After resolving Xiao Yan's leave request, the enrollment affairs in the tent were nearly finished.
"Okay, today's enrollment ends here. We will continue to enroll students in the city for the remaining seven days," Teacher Ruolin announced softly.
"Teacher, why don't you stay with our Xiao family during your time in Wutan City?" Xiao Yu asked, hurrying to catch up with Teacher Ruolin as she was about to leave. She took the teacher's arm and smiled sweetly.
"Stay with the Xiao family?" Teacher Ruolin paused, her brow furrowing slightly. "Jia Nan College has a special reception in Wutan City. Wouldn't it be a bit disruptive to stay with the Xiao family?"
"Haha, it's an honor for our Xiao family to host a mentor from Jia Nan College. I'm sure everyone in the Xiao family would be thrilled to know that Teacher Ruolin is willing to visit us," Xiao Yan said, stepping forward with a smile.
Although Mo Yu remained silent, his gaze was fixed on Teacher Ruolin, clearly indicating his support for the Xiao family's request.
Mo Yu had noticed Xiao Yu and Xiao Yan's intent to use Jia Nan College to boost the Xiao family's status, and he was supportive. After all, Jia Nan College was a prominent force in the northwest continent, and associating with them would undoubtedly enhance the Xiao family's influence in Wutan City.
Given that the Xiao family had been kind to him and his grandfather lived there now, Mo Yu wanted to see them thrive.
Seeing Mo Yu and Xiao Yan's support, Teacher Ruolin pursed her lips thoughtfully. With her experience, she understood the significance of her visit and the influence it could have. Admissions tutors typically ignored such local entanglements, but given the exceptional circumstances, she decided to agree.
After a moment's thought, Teacher Ruolin nodded slightly and smiled. "Alright, then I will stay with the Xiao family for a few days."
Xiao Yu's face lit up with happiness, and she immediately embraced Teacher Ruolin's waist, delighted by the agreement.
"Rob, you and the others go back to the reception desk first. Return here tomorrow, and remember, don't cause any trouble!" Teacher Ruolin instructed Rob and the others with a warm pat on Xiao Yu's head.
"Understood."
Rob, clearly wary of Mo Yu, quickly agreed and made his way out.
…
When the Xiao family received news that the admissions instructor from Jia Nan College was coming to visit, Xiao Zhan and the three elders were stunned. After a moment of surprise, they quickly stood up, exchanged excited looks, and hurried out to greet the guests. They led Teacher Ruolin and her entourage into the family grounds with beaming smiles.
With Xiao Yu's introduction, the two parties got acquainted. Xiao Zhan, upon learning the purpose of Teacher Ruolin's visit, agreed to host her without hesitation and promptly arranged for accommodations in the backyard. His swift and decisive actions earned him considerable favor from Teacher Ruolin and her team.
As a result, the Xiao family became much livelier with the presence of the distinguished guests from Jia Nan College.
As night fell, the Xiao family provided top-notch hospitality. After dinner, with the atmosphere in high spirits, Mo Yu quietly approached Xiao Zhan in a more secluded part of the backyard.
"Uncle, I would like to inquire about the cause of my father's death," Mo Yu said, his voice serious.
Xiao Zhan, who had been attending to Teacher Ruolin and the others earlier, looked surprised and concerned. He led Mo Yu to a quiet, remote area away from the bustling front yard. The suddenness of the question made Xiao Zhan's usually calm demeanor shift to one of seriousness and conflict.
Mo Yu, understanding the gravity of the situation, knew there must be something significant behind his grandfather's reticence. Xiao Zhan's change in expression confirmed that there was more to the story, something that had been kept from him.
"If there is any grudge or revenge involved, even if it's against a top power like the Yun Lan Sect or a force from Zhongzhou, I will seek justice for the old man who has cared for me," Mo Yu vowed.
"Uncle, I have grown up. Some things can't be kept secret forever. I hope you can tell me instead of me having to find out on my own," Mo Yu said firmly, his eyes reflecting his resolve.
Seeing Mo Yu's determination, Xiao Zhan sighed deeply. He was reluctant but knew that Mo Yu had a right to know. Xiao Zhan could see parallels between Mo Yu's persistence and his own son's. Even if he remained silent, Mo Yu would uncover the truth eventually, and that could lead to estrangement.
"Alright," Xiao Zhan said with a resigned sigh. "This matter was once a top-secret of the family. No one was allowed to speak of it. Your grandfather didn't tell you because he thought it was for your own good."
Xiao Zhan paused, clearly troubled, but continued. "The cause of your father's death is related to a large family in the northeast of the empire."
Mo Yu's eyes flashed with cold determination. "Which family are you talking about, uncle?"
"It's your ancestral family, the Yancheng Mohist family."