Republic of China era: Actor? Please call me Martial Arts Master!

Chapter 37 The Wolf Cub, the Stubborn Donkey, and the Little Monkey

Even after the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the festive atmosphere in Beijing hadn't completely dissipated, but the wind was getting stronger and stronger.

These past few days, the backyard of the Lu residence on Qianmen Street has been a scene of chaos and sweltering heat.

As dawn broke and the morning star still hung in the sky, the snow in the yard crunched underfoot.

"The waist and stance must be in harmony. I've said it countless times: the waist is the master, not for you to do some fancy footwork!"

Lu Cheng held a rattan cane in his hand and cracked it in mid-air with a sharp "snap," startling the boys.

The Qingyun Troupe is now divided into two groups.

The troupe leader, Zhou Daikui, led those with good voices and graceful movements to practice their singing and movements in the east courtyard with Feng Sanniang. It was a proper, professionally trained approach, and their melodious singing could be heard even through the walls.

The "training ground" in the backyard belonged to Lu Cheng.

The rest are Shunzi, Xiaodouzi, and that wolf cub they picked up from the human market... Lu Feng.

These three were personally selected by Lu Cheng as his "in-service disciples".

"Shunzi, your gun is too dead."

Lu Cheng walked up behind Shunzi and kicked him in the heel.

"A spear thrusts in a straight line, a stick sweeps across a wide area. Your spear technique is like a fire poker; it's a deadly skill on stage and a death sentence on the battlefield."

Shunzi's face turned bright red. He was the eldest brother and also the most honest.

His master's scolding made him even more nervous, and he didn't dare to tremble at all while holding the white wax spear in his hand.

"Don't panic."

Lu Cheng's voice softened, and he reached out and pressed on the spine of the man, saying, "Sink your breath and hold your strength in."

Turning his head, Lu Cheng looked at Xiaodouzi on the other side.

This kid is a reincarnated monkey spirit.

Right now, he's hanging upside down on the branches of an old locust tree, practicing "inverted hanging bell".

"Little Bean, stop showing off."

Lu Cheng laughed, "Somersaults are basic skills, what I want you to practice is 'lightness of body'. Landing silently, that's real skill."

"Yes, Master!"

Little Bean chuckled, swung his body, and floated down like a leaf, his toes barely touching the ground, and surprisingly, he didn't make much of a sound.

This kid is light-boned; he's a good candidate for practicing light-body skills.

Finally, Lu Cheng's gaze fell on Lu Feng in the corner.

This wolf cub is both the one who makes Lu Cheng feel the least worried and the one who causes him the most heartache.

Lu Feng didn't practice shooting or somersaults.

He's crashing into a tree.

That's the "leaning" technique from Xingyiquan.

He was shirtless, his body steaming in the freezing weather, the skin on his shoulders chafed and bleeding, but he seemed oblivious to it.

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

With each impact, the thick willow tree trembled, and the snow on its branches fell in a flurry, turning him into a snowman.

But his eyes were lifeless, only flashing a wolf-like glint when he exerted his strength.

"stop."

Lu Cheng walked over.

Lu Feng immediately stopped, stood up straight, and didn't complain of pain or fatigue. He just stared straight at Lu Cheng.

"come over."

Lu Cheng took out a porcelain bottle from his pocket, poured out some of the Black Jade Bone-Mending Ointment he had prepared the night before, a secret medicine that cost a lot of money, and applied it to Lu Feng's bloodied and mangled shoulder.

The ointment felt cool, and Lu Feng's lips twitched in pain, but he didn't utter a sound.

"You're a good piece of iron, but don't overwork yourself."

Lu Cheng said calmly as he applied the medicine.

"Remember, rigidity cannot last. If your heart is filled only with ruthlessness, that won't do. The path of a master lies in the balance of strength and gentleness."

"Sir, I'm not afraid of being crippled."

Lu Feng spoke, his voice hoarse, the hoarse voice of a man going through puberty.

"As long as I can become stronger and protect my sister, I'll accept being crippled."

Lu Cheng paused in his movements.

Looking at the boy who only reached his chest, he seemed to see himself in him back then, also disregarding life for the sake of survival and family.

"Silly boy."

Lu Cheng flicked him on the forehead. "With your master here, it's not your turn to risk your life."

"Let's go eat!"

……

The dining room was steaming hot.

Today's breakfast is Old Beijing's "braised pork buns" with freshly fried dough rings, served with thoroughly pickled Liu Bi Ju pickles.

The braised dishes were stewed in a large pot, the fatty intestines were tender and the lungs were soaked in the broth, and when you bit into them, they sizzled with oil.

Lu Laogen is now enjoying a life of luxury, wearing a silk cotton-padded jacket and peeling an egg for Lu Feng's five-year-old sister, Lu Yun.

"Come on, little girl, eat more so you can grow tall."

Lu Yun was wearing a pink padded jacket and had two pigtails. Her face was rosy from being pampered, and she was no longer as pale and thin as she had been in the human market.

"Thank you, Grandpa." The little girl's voice was sweet and soft, melting hearts.

Lu Feng held a large bowl and slurped down his soup, but his eyes would occasionally glance at his younger sister. Only when he saw that his sister was eating heartily would a silly smile appear on his tense face.

This kind of laughter only exists in the Lu family mansion.

Once outside that door, he transformed back into that wolf, ready to bite someone's throat at any moment.

"Chengzi."

Lu Laogen put down his chopsticks, glanced at his son, and hesitated before speaking.

"What's wrong, Dad?" Lu Cheng picked up a fried dough ring and took a crunchy bite.

"Um... Matchmaker Liu is coming today."

Lu Laogen rubbed his hands together, a little embarrassed.

"What happened with the Lin family last time has been a thorn in my side ever since. Even though we're rich now, it just doesn't feel right without a woman in the house who cares about us."

"Matchmaker Liu said that this time it's a girl from a good family, the daughter of Manager Wang of the rice shop outside Qianmen. She's educated in a private school and is well-mannered."

Lu Cheng stopped using his chopsticks.

A blind date?

He looked at the room full of people, young and old, and at the lively, bustling atmosphere.

Indeed, this huge house is lacking a lady of the house to manage it.

But his current identity is that of a martial arts master, a famous actor, and also someone caught in the vortex of this chaotic world.

Could an ordinary woman really withstand such a turbulent storm?

"Father, about this matter..."

"Oh, Master, please go and take a look!"

The little bean, with a fire-roasted bun stuffed in its mouth, mumbled incoherently.

"I've heard that the Wang family's daughter is incredibly beautiful, just like someone from a painting."

Shunzi chuckled beside him, "Yes, Master, the Grandmaster has been talking about it for a long time. Just think of it as going for a cup of tea."

Lu Cheng looked at his father's expectant eyes and his full head of white hair.

My heart softened.

That's it.

In this world, we should cherish every day that brings joy to the elderly.

"OK."

Lu Cheng put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth.

"Then let's meet."

"But I have to rehearse today, so I can only spare some time during lunch break."

"Alright, I'll go get it prepared right away!"

Lu Laogen was so happy he almost jumped for joy. He didn't even eat breakfast and turned around to run outside to make arrangements.

……

After the meal, Lu Cheng took his three apprentices to the stage in the front yard.

Although it's not yet the Lantern Festival, the Qingyun Troupe has to start preparing for their new play early.

"The Chariot" is too heavy; it's a play about risking one's life.

During the Chinese New Year, we need to put on a lively and festive show, and also showcase our real skills.

Lu Cheng chose... "Havoc in Heaven".

This is a highlight of martial arts plays and the pinnacle of monkey plays.

It emphasizes the word "spirit".

Not only do they have to do somersaults and wield the golden cudgel, but they also have to portray Sun Wukong's lawless and arrogant defiance of the Heavenly Court.