Chapter 22: The Matriarch Extends an Invitation

When Nie Beihu and Fu Shan made their appearance, Huang Qianjun realized that the true spectacle had just begun.

As expected, just a few moments had passed since their arrival, yet Li Tianhan and son had already slunk off in disgrace!

Furthermore, the way those in the surrounding area looked at Su Yi had changed. When he saw this, Huang Qianjun was inwardly gleeful.

This was because, of those outside the clan hall, only he had anticipated this result!

Father was right. Su Yi hides himself deeply, and you cant judge him with common sense. Otherwise, given the connections he revealed at the Immortal Gathering House yesterday, theres no way hed have to remain at the Wen Family as a disdained live-in son-in-law.

After returning from the Immortal Gathering House, he and his father had talked well into the night.

In the end, father and son reached the same conclusion

There had to be some secret behind Su Yis choice to remain in the Wen Family despite his immense capabilities!

That was why Huang Qianjun and his father, despite coming in person, didnt go out of their way to initiate small talk with Su Yi. They feared that if they caused too much of a commotion, theyd inadvertently reveal Su Yis secrets.

That was why they gave the Nine-Leafed King Ginseng to Wen Changtai and his wife and asked them to pass it on to Su Yi and his wife later.

Wen Lingzhao was just a convenient pretense. They needed some ostensible reason for their gift, after all.

What Huang Qianjun realized, Nie Beihu and Fu Shan had obviously picked up on as well. They all sensed that Su Yi didnt want to reveal certain matters, which was why they tacitly agreed to put on a show.

Im afraid no one in the Wen Family will guess or even consider that me, my dad, and even Nie Beihu and Fu Shan, are all here as a show of respect for Su Yi. Haha, this is way too much fun!?Huang Qianjun laughed to himself.

Su Yi would never have guessed that this domineering youth was enjoying this game so thoroughly. Had he known, he would surely have laughed.

Naturally, he realized that all of four of them, Huang Yunchong and son, as well as Fu Shan and Nie Beihu,?were?here because of him.

No, thats not it. Theyre here as a show of respect for Old Man Xiao and Zi Jin,?he thought to himself.

With the experience and mental state of his past life, there was no way hed get complacent over this. Besides, he disdained relying on others power to resolve his personal problems.

He hadn't asked the four of them to show up. Theyd all taken it upon themselves.

Back in the great hall.

After Li Tianhan and son left, the tense atmosphere mellowed significantly.

Wen Changjing was nothing but smiles as he warmly welcomed Fu Shan and Nie Beihu to sit down. Both were prominent figures, and today, theyd become the Wen Familys pillar of support, helping them head off a potential disaster!

Im here for another purpose, so Im afraid Ill have to abstain from the banquet, said Fu Shan with a wave. Then, he turned and walked up to Wen Changtais table with a smile. A certain distinguished figure requested that I deliver this gift on their behalf. Please, pass this onto Su Yi and his wife.

As he spoke, he solemnly retrieved a fist-sized, brocade box, then passed it over. Remember, only Su Yi and his wife are to open it.

Wen Changtai and Qin Qing leaped to their feet as if theyd been electrocuted, practically knocking the table over. They never would have guessed that someone as lofty as the city lord would personally give their family a gift!

The others were stunned too. They looked at each other.

Family Head Huang Yunchong had just personally delivered Wen Changtai and his family those pieces of Nine-Leafed King Ginseng. That alone came as an enormous surprise.

Yet now the city lord was doing the same thing?

Wen Changjing and the other higher-ups?stared?in wide-eyed astonishment.?What exactly is going on today?

Why is Ol Threes family so popular all of a sudden?

Thank. Thank you, City Lord! Wen Changtai was so excited, he could barely control himself, and his voice trembled as he spoke..

Qin Qing beamed. Years of accumulated grievances and dejection seemed to melt away, as if theyd finally found release.

She took a deep breath, then smiled broadly and bowed with the utmost respect. City Lord Fu, please allow me to thank you for your generosity on behalf of my daughter and son-in-law!

Her gaze swept across the great hall, and she took in the crowds stunned expressions. She felt nothing but pride and satisfaction, and despite herself, the corners of her lips tugged upward.?My day has finally come!

Theres no need to thank me, said Fu Shan. This is a gift from a person of eminence. Im merely delivering it on their behalf.

Might I ask who that eminent figure might be? asked Qin Qing curiously.

The crowds ears pricked up. Anyone capable of giving City Lord Fu Shan orders was surely extraordinary!

Huang Yunchong seemed to understand, and his heart shook. A certain title floated into his sea of consciousness

The Spiritjade Marchioness!

However, Fu Shan merely smiled and shook his head. Im afraid it's not my place to disclose their identity. Please, forgive me if I dont answer your questions. All you need to know is that this gift is intended for Su Yi and his wife.

Ill pass it onto them personally, said Qin Qing hurriedly.

The crowds expressions shifted subtly. Fu Shan had repeatedly emphasized that this gift was for Su Yi and his wife. This undoubtedly had profound implications!

Lingzhao is now a disciple of Heavens Origin Academy. Could that be why??Wen Changjing and the other Wen Family higher-ups looked at each other. They all subconsciously assumed that this gift had to have something to do with Wen Lingzhao.

None of them even considered the possibility that it might have something to do with Su Yi.

Commander Nie, please remain here and enjoy the feast on my behalf. I have other matters to attend to, so Ill bid you all farewell for now. Fu Shan turned, gave Nie Beihu his orders, then left.

Wen Changjing and the others hurriedly saw him to the gate.

On his way out of the clan hall, Fu Shan paused as he passed Su Yis table. He said with an amiable smile, Young Lord Su, Ill be on my way.

Su Yi nodded.

Everyone witnessed this exchange, and despite their immense shock, they all assumed that Su Yi was riding on Wen Lingzhaos coattails. That had to be why Fu Shan was giving him special treatment. Alll test novl on novelbn/(.)cm

After Fu Shans group disappeared, Huang Qianjun couldnt help but whisper, Brother Su, youre the most respected person here!

You dont hate me? asked Su Yi casually.

Huang Qianjun froze, then looked ashamed. He said sheepishly, Last night, my father taught me a lesson. He made me fully realize just how enormous the gap between us is. I. I feel nothing but awe and delight at my good fortune. I in no way carry a grudge.

Oh, said Su Yi. I hope you really mean that.

Wen Lingxue heard their entire conversation, and she felt increasingly confused.?This entire series of events has been altogether too strange, hasnt it.?

Although Fu Shan only made a brief appearance, hed had an enormous impact.

The atmosphere within the clans great hall regained its earlier liveliness, and many of the guests rose and toasted Wen Changtai and wife of their own volition.

Wen Changtai was a simple man, but he wasnt stupid. He knew what was going on, and he was delighted.

Qin Qing was in even higher spirits. Her eyes sparkled with exultant joy. Although she wanted to hide her joy, she just couldnt control herself.

Wen Changjing and the other family higher-ups were happy too. Li Tianhan and son had left in dejection, and the Wen Family had averted a potential crisis.

Even better, with Fu Shan and Nie Beihus show of support, the guests attitudes had shifted subtly.

This was undoubtedly wonderful news for Wen Changjing and the declining Wen Family!

So, Brother Huang, youve completely changed your attitude? Nie Beihu sat beside Huang Yunchong and asked unobtrusively.

Yesterday, I was blind and foolish. I was wrong to target Young Lord Su. Why hold a grudge over my mistake? Huang Yunchong laughed heartily. I really ought to thank him for showing mercy and allowing my son and I to?avoid greater?disaster. Im deeply grateful, which is why I decided to pay a personal visit, first to congratulate the Wen Family matriarch, and second to offer a humble apology gift as an expression of my penitence.

Nie Beihu was stunned for a moment. Then, he took a deep look at Huang Yunchong. I suspect you have other reasons you left unsaid.

Huang Yunchongs eyebrows shifted slightly. Care to enlighten me?

Nie Beihu glanced outside the clan hall, and his gaze landed on Huang Qianjun, who was seated beside Su Yi.

I suspect youve already realized that with Young Lord Sus connections, his future is limitless, said Nie Beihu, his voice full of profound implications. Thus, youve decided to treat yesterdays incident as a turning point, using penitence and compensation to build a connection with Young Lord Su. Am I right?

Huang Yunchongs gaze shifted, turning serious. Then, he laughed, When parents love their children, they make long-term plans for their futures. Thats true for me, but isnt it true for you too?

Nie Beihu raised his wineglass and laughed. Come on then, lets drink together!

Meanwhile, the Wen Family matriarch had watched all of this play out from the seat of honor. Complex emotions filled her heart.

Today was her eightieth birthday.

Far too much had happened at her celebratory feast.

She was well aware that the Wen Family had only avoided disaster by borrowing others momentum.

If they werent strong enough in their own right, the Wen Familys illusion of prosperity would be short-lived!

As she considered this, the Wen Family matriarchs gaze passed over the guests of the great hall and landed on someone seated outside.

He was a lean youth in blue cloth robes, seated casually with a transcendent air about him, out of sync with the crowd.

She took a deep breath, then looked away and turned to the servant girl beside her. Call?Ol?Threes wife over.

The servant rushed off to do as she was told.

Shortly after, Qin Qing arrived in a hurry. She asked in confusion, Matriarch, do you have business with me?

The Wen Family matriarch stared at her gravely. You are not to keep the gifts City Lord Fu and Family Head Huang gave you for yourself. Give them to Su Yi as soon as the banquet is over.

Qin Qings expression shifted, and she forced a smile. Theres no need for concern. I wouldnt covet such things. Its just These gifts are intended for my daughter and my son-in-law. Giving them to just Su Yi.

I know what youre thinking better than anyone, said the matriarch with a cold laugh. Ordinarily, I wouldnt bother getting involved, but todays matter is different. Youd best do as I tell you!

Qin Qing froze. She really had intended to keep both gifts for herself, but now that the matriarch had given such a command, she dispelled that idea and lowered her head. Yes.

After sending Qin Qing on her way, the matriarch rose and turned to the servant beside her. Now go tell Su Yi to come see me in the Floral Tea House.

Yes, maam.

Outside the great hall.

When he heard why the servant girl had come, a flash of unusual light shone in the depths of Su Yis gaze.?It seems the old woman cant restrain herself any longer.

Thats fine too.?After all, I only came to the banquet because I wanted to ask her about what happened back then.

Su Yi drained his glass, then rose leisurely. Lead the way.

With that, he followed the serving girl into the Floral Tea House.

Chapter end