Several days later, the fated day of Ye Gu's birthday finally arrived.
Under Granny Liu's direction, Ling Yue changed out of her usual clothes early that morning and slipped into a light blue dress that had been prepared for the occasion. The skirt was embroidered with matching orchid patterns, and her long black hair shimmered like silk, enhancing her youthful charm. Bright and spirited, she looked stunning.
After much persuasion from Ling Yue, even Ye Huang Yu agreed to attend the feast. Though reluctant, she was coaxed into changing clothes and applying a light touch of makeup.
When Ling Yue saw her mother's transformation, she was awestruck. Her mother's graceful aura had been steadily growing ever since she began drinking monkey wine. Today, dressed beautifully, her flawless white skin and delicate demeanor made her resemble a rare white orchid—elegant, pure, and dignified.
Granny Liu, watching the mother-daughter pair, was overcome with emotion. Tears streamed down her face as she muttered inwardly: The heavens have not forsaken this family after all.
Hand in hand with her mother and followed by Little Squeak, Ling Yue headed for the main hall.
In honor of Ye Gu's birthday, the entire Ye estate had been adorned festively. Golden birthday banners decorated the walls and doors, each marked with the character for "longevity." Red lanterns hung overhead, and ninety-nine banquet tables were arranged in the courtyard to symbolize a long life. As an opera troupe performed joyfully on stage, the manor bustled with excitement.
Ye Gu, the host of the day, was dressed in a stately ceremonial gown. His face glowed with cheer as he welcomed each guest personally.
The courtyard buzzed with lively chatter until Ling Yue and her mother arrived—then, all went silent.
Their beauty was magnetic. Heads turned as the mother-daughter duo entered the courtyard.
"Who are they? When did Autumn Maple Town have such striking figures?"
"That's the Third Lady and her daughter from the Ye family. I never thought they'd come today."
"You mean that Third Lady? Then the young girl must be the one raised by the Hong family..."
Whispers drifted toward Ling Yue and her mother. Just as Ling Yue leaned in to hear more clearly, Ye Huang Yu's face turned pale. She grabbed Ling Yue's hand and glared murderously at the gossiping guests.
The murmurs quickly ceased. Everyone knew not to bring up that part of the family's history while inside the Ye estate.
"Third sister, you've come! And Ling Yue too—how wonderful," said Ye Huang Yun, the eldest brother, nodding warmly.
Although Ye Gu said nothing, his eyes occasionally flicked toward them, a trace of emotion in his gaze.
"Oh, no wonder I heard a magpie chirping all morning—it meant Third Sister was on her way." Ye Huang Cheng, son of the fourth wife, approached with his entire household.
Dressed in pristine clothes, his children followed closely, including Ye Qing, who shot a jealous glare at Ling Yue.
Facing his father, Ye Huang Cheng bowed respectfully and presented a red silk box. "Father, we've come as a family to offer our birthday wishes."
Opening the box, Ye Gu found a fist-sized piece of Yuan Iron, gleaming with a smooth, silvery surface.
"Fifty percent purity?" Ye Gu's eyes lit up. This was the highest-grade Yuan Iron ever produced by the Ye family's ore masters.
"Yes, Father," Ye Huang Cheng said proudly. "It took three days and nights of effort from the best ore masters."
This dazzling gift temporarily stole the spotlight from all others.
But Ye Huang Cheng wasn't done. With a sly tone, he turned to Ye Huang Yu. "Third Elder Sister, what about your gift? Surely you didn't come empty-handed?"
Ye Huang Yu froze. In truth, she hadn't brought a present—she had only agreed to attend at Ling Yue's insistence.
But Ling Yue stepped in with a calm smile. "Fourth Uncle must be joking. Of course my mother brought a gift. This jar of wine is for Grandfather."
She lifted a jade wine jar, presenting it with both hands.
The simple word "Grandfather" carried little weight to Ling Yue, but to Ye Gu, it was a balm to the soul. His eyes misted over, and he turned away to wipe at the corners discreetly.
"Very good, very good. Ling Yue is such a thoughtful child," he said, accepting the jar eagerly.
Ling Yue had done her homework—Ye Gu's only true passions were alcohol and weapons. She had chosen her gift carefully.
"A pot of wine?" Ye Huang Cheng scoffed. "Don't tell me it's from the town market. That's worth barely a couple silver coins."
Before his words could land, Ye Gu had already unsealed the jar.
A golden, translucent liquid shimmered within. Its rich, fruity aroma spread instantly, so potent and fragrant that it made every guest salivate.
Even without tasting it, everyone could tell—this was no ordinary wine.
"Is this... the legendary hundred-year monkey wine?" Ye Gu's eyes sparkled with disbelief and joy.
"Yes," Ling Yue replied smoothly. "Mother went into the mountains to find it. This jar is all she could procure after three months."
In truth, it was a refined version of the hundred-fruit monkey wine she had prepared inside her Grand Mist Sky .
Still, its effects were real.
"Congratulations, Master Ye! Hundred-year monkey wine is known for promoting longevity and improving cultivation. Even King Xia in the capital may not have had a chance to drink such a treasure," cried a local restaurant owner among the guests.
"Wonderful, wonderful! This is the best gift I've received today," Ye Gu declared, glowing with happiness. His gaze toward Ling Yue and her mother softened further, brimming with warmth.