ould also be unpleasant for Empress Dowager Zhao's麵子. Isn't this also for the sake of the household That dead girl actually had someone from the Xu family come to talk about it!" Ye Ying's water-like...3. Cloud Song (Two)

The days spent in the Xu family were a mix of joy and anxiety for Yun Ge. Everyone in the Xu household was very easy to get along with, which was a new and interesting experience for Yun Ge who had grown up mostly with only her father's company. Both Madams of the Xu family as well as Qin Zeng sister treated her with great care, even though she needed to learn many things that she never knew before, making her feel frustrated about how clumsy she was. However, neither of the Xu aunts nor Qin Zeng sister got angry; they often comforted her instead. What truly made Yun Ge depressed was that the feeling of being a bit afraid of Xu Qingchen during their journey together was actually correct, because... most people in the Xu family were also somewhat afraid of him. Furthermore, Xu Qingchen really was very stern… Although Xu Qingchen was sick and weak, while she herself was healthy and skilled at martial arts, she still felt fear towards Xu Qingchen.

"Yun Ge... Yun Ge..." In her study room, Yun Ge was diligently practicing the calligraphy left by Young Master Qingchen. Hearing Qin Zeng's voice, she raised her head and touched her small face; a black ink stain immediately spread across her originally fair and beautiful little face, but its owner remained unaware of it.

"Zhen... elder sister..."

Qin Zeng stood at the door, looking at the girl's blank expression sitting behind the desk, she couldn't help but cover her mouth with a smile. "Yun Ge, what are you doing" Yun Ge pouted and said in a somewhat aggrieved voice: "I'm practicing calligraphy."

Qin Zeng walked over, looked at Yun Ge's handwriting, and smiled. "Your handwriting has improved significantly; it looks very good already. Why do you still need to practice" Qin Zeng came from a literary family and used to be a renowned talent in the capital city of Chu. For her to say that Yun Ge’s handwriting was very good suggested that Yun Ge's calligraphy was indeed impressive. Yun Ge whispered, "Xu Qingchen said practicing can temper one's character." Her big eyes looked pitifully at Qin Zeng as if trying to convey 'I don’t want to practice anymore'. Seeing Yun Ge looking so pitiful, Qin Zeng could only sigh helplessly. Though Yun Ge was occasionally naughty, she was also very obedient and adorable, making it hard for one not to feel sympathetic towards her. Furthermore, the way she strictly followed Young Master Qingchen's instructions without question made even Lady Xu shake her head in disapproval sometimes. No matter how much Yun Ge disliked a task assigned by Young Master Qingchen, as soon as he asked, she would carry out his request without any discount.

Qin Zeng smiled and used a handkerchief to wipe the ink off Yun Ge's face while saying: "Yun Ge is already very good. There’s no need for her to stay locked up in the room tempering her character every day, right I’m going shopping with Ting Er and Tian Xiang; shall we go together"

Seeing the ink stain on Qin Zeng's white handkerchief, Yun Ge realized that she had made a mess. She hurriedly took the handkerchief from Qin Zeng to wipe her face herself. After hearing what Qin Zeng said, Yun Ge was also tempted but seeing the unfinished calligraphy on the table caused her delicate little face to droop sadly. If Xu Qingchen found out that she left halfway through practicing, he would definitely punish her even more severely and make her break all her fingers!

"Alright, let's go then. Shall I talk to Brother for you, Zhen" Qin Zeng smiled as she pulled Yun Ge outside.

"Junior sister-in-law, where are you two going" Just as they stepped out of the study room, they met Young Master Qingchen coming their way.

Although Mingming wore a smile that made others feel at ease, Yun Ge felt like a mouse seeing a cat and quickly hid behind Qin Zeng. Upon witnessing this scene, Xu Qingchen kept his smile on his face but his eyes sank slightly. Qin Zeng, however, did not sense anything amiss between the two; instead, she smiled warmly and said, "Big Brother, I was just planning to look for you. Ting'er, Tianxiang, Wuyou, and I want to go out for a walk. We're also taking Yun Ge with us. She stays in the mansion all day long without going anywhere, so her little face is getting pale."

Actually, Yun Ge wasn't looking pale at all, but after Qin Zeng's comment, Xu Qingchen noticed that Yun Ge’s smile wasn’t as bright and cheerful as it was before she arrived in Li City. She always seemed to avoid him when they met. In fact, Mister Qingchen was quite wronged; he had indeed gotten along well with Yun Ge while recovering from his injuries in the valley, and Yun Ge had been very close to him too. However, after coming out of the valley, without any apparent reason, Yun Ge started showing signs of fear towards him. Despite his exceptional intelligence, Mister Qingchen couldn’t figure out what he might have done to make the little girl so afraid. His irresistible charm seemed to be ineffective as well; no matter how amiable he tried to be, Yun Ge always acted in a way that showed obedience and respect.

After a moment of silence, Xu Qingchen glanced at the large eyes filled with longing that were peeking out from behind Qin Zeng. He sighed helplessly and said, "We can’t go outside today."

The brightness in Yun Ge’s eyes dimmed immediately. Xu Qingchen continued, "Mr. Shen Yang has arrived and wants to see you."

"Mr. Shen Yang" Yun Ge blinked her eyes before quickly reacting with a question. "Do you mean the renowned doctor Shen Yang" Yun Ge was studying medicine herself, so she naturally paid special attention to this world-famous miracle worker who had a reputation all over the land. Although she knew that Mr. Shen Yang lived in Li City too, since coming to Xu Family Mansion, she had been busy learning various etiquette and manners as well as taking classes arranged by Xu Qingchen. She hadn't had time to visit him.

Xu Qingchen nodded and asked, "Do you want to see him"

"Of course I do! Why would Mr. Shen come personally to see me" Yun Ge replied quickly while also feeling somewhat puzzled and excited. Shen Yang was a world-renowned divine doctor who held the title of chief physician in Prince Ding’s household, yet she was just an unremarkable little girl; how could Shen Yang possibly know about her

Xu Qingchen nodded again and said, "Since you want to see him, let's go to the main hall. Princess Changle is also here."

In the grand hall, Shen Yang was sitting there drinking tea, but his angry expression didn’t look like that of a visitor. Lady Xu was seated beside him, looking somewhat helpless too. Although Shen Yang worked exclusively for Prince Ding’s household, he had saved Prince Ding's life and enjoyed great prestige both within the Prince’s household and among General Mo’s army. It wouldn't do to be disrespectful towards someone with such remarkable skills, let alone when they were in the right.

"Master, don’t scare Yun Ge," Mo Wuyou said from her seat next to Shen Yang as she covered her mouth and smiled gently. She had seen Yun Ge several times before and liked the cute girl very much, but never imagined that Yun Ge would be related to their master in any way.

Shen Yang snorted softly and muttered something under his breath. Mo Wuyou's pretty face turned rosy red, and she no longer dared to persuade him.

"Mrs. Xu, has the divine doctor Shen really arrived" Yun Ge had just reached the door when her voice was heard inside. Mrs. Xu smiled and waved at her. "Yun Ge, come over quickly. This is Shen Yang, the divine doctor Shen. Come to greet him."

Yun Ge walked up and bowed properly. "Yun Ge greets Doctor Shen."

Shen Yang glanced down at Yun Ge with a hint of warmth in his eyes. He then nodded and said, "You’ve learned the etiquette pretty well." Hearing this, Yun Ge shyly lowered her head and said, "Mrs. Xu and Sister Zeng taught me." Originally, she found learning these etiquettes boring, but now that Shen Yang had praised her, she felt all the effort was worth it. For some reason, she found Doctor Shen, who seemed to have a bad temper, particularly likable. She attributed this feeling to her admiration for Shen Yang.

Mrs. Xu smiled and pulled Yun Ge close to her, saying, "Yun Ge is an intelligent and obedient good child." Mrs. Xu genuinely liked Yun Ge; not only because Yun Ge was the young master's companion girl but also because Yun Ge’s character made a motherless XU family matriarch truly cherish her. Although there was Ye Li as a niece, Ye Li had a calm and collected personality, being one of the most extraordinary women in the world. There were few places where Mrs. Xu could show care and help to Ye Li, whereas Yun Ge's innocence and lack of knowledge about worldly affairs made Mrs. Xu worry and feel heartache for her.

As they spoke, Xu Qingchen and Qin Zeng also caught up. Seeing Xu Qingchen, Shen Yang's previously slightly relaxed expression turned gloomy again, letting out a snort but not saying anything. Xu Qingchen didn't mind; he calmly said, "Has Yun Ge greeted Mr. Shen"

Yun Ge looked at the suddenly angry Shen Yang in confusion and then nodded with a smile as she saw the smiling Xu Qingchen. "Yes, I've met him. He praised me."

Xu Qingchen said warmly, "Is that so Mr. Shen rarely praises people. But Yun Ge should not be arrogant."

Yun Ge nodded repeatedly but her bright eyes had already stuck to Shen Yang. Since her father’s death, no one guided her medical skills, and she could only slowly figure things out on her own; she hadn't made progress for a long time now. Thinking of this, Yun Ge's gaze toward Shen Yang became even more eager.

Seeing Yun Ge openly admiring Shen Yang, Xu Qingchen’s expression turned serious as he looked at Shen Yang and said, "If Mr. Shen has anything to say, Yun Ge is here now; you can speak freely.

Shen Yang gave a light snort, but the look he shot Yun Ge was warm. Although he respected the Xu family, it didn’t mean that he could forgive them for hiding Yun Ge’s identity from him. No matter what, Yun Ge belonged to his Shen family.

"Yun Ge, come here. This is an offering from me as a token of our meeting," Shen Yang took out a simple jade box and passed it over. Yun Ge couldn’t help but look at Xu Qingchen for confirmation before stepping forward to accept the box from Shen Yang’s hand, which caused Shen Yang's expression to darken once more.

Out of curiosity, Yun Ge opened the box and saw that it contained a set of silver needles neatly arranged inside. Her small face lit up as she hesitated and said, "These are... these are the Lotus Needle my father mentioned"

Shen Yang nodded with a smile, "Indeed, they are the Lotus Needles. I don’t need them now, so since you’re studying medicine too, I’ll give them to you." To ordinary people, the Lotus Needles were just silver needles, but for practitioners of medicine, they were invaluable treasures. Yun Ge was naturally overjoyed, yet she felt uneasy at the same time and said, "This... Yun Ge cannot accept this."

Shen Yang raised his eyebrows and asked, "Why can’t you"

Yun Ge bit her lip slightly and replied, "Father said that the Lotus Needles are difficult to make, and there is only one set left in the world today. Yun Ge cannot accept such a precious gift from Mr. Shen."

Shen Yang looked at Yun Ge thoughtfully and smiled as he said, "I heard you’re quite skilled in medicine, Yun Ge."

Yun Ge’s small face flushed red and she responded, "My medical skills haven’t improved for a long time."

"Do you think I could guide you" Shen Yang asked with a smile.

With Shen Yang speaking so clearly, Yun Ge understood immediately. She said joyfully, "Is Mr. Shen willing to take Yun Ge as his disciple then"

Shen Yang shook his head and only smiled when Yun Ge's disappointed gaze darkened. "This old man shares the family name Shen, just like you. I have reached an advanced age but I still don't have any children of my own. Would you consider me your adoptive father"

"Adoptive father" Yun Ge was taken aback.

However, Shen Yang took her silence as agreement and said happily, "Good girl, this is the gift I'm giving you. Keep it well." He then placed a jade box containing silver needles into Yun Ge's hands.

"Ah" Yun Ge was confused; had she agreed

Madam Xu frowned slightly and spoke up, "Mr Shen… isn’t this…" They knew that according to their family trees, Shen Yang should be Yun Ge’s great-uncle. How could he adopt a daughter then

Xu Qingchen lowered his eyes in thought before smiling and saying, "Yun Ge, you are studying medicine; it is quite the coincidence that you share the same surname as Mr Shen. Would you consider him your adoptive father" Yun Ge looked at Shen Yang who was looking at her with such affection and asked softly, "If Yun Ge acknowledges Mr Shen as my adoptive father, will he treat me just like Father does"

Shen Yang nodded and said with a smile, "Of course. Your adopted father would share everything he knows with you. There's also Wu Yuan; she is younger than you by two months but she was admitted before you… You can call her whatever you want. Since your ages are close, it’s great that you can study together and play together too."

"Elder Sister Wu Yuan."

"Sister Yun Ge."

Yun Ge and Wu Yuan spoke in unison; before the last word left their mouths, they both couldn’t help but laugh.

"Stepfather!" Yun Ge called out.

"Good child." Shen Yang's eyes were slightly red as he nodded at Yun Ge. He had never married and had no children of his own, and the nephew whom he once hoped would carry on the family name had gone far away for his wife. Now, only Yun Ge remained as a link to the Shen lineage.

"Congratulations, Mr. Shen, for taking such an obedient daughter," Lady Xu said with a smile, though she found the familial confusion somewhat frustrating. Since Shen Yang didn't mind and her son agreed, she had no objections either. Originally, Yun Ge’s parents’ matters were unrelated to her; since Shen Yang did not wish to bring it up again, it was for Yun Ge's own good.

Shen Yang nodded and glanced at Xu Qingchen with a calm expression: "Thank you, Lady Xu. In that case... I have something to discuss with Lady Xu."

Lady Xu was taken aback but smiled: "Mr. Shen, please feel free to speak without any formality."

Shen Yang said, “Since Yun Ge has acknowledged me as her stepfather, she is now my daughter in the Shen family. I will take her back to our residence these days; thank you for your care during this period.” Although Shen Yang often resided at the Dingwang Manor, he also had his own private estate in Li City.

Upon hearing Shen Yang's words, Lady Xu was momentarily stunned while Xu Qingchen, who sat below, immediately appeared uncomfortable.

——

(*^__^*) Hehe... Although Yun Ge is currently naive and adorable, she still possesses formidable abilities. The martial arts and medical skills bestowed upon her by Feng are not there for show.od eyes." Ye Li smiled slightly and said, “Commander Xu and Qi Lin will stay with General Lu.” Ye Li knew that the path Lu Jinxian wanted to take would certainly be challenging; therefore, she left Co...