Cai Zhao sprang up like a shrimp and bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Uncle Zhou! I hope you’re well and enjoying good fortune and longevity.”
Zhou Zhizhen patted Cai Zhao’s head, smiling gently.
Compared to the arrogant nouveau riche Song Shijun, Zhou Zhizhen exuded a noble aura, as if he hailed from a distinguished family steeped in generations of scholarly tradition. Consequently, Chang Ning had no choice but to stand and offer a proper bow.
Aware of the Chang family’s situation, Zhou Zhizhen spoke consolingly to Chang Ning with genuine sincerity. He even produced a jade cicada as a token, explaining that if Chang Ning ever faced dire circumstances, he could use this jade cicada to seek help from anyone at Peiqiong Manor.
“Uncle Zhou is truly sincere,” Cai Zhao beamed. “He never speaks or acts insincerely. Senior Brother Chang, why are you hesitating? Quickly accept it!”
Although Cai Zhao’s mother, Ning Xiaofeng, disliked Zhou Zhizhen almost as much as Qi Yunke, Cai Zhao herself held both Qi Yunke and Zhou Zhizhen in high regard, especially when they arrived bearing gifts.
Chang Ning silently accepted the jade cicada and stepped aside.
“Uncle Zhou, you’ve lost weight again,” Cai Zhao observed, her face full of filial concern. “I know the elderly Mrs. Zhou isn’t well, but you’re not young either. Don’t neglect your health while caring for her.”
Zhou Zhizhen was visibly pleased, his eyes brimming with affectionate smiles. “Zhao-Zhao, you’re so thoughtful. You’ve truly grown up. I was worried you might not adapt to living away from Luoying Valley, but it seems my concerns were unfounded. It’s a pity your Uncle Qi acted faster; otherwise, I would have taken you back to Peiqiong Manor. Becoming my disciple wouldn’t be inferior to studying under the Grand Master Qi. I wonder if little Zhao would be willing!”
Cai Zhao feigned a sigh. “Uncle Zhou, let me be honest with you. Look at that shabby little town below Nine Li Mountain, then think of the bustling markets surrounding Peiqiong Manor. Where do you think I’d prefer to study?”
Zhou Zhizhen stroked his beard and laughed heartily. “Exactly! How could our Zhao-Zhao settle for such a quiet, dull town like Qingque Manor?”
At that moment, two handsome young men with similar features approached, calling out, “Uncle, come quickly! We’ve encountered the Liu brothers. Come see their family heirloom swords!”
As they drew near, the slightly taller one noticed Cai Zhao and smiled. “Oh, little sister Zhao-zhao has grown up!”
The shorter one winked mischievously. “Though she hasn’t grown much taller. I bet she still needs a stool to reach the counter when fetching aged vinegar…”
“Watch your words! If you can’t speak properly, go practice before opening your mouths again!” Cai Zhao snapped, her mood instantly souring.
Zhou Zhizhen shook his head, laughing. “Yuqian, Yukun, stop teasing Zhao-zhao. You’re all adults now! Alright, I should go meet your Uncle Liu. Let’s head over there.”
As the Zhou family trio departed, Chang Ning eagerly asked, “Is Manor Lord Zhou your aunt’s fiancé? But I’ve heard… I’ve heard he…”
“You’ve heard he’s already married with children, right?” Cai Zhao replied, unsurprised. “We all know that.”
“Uncle Zhou’s wife is his mother’s niece, surnamed Min. She trained at Peiqiong Manor with everyone when they were young. My aunt knows her. Oh, and their son is called Zhou Yuqi. He’s two years older than me.”
Even Chang Ning, who prided himself on having seen all facets of human nature, was stunned by this revelation.
Cai Zhao continued, “My grandparents passed away when my aunt was only ten, and my father was even younger. The old Manor Lord Zhou, remembering his friendship with my grandfather, personally took my aunt and father to Peiqiong Manor and accepted my aunt as a nominal disciple.”
“You can imagine the situation back then. My grandparents died early, and my grand-uncle was off who-knows-where living freely. Luoying Valley wasn’t in great shape. Fortunately, the old Manor Lord Zhou was kind. He not only cared for and protected my aunt and father but also upheld the marriage promise he’d made years before.”
Confused, Chang Ning picked the most obvious question. “Doesn’t your aunt like Manor Lord Zhou?”
“How could she not? In his youth, Manor Lord Zhou was one of the most handsome men in the martial arts world, from a prestigious family, and a prodigy among the younger generation. Only Master Song from Guangtian Gate could rival him, but Zhou’s reputation was far better. Why wouldn’t my aunt like him?”
“Then why didn’t Lady Cai marry Manor Lord Zhou?”
Cai Zhao scratched her ear, her fair, tender earlobe turning pink. “I’m not entirely sure. Initially, it was probably because they were too young. Later, when Nie Hengcheng started his reign of terror, everyone was busy fighting the evil cult. After that… my aunt’s life hung by a thread, and she could barely survive day to day. How could she marry and have children?”
“Regardless of the reason, since the marriage didn’t happen, there must be some lingering resentment. Yet your family seems to have no ill feelings toward Zhou Zhizhen. You’re even so close to the Zhou family!” Chang Ning began to wonder if he was being too cynical, and perhaps people could truly be so magnanimous.
“Why should there be any ill feelings?” Cai Zhao replied matter-of-factly. “Of course, I’m close to the Zhou family. I’ll be going to Peiqiong Manor in the future.”
Chang Ning: “…To do what at Peiqiong Manor? Haven’t you already become a disciple of the Qingque Sect?” He wondered if the Cai family was so concerned about their daughter going astray that they wanted her to have two masters. Were the Cai Valley Master and his wife really that cautious?
Cai Zhao patiently explained, “I’m not going to Peiqiong Manor to become a disciple. I’ll be living there for the latter half of my life.”
Chang Ning: “??”
“I’m going to marry into the Zhou family. Not only was my aunt betrothed to Manor Lord Zhou since childhood, but I’ve also been betrothed to Zhou Yuqi since we were young.”
Chang Ning’s expression looked as if someone had slashed his face.
“Senior Brother Chang, why have you gone silent?” Cai Zhao waved her hand in front of Chang Ning’s face.
Chang Ning glanced sideways as if he had a fishbone stuck in his throat.
“Oh, so this is where Sister Cai has been enjoying herself! We’ve been searching high and low for you,” a familiar, delicate female voice called out as two young women gracefully approached.
On the left was the beautiful Qi Lingbo, wearing a lotus-pink palace dress and a gold hairpin adorned with pearls, truly more enchanting than flowers. On the right was a graceful and dignified young woman in a snow-cyan crinkled silk dress, whose gentle smile was as refreshing as clear, flowing water.
The young woman on the right bowed slightly. “It’s been a while, Sister Zhao-zhao. How have you been?”
Cai Zhao muttered, “Not another one,” before rising to return the greeting. “Greetings, Sister Xinrou. I’ve been well lately.” She then briefly introduced the newcomer to Chang Ning—this young woman was named Min Xinrou, the niece of Lady Min from Peiqiong Manor, the same age as Qi Lingbo and a year older than Cai Zhao.
Chang Ning, perhaps still reeling from the earlier shock, seemed completely disinterested in engaging with anyone. He merely raised an eyebrow, exchanged a few perfunctory greetings, and then sat silently to the side.
Qi Lingbo knew Chang Ning’s foul temper well. Not wanting to create additional problems, she quickly linked arms with Min Xinrou and said with a coquettish laugh, “Sister Xinrou and I hit it off immediately. As we talked, I discovered that you, my junior, not only know Sister Xinrou from before but are also engaged to her cousin, the young master of Peiqiong Mountain Villa. Oh my, Zhaozao, why didn’t you tell us earlier? If we had known, us three sisters could have played together harmoniously.”
Cai Zhao responded with a half-smile, “Since I arrived at Wanshui Qianshan Cliff, I’ve encountered Senior Sister Qi three or four times. We were either fighting or arguing, leaving no time for pleasant conversation.”
Qi Lingbo’s face stiffened as she desperately held back her emotions.
Min Xinrou smiled gently, parting her red lips, “Sister Zhaozao is still as amusing as when she was young. No wonder Uncle is so fond of you. Alas, it’s a pity Brother Yuqin isn’t here. Otherwise, we three childhood playmates could have a proper reunion. I’ve been urging Brother Yuqin to come, saying that not only is this the North Chen Patriarch’s bicentennial ceremony, but he should also visit for Sister Zhaozao’s sake. Unfortunately, the old madam’s health is declining day by day, and the doctor insists that a grandchild must stay by her side. There’s nothing we can do about it…”
“It doesn’t matter,” Cai Zhao replied emotionlessly. “Brother Yuqin and I will have most of our lives to stare at each other. Seeing each other one more or less time now is insignificant. Instead, Sister Xinrou, you should spend more time with Brother Yuqin while you can. After you’re married, you can still visit your parents’ home, but you won’t be able to run to your cousin’s house every day. However, Sister Xinrou, if your future marriage turns sour – for instance, if your husband beats you black and blue or forces you to sleep on the porch – make sure to tell me. I’ll seek revenge for you…”
“What on earth are you saying?!” Qi Lingbo couldn’t hold back any longer, while Min Xinrou’s face had turned as pale as her dress.
Cai Zhao remained calm, “Sister Xinrou, you’ve visited Falling Petal Valley with Uncle Zhou three times. During the first two visits, we ‘compared’ our martial arts skills. On the third visit, we switched from physical to verbal sparring. Sister Xinrou, why don’t you tell Senior Sister Qi whether you’ve ever won against me, either in fighting or in words?”
Min Xinrou lowered her powdered neck, her face flushed with embarrassment, “Sister Zhaozao is clever and quick-witted. She surpasses me in both martial arts and eloquence. However, that was when we were young and didn’t know better. Now…”
Cai Zhao interrupted her, turning directly to Qi Lingbo, “Senior Sister, you’ve heard it. Whether in physical or verbal contests, I always win. So, why did you bring this defeated opponent to confront me? Did you think having her by your side would help you regain face?”
After enduring such sarcasm, Qi Lingbo couldn’t contain herself any longer. She shouted, “Don’t think you’re invincible just because you’ve gained the upper hand over me and Sister Xinrou. Even a great hero needs three helpers. Sister Xinrou has the support of Mrs. Min and the old madam, and I have my mother and senior brothers to help me. Hmph, you probably don’t know that I’ve been engaged to Third Senior Brother since childhood…”