Zhu Yanyi did not care much for formalities, but she knew her parents certainly did. "So remember, when I am twenty-five, you must come back too. Otherwise, I won't find anyone to marry. I might just marry someone else."
"You're dreaming," Yan Aohan said bluntly. "Don't even think about it. I’ll be back before you turn twenty-five. I’ll go to the Sage Academy, find you, and bring you back to marry. That way, you won’t keep thinking about cheating on me."
"How dare I? I was just joking. Besides, I’m reminding you so you don’t forget me while I’m away." Zhu Yanyi smiled, patting Yan Aohan’s shoulder. "I’m also warning you. If you forget me, I’ll make you wear a green hat."
"Stop imagining things. In this life, I can forget anyone, but never you. Even if I drank Meng Po’s soup, honestly, I couldn’t forget you." Yan Aohan grinned at her.
Zhu Yanyi glanced at her. "You’re a god, the Lord of the Underworld. Meng Po’s soup won’t work on you. Are you trying to trick me into thinking I’m stupid?"
"I’m just trying to tell you that you are carved into my bones and my soul. Forgetting you is impossible." Yan Aohan looked innocent, which made Zhu Yanyi laugh.
"You’re getting better at sweet talk."
"That’s because I’m talking to you. Sweet talk is inevitable." Yan Aohan laughed heartily.
The couple chatted happily, their days simple yet sweet.
Once Zhu Yanyi confirmed the school was ready and the opening date was set, she planned to find teachers. Her first stop was Huajia Village. She had never intended to keep the Hua family hidden forever; now was the time for them to emerge.
After contacting Hua Na and Hua Yun, they guided her to Huajia Village.
Huajia Village, like most mountain settlements, was located on a flat plateau atop a mountain. All thirty-three households were Hua family members. Though small compared to regular villages, the population was significant for their secluded life.
"Little Divine Doctor, Huajia Village is just ahead," Hua Na said, pointing happily at the houses on the distant peak.
Zhu Yanyi looked up. The houses were built entirely of wood, carved with various floral patterns. This natural, rustic style surprised her. "This place is really nice."
"Isn’t it? Our family has lived here for generations, so we’ve always maintained it. The flowers carved on the houses are ones we use daily," Hua Na explained.
Zhu Yanyi nodded slightly. "You Hua family people know how to enjoy life. Anyone would want to stay long in such a beautiful, clear place."
"Right? I love Huajia Village too," Hua Na and Hua Yun laughed.
As they entered the village gate, Hua Tian was already waiting. Hua Na waved vigorously. "Dad, we’re back!"
Hua Tian walked over with a smile and tapped Hua Na’s head. "You’ve been wild outside for so long, and now you remember to come back?" Then she turned to Zhu Yanyi. "Little Divine Doctor, welcome to Huajia Village to play."
Play? Zhu Yanyi raised an eyebrow. Hua Tian was still stubborn. But since she was here, she wouldn’t let her stay that way. She smiled. "Village Chief Hua, I never visit without a purpose."
Hua Tian didn’t expect her to be so direct, but she replied, "No matter what it is, rest first. You can’t finish everything today anyway."
Zhu Yanyi smiled. "Village Chief Hua is right. Some things are better discussed after resting. But I should warn you: the Hua Medicine practitioners should enter the world." Ignoring Hua Tian’s expression, she turned to Hua Na. "Hua Na, show me where I can rest."
Hua Na looked at her father and shrugged. She knew Zhu Yanyi’s personality. Her father had tried to argue, and now she was being told off.
Hua Na also believed the Hua Medicine should enter the world. Their skills might not match Zhu Yanyi’s current level, but they had unique characteristics. Hiding such good medicine in this mountain valley was a shame to their ancestors.
Hua Tian watched Zhu Yanyi walk away casually with Hua Na. She didn’t know what to say. She knew hiding was bad, but she had to obey ancestral orders.
Yet, seeing the world gradually forget the Hua Medicine worried him.
Once a medical tradition is forgotten, it is hard to revive.
Hua Tian gathered the family heads to discuss this.
Hua Mu spoke first. "I think entering the world is fine. If we don’t, people won’t even know the Hua Medicine exists."
Hua Tian frowned. "You’re right, but without the Hua Medicine Token, we cannot enter the world擅自. That is the ancestor’s command."
Hua Mu added, "That’s true, but the ancestors didn’t foresee this awkward situation."
Hua Fei agreed. "Hua Mu is right. Even if the elders stay here, what about the young ones? Should they hide forever? Times change. We can’t let our children fall behind the era."
"However, the Village Chief is right too. It is an ancestral rule. If we break it, might it bring trouble to the Hua Medicine?" Elder Hua Hai asked.
"Let’s discuss what we should do next," Hua Tian said.
Discussion continued, but reaching a conclusion was difficult.
"Dad, I have something. Can I come in?" Hua Na called from outside. She wasn’t sure why she followed Zhu Yanyi’s instructions. Zhu Yanyi had given her a wooden box, telling her to bring it to the meeting hall. She said that once Hua Tian and the others saw what was inside, they would agree to enter the world. Though hesitant, Hua Na had unconsciously arrived at the hall.