Chapter 119: Declare Your Decision

  In the Yinghu Mountain Villa, apart from Hong Tian and his wife, children, apprentices, and nearly a hundred male and female servants, there were also several young girls related to his wives' families and their respective attendants. As a result, the family dinner that gathered together in the evening was divided into four tables.

  Three people sat with Hong Tian in the upper seat, glanced at the puzzled faces behind the smiling faces sitting at the three tables below, and sighed slightly in their hearts. After casually setting up a soundproof barrier around the four of them, Zuo Xiao Yao's expression was serious "Have you really thought it through? That path is destined to be uncertain!"

  The original vigor and spirit no longer exist, the smile that once hung on his face has also disappeared at some point, a flash of pain quickly flashed in his eyes, but Rong Hongtian's tone was very firm "This road is indeed doomed to end, but it's not what I want!"

  "Even if it's just a gamble that will inevitably abandon his wife, children and family business? Hongtian, I'm going to advise you one last time, you must think clearly. Since we found you, we've repeatedly emphasized that no matter what choice you make, you don't have to consider the fact that we came here looking for you, this shouldn't be a factor influencing your judgment."

  After drinking the wine in the cup, Qin Xiao's expression turned solemn and he said something similar to what he had advised before, either explicitly or implicitly. Now that things have come to this point, he still wanted to make another effort. It wasn't that he didn't welcome Luo Hongtian's current decision, but rather because he understood his temperament fairly well, knowing that the other was a sentimental person. Even if they could successfully pave their own way, it was hard to predict what impact this experience would have on his future.

  With a wry smile, he picked up the wine in front of him and took a swig, then poured another round for himself and Qin Xiao. Lu Hongtian slightly raised his head to look at the top of the banquet hall and said, "Thank you, I understand your intentions. I have also thought about many possibilities that may arise in the future. But I really don't want to be left alone in this world. The life of a wealthy family with children and grandchildren is not what I want. Even if all this becomes my calamity, I will never regret this decision!"

  Knowing that saying more would be useless, the three of them could only stop talking. Just then, a young girl came forward with a cup of wine and offered it to them. It wasn't until Xiaoxiao withdrew the soundproofing spell that they recognized the girl as Bai Qin, someone they had met before. A faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.

  Since confirming that the three of them were indeed old friends of their master, Bai Qin, who had once rebuked her for "not knowing the great taboo between men and women", although showing respect to them in person, also knew that they all shared a mysterious background similar to Luo Hongtian's. However, it was probably because Zuo Xiaoyao had intentionally "shown weakness" earlier, which made her seem too fake. Bai Qin was actually very displeased with her behind her back, and even let her hear with her own ears how she had instigated Luo Hongtian's wives, trying to portray her as the most likely person to disrupt their family.

  Because she had never had any real impact on her, and also because of Rong Hongtian's face, Zuo Xiaoyao had always turned a blind eye to this. Didn't put it in her heart. Even when Rong Hongtian's five wives saw her, they smiled very warmly, but as soon as they turned their eyes away, they showed a cold intention, worried that Rong Hongtian was too close to her, but with the Wangdao Pavilion which ordinary people couldn't enter, they couldn't guard against it, and could only grit their teeth in secret resentment.

  No matter what, being treated like this by someone without any reason makes her feel really bad. Now that she sees the person taking the initiative to come forward, Zuo Xiao Yao feels that if she doesn't take advantage of the situation to bully her a bit, it would be unfair to her own reputation which was unjustly damaged.

  A hint of teasing flashed in her eyes, and she glanced at Rong Hongtian, whose emotions were still somewhat downcast. Just as Bai Qin was about to speak after making a toast with both hands holding the cup, it seemed like she suddenly remembered something. Xue Xiao Yao curled up the corner of her mouth and smiled first, saying "I suddenly recalled that we were able to reunite smoothly with Brother Rong that day, thanks to Jin Xian's leadership. As seniors, we should express our gratitude!"

  And not to mention that Bai Qin, who seemed to have been inadvertently cooled down by Zuo Xiaoyao, was embarrassed and wanted to speak but stopped herself, losing the opportunity to interrupt. She stood alone with her head down, hearing snickering sounds around her, and was so angry that she almost bit her silver teeth in shame. Jin HuaHui, who had been pointed out, also changed his expression slightly, hastily standing up and clasping his fists to say: "Thank you, Master Zuo, for your praise. I am unworthy of it. The three Masters' presence here is a fulfillment of our Master's long-cherished wish, which is an honor for us disciples. Thank the heavens for their protection; how could I dare take credit?"

  After arriving at Yinghu Villa, Zuo Xiaoyao and the other two had little contact with others, and even later, in order to leave space for Lu Hongtian on purpose, they rarely saw him. During this time, some people would occasionally leave quietly. According to the information provided by Lu Hongtian, they went to the "Plain" on the Lei Yu Continent's barren land to "investigate" the location where those scenes were often broadcast in the background. They had even less contact with the people living in Yinghu Villa, including his few apprentices.

  But although they rarely met, it didn't mean they had no intersection at all. During this time, none of them were seen to have any involvement with others. At this moment, Zuo Xiao Yao suddenly mentioned that she wanted to express her gratitude. Not only was Jin Hua Hui, the person involved, very perplexed, but Luo Hong Tian also felt unexpected. However, after careful consideration, it indeed made sense. Since meeting Zuo Xiao Yao and the other two, he had been in a complicated mood, immersed in a state of contradiction and hesitation. He, who usually rewarded and punished clearly, hadn't put this matter at heart.

  Thinking of this, he deliberately took two steps back and stood beside the maid. He saw the small action made by Bai Qin and smiled as he replied, "Those who have merit shall be rewarded, it's a basic rule of my Yinghu Mountain Villa and Huaxia Gate. It seems that I was remiss earlier, you should have been rewarded for leading the way back then!"

  "This matter was raised by me, so I should be the one to make a statement. Is Brother Luo thinking that I won't come up with anything good?"

  "How dare you! Xiao Yao's family is not ordinary, I've known that for a long time. Hand it over to Xiao Yao then!"

  Zuo Xiao Yao laughed and said, "Wealth is not a problem, but there are a few things that are suitable for Junior Brother Jin to use. I can still take them out, thank you Rong brother for giving me this opportunity to show my face. Hmm, how about this peach wood knife? It's small and exquisite, convenient to carry!"

  He glanced at the peach wood knife in her hand, which was only as long as a palm, and saw that the wooden blade was exceptionally thin, but it didn't look sharp at all. The two sides of the handle were carved with intricate patterns, making it seem like just an exquisite wooden knife craft, but he already knew its value. Ruo Hong Tian smiled and said, "Xiao Yao has a good heart, I accept this gift from my elder, thank you! Hua Hui, come forward and take it!"

  He had already spoken out in his heart, and Jin Hua naturally didn't dare to decline again. He went forward respectfully with both hands to receive the thanks, and then retreated back to sit down at the table. Although he couldn't see where the peach wood knife was good, he didn't dare to reveal his true thoughts on his face.

  Xiao Yu glanced at Bai Qin, who was standing aside with a wine glass and a wronged expression. Zhuge Jinyu opened the folding fan in his hand and shook it twice, saying "Xiaoyao is being a bit too biased, isn't she?"

  "You can think of it as same-sex repulsion!"

  She knew what he was referring to, and Zuo Xiao Yao replied faintly, while Qin Xiao and Luo Hong Tian, who vaguely understood something, pretended to be unaware. After all, her intention to make people feel embarrassed had already been quite clear. Whoever dared to show sympathy would undoubtedly be asking for trouble.

  She put away her fan and said, "No way, our Xiaoyao is a princess of the imperial family, how can they be qualified to reject her?"

  As soon as this remark came out, the people who were offended immediately became a piece, and it was clear that the atmosphere on the scene suddenly became bad. After glancing around in a circle, Zhuge Zhan smiled awkwardly and said, "Slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue! I accidentally spoke the truth with my mouth, please don't blame me, brother Luo!"

  Although it's unclear how Bai Qin offended the three of them initially, causing Zuo Xiao Yao to humiliate her in person, it's clear that they're fed up with this group of women who are always two-faced. Xue Jing Yu's 'slip of the tongue' has ruined the atmosphere, and as a result, Luo Hong Tian reveals a smile tinged with bitter intent.

  Qin Xiao saw the situation and sighed again in his heart, "Forget it, we don't know when we'll be back after leaving this time, why bother with these things now. Since everyone is here, Hongtian, you might as well announce your decision early!"