Faced with Ah Yin's heartfelt gratitude, Jiang Li didn't accept it without reservation.
He sidestepped to avoid her, then gently raised a hand in a modest gesture. His words were pure and noble, rolling effortlessly off his tongue:
"Madam, you flatter me far too much."
"When Little San first became my disciple, he said, 'Once my master, my father for life.' All these years, he's respected me as though I were his father. Besides, the child is exceptionally gifted, and rarer still, he has a pure heart. Taking care of him is simply my duty."
Jiang Li's voice was as warm as a spring breeze, and the corners of his mouth lifted in a faint, fleeting smile.
His blue-and-gold robe, set aglow by the radiance of the domain, made him appear all the more sacred and noble.
As if, Madam, you wouldn't be mine someday anyway. How could I possibly not treat Tang San well?
But to keep Dorgon's fate from repeating itself with him, Jiang Li figured he'd have to have a child of his own with Ah Yin someday.
Jiang Li lowered his eyes to Tang San, still kneeling on the ground, his eyes red-rimmed. Unconcealed affection shone in Jiang Li's gaze, and his whole bearing turned compassionate, as if he pitied all living things. "In my heart, I've long since regarded this child as my own."
Those simple words—"regarded as my own"—struck the hearts of both people present like a heavy hammer.
Tang San abruptly raised his head, tears blurring his vision once more.
He looked at his master, standing tall before him like a father, then at his mother beside him, gentle as water and gazing at him with loving eyes.
The two figures, both radiating the aura of the Blue Silver Emperor, stood together, their