bookbashuk Chapter 37 The Origins of the Liu Family
Chapter 37 The Origins of the Liu Family
Below them are Liu Xiaoying's siblings.
The eldest brother, Liu Yushu (seventeen years old), was dressed in a scholar's robe, with a handsome face and a scholarly air. The second brother, Liu Yi (sixteen years old), had a more heroic air between his brows.
Next was Liu Xiaoying's own seat.
The fourth sister, Liu Qiu (14 years old), has her hair in two buns and her eyes are bright and curious. The youngest sister, Liu Bingxia (11 years old), sits upright with her face tense, trying hard to imitate the adults.
All five inherited their parents' excellent bloodline, possessing outstanding appearances, extraordinary temperament, and all having good spiritual roots.
Liu Qing gestured for Liu Xiaoying to sit down, and the banquet officially began.
The atmosphere at the table seemed relaxed, and under Uncle Chen's magic, dishes were served in a continuous stream.
The conversation revolved around interesting anecdotes from the market, insights into talisman cultivation, and the progress of their younger siblings' studies.
Liu Qing occasionally offered a few gentle comments, emphasizing the importance of family harmony in her words.
Lin Qingge mostly listened quietly, occasionally adding a word or two in a soft voice, her gaze calm and serene, as if all the disturbances were irrelevant to her.
"By the way, Ying'er, when you came back today, Uncle Chen said you carried a rather remarkable aura of medicinal energy. Did you encounter some kind of fortuitous opportunity?"
Liu Qing put down her jade chopsticks and spoke casually, her gaze falling gently on her daughter, her smile carrying a questioning tone.
The room fell silent for a moment, and the concubines' gazes all turned to Liu Xiaoying, seemingly casually.
Liu Xiaoying's heart skipped a beat, but she tried her best to remain calm. She put down the spoon in her hand, her beautiful eyes sparkling, and said, "Father, today in the market, I met a fellow Daoist fisherman from Biyue Lake, Yang Changsheng. He received my help last time, and this time he specially gave me a beauty pill as a thank you gift."
She didn't inquire about the other person's circumstances in detail, nor did she intend to investigate them; what cultivator doesn't have their own secrets?
"Oh? A beauty-enhancing pill?"
A perfectly timed look of surprise and approval flashed across Liu Qing's eyes as he smiled and said, "That's quite thoughtful. This pill may not be particularly precious, but the sentiment behind it is commendable. It shows that this person is grateful and of decent character."
The three talismans he took from his box, though only two were of low-grade first rank and one of mid-grade first rank, were actually far more powerful than any on the market.
It is more than enough to deal with late-stage Qi Refining cultivators and is sufficient to handle ordinary Tribulation cultivators.
"Yes, Brother Changsheng is indeed different from ordinary people and quite extraordinary." Liu Xiaoying smiled.
She received excellent upbringing and education at home, and in reality, she has very high standards. She appears friendly to others, but in fact keeps them at arm's length.
But that young fisherman was always calm and composed, full of vitality, and possessed a quality that made people feel inexplicably close to him.
"Making a few friends is not a problem, but Ying'er, you must remember that we are only passing through this place. Once your father finds the 'perfect' opportunity and completes the foundation building, our family will eventually leave this Biyue Lake and go to a wider world to settle down."
Seeing her daughter's posture, Liu Qing's smile faded, and her gaze turned serious, carrying a hint of barely perceptible solemnity.
He didn't mention his true origins or where he was going, but the implication of his inevitable departure was clearly conveyed to everyone present.
When making friends with the people here, keep the relationship brief and avoid... leaving too many ties that are hard to sever.
"Yes, daughter understands."
Liu Xiaoying lowered her head and replied, but a strange ripple stirred in her heart because of her father's words that his character was "okay," as if she had received some kind of approval.
"Hehe, a beauty-enhancing pill? It seems our Ying'er has really grown up, now even fellow Daoists are giving her such a lovely gift. As for that young man Yang, what do you think of his appearance and character? Why don't you invite him over another day so we can take a look?"
Third Aunt Lian Honglian covered her mouth and giggled, her eyes lingering on Liu Xiaoying's face, her words filled with teasing and curiosity.
"Third Aunt! He's just an ordinary fellow Daoist who helped him with a small favor. Please don't make fun of him."
Liu Xiaoying's cheeks flushed slightly, with a hint of girlish reproach.
"That's right, that's right. A fellow Daoist who can casually give away beauty pills must not be an ordinary fisherman or farmer, right? It wouldn't hurt to bring him over to get to know him another day. Look how anxious Third Sister is."
The eldest brother, Liu Yushu, also became interested and put down his wine cup, laughing.
Second Brother Liu Yi put down his chopsticks and chimed in, "Yes, Third Sister, to earn Father's praise for her character, she must have some extraordinary qualities. Getting to know her might even be beneficial to our cultivation."
"No, Fellow Daoist Yang is a man of low character, diligent in his cultivation, and dislikes socializing. Let this matter rest; elder brothers, please do not bring it up again!"
Liu Xiaoying's pretty face tightened, her tone was resolute and firm, with an unusual determination. Her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, revealing a hint of protectiveness.
Fourth Sister Liu Qiu blinked her big eyes and asked curiously, "Third Sister, is the Beauty Pill tasty? What does it taste like?"
Although the fifth sister, Liu Bingxia, didn't say anything, her little ears perked up, clearly showing great interest in this elixir that could make people look good.
Lin Qingge, the birth mother, finally lifted her gaze from the jade cup in front of her and glanced at Liu Xiaoying indifferently.
His beautiful eyes were calm and still, yet they seemed to see through the subtle ripples in her heart.
"One should not speak while eating or sleeping... How can a mid-grade elixir be used for tasting?"
She didn't interfere in the small argument, but simply extended her slender finger and gently tapped Liu Qiu's forehead, speaking softly.
His voice was clear and magnetic, carrying an undeniable authority that instantly made the chattering Liu Qiu shrink back.
Liu Qing took in her children's reactions, the gentle smile on her lips unchanged, as if her admonitory words were just a breeze brushing across the lake.
"Alright, whether it's a stroke of luck or a favor, they are all just embellishments on the path of cultivation. Come, let's enjoy this family feast to the fullest."
He elegantly raised his glass, which contained a refreshing spirit wine, and his gaze swept over the crowd.
A composed demeanor befitting royalty was subtly revealed, easily smoothing over the minor ripples caused by the beauty-enhancing pill.
Everyone raised their glasses in response.
Laughter and chatter filled the pavilion once more, the aroma of the divine food mingling with the rich flavor of the divine brew.
Aunt Su Wan gracefully shared the newly acquired embroidery pattern, which was full of life and sparkle.
Second Aunt Yunzhi gently inquired about Liu Bingxia's piano lessons and taught her the principles of music.
Third Aunt Lian Honglian, with a charming smile, teased Liu Yushu a few more times about his refined and scholarly conversation.
Only Fourth Aunt Lan tide remained silent, only occasionally glancing at Liu Xiaoying with a cold gaze, lost in thought, thinking of the past.
Liu Xiaoying lowered her head and sipped the spiritual fruit juice in her cup, which was sweet with a slight astringency.
The unequivocal word "leave" in her father's gentle words was like a pebble thrown into a lake, its ripples spreading for a long time.
Yang Changsheng's eyes, calm as an ancient well yet occasionally revealing a rock-solid resilience, and the pure gratitude he expressed when giving the pill, inappropriately surfaced in my mind.
"Bonds..."
She subconsciously touched the sachet at her waist, where the beauty-enhancing pill lay quietly, its warm touch bringing an indescribable heaviness.