When Ning Xiaochuan woke up, it was already noon the next day.
His head hurt terribly! Ning Xiaochuan struggled up from the bed, rubbed his temples, and tried hard to recall what had happened last night. Yu Qianqian had said she would not marry, and then someone had ambushed him from behind, knocking him unconscious.
Wait! Who was Yu Qianqian refusing to marry?
Ning Xiaochuan looked around the room. A sandalwood canopy bed, a purple qi incense burner, a silk mosquito net... This... this was the Sword Pavilion Marquis's Mansion, the little courtyard where he had once lived with Ning Xiner.
"Brother, you're awake!" Ning Xiner walked in from outside, carrying a copper basin filled with clear water. Her rosy cheeks were brimming with delighted surprise.
Ning Xiaochuan asked in confusion, "How did I end up back at the Sword Pavilion Marquis's Mansion?"
"Second Uncle carried you back. Don't tell me you've forgotten everything that happened last night?" Ning Xiner fished an embroidered cloth from the water, wrung it dry, and wiped Ning Xiaochuan's face. Her large, round eyes blinked continuously as she smiled. "Brother, so you can cultivate Martial Dao Profound Qi after all. You even kept it from Xin'er. You really aren't a good brother."
Ning Xiner was exceptionally gentle as she softly wiped his face. An unprecedented smile bloomed upon her exquisitely carved little face, like an unripe flower bud.
"I'm going to Jade Viewing Pavilion!" Ning Xiaochuan said resolutely.
Ning Xiner's hand froze as she was about to say something.
"Cough!" A dry cough came from outside.
The Old Marquis entered from outside and blocked Ning Xiaochuan's way. A chill clung to him, and though he was not angry, his authority was overwhelming. Sharp light shone from his aged eyes, as though a single glare could