Jun Ting watched as Zhuang Sheng was already waiting off to the side, and he gave a reluctant wave.
After saying that, he added a rather awkward instruction.
"Xu Hai, you stay here. Bring them directly to Ancient Pine Hall as soon as class lets out."
"Understood." Xu Hai readily agreed with a cheerful expression.
Only then did Jun Ting turn around with a satisfied look, hands clasped behind his back, and strolled leisurely away.
Soon after, Zhuang Sheng called for the two of them to continue the lesson.
It was obvious that he was giving Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun special, one-on-one instruction. This was also because both of their combat abilities were too outstanding, making it no longer appropriate for them to study alongside the others.
Furthermore, Zhuang Sheng felt that the foundations of Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun still needed to be firmly consolidated; otherwise, it might affect their future cultivation. He did not dare to be careless about this.
Therefore, after consulting with several academic officials, he prepared to give the two of them an intensive catch-up session.
The morning classes concluded very quickly.
As soon as class was dismissed, Jun Zelin and Jun Zechuan were the first to want to go and make trouble for the two of them.
So what if they had stolen the spotlight in class?
So what if they possessed the strength of the Rank Four Realm?
Here at the Martial Studies Hall, what they practiced was none other than using power to bully others!
However, before Jun Zelin and Jun Zechuan could make a move, they saw from afar that Xu Hai was standing right beside Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun.
"Why is Uncle Hai over there?"
Upon seeing Xu Hai, Jun Zelin and Jun Zechuan exchanged glances in dismay.
Uncle Hai was, after all, a man by their grandfather's side. No matter how arrogant they were, they didn't dare to walk right into the line of fire.
"There will be plenty of opportunities in the future anyway..."
In the end, it was Jun Zechuan who spoke up first.
"Right!" Jun Zelin stared angrily at Jun Jiuqi through clenched teeth, and then led Jun Zechuan away in a huff.
Out of the corner of her eye, Jun Jiuqi watched the departing backs of the two. Together with Chiyun, she finished listening to Zhuang Sheng's instructions telling them to head back and properly digest everything covered in the morning's lecture. After the lunch break, there would still be three more classes in the afternoon—in short, their entire day was packed to the brim.
"The three-family martial competition is just around the corner. Given the strength of the Third Miss and the Fourth Young Master, perhaps they can represent our Jun Family disciples in the tournament."
Zhuang Sheng tentatively asked Xu Hai, "I wonder what the Grand Elder's thoughts are over there..."
He had the intention of probing for Jun Ting's stance. Although any discerning person clearly understood that bringing the two children back at this juncture was for the sake of the three-family competition, the higher-ups had still not issued any official statement up to now.
Unable to gauge the Grand Elder's intention for the time being, Zhuang Sheng decided to make indirect inquiries through Xu Hai.
"The Grand Elder no longer manages household affairs nowadays. Academic Official Zhuang is free to ask the Family Head about these matters."
Ever since Jun Ting stepped down from the position of Family Head, the vast majority of matters in the Jun Family were overseen by Jun Qingya, and usually, the elder did not interfere.
However, while that was how things stood on the surface, who within the Jun Family was unaware of Jun Ting's true standing?
He had only temporarily let go of the reins, but any truly major decisions in the Jun Family still required his nod of approval.
"Third Miss, Fourth Young Master, let's go."
Xu Hai led the two away, leaving Zhuang Sheng helpless, still wondering what attitude the old patriarch of the Jun Family actually held.
If he didn't want the two young masters to participate in the competition, why bother bringing them back at this specific juncture? Or could it be that this was merely an excuse to let the Third Master return to the Jun Family?
Zhuang Sheng fell into deep thought, while the several academic officials beside him remained completely in the dark.
"What should we do now? The Third Miss and Fourth Young Master possess extraordinary natural talent. If they don't participate in this competition, then relying solely on our original people—let alone contending with that top genius from the Tang Family—we'll probably be knocked out in the very first round!"
"Indeed, how many years has it been? The Jun Family has always ranked at the very bottom. If this continues, the Jun Family's position in Liucheng will only become increasingly precarious..."
"What's the use of saying all this now?"
"Academic Official Zhuang, what should we do right now?"
Zhuang Sheng let out a sigh and said to the others, "We just need to do our own jobs well."
***
Ancient Pine Hall.
Jun Jiuqi surveyed the surrounding furnishings as she followed Uncle Hai into a pine garden.
The courtyard was filled with lush pines and cypresses, alongside rugged rockeries. The arrangement and scenery possessed quite a bit of Zen flavor.
Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun were led into a hall, where a wide variety of sumptuous pastries and fruits were quickly served. Uncle Hai instructed the servants to wait upon them attentively. "Third Miss, Fourth Young Master, have some fruits first to tide you over; lunch will be ready shortly."
As they spoke, Jun Ting walked in from outside.
Before long, lunch was brought in.
The servants in Ancient Pine Hall were not numerous, but each and every one of them strictly observed the rules. Bustling about in an orderly fashion, they placed the midday meal on the table, after which only Xu Hai remained while all the others quietly withdrew.
"Eat."
At Jun Ting's command, Chiyun, who had long been impatient, directed his chopsticks straight toward a glossy, red-braised pork belly.
A table full of dishes, containing both meat and vegetables, was richly prepared.
Xu Hai stood by to serve the food. Chiyun ate without ever lifting his head; the small snack he had eaten earlier that morning had long since been burned off, and coupled with a whole morning of "studying," his energy expenditure had been immense, leaving his stomach crying out in hunger by now.
Jun Jiuqi ate quietly, her small frame sitting upright and proper at the table, her little back straight as a ramrod.
A snow-white figure with a delicate face, her obedient manner of eating was enough to melt anyone's heart.
Even Jun Ting, who was normally rigid and stern, found his brows softening quite a bit.
However, upon seeing Chiyun beside him eating until his face was covered in grease, smacking his lips from time to time, and practically wanting to stand on the stool to eat, his brows furrowed. "Sitting without any posture, what kind of manners are these..."
Chiyun didn't even spare him a glance, continuing to do as he pleased.
Jun Ting's gaze darkened as he set his chopsticks down onto the table.
With a "clack," the atmosphere instantly froze.
Under normal circumstances, when the other younger generation members saw him lose his temper, they would be so frightened that they wouldn't even dare to draw a full breath.
Yet Chiyun didn't take it seriously at all. Upon hearing the sound, he merely glanced at Jun Ting, and then his gaze landed on the roasted duck sitting right in front of the elder.
"Are you not eating? If you're not going to eat it, can I have it?"
The next second, a greasy little paw swept across the tabletop, hauling the entire roasted duck directly in front of himself. Without a shred of self-consciousness, he tore off a duck leg and didn't forget to diligently hand a piece to Jun Jiuqi right beside him.
"Jiujiu, here."
With a helpless expression, Jun Jiuqi reached out to pat Chiyun's head. Asking a divine beast to observe human etiquette was basically an impossible task.
Chiyun could be said to have grown accustomed to following his own carefree impulses. Especially back in Sishui Village, Jun Qingfeng and Lv Xiuer had doted on Chiyun like a son, never restricting him in the slightest. Coupled with the fact that his appearance was that of a five-year-old child, no one had ever thought of making him learn manners.
Besides, Chiyun was naturally stubborn and headstrong like an untamed bull; even if someone forced him to learn etiquette, he wouldn't be able to stand all the cumbersome human formalities.
Chiyun had been by Jun Jiuqi's side for many years, and Jun Jiuqi had never used "rules" to demand anything of him, so his behavior was inevitably a bit rough around the edges.
Yet, when Jun Jiuqi raised her eyes, she noticed that Jun Ting's face had darkened somewhat.
This little brat had simply no respect for his elders!
L
Chapter 23: Both Host and Guests Enjoyed Themselves
Just as Jun Ting was about to reprimand him, Xu Hai's continuous coughing came from the side. "Master, today's pigeon soup is quite good. Let me ladle a bowl for you."
With that, Xu Hai briskly ladled a bowl and placed it in front of Jun Ting.
Suppressing the anger in his heart, Jun Ting shot Xu Hai a fierce glare and ultimately said no more.
The matter was brushed aside.
Seeing this, Xu Hai inwardly let out a sigh of relief.
The master valued rules above all else in his daily life, and most of the younger family members dared not act presumptuously in front of him. Seeing the Fourth Young Master's table manners today, it was no wonder the master would fly into a rage.
On the other side, Chiyun paid no attention whatsoever to Jun Ting's darkened face. He continued eating as if fighting a battle—fast and fierce, as though someone were about to snatch his food away.
His mouth, moreover, hadn't stopped moving from the moment the meal began.
"Jiujiu, eat this!"
"Jiujiu, this is delicious!"
"This one's not bad either!"
"Jiujiu, you love these wontons, have them all!"
...
Jun Jiuqi had long since grown accustomed to Chiyun's boisterous energy while eating, and from time to time she would pick out a dish for him—though she picked out exclusively vegetable dishes.
Looking down at the carrots and greens in his bowl, Chiyun's face instantly drooped into a bitter melon expression.
"Jiujiu, I don't want to eat carrots and greens..."
The two things he loathed the most were precisely these.
Jun Jiuqi had no intention of spoiling him. She lifted her chin and emotionlessly spat out two words: "Eat. It. Up."
And so, Chiyun could only obediently swallow the vegetables.
His expression was as though he were consuming poison.
There was no helping it. Since he was a carnivore whose greatest love was meat, vegetable dishes held zero appeal for him.
Yet Jiujiu had said that since he was now transformed into human form—especially when he was just posing as a five-year-old human child—if he didn't eat a single scrap of vegetables day in and day out, it would inevitably arouse suspicion in others.
Therefore, no matter how much Chiyun loathed those greens, he could only grit his teeth and swallow them down.
Otherwise, Jiujiu really would beat him.
They chatted as they ate, completely oblivious to anyone else, as if they had entirely forgotten there was another person present.
The pair of siblings showed not the slightest bit of awkwardness at being in an unfamiliar place. Leaving aside Chiyun the hothead, Jun Jiuqi was merely an eleven-year-old girl; yet her composed and calm demeanor made it seem as though she were as relaxed and at ease as being in her own home.
Jun Ting had originally been angry at the two siblings' disregard for rules, but gradually, that burst of anger subsided, and his heart even involuntarily nodded in satisfaction.
Not intimidated, unconstrained, devoid of petty airs—not bad at all.
Ah well, it was also because they had been raised outside since childhood. Now that they were back, he could simply teach them slowly.
Thus, Jun Ting turned around and instructed the servants to begin teaching the two little ones etiquette and rules.
True to her age being a few years older, the older sister was indeed more sensible and possessed a greater sense of composure.
Just as Jun Ting was about to offer Jun Jiuqi a few words of praise, he saw her put down her chopsticks.
Assuming Jun Jiuqi was full and just about to ask, he watched as she scooped a fluffy, furry object out from inside her thick garments.
When he saw clearly what it was, Jun Ting's face darkened even further.
Jun Jiuqi had fished Curly out from her clothes.
Because Curly was barely any larger than a newborn puppy, and winter clothing was not only loose but also sufficiently thick, no one had suspected that her embrace held "another universe" hidden within it the entire morning.
Jun Jiuqi placed a small, separate bowl filled with food onto a nearby stool and held Curly over to eat.
Curly didn't react.
Jun Jiuqi pinched Curly's ears. "Curly, time to eat."
Xu Hai hurriedly stepped forward. "Little Miss, give it to me, I'll feed it."
He had noticed earlier that the Little Miss's embrace was bulging, but he hadn't expected that she had brought along a small pet.
"No need."
Jun Jiuqi shook her head.
She called out to Curly for a moment longer, but Curly seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep, unable to be woken up no matter how long she called.
Growing somewhat concerned, Jun Jiuqi poked and prodded its body and paws, then checked its ears.
Why had Curly been so fond of sleeping lately? Hopefully, it wasn't sick.
Jun Jiuqi's pretty face revealed worry, and she resolved to give Curly a thorough check-up once they got back.
"During mealtime, why are you holding that thing?"
Jun Jiuqi had been deemed a composed child by Jun Ting just moments ago, but he hadn't expected a slap in the face to arrive quite this quickly.
"Did you bring it with you to class today, too? How could you possibly concentrate on the lecture? You are not allowed to bring it this afternoon. If you like it, just leave it in the courtyard and let the servants feed and raise it properly."
Jun Ting looked at the small beast—scrawny and rather ugly—deciding at a glance that it was not any sort of prized pedigree.
"If you like pets, I'll have someone pick out some valuable breeds for you to raise later."
As expected of a little girl.
Jun Ting shook his head, taking Jun Jiuqi to be the kind of young lady who favored cute animals.
Guessing his thoughts, Jun Jiuqi didn't offer any explanation.
Chiyun, while gnawing on a fish bone, took the opportunity to cast a couple of extra glances at Jun Ting.
If this smelly old man could find a valuable breed for Jiujiu so that she would shift her attention away from this ugly thing, that wouldn't be bad either.
In the presence of Curly, Chiyun always harbored a vague sense of crisis.
In the end, the midday meal concluded in a rather bizarre atmosphere, though the three grandparents and grandchildren could still be considered to have "both host and guests enjoying themselves."
After the meal, Xu Hai took Chiyun to the backyard to see the spirit peacock, while Jun Jiuqi sat in the courtyard with Jun Ting.
Jun Ting produced a chessboard. "Do you know how to play?"
Jun Jiuqi glanced at it and said, "No."
"I'll teach you. It's actually very simple."
Jun Ting had rare leisure time today, so he began explaining the rules of Go to Jun Jiuqi.
Ever since stepping down from the position of Family Head, Jun Ting had found himself with plenty of free time. When he had nothing to do, he would sip tea in his little courtyard, play chess, or tend to flowers and plants.
His days could be considered quite leisurely.
Usually, when members of the clan came to pay their respects, he would drag them into a hand-to-hand match.
However, he apparently forgot that the person sitting across from him at this moment was an eleven-year-old child.
When Xu Hai walked over and saw this scene in the courtyard, he was rendered speechless.
The master really is something; the Little Miss is only eleven, after all, not the Seventh Elder and the others.
Warming up to his topic, Jun Ting spoke at length without realizing it, demonstrating as he went.
Resting her small chin in her hand, Jun Jiuqi listened with utter boredom.
In truth, she did know how to play chess.
In her past life as Empress, she had received the strictest training in the palace from a very young age, spanning all arts including zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
Yet now she was merely a young girl raised in the countryside. For Go to be so dry and tedious, it would be strange indeed if she took an immediate interest and picked it up instantly.
She didn't want to stand out too much just yet.
After talking for a long time, Jun Ting looked up only to see his little granddaughter across from him yawning repeatedly, her eyes filled with drowsiness.
Jun Ting choked, feeling rather exasperated.
"Did you understand?"
Suppressing her temper and trying to appear as gentle as possible, Jun Jiuqi opened her watery, wide eyes and, after a long pause, nodded her head.
"Then let's begin. Just play however you like."
Jun Jiuqi blinked. Play... however she liked?
So she picked up a black stone and placed it right dead-center in the middle of the grid.
Jun Ting's mouth twitched. That position... certainly was casual enough.
L
Chapter 24: The Hardest Thorn to Handle
Standing to the side, Xu Hai covered his mouth to stifle a chuckle. "Little Miss, you can't place the stone here; it has to go on the intersections."
"Can't I?"
Jun Jiuqi tilted her head, her dark grape-like eyes filled with bewilderment.
Obedient and adorable.
Xu Hai took a direct hit to the chest. "Well, it's not strictly forbidden."
He decisively changed his tune.
Jun Ting shot him a sideways glance before moving the Go stone that Jun Jiuqi had dropped inside the grid over to the intersection on the board. "Place it here."
"Oh..."
Jun Jiuqi dragged out a long tail syllable, her lowered brows and eyes exquisite, looking impossibly well-behaved.
Soon, the grandfather and granddaughter began playing back and forth.
Yet a moment later, as Jun Ting looked at the black stones arranged into the shape of a "flower" before him, he only felt his head buzzing.
This little girl was simply treating this like playing house!
All his talking for half a day had gone in one ear and out the other!
Jun Ting massaged his temples, wanting to scold her a couple of times, but meeting Jun Jiuqi's clear-cut black-and-white eyes, the reprimand teetering on the tip of his tongue was swallowed right back down.
There was no point in continuing this game.
"Alright, we'll stop here."
Jun Ting simply had Xu Hai put away the chessboard and said earnestly, "You are eleven years old now, and since you've returned to the Jun Family, you ought to settle your mind. Many Jun Family disciples your age have already been studying in the Martial Studies Hall for many years. You started your initiation late; if you don't apply yourself, even the best natural talent will be wasted."
Listening to the old man rattle on endlessly before her, Jun Jiuqi found it quite amusing.
Back when she was Sovereign, her overwhelming majesty had run deep. Whether it was court ministers or palace attendants, everyone trembled in fear upon seeing her—who would have ever dared to lecture her to her face?
Never had she imagined that upon being reborn, she would have so many people nagging in her ear on the very first day. It truly was a novel experience.
After speaking at length, Jun Ting noticed the little girl's "obediently listening" posture and finally felt a modicum of relief.
"Still, it's fine, don't worry. Since you two have returned, I will have people instruct you properly. The three-family competition is coming up soon, would you like to take part?"
Jun Jiuqi's eyebrow twitched. "The three-family competition?"
Was Jun Ting asking for her opinion?
"That's right, it can be considered a grand event in Liucheng. It will be held in less than half a month. Since you've just returned, bringing this up now might feel a bit rushed. But you can think it over; your grandfather hopes you can broaden your horizons. Even if you don't win a ranking, just opening your eyes to the world would be good."
Jun Ting wore a benevolent expression. The two children had just returned to the Jun Family and were not of a mature age; many things were still unclear to them.
Trying too eagerly to push them out into the public eye was not necessarily a good thing.
Jun Ting hoped this pair of siblings could broaden their horizons and expand their experience, as only then could they better integrate into the Jun Family.
Jun Jiuqi found it somewhat strange. From what she had heard, this nominal grandfather of hers was accustomed to having the final word and issuing commands.
Yet this time, he was actually consulting her opinion.
In truth, what Jun Jiuqi did not know was that Jun Ting had originally intended to submit Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun's names directly, but the Seventh Elder had talked him out of it.
The previous evening, Jun Qianshan had spoken earnestly, "Regarding this matter, we still need to ask Qingfeng and the two children for their opinions."
"Asking the two children is one thing, why ask that rebellious son?" Jun Ting was so angry his beard and hair bristled. "Can't I even make the final call anymore?"
"If you don't want to rupture your relationship with Qingfeng all over again, take my advice."
Jun Qianshan let out a sigh.
"Rein in that violent temper of yours. After all, for all these years, the children have never seen you, nor have they enjoyed a single ounce of grace from the Jun Family. Now that they're back, you immediately want to make them bleed and sweat for the Jun Family—no matter who you ask, anyone would harbor a grievance in their heart."
"The children have never seen me, and who is to blame for that?" Jun Ting still glared, though his momentum had already weakened by a third. "Isn't it that rebellious son's fault? If not for his smelly, stubborn temper and refusal to return, how could the three of us have been separated for so long?"
"Whose temper do you think he inherited that makes him so smelly and stubborn?" Jun Qianshan found it quite amusing. "In short, no matter what, this matter must have Qingfeng's consent; otherwise, it won't be proper in any case."
"Hmph! A father still has to listen to his son, simply unheard of!"
Though Jun Ting was still grumbling, in the end, he didn't stubbornly force Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun to participate in the competition on his own accord.
He decided to persuade the two little ones first, after which that rebellious son naturally wouldn't have much to say.
Reaching out, Jun Ting affectionately patted Jun Jiuqi's head. "Think this matter over carefully yourself, and tell your grandfather when you've made up your mind."
Jun Jiuqi nodded.
"By the way, who gave you your name?"