Zhang Yunniang was Zhang Zhongjing's biological granddaughter and an undercover agent he had placed in this area.
Zhang Zhongjing had not deliberately told Gui Yuchen and Liu Yiyi about this.
However, the two addressed each other as grandfather and granddaughter.
In the afternoon, the sun lazily filtered through the gaps in the leaves, scattering into the small courtyard where Zhang Zhongjing and Zhang Yunniang were chatting, adding a touch of liveliness and warmth to the old house.
Zhang Zhongjing softly said, "My dear granddaughter, I want to go to the nearby market to buy some daily necessities.
How do I get there?"
Zhang Yunniang replied, "Grandpa, just follow this winding mountain road for about twenty li, and you'll come across a main road with a T-junction.
Turning left leads to Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, and turning right is a direct road to the county town."
Zhang Zhongjing listened and nodded, a hint of concern in his eyes: "Are there villagers living on both sides of this mountain road?"
"I'd also like to take the opportunity to see how the local people live."
Zhang Yunniang smiled: "There are quite a few villagers living on both sides of the mountain road.
Most of their houses are near that main road, making it convenient for them to come and go.
My place is a bit remote.
If you want to try wild game and fresh fish, don't look for them in the county town.
I'll take you hunting and fishing; I guarantee you'll taste true mountain delicacies and seafood."
Zhang Zhongjing's heart warmed as he heard this, and he nodded, saying, "My dear granddaughter, I'm off now.
Let Young Master and Yiyi wait at home."
After speaking with his granddaughter, Zhang Yunniang, Zhang Zhongjing went to ask Gui Yuchen if he had any requests.
Gui Yuchen's eyes immediately lit up: "Elder Zhang, could I trouble you to bring back a few miscellaneous books for me?
Folktales, ghost stories, novels, biographies—anything will do.
I'm idle anyway, so I can read to pass the time."
Liu Yiyi interjected from the side, "Young Master, let's start practicing martial arts this afternoon.
I'll teach you some basic skills, just in case."
Gui Yuchen's eyes brightened even more when he heard this: "That's great!
I really should learn some self-defense skills."
Seeing this, Zhang Yunniang also got excited: "Then I'll go catch some fresh fish by the stream; we'll have a good meal tonight."
At this moment, Liu Yiyi stood in the courtyard, the sunlight filtering through the clouds, shining on her dark hair, making her look particularly gentle and beautiful.
She turned and smiled slightly at Gui Yuchen, her smile as warm as a spring breeze, warming one's heart: "Young Master, let's start with 'Zhan Zhuang' (standing meditation).
Zhan Zhuang is the foundation of martial arts and can also help you develop your internal energy."
With that, Liu Yiyi gracefully walked to the center of the courtyard, her feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, hands naturally hanging by her sides.
She closed her eyes, as if her entire being had merged with the surrounding world.
She slowly said, "When practicing Zhan Zhuang, your mind must be as still as water, and your qi should sink to your dantian.
Feel the connection between your body and the earth.
Remember to breathe evenly, don't rush."
Gui Yuchen also stood in the same posture as Liu Yiyi, but as a beginner, his legs soon began to tremble slightly, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Seeing this, Liu Yiyi gently encouraged him: "Young Master, don't rush.
Martial arts training takes time.
Let's start with five minutes for now, and then gradually increase the time."
Time passed minute by minute, and Gui Yuchen gradually adapted to the rhythm of Zhan Zhuang, his body becoming more and more stable.
Liu Yiyi nodded in satisfaction and began to teach him some basic boxing and leg techniques.
Her movements were fluid and powerful, a perfect blend of strength and grace, each move revealing a deep foundation in martial arts.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yunniang quietly left the courtyard and walked towards the stream.
The stream water was crystal clear, and fish swam back and forth.
She took off her shoes and socks, rolled up her pant legs, and lightly stepped into the stream.
Zhang Yunniang's eyes were sharp, and in a few moments, she had selected several plump fish.
She put her hands together and quietly submerged herself in the water.
When the fish came close, she suddenly clapped her hands, and several fresh fish were firmly caught in her grasp.
"We're having fish tonight!" Zhang Yunniang said with a smile, putting the fish into a bamboo basket and walking back contentedly.
When she returned to the courtyard, she saw Liu Yiyi and Gui Yuchen practicing vigorously, and she couldn't help but smile, truly enjoying this peaceful pastoral life.
In the evening, Zhang Zhongjing returned riding a donkey.
The donkey's back was laden with large and small bundles, looking quite heavy.
He dismounted the donkey and unloaded the goods one by one: "I bought some traditional Chinese medicine and tonics to nourish the Young Master's body.
There are also snakes, soft-shelled turtles, and old hens.
Additionally, there are some clothes and daily necessities, all in the styles worn by ordinary people.
I also bought some lard, salt, tea, rice, flour, and chili powder."
Seeing this, Gui Yuchen quickly stepped forward to help unload the goods: "Elder Zhang, you are so thoughtful!
You must have had a tiring journey, right?
Please sit down and rest for a bit."
Zhang Zhongjing smiled and waved his hand: "Don't worry, Young Master, these old bones of mine are still strong.
What's a little journey like this?"
On this warm afternoon, the sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, scattering around the stone table where Gui Yuchen, Liu Yiyi, and Zhang Yunniang sat, creating a particularly cozy atmosphere.
Liu Yiyi stirred her teacup, her eyes gentle: "Yunniang, tell me, for women, what exactly does intimacy between husband and wife mean?
Is it a physical need, or a combination of emotion and body?"
Zhang Yunniang paused, then fell into deep thought.
She looked up into the distance, as if searching for an answer: "Yiyi, I used to think it was just a natural instinct between men and women.
But now, I realize it's much more complex than I imagined.
It's about respect, understanding, and the depth of emotion."
Gui Yuchen listened silently from the side, occasionally nodding.
He knew this conversation was very important to the two women.
He softly said, "Yunniang, Yiyi, do you know?
True love is not just a communication of hearts, but also a fusion of body and soul.
In this regard, both sides must learn to listen, understand, and respect each other's feelings."
Liu Yiyi took over, her eyes shining with determination: "That's right, Young Master!
I've heard that true love is when two people can see the stars and the sea in each other's eyes.
And intimacy between husband and wife is an important part of this starry sea.
It requires us to manage it with care and nourish it with love."
Zhang Yunniang smiled when she heard this.
She took a deep breath, as if at this moment, she had finally found the answer within herself: "Yiyi, you're right.
We should bravely pursue our own happiness, whether it's physical satisfaction or spiritual harmony.
Because we deserve the best."
The conversation continued in a warm and profound atmosphere, with the three of them sharing their views and insights.
This also laid a good foundation for the evening's entertainment, making their relationship even closer.