Cai Zhao lamented in a low voice, “I feel like I’ve been living a life of austerity!”
Cai Han nodded emphatically.
The young man in the plain robe overheard and his lip twitched slightly.
The palanquin came to a stop, and a middle-aged man in luxurious attire stepped down. The pigeon blood rubies adorning his golden sword alone were enough to dazzle Cai Zhao’s eyes. To be fair, this wealthy uncle was quite handsome, with a high forehead, straight nose, and striking features. He must have been quite the catch in his youth, and even in middle age, he retained his charm.
Cai Zhao felt a sense of familiarity as she looked at him. Suddenly, she realized why—this wealthy uncle bore a striking resemblance to the cold and handsome Song Yuzhi standing nearby.
Upon seeing the arrival of the Guangtian Gate party, Zeng Dalou’s face showed a hint of resignation. He plastered on a smile and stepped forward to greet them while quietly instructing his disciples to prepare something at the cliff’s edge.
Song Yuzhi, ignoring Cai Zhao’s scrutiny, stepped forward and said, “Father, you’ve arrived.”
Song’s father, clearly pleased to see his son, looked at him with approval. “Yuzhi, I see your lightness skill has improved again.”
Just then, an arrogant voice called out from behind, “Father, why don’t you scold Yuzhi for not writing home in so long?”
Everyone turned to see a young man in fine clothes astride a magnificent horse approaching leisurely. The horse’s bridle alone, made of pure gold and studded with jewels, was worth a fortune. Behind him rode another figure, unremarkable in appearance and mounted on an ordinary horse.
Cai Zhao frowned, thinking it was a waste to use such a splendid horse for mountain climbing.
Ning Xiaofeng rolled her eyes and asked Zeng Dalou, “When you divined our arrival, did you also foresee his coming today?”
Zeng Dalou could only offer an awkward smile.
Song Yuzhi stepped forward again, bowing. “Elder Brother, Second Brother, Yuzhi pays his respects.” He then introduced the newcomers to the Cai family: the dressed one was Song Xiuzhi, the eldest son, while the one adorned like his father was Song Maozhi, the second son.
Song Xiuzhi immediately dismounted and bowed, while Song Maozhi merely laughed haughtily with his nose in the air.
Cai Pingchun maintained his composure, but Ning Xiaofeng couldn’t help reaching for her waist pouch. Knowing her mother’s temper, Cai Zhao quickly moved to restrain her hand.
“Pingchun, it’s been a long time. You haven’t changed a bit,” Song Shijun, the Master of Guangtian Gate, said magnanimously as he approached the Cai family.
“You’re too kind, Elder Brother Song,” Cai Pingchun replied with a slight bow, then deferred to his wife.
Ning Xiaofeng forced a smile. “Indeed, Pingchun is still young and naturally shows little change. But you, Gate Master Song, seem to have changed quite a bit… Your belt appears to require more material than before.”
Song Shijun’s face darkened. “I see Lady Ning’s sharp tongue hasn’t dulled with age.” His hand unconsciously moved to his waist—while Song Shijun was indeed impressive and grand in appearance, he had… put on a bit of weight.
Realizing that engaging in a battle of wits with a woman would bring him no glory even if he won, Song Shijun shifted his gaze to the Cai siblings standing nearby. “So, this must be Zhao-Zhao, who is to join the Qingque Sect soon. I’ve heard much about you from Brother Yun Ke. Ah what a pity your aunt has passed away. Otherwise, we could have shared a drink and caught up.”
Cai Zhao, genuinely puzzled, asked, “Gate Master Song, were you close with my aunt?”
“Of course we were,” Song Shijun replied with a mature, dignified smile.
“But my aunt never mentioned you,” Cai Zhao said truthfully, priding herself on her honesty and aversion to lies.
The Song family members were left speechless.
Ning Xiaofeng suppressed a laugh, feeling the urge to embrace and kiss her daughter.
It was the good-natured Cai Pingchun who stepped in to smooth things over. “Elder Brother Song, we’ve recently developed two excellent batches of wound-healing medicine in Luoying Valley. Perhaps you’d like to take a look? Xiaofeng, you come too.”
Song Shijun nodded stiffly and followed the Cai couple to one side. Cai Zhao could faintly hear him asking, still not quite convinced, “Pingchun, did your sister never mention me?” Ning Xiaofeng then interjected, “Gate Master Song, surely you can guess what Sister Pingchu would say about you if she did mention you. Let’s not dwell on things that might damage our relationship…”