Chapter 143: The An Family

Chapter 143: An Family Home

The old man An, known as An Laoyezi, was sitting in the main hall, his head resting against his hand. He was holding a teacup, slowly sipping from it.

He seemed to be completely unaware of what was happening outside. The main hall was unusually quiet.

A young girl, about seven or eight years old, wearing a small cotton-padded jacket, sat by the fireplace in the corner, roasting some dried sweet potatoes.

The sweet potatoes were emitting a fragrant aroma.

The old man An turned his head to look at her. "Little Mei, are those ready?"

Little Mei nodded, her face smudged with dirt. "Grandpa, they're almost done."

She peeled off a piece of sweet potato skin and offered it to the old man An. "Grandpa, try it."

The old man An took a bite and sighed. "It's still the taste of sweet potatoes that I grew up with."

He then said, "Little Mei, go see if your Auntie is here yet."

Little Mei nodded and ran out.

Outside, the commotion had just begun. Several figures, all wearing black clothes and masks, were quickly scaling the courtyard wall.

The An family's guards immediately discovered them. A chaotic fight broke out.

The An family guards were all skilled martial artists, but their opponents were clearly more powerful. They quickly fell into a disadvantage.

Just then, a loud shout was heard.

"Stop!"

An unusual figure appeared. He was a middle-aged man, dressed in a plain blue robe, with a benevolent face.

It was An Xiucai.

An Xiucai walked towards the fighting crowd, his hands behind his back.

"Who are you people?" An Xiucai asked calmly.

The figures in black did not answer, but instead attacked An Xiucai.

An Xiucai raised his hand and blocked their attacks.

He then unleashed a flurry of moves, striking at the figures in black.

The figures in black were no match for An Xiucai and were quickly defeated.

An Xiucai looked at the defeated figures. "Tell me, who sent you?"

The figures in black remained silent.

An Xiucai sighed. "Since you won't talk, I'll have to take you to the authorities."

He then called out, "An Feng, take these people away."

A burly man, dressed in armor, appeared and took the figures in black away.

An Xiucai then walked back into the main hall.

The old man An looked at him. "What was all that commotion about?"

An Xiucai smiled. "Nothing, just a few troublesome people."

The old man An nodded. "It's good that you handled it. These days, there are too many people causing trouble."

An Xiucai sat down and poured himself a cup of tea. "Yes, Grandpa, you should be careful."

The old man An chuckled. "I'm old, what can I do? It's all up to you young people now."

Just then, a voice was heard from outside.

"Grandpa, I'm here!"

It was An Ran. She walked into the main hall, carrying a basket of gifts.

The old man An's face lit up. "Ran'er, you're finally here!"

An Ran walked over and hugged the old man An. "Grandpa, how are you?"

The old man An chuckled. "I'm good, I'm good. Look at you, you've grown so big."

An Ran smiled. "Grandpa, I brought you some of your favorite snacks."

She then turned to An Xiucai. "Father, how are you?"

An Xiucai smiled. "I'm good, thank you."

An Ran then turned to Little Mei. "Little Mei, you've grown taller!"

Little Mei smiled shyly. "Auntie, you're back."

An Ran smiled and stroked Little Mei's head. "Yes, I'm back."

The family then sat down and chatted. The main hall was filled with laughter and warmth.