Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Yan Family

Yang Zaixing watched Old Master Tong's family reunion before him, struggling to hold back his tears. Perhaps he was homesick, missing his own father. Yang Bo noticed the way Yang Zaixing was fighting his emotions and went over, gently patting him on the back. Yang Hu also stepped forward to stand by Yang Zaixing’s side, hoping that in this small way, they might offer him some comfort. Zhao Yun, too, must have been missing his own father or family, for his tears flowed ceaselessly, like the Yellow River bursting its banks.

As for Zhang Xuan, watching this warm scene, he too was lost in memories—perhaps missing his grandfather from his previous life. He wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and couldn’t help but muse inwardly, “Honestly, why am I so sentimental at my age? Their family reunites, and here I am, so deeply saddened. What is this? Am I just unable to bear seeing others happy? I should be joyful instead!”

At that moment, the woman called “Yu’er” finally noticed Zhang Xuan and his companions. She turned to Old Master Tong and said, “Enough, these things can wait until we’re inside. Are those your friends? You can’t just leave guests standing outside forever—people will talk!” Old Master Tong glanced at Zhang Xuan and the others, beckoning them to come over.

Once they approached, Old Master Tong made introductions all around. It turned out that this woman was indeed Old Master Tong’s legitimate wife, named Yan Yu. Looking at the couple, Zhang Xuan could hardly suppress the thought: “A true beauty married to, well, let’s just say, not quite her equal.” The child was their son, Tong Fei. Old Master Tong had left home when Tong Fei was still very young and had only now returned. Truly, to have a hero or wandering swordsman in the family brought more worry than joy—always gone, seldom home, and the family left anxious and waiting.

“You’re back. You remember to come back. I thought you’d never return,” an abrupt voice shattered the harmonious scene.

Everyone turned toward the sound and saw a robust old man leading a group to the doorway. Zhang Xuan took in the scene and could only think: this was truly a grand household; Old Master Tong’s background was no small matter.

Tong Fei ran straight to the old man. Yan Yu looked as if she wanted to say something, but was silenced by a glance from someone behind the old man. Old Master Tong lowered his head and said, “Father-in-law, I’ve returned.” Zhang Xuan and the others looked back and forth—it was clear now that this was Old Master Tong’s father-in-law.

His name was Yan Mao (a fictional character), head of the Yan family. Old Master Tong and his senior apprentice brother had both studied under Master Yuzhen. Yan Mao had become close friends and sworn brothers with Master Yuzhen in their youth. Later, he married both his daughters to Tong Yuan (Old Master Tong) and his apprentice brother. Yet, because both men were often away from home, Yan Mao never missed an opportunity to berate them whenever they returned.

The Yan family had practiced martial arts for generations and was well-known throughout Hebei and the Central Plains. Their main business was the escort and delivery of official goods, merchant cargo, and items for noble families—a precursor of what would later be known as the security escort, or in modern terms, a courier business, though not as fast as today's services. The Yan family had branches or shops in major cities like Luoyang, Chang’an, Xuchang, and Chengdu to facilitate their operations. Zhang Xuan had even planned to approach the Yan family for business cooperation, but hadn’t yet taken action; now, fate had brought them together.

“Hmph! Still alive, are you? If you hadn’t come back soon, I’d have thought my daughter would be a widow before her time. Both my girls married ‘heroes’—I thought they’d live happy lives, but who’d have guessed? Both husbands care little for home!” Yan Mao exclaimed.

Yan Yu and another striking woman, who closely resembled her—likely her sister, married to Old Master Tong’s senior apprentice brother—exchanged a glance. “Father, we’re doing just fine, not as badly as you say,” they protested gently.

Yan Mao shook his head. “Married daughters are like spilled water—once gone, their hearts turn away, never to return. This old man suffers! What are you all standing around for? Invite our guests inside! The Yan family doesn’t leave guests standing outside.” With that, he took Tong Fei by the hand and strode inside. Tong Fei looked at his mother, who waved him on, and so he followed. The others all trailed after the head of the Yan family—arriving quietly, leaving just as quietly, bringing nothing, taking nothing.

After hearing his father-in-law’s words, Old Master Tong’s face was awash with guilt. He turned to Yan Yu, “I’m sorry for all you’ve endured. From now on, I—”

“It’s alright,” she interrupted. “No need to make promises you might not keep. Let’s welcome our guests first—it’s nearly mealtime. You should have sent word you were coming home, especially with guests. Now we’re in a rush and may not host you well. That just won’t do.” With that, she went to greet Zhang Xuan and his companions, inviting them inside.

Zhang Xuan looked at Old Master Tong, growing ever more curious—had Old Master Tong saved the universe in a past life, to be blessed with such a wise and virtuous wife? His envy swelled like the waters of the Yellow River—unceasing and vast. He resolved to ask Old Master Tong for advice in the future.

“Come, everyone, let’s go in and eat. We can talk more after the meal,” Old Master Tong said, a bit embarrassed as everyone watched him, realizing that in his excitement at coming home, he’d nearly forgotten his manners.

Led by Old Master Tong and Yan Yu, Zhang Xuan and the others entered the grand Yan family compound. The first sight that greeted them was a large character for “martial” in the courtyard. Wooden stakes lined either side, and several people were sweating as they trained atop them. Wooden weapons were neatly stacked around the yard—clearly used for daily martial arts practice. The facilities were as complete as any martial arts hall seen on television. This was truly a family of martial artists, with training equipment and setups in abundance.

As Zhang Xuan and his group passed through the front courtyard, someone leaning against a wall watched them. Old Master Tong spotted him and called out, “Senior brother, you’re back too!”

“Just got an earful from our father-in-law, didn’t you? The same happened to me when I returned. But he isn’t wrong—we really have let them down. Now that you’re home, don’t think about leaving for a while. Forget everything else and spend more time with Yu’er and Fei’er, lest you regret it later. Enough talk—let’s go eat. You’ve brought quite the crowd; last time, if I recall, you only had that child with you.”