As night fell, the Yunjian Pavilion in the Moya area was illuminated with lanterns and decorations for Master Mo's birthday celebration. Guests arrived one by one, all dressed up and smiling.
When all the expected guests had arrived inside the grand hall, the musicians led by Yijun began playing lively songs to signal the start of the celebration.
Master Mo smiled as he listened to the music. After the performance, a thunderous applause erupted.
"The musicians are truly skilled," Master Lei said.
"Indeed, the Qinsect's music is reliable," Master Mo added.
"Thank you for your praise. We'll perform whatever music you desire," Yijun said.
"Happy birthday, Master Mo," the guests chimed in.
Master Mo nodded and smiled.
"Thank you all. I'm glad you're here."
The hall was filled with representatives from various clans, including smaller ones. Master Mo sat at the front, with the Fengming and Qinshan clans on the right and the Qingju clan and others on the left.
"The gift-giving ceremony will now begin," the announcer declared.
The Bai family was the first to give a gift.
"This is our gift, Master Mo - an antique box containing gold jewelry," Bai Yue said.
Master Mo's sister, Yuming, sat beside Yuxi from the Qin clan.
"We have plenty of gold; what's the benefit of this gift to my brother?" Yuming whispered to Yuxi, who just rolled his eyes.
"Thank you, Master Bai Yue and the Bai family," Master Mo said.
"Next to give a gift is the Feng family," the announcer announced.
The Feng family stood up, bowed, and presented their gift. Many guests laughed and secretly judged the gift, especially Bai Cheng from the Bai family.
"This plant is our gift to you, Master Mo. Although it may seem amusing, this plant is legendary and extraordinary. It blooms once every five years, and its fragrance can cure illnesses," the Feng family explained.
Master Mo's face lit up with a sweet smile.
"What a beautiful plant! Thank you, Master Lei," he said, nodding.
"The final gift comes from the Qin clan," the announcer said.
The Qin family stood up and bowed.
"This small box contains our gift. Although it's small, when opened, it will play beautiful music that can soothe and calm the mind," Master Jian said.
"Thank you, Master Jian," Master Mo said with a smile.
Master Mo stood up and stepped forward.
"Thank you all for coming and giving gifts. Now, let's begin the feast in celebration!"
The guests applauded enthusiastically.
A variety of dishes and drinks were laid out on a long table. A separate table was reserved for the high-ranking families. The four clans were seated at one long table. While eating, some chatted and laughed.
Master Lei sighed. "I never thought the former playmate of my daughter Xiao would have changed so much and become a leader," he said, patting Master Mo's back.
"You four used to hang out together: Master Mo, Qin Yijun, Feng Xiaoyan, and Bai Yujing. Time really flies. You have a child now. How old are you compared to them, Master Mo?" Master Jian asked.
"I'm three years older than Xiao and Jing, and five years older than Yijun," Master Mo replied.
"You're still young to have become a leader," Madam Yan said.
"Don't worry, Master Mo; we promised your father we'd guide and help you," Master Lei said.
While the leaders chatted, Mo Tian whispered to Yuxi.
"I heard Feng Xiaoyan and Bai Yujing are getting married. Do you think they suit each other?" Mo Tian asked quietly.
"I don't know," Yuxi replied.
Mo Tian pouted, knowing Yuxi wouldn't engage in gossip.
"Why did you ask, Yuming?" Yijun whispered back.
"Look at their siblings; they seem to have a rivalry," Mo Tian replied.
"They've always been like that; they don't get along," Yijun said.
"Shut up," Yuxi interrupted, seated between them.
"By the way, Master Lei, where's your youngest child?" Jian asked.
"Mei'yin? She's not fond of occasions or celebrations. We tried to persuade her, but she refused," Master Lei replied.
"I haven't seen Mei'yin since she was little. Maybe she's changed," Master Mo said.
"She's really different; she's not pretty," Bai Cheng commented.
" You're nothing compare to her." Yang defended his sister.
"That's enough; show some respect to Master Mo," Master Yue scolded.
They apologized.
"Calm down, Yang," Xiao whispered.
"If you get angry, they'll think Mei'yin is really not pretty," Ling added.
"Let them judge; we know it's not true," Xiao said.
Master Mo looked around and noticed the food was running low. Since the servants were busy, he called his sister.
"Mo Tian, can I ask you something?"
Mo Tian stood up.
"What is it, Master Mo?"
"Tell the chef to add more food and drinks," Master Mo instructed.
"Yes, Yuxi, come with me; you're not eating anyway," Mo Tian said, pulling Yuxi along.
Yuxi followed to avoid more words.
"Those two are inseparable. I always see them together," Madam Su commented raising her eyebrows.
"Yuming is Yuxi's close and only friend," Master Qin Jian said.
Bai Linyan, Bai Yue's daughter, listened to the conversation and gazed sharply at the two walking out of the hall.
~~~~
Feng Mei approached the Yunjian Pavilion with a scowl, where the celebration was taking place.
"You're really prepared for me, brother!" she muttered to herself with annoyance.
As she reached the gate, the guards blocked her path.
"What's going on? Why won't you let me in?" Mei asked.
"Who are you, and where's your invitation?" one of the guards replied.
"Huh? Don't ... Don't you recognize me? I'm the youngest daughter of Master Feng Lei of Fengming, Feng Mei'yin," Mei responded.
"We know Lady Feng Mei'yin, but we've never seen her before. How can we be sure you're really her?" the guard asked with skepticism.
"Hey, just because I look like a warrior doesn't mean I'm not the daughter of a leader! If you won't let me in, call the Feng family, and I'll take care of this," Mei said arrogantly.
"No." the guard said authoritatively.
~~~~~
Mo Tian watched the women whispering and giggling at Yuxi.
"Yuxi, the women are smiling at you; notice them and smile back at least once," Mo Tian suggested.
"I don't want to," Yuxi replied.
"You're so stingy..... By the way, Bai Linyan was staring at you earlier. I don't know why she's here," Mo Tian said.
"Are you kidding? She's here because all the Bai family members are invited. You don't think," Yuxi said in a cold, serious tone.
Mo Tian rolled her eyes and walked ahead.
As they passed by the gate, they saw the guards talking to a woman.
"Ms. Mo Yuming, Mr. Yuxi!" the guards greeted.
"What's going on here?" Mo Tian asked.
"This woman insists on entering without an invitation and claims to be Feng Mei'yin, Master Feng Lei's daughter," the guard explained.
Mei sighed and interrupted the guard.
"Of course, I'm Master Feng's daughter! Is that hard to believe?"
Mo Tian and Yuxi observed Mei.
"Indeed, it is," Mo Tian replied.
"What do you mean? Don't look at me with judgmental eyes. Who are you again?" Mei asked.
Before Mo Tian could respond, she instructed the guards to tell the chef to add more food and drinks.
"I'm Mo Yuming, Master Mo Xiang's sister. He's Qin Yuxi, Master Qin's youngest son," Mo Tian said.
"I didn't ask about him," Mei replied.
"If you're Master Mo's sister, let me in," Mei added.
"It's not possible without an invitation. Rules are rules," Mo Tian said.
Mei gave her a dirty look.
(In the Hall)
While everyone at the table was busy chatting, Ling suddenly leaned towards her brother Yang.
"I thought Mei was going to follow us? Why isn't she here yet?"
"I thought so too, but I'm sure she'll come," Yang replied.
Xiao turned to them.
"Maybe Mei is outside; go check because those without invitations can't enter. Not everyone knows her," she said.
"Yes, sister. I'm worried about what she might do to the guards," Yang said.
"I'll come with you," Ling added.
The two stood up and excused themselves from their parents and the others at the table.
(At the Gate)
Frustrated, Mei scratched her head, pleading with the guards to let her in.
"Come on, let me in! I need to talk to someone."
"It's not possible. You should go home," Mo Tian replied.
Mei fell silent, then turned around.
"What is she doing?" Mo Tian whispered to Yuxi.
"I don't know, and I don't care. Let's leave once the guard returns," Yuxi responded.
Mo Tian gave him a side-eye.
"You're so gloomy to be around."
As they bantered, Mei sprinted inside but was quickly blocked by Yuxi's sword.
She dodged, but Mo Tian blocked her path.
The two engaged in a playful battle until Mei exclaimed,
"What's wrong with you! Just let me in! I can't beat you."
Mei's frustration was interrupted by Ling and Yang's arrival.
Yang approached Mei.
"What's going on? What did you do? Are you hurt?" Yang asked rapidly.
"You'll l be more hurt if you don't tell me why you ruined my nets—", Yang quickly covered Mei's mouth.
"Shut up! You caused trouble again; you're so embarrassing," Yang whispered sternly.
Ling approached Yuxi and Mo Tian to apologize.
"Please forgive my sister; she's still young and impulsive. As her older sibling, I'm apologizing on her behalf."
"Why are you apologizing to them? It's their fault for not letting me in when I said I'm your sister," Mei said.
"Be quiet, Mei! There are rules to follow; you should know that," Ling replied.
"Indeed, they're your siblings. Forgive me too. " Mo Tian said to Mei.
"Can we take her inside?" Yang asked.
"Of course, no problem," Mo Tian replied.
"I won't go in; I'll just go home since my anger towards you has dissipated," Mei told Yang.
"It's already evening, Mei. Come in and greet Master Mo Xiang," Ling said.
"I don't want to go in; I'll wait in the carriage," Mei said and left the gate.
"MEI! Come back!" Yang shouted.
"Let her be; she's just cooling off. Let's go back," Ling said.
"She's so stubborn," Yang muttered.
"Let's go ahead, Ms. Mo Yuming and Qin Yuxi," Ling said, thanking them.
Mo Tian smiled, and Yuxi nodded.
As they left, Mo Tian grinned at Yuxi.
"What's with that smile?" Yuxi asked seriously.
"That woman, Feng Mei'yin... she's different, isn't she?" Mo Tian asked.
"I don't know," Yuxi replied.
"Besides me, there's another woman who doesn't notice your special and charming appearance," Mo Tian teased.
"Shut up!" Yuxi retorted.
Mo Tian laughed, enjoying Yuxi's irritation.