Even though Chen Ye was always busy with other matters, he still perfectly completed the herb garden management tasks assigned by Steward Sun.
"Steward Chen, these two apprentices of yours are truly the treasures of the Herb Pavilion!" Steward Sun held Chen Ye’s hand, his old face full of reluctance.
During this month, the two apprentices had long become the mascots of the Herb Pavilion.
Chen Ye was a bit proud.
These two little girls of his were both adorable and sensible, and hardworking... Who wouldn’t like them?
Hearing the praise, Qing Jun puffed up her small chest proudly, her little face full of spirit, and didn’t forget to pull a funny face at her master.
Zhiwei, on the other hand, was much more reserved. She respectfully bowed to Steward Sun and the pharmacists who came to see them off: "Thank you for your guidance during these days, Zhiwei has benefited greatly."
"Ah, saying that makes us feel like strangers." An old pharmacist smiled and waved his hand, stuffing a package of medicinal herbs wrapped in oiled paper into Zhiwei’s hand, "These are spirit grass that calms the mind. Your junior sister is lively; at night, she may be restless. Give it to her to brew as tea."
Zhiwei blinked in surprise and looked at the old pharmacist.
This old pharmacist was Steward Sun’s grandfather, aged one hundred and fifty!
He was the most senior member within the Herb Pavilion.
The old pharmacist stroked his beard thoughtfully: "It should be caused by a slightly stronger Fire Spiritual Root..."
Upon hearing this, Zhiwei was a bit disappointed. Her small face showed gratitude as she accepted the herbs and thanked repeatedly.
After another round of farewells, everyone reluctantly saw Chen Ye and his three apprentices off from the Herb Pavilion.
Li Qiuyun had already prepared the carriage for the return journey, waiting at the door.
She looked at Qing Jun, who was surrounded by a group of old pharmacists and still managed to be as lively and cute as a small sun, and also at the quiet and steady Zhiwei, who had her own charm, and couldn’t help but reveal a gentle smile.
If... I could live with Uncle Chen’s family for a lifetime, it seems like... it would be quite enjoyable?
"Uncle Chen," she suppressed her unusual thoughts and stepped forward softly, "everything is ready. We can depart at any time."
Chen Ye nodded, brought the two apprentices onto the carriage, and amidst everyone’s waves of farewell, embarked on the journey back to the Lingyin Sect.
The carriage traveled along the smooth official road, and inside the carriage, except for Li Qiuyun who remained vigilant, Chen Ye and his three apprentices were particularly relaxed.
Because they all knew, inside the master’s storage bag, was a powerful junior brother!
Chen Ye patted the storage bag on his waist.
Fortunately, Li Guangzong’s storage bag was large enough to easily accommodate Qingzhi.
That journey was no longer dangerous or urgent, thus allowing Qing Jun to completely unwind and show her true nature.
She spent some time pestering Li Qiuyun with questions, and at other times, she pulled Zhiwei to play Go. When she lost, she would playfully cheat, filling the carriage with laughter and joy.
By evening, the group found a secluded spot by a stream to rest.
Chen Ye lit a bonfire, set up a pot, and processed a plump wild rabbit they had hunted along the way, cooking a pot of savory wild rabbit stew.
"Master, didn’t you say you were going to make spicy rabbit meat for Qing Jun?" Qing Jun muttered softly, her eyes eagerly fixed on the rabbit meat in the pot, apparently still remembering the spanking Chen Ye had given her before.
However, the little girl’s point of focus was a bit strange:
"So, spanking Qing Jun is actually spicy rabbit meat? But Qing Jun didn’t eat it, so... Master lied to Qing Jun!"
This little girl kept arguing all day long.
Chen Ye, hearing this, pulled out a half-charred, thin, long stick from the bonfire and waved it in front of Qing Jun, gruffly saying, "There’s no spicy rabbit meat, but there’s a firewood stick here. Want to try it?"
"Wah!" Qing Jun shrieked and shrank her neck, hurriedly hiding behind Zhiwei, not daring to mention it again.
Zhiwei silently shook her head watching the banter between her master and junior sister. She took the ladle from Chen Ye and served each person a bowl of steaming rabbit soup.
As night settled, the bonfire crackled, and the four of them sat together, enjoying the rare peace and warmth.
Three days later, the Spiritual Ship smoothly arrived at the Lingyin Sect.
Back in the familiar Luoli Courtyard, the two apprentices cheered.
"We’re home!" Qing Jun was the first to dash into the courtyard, spreading her arms wide like a joyful little bird.
Zhiwei followed closely behind, gazing at the old tree in full bloom with pear blossoms and the clear pond in the courtyard, feeling a deep sense of emotion.
Li Qiuyun brought them to the gate, glanced at the warm scene inside the courtyard, and a hint of envy flashed in her eyes: "Uncle Chen, I’ll head back to Purple Mist Peak first."
"Thank you, Qiuyun, for escorting us all the way." Chen Ye sincerely thanked her.
"You’re welcome." Li Qiuyun smiled sweetly, "If time permits, Qiuyun will visit the two... nieces and Taoist Friend Chen again."
She deliberately emphasized "nieces," then covered her lips with a light laugh and left, leaving Chen Ye feeling dazed in the wind.
This girl really knows how to joke more and more.
Not only calling his two apprentices nieces, but also referring to him as Taoist Friend Chen...
Such impudent behavior!
He shook his head, looking at his two apprentices chasing each other in the courtyard, a look of satisfaction appearing on his face.
Having apprentices as companions, wherever the heart is at peace, there is my home.
...
Just as the three master and apprentices were tidying up Luoli Courtyard, a light but firm knocking came from outside the courtyard door.
"Is Steward Chen here?" A gentle young male voice sounded.
Chen Ye furrowed his brows slightly, motioning for Qing Jun and Zhiwei to go inside while he went to open the door.
Outside the door stood a young cultivator dressed in sky blue inner sect disciple attire. His face was chiseled, with starry eyes and a clear gaze; it was none other than Xu Qingsong!
Xu Qingsong maintained his refined and courteous demeanor, clasping his hands towards Chen Ye with an impeccable smile: "Steward Chen, long time no see. Forgive my unannounced visit."
Xu Qingsong’s arrival was expected by Chen Ye.
A month ago, he had come by, claiming to take Qing Jun home.
Had Chen Ye not gone to Moon Rhinoceros Lake District, he would have surely returned to call again.
Now,
Having visited Mao Qingzhu and learned the inside story, Chen Ye was no longer as tense as before, and said with an expressionless face, "Taoist Friend Xu, what brings you here this time?"
Meanwhile, inside Luoli Courtyard, two little heads were peeking through the window, watching surreptitiously.
"Senior sister! Look at Master’s expression; it’s just like yours... so cold." Qing Jun sounded like she had discovered a new continent.
"Cold?" Zhiwei’s pale little face showed a hint of confusion.
"Hmm... it means not easy to approach!" Qing Jun responded without thinking.
"Is... that so?" Zhiwei pursed her lips.