Liu Rushuang shot another glance at the Second Elder and grunted coldly. “It’d be even better if the world knew! That Crown Prince can’t do a single thing right and who knows just how many citizens he’s hurt in the past. Killing him was a service to them all.”
“Y-you really don’t think about Blood Feast’s reputation and safety in the slightest!” The Second Elder couldn’t beat her in a battle of words, so he got angry and looked away. That little girl really was out of control.
The Third Elder looked around sixty or so years old. He had a slender face which looked like he felt indifferently about worldly affairs. He stroked his long white beard and spoke with a gentle smile. “Milady, it’s great that you’re back. The canyon was much quieter without you stirring up trouble!”
Liu Rushuang remained silent but shot a glance at the Third Elder. When did she stir up trouble?
Then, she thought about what happened at noon, when she beat the majority of the special agents down to the ground, and almost killed Mo Ye. That’s when her face looked a little uneasy, as she stared at the Third Elder with a forced smile. “Third Elder, you’ve been more energetic recently. Let’s play Xiangqi[1] some time.”
“Alright. Little girl, you must play Xiangqi with me one day,” said the Third Elder who smiled faintly and looked clearly in a happier mood.
The Fourth Elder looked around forty or so years old and resembled a scholarly gentleman. “Milady, you seem more mature than half a year ago,” he said with a pleased voice and a smile upon his face.
At the same time, Liu Rushuang shot him a glance and flatly said, “That’s natural. I have always improved quickly.”
With soft smirk and a chilling voice, Ming Ye said, “Your martial arts improved, but you haven’t improved on your behavior one bit. You still make people hate you and get angry at you.”
All of a sudden, the Second Elder burst out laughing and cheerfully said, “I share the same thoughts as Clan Master Ming Ye.”
Other clan masters and commanders also wore smiles on their faces. Clearly, they agreed with the sentiment.
Liu Rushuang broke out in cold sweat. She was far too disrespected as a clan leader, and it was all because of the five years she spent as a maid. Irregardless of her wishes, the previous clan leader ordered her to go to the Enforcement House. Once there, the old man ordered her around and the Great Elder made her serve tea, embroider, and memorize the Confusion whatever moral injuctions for women; the Second Elder made her run the business; the Third Elder made her play Xiangqi[2] with him; and the Fourth Elder made her play the Guqin[3] and paint against her will. The previous clan leader told her that if she made the Enforcement House mad, she would die for sure. So, all she would do was kiss up to the Elders. Now, thinking back on it, she was truly too naive and obedient.
Liu Rushuang’s face twitched, then changed the subject. “Eat. The food’s going to get cold!”
Everyone noticed Liu Rushuang’s uneasiness and couldn’t help but smile. So she was still a little girl after all!
“Not just yet. Let us first toast our little girl. Welcome back!” The Grand Elder raised his wine cups and smiled. His eyes seemed warm and friendly.
Liu Rushuang saw that everyone had their wine cups raised towards her and a light layer of mist instantly fogged up her eyes. With a quick blink, her vision cleared up again. Then, she raised her wine cup, smiled and said, “Cheers!”
After everyone replied with “Cheers!”, they raised their heads and downed their drinks with joy in their eyes.
Mo Ye’s face looked pale white as usual, but fine pearls of sweat exuded from his face. He felt emotional the instant he saw Liu Rushuang and couldn’t help but worry. He really wanted to hug her.
Lin Ye helplessly shook his head.
For the past half a year now, Shuang’Er has been set up and abused time and time again by people who should be her own relatives. Although she got her revenge, he knew that Shuang’Er wasn’t happy.
Mei Ye smiled sweetly. Everyone was delighted the clan leader had returned.
Liu Rushuang glanced at everyone, raised her chopsticks, and flatly said, “Let’s eat.”
The Great Elder raised his chopsticks, and took a bite of food. “Little girl, I hear that you’ll be going to the deep valley in three days’ time for a month?” He asked.
[1] Chinese chess
[2] Chinese chess
[3] Chinese musical instrument