Wan Wan glanced sideways, feeling a little embarrassed, and looked at Yun Xiao.
"This is the main hall, and the sleeping quarters are next door. Master can stay here, Mother-in-law in the side room on the left, and Liu Xing and Jing Yun in the side room on the right."
"Alright."
Yun Xiao nodded. It was getting late, so any matters could be discussed tomorrow. She looked up and instructed Wan Wan, "Tomorrow, hire a couple of people to clean. This large garden has been vacant, so it's not practical. Also, furnish it. The courtyard needs furnishing too. Not with the most expensive items, but things that look comfortable. You can handle the specifics."
"Master."
Wan Wan was startled and didn't know what to say. She hadn't expected her master to suggest this and couldn't decide. She would have to ask Mother-in-law tomorrow.
It was late now, and they hadn't eaten yet. She would go prepare some food herself.
"I'll go prepare dinner. Please wait a moment."
Yun Xiao waved her hand, signaling her to go ahead. She stayed to chat with Mother-in-law, while Liu Xing rested with his eyes closed nearby.
Outside the room, Wan Wan was instructing Su Mo Chen and Jing Yun.
"You two, deliver these to the various rooms and tidy them up. I'll go prepare dinner."
Su Mo Chen and Jing Yun agreed readily and went about their tasks.
The night was as cold as water, the moonlight was thick, and the sky was filled with dense stars, like a magnificent brocade, shining brightly.
Wan Wan soon brought up dinner, two dishes and a soup. They would make do for the night and discuss further tomorrow.
Everyone was tired, so they ate and went to bed.
The next day, as soon as dawn broke, voices could be heard in the courtyard. Yun Xiao was sleeping soundly and ignored them. Wan Wan called to her by the bed, "Master, Granny Bai wants everyone to get up?"
Still groggy from sleep, the person simply raised a hand to cover her head with the thin brocade quilt and continued to sleep. She was enjoying a rare sleep, why were they disturbing her?
Yun Xiao thought angrily, but she was in the middle of a sweet dream, so she ignored the person by her bed.
Wan Wan looked at the bed helplessly. Frankly, she didn't know what Granny Bai was planning. Not her own mother-in-law, but the Granny Bai they had rescued. This was what she had instructed them to call her, to differentiate her from their own mother-in-law.
Why had Granny Bai asked them all to get up? And overnight, many plum blossom stakes had appeared on the empty land in the backyard. It was clearly the work of Mother-in-law. When had this happened? They had no idea.
As Wan Wan was in a dilemma, footsteps approached the door. It was Granny Bai, her face expressionless, walking directly to the bed. She reached out and lifted her master's body, dangling it in mid-air.
Wan Wan's eyes widened in astonishment. Although Mother-in-law only had one hand, she was so powerful that she could lift a living person into the air. Her martial arts were so impressive!
Yun Xiao, still deep in sleep, felt her body shaking violently. She clutched her quilt tightly and mumbled involuntarily.
"Is it an earthquake? Is it an earthquake?" She suddenly opened her eyes and shouted, "Run!"
Wan Wan found it somewhat amusing, though she couldn't help but smile. Although her master was mostly rational, she could be quite girlish and childlike at times.
When she realized it wasn't an earthquake but that she was being dangled in mid-air by the mother-in-law she had rescued, who was calmly holding her, Granny Bai only released her after confirming she was awake, and then commanded.
"You have the time it takes for one incense stick to get ready. Otherwise, you'll be out."
With that, she walked out expressionlessly, ignoring the two women behind her.
Wan Wan was filled with awe. Amazing! She had even managed to handle someone as difficult as her master.
Yun Xiao, on the other hand, looked distressed and confused, then asked Wan Wan.
"What's going on today? Has some major event occurred that I don't know about?"
Wan Wan shook her head. "I don't know. Just now, she gathered everyone in the courtyard."
"Everyone?" Yun Xiao was just contemplating who "everyone" included when Wan Wan quickly added, "Me, Liu Xing, Jing Yun, even Su Mo Chen has been called. We're all waiting outside for Master."
Thinking of what she had said about the incense stick, Yun Xiao immediately jumped out of bed. Mother-in-law's martial arts were too formidable; she wouldn't be able to contend with her if she made a move. So, it was best to obey her orders and not question her words.
Besides, she wanted to see what Mother-in-law was planning.
Wan Wan had already brought water for washing and helped her change and wash her face. Then, the two of them rushed out.
At the bottom of the stone steps outside, Liu Xing, Jing Yun, and Su Mo Chen were indeed standing there, looking at Mother-in-law with confusion. As Yun Xiao and Wan Wan appeared, Mother-in-law, with a stern face, commanded, "Stand properly."
Everyone immediately and obediently lined up together.
At this point, Mother-in-law's expression softened slightly, and she spoke calmly.
"My life was saved by you all. A drop of kindness deserves a gushing spring in return. This is how it's done in the martial world. Since I have received your favor, I must repay it."
Yun Xiao and Wan Wan heard this and immediately said, "Mother-in-law, there's no need."
She had already given them a pair of precious deerskin masks. Those masks were priceless and genuine treasures, hard to find even with vast wealth.
"I do not permit unauthorized speaking."
Mother-in-law's expression darkened a bit. Yun Xiao and Wan Wan quickly fell silent. At such a moment, no one wanted to displease her. It was rare for her to express interest in doing something this morning, so it was best to let her have her way. But they didn't know what she intended to do.
"Yes."
Seeing Yun Xiao and Wan Wan standing obediently, Mother-in-law continued.
"However, this old woman has no wealth or possessions to repay you with. All I have is my skills, which I will teach you."
Yun Xiao was astonished when Mother-in-law spoke, and the others were even more dumbfounded. So, the elder intended to teach them martial arts. Liu Xing and Jing Yun, who already possessed excellent skills, quickly shook their heads and said solemnly, "Mother-in-law, we don't need it."
Mother-in-law's face darkened, and she said unhappily, "Do you think you are already skilled and look down on this old woman?"
Yun Xiao, hearing this, knew Mother-in-law was displeased. She quickly reprimanded, "Silence! Listen to Mother-in-law."
The two dared not speak further. The old woman, with a somber expression, continued.
"However, I will not teach my complete martial arts to any one person, but you can choose to learn one skill. This way, my martial arts will be fully utilized, and it will also count as repaying everyone's kindness."
As she said this, Yun Xiao's heart sank. She knew Mother-in-law had never given up on revenge. She must want to return to the Ding residence and kill Ding Hao Wen and that courtesan from the pleasure house.
This time, she had made up her mind to die, which was why she wanted to pass on all her martial arts and also repay their kindness before leaving without any regrets.
Thinking of her intentions, Yun Xiao's pupils couldn't help but moisten, a mist clouding them. Mother-in-law's life had been too bitter. The people present were all silent. Only Su Mo Chen seemed confused, but seeing everyone's heavy mood, he didn't dare show any expression.
Seeing that the atmosphere was becoming a bit stiff, Mother-in-law eased her expression and continued, "Actually, although this old woman is just a woman, I have a few martial arts skills that are presentable."
"Mother-in-law, please tell us."
Everyone spoke simultaneously, with respect and reverence.