Achieving physical sainthood starting from Hunyuan Gong

Chapter 6 Strangers

early morning.

The sun rises in the east.

Song Shen was dressed in a plain cloth long gown, his clothes were neat, and he was wearing brand new cloth shoes. A large character "Cao" was printed on his chest, and he was carrying a long stick.

They were no longer servants, but guards, hounds and hawks, not pigs and dogs.

To those in positions of power, there is little difference, but to those struggling at the bottom, every small step represents a clear hierarchy, and those standing on the steps can always look down on those crawling below.

As Song Shen walked around in his servant's uniform, he enjoyed the envious glances of the slaves.

Ignoring the stares, Song Shen arrived at the small courtyard.

"Brother Feng, I'm going in to check on my sister."

This man surnamed Feng is the one who came to Song Shen today.

"Okay, I'll wait for you outside."

Feng Zhiyuan nodded, his tone kind.

In the courtyard,

Song Zhen had already begun her day's work.

"Ah Zhen, do you have a younger brother who practices martial arts?"

The arduous labor was almost a daily routine with no end in sight, and the only pastime these girls had was gossiping.

The news that Song Zhen's younger brother was practicing martial arts had already spread. Although Song Zhen tried to hide it, it was still discovered by others.

Another thin girl with freckles added, "That's right, it seems that Ah Zhen gave all the money she had to her younger brother."

These words caused an uproar among those present.

These girls are different from the male servants because their working lifespan is shorter. Their employers are not charitable organizations and will not support them for life. When they reach a certain age, those who are lucky can find a home, while those who are unlucky can only find ways to support themselves in their old age.

Faced with this bleak future, a profound sense of insecurity gripped everyone.

In the end, all one can rely on is the hard-earned money one has saved up to ensure that one doesn't starve to death on the streets in old age and suffer a miserable old age.

But Song Zhen gave all of it away.

"Ah Zhen, you're so silly."

A girl with a mole on the corner of her mouth sighed.

Another girl with slanted eyes chuckled affectedly, "Heh heh, do you really think ordinary people can practice martial arts? Let alone a bunch of servants!"

Upon hearing this, some mockers began to whisper rather bluntly, "Exactly, it's so stupid to give away all that hard-earned money for this."

There are always more unfortunate people among the unfortunate, and these more unfortunate people are a rare comfort to the unfortunate.

Song Zhen knew she was becoming that kind of person.

"You don't understand, because you have no relatives left."

Song Zhen wasn't one to silently accept ridicule. "Even if I give it away, I won't regret it."

As these resounding words were spoken, the courtyard gate opened.

The old woman in charge opened the door, and there stood a strong, muscular servant in brand-new clothes. His clean-cut face beamed with a hearty smile. "Big sister, I'm looking for Song Zhen."

The young man was handsome and had a sweet tongue. He was also a martial arts-trained guard, not just an ordinary servant. The old woman, having lived in this world for so many years, was naturally worldly-wise, and immediately beamed with joy: "Oh, young man, you are...?"

Song Shen was very courteous: "My name is Song Shen, and I am Song Zhen's younger brother."

The old woman said "Oh," and then gave a look that said, "Oh, it's you." "Looking for Ah Zhen? Come in."

Song Shen smiled, cupped his hands in greeting, and walked into the courtyard.

"Ah Zhen, someone's looking for you!"

The old woman called out, and Song Zhen stopped what she was doing and got up, looking somewhat bewildered.

Who would look for me?

She soon revealed the answer: Song Shen, looking all respectable, stood at the door and said, "Sister, I'm leaving now, but I came to see you before I go."

Song Zhen could hardly believe her eyes, because Song Shen was not wearing a drab servant's uniform, but rather the brand-new clothes of a guard.

This means that no matter what, Song Shen will have a decent salary every month. Even if he ends up like this for the rest of his life, he will most likely be able to get married, have children, and live a normal life.

"you……"

Song Shen squinted and smiled, "What's wrong? I already said there would definitely be no problem."

"Um."

Song Zhen couldn't speak, she could only nod frantically.

"Take it."

Song Shen quietly handed her a bag of copper coins; not much, but enough for a while.

"Sister, take this first, don't be stingy. I'll come pick you up when I've made my fortune."

Song Zhen retorted angrily, "Why are you wasting money so soon after you've become a little successful? What money do I need? I have food and drink every day."

Song Shen chuckled and said, "What's this? We'll be upgrading from slingshots to cannons in the future. You can keep this little bit of money for now; I don't even care about it right now."

Song Zhen was forced to accept, then suddenly realized and asked, "Why are you leaving so soon after becoming a servant? Where are you going?"

Song Shen said, "I'm going to Green Lake. I'll come back to see you in a while. Eat well while I'm gone, don't lose weight. I'll come pick you up."

Song Shen gave another reminder.

Song Zhen said with some concern, "It seems things aren't going well over there."

Song Shenyi said confidently, "There's absolutely no problem, don't worry about me."

"All right……"

Before leaving, Song Shen respectfully said to the old woman, "Please help me out, elder sister. I will repay you handsomely in the future."

The old woman smiled and teased Song Shen, "Good young man, seeing you and your brother looking at each other so affectionately, my heart has melted. I will definitely help you take care of him."

Song Shen bowed again.

"Then I'm leaving."

Song Shen gave one last word of advice before stepping through the door and leaving.

Song Zhen stood there stunned for a long time, praying for Song Shen in her heart.

The old woman smiled wryly and said, "Is it really necessary? Anyone who didn't know better would think you were eyeing your lover. Alright, from now on you don't need to do things like fetching water and washing clothes. You just need to sweep this area. Consider it me agreeing to that boy's request."

Song Zhen was extremely grateful.

A group of girls crowded around the back, and one of them exclaimed in surprise, "No way, she really mastered it for her younger brother?"

In an instant, the person who had just mocked him felt as uncomfortable as if he had eaten shit. "Um... Ah Zhen, your brother is really handsome. If you need a wife, just tell everyone."

This spectacular scene of initial arrogance followed by obsequiousness was something Song Zhen found hard to bear.

But then I thought, why would these people struggling to make a living at the bottom of society need such an expensive luxury as face?

With that thought in mind, she put aside her resentment and returned to her friends.

*

*

*

Feng Zhiyuan was short and stout, with a round face and small eyes, and was quite generous.

From Song Shen to the original owner of this body, over the years, he has spent very little time away from the Cao family, only able to go out for half a day each month.

This time, however, I left this luxurious mansion with a mix of emotions.

Feng Zhiyuan was very fast on his feet, and he led Song Shen at a brisk pace.

This man was a second-class guard with formidable martial arts skills. He moved like the wind, and Song Shen could only follow him without uttering a sound.

Having finally left the city and arrived at the outskirts, Feng Zhiyuan smiled and said, "You're quite composed, kid. You must be exhausted. There's a small teahouse up ahead. Let's go in, have some tea, and then continue on our way."

Song Shenxin thought to himself, "Is this child deliberately walking so fast?" But he politely replied, "I'll listen to Brother Feng."

The brocade banners fluttered in the wind by the river.

Song Shen walked in and sat down.

Feng Zhiyuan called out, "Shopkeeper, bring me a pot of the best tea! The finest tea!"

A moment later, a childish voice said in a sweet, childish tone, "Third Uncle, here you go."

Song Shen was utterly astonished. He turned his head and saw that it was his elder brother's son.

The phrase "Third Uncle" caught the attention of an old man in the teahouse. The old man came out and was immediately stunned.

"You...Ah Shen?"

His own son, who had been a slave, was now dressed in clean servant's clothes, carrying a long stick, and looked just like a guard.

The guards of wealthy families are by no means lowly in front of ordinary people; on the contrary, they are a group of people who are not to be trifled with. This is because they are already the henchmen of these wealthy families, and most of them are skilled in martial arts. Ordinary commoners cannot afford to offend them.

Song Shen took the teacup and reached out to pat the child's head: "Thank you."

The grudges of adults have nothing to do with children.

Faced with Old Man Song's question, Song Shen nodded calmly: "Yes."

"you……"

Old Man Song wanted to say something, but remembering what had happened not long ago, he found it difficult to speak.

"Father, what's wrong?"

Another man, his face charred and dark, clearly someone who had long been engaged in hard labor, strode out of the house.

"...It's been a long time, hasn't it? Your brother is here."

The man looked at Song Shen with suspicion. "Shen?"

Wasn't his own younger brother being treated like livestock in the Cao household? Then who was this one in front of him?

"Big brother." Song Shen nodded, feeling somewhat awkward. At this moment, his family member was like a stranger.

Song Da was filled with astonishment: "Ah Shen, you've become a servant? You've practiced martial arts?"

Song Shen nodded calmly and said, "I'm just passing by, I'll be leaving in a bit."

"you……"

Song Daxin thought that his younger brother had become successful and couldn't just leave like that. He wanted to say a few more words to warm up their relationship.

Song Shen stood up and said, "The tea is finished, Brother Feng. Shouldn't we get going?"

Feng Zhiyuan had been observing coldly from the beginning, and when he saw Song Shen get up, he simply said indifferently, "Hmm... it seems so, it's getting late."

After saying that, he glanced at the sun and thought, "Hmm, the sun has only been up for a short while."

Song Shen left the tea payment and walked outside.

"Ahem, why don't you stay for a meal before you leave?"

Old Man Song said, feeling inexplicably embarrassed in front of his son.

"No need."

Song Shen stood up, leaving behind only his back view.