Chapter 22: Surprise

The little beggar was deeply unaccustomed to this environment and to Liu Guanju’s candid, unreserved tone. He shifted uneasily and mumbled, head bowed, “Miss, it is my good fortune that you favor me. But I have matters to attend to; I cannot accompany you in your martial practice.”

“What matters do you have to attend to? Aren’t you an orphan, begging on the streets?” Liu Guanju shot him a sideways glance, lips pursed. “You all like to deceive me! As if I’m easy to fool! Though I’m only nine, I know right from wrong quite well!”

“Miss Guanju, don’t be angry. He must have his own troubles,” Liu Chuyan interjected, seeing her stomp her feet in frustration and tug at the string of pearls on her sleeve, hastening to calm her.

“What troubles could he possibly have? He just dislikes me, that’s all!” Liu Guanju turned her head sharply, strode over and shut the door tightly, then shouted at the little beggar, “I like you, and you’ll agree whether you want to or not! Don’t think you can trick me!”

“Miss, I really do have matters to attend to,” the little beggar replied, head still lowered, one finger digging into his palm.

“How old are you? You’re just a beggar—what important matters could you possibly have?”

“I’m already eleven. I truly have other things to do.” He lifted his chin slightly. Illness had drained his spirit; his eyes were dull, his expression wooden.

“What things? If I help you, will you be free to be my sparring partner?”

“Thank you, Miss, but I don’t wish others to interfere,” he replied.

No matter how Liu Guanju tried to persuade him, he wouldn’t listen. She tugged at Liu Chuyan’s arm, face wrinkled in distress. “Chuyan, he won’t listen to me...”

She looked about ready to cry. Liu Chuyan quickly soothed her and asked the little beggar, “How long have you wandered outside?”

“Many years...” He turned his head, not meeting her gaze. His face remained blank, but his eyes brimmed with sorrow.

Liu Chuyan sighed inwardly, then spoke gently, “In that case, why not stay here at the General’s Residence? Miss Guanju is kind-hearted; she will treat you well. If you have difficulties, she will help you. It’s far better than facing the world alone, without support or shelter.”

The little beggar stared ahead, dazed, as if considering her words, saying nothing.

Liu Chuyan continued, “You say you’re eleven; you seem a sensible boy. Weigh the pros and cons, and you’ll know what’s best. Moreover, with the General’s Residence as your support, you’ll fare better than struggling alone.”

Liu Guanju felt Liu Chuyan’s words were highly persuasive. She looked at the little beggar, her face full of hope. In truth, she had coveted him for quite some time, but lacked the chance to bring him home. Though his clothes were tattered, his face was delicate and handsome, his eyes bright as stars, his nose straight and proud. Every part of him hinted that he would someday grow into a man as striking as the Duke of Xing. Now that she had become his savior, she had no intention of letting him go easily.

The little beggar had no inkling of her thoughts; he merely felt her gaze upon him, as if she were about to drool. His cheeks grew hotter—luckily, his fever already made his face red as fire, or Liu Guanju would surely have noticed his embarrassment.

Seeing he was wavering and no longer refusing outright, Liu Chuyan smiled gently. “What is your name?”

He looked embarrassed and shook his head slowly. “I have no name.”

“All people have names. Why don’t you?” Liu Guanju asked, incredulous.

“Since I