The atmosphere had been quite pleasant, so Cai Zhao was confused by Lei Xiuming’s sudden outburst.
Chang Ning, leaning against a pillar, said, “Didn’t you notice the ribbons tied to the ducklings’ heads? They’re Lei’s beloved pets.”
“Who would keep ducks as pets?” Cai Zhao asked incredulously.
“If people can keep cats and dogs, why not ducks? Lei never allows his ducks to be eaten; he raises them until they die of old age,” Chang Ning shook his head. “It’s fortunate your aunt only took his robes and jade crown. If she had taken his ducks, Lei would have hated your Luoying Valley for eternity.”
Cai Zhao felt a chill, realizing she had considered sneaking away with a few ducklings earlier.
That afternoon, Cai Zhao had planned to exercise and practice with weapons, but upon returning to Qingjing Studio, she found Dai Fengchi and his lackey Cui Sheng there to inform them that “the Sect Mistress requests your presence.”
Chang Ning frowned, but Cai Zhao smiled, “Let me guess, has the Master left the mountain?” She might not understand ducks, but she certainly understood Yin Sulian.
“Whether the Master is here or not, you should heed the Mistress’s summons,” Dai Fengchi said evasively.
Chang Ning wanted to chase away these two lackeys, but to his surprise, Cai Zhao agreed cheerfully. He had no choice but to follow.
On the way to Shuanglian Huachi Palace, Chang Ning whispered, “Mistress Sulian calling for you can’t be good. We should avoid it for now and wait for Sect Leader Qi to return.”
Cai Zhao asked in surprise, “Haven’t you ever taught a spoiled brat a lesson before? Like Sister Lingbo, I knew from the first time I offended her that Mistress Sulian would eventually come looking for trouble.”
“Then why are you walking into it?”
Cai Zhao looked mysterious, “How do you know she hasn’t walked into my trap?”
Chang Ning didn’t believe her nonsense and said, “If you’re planning to act against Yin Sulian on her turf, you’d better have a good plan. Otherwise, just the charge of disrespecting an elder would be enough to cause you trouble. Even if Sect Leader Qi protects you, your reputation will suffer.”
Cai Zhao waved dismissively, “Oh, Brother Chang, what are you thinking? How could we righteous sect members raise a hand against our elders? You make me sound so aggressive. Ask anyone within 300 li of Luoying Town, and they’ll all say I’m peaceful, kind-hearted, and always smiling—the gentlest and most delicate young lady under heaven.”
“…” Chang Ning asked, “Did you drink at lunch?”
“Anyway, don’t worry. I absolutely won’t fight with the Mistress. I’m not crazy.”
Chang Ning remained doubtful.
Ahead, a clear pool reflected myriad colors, with various rare and beautiful lotuses adorning the water’s surface. Bai cranes danced under flowering trees, while kingfishers circled among the gilded and painted beams, creating a scene like a paradise on earth.
This was Shuanglian Huachi Palace, where the Yin sisters had grown up.
Cai Zhao exclaimed, “Tsk, tsk, look at this grandeur and refinement. Compared to this, our Luoying Valley looks like a country bumpkin who’s just had two full meals.” She suddenly thought, “Is the Qingque Sect very wealthy?”
Chang Ning: “Yes, very wealthy.”
“How do you know?”
“I can tell from the golden roof corners of this palace.”
Cai Zhao looked impressed, “Brother Chang, you’re so insightful.”
“You’re too kind. It’s hard not to notice when everything’s gleaming with gold.”
Although Shuanglian Huachi Palace was opulent, it didn’t lack elegance and charm, showing considerable taste. But the back-and-forth between the two made Dai Fengchi’s face turn green.
Entering the palace, they saw Yin Sulian sitting high on a golden lotus-shaped throne, with Qi Lingbo smugly seated beside her. Mother and daughter were flanked by rows of armed female attendants, each with a hostile expression, and behind them stood rows of sturdy servants holding long snake spears. As Cai Zhao and Chang Ning entered, all eyes turned to glare at them menacingly.
Though the setup was somewhat ridiculous, Cai Zhao noticed that some of these lackeys had considerable skill.
Seeing them arrive, Yin Sulian said coldly, “Oh, you’ve finally come. What honored guests we have.”
Cai Zhao smiled brightly, “You’re too kind, Mistress. On such a lovely day, have you called us here to enjoy the flowers and tea together?”
Yin Sulian slammed her hand on the armrest of her throne, “Stop playing dumb! From the moment you arrived at Wanshui Qianshan Cliff, you’ve been disrespectful to your elders and repeatedly bullied my daughter! Today, as your master’s wife, I’m going to punish you properly for your disrespect towards elders and your senior sister!”
“Mistress, you’ve got it backward. It’s my senior sister who has repeatedly bullied others,” Cai Zhao smiled. “As for disrespecting elders, that’s absurd. I’m looking right at you, Mistress. How is that disrespectful?”
Yin Sulian sneered, “I know you’re sharp-tongued and skilled in martial arts. Today, let’s see how capable you are! Come, make Cai kneel, serve tea, kowtow, and apologize properly to my daughter!”
At these words, the lackeys on both sides stepped forward threateningly.
Qi Lingbo’s face lit up with joy as she laughed loudly, “And that Chang fellow too, make him kowtow and apologize to me! Aunty Mao, bring out the ‘Ten-Essence Tonic’ and have them drink it. Consider it a gesture from me as their senior sister.” With a wave of her hand, a muscular older woman in combat attire brought forward two bowls of a black, foul-smelling liquid that made one want to vomit at the mere scent.
Cai Zhao held her nose in disgust, “Did you dig this out of a cesspool? Senior Sister Lingbo, your taste is quite strong.”
Chang Ning’s eyes flashed, noticing that this ‘Aunty Mao’ had a fierce gleam in her eyes but suppressed her aura, likely a high-level external martial arts expert.
“Stop pretending,” Qi Lingbo laughed uncontrollably. “You’ve bullied me again and again. Did you think I was made of mud? But as your senior sister, I’m magnanimous. If you two kowtow and apologize, then drink this, we can consider our grudges settled!”
Cai Zhao: “Senior Sister Lingbo, you’re truly broad-minded. But what if I refuse to kowtow, apologize, or drink this foul concoction?”
Yin Sulian’s face darkened, “That’s not up to you! Come!”
At her command, the surrounding attendants drew their swords, the servants raised their spears, and even Dai Fengchi put his hand on his sword hilt. Dozens of gleaming weapons pointed at Cai Zhao and Chang Ning, closing in on them.
Cai Zhao looked at these lackeys, laughing in anger, “Just yesterday at the discipleship ceremony, the Master explicitly said not to bully me or Brother Chang. You’re all so aggressive now—aren’t you afraid of the Master’s punishment later?”
Chang Ning said casually, “You’re overthinking it. These aren’t sect disciples. They’re private guards raised by the Yin family, following the Yins’ orders. When the Yin sisters married, Old Master Yin gave each daughter a group of attendants as part of their dowry. If it weren’t for Zhao Tianba and Han Yisu going crazy a dozen years ago, there would be even more Yin family people in the Qingque Sect.”
Aunty Mao, with a faint dark aura around her brow, said in a deep voice, “You two little brats dare to speak so boldly. Do you think that without the old master, the Yin daughters can be bullied? Today, we’ll show you the might of the Yin family! Surround them!”
The lackeys advanced several more steps, encircling Cai Zhao and Chang Ning with their weapons.
“Let’s fight then,” Chang Ning said expressionlessly. “We can always find justification later. We shouldn’t suffer losses first.”
Cai Zhao frowned, appearing weak and delicate, “Brother Chang, let’s not talk of violence. As a frail girl, I’m truly frightened. Let’s try to keep the peace.”
Before Chang Ning could speak again, Cai Zhao stepped forward and began reciting loudly, “Brother Zhang, since our parting at Qianqiu Peak months ago, I’ve missed your heroic bearing dearly, thinking of you day and night. May your heart be like mine…”
“Stop!” Yin Sulian’s face suddenly changed, shouting excitedly, “Don’t read anymore!”