On the official road from Yuanfang City to Dubian Town, several carriages pulled by purebred unicorns rolled slowly forward.
Beside the carriage in the middle, Zhou Guanyu and Zhou Zhuling rode side by side on unicorns.
"Big sister, do you think Mother's been bewitched?" Zhou Guanyu muttered under his breath, glancing at the carriage beside them.
Ever since her terminal illness, "Nine Cold," had been cured, Zhou Zhuling had been like a rabbit let loose, loving to bounce around. Though she'd never liked being out in public, this time she hadn't stayed inside the carriage. Instead, like Zhou Guanyu, she rode a unicorn, embracing nature and savoring the beauty of life.
Hearing Zhou Guanyu's words, the smile on Zhou Zhuling's face faltered. She scolded him lightly, "How can you talk about Mother like that?"
Zhou Guanyu pursed his lips. "Big sister, you know what I mean. I'm not talking about Mother."
"Even so, you can't say that. Whatever Mother does, it's not for us children to criticize." Zhou Zhuling glared at him, her beautiful eyes stern.
Zhou Guanyu rolled his eyes but didn't argue.
"When we get home, make sure you show Master Puzhi some respect, understood? He's our guest, after all," Zhou Zhuling reminded him.
"Oh." Zhou Guanyu didn't seem to care. He glanced at the carriage behind them and teased, "I wonder if Master Puzhi is going to be a guest at our home—or to the shopkeeper's Bookstore to study the Thousand Gold Formulas that cured your illness."
"Stop sticking your nose where it doesn't belong," Zhou Zhuling said.
"Hey, big sister, what kind of magic do you think Master Puzhi used to make Mother trust him so much?" Zhou Guanyu asked, puzzled.
This time, Zhou Zhuling didn't lecture him. She glanced at the carriage and lowered her