Chapter 32: The Reason Behind It All

About half an hour later, Li Yi caught the aroma of chicken soup infused with scallions wafting in from outside the door.

“So fragrant...” Li Yi sighed softly. As he turned his head, he saw Yue’er approaching the study door, carrying a steaming bowl of chicken soup.

Yue’er offered him a gentle smile. “Young master, the chicken soup is ready. Hurry and drink it while it’s hot—if it cools, the flavor won’t be as good.”

“All right.” Li Yi nodded and smiled, taking the soup and tasting it. The scent was indeed enticing, but the texture left much to be desired.

It lacked that refreshing, mouthwatering quality that would make one crave another bite.

Li Yi glanced at Yue’er, his brows slightly furrowed. “Did Master Song make this?”

“No... I made it myself. Is something the matter, young master?” Yue’er asked, her curiosity piqued by Li Yi’s frown. “Is the chicken soup not to your liking?”

She knew Li Yi’s tastes were notoriously picky; nevertheless, she’d tasted the soup herself before bringing it in, feeling certain he would enjoy it.

Yet, seeing Li Yi’s expression now, a hint of disappointment crept in.

“This chicken soup... lacks a bit of punch,” Li Yi remarked blandly.

Yue’er bowed her head at his comment, momentarily at a loss for words.

She felt utterly useless, unable to accomplish even this small task. Her eyes grew moist with tears as she stared at Li Yi, blinking in distress.

“Young master, I’m really no good...” Yue’er sobbed quietly, her shoulders trembling.

“Oh, don’t cry now...” Li Yi was at a loss, quickly assuring her, “I’m not blaming you.”

He had always been unable to bear the sight of a girl in tears—especially someone as innocent as Yue’er. Her weeping was like a pear blossom in the rain, stirring pity in his heart.

“Young master, perhaps... I should take it back to the kitchen and make it again?” Yue’er asked, crestfallen.

“All right, I’ll go with you.” Li Yi stood, gently pinching her pouting cheek with a smile. “Don’t cry, it’s embarrassing if others see. They’ll think I bullied you. Come, I’ll teach you myself today!”

Yue’er froze, disbelief flickering in her eyes. Her cheeks flushed as she shook her head vigorously, like a drum. “No, young master, I’ll redo it myself.”

“Come along,” Li Yi said, ending the debate and heading straight to the kitchen, leaving Yue’er behind.

“Uh...” Yue’er stopped crying, wiped away her tears, and hurried after Li Yi.

At that moment, the kitchen was empty of all cooks.

Li Yi folded his hands behind his back, surveying the kitchen. He spotted a whole chicken, vegetable oil, and a variety of seasonings, and a bold idea sprang to mind.

Without hesitation, he set to work.

“Yue’er, light the fire quickly,” Li Yi said, rolling up his sleeves and smiling with determination. “Watch closely, I’ll show you some real skill today!”

Yue’er knew once Li Yi set his mind to something, no argument could sway him. She obediently started the fire.

...

...

At the training ground of Duke Lu’s estate.

Cheng Chumo was being relentlessly drilled by Cheng Zhijie, suffering through hours of martial practice. Cheng Zhijie’s blows left him aching all over, his face twitching with pain.

Eventually, Cheng Chumo was forced to surrender.

“Huff, huff...” Cheng Chumo gasped, glancing at the composed Cheng Zhijie with a look of grievance. “Father, I really can’t go on.”

“Hmph, useless!” Cheng Zhijie glared at him, full of disappointment, and lectured sternly, “A real man never admits defeat! Stand up and fight again—I’m not nearly satisfied!”

Cheng Chumo suddenly felt like crying. This had nothing to do with being a real man—what nonsense!

He had no idea what had gotten into Cheng Zhijie today; unlike usual, he showed no sign of letting him off easily.

Fight again?

If this continued, he would soon be beaten into a pulp...

“Father, I honestly can’t hold on anymore,” Cheng Chumo protested, shrinking back, afraid to move, and resorted to pleading, “Father, you’re as skilled in martial arts as Uncle Qin. My meager abilities are no match for you.”

“How about... you challenge Uncle Qin to a duel?” Suddenly, Cheng Chumo thought of a brilliant idea and tentatively suggested, “A match between you two masters would be far more exciting than sparring with me, don’t you think?”

As expected, Cheng Zhijie was swayed by his suggestion and finally relented.

“Very well, I’ll spare you for today!” Cheng Zhijie nodded, casting a glance at his son. “I imagine Shubao has been itching for a fight too, with only his grandson for company. Later, I’ll go challenge him to a bout!”

“Hehe, wise decision, Father!” Cheng Chumo gave a thumbs-up, flattering him, and breathed a deep sigh of relief.

Just then, the estate’s old steward hurried over.

“Master, someone from the Changsun residence has arrived.” The steward glanced at Cheng Chumo with sympathy, his tone hesitant.

He wasn’t sure if he should mention the details now. If the young master got another beating, what would he do?

After some deliberation, the steward decided to keep quiet and let Cheng Zhijie handle it.

“Hmm... Changsun residence?” Cheng Zhijie was momentarily puzzled, unable to guess their purpose.

However, whether in court or out, Cheng Zhijie had never been fond of Changsun Wuji, so he wasn’t in any hurry.

He returned his weapon to the rack, then waved the steward off. “Have them wait in the guest hall. After I’ve bathed and changed, I’ll see them.”

“Uh...” The steward hesitated, but recalling Cheng Zhijie’s temper, he quickly acquiesced. “Yes, master. I’ll see to it immediately.”

Cheng Chumo, now free, slipped away to the bathhouse, reveling in a leisurely soak.

After a while, when the Changsun estate’s steward was nearly out of patience, Cheng Zhijie finally appeared in the guest hall.

“Your servant greets the Duke.” The steward bowed as soon as Cheng Zhijie arrived, followed by several attendants.

“No need for formalities!” Cheng Zhijie glanced at the steward and his attendants, a cold smile flickering in his heart. He sat down, took a sip of tea, and then frowned.

“So, what brings you all to my estate?” he asked calmly, raising his brows to look at the visitors from the Changsun residence.