For the next week, ZW, XYZ, Qing-er, EK, YQ, ET, and SY met regularly to hear XYZ tell the story. In an effort to still incorporate lessons into these telling, Qing-er made sure to ask XYZ to incorporate her new-found cheng yu knowledge in the telling. Interestingly, SY was now the one who needed explanations. When she learned that Qing-er was XYZ's tutor, she also demanded to be included. Qing-er just smiled and said, "The more the merrier" while XYZ looked at SY incredulously.

Xiao Jian was not always available, since the building of his school was starting. Though he still made sure to visit XYZ at least once a week for her wu gong and flute lessons. But perhaps that was just as well; he would not have let XYZ praise him so much had he been there. The story was also more complete with Qing-er adding her side of the tale and the going-on's at court. Whne the last word was uttered, SY said, "XYZ, ZW, ET had told me what marvelous people you are. Now I believe him. ZW, I'm sorry that I had threatened a love like yours and EK's"

ZW replied modestly: "We're really not that great."

XYZ, however, remarked: "SY, motherhood has sure mellowed you!"

SY retorted: "And marriage has refined you." But then she grinned impishly, "But I can still beat you in a fight!"

YQ interrupted before XYZ can respond: "SY, you might find yourself losing. XYZ has been learning from XJ."

ET was surprised: "Oh?"

EK: "Yes, and that's not all she's been learning."

Qing-er joined the conversation: 'Yes, I've been teaching her too."

SY: "HZGG, see, marriage has definitely refined you."

Instead of retorting, XYZ grinned: "Yes, but I look forward to fighting you still."

SY nodded: "Deal."

ZW: "Uh oh. Having one XYZ is enough, now there are two of you!"

Everyone laughed.

"Huang Shang jia dao!"

"HS/HAM ji xiang!"

HS: "XYZ, have you finished your story?"

XYZ: "Yes, HAM."

HS: "Good. Zhen remembers how much you and ZW looked forward to seeing Da Li. Glad though zhen is that you came home, zhen still feels like you should go there. Therefore, zhen has decided all you children should go on a trip. Of course, XJ's to go with you. But this time, you'll have time to enjoy the sights."

ZW: "Xie, HMA."

XYZ was more exuberant in her thanks: "Really, HAM? Thank you!"

HS smiled at the beaming faces around him: "Zhen wishes to go with you, but there's recently been some trouble with Burma…"

EK: "Then shouldn't we stay home?"

YQ: "HAM, won't you need us?"

ET: "HS, I agree with EK and Wu A Ge, we should stay and help you."

HS smiled: "Zhen is grateful for your help, but it's a small matter, zhen is fully capable of handling it. Go, YQ and EK, you tow have worked hard all winter, you deserve a break. Besides, it's a good time to show Sai Ya around our wonderful country."

Qing-er: "HS, won't LFY miss me?"

HS: "Don't worry. Zhen has already talked with her. She seemed especially eager when I mentioned that XJ will be there to protect all of you (his eyes sparkled during the last sentence)."

As Qing-er blushed, everyone else turned in surprise to Huang Shang.

HS laughed at their stunned looks: "Yes, zhen knows. Zhen is not against it. XXJ is a talented man. As soon as we clear up his past, I'm sure LFY will give consent for a marriage."

XYZ: "HAM, you're so smart! How did you figure it out?"

HS laughed: "After all your adventures, I learned something too. I've also learned to trust you young people in matters of the heart."

So busy answering XYZ, HS did not see the concerned look that passed between ZW and EK.

After HS left, XYZ was all for going to Hui Bin Lou right away.

YQ: "But XYZ! We can't!"

XYZ demanded: "What do you mean we can't?"

YQ: "It's not that day of the month."

XYZ sighed: "But that's a whole week away!"

ZW: "XYZ, a little patience. It's getting towards evening anyways."

SY: "Didn't you mention that HS told XJ he could visit you anytime? He can come tomorrow."

XYZ: "But how do you know he will?"

EK: "We'll tell him you have news. Actually, why don't we tell him for you?"

XYZ: "No! I want to tell him myself!"

ET: "XYZ, fine, we'll just say you have news, ok?"

XYZ grumbled: "Fine."

Blushing, Qing-er took out a letter: "Since you're going, can you give this to him for me?"

ZW took the letter from her and nodded: "Qing-er, I'm so happy for you."

YQ: "Yes, both LFY and HS seem to approve. I wish I had it as easily."

Qing-er: "But then think of the adventures you would have missed!"