I am dying of old age, and I have awakened to the character of longevity.

Outside the Li Family Pawnshop.

More and more people gathered to watch, blocking the area within dozens of meters, leaving no space to pass.

A large open space was cleared in the center of the dense crowd. Li Shaoyun and Li Ru were lying on the snow, while the elderly Madam Li held a solid wooden carrying pole, repeatedly and heavily striking their buttocks.

Both of their buttocks were already beaten raw, scarlet blood staining their light gray silk trousers. Some of the blood flowed down their trousers, dyeing a large patch of the white snow red.

Thwack!

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

Madam Li, wearing a fine cotton-padded jacket, rolled up her sleeves. Her withered hands tightly gripped one end of the carrying pole, putting all her strength into each strike, showing no mercy.

Her coiled white hair was scattered messily over her shoulders, tears constantly streaming down her face. Her dry, pale lips muttered:

"All you know is how to bully honest people.

Old Xie has worked diligently for our Li family for thirty years. What's wrong with him wanting to redeem himself in his old age and seek a peaceful end? Why did you go against your conscience and demand so much silver from him?

Because Madam Li didn't shy away from admitting the Li family's mistakes and kept tearfully muttering, all the onlookers knew the reason and that the person the Li family had offended was Xie An, the Master of the Blood Ridge Black Market…

Although Madam Li took the blame upon herself, everyone with discerning eyes knew that she was saving face for Li Ru and Li Shaoyun.

For a time, the majority of people sympathized with Madam Li, while the majority also cursed Li Ru and Li Shaoyun.

Some kind-hearted women even went up to persuade Madam Li.

"Madam, please stop! If you keep hitting them, they'll really die!"

"Li Lao is here, and Hall Master Chen Lei is here too!"

"Li Lao, please stop Madam! Otherwise, someone will really die!"

"Hall Master Chen, please persuade Madam! Madam has always been kind to people in the town!"

Surrounded by the crowd, Chen Lei and an old man with white hair, wearing a gray scholar's robe and leaning on a cane, hurried over.

As the hall master of the only martial arts hall in Wugiao Town and a martial artist, Chen Lei's status was naturally beyond question. He had long been a respected elder in the town. Whenever major events occurred, Chen Lei would be consulted.

For example, building ancestral halls, holding annual festivals, and constructing ancestral temples were mostly led by Chen Lei.

And this old man with white hair, named Li Hongming, was already eighty-seven years old and was the true elder of longevity in Wugiao Town, with an extremely high seniority, leading among the many respected elders.

Even Chen Lei had to call Li Hongming "Grand Uncle."

However, even these two renowned respected elders, after learning that the person the Li family had offended was the Master of the Tiger Wolf Gate, didn't dare to step forward to dissuade her, only sighing helplessly.

If it were just a deacon of the Tiger Wolf Gate, they might have said something, perhaps earning some respect for themselves.

But a Master… that was someone who could stand alone.

Moreover, it was the Blood Ridge Master.

That was someone Li Hongming and Chen Lei would never dare to offend.

Perhaps moved by Madam Li's actions, Li Hongming felt sympathy and stepped forward, saying, "Madam, this isn't a solution. Why don't you stop for now? Beating Li Ru to death won't solve anything."

Drip.

Hearing someone finally stand up to speak for her, Madam Li's tears burst forth.

But her hands didn't stop, still forcefully striking the carrying pole on Li Ru's buttocks, making a crisp "thwack" sound.

How could she not know that this strike would be very painful?

But the Li family had offended the Master of the Tiger Wolf Gate!

If she hit them too lightly, she would be accused of putting on a show, and the effect would be counterproductive.

Watching the blood flow out and hearing Li Ru's screams, Madam Li's mentality seemed to collapse. She hoarsely opened her mouth, "Thank you, Li Lao, but our family has committed a crime, so they should be beaten.

If they are beaten to death, I, Tong Ying… will follow them."

After saying that, Madam Li gritted her teeth, mechanically raising her sore and numb hand, lifting the solid wooden carrying pole, and once again striking down hard.

Just at this moment—

Pounce!

A broad, thick hand suddenly reached out and grabbed the carrying pole.

Madam Li lowered her head, her eyes blurred with tears, and didn't look around, instinctively assuming it was some enthusiastic villager. But no matter how hard Madam Li tried, she couldn't pull it out…

"Madam."

A familiar voice rang out.

Madam Li's whole body shook violently. She slowly raised her head and saw the man in front of her.

A luxurious brocade robe, a jade belt, a blood jade hanging from his waist, a jade hairpin in his hair, and his white hair was gone.

Even with just one glance, she felt that this person's temperament was as noble as pine and stone, and his elegance was extraordinary.

Looking again, who else could it be but Old Xie?

This transformation was simply unbelievable.

Clang.

Madam Li could no longer hold the carrying pole in her hand, and it fell to the ground. Then, Madam Li suddenly took a step back, gesturing to kneel down, and cried out, "Sinful woman Tong Ying, my son is frivolous, my husband is immoral, offending Master Xie. I beg Master Xie…"

Before Madam Li could kneel, Xie An stepped forward to help her up, "Madam, you are too serious. The fault lies with Li Ru and Shaoyun. They have already received their due punishment. What does it have to do with you? Madam, your health is not good, please don't do this. Please rise quickly."

On the way here, Xie An had seen everything Madam Li had done.

To be honest, Xie An had originally planned to severely teach Li Ru a lesson to vent his anger for his disciple. But Madam Li's actions shocked Xie An greatly. He couldn't help but admire this Madam Li from the bottom of his heart.

An old woman on the verge of death, in the face of the Li family's troubles, was able to maintain this determination and responsibility, and stand up to shield the Li family from the wind and rain, taking on everything.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she was a heroine among women.

In fact, Xie An didn't plan to pursue anything if Madam Li simply pleaded with him. Moreover, Madam Li had already beaten Li Ru and Li Shaoyun's buttocks raw.

This injury was ten times heavier than He Chunli's.

The grudges had long been settled.

Madam Li didn't dare to get up, still very frightened, "Master Xie, my husband, my son deserve to die. Please personally take the carrying pole and beat them severely. Otherwise, I will feel uneasy."

Xie An was very moved. Knowing that if he didn't say something, Madam Li's panic might be difficult to eliminate, he forcibly helped Madam Li up and said, "I still remember carrying the bridal sedan chair for you, Madam, and burning the fire basin.

That snowy day, I went to Wufangzhai in the county town to buy pastries for you, Madam…

Last year, when I was dying of a stroke, it was you, Madam, who granted me a vacation. When I redeemed myself, you personally gave me one hundred and eighty taels. When we parted, you gave me five taels of silver. At the gate of the Li family, your words, 'Old Xie, take care,' I still remember them in my heart.

Madam, you have done me a great kindness. How could I, Xie An, not repay it? Please rise quickly."

Madam Li finally got up. When she looked at Xie An again, her old face was shriveled, and tears flowed from her sunken eye sockets.

"Thank you, thank you!"

Xie An finally breathed a sigh of relief and instructed Han Li, "Han Li, go and invite Chen He from the Chen Family Martial Arts Hall's pharmacy to treat Li Ru and Li Shaoyun's injuries…"

Before he could finish speaking, Chen He walked out of the crowd, "Old Xie… Master Xie, I'm here."

Seeing Xie An again, Chen He was a little rusty, but after all, he was old and greeted him very warmly. Xie An also had no airs, stepped forward and patted Chen He's shoulder, expressing his friendliness without giving him too much psychological pressure.

Chen He didn't expect Xie An to be so approachable even after becoming a Master, and his heart was immediately filled with joy. "Master Xie, I didn't bring my medicine box. Should we have someone carry them to my pharmacy? It's not far anyway."

Xie An readily agreed, "Okay, then I'll trouble you, Chen He."

"It's just a small effort. Come, two people, lend a hand…" Chen He immediately shouted to the surroundings, and then a few shop assistants came out to help carry away Li Ru and Li Shaoyun.

As he was leaving, Chen He seemed to remember something and proactively told Madam Li, "Madam, please be at ease. There's plenty of flesh on the buttocks, so no bones will be injured. It's just a matter of blood loss; a little recuperation will be sufficient."

Leaving those words behind, Chen He hurriedly departed.

It must be said, Chen He knew how to handle matters. Knowing that Xie An valued Madam Li, he said a few extra words to ease her worries. Xie An naturally took note of this.

Watching Li Ru and Li Shaoyun being carried away, Madam Li finally breathed a sigh of relief. Her body trembled, and she nearly collapsed to the ground, but fortunately, Xie An stepped forward to support her.

"It's cold outside. Madam, please come inside and sit. Yu He, come and lend a hand."

Xie An was aware of the prevailing customs regarding interactions between men and women, so he asked Yu He to help.

Yu He lived up to her reputation as an expert. She came over to help Madam Li up and, noticing her poor complexion and near faint, immediately pinched Madam Li's philtrum. Then, she directly scooped Madam Li up in her arms and carried her into the pawnshop's backyard.

…

Backyard, room.

Xie An and his two apprentices stood under the eaves at the entrance of the living room.

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Before long, Yu He came out of the room.

Xie An quickly went up to her: "How is the Madam?"

Yu He said: "It's just a case of qi and blood attacking the heart, coupled with excessive grief and tension. She also caught a slight cold. I gave her a massage to soothe her meridians, and she's mostly alright now. However, it's best to have a doctor take a look."

Phew.

Xie An finally breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good to hear. Why didn't you notify me sooner?"

Yu He bowed, "This servant was unaware of the grievances between Master and the Li family, and Madam Li also didn't ask this servant to inform Master earlier. I…"

Xie An waved his hand, indicating that Yu He didn't need to be so formal.

Indeed, it wasn't Yu He's fault.

Perhaps his status had frightened Madam Li.

Soon, Han Li found a doctor from the Li family, who, after examining Madam Li, confirmed that she was mostly alright. He left some medicinal herbs and instructed her to take them on time.

Xie An personally brewed the medicine, then carried a bowl of it, pushed open the door, and entered the room. He walked to the bedside and sat down, intending to feed Madam Li the medicine.

Upon seeing Xie An, Madam Li quickly got up, appearing extremely flustered, "Master Xie, this is not appropriate…"

Xie An pressed Madam Li back down with one hand, "Madam, you don't need to stand on ceremony. I've been in the Li family for thirty years; I know who has been good to me and who hasn't. Like a person drinking water, one knows whether it's cold or warm. Madam is kind-hearted and deserves to be fed medicine by me."

Madam Li then tearfully agreed and opened her mouth to take the medicine.

Xie An could see that Madam Li was overly frightened, so he proactively brought up past events, especially the amusing stories from when Madam Li first married into the Li family. This made the strained atmosphere much more harmonious.

Finally, Xie An gave Madam Li a reassurance, "Madam has always been kind to others, accumulating merit and doing good deeds. Good people will surely be rewarded. Even if Li Ru and Li Shaoyun have made mistakes, how could I bear to see Madam widowed and alone in her old age? Does Madam see me as a vicious beast like a jackal or a leopard?"

Madam Li's tense body slowly relaxed, and a few traces of relief appeared on her face, "Master Xie…"

"Madam, don't keep calling me Master Xie. Old Xie Tou sounds more comfortable."

Madam Li hesitated several times, but in the end, she couldn't resist and called him Old Xie Tou, "Old Xie Tou, I know you are diligent and down-to-earth, and you're also kind. How could I think of you as a jackal or a leopard? It's just…"

Xie An used a spoon to scoop up a spoonful of medicinal soup and brought it to Madam Li's lips, "The past is the past; let's not mention it. I only wish for Madam Li to be healthy and live a long life. Here, take your medicine."

Madam Li didn't say anything more and tearfully took the medicine.

After finishing the medicine, Madam Li's already weakened body felt even more exhausted. Xie An asked Chunlan to assist Madam Li in resting here before turning to leave.

…

After the events of the day, the pawnshop closed its doors.

Xie An sat with his two apprentices in the pawnshop, warming themselves by the fire.

Compared to Xie An's calmness, Han Li and He Chunli were still in shock.

They never imagined that Li Ru would end up like that without Xie An even needing to intervene.

That was the master of the Li family, who usually loomed over them, high and mighty.

Just now, he was actually groveling in the snow, his buttocks beaten to a pulp.

Moreover, it seemed that Li Ru's buttocks were much more severely injured than He Chunli's.

Could it be that their master had already reached such a position?

Xie An said, "Xiao He, are you happy?"

He Chunli frowned, revealing a very complicated expression, "I… I used to dream of being able to beat Li Ru's buttocks, thinking it would be very satisfying. But… seeing it like this now, I'm not happy at all, in fact… I feel very uncomfortable.

I was beaten by Li Ru, and I wanted to hit him back. But… in this world, servants are destined to be like this. From Li Ru's perspective, he didn't do anything wrong. He's not some great villain either.

I'm angry, but Madam Li is a good person, and I don't want to see her suffer…

I didn't do anything wrong, and Li Ru didn't do anything wrong. But why… did it turn out like this?"

Xie An stroked He Chunli's head and sighed, "Xiao He, you're not wrong, and Li Ru isn't wrong either. What's wrong… is this world."

He Chunli seemed thoughtful, only scratching his head.

Xie An didn't continue speaking.

He Chunli wouldn't understand.

If Xie An hadn't come from modern times and witnessed the social concepts of the modern world… he wouldn't have understood the phrase "What's wrong… is this world."

The Li family's tea and meal were naturally delayed because of this incident.

Because Madam Li was bedridden, Xie An didn't leave this place but instead found an inn nearby to stay in. He often came to the pawnshop's backyard to visit Madam Li.

Noon three days later.

Xie An came to visit Madam Li as usual. Madam Li was already able to get out of bed and move around. Her complexion was as before, without any deterioration, and she was even more energetic than before.

Mainly because Xie An had been visiting these past few days, dispelling the fear in her heart.

For the Li family to produce a Grand Master was a matter of great honor for the entire family. Madam Li was naturally happy, and a smile appeared on her face for the first time.

Before long, Chen He led Li Ru and Li Shaoyun in.

Both of them were using crutches, walking with a limp. As soon as they entered the backyard living room and saw Xie An and Madam Li sitting together, drinking tea, and chatting, they immediately dropped their crutches and prostrated themselves on the ground to apologize and admit their mistakes.

Xie An waved his hand, his expression not as kind as it was towards Madam Li, "This time, I won't hold it against you for Madam's sake. Get up."

The two of them then stood up in fear, standing to the side, heads lowered, not daring to speak, not even daring to look at Xie An.

Madam Li, seeing that her husband and son were unharmed, repeatedly expressed her gratitude to Xie An. Then, she took out two handwritten documents and handed them to Xie An, "Old Xie Tou, these are Han Li and He Chunli's redemption papers, as well as their indenture agreements. I'm giving them all to you. After they redeem themselves, if they are willing to stay in the pawnshop, their待遇 will be doubled. If they are not willing, they can seek other employment."

Han Li and He Chunli immediately stood up, cupping their hands in thanks. Their hearts were filled with shock.

They never thought that the redemption they thought would be impossible in their entire lives would be… resolved just like that!

Madam Li smiled and took out four silver ingots, placing them on the table, "One hundred taels for each person. This is a small token of my heart, Tong Ying. I hope it can help you on your future paths."

After speaking, Madam Li stood up and walked to Li Ru and Li Shaoyun, leading them away, "Old Xie Tou, I know that now that you've become a Grand Master, you will no longer have any connection with my Li family. Our Li family will not trouble you either. I only hope, Old Xie Tou, that you have a bright future."

Xie An walked out of the eaves, personally seeing them off, watching Madam Li's family of three stroll in the wind and snow, and then cupped his hands and said, "Madam, take care!"

Hearing this, Madam Li seemed to remember something, her whole body shook, and then she turned around and bowed to Xie An, "Old Xie Tou, although you are a Grand Master, the world is chaotic, so please… take care."

After saying that, Madam Li didn't say anything more, supporting Li Ru and Li Shaoyun, walking away, gradually disappearing into the heavy snow.