Chapter Seventy-Four: Grand Aunt, You Have Finally Arrived

Once the guests had departed, Maugher Lianhao carried Xuanxuan to see Tong Wan. Though there had been little commotion, Tong Wan was no fool; if something happened, she only needed to ask those around her to learn what transpired. She immediately demanded to see Xuanxuan.

“As long as you’re all right, that’s all that matters,” Tong Wan said, her face still pale. Upon seeing Xuanxuan, she clung to her and refused to let go.

On Maugher Yi’s grand birthday, it was customary for younger generations to pay their respects—those of some standing would be received individually. Normally, this task wouldn’t fall to her; men were hosted by Maugher Lianhao. Yet, as there was no suitable person to receive the female guests, she had no choice but to do so herself.

Had she been free today, Xuanxuan would not have suffered such a fright. This thought gnawed at Tong Wan’s heart as she gazed at the girl in her arms, her eyes reddening as she sighed deeply. “If only Awan were here, or even Xiao Ruo...”

Sitting nearby, Maugher Lianhao bristled at the mention of Xiao Ruo, his entire demeanor turning sullen and grim.

Tong Wan sighed, patting his shoulder. Seeing her son in such a state only made her feel worse. She realized she’d misspoken and should not have brought up the past. “I shouldn’t have mentioned it. But after so many years, why can’t you let it go?”

“She died because of me.” After a long pause, Maugher Lianhao finally spoke, his voice hoarse and low, thick with the remorse he could not shake.

Xuanxuan was startled. Her father had kept his head bowed, making his emotions hard to read, but his instability was obvious. Yet, who was this “she”?

Confused, Xuanxuan stared at her father’s forced smile—a smile she found ugly and unsettling.

“Mother, you should rest. I’ll take Xuanxuan to bed,” Maugher Lianhao said, lifting Xuanxuan from Tong Wan’s arms.

Tong Wan sighed again, blaming herself for raising the subject, yet still worried about Xuanxuan’s fright. The words she meant to comfort Maugher Lianhao were swallowed; she merely nodded, letting him carry Xuanxuan away.

Xuanxuan clung to her father’s neck, feeling his turmoil, and her heart was troubled as well.

After silently helping Xuanxuan wash up and tucking her into bed, Maugher Lianhao stroked her hair and turned to leave.

Xuanxuan grabbed his arm, her gaze steady and searching.

Ruffling her hair, Maugher Lianhao managed a faint smile. He still had this daughter, and he knew it. “Be good, Xuanxuan. Sleep. Daddy is fine.”

Watching Maugher Lianhao leave, Xuanxuan burrowed beneath the covers, frowning. Who was this “Xiao Ruo”? And “Awan”?

After a while, her mind yielded no clues. Frustrated, she tugged at her own hair and, restless, entered the Star Network, heading for the Pearl Pavilion.

Upon entering, Maugher Wu—capable and attentive—had someone escort her to the same room where she had spoken with her father last time.

She toyed with the objects at hand, waiting for Maugher Wu.

Maugher Wu had been enjoying a tender moment with his wife. For months, there had been no news from the honored one in the Star Network, and his spirits had been low. He had hoped to meet the clan leader or the third young master at Maugher Yi’s birthday, to remind them of his existence and perhaps glean hints about whether his task should continue.

But neither the third young master nor the clan leader appeared at the banquet.

He had been about to slink home in disappointment, considering alternate ways—perhaps relying on his wife, even if it meant swallowing his pride—to find a way to meet the third young master. He refused to let this opportunity slip; his instincts screamed that seizing it would bring him meteoric success.

Then, as he was leaving, he unexpectedly encountered Lord Yiqiong, reputedly the third young master’s right hand. Not only did he receive reassurance, but his wife was promised a position managing affairs at the main residence—a privilege he had never dared dream of, for those in the main house were always before the eyes of the clan’s distinguished elders.

Though nothing was yet certain, just having Lord Yiqiong speak to him meant he was greeted with newfound respect before even reaching home.

Even his usually haughty brother-in-law contacted him, asking when he’d bring his wife home to visit.

It had been ages since he’d felt such pride. His wife was delighted for him, too. He’d barely begun to undress when his communicator chimed, his brow furrowing—who would bother him at such a time?

A glance revealed it was the newly promoted appraiser, the one who had received the honored guest. His heart stirred; he quickly withdrew his hand from his wife’s embrace and answered, “What did you say? I’ll be there right away. Treat the guest well, make sure she is well received.”

He ignored his alluring wife and entered the Star Network directly.

“Where is she?” Maugher Wu asked.

“In the S-class appraisal room we reserved specially.”

He hurried to the appraisal room, feeling as spry as he had two centuries ago, akin to his school days.

At the door, he composed himself and asked the attendant, “How is it going?”

“The supervisor is very courteous.”

“Good, good. Stand by.” He knocked gently, waited, and when the door opened, saw a white-clad figure idly fiddling with a cup on the sofa. Maugher Yi’s heart leapt—he nearly knelt and called her “Grand Mistress, you’ve finally arrived.”

“Miss Xuan, welcome. Sorry for the wait,” Maugher Wu greeted her, anxious not to have her grow impatient.

Xuanxuan discarded the object in her hand, raised an eyebrow, and replied, “Have you prepared the people and materials I asked for?”

Maugher Wu answered respectfully, “Yes, all are ready. The people may take another half hour to gather, but the materials are prepared. Would you like to inspect them, Miss Xuan?”

She frowned. Half an hour?

“No need. Have them waiting here at this time tomorrow.” Xuanxuan didn’t want to waste her time waiting; her purpose today was simply to let her father and grandfather know not to worry. “Arrange a quiet place, large enough, with all equipment set up there.”

Maugher Wu agreed repeatedly.

He suddenly frowned. His timely appearance might make them suspect he’d notified his “teacher.” And Maugher Yi’s birthday? Looks like he’d need to prepare a gift in haste.

He glanced at Maugher Wu. “I’ll come again tomorrow.”

She rose and left.

Maugher Wu stood respectfully, escorting her all the way to the door until she signaled him to withdraw.

He wiped his brow, though no sweat truly existed. This Grand Mistress was said to be the third young master’s sister’s teacher, and that young lady possessed S+ mental strength. Not to mention, the woman before him was her teacher, and there was that “Magical Source Potion,” the energy conversion device... Just thinking of it, Maugher Wu felt he knew too much, enough to wish to silence himself.

Returning to the entrance, he saw the deputy supervisor—usually disrespectful and eager to surpass him—approach. “Old Wu, who was that, to have you so obsequious?”

Maugher Wu sneered coldly; the tiger, it seemed, needed to remind them he was no sick cat. He shot him a frosty look and left without a word.

He patted the appraiser who had handled matters earlier; it seemed he had chosen the right person. Thankfully, the Grand Mistress was satisfied. “Well done.”

After giving instructions for the next day, Maugher Wu logged off the Star Network. By then, his wife had long abandoned half a cold bed, but his cheerful mood rendered him indifferent.

He quickly contacted Yiqiong, whose communication details he’d just obtained. This was a “court favorite,” after all.

After reporting in detail, he wrapped his arms around his wife and slept contentedly.

Yiqiong hesitated at the door before knocking on the study. The master’s mood was poor today. “Young Master.”

“What is it?” After a pause, Maugher Lianhao’s voice came, still hoarse and low.

Yiqiong’s nose prickled. No one understood the impact of this matter on Maugher Lianhao better than he did. Thankfully, Miss Xuan was still at his side.

He composed himself and entered, delivering the message from Maugher Wu.

Maugher Lianhao was silent a while before speaking. “Tomorrow, go to the Star Network and assist Maugher Wu. Keep those people in line.”

“Yes.” Yiqiong knew that the trainees, though clever, were sometimes prone to confusion—and more rebellious for it.

“That’s all. You may go.”

“Master, you still have Miss Xuan,” Yiqiong said, seeing Maugher Lianhao refusing to lift his head and feeling sorrow for him.

“Go,” came the reply.

Yiqiong’s expression was complicated as he looked at Maugher Lianhao, then quietly closed the door behind him.

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