Chapter 4: Unexpected Turn

Chapter 4: Unexpected Turn

Jiang Ning was momentarily stunned, suddenly realizing what his older brother, Jiang Li, meant.

It was clear that he wanted to arrange for others to teach him martial arts.

And in that moment, he also understood why Liu Wanwan had secretly stopped Jiang Li earlier.

It was common knowledge that learning martial arts required a substantial financial investment.

The apprenticeship fee alone was an exorbitant amount, not to mention the ongoing expenses.

Given that his brother's family was already struggling financially, and Jiang Ning himself had no money to his name, learning martial arts would only mean further burdening his brother and sister-in-law.

Moreover, this burden would be even heavier than before!

Upon realizing this, Jiang Ning quickly spoke up, "Brother, I just want you to teach me a couple of martial arts techniques. I don't wish to find a master and become an apprentice, nor do I want to add more financial strain to you!"

"It seems you've truly grown up!" Jiang Li looked at Jiang Ning with relief and continued, "I understand your concerns. You don't need to worry about the apprenticeship fee. Your brother here has exceptional martial skills, and after being a sheriff for so many years, I've managed to save up some money."

As Jiang Li spoke, Jiang Ning noticed him baring his teeth slightly, and he also saw Liu Wanwan's subtle gesture to stop him."

"Brother! I really don't need to find a master!"

"What do you know?" Jiang Li glared at Jiang Ning and said, "With my mediocre skills, I can't even reach the entry-level of martial arts, let alone teach you. I'd only ruin your progress!"

"Haven't you heard that good students come from good teachers? If you want to learn martial arts, you must find a truly skilled master to guide you. This is crucial for your future success, and this expense is non-negotiable!"

"If you truly achieve success in martial arts, I can get you a sheriff position at the county office. That way, you'll have a secure future and be eligible to marry and start a family."

At the mention of marriage and children, Jiang Ning felt a headache coming on. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Liu Wanwan pulling Jiang Li to his feet and heading towards the back hall.

"Forget it!" Jiang Ning sighed inwardly as he witnessed this scene. "I'll find another opportunity to talk to my brother later!"

He hastily finished the food in front of him, got up, and made his way to the inner hall, intending to see what his brother and sister-in-law were up to.

Jiang Ning was truly grateful for his brother and sister-in-law in this life.

In his previous life, he had been an idle and carefree person, yet they had gone to great lengths to help him, which could be considered the utmost kindness.

Even Liu Wanwan, despite her reservations about her idle brother-in-law, had never made him feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.

When Jiang Ning first arrived in this world, he was physically and mentally weak from his injuries. It was Liu Wanwan who had taken care of him, washing his clothes and cooking his meals.

Thus, Jiang Ning's heart was filled with gratitude towards his brother and sister-in-law, without a trace of resentment.

As he approached the back hall, Jiang Ning could hear their hushed conversation.

Driven by curiosity, he took a few more steps, and their voices became clearer.

"Jiang Li, have you thought this through? Your brother, Jiang Ning, is already eighteen. Even with the highest talent, he's almost past the prime age for learning martial arts, and his future achievements will be limited!"

"I know, Wanwan, but he's my brother, my only younger brother! How can I not help him? As the eldest brother, I have to support him!"

"What about Ming'er then?" Liu Wanwan's voice carried anger. "You know how expensive it is to find a master and learn martial arts! Ming'er is already fourteen, and his bones will soon finish developing. In a year or two, he'll be at the golden age for learning martial arts!"

At these words, Jiang Li fell silent for a moment, then said, "I can take care of the money, but we can't delay Ming'er's future, nor can we delay my younger brother's future! Since he wants to learn martial arts to find a way out, I, as his older brother, must support him."

"I want to go back to my parents and brother!" Liu Wanwan suddenly blurted out.

A moment of silence filled the air.

"Brother!" Jiang Ning called out as he walked into the hall, breaking the quiet within.

Suddenly...

"Brother Li—"

"Brother Li—"

"Feng Tou has summoned us, and we must gather at the government office before noon!"

The shout came from outside, gradually getting closer.

"Wanwan, I'm sorry to trouble you!" Jiang Li's voice echoed from the inner hall.

The next moment—

Bang—

The closed door in front suddenly opened, and Jiang Li's tall and sturdy figure appeared instantly before Jiang Ning.

"Big Brother!" Jiang Ning exclaimed.

Jiang Li patted his shoulder, "Don't worry, I can handle this! Don't be mad at your sister-in-law!"

Leaving these last words, Jiang Li took a swift stride forward, crossing the hall in two or three meters.

He picked up the standard long sword placed on the table and took another step, rushing out of the main house.

"Let's go!" Jiang Li called out, and his figure disappeared from Jiang Ning's sight.

"Big Sister!" Jiang Ning said softly, looking at Liu Wanwan who was walking out from the back hall.

"I hope you'll be more mature in the future and not let your brother down again!" Liu Wanwan stared at Jiang Ning with intense seriousness, leaving these words before brushing past him.

As she reached the dining table, she began to clear the dishes and chopsticks.

---

Bright Moon Sparse Stars.

The cold moonlight shone upon Luoshui County, as if enveloping the county in a layer of gauze on this moonlit night.

Under the bright moonlight, even sitting in the courtyard, Jiang Ning could clearly see the words on the book in his hand.

Woof Woof Woof—

Suddenly, a few barks echoed from outside the courtyard.

Then, a tall and sturdy man strode over.

"Brother Li!!!" Liu Wanwan, standing at the courtyard gate, saw this figure and her eyes filled with a look of panic.

"Brother Li, what's wrong!" Liu Wanwan's expression instantly turned anxious, her voice trembling.

Something's wrong!!!

Jiang Ning's heart immediately jumped as he read under the moonlight.

He quickly closed the book, stood up, and headed outside.

The next moment—

Jiang Ning saw the tall and sturdy figure of Jiang Li striding through the moonlight, his steps steady and powerful.

Then, his gaze was drawn to Jiang Li's right hand, wrapped in white bandages.

Did something really happen?

Jiang Ning's heart sank.

At this moment, Jiang Li also strode over to Liu Wanwan.

"Brother Li, what happened?" Liu Wanwan asked, her eyes welling up with tears and her voice quivering.

Jiang Li smiled, "It's nothing. We surrounded the Divine Worship Sect this afternoon, and there was a little accident. Just a minor injury!"

"Brother Li, you promised not to lie to me!" Liu Wanwan wanted to touch Jiang Li's right hand but was afraid of hurting him.

Hearing this, Jiang Li fell silent.

After a few breaths, he slowly said, "The encirclement this afternoon was brutal. I was lucky to escape with my life, but my right hand is useless now."

"Useless?" Liu Wanwan muttered to herself, seemingly unable to believe her ears.

The next moment, she looked at Jiang Li with determination, "Can it be cured? No matter the cost, I'll pay for it! If necessary, I'll even ask my father and brother for help!"

Jiang Li shook his head slightly, "Broken bones and torn tendons, there's nothing that can be done."

Then he laughed heartily, "Don't worry, it's not a big deal. My right hand may be useless, but I fought for the county magistrate, risking my life against the Divine Worship Sect. I was injured in the line of duty, and the county magistrate will surely take care of me! Even though I may not become rich and powerful, I can still live a normal life. Moreover, being injured in the line of duty will surely come with a pension. If the county magistrate doesn't treat me fairly, who would risk their lives for him in the future?"

Hearing these words, Liu Wanwan's eyes welled up with tears, and she nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, yes!"

Jiang Li smiled and embraced her with his left hand.

Seeing this, Jiang Ning felt a bit embarrassed.

It wasn't appropriate for him to be here while his brother and sister-in-law shared such an intimate moment.

Just then—

Jiang Li patted Liu Wanwan's back, and she gently stepped out of his embrace.

"Little brother, let's go!" Jiang Li said.

Jiang Ning nodded.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end