Later that same day after the citizens arrived, Zi Ming's father organized yet another feast. The food he was able to provide probably wasn't up to their standards but he only cared to show his obligation and devotion to the clan.

Zi Haofeng wasn't too much of a fussy person so he heartily ate the meal they prepared for them before starting to tell jokes and gossiping with the children about marvels from the big town.

On the contrary, his cousin didn't even care to eat anything she was offered. She only ate some dried meat as a show of politeness before indulging in all the reserves of alcohol the village chief had stored for rainy days. Zi Tao wanted to complain but he hung on for the sake of their future, which also included the interests of the child in his wife's belly right now.

Yes, in several months, his wife would hopefully birth another genius in the family. "I need to act even more responsible," was what he was telling himself when he witnessed the woman downing another barrel of precious liquor.

"Mister Tao, I hope you can forgive this useless daughter." Zi Muyun said in an embarrassed tone as he gave the drunkard the eye."That girl is acting up now that we've left the city in a long while. She isn't always like this, I haven't properly raised her even after so many years, haha."

The woman who listened snorted and continued to drink in silence.

"!!" Zi Tao was instantly scared. He got up before bowing in respect as he said:

"I'm sorry I couldn't provide better alcohol. This village of mine is poor and run down but as long as it's for esteemed elders I'll do my best to please. This is really nothing much, please don't apologize or I will feel awkward..." A trace of cold sweat was forming once again on his back as he waited for the man to answer.

"Um." Zi Muyun nodded once more in appreciation. "I was just teasing you. Honestly, I'm very satisfied with the way you've been treating us. I'm not as stuck up like those other clansmen of ours, I know of your difficulties, but..."

"But...?" Zi Tao felt his stomach turn up. He gulped a big chunk of saliva and looked in the man's direction.

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Zi Muyun's expression changed before he continued:

"I think it's about time we stopped with the pleasantries, isn't it?"

The room turned silent. Zi Ming and the others knew better than to open their mouths at that moment. Even the usually wild and unrestrained Zi Haofeng stopped smiling. He only drank one cup of tea solemnly, eyes closed, his expression stern. Everyone understood that he was tacitly approving the words of his uncle.

Zi Tao sat down slowly not shaking eye contact from Zi Muyun. He wanted to speak but he knew that at this moment he could only decorously wait for the man to continue with his train of thought. It also wasn't appropriate for him to engage this subject since he didn't have the upper hand concerning these matters.

He took one look in direction of his sister as he endured through this coy but crucial industry. The latter gave him a knowing smile but she didn't risk interfering. Her moist palms were clasping the tissue on her thighs as she waited like everybody else.

"Don't be so stiff mister Tao. Truthfully I didn't hope for much as we made our way here. But I've been surprised by the way you raised your children to be so talented. I think I already have a good idea of what you were hoping to achieve by welcoming us with such care. I'll be straightforward and say that this request of yours is already something I was planning to grant after the first night..."

"Then...?" Zi Tao was instantly overjoyed.

"Yes, your son and the other two youngsters are coming back with us this time. Don't think of it as something you earned. Honestly, I would have probably brought them back along with me without your consent. I consider myself a reasonable man, but I can also be selfish at times." Zi Muyun smiled and said bluntly. "Especially that son and daughter of yours, you really have no clue do you?"

"?? What do you mean sir...?"

"....Nevermind." Zi Muyun gave a wry smile and shook his head in defeat. "Let's continue with our celebration, you and I will talk about this matter and something else in more detail later today."

"Yes, sir!" Zi Tao busied himself, "Someone, bring more liquor over, also food, quickly!" he called for the servants outside. The mansion was turned upside down as the feast went on.

Zi Ming, Zi Yurou and the rest of them let go of all forms of nervousness and indulged in their newfound but unexpected happiness. Things turned out even better than they had all expected and they were apparently highly valued by the main clan. Fortune, especially unexpected was always something people would appreciate even more than normal.

Even the pregnant Zi Lan decided to remain longer and share this moment with everyone. She never imagined in her wildest dreams that things would turn out so well. She caressed her belly and thought about the days ahead while listening to their merry banter.