The Most Powerful Young Master of the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 19: Let’s Get Married

Wang Bang’s courage grew, and he walked over to drag Bai Yutang’s sword toward him. Yes, Wang Bang must have been out of his mind earlier to try to deal with the centipede while carrying a sword. After all, he certainly wouldn’t dare to strike it first, so carrying the sword served no purpose other than wasting his own energy and increasing the chances of getting stabbed to death by it. Thwack, thwack Now, with a fierce swing, the coiled centipede was sent tumbling. It’s its own fault for coiling up like that. Normally, one swing would cut it in two, but this guy piled on extra layers, so now it’s been sliced into eight pieces. Jin Mao’s sword was incredibly sharp—it felt like slicing through watermelon or chopping vegetables. Oh, right… Bai Yutang’s finger and Old Chen’s ear had already been eaten by the centipede during last night’s battle, for tactical reasons. At that moment, Bai Yutang’s face was a bit pale. Leaning against the wall, she stared at the sweat-drenched Wang Bang with a strange expression, recalling the heart-stopping events of last night. She had watched every detail, completely engrossed—so much so that she eventually even forgot it was a life-and-death battle. Wang Bang’s insidious and sleazy nature still sent shivers down her spine, yet she simply couldn’t help but enjoy watching. For within Wang Bang’s unconventional fighting style lay a specific kind of wisdom that, upon careful reflection, could resolve some of the martial arts-related questions in Bai Yutang’s mind. Over the past two years, the exceptionally gifted Bai Yutang had reached a high level of mastery, yet she had made little further progress and remained slightly behind that young upstart, Zhan Zhao. She was at the very pinnacle of her abilities, yet that final step eluded her. Now that Bai Yutang felt a glimmer of inspiration, she decided to quiet her mind and sort through her thoughts. “Last night you said yourself that you stayed because you didn’t want to die at the wolves’ jaws out there. Were you serious?” Bai Yutang suddenly asked in a soft voice. “Did I say that?” Wang Bang felt a bit awkward. Could it be that she’d let the truth slip in the heat of the moment? That was bad—the typical trope in such situations was far too fantastical: the ice queen was supposed to melt, expressing gratitude for saving her life, and so on. Instead, she’d come out with that. “I remember you saying that,” Bai Yutang replied calmly. Wang Bang had no choice but to say, “All right, I’m an honest person—I don’t want to deny it.” “So that means you were fighting for yourself, not to save me. I, Bai Yutang, don’t owe you anything, right?” Bai Yutang added. Wang Bang replied, “As a true hero, one takes only what is due—or rather, one leaves no trace. Refusing to claim credit is the spirit of selflessness among heroes like us. In principle, even though you saw it with your own eyes, I won’t admit to saving you. I won’t force you to owe me a favor.” “Then we’re even again,” Bai Yutang said with a faint smile. Wang Bang felt a wave of frustration wash over him; he felt like dying. “That sword is mine. Why are you holding onto it? Hurry up and give it back to me.” Bai Yutang valued her sword greatly; it seemed to be her Achilles’ heel. Wang Bang felt a pang of jealousy. Could it be a token of love given to you by the hero in your heart? With that thought in mind, Wang Bang desperately wanted to destroy the sword. Although the sword was sharp, breaking it wouldn’t be difficult. If she found the right spot and stomped down right in the middle, it should snap. However, since it was a deadly weapon, it was a bit dangerous. Wang Bang was afraid of hurting herself—it would be terrible if it bounced back and sliced her private parts. “What’s your trick? Just standing there hoping for a reward? I told you to give my sword back!” Bai Yutang roared, his temper flaring. “What’s the rush? This crappy sword isn’t worth a dime. Do you really think a rich kid like me would even look at a sword like yours?” Wang Bang had no choice but to step forward. Once she had the sword back in her hand, she finally felt at ease. As she sheathed it, she said, “With the Wang family’s meager wealth, you really aren’t worth this sword. You’re a despicable little brat—you’ve even swindled over a hundred wen from street thugs and even swindled your own father out of his eggs. That’s why I suspect you’d try to swindle me out of my priceless sword.” Wang Bang said, “Is that how little you think of me?” “You… aren’t about to cry, are you?” Bai Yutang said, taken aback. “I want you to see me in a different light. I thought you’d understand that kind of psychology,” Wang Bang said. Bai Yutang didn’t scold him; instead, he gave him a strange look and stared at him silently. “Jin Mao, why don’t we just get married?” Wang Bang suddenly said, biting his finger. “You little rascal, what on earth made you think of that?” Bai Yutang still didn’t scold him, but paused in surprise. “I really like you. You’re beautiful and have a great figure. Aside from having a bit of a nasty temper and a history of bullying little kids, you’ve got plenty of good qualities. I love big sisters who are full of skills,” Wang Bang said. “It seems you’re telling the truth this time…” Bai Yutang surprisingly didn’t scold him for being silly. “But you’re so young—how could we possibly get married?” Wang Bang chuckled, “I’m a little young now, but I’ll grow up someday. Just wait for me.” “Do you really want to be my ‘child husband’?” Bai Yutang’s expression grew even stranger. “I do. After last night, my little heart has already fallen in love with you. If you don’t mind the trouble, let’s just settle it this way,” the little brat said in a flowery tone. After thinking for a long time, Bai Yutang suddenly said, “Wang Bang, this is your last chance. Think it through: do you want to marry me, Bai Yutang, and be devoted to me with all your heart from now on, never to go back on your word even unto death?” As cunning as Wang Bang was, he was actually taken aback by her eerie expression and unwavering attitude. However, influenced by his child’s body and unable to resist the allure of this highly skilled, stunningly beautiful older sister, Wang Bang spoke impulsively: “I’m willing. I won’t regret it.” “Very well.” Bai Yutang shed her aloof demeanor, reached out to stroke his cheek, and said, “With heaven and earth as our matchmakers, and the blood we share through life and death as our witness, I, Bai Yutang, hereby marry Wang Bang as my husband today at Lanruo Temple, under the witness of the gods and spirits. From this day forward, I will be devoted to you with all my heart—until the seas run dry and the rocks crumble—and I will never go back on my word. If you ever dare to be unfaithful in the future, I will not let you off the hook—nor will I spare the woman you love.” Wang Bang couldn’t help but startle. To be honest, Old Wang was mostly just a bit of a joker; even if he liked this older sister, he’d been approaching it with a playful attitude. But now, hearing the fiery Bai Yutang speak like this, he had a vague feeling that he might have gotten himself into trouble. “Could it be that she’s been hurt in love, or perhaps made a mistake, and is now taking advantage of me—a naive young man—to use me, a respectable young master, as a fall guy?” Wang Bang thought this rather lecherously. As a result, the older woman slapped him on the back of the head. Bai Yutang said, “Stop thinking about it. Our agreement is set. I gave you a chance to back out, but you didn’t take it. You know I won’t let anyone who betrays their word and abandons their wife and children get away with it—never!” “It’s really happening!” Wang Bang shuddered at the thought of “betrayal and abandonment,” and then realized just how ruthless she was—even toward herself—as she’d already severed her own finger. Holy shit, if I mess up, won’t she cut off my little guy too? It was almost like selling his soul to the devil and becoming a Dark Knight. While that might be cool, it also seems pretty stupid—and it’s definitely not Wang Bang’s style at all. Bai Yutang spoke again in a gentle voice: “You’re my husband now. I’ll tell you this: my real name is ‘Bai Yutang.’ ” “Are you sure you’ve got nothing to do with that ‘White Yu Tiger’ legend?” Wang Bang started rambling while crying his eyes out. Bai Yutang reached out and pinched his cheek. “Look at you, being mischievous again. I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Wang Bang was even more beside himself—when a woman like her was this gentle with him, trouble was bound to follow. “What are you thinking? Do you think my name is bad?” Bai Yutang asked. “Your name is great—you really live up to it,” Wang Bang said hesitantly. “I’m just a little worried I might end up taking the fall. You aren’t planning to act like a wayward young woman and then come to an honest guy like me to take the blame, are you?” “That’s a strange way of putting it, but I sort of get it. Are you trying to verify my good character?” Bai Yutang asked curiously. Wang Bang’s face flushed slightly as he said, “That sounds a bit hurtful, but my neighbor, Old Wang, places a lot of importance on these things—it’s not that I’m particularly uptight.” Bai Yutang replied, “Your request isn’t unreasonable—why explain so much? Of course I’m chaste; I can prove it to you later. But right now… you’re still too young.” “So that means you really are my wife now!” “Didn’t you say I was pretty? Now that your wish has come true, what’s there to cry about?” Bai Yutang said. “I’m afraid my parents will punish me,” Wang Bang said, making excuses. “That’s your problem, not mine.” Bai Yutang shook her head with a mischievous look and struggled to her feet.