Chapter 37- Don’t Ask About Hidden Secrets – Transcendental Translations

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Chapter 37

That name… really picked at random.

Jiang Ruohua pressed her lips together, remembering that during the tribute seasons in Da Qi, they could also enjoy a type of radish imported from foreign lands—called “Hu Luo Bo,” or carrot. The taste? She didn’t particularly like it. There was always something odd about it. However, her uncle, who loved to travel and explore different regions, adored it, often gorging on foreign delicacies.

The little Radish boy seemed a bit dazed and clueless, and Hu Xingxing herself was still just a child. How could she know how to properly raise one? At most, it was her good-hearted nature that couldn’t bear to leave the child wandering the streets, so she took him along.

“We don’t have much going on here,” Hu Xingxing placed her hands on her hips, shifting the conversation back. “Master comes here every night. If there’s nothing else, you should try to come every evening too.”

“Alright.” Jiang Ruohua nodded. She had the evenings free anyway, and with no need to attend lessons with her younger sisters anymore, she had plenty of time to spare.

Seeing her agree so readily, Hu Xingxing opened her mouth, unsure what to say next. She hesitated for a moment before speaking again, “He’s really strict, especially since you talked the way you did. He’s only going to be tougher on you now.”

Jiang Ruohua’s calm nod made Hu Xingxing frown and inwardly complain. This noble young lady was truly strange. From what she knew, those wealthy ladies who strutted along the bustling streets—weren’t they all pampered and delicate? They wouldn’t even touch cold water with their hands, and they were so thin-skinned that a little humiliation would send them spiraling into despair, threatening to take their own lives.

Before Jiang Ruohua, it wasn’t as though other girls hadn’t come here, seeking to become disciples in order to scrape out a living. But they had all been chased off by Master’s scoldings in the end.

Hu Xingxing felt a little proud of herself. Back when she came, she had swallowed her pride—there was no choice; she was on the brink of starvation, and Master had food in his hands. No matter how harsh the insults, as long as she had something to eat, she would endure. In this world, everything came with a price. If she resorted to theft or robbery, she might end up beaten or sent to the authorities. At least with Xu Weiqing, all she had to endure was the daily tirade of insults.

“Are you really sure about this?” Hu Xingxing probed Jiang Ruohua further. She couldn’t quite understand it and felt a little indignant. In her eyes, what need did Jiang Ruohua have to endure such hardship?

Those noble girls lived in luxury, and Jiang Ruohua, as the daughter of a military family, could treat martial arts as a hobby. It wasn’t like her situation, where learning martial arts was a matter of life and death. Why would any girl in this world push themselves so hard?

Harder than she herself did, Hu Xingxing thought bitterly.

Jiang Ruohua had a promising future awaiting her in the upper echelons of society, yet here she was, seeking to apprentice under someone whom everyone else avoided like the plague.

“Yes, I’ll be here on time tomorrow,” Jiang Ruohua responded, noticing the hint of dissatisfaction in Hu Xingxing’s eyes but choosing not to explain. These were her own decisions, her own reasons, and she didn’t plan on revealing them to outsiders.

Hu Xingxing mumbled something under her breath that no one could quite make out. Seeing this, Jiang Ruohua couldn’t help but chuckle. “Senior Sister Hu, do you not want me to become Master’s disciple?”

Might as well tease her a little.

Just as Jiang Ruohua finished speaking, Hu Xingxing’s expression stiffened. Although she tried to act nonchalant, every change in her face was plain to see. She glanced away, her voice distant, “No way. When did I say that? Please, Miss Jiang, stop overthinking things.”

“Well, we’ll be spending every day together from now on,” Jiang Ruohua smiled at her. “I’m sure Senior Sister will be happy to have me around, right?”

Hu Xingxing was momentarily at a loss for words. She didn’t exactly like Jiang Ruohua, but it wasn’t as though she disliked her either. It was more of a bruised ego from losing to her strength. Still, to smile and welcome her new “junior sister” with open arms? That was pushing it.

Everything Hu Xingxing was thinking was written all over her face. Jiang Ruohua was watching her with satisfaction, amused by her little struggles, even as she pondered what gift to bring for her new senior sister tomorrow.

“The night’s growing late. You should head back, Junior Sister Jiang,” Ah Yao suddenly spoke up, rescuing Hu Xingxing from her awkwardness. “Since you’ve passed Master’s test, Senior Sister and I will naturally welcome you. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

Jiang Ruohua didn’t mind. She had been deliberately teasing Hu Xingxing anyway and found no issue with Ah Yao cutting in. Smiling, she nodded, “Alright then, I’ll take my leave. See you both tomorrow.”

After Jiang Ruohua left, Hu Xingxing finally realized something, “Senior Brother, was she playing me the whole time? She was dead set on joining us, so why did she even bother asking me those questions?”

Ah Yao’s masked face revealed no emotion, but his gaze clearly conveyed, You’re only just realizing that now?

“Master will definitely test your skills again tomorrow,” Ah Yao said, not explicitly stating what he was implying. “If you keep letting Miss Jiang surpass you, think about how the days ahead will be for you.”

That hit Hu Xingxing’s weak spot. Immediately, she snapped to attention, realizing that if Jiang Ruohua continued to outshine her, Master would definitely come down hard on her!

Damn it! With gritted teeth and teary eyes, Hu Xingxing resigned herself to intensifying her training, muttering inwardly, *Rich young ladies are so devious. She beat me up and still had to mess with me. I *have* to surpass her!*

But… it’s so exhausting!

Meanwhile, Jiang Ruohua felt quite satisfied as she made her way home. She had managed to win over Xu Weiqing, and both of her new fellow disciples didn’t seem too difficult to get along with. Hu Xingxing had a simple, straightforward nature, and although Ah Yao was mysterious, he showed no ill intentions. They were both people worth building connections with.

Having had a warning from her dream, Jiang Ruohua was determined not to isolate herself this time around. Making friends and allies was a crucial step in achieving her goals. As the saying goes, “the more friends, the more paths.” Each new path might bring a new solution.

Acting aloof and holier-than-thou would only make everyone avoid her. Jiang Ruohua had no intention of taking that route.

As she walked back, she stroked her chin, recalling Hu Xingxing’s earlier expression. Perhaps she should bring some snacks to share with her tomorrow?

It could be fun.

Throughout the walk, Old Master Gao remained silent. Once they arrived back at his home, Jiang Ruohua bowed in thanks. “Thank you for accompanying me on this trip, Grandpa Gao.”

“There’s no need to thank me, Miss. It’s my duty,” Grandpa Gao responded hurriedly. “As long as you’ve made up your mind, I’m willing to do anything to help.”

But as he raised his eyes to look at Jiang Ruohua, he couldn’t help but sigh.

“Are you worried about something, Grandpa Gao?” Jiang Ruohua asked, sensing his concern and having a vague idea of what might be troubling him. “If it’s about Master, I won’t pry into the matter.”

Hearing her say this, Old Master Gao realized she had guessed more than he thought. With another sigh, he said, “In truth, I don’t know the whole story myself. Miss, it’s good that you understand. All I can say is that if something was deliberately kept hidden, it’s for the best that as few people as possible know about it. Forgive me, but I can’t say much more.”