Chapter 2: The Microbial Family

Lan Xiaochi took a sip of the sweet soup and said: "My father scolded me, so I ran out. If you ask again, I will lie!"

Lan Xiaochi said, "Alright, I will listen to Uncle Weisheng"

Lan Xiaochi instantly retracted her head into Wei Shengci's embrace, and Wei Shengci said: "If you hit Xiaochi, I will kill you." Lan Xiaochi pressed down on his hand with one hand: "Xiao Ci, don't!" The sincerity in her voice made Bu Hanchan breathe a sigh of relief and advise: "Young Master, the servant is disrespectful, but it is not worth the Young Master taking action personally. Let the master handle it."

Lan Xiaochi wiped her mouth and stood up, saying, "Alright, then I shall take my leave"

Hong Tan covered her face and got up, almost running out the door. Lan Xiao Chi whispered, "Uncle Han Chan... Hong Tan has already realized her mistake, so please don't scold her anymore."

Hong Tan, in a fit of anger, said: "Our young master is kind and innocent. I am merely worried that he might be deceived by some malicious individuals! Who exactly are you? Do you not know the reputation of the Wei Sheng family? In the martial world, no one dares to provoke them!"

The term "lower servant" strikes like a sharp needle, piercing the heart. Hong Tan, in a fit of anger, had already gathered his energy in his right palm. All the lower servants of the Wei Sheng family practiced martial arts; although they were merely considered low-level disciples, even the low-level disciples of the Wei Sheng family were a formidable presence in the martial world.

Hong Tan felt ashamed, angry, and wronged, but she did not dare to disobey Bu Hanchan's command. With tears in her eyes, she slowly knelt down. Bu Hanchan said: "Apologize to Miss Lan!"

In the depths of my heart, I sigh, having committed too many sins in my youth, now looking at the little girl's expression. He said: "Of course it is me." Little imp, I offer you my face, but please do not use it to wipe the ground

Microbiome said: "Eat."

He pointed to the elegantly dressed woman seated and introduced her. The woman had already stood up, beaming with a smile: "Xiao Ci, after all these years, you finally understand. Aunt Xiao is truly..." She wiped her tears with a handkerchief, "We are finally reunited as a family"

Lan Xiaochi seemed completely unaware and said, "Oh, oh, We can make it. Have we eaten yet, Uncle Weisheng? I'm hungry." Although she was not as composed as a refined young lady from a picture book, she was still charming and adorable.

Bu Hanchen immediately exclaimed, "How can this be?" and angrily commanded, "Hong Tan! Kneel!"

Lan Xiaochi sat at the table and began to eat. She had a fondness for sweets, and the fruit pearl sweet soup on the table was particularly favored by her. However, beside her, Wei Shengci sat still, disliking such occasions. He was accustomed to staying in narrow spaces, where the light was dim, there were no prying eyes, and no one would interrupt his daydreaming.

Lan Xiaochi said: "Sister Hong Tan does not like me, I might as well leave."

Lan Xiaochi said: "If you like it, then you like it. What is there to be embarrassed about?"

The reprimand has already been very severe; in the Wei family, the servants are equivalent to disciples. Usually, any guest who comes, who does not pay attention to their expressions

How tragic, yet he wishes to keep him. After losing his beloved wife, does he really have to imprison his own son for a lifetime?

Lan Xiaochi immediately stepped forward: "Brother Jing!"

Beside her, Xiao Jingrou said: "Qige, it’s nothing to worry about. Xiao Ci is just not used to it yet. Please don’t scare him. By the way, Miss Lan, may I ask where you are from? What do your parents do for a living? How did you come to be on Jiwei Mountain, and how do you know our Xiao Ci?"

Lan Xiaochi curled up in Wei Shengci's embrace, feeling a bit cold. After she knocked her head three times, she timidly said: "Sister Hong Tan, I never blamed you. Please get up quickly. Don't cry anymore; look at you, your makeup is all smudged from crying."

Wei Shengci furrowed his brows; he did not enjoy this kind of conversation. He wanted to go back, to be alone in peace. However, since Lan Xiaochi was speaking, he could not remain unresponsive. So he asked, "What are you saying?"

Microceramics finally spoke: "Father, elder brother"

He finally picked up that piece of fish and put it in his mouth

Suddenly, someone lifted the veil, bringing with it a gust of cold wind. Lan Xiaochi frowned; without needing to look, she already knew that it was the maid Hong Tan from Wei Shengci.

In the end, Bi Yuan came over to assist Lan Xiao Chi with her bath and changing of clothes. After the task was completed, the group proceeded to the hall, where Tu Shu Wei Sheng Qi and Wei Sheng Jing were already present. Next to them sat a woman in elegant attire, approximately in her forties.

It is rare for Wei Shengqi to explain so attentively, and both Xiao Jingrou and Wei Shengjing couldn't help but glance at him. However, Lan Xiaochi understood and nodded, saying: "Is it the person in charge?"

Hong Tan was taken aback: "Wh... what?"

The woman felt somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this, and beside her, Wei Shengqi said: "No. After Xiuer passed away, there was no one to manage the household affairs. Xiaojing asked his mother to come and help. Over the years, it has been Jingrou who has been taking care of various matters at home, providing a lot of assistance."

Weisheng Jing heard this call of "brother" and his expression was filled with melancholy and emotion: "Xiao Ci." He stepped forward, wanting to grasp Weisheng Ci's hand, but Weisheng Ci frowned and sidestepped to avoid him

Weishengqi noticed his expression and finally understood. He was not still harboring resentment; rather, he had forgotten how to communicate normally. That kind of sorrow gradually spread, reminding him of his childhood, when that child would run over like a small snowball, shouting: "Father, Mother, look, I caught a little rabbit!"

Lan Xiaochi, wrapped in a thin veil, jumped out, and almost instantly, Wei Shengci appeared at the door. Bu Hanchan was also taken aback, following closely behind.

On a snowy day, warm water sprinkled with nine-colored petals exudes a subtle fragrance. Lan Xiaochi stepped into the intricately carved wooden tub, letting out a long sigh.

Lan Xiaochi glanced at her and said: "Am I wrong in what I said? Look at you, not only is your status low, but your temperament is also narrow. Ah, small eyes, flat nose, thick lips, small breasts, thick waist, short legs, and big feet..."

Weishengci had no choice but to pick up the chopsticks, and Weishengqi was somewhat satisfied—well, he knows how to take care of my son. Xiao Jingrou quickly picked up a piece of food with her chopsticks and said: "Come on, Xiaoci, eat more."

Hong Tan's face turned pale in an instant. For a disciple of the Microbe Clan, being expelled from the sect meant the loss of their martial arts abilities

Lan Xiaochi handed him a pair of chopsticks with some food: "Eat quickly"

Hong Tan was startled awake by such a shout. She pointed at Lan Xiaochi and exclaimed: "You and - picture - book!"

The ways of men and women are entirely unfamiliar to him, and he does not understand

When Weishengjing saw them, they had already stood up. At this moment, they looked up and down at Lan Xiaochi with a gentle smile: "Are you Xiaoci's friend?"

Microbiome nodded slightly. Although the wait was somewhat long, he surprisingly felt quite good. It turned out that he also wanted to free each other. He said: "This is the elder brother of Xiao Ci, Xiao Jing."

Alas, my son, if you continue like this, it is likely that in the future, the authority of husbands will be undermined

Xiao Jingrou's expression suddenly became somewhat unpleasant Although she indeed held a managerial position over the years of handling various matters she had developed a slight illusion of having taken control of the Wei family

Microbiome was suddenly filled with anger, could it be that you are not being treated properly? Do you still dare to hold a grudge against us! I have not killed you, which is already considering the bond of father and son! But he immediately took a deep breath, no, no, I cannot be angry at this moment... I cannot harbor resentment at this time, otherwise...? ... He will go back again, right?

Weishengqi said: "Hurry up and finish eating, then go to sleep. Tomorrow, Xiaoci will take you around to explore."

Her smile is as radiant as a flower, rendering one unable to feel anger

Weishengci glanced at him and reluctantly pushed the bowl over. After years of accumulated authority, he was somewhat afraid of his father

Bu Hanchen said: "Miss Lan, as a servant, offending a distinguished guest and kneeling to admit her mistake is already a generous act. Please do not plead for leniency."

Bu Hanchen bowed and said: "It is my negligence that has startled Miss Lan. Please change your clothes quickly to avoid catching a cold. I will handle the matter regarding Hong Tan with discretion"

The laughter still lingers in the ears, he can only gaze at the sky, holding back the warmth in his eyes

Xiao Jingrou said: "However, the Microbe Family is, after all, not an ordinary place. With your unclear background, we are afraid we cannot rest assured to let you stay by Xiao Ci's side"

Hong Tan was so angry that her eyes turned red, while Lan Xiao Chi was adding fuel to the fire: "Sigh, with your fondness for Wei Sheng Ci, I don't think there's any hope for you in this lifetime..."

He did not know why the place where she had nestled was so warm. A strange feeling entangled him. He had been imprisoned in a stone cell since the age of seven, and apart from the occasional visits from Wei Sheng to teach him martial arts, he had hardly any contact with others during these years

The hand of the microscope paused in mid-air, showing understanding as it said: "Please sit down quickly. By the way, this is my mother. Do you remember her? Aunt Xiao, the one you met when you were young."

She lowered her head, tears streaming down, and finally slowly crawled to the ground, her forehead gently touching the floor: "Please... please, Miss Lan..." She cried so hard that she could hardly speak, her sobs continuous: "Forgive me."

Bu Hanchen was also frightened upon seeing this: "Hong Tan! What are you doing?!"

Hong Tan opened her mouth, but before she could speak, tears had already begun to flow down her cheeks. Lan Xiao Chi said, "Uncle Han Chan..." her voice was weak, tinged with a hint of fear, and carried a sense of pleading.

Bu Hanchan's expression was gloomy: "If you are unwilling to apologize, I will not force you. Hong Tan, the Wei family has not had any expelled disciples for many years."

Bu Hanchen intensified his tone: "Kneel!" For a moment, it felt as if the servants needed proper discipline and instruction. Usually, they had become utterly spoiled without any boundaries.

Hong Tan wept silently: "Thank you... thank you, Miss Lan."

Since being brought to the mountain, although the master has been strict, he has never regarded them as servants. When have they ever knelt before outsiders?

Hong Tan was taken aback, and then her face turned crimson: "What nonsense are you talking about?"

Lan Xiaochi said: "Uncle Wei Sheng, who exactly has the final say? One says to stay, and the other says to leave" She seemed a bit displeased

Just now, the porcelain was nearly knocked over, and the dish fell onto the table. The unfamiliar pleasantries made him feel annoyed. Xiao Jingrou's smile froze on her face, and Wei Shengqi said: "Xiao Ci!"

Lan Xiaochi continued to bathe, the smooth bath beans rubbing against her skin, making her skin fragrant. Hong Tan angrily asked, "Why aren't you speaking?"

Bu Hanchen said: "Go out and let Bi Yuan come in to assist Miss Lan with her change of clothes"

Before the words had finished, Hong Tan struck with a palm. With a loud bang, the wooden barrel exploded, and water droplets scattered in all directions

Lan Xiaochi nodded slightly. After he left, she finally raised her head to look at Wei Shengci. Wei Shengci had just confirmed that she was not injured, and at that moment, he took off his outer garment and draped it over her

Wei Shengqi's heart softened. For so many years, he had been in the stone prison, cold and desolate, without any attachment to anything. Wei Shengqi said: "It is getting late, and it is snowing again. It is not safe for a young lady to descend the mountain alone; you should stay here for now"

Lan Xiaochi scooped rice into her mouth and nodded, saying, "Hmm!" She glanced at the table and picked up some fish to place into Wei Shengci's porcelain bowl. Wei Shengci frowned—there was a fishy smell. Lan Xiaochi tapped him with her chopsticks and said, "You are not allowed to be picky with your food"

When has Wei Shengqi personally spoken to invite a guest? Jing Rou no longer dared to speak.

The blue little wings, with tear-filled eyes, trembled like a frightened little rabbit: "Sister Hong Tan, why do you want to kill me?" Wei Shengci rushed over to embrace her, feeling the fragrant skin and delicate flesh, softness everywhere. The small face still showed signs of lingering fear, and Wei Shengci turned to look at Hong Tan, asking the same question: "Why?"

Lan Xiaochi tilted her little head and said: "Even if you don't know what to say, you still have to call someone! Come on, call father, call brother."

Lan Xiaochi tilted his head and, seeing Wei Shengci still standing at the door, pulled him over and said: "My name is Lan Xiaochi. Xiaoci, why aren't you speaking?"

As the person in charge, one cannot seek to please her. However, Wei Shengqi said: "Hmm."

Hong Tan said: "What are you pretending to be a good person for! Clearly, it is you..." The remaining words could not be spoken. Could it be that Lan Xiao Chi claimed she was unworthy of Wei Sheng Ci, which made her furious?

Bu Hanchan let out a sigh and said, "Aren't you going to thank Miss Lan for her generosity?"

Hong Tan stood three steps away from the wooden barrel and asked, "How did you come to know the young master, who has been imprisoned in the stone cell all this time?"

Lan Xiaochi generously stated, "I generally do not hold grudges against the servants"

Lan Xiaochi stepped forward and called out, "Uncle Weisheng!"

Lan Xiaochi pouted and said, "Do you like micro-ceramics?"

As she turned to leave, Wei Shengci grasped her hand and said: "Little Wings!"

Lan Xiaochi tilted her head: "A family reunion? Aunt Xiao, are you Xiaoci's stepmother?"