These people basically didn’t know Zhao Ya’s alcohol tolerance and thought they took advantage of him.
Miao Shaocheng was naturally gloating.
But soon, he couldn’t laugh anymore.
Because at this moment, Shang Luoluo walked over to them.
Watching Shang Luoluo getting closer, Miao Shaocheng’s muscles tightened, and the smile on his face became stiff.
Xu De found it amusing but didn’t dare to show it on his face, so he pretended not to see it.
At this time, Shang Luoluo approached and said with a smile, "What are you chatting about? You seem so happy?"
At this moment, there was no hope for Miao Shaocheng, so Xu De had to say, "Nothing much, just discussing Junior Brother Zhao’s alcohol capacity."
"Oh?" Shang Luoluo raised her eyebrows slightly, "I just came to ask, is it really okay for him to drink like this?"
Xu De smiled bitterly and said, "You don’t know Junior Brother Zhao’s alcohol tolerance. Instead of worrying about him, you should worry about those offering him drinks. I’m afraid they might pass out drunk."
"That impressive?" Shang Luoluo was a bit surprised.
Xu De nodded, "Yes, that impressive."
Shang Luoluo came to this wedding today for Shen Dao and Meng Shiwen.
After all, she had a good relationship with both of them.
The second reason was for Zhao Ya.
She wanted to check what this guy, who had completely disappeared from the public eye recently, was busy with.
She didn’t expect to see Zhao Ya engaged in a drinking battle with a group of people, and what’s more, he was drinking three cups for every one cup others drank, a bloody challenge.
And his senior brothers were standing afar, watching as if it were a joke, which prompted her to come forward and ask.
As expected.
More than an hour later, with the last person offering a drink falling, everyone who intended to make Zhao Ya drunk was lying on the ground, unconscious.
In contrast, Zhao Ya didn’t even blush, and his eyes were as clear as water, as if what he drank wasn’t alcohol but water.
This level of alcohol tolerance left Shang Luoluo in awe.
She finally understood that Xu De’s words earlier were not exaggerated.
By this time, the wedding feast was also nearing its end.
Many guests left one after another, and as for those who were drunk on the ground, people from various Martial Arts Halls carried them away.
Shang Luoluo originally wanted to chat with Zhao Ya a bit more, but seeing him busy helping his master and brothers see off guests, she didn’t disturb him. She just waved goodbye from afar with a smile and then left.
Seeing this, Miao Shaocheng looked a bit down, but soon he perked up and helped tidy up.
After everything was taken care of, it was already late at night.
Having been busy all day, everyone was tired, so they each went back to their rooms to rest.
Zhao Ya was currently still staying at the Martial Arts Hall.
When he returned to the courtyard, he found that Zui’Er was not asleep but sitting in the yard in a daze.
"Why aren’t you asleep yet?" Zhao Ya asked with some surprise.
Zui’Er shook her head, "I’m not sleepy."
Zhao Ya immediately sensed that the little girl had something on her mind, but he didn’t say anything, just sat beside her and gently embraced her.
Zui’Er obediently leaned on his shoulder, and a warm liquid gradually soaked through his clothes.
Zhao Ya’s heart instantly ached.
This little girl never cried out loud when she was sad, she just silently shed tears like this.
"What’s wrong? Are you feeling envious because Second Brother got married today?" Zhao Ya considered a possibility.
In fact, he also always felt that he owed this girl a wedding, so he asked softly.
"No!" Zui’Er replied in a low voice.
"Then what’s the matter?"
"I just suddenly thought of my grandma! She raised me with so much hardship, but she’s been dead for several years, and I haven’t even burned a piece of paper for her; I always feel sad about it."
By the end, Zui’Er was choking up.
Zhao Ya was instantly taken aback, and his heart welled up with endless tenderness.
Indeed.
Zui’Er’s grandmother has been dead for at least two or three years now. During these two or three years, Zui’Er has been wandering with him. Forget about burning paper money; they haven’t even visited the grave several times.
He knew that it must have been the moment when Shen Dao and Shi Qingqing bowed to their master at the wedding, which moved this little girl, reminding her of her deceased grandmother.
So Zhao Ya held her tighter, gently rested his chin on her head, and then whispered, "Don’t worry, after a while, I’ll take you back to Wuxiang City."
"Really?" Zui’Er looked up in surprise and asked.
Zhao Ya smiled, "When have I ever lied to you?"
Zui’Er’s big eyes immediately curved like crescent moons, even though tears still hung on her face, she was smiling radiantly.
"But you can’t be too anxious because I still have some things to do. Once they’re finished, we’ll head back to Wuxiang City."
"Mm-hmm!" Zui’Er nodded vigorously, extremely happy.
After she hopped and bounced back into the house, Zhao Ya sat on a stone stool, looking up at the autumn night sky, starlight reflecting in his eyes, with a face free of joy or sorrow.
In fact, even without Zui’Er saying, he had considered returning to Wuxiang City once the Commandery’s situation had completely stabilized.
The reason was nothing other than the word ’revenge.’
The scheming and betrayal between Cyan Bamboo Ridge and the Hong Family against the Changlong Escort Agency, Zhao Ya has not forgotten any of it.
Back then, he was not strong enough and could only leave helplessly with Zui’Er.
Now, having advanced to the half-step Fifth Realm, he is invincible among peers, and even general Fifth Realm Martial Artists can’t gain the upper hand against him.
The time for revenge has matured, so naturally, Zhao Ya must return.
Zhao Ya never believed in the saying "a gentleman takes revenge, ten years are not too late." To him, the sooner revenge is exacted, the better—preferably on the spot.
Because only by doing so can the enemy truly understand what fear is.
If you wait until your enemy is old and decrepit to act, killing them would be meaningless.
However, before returning, there are some matters to handle first.
Overnight passed.
The next morning, Shi Qingqing, slightly inconvenienced in her movements, bashfully poured a cup of tea for Lu Dingtai.
This marked her formal entry into the Shen Family.
Since Shen Dao is the highest-ranking disciple in Dingtai Martial Arts Hall, after Meng Shiwen, naturally the junior brothers wouldn’t let him off easily. They all crowded around, demanding wedding candies, joking, and someone even bringing a bowl of ink mixed with lard to smear on Shen Dao’s face.
Shen Dao could only smile apologetically and repeatedly bow his hands in supplication.
Because it’s customary, today he can’t get annoyed and can only speak nicely.
Zhao Ya, Miao Shaocheng, and Xu De didn’t step forward, not because of some deep "brotherly affection," but because Shen Dao had promised them a top-tier feast at Feixian Inn.
Under such "bribery," it was naturally awkward for them to make a move.
But that didn’t stop them from watching the fun with laughter.
Amidst the merriment, Gu Mingdong hurried over to Zhao Ya.
"Little...Little Martial Uncle, Sun Yingkui is looking for you."
Gu Mingdong spoke hesitantly, not even daring to meet Zhao Ya’s eyes.
After all, as the head doorman of Dingtai Martial Arts Hall, he had taken quite a few red envelopes from notable ladies, allowing them entry without due scrutiny.
Even though Zhao Ya later learned of it and said nothing, Gu Mingdong always felt a bit guilty.
"Sun Yingkui? What does he want with me?"
Zhao Ya frowned but didn’t delay, stepping out of the Martial Arts Hall to see that it was indeed Sun Yingkui.
At this moment, he was dressed in martial attire, looking leaner, but noticeably more spirited than when he was Captain.
Seeing Zhao Ya, Sun Yingkui took a few steps forward, cupping his fists, "Young Hero Zhao!"
"No need for such formalities; what brings you here?"
Sun Yingkui gave a bitter smile, "Actually, it’s nothing much. It’s just that those surrendered cavalrymen have been imprisoned for quite some time now. What do you think should be done with them?"
Zhao Ya glanced at Sun Yingkui.
Sun Yingkui hurriedly lowered his head, not daring to meet his gaze.
He had now joined the Martial Artist faction and pledged himself to Guangrui Martial Arts Hall.
In terms of seniority, he should call Zhao Ya Martial Uncle.
Back then, Zhao Ya had entrusted him with the task of screening the surrendering cavalry, a matter that weighed on Sun Yingkui’s mind.
Especially now that the situation in the city had stabilized, yet Zhao Ya still hadn’t said how to deal with them, seemingly forgetting about them altogether.
Sun Yingkui could only muster the courage to ask Zhao Ya.
"What do you think we should do?" Zhao Ya asked.
"I dare not speak out of turn on such matters."
"Speak up; since you came to me, you must have your own ideas," Zhao Ya said.
"Then I’ll speak boldly. I’ve carefully screened these cavalrymen, and they have no bad record. They now regret their past deeds, so I thought perhaps they could be released?"
Saying this, Sun Yingkui stole a glance at Zhao Ya, seeing his calm expression, he cautiously continued.
"Of course, if you’re worried they might cause trouble or harm the locals upon release, they could be organized into a unit to supplement the Commandery’s security. After all, these men have received professional training, letting them go would be a waste," Sun Yingkui said cautiously.
Zhao Ya suddenly laughed.
"Do you want to make use of these men?"
Cold sweat broke out on Sun Yingkui’s forehead instantly, "I wouldn’t dare; I’m just making a suggestion. As for how this unit should be handled or led, I won’t offer my opinion."
"Alright, having such a thought isn’t a big deal," Zhao Ya interrupted.
"But you must think it through; with the mark of having served under Wei Hongbin, any misstep in leading this unit will have considerable consequences."
Sun Yingkui shuddered inwardly, promptly nodding, "I understand."
"Good, I’ll have these cavalrymen released in the next couple of days. The rest is up to you, but there are two conditions."
"Please go ahead!" Sun Yingkui responded respectfully.
"It’s your job to train and restructure this unit, but the authority to assign them isn’t yours. I’ll appoint a Martial Artist to work alongside you, understood?"
"Yes!" Sun Yingkui nodded in agreement, not surprised at all.
If Zhao Ya really gave him all the authority, he would find it unreliable instead.
"That’s the first. The second is that taking this on means bearing great responsibility. If these men misbehave, you’ll be held accountable," Zhao Ya added.
"I’ve considered that, and I’m willing to take on that responsibility," Sun Yingkui said earnestly.
"Good, then fetch them from the prison tomorrow."