Chapter 17 The Bowl
The servant announcing guests seemed to have drunk chicken blood.
Not only was his shout loud, but he deliberately dragged out the tone, as though afraid others might not hear him.
Inside the hall, the guests all looked at one another in confusion—just as bewildered as Chu Qing.
Miss Wu Qianhuan of Tianwu City? How could she be here?
Everyone present today knew the affairs of Tianwu City inside and out.
Who didn't know that years ago, the third young master of the Chu family left home in anger after Chu Yunfei arranged a marriage for him?
At the time, Wu Qianhuan had only been ten years old, yet she still found the matter humiliating.
She had even joined the search to capture that runaway fiancé, searching for three whole months without finding a trace.
In her anger, she declared, "The disgrace of the Chu family must be engraved in my heart, never to be forgotten even for a moment."
Over the years, she had avoided anything related to the Chu family.
Who would have expected her to come today?
For a moment, the thoughts in the hall were mixed, and the tense atmosphere eased slightly.
Chu Tian smiled and tugged Chu Fan's sleeve. When they turned, they saw a graceful young lady walking forward, surrounded by attendants.
She wore a light apricot-yellow dress, her figure slender and elegant.
Her eyes carried a hint of a smile, with no trace of resentment or bitterness.
Hiding in the corner, Chu Qing sneaked a glance and quietly clicked his tongue.
"Well now, she's really changed over the years. The yellow-haired little girl has become quite a beauty.
"I just wonder if her temper's improved any."
Chu Tian led Chu Fan forward to greet her.
Chu Fan's lips moved slightly; he wanted to call her "sister-in-law," but he feared stirring up trouble.
He could only sigh softly.
"Brother Chu Tian, we haven't met in years, and you sigh upon seeing me—why is that?"
Wu Qianhuan smiled as she looked at him.
"I... sigh, our Chu family owes you a great debt. But even if I must cross the ends of the earth, I will bring my third bro—mmph!"
Before he could finish, Chu Tian covered his mouth with one hand.
Though Chu Fan possessed natural strength, he couldn't break free for a moment. Chu Tian laughed lightly.
"Miss Wu, please don't take his words to heart."
Wu Qianhuan gave the two brothers a look, then shook her head.
"Brother Chu Tian, let's not mention that ill-starred man today.
"Unless he's already dead, the matter between us will have to be settled someday.
"I came today for no other reason than to congratulate you on your brother's successful return."
Chu Fan's expression grew complicated, but he cupped his hands in thanks.
Wu Qianhuan then turned to glance at Tang Xi and said with a smile,
"I heard you were just about to exchange pointers? Over the years, I've made some progress myself.
"Since the banquet hasn't begun, why don't we move to the inner courtyard and spar a little? What do you think, Young Hall Master Tang?"
With Wu Qianhuan taking the initiative, how could Tang Xi refuse?
He immediately smiled.
"Since Miss Wu is so gracious, how could I not accompany her?"
"Good. Practicing behind closed doors is never as good as learning through exchange."
Chu Tian looked at Chu Fan and said, "Take them to your courtyard and have a proper match. Remember—it's a friendly sparring, not a duel."
Chu Fan nodded and gestured.
"Please, both of you."
"Please."
As they spoke, the group began heading toward the inner courtyard.
But after taking only a few steps, Wu Qianhuan suddenly paused as though sensing something, sharply turning to gaze back at the crowd.
Chu Fan looked at her in surprise.
"Sister-in-law, what's wrong?"
"...It's nothing."
Wu Qianhuan frowned slightly, paying no attention to how Chu Fan had addressed her.
Just now, for a fleeting moment, she seemed to feel a gaze that was strangely familiar.
But when she turned to look, she found nothing.
She hesitated briefly, then dismissed the thought, assuming it was merely the memories of her last visit to the Chu residence after so many years that were playing tricks on her mind.
Unbeknownst to her, after the group departed, Chu Qing, hiding atop the courtyard wall, quietly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
"This woman... is she really this sharp?"
He peeked again and, seeing that they had indeed gone, climbed down from behind the wall. He intended to slip away to another spot to avoid running into Chu Tian.
Yet before he could move, his eyes met Chu Tian's.
His heart sank at once. Still, he thought to himself that after seven years—and with his face altered—Chu Tian couldn't possibly recognize him so easily.
It was just like that time at the teahouse; if he hadn't heard Chu Fan and the others talking, Chu Qing wouldn't have recognized them either.
Though uneasy, he didn't slow his movements. He bent down in a servant's bow and began to "busy himself."
Unexpectedly, Chu Tian suddenly spoke.
"You. Come here."
"..."
Chu Qing's face darkened. Had he really been recognized? Should he turn and run?
But if Chu Tian's call wasn't because he recognized him, then running now would only expose him.
Countless thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant before he sighed inwardly. If he really had been recognized, so be it.
After all, his identity as the Chu family's third young master was no secret—at worst, he just wouldn't be able to continue acting in the shadows.
He took a few quick steps forward and lowered his head.
"Young master."
Although he suspected he had been found out, it wasn't yet time to reveal his identity outright.
Chu Tian looked him over twice, then called another servant over before speaking.
"Prepare some tea and pastries and deliver them to the second young master's courtyard.
"Stay there afterward."
Though reluctant, Chu Qing could only nod.
"Yes."
He turned with the other servant and headed toward the kitchen.
Chu Tian's gaze followed him briefly before he withdrew it, his expression once again calm and smiling as he welcomed new guests through the door.
"Today is a joyous day—everyone, please drink to your heart's content."
...
...
Chu Qing and the servant fetched a tray from the kitchen, placing tea and pastries upon it before heading toward Chu Fan's courtyard.
He hadn't wanted to go, but upon reflection, he realized it might be for the best.
Even if Wu Qianhuan was sharp, as long as he avoided looking at her, what could she possibly sense?
And while waiting for the banquet to begin, where better to hide than Chu Fan's secluded courtyard?
Thinking this, he arrived at Chu Fan's residence.
Upon entering, he saw Chu Fan sparring with Tang Xi while Wu Qianhuan sat on a stone bench nearby, looking somewhat bored.
On the other bench sat another person—someone Chu Qing recognized: Chu Fan's junior sister Wen.
He hadn't seen her earlier and hadn't expected she would be here watching.
After delivering the tray with the servant, Chu Qing stood quietly in the back.
As expected, no one paid him any attention.
"If nothing unexpected happens, they'll all return to the front courtyard once the banquet starts. I can follow along unnoticed," he thought.
Yet just as the thought crossed his mind, the unexpected occurred.
The junior sister Wen turned her head, glanced at him twice, then suddenly stood up and walked toward him.
Wu Qianhuan took no notice, her eyes fixed entirely on Chu Fan and Tang Xi's bout.
Chu Qing, however, felt a growing sense of unease. Then, he felt the girl press something into his hand.
He looked down—and his heart trembled violently.
It was a broken, tattered... bowl!?
(End of this chapter)
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