Chapter Thirteen: The Market of Cattle and Horses

Xie Yingdeng and Qi Guoyuan both stared at Yun Hao, their eyes equally filled with shock. Especially Qi Guoyuan, whose gaze betrayed a hint of reluctance. After all, the “Four Tigers of East City” were old acquaintances of his, and it was he who had urged Xie Yingdeng to meddle in this business today. He never expected the situation to unfold like this.

Yun Hao remained silent, merely watching the two gang leaders with a cold expression. He wanted to see for himself whether those chivalrous heroes described in novels truly existed in ancient times—those who valued their word as gold and could, on a whim, slay a man every ten paces, retrieve heads from a thousand miles away. Did such things really happen?

“Brother Yun, this…” Qin Qiong hesitated. In this era, there were no advanced bone-setting techniques as in later generations. A broken leg could mean a ruined life. Thinking of the four vigorous men about to become cripples, Qin Qiong felt a pang of compassion.

Yun Hao noticed their expressions and thought: With Qin Qiong’s temperament, it’s no wonder he fared poorly under Li the Second. Despite his achievements, he ranked near the bottom of the twenty-four ministers of Lingyan Pavilion.

Seeing Yun Hao unmoved, Xie Yingdeng suppressed his anger. He barked an order at his henchmen, who immediately stepped forward to seize the “Four Tigers of East City.” One of them raised a heavy club, ready to carry out the punishment.

“You little bastard, I’ll remember you. If you’ve got guts, don’t let me catch you, or I’ll light your sky lantern!” The Green-eyed Tiger, realizing there was no hope for him today, cursed furiously. He knew better than to offend Xie Yingdeng or Qi Guoyuan, and even the yellow-faced fellow was not someone to antagonize. So he poured all his resentment onto Yun Hao, his venomous glare almost capable of melting flesh. If looks could kill, Yun Hao would already be bleeding on the ground.

Yun Hao stared coolly at the “Four Tigers of East City.” For such men, the fewer the better. He didn’t yet realize how much trouble his moment of passion would bring.

The club swung down, smashing the Green-eyed Tiger’s lower leg. With a scream, he rolled on the ground in agony, cold sweat pouring from his brow, his leg bent at an unnatural angle—clearly shattered beyond repair.

Before he could recover from the pain, the club struck his other leg. This time, he screamed again and passed out instantly. The remaining three tigers, terrified by his fate, lost control and begged for mercy, their cries and pleas echoing. The ruthless henchmen, however, showed no mercy, breaking their legs one by one.

Xie Yingdeng and Qi Guoyuan, disturbed by the screams, both showed signs of pity. Once the punishment was carried out, they wanted nothing more to do with Qin Qiong. Each clasped their hands in farewell, exchanged a few polite words, and left the Wang’s inn in Taiyuan.

“Little brother, I hadn’t expected such ruthlessness from someone so young.” Qin Qiong had met countless people, but never a child with such a hardened heart. His gaze lingered on Yun Hao, full of meaning.

“There have always been scum like these, but have you ever considered, Uncle Qin, that letting them go is the greatest injustice to decent folk? Today, I broke their legs, but think—if you hadn’t been at the cattle and horse market, what fate would have awaited my mother and me? Who would have championed our cause? The officials?” Yun Hao spoke coldly, then returned to the room he shared with Lady Zhao. The commotion outside had surely terrified her.

As he reached the door, he saw Lady Zhao clutching a sharp pair of scissors, peering nervously outside. Her face was pale, and her hands trembled, but her eyes were resolute. If anything had happened to Yun Hao, Lady Zhao would have rushed out like a mother leopard, ready to fight those men to the death.

“Mother, you need not fear. With me here, no one can bully you. Father is gone, so I am the man of the house. Though I am still young, I can shield you from wind and rain.”

“Where did you learn to talk like a little adult? If it hadn’t been for Uncle Qin, you would have been taken away by those men and had your legs broken to become a beggar.” Lady Zhao affectionately slapped Yun Hao, puzzled by the strange change in her son. Since his miraculous recovery, she noticed something different about him—he no longer seemed like a child, but rather an old soul in a young body. Little did she know, an old man’s spirit truly resided within him.

The food had grown cold, but Yun Hao forced himself to eat the unpalatable fare of the Tang dynasty. In this era of poor culinary culture, he felt certain he could make a fortune if he opened a restaurant.

After a muddled supper, Wang Xiao’er’s wife collected the bowls, and Yun Hao drifted off to sleep, dreaming of riches.

Early the next morning, Yun Hao was awakened by shouts in the courtyard. Rubbing his eyes, he stepped outside to see Qin Qiong practicing boxing.

In these times, there were no tai chi routines; martial artists focused on hard, straightforward skills. The power followed intention, the intention guided the fist. Not only did his blows whistle through the air, but his cries were as loud as a bull’s roar. Historical records state that during the Republic, master Shang Xiangyun’s boxing shouts could be heard miles away. Yun Hao didn’t know whether Shang Xiangyun or Qin Qiong was superior, but judging by Qin Qiong’s skill, he must have reached the level of a master.

Qin Qiong finished his routine, sweat beading on his body. Seeing Yun Hao leaning against the door, he smiled in greeting.

After breakfast, Qin Qiong led his horse to the cattle and horse market.

Lady Zhao, injured by the “Four Tigers of East City,” was not feeling well. Unable to travel today, Yun Hao accompanied Qin Qiong to the market.

The cattle and horse market was as bustling as ever, with people from all the surrounding counties of Luzhou coming to buy livestock. Not only were cattle and horses traded, but vendors also sold food, oil, salt, and miscellaneous goods, much like a small marketplace in later times.

Upon arriving, Qin Qiong found that many had heard of the “Four Tigers of East City” and their fate yesterday. When they saw him, they stepped aside to clear a path. Qin Qiong didn’t choose the best stall, but instead picked a secluded one, where he tied his yellow dun horse.

As the sun climbed high, the market grew livelier. Qin Qiong, unlike others who hawked their horses, leaned against the wall to bask in the warmth. If anyone asked the price, he responded indifferently. Yun Hao thought to himself, no wonder he hadn’t sold the yellow dun horse after all this time. At this rate, he might not sell it in a year.

This won’t do—I have to find a way to make money. Otherwise, my mother, Qin Qiong, and I will all be stuck in Luzhou. Unlike Qin Qiong, I can’t sell swords and horses.

Just as he was pondering, a commotion arose nearby. Yun Hao looked in the direction of the noise and couldn’t help but utter, “Hmm?”