Third Uncle Granduncle had been a little bewildered by the first line.
"A rough bear in the Mountain of Ten Thousand Silences." Blunt, but fitting enough.
At the second line, "My teacher taught me letters and their art," his brow relaxed, and he nodded slightly.
By the third line, "Three thousand scrolls I read until worn through," his old heart brimmed with pride, and he stroked his beard, nodding repeatedly.
Good. This scholarly bear could be taught.
But then Black Mountain finished the final line... "Yet most I miss those meals in the dining hall!"
Third Uncle Granduncle's vision went black. He swayed, nearly passing out.
Everyone immediately flew into a panic.
"Third Uncle Granduncle! Are you all right?!"
Qing Li rushed forward first to support the old man, while Si Che hurried over to pat his back and help him catch his breath.
Third Uncle Granduncle had not actually passed out, of course.
Not only that, he even made an exception and drank two extra cups at the family banquet that evening.
The entire Si Household was awash with joy.
Their young master, who had ascended twenty years ago, had returned with a group of friends. Apparently, one of them was even his "third aunt."
The news swiftly spread throughout the clan grounds.
The family banquet was held in the main hall, and the entire lineage had hung lanterns and colorful decorations.
The table was laden with old Si Household favorites: braised spirit pork hock, steamed snowfish, jade ginseng braised with scallions, honeyed spirit fruit... all dishes Si Chen had loved as a child.
Qing Li personally oversaw the kitchen, wiping away tears as she gave instructions.
The other servants could vaguely hear her muttering something about how "the young master can finally have a proper meal."