All eyes turned to the elderly woman who had just stepped into the pavilion. Her hair was streaked with silver at the edges, her skin lined with age. She walked slowly, steadying herself with a black cane that gleamed like polished obsidian. Two maids flanked her on either side, dressed in robes finer than those of ordinary servants. As the personal attendants of the Xia Clan's matriarch, their status was not the same as that of other servants in the mansion.
The three children of the Yao Clan stepped forward and bowed with their hands clasped. "Grandmother," they called in unison.
Her eyes narrowed as she studied them. With a stern expression, she walked to the center of the pavilion, the tip of her cane striking the ground with an authoritative sound.
"I could hear all of you from across the courtyard. Are you trying to inform the entire neighborhood that the Yao Clan raises unruly brats with no proper upbringing?"
Yao XinYue quickly shot a glance at Yao Bin, then turned to her grandmother with a sweet smile as she stepped forward.
"Grandmother, we were simply excited about the upcoming training exchange with the Xia Clan. Surely the neighbors would understand our enthusiasm."
Grandmother Yao quirked the corner of her mouth. This granddaughter of hers had always known how to speak well. Her earlier words about the neighbors were only a joke, as no one in the neighborhood would dare complain about the Yao Clan.
Meanwhile, Yao Bin shrank back behind Yao Zixian, hoping to escape her gaze. He had feared his grandmother since childhood. She had always been strict with him and never once shown him favor. Unlike Yao XinYue, who would run to their grandmother for help the moment anyone dared upset her. And unlike him, Grandmother Yao would actually come to her defense.
But Yao Bin's attempt to hide did not escape her notice.
"Do you think I'm going to eat you? Why are you standing so far away?" she snapped. "How many times must I tell you not to bully your sister?"
Yao Bin flinched and quickly shook his head. Yao Zixian moved slightly, stepping in front of him to block Grandmother Yao's view.
"Grandmother, I believe Yao Bin has learnt his mistake. He won't do it again," Yao Zixian said.
Grandmother Yao rolled her eyes. "And you think I've grown old and senile?"
Yao Zixian replied with a helpless smile. Yao and his sister had been at each other's throats for as long as anyone could remember. They had never gotten along and would stir trouble with each other whenever possible. Grandmother Yao would sooner believe pigs could fly than believe Yao Bin would suddenly admit fault and promise never to trouble his sister again.
But upon seeing Yao Zixian's expression, she chose to let the matter rest. There was no use making things difficult for him. With a flick of her sleeve, she extended her hand toward Yao Bin.
Without a word, Yao Bin handed over the invitation letters. She took them and gave him a light knock on the head before passing the letters to her other two grandchildren.
It didn't hurt, but Yao Bin's chest filled with silent frustration. It had been Yao XinYue who attacked him, scratching him hard enough to draw blood, and yet he was the one being reprimanded.
Fueled by a rush of indignation, he found a sliver of courage. His voice trembled slightly as he spoke from behind Yao Zixian.
"Grandmother, it was Ah Ran who attacked me. She even scratched me. Look."
He stepped forward and showed her his arm, still bleeding faintly from the welts Yao XinYue had left behind. For a brief moment, guilt flickered in her eyes before she looked away and muttered, "It was an accident."
Grandmother Yao stared at the marks on his arm before scoffing. "You call yourself a man? Ah Ran scratched you, and your response was to use your spiritual energy? She hasn't even begun proper cultivation, yet she managed to injure you like this. And instead of reflecting, you come crying to me? Do you not feel ashamed?"
Yao Bin shrank back at her scolding. His meek demeanor only deepened her disapproval. Shaking her head, she handed the letters to the other two before turning her attention to Yao Zixian.
"I remember this boy was brought back by you, Ah Ling?" she asked, pointing at RenJie.
Yao Zixian glanced at Ren Jie and gave a small nod.
Grandmother Yao studied RenJie for a moment, then beckoned him forward with a subtle wave.
RenJie looked at Yao Zixian, who nodded. Stepping forward, he clasped his hands respectfully and lowered his head to greet the matriarch, only to feel her hand suddenly grasp his wrist.
He froze, startled by her strength. Her bony fingers wrapped firmly around his arm as she studied him. After a moment, she nodded with approval.
"Ah Ling, take this boy with you to the Xia Clan when you go."
RenJie furrowed his brows, uncertain, while Yao Zixian simply raised an eyebrow before giving his grandmother a quiet nod.
Satisfied, Grandmother Yao turned and began making her way back to her courtyard. Before leaving, she ordered Yao Bin to undergo extra training at the hall. He grimaced, but obeyed without a word, shooting a glare at his sister before hurrying away.