That ceremonial servant seemed like he was on something.
He shouted loudly, pulling out the tone as if afraid others wouldn't notice.
The guests inside the hall looked at each other, bewildered like Chu Qing.
The eldest Miss Wu Qianhuan?
Why would she come?
Everyone who came to this banquet today was well aware of the matters concerning Celestial Dance City.
Who didn't know that the third young master of the Chu Family left in anger years ago because Chu Yunfei arranged this marriage for him?
At that time, Wu Qianhuan was still young, only ten years old, yet she also felt this matter was disgraceful.
She joined in the search for the runaway, but after three months, they hadn't found a trace.
In anger, she said the famous words, 'The disgrace of Chu must be remembered in the heart, never to be forgotten.'
Over the years, she avoided almost all matters related to the Chu Family.
But today, she unexpectedly came?
For a moment, the atmosphere in the room relaxed from its original tension, with everyone having different thoughts.
With a smile, Chu Tian pulled Chu Fan aside and saw a girl with an exceptional appearance walking elegantly forward, surrounded by a group.
She wore a yellow dress, with a graceful figure, poised and dignified.
Her eyes carried a hint of a smile, without a trace of deep-seated resentment.
Caught spying from the side, Chu Qing exclaimed in admiration:
"How girls change at eighteen, she's so radiant now.
"I wonder if her temper has mellowed a bit?"
Chu Tian led Chu Fan forward for greetings.
Chu Fan moved his lips slightly, wanting to call her sister-in-law but worried it might cause trouble.
He could only sigh deeply…
"Second Brother Chu, it's been years, and you sigh upon seeing me, what's the matter?"
Wu Qianhuan smiled as she looked at him.
"I… Alas, the Chu Family wronged you, but even if it takes going to the ends of the earth, I will definitely find my third…" He hadn't finished speaking before Chu Tian covered his mouth.
Even with Innate Divine Power, Chu Fan couldn't escape his grasp, hearing Chu Tian laugh:
"Miss, don't take his words to heart."
Wu Qianhuan glanced at the two brothers, shook her head:
"Second Brother Chu, let's not mention the ill-fated person on this occasion today.
"Unless he is dead, otherwise, the matter between him and me will eventually be settled.
"I've come today not for anything else, just to congratulate Second Brother Chu, welcome to your successful return home."
With a complex expression, Chu Fan clasped his fists and thanked her.
Wu Qianhuan glanced at Tang Xi with a smile:
"Earlier, I heard you wanted to discuss Martial Arts? Throughout these years, I dare say, I have improved a bit.
"Since the banquet has yet to start, why don't we spar in the inner courtyard? Young Hall Master Tang, how about it?"
With Wu Qianhuan speaking, how could Tang Xi refuse?
He immediately laughed:
"If Miss is interested, how dare I not accompany?"
"It's good; learning through practice is better than working behind closed doors."
Chu Tian glanced at Chu Fan and said:
"You lead them to your courtyard for practice, remember, sparring with Martial Arts must stop at the appropriate time."
Chu Fan nodded upon hearing this, extending a hand:
"Please, you two."
"Please."
During the conversation, the group moved towards the inner courtyard.
Just after two steps, Wu Qianhuan seemed to sense something, suddenly turning to gaze at the crowd.
Chu Fan, somewhat puzzled, looked at her:
"Sister-in-law, what's wrong?"
"…Nothing."
Wu Qianhuan frowned slightly, indifferent to Chu Fan's address.
For just a moment, she thought she felt a familiar gaze.
But upon searching, she found nothing.
After a brief contemplation, she dismissed it, thinking it was the memories from years past haunting her as she entered the Chu Family again.
Little did she know that after they left, Chu Qing, hidden on the wall, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead:
"This woman… so perceptive?"
Peeking again, ensuring they indeed left, only Chu Tian remained to greet guests, he emerged from behind the wall, ready to mingle elsewhere to avoid encountering Chu Tian.
But before he could move, he locked eyes with Chu Tian.
His heart skipped a beat… yet considering the seven-year distance and his disguised face, Chu Tian wouldn't recognize him so easily despite his cunning.
It was similar to that time at the teahouse; if he hadn't heard Chu Fan speaking, Chu Qing wouldn't have recognized the other party either.
Despite feeling apprehensive, his movements didn't slow, immediately bowing and pretending to work.
Unexpectedly, Chu Tian suddenly spoke:
"Come here."
"…"
Chu Qing's face darkened; had he really been recognized?
Should he turn and run?
But if he runs and Chu Tian didn't recognize him, wouldn't that betray him?
Thoughts flashed quickly, Chu Qing sighed inwardly; if exposed, then so be it.
After all, his identity as the third young master of the Chu Family is genuine… only it would be difficult to continue acting covertly.
He approached Chu Tian and whispered:
"Young Master."
Though suspecting exposure, it wasn't yet time to reveal his identity.
After looking at him for two moments, Chu Tian called another servant over and spoke:
"Prepare some tea and snacks and take them to the second young master's courtyard.
"Then wait there."
Chu Qing, unwilling, nevertheless nodded:
"Yes."
He then followed the servant to the kitchen.
Chu Tian's gaze swept his back, then returned to welcoming incoming guests:
"Today is a joyous occasion; drink a few more cups."
…
…
Chu Qing, with the servant, collected trays from the kitchen, filling them with tea and snacks, heading towards Chu Fan's courtyard.
Originally reluctant, he reconsidered, realizing it was for the best.
Even if Wu Qianhuan was perceptive, as long as he didn't make eye contact, she wouldn't sense anything.
During the wait for the banquet, could there be a better hiding place than Chu Fan's courtyard?
With these thoughts, he arrived at Chu Fan's courtyard.
Entering, he saw Chu Fan sparring with Tang Xi, and Wu Qianhuan sitting idly on a stone bench.
Beside her sat a person Chu Qing recognized—the gentle junior sister of Chu Fan.
Though he hadn't noticed her before, she'd come to see the commotion.
Chu Fan and the servant delivered the items, standing behind without drawing attention.
"Likely after the feast begins, they won't stay here, allowing me to slip into the front yard unnoticed."
As these thoughts ran through his mind, an unexpected event occurred.
The junior sister stood up after glancing his way and approached him.
Wu Qianhuan remained focused on Tang Xi and Chu Fan's duel, indifferent to her actions.
Chu Qing felt uneasy, and then sensed the junior sister slipping something into his hand.
He looked down, shocked.
It turned out to be a shabby… bowl!?