The butler smiled, his entire demeanor changing. "Young Master Ming, please wait a moment. This old man will return shortly."
Ming Zhitian didn't wait long before the butler reappeared, opening the large doors on either side and welcoming them with a smile. "The Young Master requests the presence of the three of you. Please follow me."
The trio followed the butler into the Mo family estate, navigating through winding corridors until they reached a grand hall. There, a refined young man in black robes sat by a tea table, holding a folding fan, with two maidservants attending him.
The young man in black gestured for the maidservants to step aside. He walked directly to Ming Zhitian, his gaze lingering with undisguised warmth on Hua Ruxian and the other woman.
He feigned a welcoming smile at Ming Zhitian. "Ah, you must be Ming Zhitian, introduced by Young Master Yin Fu. I've read the letter. My humble abode is rather modest, but we do have dozens of rooms. Please, make yourselves at home."
Without waiting for Ming Zhitian to speak, he bypassed him and approached Hua Ruxian and her companion. "Forgive me for not introducing myself. My name is Mo Qianyang, the Young Master of the Mo family. Here, I can make decisions on most matters. May I know the names of these two beauties?"
Hua Ruxian, a demure lady, curtsied gracefully. "We are sisters from the Hua family of Qiancheng. I am Ruxian, and this is my younger sister, Ruhua."
Mo Qianyang beamed with delight. "What meaningful names, what beautiful appellations! Truly, you live up to your names."
Hua Ruxian offered a slight smile. "Young Master Mo is too kind."
Mo Qianyang said, "The letter didn't mention the two of you. May I ask your intentions?"
Hua Ruxian looked at Ming Zhitian. "We are accompanying our husband here."
Mo Qianyang blinked, then blinked again, failing to comprehend. "Uh... Ruxian, is the husband you speak of this Young Master Ming?"
Hua Ruxian and Hua Ruhua said in unison, "Precisely."
Mo Qianyang narrowed his eyes. Hua Ruxian spoke with a cool expression, "Young Master Mo, please call me Miss Hua. Thank you."
They were not yet intimate enough for him to call her by her given name. Hua Ruxian, and similarly Hua Ruhua, would not permit it.
Mo Qianyang gave an awkward laugh and changed the subject. "Someone, escort our three esteemed guests to their chambers to rest."
...
Ming Zhitian and the two women were assigned rooms separated by one chamber, as if deliberately arranged. They paid it no mind; having a place to stay was good enough.
"Knock, knock, knock..."
A knock sounded at the door. Ming Zhitian asked warily, "Who is it?"
"It's us," Hua Ruxian replied.
Ming Zhitian felt they were like persistent ghosts. "Is something wrong?"
Hua Ruxian pushed the door open. "Can't I find you if something isn't wrong?"
Hua Ruhua gently closed the door. Ming Zhitian took the Peerless Battle Axe from his storage bag. "This axe is too precious. I'm returning it to you. Please stop following me."
Hua Ruxian said proudly, "No! Not leaving!"
Ming Zhitian asked, "What exactly do you want?"
Hua Ruxian asked, "Why are you avoiding us? Are we that terrifying?"
Ming Zhitian stammered, "I..."
Hua Ruxian pressed, "Ming Zhitian, just give me one sentence. Is marrying us that difficult?"
Ming Zhitian retorted, "You don't understand me at all. Aren't you afraid of domestic violence?"
Hua Ruhua shivered. "You... you're serious?"
Hua Ruxian continued, "We don't understand you, but I, Hua Ruxian, have met many men, and none have been as difficult as you. You have many annoying quirks, but with my experience, you might have a temper, but you wouldn't resort to violence against women. Am I right?"
Ming Zhitian shrugged. "You actually guessed right."
Hua Ruxian said, "If you're a man, stop being indecisive. Give me a clear answer. Will you marry us or not?"