuewu throw him, and once Li Li Xuewu no longer felt angry, the task would be considered complete.

Zhou Zhou Changli did not know when Li Li Xuewu would run out of anger, but he knew that if this throwing continued, he himself would run out of breath first.

Bang Geng, standing nearby, was actually eager to give it a try.

"Hey, so you don't get thrown and beaten the moment you enter to learn; turns out it's about throwing others!"

"Then I can do this!"

At this moment, Bang Geng wasn't thinking about the three chickens at home anymore; he stood beside Li Li Xuewu, watching intently while mimicking the movements with his hands.

Seeing the few of them practicing, he couldn't help but ask, "Doesn't learning wrestling involve tying sandbags and getting beaten on wooden posts?"

"Oh? Hahaha, who told you to train like that?"

Master Ding hadn't paid much attention to the child learning on the sidelines all this time, but now he was actually amused by the boy's words.

"My Uncle Wu told me so; he said if you want to learn to throw others, you must first learn to get thrown."

"Hahahaha!"

Zhou Zhou Changli stretched his arms, feeling as though his body was falling apart, yet at this moment, the child's words struck him wounded once again.

Master Ding knew this was just Li Li Xuewu teasing the child.

"It is as you say; when first starting to learn, you must act as a sandbag, but that doesn't mean being tied to a sandbag to get beaten, nor tied to a wooden post to get beaten."

"Then..."

Bang Geng pointed at Li Li Xuewu, who was drinking tea, and asked, "Why didn't my Uncle Wu get beaten first?"

"Hey! You unlucky brat, you want to see me get beaten, is that it?"

"Hahahaha!"

Master Ding did not explain to Bang Geng, since his martial nephew was right there on the sidelines; explaining would have been unfair.

Zhou Zhou Changli wanted to strangle this bear of a child; was he deliberately bringing up the very thing that shouldn't be mentioned?

Is your Uncle Wu some kind of newbie? Is he an ordinary person?

Haven't you seen my martial uncle giving his all in teaching? Even I, an old hand, have to feed techniques and act as a sandbag; what do you think that's for?

That hit home!

Master Ding sat in an official's hat chair separated from Li Li Xuewu by a tea table, took a sip of tea, and then said, "Wrestling also requires practicing gongfu, just like the sandbags, stone locks, millstones, wooden posts, rollers, pulleys, ground supports, chain locks, and so on that you mentioned."

Li Li Xuewu, however, paid no heed to what Ding Ding Wanqiu said and instead began examining the furnishings in the room.

Although it was a flower hall, and although items had been cleared away to make space for practicing martial arts, making the furnishings simple, the furniture and utensils all carried the aura of "antiques."

Looking at Zhou Zhou Changli with envy, Bang Geng said, "Is he your disciple? Can he practice with these things? Can I learn them?"

Having served as a sandbag for Li Li Xuewu for just a short while, Zhou Zhou Changli knew Li Li Xuewu was an open-minded person, so he started joking as well.

"Then you'd have to act as my sandbag the moment you enter the door."

"Huh? That's not..."

Bang Geng had actually imagined that upon entering the door, he would be treated like Uncle Wu, with the teacher greeting him at the entrance, teaching him with meticulous care, and accompanying him in play and practice.

This unlucky child was truly delusional; did he think this was a kindergarten from a later era?

"Isn't it that you get thrown the moment you enter?"

Looking at that big, fat face, Zhou Zhou Changli finally found a target for his revenge and dragged Bang Geng over to start sparring.

After playing for a while, seeing the sky grow dark, Master Ding led the three of them to the side rooms in the rear courtyard to take a bath.