By the time they returned to the Zhou Manor, dusk was already falling.
Zhuang Xun followed Yi Xiaoxiang into the main hall, where he saw a little girl dressed in a pale yellow ruqun. She was as delicate as carved jade, with lovely, pitiful eyes, looking just like a porcelain doll.
When the little girl saw them enter, she immediately set down the pastries in her lap, stood up, and greeted them one by one:
“Cousin-Aunt, Cousin.” She paused when her gaze fell upon Yi Wangyou, unsure of what to call him.
“Cousin,” Zhuang Xun said, puffing out his chest and pointing at himself.
Zhou Ziruo burst into laughter and said, “Xingmian is actually a few months older than you. She should be calling you younger cousin.”
“Ah?” Zhuang Xun looked at the little girl, whose eyes had just lit up as she prepared to speak. He waved his hands repeatedly and said, “In that case, don't try to cozy up to me. We're not close.”
Hearing this, the little girl let out a deflated breath. After a moment of bewilderment, she called out timidly, “C-Cousin?”
“Yes!” Zhuang Xun beamed. “Now we're close, very close.”
Suddenly, he realized something was off. He looked suspiciously at the giggling Zhou Ziruo. “Wait a minute. I don't even know exactly how old I am. How do you know she's a few months older than me?”
“Hahaha~ Hmm? Your Senior Sister knows how to read faces. Pretty amazing, right?”
“Old woman, always playing petty tricks.”
“Yi Wangyou! Say that again!”
Xia Xingmian watched the two bicker, lowering her head to steal a smile. Her large eyes studied Yi Wangyou with curiosity.
During the evening banquet, she sat next to Yi Wangyou. Watching him quickly finish his food and slip away, she hastily took a few bites, said, “I'm full!” and hurried after him.
She searched left and right, finally spotting Yi Wangyou riding Bengbeng in the courtyard outside.
She paused behind the doorway, watched curiously for a moment, and then walked over.
“You eat so fast.”
Zhuang Xun was making Bengbeng bounce back and forth, treating it like a rocking horse. Hearing her, he swayed along and said, “The Little Overlord is far ahead.”
Xia Xingmian took another two steps closer. “I heard them say you're the same age as me, yet you're already a martial artist. You're so amazing.”
Zhuang Xun swayed his head. “The Little Overlord's martial arts are peerless.”
Xia Xingmian squatted down to look at the cup-sized Bengbeng. “Are you riding a squirrel? That's so cool. I've never seen anyone ride a squirrel before.”
Zhuang Xun crossed the ropes to bring Bengbeng to a halt. “The Little Overlord's riding skills are superb.”
Xia Xingmian stood up and looked at Yi Wangyou. “You always speak in idioms. That's so impressive. My father always makes me read, but I don't like it. You must have read a lot of books.”
Zhuang Xun said triumphantly, “The Little Overlord speaks in idioms.”
“You're so amazing...” Xia Xingmian faltered, unsure of what to say next. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she asked, “Do you want to go to the night market? There are lots of pretty things to see, fun things to play with, and delicious food.”
Zhuang Xun shook his head. “The Little Overlord never travels at night.”
“Oh...”
Seeing how hard Xia Xingmian was trying to find things to talk about, Zhuang Xun took the initiative to ask, “Do you want to try riding it?”
“Can I? I'm a little scared.”
“It's fine, just sit next to the Little Overlord.” Zhuang Xun shifted to the side, freeing up half the chair, then bent down to pull Xia Xingmian up.
“Wow!”
“Squeak squeak squeak!”
Xia Xingmian and Bengbeng cried out at the same time.
Outside the doorway, the Zhou Family Head watched the two get along so harmoniously and smiled. “Xingmian and Wangyou really look like a good match. Cousin, how do you plan to arrange Wangyou's marriage in the future?”
Yi Xiaoxiang replied, “I haven't thought about it. Before long, I will be taking You'er and Ziruo to the Sword Sanctuary of the World. We probably won't return to Mount Dazhou very often.”
“Exactly, Father. Don't go playing matchmaker,” Zhou Ziruo said, looking helplessly at her father.
“Just joking, just joking.” The Zhou Family Head smiled, then asked, “Are you leaving so soon? Around when?”
Yi Xiaoxiang said, “After the New Year.”
The Zhou Family Head asked, “I see. Then who do you plan to have as the new Courtyard Head of the Posuo Courtyard?”
Yi Xiaoxiang replied, “I haven't decided yet. I'll let the Principal and the others arrange it when the time comes.”
Zhuang Xun suddenly chimed in, “You can leave Senior Sister behind to be the Courtyard Head.”
“We should leave you behind!” Zhou Ziruo glared at Yi Wangyou, who was sitting on the chair.
“Then let Senior Brother Yan be the Courtyard Head,” Zhuang Xun added.
“Junior Brother Yan...” Zhou Ziruo thought about it. Yan Pingsheng indeed seemed like a good choice to be the Courtyard Head. He was famous in the martial academy for his excellent character, so they wouldn't have to worry about him refusing to yield the position if they returned in the future. Moreover, he was Senior Brother Bai's fellow townsperson.
Zhou Ziruo agreed, “Master, Junior Brother Yan is indeed quite suitable.”
“His strength is still a bit lacking; he can't manage the Posuo Courtyard for now. I will instruct the Principal to let him become the Courtyard Head of the Posuo Courtyard once his martial arts reach the Third Rank.”
Yi Xiaoxiang didn't particularly want to dwell on the decision of who should be the next Courtyard Head. Since both of her disciples had suggested it, she decided to settle on him.
Furthermore, Yan Pingsheng possessed an excellent character and reputation, and was widely known as the Orchid Gentleman. Even though she rarely managed affairs and seldom inquired about the Posuo Courtyard's situation, she had still heard of him.
Sitting next to Yi Wangyou, Xia Xingmian listened quietly for a while. Half-understanding that her newly made friend seemed to be leaving, she asked softly with a hint of sadness:
“Are you leaving?”
Zhuang Xun nodded and sighed. “The Little Overlord must leave his home behind.”
Rate on N.U.
