Chapter 383: Looks like your design blueprint has been improved twice

"The coffin guy is really impressive!" Qilin was utterly impressed, "Where did Pei Si find such an impressive person."

Gu Rongjin: "Pei Si is not to be taken lightly; we previously underestimated him."

"It's not that we underestimated him; we simply never noticed him." Qilin said.

Mu Yuanzhi: "I'd estimate even his father hasn't realized how impressive this son of his is."

Qilin: "Speaking honestly, wouldn't His Majesty regret having appointed the crown prince so early?"

"We can't say that; the younger brother is benevolent and filial, though lacking experience and steadiness, he is still the ideal choice for heir apparent." Mu Yuanzhi said.

Gu Rongjin: "My wife is right."

Qilin: "Senior sister, are you biased toward Pei Di? Whether Pei Di can defeat Pei Si is still questionable, assuming Pei Si has ambitions for the heir position."

"Do you think he doesn't?" Gu Rongjin asked interestedly.

He also thought Qilin would surely be shouting that Pei Si wants to seize the throne.

Qilin retorted: "If that were true, he wouldn't have needed to save Pei Di in the imperial mausoleum last time."

"Perhaps Pei Si wants both—to be emperor and to maintain brotherly harmony?" Gu Rongjin laughed.

Mu Yuanzhi: "According to your view, if he competes for heir, it would be healthy competition, so we'd have even less to worry about."

"Is the wife worried for the country and people, or for her younger brother?" Gu Rongjin teased.

"Dare to mock me, and I'll hit you!"

Mu Yuanzhi said, then raised her fists and chased after Gu Rongjin.

Qilin could only follow them helplessly; he also had to drag Ruohua out, so he couldn't walk fast.

By the time they left, it was already half an hour past at Back Mountain.

It was early morning, yet many people were still waiting outside Back Mountain, including Yue Yun and Qiao Chu; most of the people in the valley had come.

As soon as Qilin came out, everyone breathed a sigh of relief!

"Master!" Yue Yun rushed forward first; seeing Qilin unharmed, her anxious heart finally settled.

"Great, Master!"

Others also swarmed forward; Qiao Chu stood at the back of the crowd, quietly watching and smiling, appearing mature as if he were the senior brother here.

Mu Yuanzhi watched as Qilin was surrounded by many disciples, feeling the gratification of seeing her son grow up.

Qilin also lived up to his master's expectations.

"Anyone else? What about that red-clad man?" Yue Yun asked.

"He couldn't have collapsed inside, could he?"

"He still has business; he'll come out shortly." Qilin said.

"And who is this woman...?" Yue Yun and a group of outer disciples only then realized their master had dragged out a woman who looked dead.

"This is a long story; I'll explain later. Today is Lunar New Year—let's all celebrate happily!" Qilin said.

"We've been waiting for Master to come out so we can celebrate together!"

Yue Yun happily said: "I've already prepared the feast; just waiting for Master to come out!"

Even if she hadn't felt like preparing, she had ordered the kitchen to get ready, for she firmly believed Master would surely come out safe and sound to celebrate with them!

The feast was set in the bamboo grove of Wu Feng Mountain; everyone in Juechen Valley, including outer disciples, could attend—it's the valley's major annual banquet, a tradition spanning several centuries.

Mu Yuanzhi participated for the first time; as the respected senior uncle of this place, she and Gu Rongjin sat in the seats nearest to Qilin.

This made Yue Yun unhappy; she is the master's eldest disciple—shouldn't she be sitting in the seat of honor?

Directly opposite sat Pei Si, an outsider to her, making her even more displeased.

Cao Cixiu had already come out; he kept his head low, whispering something into the ear of the seated Pei Si. To Yue Yun, it seemed like endless chatter that had already gone on for nearly half an hour—what could there be to say? Could he have discovered some secret of their Back Mountain?

He really shouldn't have been let in!

But the master said this time it was thanks to Cao Cixiu, who can understand the language of plants and animals.

So unbelievable—if the master hadn't said it himself, she wouldn't believe it!

Qiao Chu also paid close attention to Cao Cixiu; sitting beside Yue Yun, he, like her, constantly observed Cao Cixiu's every move.

Such a formidable person, yet he willingly serves as the commander of a death squad that must unconditionally sacrifice themselves at any moment?

What is he after, exactly?

Given Cao Cixiu's abilities, he could easily start his own sect; why would he need to do something so dangerous?

As valley master, Qilin was about to give a speech, and only then did Yue Yun and Qiao Chu's attention return; even though they'd heard the ancestral teachings a hundred times, they listened attentively.

Whenever Gu Rongjin saw Qilin striving to maintain a teacherly demeanor, she couldn't help but want to laugh, but she had to give face to this young valley master, so she could only drink tea to distract herself.

Mu Yuanzhi: "I wonder what Master Cao has found out."

Upon hearing that, Gu Rongjin glanced sideways at the two still whispering and said: "Look at his expression—do you think he discovered something?"

"I can't tell; I'm not good at guessing about people like this."

"That's fine; if you figured it out, it would prove your concern for him has exceeded." Gu Rongjin said.

"Don't worry, I only exceed my concern for you." Mu Yuanzhi teased.

"That's only proper." Gu Rongjin raised an eyebrow.

"Mom! Eat some crab!" Mu Yumo silently peeled a plate of crab and handed it to Mu Yuanzhi.

Mu Yuanzhi was startled: "You're too impressive, Xiao Mo!"

She found it hard to believe as she took it.

Is this a skill a three-year-old child should have?

Shouldn't he be acting cute and letting his mother peel the crab?

The praised young duke proudly rubbed his nose.

He bears the responsibility of reviving the Mu Grand General's mansion; naturally he must perform a hundred times better than an ordinary child!

Gu Rongjin sighed in admiration, patted his son's head: "Son, how are you still stealing my work?"

Now is the time for him to suck up!

Gu Yutong chimed in sourly from the side: "Exactly, exactly, you unfilial son!"

"Hmph, you so-called filial daughter, what filial respect do you have for your parents?"

Gu Yutong proudly snorted: "Don't be frightened when I say this—I improved Mother's discarded draft design; you can make popcorn with a matchstick!"

"Used for divination?" Mu Yuanzhi asked excitedly.

Using a matchstick to make popcorn?

"It can also be eaten! Popcorn is delicious—sweet, crisp, and fragrant the moment it hits your mouth!"

Mu Yumo chuckled: "You're not taking it, are you?"

"Who says I can't? I've been studying under General Sima for days!" Gu Yutong protested, refusing to back down.

Mu Yuanzhi realized: "Wait a moment, Xiao Tong, did you secretly look at my design drawings?"

Gu Yutong stuck out her tongue: "I didn't mean to, Mom~"

She tugged at her mother's sleeve, acting coquettishly.

Gu Rongjin chuckled: "Looks like your design draft has been improved twice."