Seven days later, Wanwan and Mochen emerged from Granny Su’s room. They had both lost a significant amount of weight, but their composure had been restored.
Before her death, their grandmother’s greatest worry was for them. Therefore, they absolutely could not let her die with that unease. From now on, they would diligently practice their martial arts, ensuring no one could bully them.
Yun Xiao watched them, her heart aching. She reached out and patted their shoulders.
"Don't be sad. You still have us."
Yes, they were fortunate to still have them. Otherwise, they wouldn't know how they would have gotten through this. Moreover, their grandmother had so many people accompanying her in her final moments; they were truly content. Lifting their faces, Wanwan and Mochen were now very calm.
"Mm,"
They stayed at the Su Estate, dedicating themselves to practice. Their martial arts progressed at a rapid pace. While not yet miraculous, each of them had mastered about seventy to eighty percent of what their grandmother had taught them, which was excellent. Granny Su was also very satisfied.
Furthermore, with one hand, she had almost finished reviewing her old routines. Even if the power wasn't what it used to be, it was enough to deal with that scoundrel Ding Haowen.
From Granny Su, they learned that Ding Haowen, that man, had achieved his success and become the respected leader of the martial arts world largely due to her secret assistance. Who would have thought he would end up acting this way in the end?
Three months later, one afternoon.
Granny Su called the few of them to the flower hall, her expression grave.
"Children, you have learned what you need to. But practicing martial arts is not a matter of a day or two. Remember, never be lazy in the future. With time, none of you will be inferior to others."
"Granny," they all cried out. Hearing her words, it seemed she intended to leave. Everyone felt reluctant. They had spent so much time together and had developed feelings for her. With Granny Su leaving now, the courtyard would become even more desolate.
"There are no eternal banquets in the world; when it is time to part, we must part."
Wanwan and Mochen wept, remembering their recently deceased grandmother, and now Granny Bai was also leaving. Their hearts were heavy. Raising their tear-filled eyes, they said,
"Granny, please stay. We are still here. We will take good care of you. Don't mind that man anymore; believe he will face his retribution."
"I am not going. This life will always carry shadows for me, so we must settle this matter."
Granny Su stood up, her resolve firm. She turned to look at Yun Xiao, who was standing silently to the side, and grasped her shoulder, speaking with determination.
"Xiao'er, you are a good child, kind-hearted. Heaven will treat you well. Take good care of yourself, and don't forget, you still have them to look after."
"Granny, I understand. We'll wait for you to return."
Yun Xiao said calmly, then looked up at Jing Yun opposite her, commanding in a deep voice, "Jing Yun, accompany Granny to Su City. Remember, do not let Granny get hurt."
"Yes, Master."
Jing Yun accepted the order. Granny Su disapproved, but once Yun Xiao decided on something, no one could change it.
Although she usually smiled sweetly and looked adorable, only those who followed her knew that once she made up her mind, no one could alter it.
Granny Su had no choice but to agree. In the end, Jing Yun accompanied Granny back to Su City, and everyone felt much more at ease. Before they left, Yun Xiao gave Granny a large quantity of pills, all sorts of poisons and antidotes, filling several bottles and jars.
In the end, Granny even developed a longing to return and stay with the children once her revenge was accomplished.
After Granny left, the few of them continued their martial arts training, doing what they needed to do.
Martial arts practice was not a matter of a day or two; it was a long process of accumulation. Now, they could not afford to be idle any longer; they had to find things to do.
Therefore, Yun Xiao convened a simple meeting to decide their future course of action.
She would provide the funds for Mochen to open a restaurant, which would be used for gathering intelligence.
Additionally, they would open a medical clinic. This clinic would be for people like Granny Su. If they were ill and had no money, they could come here for treatment. Treatment wouldn't necessarily be for money; as long as fate allowed, they would be treated.
Of course, this didn't mean the excessively wealthy would flock there for treatment. For such individuals, they would require a considerable consultation fee, if not a fortune, before being treated.
With the future plan decided, Yun Xiao and Wanwan donned sheepskin masks and left the mansion to search for houses.
Mochen and Liu Xing went to look for a property for the restaurant. The two groups acted separately.
Those sheepskin masks were truly priceless treasures. As thin as cicada wings, when worn on the face, they made one feel as if there was no mask at all. They were white, soft, and incredibly smooth.
In the mirror, Yun Xiao had transformed into a dashing young man, neither Yun Xiao nor Feng Guan, but the Young Master Leng Yue. Wanwan remained his maid, Yu Wan.
This was their first appearance in Yan Capital since their return. They took a beautifully crafted carriage and drove around the streets but didn't find any suitable houses.
Finally, they decided to stop by a restaurant for a rest, as the house search wasn't urgent.
"Let's go to Qingyu Tower,"
Yun Xiao instructed the coachman in front. He was a new driver hired by the Su Estate and was very familiar with Yan Capital. He promptly replied, "Yes, Young Master."
This coachman was an honest, straightforward man. Upon hearing his master's command, he responded and drove the carriage towards the most prosperous street in Yan Capital, stopping directly in front of Qingyu Tower.
The midday sun poured down like water onto this luxurious and imposing restaurant. The glazed tiles reflected a dazzling radiance. Above the golden signboard, three large characters, Qingyu Tower, were carved in a flowing calligraphy.
Everywhere exuded extravagance and wealth. Yet, upon that golden signboard, strands of green vines hung, creating a striking contrast between gold and green, an elegance that spoke for itself.
It seemed the owner behind this establishment was both wealthy and tasteful. This detail alone attracted many.
As Yun Xiao and Wanwan alighted from the carriage, they immediately drew the attention of those nearby.
The young man was exceptionally dashing and graceful, captivating all eyes. His exquisite features were like paintings, yet without the artificiality of a woman's makeup, possessing an indescribable elegance and delicacy.
Beside him, his beautiful maid was even more striking. Her skin was as flawless as porcelain, with a faint blush on her cheeks. The crimson silk robe she wore made her appear like a cloud of flowing light, impossible to look away from.
Several people at the entrance began to whisper. Yun Xiao and Wanwan remained composed. After a series of movements, they now moved with a flowing grace, no longer exhibiting their former awkwardness.
Qingyu Tower.
In a private room on the second floor sat two men of outstanding appearance. One leaned lazily against a soft cushion, clad in a thin purple robe. The flowing hem of his robe was embroidered with golden threads depicting auspicious clouds, exuding elegance and nobility.
His exquisite features included finely arched eyebrows and slender, long eyes. His skin was smooth and lustrous, like fine antique jade.
Under the sunlight, he was crystal clear and transparent, yet his eyes held a faint, almost absent warmth, radiating a cold aloofness. He narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at the man opposite him.
"Lin, is that person truly that formidable?"
Although asking a question, his tone remained cold.
The man opposite him opened his slightly lowered eyes. His ink-black pupils were filled with chilling frost, and a palpable aura of cold hostility emanated from him, making him seem unapproachable. He wore a costly black brocade robe, cinched with a golden python belt, from which hung a precious seven-colored palace sash. He exuded an air of untamed dominance.
He looked at the man opposite him with a hint of surprise and did not speak. He gently toyed with the celadon teacup in his hand, a rare sight of this aloof individual speaking. He did not want to readily satisfy him, as it was always difficult to ask him to do anything.