Chapter Twenty-Two: Father and Daughter Reunited

Early the next morning, Chuchen brought Lian Yue to the small courtyard where the three family heads were temporarily residing.

As they walked along, Lian Yue couldn't help but wonder if she had wandered into a celestial paradise. Mist rose from the various hot springs, each with its own unique shape, while flowers and trees, either budding or in full bloom, dotted the landscape. The exquisite courtyards were like works of art. It was all so beautiful that Lian Yue deeply regretted she only had two eyes with which to take it all in.

Chuchen glanced at Lian Yue, who was still lost in admiration of the scenery, and felt a surge of pride mixed with a trace of pity. According to the information sent by the Second Elder, though Lian Yue had grown up in luxury and affection, she had never left Lingyang City in all her years. Now, just witnessing these fresh sights, she was so delighted. Chuchen silently vowed that one day, he would take her out of that small world to see more of what lay beyond.

Lian Yue soon realized she had been standing in place for too long, withdrew her gaze sheepishly, and said to Chuchen, “Let’s go.”

Seeing her lingering fascination, Chuchen blurted out, “If you like it here, you could stay a few more days.”

Lian Yue was stunned. What did he mean by that? Was he planning to keep her here?

“I have no intention of detaining you. Your father is staying in this courtyard. Go on in,” Chuchen explained.

Only then did Lian Yue remember the special connection between them. Embarrassed, she hurried into the courtyard, and after a moment’s hesitation, Chuchen followed.

Inside, Yu Wenmo and Yue Zhanpeng were playing chess, while Zhou Man, half asleep, was watching from the side. Hearing the commotion outside, Zhou quickly motioned to the others, and the three exchanged knowing glances.

Yu Wenmo set down a black piece and said leisurely, “Second Brother, it seems we’ll have to finish our game later. My good nephew is already outside.”

“Yes, let’s leave it. Just watching you two play gives me a headache. Come, let’s go out to meet them.” Zhou Man strode off towards the door, trying to compose a suitably stern expression. But before he could manage it, he caught sight of Lian Yue’s radiant figure beside Chuchen, froze mid-step, and his expression faltered.

Seeing him, Lian Yue called out joyfully, “Uncle Zhou, you really are here! Is my father here too?”

The two men following Zhou Man were puzzled at his sudden stop, but the sound of Lian Yue’s voice explained everything. Yue Zhanpeng’s face went through a series of emotions—bewilderment, excitement, then deep concern.

He stepped around Zhou Man and saw his daughter approaching. His expression darkened at once.

Lian Yue, unconcerned with her father’s mood, flung herself into his arms, pounding his chest with her small fists as tears instantly streamed down her cheeks. “Father, I missed you so much! I was so afraid something happened to you. I was so scared…”

Seeing his daughter cry, Yue Zhanpeng’s face grew even more grim, suspecting she had been wronged. While comforting her, he turned to Chuchen and demanded, “Why is Lian Yue here? What are you up to?”

Chuchen quietly suppressed the envy in his eyes and replied calmly, “I invited her here, Patriarch Yue. There’s no need for concern. If I meant any harm, she wouldn’t be standing here before you.”

Still teary, Lian Yue managed a smile. Though she didn’t quite agree with the term “invited,” she nonetheless spoke up for Chuchen. “He’s been very kind to me, Father. Please don’t blame him.”

Only then did Yue Zhanpeng realize his tone had been harsh. After all, the young man before him was his own son. With a hint of apology, he said, “I’m sorry, I was just anxious. But, Young Master, your actions were indeed a bit reckless.”

Chuchen did not bother to explain further but went straight to the point. “Bringing her here today should show my sincerity. Isn’t it time we discuss serious matters? I heard everything you talked about yesterday. Last night, I thought it over; those things you said were meant for me, weren’t they?”

Zhou Man scratched his head, a little embarrassed. “Heh, I thought my acting was quite good. So you realized all along?”

“But why should I believe what you say?” Chuchen asked.

Yu Wenmo raised his brows and said serenely, “The fact that you’re standing here proves you already believe us. We’re all clever people. Why pretend otherwise?”

Zhou Man watched them, his mouth twitching unconsciously. He suddenly felt as if he and these two belonged to different worlds. How could they be so calculating without wearing themselves out?

“Hm?” Lian Yue, still in her father’s arms, asked in confusion, “Uncle Yuwen, what are you all talking about?”

Zhou Man leaned over with a grin. “Lian Yue, your twin brother is standing right before you. Your father has been searching for him for nearly thirteen years.”

A look of bewilderment crossed Lian Yue’s face. She looked up at her father and asked, “How do I have a brother now? Haven’t you always been searching for Mother?”

“Be good, Lian Yue. Zhou Man is telling the truth. He is the child of your mother and me—your twin brother,” Yue Zhanpeng patiently explained, though he feared she wouldn’t accept it.

“This… how is that possible? You and my older siblings never mentioned this… This can’t be true, can it?” Lian Yue was flustered, her words tumbling out as she glanced at Chuchen. Unexpectedly, she caught sight of the sadness in his eyes, and her heart suddenly ached. If he really was her brother—no, he must be her brother. That would explain their special bond, and why she instinctively trusted him.

Almost at the very instant Lian Yue decided in her heart to accept this truth, Chuchen’s eyes brightened, his heart lifted. Suddenly, he realized what a wondrous feeling it was to have family—a feeling as addictive and enchanting as poppy flowers.

Yue Zhanpeng, believing that Lian Yue could not accept it, cast a slightly apologetic glance at Chuchen and explained, “No one mentioned him because he was taken away as a newborn. They never knew. But, Lian Yue, I promise you, he is indeed your brother. When you were little, you looked exactly alike, both resembling your mother.”

Lian Yue listened to her father’s explanation in silence. They were clearly two different faces—how could they be identical? She blinked, then leaned in to whisper in Yue Zhanpeng’s ear, “Father, you needn’t come up with such a clumsy excuse. I’d believe you anyway, since it’s plain to see we don’t look alike.”

Yet Lian Yue seemed to forget that everyone present was a martial arts master. Her so-called secret was heard loud and clear by all, and Yue Zhanpeng had to swallow his embarrassment.

Zhou Man, unable to contain himself, slapped his thigh with laughter. “Second Brother, our niece is still as… as… what’s the saying… enough to drive someone mad…”

Lian Yue rolled her eyes at him. “The saying is ‘enough to drive someone mad with no consequence.’ Uncle Zhou, have you been reading at all these past years? How could you forget even that?”

Zhou Man was struck dumb, while Yu Wenmo and Yue Zhanpeng burst out laughing. Their younger brother never stood a chance when it came to Lian Yue.

Chuchen took in the scene before him. Perhaps he didn’t even realize that his gaze toward Lian Yue had become fond and indulgent. He hated to interrupt, yet felt he must say something. Clearing his throat, he waited for all eyes to turn to him before continuing. “I believe you. Yes, the woman on the embroidered handkerchief is indeed my master. But in the twelve years I’ve spent by her side, I can assure you, she likely doesn’t recognize you, nor does she know she was ever married or had children.”

“What?”

“What do you mean?”

“Impossible!”

Their exclamations rang out together. Only Lian Yue, because of her connection to Chuchen, knew he spoke the truth, but she was still startled—did their mother truly not know they existed?

“Yesterday, I heard Lian Yue recount your story with my master, and your conversation the other day. It’s possible this situation is related to an old ailment from years ago. The details are a sect secret, so I can’t divulge more. However, I’ve already notified the Grand Elder, who has been caring for my master all these years. When she arrives, we’ll know more. Is that acceptable?”

Yue Zhanpeng asked anxiously, “Ayue’s injuries haven’t healed? How is she now? No, I must see her—right away, Chuchen, please take me to your mother!” He stepped forward and gripped Chuchen’s arm.

Hearing himself addressed as “Chener,” Chuchen was momentarily at a loss. Finally, Yu Wenmo spoke up. “Second Brother, after waiting nearly thirteen years, one more day won’t matter.”

Yue Zhanpeng realized his lapse and let go of Chuchen’s arm. Turning, he saw Lian Yue watching with curiosity. He suddenly remembered Chuchen’s earlier words—how did Lian Yue know about his past with her mother? Before he could ask, Lian Yue tugged at his sleeve and explained first, “I begged Sister Lan to tell me.” She shot Chuchen a glare, thinking, “How quickly you sold me out!”

Chuchen, hearing her voice in his mind, was both amused and exasperated, replying inwardly, “I thought your father already knew.”

“Hmph, I told you I heard it from Sister Lan. Besides, he’s your father too!” Lian Yue retorted silently.

This time, Chuchen didn’t respond, his mind echoing with Lian Yue’s words: “He’s your father too.”

Unaware of their silent exchange, Yue Zhanpeng merely warned, “You’ll repeat everything you know to me later.”

“Alright…”

Chuchen had intended to visit the back mountain, and seeing it was nearly time, he excused himself. “I have some matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave. When the Grand Elder returns, I’ll send someone to notify you.”

Lian Yue waved goodbye, and the other three said nothing more.

Chuchen went to the back mountain, where he learned from his junior sister that their master was still in seclusion. He returned to his own room, and as he gazed around the empty space, he realized he truly missed his sister.