"Madam asked me to remind you, young master, that you must attend. This is a rare opportunity."
Xue Jian spoke respectfully and gently, "If you don’t go, Madam said she would confine you for three months, take away all your drawing paper, poetry books, and guqin, and not allow you in the kitchen anymore."
As she said this, she felt a strange sensation in her heart. This young master had such a wide range of interests and hobbies; he truly was talented. It was hard to believe that such a precious opportunity was being turned down here, while others would be fighting for it outside.
"Isn't that punishment a bit too harsh?"
Li Hao said, feeling a bit speechless. "Is this a reminder or a threat?"
Xue Jian looked up, her beautiful face showing innocence as she blinked her eyes.
"Alright, alright, I understand." Li Hao sighed.
Xue Jian smiled sweetly. This young master was definitely a clever one. She gave a graceful bow, said goodbye to Fifth Master, and respectfully took her leave from Li Hao.
"You should listen to that girl Jian Lan and go."
After Xue Jian left, Li Qingzheng said casually.
"Is it for the secret technique from the Black and White Hall?" Li Hao asked.
The Black and White Hall was one of the three sacred places in Qingzhou City. Although Li Hao had heard from Second Master that they weren't on the same level as Tingyu Tower, the Black and White Hall still had its merits, especially that secret technique that was a treasure of the palace.
"Exactly. That secret technique is enough to be listed among the top seven."
Li Qingzheng said lightly, "And the teaching quality at the Tangu Academy is also quite good. You should go and temper yourself."
"So that’s the real purpose…" Li Hao pouted.
Not long after, the maid Qing Zhi came bouncing back.
Seeing her empty hands, Li Hao asked, "What about the oil pastry?"
"I couldn't buy any."
Qing Zhi properly bowed to Li Qingzheng before turning to Li Hao. "I asked the neighbor, Granny Wang. Uncle Liu went to the market at Tangu Academy. I heard it’s very crowded there, with geniuses from all nineteen states coming. Business is booming. Besides Uncle Liu, many other vendors nearby also went there to set up stalls."
"Ah…" Li Hao took a deep breath and couldn't help but smile wryly. It seemed he had to go there himself.
Although his cooking skills had reached the sixth level, Uncle Liu had been making those cotton and jade oil pastries for decades. He could make them himself, but they always lacked that special flavor.
Across from him, the old man saw Li Hao's helpless expression and chuckled as he stroked his beard.
"Young master, when I came back, I saw Young Master Yuan Zhao waiting for you outside. He said to hurry up and get ready to go to the Tangu Academy together," Qing Zhi said.
"Alright then."
With that, Li Hao had no choice but to set off, all for the sake of the oil pastry.
He had Qing Zhi prepare his outer garments and loosened his clothing before heading out.
"Fifth Master, I'm going out, so I won't see you off," Li Hao said to the old man.
"Go ahead. Come back and let me see how I can defeat you," Li Qingzheng laughed.
You better think carefully… Li Hao chuckled to himself as he left with Fu Bo and Qing Zhi.
Qing Zhi had entered the household three years ago. She was said to be the daughter of a small family, but after her family fell on hard times, she was sold into servitude and eventually ended up in the Divine General's Manor.
Li Hao had heard she had some calligraphy skills, which is why he brought her to the Shanhe Courtyard.
Given her previous assassination experience, Qing Zhi's entry into the household was rigorously vetted. After passing Li Fu's medicinal checks and confirming there were no issues, she was officially transferred to the Shanhe Courtyard.
Later, Li Hao recognized her talent and gradually had her by his side, making her one of his trusted attendants.
Outside the manor, a group of Li family guards had already gathered. Five massive Yanbei lion steeds were lined up in front of a large carriage, exuding an impressive aura.
Since Li Hao and the third generation of the Li family had no official titles except for a few who had already received them, the carriage was not equipped with a canopy. However, the painted dragon and phoenix design on the carriage still looked very luxurious, especially with the five powerful lion steeds, making it quite imposing.
As Li Hao stepped into the carriage, he saw two boys and a girl already waiting inside, all around his age. They were Li Yuan Zhao and the Li Yun siblings.
Among the direct descendants of the third generation who had trained together in the martial arts arena, only they and the children of Eighth Lady made a total of five.
However, Eighth Lady's children had been spoiled by her since childhood and were quite unfamiliar with the others, which had become even more obvious over time.
But…
As time passed, many things had changed.
"Brother Hao!"
Seeing Li Hao, Li Yuan Zhao immediately smiled and called out, patting the seat beside him to invite Li Hao over.
Now thirteen years old, he had become rounder and looked quite amusing, with his squinty little eyes resembling two slits on a round bun.
Li Yuan Zhao was an orphan, having lost both parents and raised in the Fourth Lady's courtyard, where he was said to be quite favored, leading him to grow chubby.
Hearing his enthusiastic voice, the siblings next to him glanced over but frowned slightly, not greeting Li Hao.
As they grew older and learned more in the martial arts arena, or due to other influences, the siblings gradually visited the Shanhe Courtyard less and less. Since Li Hao turned eleven, they hadn't come back at all.
When Li Hao went fishing with the old man, he would occasionally run into them, but the siblings seemed to have lost their previous enthusiasm and would shy away when they saw him.
Li Hao had made an effort to greet them a few times, but as time went on, he realized it was futile. He said nothing and held no grievances; they had simply become strangers.
After all, as time passed, not only did those around him change, but he did too.
In five years, many things could change.
Fifth Master had come out of the ancestral hall where he had sat alone for decades to often play chess with him and keep him company.
The children who used to run in to hear stories had gradually scattered, leaving only Li Yuan Zhao, who still liked to come to the Shanhe Courtyard.
Sometimes, when there were no stories to hear, he would bring a small stool, sit beside Li Hao, and watch him draw or chat with Fifth Master while they played chess.
Besides that, it had been a long time since any letters had come from the Sword Cottage thousands of miles to the south.
The last time he received a letter was a year ago.
However, the letter had promised that the little girl would come down from the mountain at this time next year.
Thinking about seeing that little tail in a year, a gentle smile appeared in Li Hao's eyes as he sat down in the half-empty seat that Li Yuan Zhao had made for him.
"Zhi Ning, why don’t you greet Brother Hao?"
Once Li Hao sat down, Li Yuan Zhao noticed the siblings sitting next to him without any reaction and called out to the younger sister.
The once neat and obedient Li Zhi Ning now had a bit of a graceful stature. However, compared to her previously cheerful and innocent eyes, she now had a touch of calmness and determination.
She glanced at Li Hao and saw his casual and warm smile. Her brows furrowed slightly, but she said nothing.
Beside her, Li Yun's expression darkened as he said to the driver in front, "Let’s go, Ming Bo!"
"Yes, young master."
The carriage slowly started moving. After the initial bumps, it became smooth without any swaying.
"Li Yuan Zhao, even though we have the invitation from the Tangu Academy, my mother said to rely on our own abilities to enter the palace and not to depend on the family, or we’ll be laughed at by outsiders!"
Li Yun said coldly, his face stern.
(End of Chapter)