48-City in Danger.

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The two brothers didn't have much to pack—just a few clothes, some bedding, and things like pots, bowls, and ladles.

The grain in the cellar didn't need to be moved; they could just come back to fetch it every so often.

By the time Zhong Lin and Little Shi arrived at Locust Flower Lane, Unit A-6, the house had already been cleaned and was ready for immediate move-in.

"Shi!"

"Xiu!"

The moment they stepped into the courtyard, the two kids ran to each other, their faces beaming with joy and excitement.

For the past month, Little Shi had been cooped up at home by Zhong Lin. Even when Zhong Lin went out to buy supplies, Little Shi stayed behind alone, nearly going stir-crazy. Now, finally meeting someone his age—and a classmate no less—his excitement was off the charts.

Old Xu's little grandson was named Xu Xiu, with the nickname Xiu'er. He'd likely been under the same restrictions, and now he was just as thrilled.

Ignoring the chattering kids, Old Xu grumbled with a hint of dissatisfaction, "Zhong Lin, if you'd taken any longer, I'd have moved in myself."

"Didn't I make it? This must be Xiu'er, huh? What a bright, sturdy little guy. Old Xu, you've got a worthy successor," Zhong Lin said with a grin.

The moment his grandson was mentioned, Old Xu's face lit up with a smile. Since his son and daughter-in-law passed away, his grandson had become his heart and soul. Otherwise, at his half-buried age, he wouldn't have bothered partnering with Zhong Lin to sell medicine—it was all to save up a dowry for Xiu'er.

Old Xu chuckled proudly, "Oh, not at all, not at all. He's got some smarts, just too naughty. Your brother's not bad either—look at that frame, like a little calf. When he grows up and trains in martial arts with you, he's sure to rank up."

The two exchanged a round of mutual flattery. Then an old woman stepped out of the house.

Her hair was gray, her stature short, her face radiating kindness and warmth.

"You must be Little Zhong! Indeed, a fine-looking young man."

Old Xu introduced her from the side, "This is my wife."

Zhong Lin quickly cupped his hands in a salute. "Greetings, Old Madam."

Old Madam Xu stepped forward, took Zhong Lin's hand, and looked him over carefully. The more she saw, the more pleased she became, her eyes full of expectation. "Little Zhong, you're not married yet, are you? Got someone in mind? If not, how about I find you a match?"

Zhong Lin's smile stiffened. Having just escaped Aunt Jiang's matchmaking clutches, he felt like he'd stumbled into another trap. Did every older woman love playing matchmaker?

Xu Lewu, sensing Zhong Lin's discomfort, cut in, "Dear, don't go meddling in love matches. Zhong Lin has his own plans."

"What do you mean meddling? Little Zhong's got no parents to help him out, a grown man raising a little brother—how can a home function without a woman? At least she could mend clothes, do the washing, and know when he's hot or cold."

Old Madam Xu shot her husband a look.

Though she'd never met Zhong Lin, she'd heard enough from her husband to form an impression.

A yamen worker, creator of Heishan County's famous paintings, a ranked martial artist…

A perfect catch! 

If only she had a daughter, she'd have pushed for a match herself.

Zhong Lin laughed awkwardly. "Thank you, Old Madam, but I'm still young. I'd like to wait a few years."

"Such a pity."

"No pity, no pity! Shi, stop chatting—get the stuff inside," Zhong Lin called out to Little Shi nearby, swiftly changing the subject.

That night, at Old Xu's house.

Little Shi and Xiu'er played hide-and-seek in the courtyard.

Zhong Lin and Old Xu sat at a table, drinking across from each other. Three dishes were already on the table, and the Old Madam was still busy in the kitchen.

"The county's reserve army lost again—nearly wiped out. The rebels are closing in on the city."

"What?"

Old Xu's face changed drastically.

Zhong Lin downed his cup of wine, his expression grim. "I saw it at the yamen this morning—reliable info. The reserve army's crushed, and the rebels are gaining ground fast, nearing the county. Otherwise, I wouldn't have rushed to move here."

Old Xu's face filled with panic, his voice trembling. "This is earth-shattering news. Two losses in a row—Heishan County barely has any troops left. If the gates fall…"

He sucked in a sharp breath and pleaded with Zhong Lin, "Zhong Lin, I'm old—I can't move fast. Could you take Xiu'er out of the city? I'll give you all my silver—just protect him and keep him alive."

"Calm down," Zhong Lin said steadily. "It hasn't come to that yet. Heishan County's dangerous, sure, but leaving isn't safer. If we ran into rebels out there, that'd be real trouble. The city still has basic order, and with my strength, I can protect you all."

"Really?"

"Yes. Three days at most, and I'll reach the Seventh Rank Bone-Tempering Realm. You know how strong that is. Even if the city falls, I'll have no trouble keeping us safe during the worst of it."

Zhong Lin paused, giving Old Xu a deep look.

"Of course, if something extraordinary happens and it's beyond my power, I'll prioritize protecting myself and Little Shi."

Old Xu didn't get upset at that. He nodded. "That's only right. Seventh Rank Bone-Tempering Realm is enough. As long as we don't stir up trouble, we can weather this crisis. Plus, the prefectural city won't just sit by and watch Heishan County fall to rebels. Once reinforcements arrive, we'll be safe."

"Over the next few days, I'll dig a cellar at home and move the grain from Sweetwater Lane here. If anything happens outside, bring the Old Madam and Xiu'er to my place to hide."

Seeing Zhong Lin had everything planned, Old Xu's face relaxed with relief. He raised his cup.

"Zhong Lin, I won't say much—it's all in this cup. From now on, if you need anything, I won't refuse. As long as Xiu'er's safe, this old life of mine is yours."

Old Xu's gaze was resolute, showing a determination to sacrifice anything for his grandson.

Zhong Lin smiled, raised his cup, and drank it dry.

His willingness to help Old Xu's family was a return of kindness. Though their partnership was just business, it had indeed brought him plenty of profit—Blood-Replenishing Pills, Bone-Strengthening Pills—he'd never have earned enough painting alone, who knows how many years that would've taken.

Plus, after learning Zhong Lin was studying medicine, Old Xu had shared his family's heirloom *Xu's Medical Book*. That book had skyrocketed Zhong Lin's medical skills.

Sure, Old Xu had his own motives, but actions speak louder than intentions. Zhong Lin was happy to repay the favor and protect their family within his means.

Still, as he'd just said, if it came to an impossible situation, he'd put himself and Little Shi first.

Zhong Lin wasn't selfless enough to sacrifice himself for others.

He was selfish too.

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