Madam Wu Gao's expression softened, and though her voice was gentle, it carried a note of earnest admonition."Rou'er, while the young master is away from home, you must take care with his meals and avoid unnecessary quarrels. If you run short of money, go to the bank and withdraw more. Do you understand?"Her gaze held both affection and trust, clearly placing great expectations upon Zhao Rou.
Zhao Rou bowed her head respectfully, her voice firm as she replied,"Rest assured, Madam. Rou'er will remain by the young master's side at all times, never allowing him the slightest harm."
Standing to the side, Wu Tong felt a flicker of dissatisfaction.This little girl has only trained for a few days and already wants to roam the martial world with me—protecting me, no less? Isn't she a bit too confident?Though impressed by her courage, he could not help but find it somewhat absurd.
At that moment, Wu Gao stepped forward, patting Wu Tong's shoulder and speaking with fatherly gravity."Tong'er, though Rou'er is but a young woman, she is attentive and careful in thought. You must listen to her advice and not act arrogantly. As the saying goes: 'All things are fate; not even half is within man's control.' Remember—there are always people beyond people, and skies beyond the sky. Do not rely on your strength to invite disaster."His words brimmed with paternal concern, a reminder to remain humble and cautious.
Wu Tong, though still doubtful, understood his father's intent and could only nod."Father's teaching—I will keep it in my heart."
The two led their horses out of the grand gates. Wu Gao and his wife stood at the entrance, watching them go. Madam Wu's eyes brimmed with tears, though she forced them back, merely whispering,"Tong'er, Rou'er—travel safely, and return soon."
Mounting their horses, Wu Tong and Zhao Rou rode away at a measured pace. Wu Tong glanced back to see his parents' figures fade into the distance, a pang of longing stirring in his chest. Taking a deep breath, he turned to Zhao Rou."Rou'er, you're free to leave if you wish. I can take care of myself—don't trouble yourself over selling yourself to bury your father."
Zhao Rou's gaze was resolute, her reply unwavering."Young master prizes chivalry; Rou'er prizes her word. Since I promised Madam, even giving my life is no matter."
Wu Tong was startled, his master's words echoing in his mind:'Righteousness is the root of a person. Without it, one merely eats to live—like a fowl or a dog.'A flicker of respect rose within him."Very well. If you find this journey too bitter, you may leave—I will not force you."
By midday, they arrived at a roadside post station and decided to rest. Entering the tavern, the innkeeper greeted them warmly."What will the guests have?"
Wu Tong turned to Zhao Rou."Rou'er, what would you like to eat?"
She smiled faintly."As the young master wishes."
Wu Tong nodded to the innkeeper."Two bowls of noodles and a plate of cooked beef."
Before long, steaming noodles and fragrant beef were served. As they ate, Wu Tong noticed a few men nearby casting covetous glances their way, their eyes glinting with calculation. Soon after, the men left. A vague unease settled over Wu Tong, though he said nothing.
After paying the bill, they mounted up again, heading toward White Cloud Mountain. But as they reached a mountain pass, a gang of men had set up a barricade—clearly waiting for them.
At their head stood a burly man wielding a steel saber, brows knitted in a fierce scowl. His voice was rough and arrogant."You two young lords—judging from your fine attire, you must be from wealthy families. Let's speak plainly—leave all your valuables here, and I'll spare your lives."
Wu Tong's lips curled in a faint smile, though he showed no emotion. Turning to Zhao Rou, he asked,"Rou'er, the road is full of thorns, and we've barely set out before trouble finds us. What should we do?"His tone carried a hint of testing her resolve, as if hoping to frighten her into turning back.
But Zhao Rou's expression was calm and fearless. She addressed the man boldly,"Big brother, to block the road and rob passersby—is that wise without knowing your opponent's skill? Aren't you afraid of making a losing bargain?"
Her voice was crisp and commanding, causing the burly man to blink in surprise.
Wu Tong, impressed by her composure, readied his folding fan in case of trouble. The bandit leader, however, flew into a rage."Little girl, you've got quite the mouth! Brothers—get them!"
At his order, the bandits drew their weapons and advanced menacingly. Wu Tong and Zhao Rou exchanged a glance, silently agreeing to face this challenge together.
The steel-saber man roared with laughter, his voice booming."Not every traveler we stop is worth robbing—but the two of you? I'm certain I can hold you here!"
Zhao Rou frowned, her eyes flashing with a sharp glint."Then I won't be polite!"
In a flash, she spurred her horse forward, leaping from the saddle. Her paper fan swept toward the man's face like a swallow darting through the air. The bandit leader reacted swiftly, raising his saber to block with a whistling gust. Steel met fan—neither yielded. They broke apart, each steady on their feet, surprise flickering in their eyes.
Wu Tong watched from the side, secretly praising her skill.Rou'er may be a woman, but she is courageous and nimble—truly remarkable!
Just then, the other bandits surged forward. Wu Tong's voice tightened."Rou'er, these men are not easy to handle—let's not get entangled. Return home!"
But Zhao Rou only smiled."Young master, just watch how Rou'er handles them with her fan."
Before she finished, two bandits charged her. She slipped aside with ease, kicking one squarely in the chest, sending him staggering. Two more rushed in—her fan snapped open, striking each across the face with sharp pa-pa cracks, leaving them dazed.
Tossing her fan skyward, she struck left with her palm—thud!—and the attacker crumpled. Catching the fan on its descent, she flicked it shut and thrust it toward another's throat, forcing him back in fright.
She stood tall."Will you let us pass or not?"
The saber-wielding leader's face darkened."Grab your weapons! I'll deal with her myself!"
He charged, saber flashing. Wu Tong called out,"Eight Cloud Hands!"
At once, Zhao Rou shifted into "North Meets South," gliding past the blade like a breeze. As his strike missed, she countered with "Turn the Spear," snapping her fan onto his forehead with a loud crack. He roared in pain, eyes blazing, and swung again.
Unhurried, she flowed into "East to West," her movements like a phantom. Three more bandits closed in—she unleashed "Looking Left and Right," "Fore and Aft," and "Glancing About," weaving through them with the grace of a swallow. In their confusion, the bandits struck each other, blood spraying.
Within the time it took to drink a cup of tea, all were wounded and in disarray. The leader, livid, shouted,"Boy! What devilry is this? If you're a real man, fight me fair and square!"
Zhao Rou smiled sweetly, her tone teasing."Look closely—do you think I'm a man?"
Her lilting voice left the leader momentarily speechless, his face a mask of shock.