Outside the Mei Estate, ten opulent carriages were lined up, front to back. Beside each carriage stood a driver and four guards, standing ramrod straight, their gazes fixed on Mei Ruolan.

At the very head of the procession stood two elders side-by-side. One was clad in fine silks, looking like a prosperous gentleman; the other wore simple hemp garments, like an old farmer. Both radiated vigor and possessed an undeniable presence.

At the foot of the entrance steps stood two rows of people. On the west side, leading the group, were the Outer Steward Cai Xiuping, Zhao Fanning, Jin Kaitai, and Li Mufeng.

On the east side, the leader was a young man whose features were handsome and whose spirit was buoyant.

There was also a young maiden, sweet and endearingly naïve, who kept glancing around, occasionally stamping her sturdy boots, her face etched with impatience.

Mei Ruohai descended the steps, turned, clasped his hands in salute, and spoke with gravity, "Eldest Sister, rest assured. I will guard the household well and will not let the Bai family succeed!"

Mei Ruolan offered a faint smile and nodded. "Mhm. When facing matters, consult widely and seek the counsel of the Elders frequently. Do not act solely on your own initiative!"

"I know, I know!" Mei Ruohai nodded quickly.

Mei Ruolan frowned slightly as she looked at him. Mei Ruohai hastily smiled. "Whatever happens, I will ask the Elders first and let them decide. Is that acceptable?"

Mei Ruolan gazed deeply at him. "Third Brother, your temper is impulsive, and you lack composure in crises. Remember, you must think thrice before acting. While I am away, your every move concerns the fate of the entire household!"

"Yes, Eldest Sister, I have noted it!" Mei Ruohai responded solemnly.

Mei Ruolan nodded. The handsome young man stepped forward and spoke in a clear voice, "Eldest Sister, I wish you a smooth journey."

Mei Ruolan responded with an "Mhm," then hummed, "Ruoshan, take care of your health; do not become too lost in the joy of study!"

Upon hearing this, Li Muchen immediately knew this was the young lady's full-blooded younger brother, Mei Ruoshan.

"Yes," Mei Ruoshan replied respectfully.

The sweet-faced maiden skipped closer and chirped with a giggle, "Eldest Sister, let me come with you!"

Li Muchen smiled. This girl was Mei Ruohai's full-blooded younger sister, Mei Ruonan. He had heard she was lively, innocent, and the most popular person in the Mei Estate, and now he finally saw her.

Mei Ruolan said sternly, "Stay right here in the estate! You are forbidden to go anywhere!"

"Eldeeeeest Sister—!" The maiden, Mei Ruonan, swayed her slender waist, her voice syrupy sweet.

Mei Ruolan huffed, "If you are naughty again, you'll be sent to face the wall!"

Mei Ruonan pouted, stepped back reluctantly, and subsided.

Mei Ruolan turned. "Third Brother, keep an eye on her. Don't let her run out to play!"

"Yes, Eldest Sister, rest assured," Mei Ruohai slapped his chest in agreement.

Mei Ruonan stuck out her lower lip at him again, clearly displeased, looking charmingly beautiful.

Mei Ruohai glared at her. "Little imp, cause any more trouble, and you'll face the wall!"

Mei Ruonan rolled her eyes at him and pouted coyly, "I'll tell Father to sort this out!"

"If Eldest Sister has given the order, even Father won't protect you... Besides, Father hasn't finished his seclusion yet!" Mei Ruohai chuckled gleefully, feeling rather smug.

He was utterly helpless against this little sister; he couldn't hit her, couldn't scold her severely, and Father always spoiled her, making her more unruly. Only the Eldest Sister’s word held sway.

Mei Ruonan pouted again and fell silent.

"Good, let's go!" Mei Ruolan gave a slight bow to Cai Xiuping and the others, waving her hand.

"Depart!" the elder in fine silks commanded in a deep voice.

"Crack!" came a sharp sound as the drivers cracked their whips, the sound ringing out crisply.

Immediately, the fine horses neighed, began to move slowly, and the procession started forward.

Li Muchen walked up to Li Mufeng and spoke in a low voice, "Big Brother, I've acquired a residence. I plan to bring Mother, Father, and Sister-in-law over today."

"Hmm—?" Li Mufeng paused, musing, "The elderly couple dislikes the city..."

His face was like jade, captivatingly handsome, easily matching Mei Ruoshan among the assembled company.

Li Muchen shook his head. "This period is fraught with danger. Let the elders stay somewhere safe for a while. Once Second Sister comes out of seclusion, they can return; let Second Sister guard the home."

"...Very well," Li Mufeng conceded with a nod.

Li Muchen lowered his voice. "Big Brother, do not leave the estate during this time!"

Li Mufeng smiled and nodded. "Understood. Don't worry!" He glanced toward the distance and hastily added, "Everyone has left. You must catch up quickly!"

By this time, Mei Ruolan and her entourage had set off, rounding the corner and nearly vanishing from sight. Only the send-off party remained standing, watching the two brothers confer quietly.

Li Muchen smiled. "Good. Big Brother, I'm leaving now!"

"Be careful. Don't try to be reckless!" Li Mufeng cautioned, his voice filled with worry.

Li Muchen stepped away, waving his hand. "Relax!"

Seeing his demeanor, Li Mufeng grew even more anxious, staring after him until he turned the street corner and disappeared. He remained standing stiffly, his expression heavy. Third Son was bold and fearless in battle, reckless with his life. What if...

The thought caused his heart to clench painfully, wishing he could pull Li Muchen back and prevent him from taking such risks.

Mei Ruohai approached, smiling. "Steward Li, do not worry. Zhanran's martial arts are peerless, and he is staying right by Eldest Sister's side. He will be fine!"

"I thank Third Young Master for your auspicious words," Li Mufeng replied with a bitter smile, nodding. He clasped his hands. "Third Young Master, Third Brother mentioned he acquired a residence. May I ask where it is located?"

"Oh, your younger brother is quite remarkable. Look over there—that Mei Lin Small Courtyard is his!" Mei Ruohai pointed west, toward a large mansion adjacent to the Mei Estate.

"This...?" Li Mufeng started, turning to look.

Mei Ruohai nodded. "Indeed, that's the one!"

"This is too valuable!" Li Mufeng hesitated, then shook his head.

Although named a 'small courtyard,' the residence was a grand structure with three courtyards, opulent and imposing. While it didn't rival the Mei Estate, for ordinary people, it was definitely a luxury home. Such grandeur, however, implied astonishing upkeep costs; just the servants would require over a dozen people. Even with his high salary, he feared he couldn't afford to maintain it. Routine maintenance alone would consume all the income of both himself and his brother.

Mei Ruohai clapped him on the shoulder and laughed. "Steward Li, you don't know the great merit Zhanran achieved! ... Eldest Sister bestowed it upon him personally. Just accept it gracefully!"

"...Yes!" Li Mufeng replied respectfully.

Mei Ruohai chuckled. "Don't worry!... Pick out some servants from the estate—any number you wish. Their wages will be paid by the estate!"

"That doesn't seem appropriate, does it?" Li Mufeng hurried to say.

Mei Ruohai waved his hand dismissively, snorting, "Your temperament is truly different from your brother's—too rigid, not straightforward enough!"

Li Mufeng offered a wry smile.

Mei Ruohai continued, "Enough talk, that's settled! ... Zhanran mentioned wanting to bring his aunt and uncle over, correct?"

"Yes," Li Mufeng confirmed.

Mei Ruohai said, "Then that's fine. We'll bring them over quietly tonight. Go choose the servants first!"

"Yes, thank you, Third Young Master!" Li Mufeng replied.

Mei Ruohai waved his hand impatiently. "No need for thanks. Let's go inside!"

In the center of the motorcade, one luxurious carriage moved slowly. Its carriage body was lacquered black, gleaming with a rich luster, making it conspicuous and mysterious among the group.

The carriages both in front and behind were loaded with goods, covered with tarps, carrying only drivers, each escorted by four mounted guards who looked spirited and distinguished.

Li Muchen observed that among the four escorts, one wore silver armor and three wore bronze, all radiating vitality and possessing extraordinary presence. This particular carriage stood out, clearly indicating its occupant was of high status.

Beaded curtains hung at the front and rear of the carriage. As the carriage advanced, the beads swayed.

Behind the curtains, within the luxurious interior, a graceful figure was vaguely visible. Mei Ruolan sat inside, holding a scroll of a book. Gong Qingyun and Xiaoyuan were seated beside her; one closed her eyes to rest, the other looked down, embroidering.

Li Muchen followed the carriage, walking on foot. His grey monastic robe billowed softly. As Mei Ruolan’s personal bodyguard, he naturally could not stray far from her side.

"Zhanran, you don't ride a horse?" Mei Ruolan suddenly lowered her book and asked casually.

Li Muchen replied, "No, Miss. I have never ridden one."

Mei Ruolan said calmly, "Xiaoyuan, go teach him."

"Got it!" Xiaoyuan chirped brightly, suddenly lifting the curtain and emerging, her face blooming with a smile. "Zhanran, you have things you don't know how to do, too!"

Her smile was brilliant, her complexion radiant, exceptionally captivating.

Li Muchen looked at her with a slight smile. "I must trouble you, Xiaoyuan!"

"Hehe, I guarantee I'll teach you!" Xiaoyuan laughed sweetly, her full figure swaying slightly as she moved toward the rear of the cavalry escort.

At the very end of the procession trailed six fine horses, walking lazily. These were spares in case a horse fell ill, became unwell, or was injured during the journey. These six horses were all magnificent, stout, and powerfully built, radiating energy.

Xiaoyuan untied one rein, leaped onto the horse, and lightly tapped its belly. The steed immediately burst into a gallop, reaching Li Muchen in a flash. She sharply pulled the reins; the horse whinnied softly, reared up, its front hooves pawing the air a few times before landing steadily. Xiaoyuan sat perfectly balanced, as if tied to the saddle.

"Excellent horsemanship!" Li Muchen applauded in praise. Even though he knew nothing of riding, he couldn't help but admire such beautiful skill.

Xiaoyuan giggled, dismounted, and handed him the reins. "Here, you try!"

Li Muchen took the reins, smiling. "I've never ridden before; will it be startled?"

Xiaoyuan pouted slightly. "Zhanran, with your skill level, what can a mere horse do to you? ... Just be careful, keep steady!" As she spoke, she explained the critical points in detail: what to watch with one's hands, what to watch with one's legs, how to position the body, and how to hold the waist.

Li Muchen memorized the instructions, then leaped onto the horse.

Once seated on the back, his heart was still as water. He remained motionless at first, faintly sensing the horse's restlessness. He gently patted its mane and slowly stroked its neck. Possessing profound Qinggong and immense physical strength, he felt no fear of the horse, making the mounting process relaxed and natural.

His palm emitted a warm, cool internal energy. After a few strokes, the steed quickly calmed down. Under his subtle guidance, it trotted a small circle before returning.

Xiaoyuan clapped her hands, tutting in admiration. Being able to manage this well on a first ride was truly rare.

Li Muchen dismounted, handed her the reins, and said, "I think I'll walk instead."

"Why?" Xiaoyuan asked, tilting her head, taking the reins and stroking the horse's neck. "This journey is very long; it will be too tiring."

"If I get tired, I'll say so. Walking helps practice Qinggong," Li Muchen replied with a smile.

Seeing his resolve, Xiaoyuan knew further persuasion was useless. She rolled her eyes at him. "Fine. Such compassion, you can't bear to tire the horse, can you?"

Li Muchen chuckled, neither confirming nor denying.

Xiaoyuan said no more, took the horse back, and then walked alongside him. The two chatted and laughed as if they were out for a pleasant spring outing, seemingly quite cheerful. Those watching nearby wore strange smiles on their faces. Xiaoyuan flushed and quickly retreated into the carriage.

Everyone else rode horses, yet Li Muchen walked alone, clearly an outlier. Li Muchen, however, was calm and self-possessed. As he walked, he pulled out the sword manual for the Nine Luminaries Divine Sword from his robes. P: I am truly ashamed upon seeing the readers' patronage. D