"Twelve years - she left with her master when she was just four," recalled Zhu Maonian, shaking his head. "Raised on the finest rice and flour, yet somehow she was eager to endure such hardship."
Luo Ding's eyes flickered. "I thought you had arranged for the master. Was that not the case?"
"No, her master is from the Martial Arts World, reportedly quite a formidable figure," Zhu Maonian spoke with a mix of pride and resignation. "Though she grew up a bit wild, at least she's happy and makes friends wherever she goes. Oh, by the way, there's something I need to inform you about."
Luo Ding nodded, "Please, do tell."
"A martial arts sect may be relocating to Yunbei."
"A sect?" Luo Ding started, quickly following up, "I'm not very familiar with such matters. Could you elaborate?"
"I don't know all the details," noting Luo Ding's momentary disappointment, Zhu Maonian continued, "My daughter mentioned it's a large sect with over a thousand members. They seem quite serious about it - they even sent someone to scout the area with us, though they've returned now."
"Is it suitable?" Realizing his eagerness, Luo Ding quickly added, "I've never dealt with martial arts practitioners before. I've heard they're very loyal to each other but difficult to govern. Is that true?"
"Just look at my daughter to understand what they're like. Indeed, they don't readily submit to constraints, but they have their own code of conduct. They're not that difficult to deal with," Zhu Maonian smiled. "From what my daughter says, they're interested in moving here, so I needed to inform you beforehand. When they arrive, we'll need to discuss matters thoroughly. It's best if we can accommodate each other, don't you think?"
"Of course. As long as they don't break laws or harm civilians, we can work together, help each other, and build Yunbei together - that would be ideal." Luo Ding's emotions surged, though he tried hard to suppress them, his mind racing with countless thoughts.
So many years had passed, and he couldn't wait any longer.
"I'm curious, how do their martial arts skills compare to your daughter's?"
Zhu Maonian took a sip of tea. Knowing Yunbei's situation and Luo Ding's role in it, he deeply admired his colleague. Seeing this usually calculating man's hands trembling, he inwardly sighed. Though tempted to speak plainly, he couldn't surrender this advantage, so he offered a subtle hint instead.
"My daughter has sparred with their leader. I haven't asked about the outcome, but if you're interested, you can ask her yourself. She can't keep secrets - as long as she didn't lose too badly, she'll surely tell you an elaborate tale."
This description was so apt that Luo Ding felt his tension ease. "You're a good father, Lord Zhu."
"As are you, Lord Luo."
Unsure of the layers of meaning in that response, Luo Ding chose to continue the previous topic: "I've never interacted with martial artists, but I'm very curious about them. I'd love to hear this story, if it's not too presumptuous."
"I can see you're genuinely interested," Zhu Maonian stroked his beard, glanced at the water clock, and told his servant, "Tell the Fourth Miss to come here after she finishes her meal."
"Yes, sir."
As the servant was leaving, Zhu Maonian added, "It's not urgent, let her eat at her pace."
"Yes, sir."
Luo Ding smiled, "You truly are a good father."
"Just basic paternal instinct," Zhu Maonian handed over a document, "Please take a look at this, Lord Luo."
Luo Ding forced himself to focus as they returned to official business.
Meanwhile, upon receiving the message, Zhu Changle asked thoughtfully, "Who's with Father now?"
The servant answered dutifully, "Magistrate Luo is there. I heard the master discussing the sect's relocation, and Magistrate Luo seemed very interested."
"I see. Tell Father I'll come after I finish eating."
"Yes, Miss."
Zhu Changle moved from across Qiuli to sit beside him, whispering conspiratorially, "Father must have brought up that matter on purpose."
Qiuli nodded.
"He said I should show off my skills to add weight to the situation, but he's already done it himself. There's no need for me anymore."
Qiuli ate silently - if Zhu Maonian truly did nothing and left everything to his daughter to handle, he wouldn't be Lord Zhu.
"I was planning to go hunting after dinner, but it looks like that won't happen now." She took a big bite of meat, thoroughly satisfied with the juicy flavor. Meat was so delicious!
Seeing her enjoyment, Qiuli unconsciously picked up the best-looking piece and placed it in her bowl. By the time he realized this might have been too forward, she had already eaten it.
Well, she clearly didn't find anything inappropriate about it - perhaps he was overthinking.
After finishing their meal, Zhu Changle patted her stomach and stood up. "Let's go meet Lord Luo."
She saw nothing wrong with bringing Qiuli along to her father's summons. Qiuli simply followed her lead, and they appeared together at the government office, making Zhu Maonian want to cover his face in exasperation.
They were indeed too close, too brazen - anyone who didn't know better would think they were in a relationship.
"Father, Little Changle is here!"
"Walk properly."
"Yes!" Zhu Changle then took tiny steps, placing each toe against the heel of her previous step, walking in an exaggerated wobble.
Zhu Maonian glared at her, vaguely pointing at her with unconscious indulgence on his face. "Pay your respects."
"Yes." Zhu Changle turned and performed a perfect curtsy. "Changle greets Uncle."
"Miss Zhu, please be at ease. Too much formality makes things awkward," said Luo Ding, who had been watching her antics since she entered. The more he watched, the more he marveled - a child who could make people smile from their hearts like this, if he had such a child in his family, he probably wouldn't be any less doting than Lord Zhu.
"Uncle, just call me Changle, that's what everyone in the family calls me."
Luo Ding glanced at Lord Zhu, and seeing no objection, smiled and nodded, "Then I'll take the liberty of calling you Changle."
Changle looked toward Qiuli, gesturing for him to come closer. "This is my friend Qiuli. He has throat problems and doesn't speak much, please don't take offense."
Qiuli moved to her side and, following her lead, politely cupped his hands in greeting to Luo Ding.
Seeing his dignified bearing, Luo Ding immediately recognized his distinguished background and wouldn't dare to be presumptuous. He returned the greeting, repeatedly saying it was his honor.
After the pleasantries, Zhu Changle sat down beside her father and very obediently asked, "Father, why did you call me over? I was planning to go hunting!"
"It's getting late, you still want to go hunting?"
"For me, even night hunting is no problem. Father, don't underestimate me!"
"Alright, alright, you're right, you're reasonable." Zhu Maonian looked helplessly at Luo Ding, "You keep praising her, but look at her - what's there to praise?"
"Now I want to praise her even more."
