The people at the table were astonished by Gu Qingli’s words.

It was the first time they had heard that the most delicious food in the world was simple home cooking. In the eyes of ordinary folk, exotic delicacies were considered the finest things on earth.

At the same time, they were deeply touched. Xiaoli is treating us like her own family.

“Xiaoli is right,” Gu Chang’an, who had overheard, sighed. These words resonated deeply with him. “At home, as long as the family lives in harmony and enjoys good health, even coarse grains and wild vegetables taste delicious.”

He was nearly sixty, his heart long settled. All he wished for now was a harmonious and peaceful family life.

Especially after experiencing the earthquake, he had witnessed so much human coldness, selfishness, indifference, and greed. Consequently, he cherished the present all the more and favored selfless, kind-hearted people like Xiao Yunjing and his wife.

During that period of severe resource shortage, the villagers could have united to endure the hardships together.

However, more than half of them wanted to distribute resources by household rather than by individual.

His household, being the largest and not yet divided, was first in line.

If resources were divided by household, his family would not receive enough to survive.

There was no choice; the minority had to yield to the majority. As Village Chief, he had to comply.

The subsequent distribution of supplies was utter chaos, more like looting, with no one heeding instructions.

Eventually, those who received less began to fight with those who received more.

The scene descended into uncontrollable turmoil.

Gu Chang’an’s family watched the chaos with cold detachment. When the villagers finally realized something was amiss, they grabbed their belongings and fled, leaving nothing but a field of trash behind.

His son and daughter-in-law had to fight back tears as they scavenged among the debris, picking up anything usable.

Fortunately, Xiao Yunjing sent another batch of supplies a few days later. This time, they were distributed per person, which finally allowed their family to pull through.

It was during this period that their family became even more united and closer.

Hearing her father-in-law speak, Ms. Qiao seemed to recall those days and added with emotion, “Yes, Xiaoli and Father are right. These two tables of dishes are indeed the best. Everyone, eat up before it gets cold.”

Ms. Qiao understood Gu Qingli’s words. A family should be harmonious and respectful. Confronted by people like Master Gu’s family, or those villagers who only cared for themselves during hardships, even delicacies like dragon’s liver and phoenix’s gall would be hard to swallow. The Gu family members were intelligent people, so they naturally understood the hidden meaning in Gu Qingli’s words. From that moment on, the entire family, young and old, truly began to treat Gu Qingli as one of their own.

Gu Qingli didn’t know that her casual remarks had won her a family that cherished her more dearly than their own kin.

The truth was, she had only wanted to express that one can only enjoy the true ’taste’ of food when at home with family. Eating out wasn’t about the food itself, but rather about the external conditions.

Regardless, today’s meal was an unexpected gain.

“Yunjing, could my little grandson learn kung fu from you along with Dashuang and Xiaoshuang?” Gu Chang’an asked Xiao Yunjing while they were chatting in the courtyard after dinner.

His youngest grandson, Gu Qingqiu, was already ten years old. He was close to Dashuang and Xiaoshuang and had unintentionally learned that they knew kung fu, and quite well at that. He then pestered his grandfather about learning from them.

But how could Dashuang and Xiaoshuang teach anyone? They had learned from Xiao Yunjing.

Xiao Yunjing hadn’t been back before, so now that he had returned, Gu Chang’an decided to ask, despite feeling a bit thick-skinned about it.

His grandson had always loved to brandish swords and staffs. If Xiao Yunjing agreed to teach him, he would support his grandson’s wish.

Hearing his grandfather’s question, Gu Qingqiu immediately ran over to Gu Chang’an’s side, looking at Xiao Yunjing with eager eyes.

Xiao Yunjing beckoned to Gu Qingqiu.

Gu Qingqiu’s eyes lit up. He took two steps forward and stood respectfully before Xiao Yunjing.

Xiao Yunjing reached out and felt Gu Qingqiu’s frame; his bone structure was quite good.

He said, “Show me a few moves.”

“Okay.” Gu Qingqiu, not at all shy, retreated to an empty space and, with a semblance of proper form, executed several palm strikes and punches.

Xiao Yunjing recognized the style; it was what he had taught Dashuang and Xiaoshuang.

While Gu Qingqiu demonstrated, everyone gathered around to watch.

Only Gu Chang’an paid close attention to Xiao Yunjing’s expression.

He was asking Gu Qingqiu to demonstrate a few moves to see if his body’s flexibility was suitable, especially since the boy was already ten. If the boy was suitable, he would teach him personally. If not, he would have Yun No. 20 teach him a few self-defense moves. He was also planning to train Daniu, who had an astonishing bone structure—a true prodigy for martial arts. It was a pity he’d discovered Daniu’s talent so late; otherwise, Daniu could have become a top-tier expert by now.

After finishing his demonstration, Gu Qingqiu stepped forward, looking at Xiao Yunjing with anticipation.

Xiao Yunjing looked at Gu Chang’an and said, “Second Granduncle, it’s possible. Let him come live at my house with Daniu.”

“Excellent, excellent! Let’s get him to pack his things right away! HAHAHA… This is wonderful, Yunjing! I really don’t know how to thank you. Qingqiu has loved martial arts since he was little, and now he’s finally found a master! Oh, right! Ms. Gao, quickly go prepare the items for the apprenticeship ceremony!”

Gu Chang’an slapped his forehead. Since Yunjing had agreed, the apprenticeship ceremony was essential.

Though a bit rushed, the formalities were necessary for it to be proper and legitimate.

Hearing this, Ms. Gao smiled and hurried off.

Xiao Yunjing didn’t try to stop them.

Gu Qingli also wouldn’t object. Xiao Yunjing must have his reasons for doing this. It’s good this way; Daniu will have a companion.

Not just Ms. Gao, but the entire family pitched in. Some brewed tea, while others prepared for the apprenticeship ceremony.

The apprenticeship ceremony involved six rites. Since Gu Chang’an was the Village Chief and his family included scholars, they managed to gather the necessary items, though it took some effort. Soon, everything was prepared.

Xiao Yunjing sat on a stool while Gu Qingqiu formally performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine prostrations before offering him tea.

He held the teacup with both hands and declared loudly, “Master, please drink this tea.”

Xiao Yunjing accepted the cup, took a sip, and nodded. “From today, you are my, Xiao Yunjing’s, disciple. Follow me and learn diligently. The only rule is that you must not betray your master or forsake your ancestors! If you ever commit such an act of betrayal, you may pay with your life. Do you understand?”

As Xiao Yunjing spoke these words, a powerful aura emanated from him. He was not joking.

The onlookers were all awed by Xiao Yunjing’s imposing presence, making him seem like a lofty king whose subjects dared not defy him.

Gu Chang’an felt a chill in his heart. He had always sensed that Xiao Yunjing was no ordinary person, and this confirmed it absolutely. At the same time, he was overjoyed for his grandson for gaining Xiao Yunjing’s favor.

He had a feeling that one day, his family would prosper and rise in status because of this day’s events.

Everyone waited for Gu Qingqiu’s response.