Chapter 19: Closing Disciple
After the roll call, Chen Qing practiced Swift Wind Blade Technique for another hour before heading home.
"Mother, I'm back." Ducking into the boat, Chen Qing placed his sword on the table and grabbed the water ladle, tilting his head back to gulp down several mouthfuls.
The cool water down his throat finally calmed his burning chest somewhat.
He removed his short jacket, sweat stains spreading dark traces across the coarse cloth.
"Have you eaten? There are still some beans in the pot."
Lady Han sat by the window, her fingers flying as she stitched shoe soles.
Chen Qing responded and was about to pick up his chopsticks when he noticed Lady Han's expression grow slightly tense. She looked left and right, then lowered her voice, "The Tiger Gang people came to collect incense money again these past two days, but they passed by our house. Recently the water bandits have been fierce, the fishing boats on the river don't dare cast their nets far. Old Gao's family is strapped for cash, I heard they even pawned their iron pot to scrape together the money..."
Ever since Xu Chengfeng learned that Chen Qing had entered obvious strength, the Tiger Gang had stopped coming to collect incense money. Lady Han sighed and continued, "Should I take a bag of rice bran over to them later? We're neighbors after all, can't just watch them go without food."
Chen Qing nodded, "Mother, it's your decision."