Su Xiaogou walked over, glancing at the people present.
Seeing that the person his sister was speaking to was just a boy his own age, and observing his sister's respectful and cautious demeanor, he immediately saw Yun Xiao as a hero, his eyes welling up with tears. xxs壹贰
He was so excited! Finally, there was someone in this world who could control his crazy sister.
"Su Xiaogou?"
Yun Xiao squinted his eyes, finding it difficult to pronounce the name. Su Xiaogou puffed out his chest, stood tall, and spoke righteously.
"Young Master, my name is not Su Xiaogou. My name is Su Mochen. My sister gave me this nickname, saying it would help me grow."
Su Mochen looked troubled.
Why did he have such a sister? It was truly a great pain in his life. Moreover, she wouldn't allow him to call himself Su Mochen, insisting he be called Su Xiaogou, saying it was easier to raise a child that way. If he didn't comply, she would beat him every time they met.
As expected, the moment Su Mochen spoke, Su Wanwan's expression changed. She lifted her head and struck him on the back of the head, saying righteously.
"What do you mean Su Mochen? Su Xiaogou."
Yun Xiao smiled, looking at Su Mochen. Truthfully, Su Mochen was handsome and refined, and he would surely be a fine figure when he grew up.
His eyes were also bright and spirited, indicating he was an active and quick-witted young man, which suited his name perfectly. However, calling him Su Xiaogou was really too unpleasant.
Yun Xiao glanced at Wanwan and pursed his lips, smiling.
"Wanwan, let him be called Su Mochen. This name is elegant and suits Mochen well. Don't make things difficult for him."
Upon hearing her master's words, Wanwan hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded. "Alright, Su Mochen, since the master has agreed, you can use it. But if I ever find out you've done anything wrong, you'll be called Su Xiaogou for life."
"Yes, Sister!" Su Mochen was overjoyed. Oh, the person who appeared tonight was truly a Bodhisattva of Salvation! The name he had argued over for so many years had finally been changed to Su Mochen, no longer Su Xiaogou. Now he hated dogs on sight.
As the group was speaking outside the manor gate, a deep yet vigorous voice suddenly came from the main entrance.
"Why haven't you come in yet?"
"It's Grandma," Su Mochen quickly darted over and helped an old woman.
"Grandma, we have guests. Look, how many are here?"
Wanwan turned back to look at the old woman leaning on her cane. Although she was ancient, she was still full of spirit. Her eyes had already turned red, and she choked out, "Grandma."
Her actions were completely different from how she had treated Su Xiaogou earlier.
Grandma nodded, her eyes also misted over. However, being older and more composed, and with guests present, she walked up to Yun Xiao and the others and spoke politely.
"Please excuse these two rascals. They've been unruly since they were children." She then turned and ordered Wanwan, "Aren't you going to welcome the guests in?"
Yun Xiao cupped his hands and said with a smile. "Apologies for the intrusion, Grandma."
This family was truly interesting. No matter how bad her mood had been, it had calmed down after this encounter. Even Madam Bai beside her showed a flicker of interest in her eyes.
It seemed coming to the Su manor was the right decision. Perhaps letting the two elders talk more might help Madam Bai's mood.
Wanwan, standing nearby, smiled and said, "Let's go inside. Although there's a house, there's nothing inside, it's very simple. Everything has to be managed by ourselves."
Wanwan led the way, Yun Xiao invited the two elders to go first, following behind. Liu Xing and Jing Yun walked at the very back.
Jing Yun and Su Mochen seemed to hit it off immediately. As they walked at the back, with their arms around each other's shoulders, they looked like good brothers.
Jing Yun was the type who loved to stir up trouble. Seeing Su Mochen being bullied, he was already indignant and felt wronged on Su Mochen's behalf. He patted Su Mochen's shoulder and whispered, "Brother, I'll look out for you from now on. It's just one woman, isn't it? I'll teach her a lesson for you later."
Su Mochen was immediately overcome with gratitude, his eyes full of admiration. This man was a hero! Anyone who dared to confront his sister was a hero.
"Let's go," the two's bond instantly intensified. Liu Xing, walking in front, turned to scan them and was speechless.
The group entered the Su manor, and the gate was closed. They walked further inside. Wanwan was right, although the Su manor had large courtyards, there were no flowers or plants planted due to lack of maintenance. Only a few scattered, lush trees stood scattered around the courtyard.
There were also some stones arranged, but they were covered in moss, giving the place a somewhat desolate look. The paths on both sides were overgrown with weeds, and the somber pavilions under the moonlight looked bleak and cold.
Wanwan spoke as they walked.
"This manor is very old. It must have been left by the great-grandfather of the generation before last. I heard that he was very powerful back then, able to come and go freely in the imperial palace, so he was very wealthy. But it's not the same in our generation."
Wanwan laughed self-deprecatingly. The grandma walking behind her sighed.
"Forget it, why talk about the past? Settle the guests in the Chenxiang Courtyard. Grandma is a bit tired and will entertain the guests tomorrow."
"Yes, Grandma." Wanwan nodded, knowing that Grandma's health wasn't good and wondering how she was doing now.
The old lady turned and greeted Yun Xiao and the people beside him before going off on her own. Although she had appeared energetic earlier, her back now seemed a little stooped. Yun Xiao raised his eyebrows and said calmly.
"Wanwan, is your grandma ill?"
"I don't know exactly what's wrong. She always says she's not sick, but my brother and I feel like she is. We haven't had money to hire a doctor, so we don't know if she's sick."
Wanwan said with heartache. Yun Xiao nodded and said faintly, "I'll take a look at her tomorrow."
"Thank you, Master."
Wanwan immediately remembered her master's medical skills. If Grandma was ill, her master would surely be able to cure her. This was wonderful news. She nodded excitedly and turned to instruct Su Mochen behind her.
"Go to my room and get some bedding, and some pillows. Tomorrow we'll go to the street to buy more. For tonight, just make do."
"Yes," Su Mochen turned and left. Jing Yun hooked his shoulder and said with a laugh, "I'll help you get them."
The two then flashed away. Wanwan led Yun Xiao, Grandma, and Liu Xing to the Chenxiang Courtyard.
The Chenxiang Courtyard was probably the most elegant building in the manor. Entering through the ornate door led to a secluded path, lined with peculiar, piled-up stones on both sides.
Not far beyond that, dozens of emerald bamboo were planted against the garden wall, with several banana trees planted beside them, creating a beautiful contrast and rustling in the night breeze.
At the end of the secluded path was a row of houses with red walls and green tiles. The carved railings were already somewhat mottled. Outside the stone steps, there was a faint growth of grass, and white dew had condensed on it, sparkling as if it were made of crystal pearls.
Wanwan first led the group into the flower hall, then lit candles, casting a dim, yellow light on the hall.
The hall was quite spacious, with only tables and chairs, and some display shelves. However, the shelves were empty. Yun Xiao glanced around. It was indeed shabby, but it was still commendable given their circumstances. They hadn't sold this place even in their most impoverished times.