...
However, Wang Shouzhe wouldn't casually reveal such evaluations on the surface. Having mingled in workplaces on Earth, he may not be adept at human relations but is certainly competent.
"You're too kind, uncle." Wang Shouzhe said with neither arrogance nor humility, "Relationships between people depend on fate. Aunt treats me as her own, bestowing upon me a debt as deep as a rebirth. To say nothing of you making a few jokes, even if you scold or beat me, I would harbor no resentment."
The words were spoken with a hidden sharpness, implying to Gongsun Qiang that his respect for him was solely because of his aunt's kindness. Otherwise, Gongsun Qiang alone would not command such respect.
"Yes, yes. My little sister has been clever and virtuous since childhood, kind-hearted." Gongsun Qiang nodded repeatedly, praising Gongsun Hui offhandedly.
Wang Shouzhe was momentarily speechless. No wonder Elder Gongsun hadn't stepped down despite his age; it seemed this Young Clan Leader was really not "polished" enough. No wonder he and his "late father" Wang Dingyue found each other disagreeable.
Gongsun Hui on the side couldn't help but hold her forehead, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Her elder brother was fine in all respects, except for a lack of emotional intelligence. Did it mean if she weren't kind enough, she should ostracize or target the young legitimate son who wasn't hers? What kind of a heartless and vicious person would that make her...
She quickly added, "Zhe'Er is my legitimate son, caring for and raising him is my rightful duty. Oh, brother, how is father's health?"
Meanwhile, Gongsun Hui sighed inwardly. She hadn't felt it before, but with Zhe'Er's performance as he ascended to the position of Clan Leader...
And comparing to her elder brother at home, the gap seemed quite large. She began to worry about the Gongsun Family. Her brother had indeed wasted thirty-eight years eating for nothing.
"Father's health is quite good." Gongsun Qiang also knew he had misspoken, so he laughed awkwardly twice before saying seriously, "It's just that recently he's been in a bad mood, losing appetite and constantly thinking about you. As soon as he heard you were coming back to visit, he urged me to come and fetch you immediately."
"Auntie, the wind outside is strong. It's better to return to the carriage and hurry on our way." Wang Shouzhe bowed his hands in respect, "I suppose grandfather is already impatiently waiting. I'll ride with uncle."
The black steed Wang Shouzhe had been riding earlier had been led by household generals and was now put to use.
"Alright, then Zhe'Er, have a good chat with uncle." Gongsun Hui gave a subtle glance and, having said that, led Wang Luojing back to the carriage together.
Wang Shouzhe naturally understood what Gongsun Hui meant. With the Wang Family in decline, they were entirely reliant on Ancestor Longyan's intimidation and support. If they could strengthen their relationship with the Gongsun Family, it would be highly beneficial to the Wang Family.
Therefore, Wang Shouzhe rode a black horse, walking alongside Gongsun Qiang at the forefront of the group, engaging in casual conversation. His attitude towards Gongsun Qiang was courteous, based on Gongsun Hui's affection, but he would not go out of his way to please the Gongsun Family without principles or limits.
In any world, whether in-laws or allies, relationships are built on common interest and equal power. The strong won't respect you any more because of your subservience and flattery.
On the contrary, as Gongsun Qiang looked at Wang Shouzhe, he found this "cheap long nephew" to surpass his peers in both conversation and demeanor, and at such a young age, his cultivation was about to reach the High Tier of the Qi Refining Realm, with boundless future potential.
Such a young talent was unmatched in the entire Shanyang Gongsun Family.
Especially since Gongsun Qiang's own son, Gongsun Yan, was only a year younger than Wang Shouzhe, and normally seemed fine. But in comparison, Gongsun Qiang became somewhat suffocated with a sense of stifling, and subconsciously felt closer to Wang Shouzhe: "Shouzhe, it's rare for you to come to Shanyang. Stay a few more days this time, and I'll have your cousin, Little Yan, accompany you to hunt in the mountains."
"Thank you for your kind offer, uncle." Wang Shouzhe bowed his hands, "But the clan's affairs are busy, and as the clan leader, after meeting grandfather, I must leave first."
Hearing this, Gongsun Qiang's heart felt even heavier, his chest tightening. Yes, this cheap nephew became clan leader at just eighteen. He was thirty-eight still only a Young Clan Leader, and even now, the old clan leader had no intention of retiring.
All the way back, Gongsun Qiang was stuffy in his heart, barely speaking a few words.
The main residence of the Shanyang Gongsun Family was built leaning against Dragon Ridge Mountain, steeply positioned, easy to defend and difficult to attack, surrounded by tall, hard walls and arrow towers, exuding an imposing aura.
This time, Wang Shouzhe accompanied as Gongsun Hui's legitimate son, not visiting as a clan leader for mutual family interaction. Therefore, after a simple ceremonial exchange, he was invited into the main hall at the front.
In the main hall, the current Clan Leader of the Gongsun Family, Gongsun Mo, along with his wife, Gongsun Chen, were seated in the main position, both in formal attire, showing their attention to Gongsun Hui and Wang Shouzhe.
"Unfilial daughter greets father and mother." Gongsun Hui stepped forward to pay respects, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Hui'er." Gongsun Chen stepped forward to help her daughter up, looking her over with excitement, "Child, you haven't been back home in three years; are you living well in the Wang Family?"
"Mother, the Wang Family treats your daughter very well, it's just that... just that Ding Yue..." At this point, Gongsun Hui began to tear up again, deeply saddened.
"Ah, that foolish boy Ding Yue really shouldn't have recklessly ventured; couldn't he just stay home with you..." Chen's old face was both regretful and sorrowful, "Truly hard on our child."
"Alright, you old lady, stop blaming without understanding," Gongsun Mo said solemnly, "As Black Tortoise Practitioners, we should strive and improve. Ding Yue, as clan leader, must have had reasons he couldn't avoid; he just had bad luck."
"I don't understand? It's all your fault, you old man," Gongsun Chen said, slightly agitated, "Saying that Ding Yue had outstanding talent and would reach Spirit Platform in the future, and actually agreeing to remarry our precious daughter to him! You..."
At this point, she seemed to remember that Wang Shouzhe was present, immediately held her tongue, and smiled kindly and warmly at Wang Shouzhe: "Shouzhe, dear, grandmother is just saddened by Ding Yue's passing and a bit emotional. Ah, child, haven't seen you for three years, and you've grown so heroic and handsome; come, let grandmother have a look."
Wang Shouzhe couldn't help but smile inwardly. Now he understood the old saying that a son takes after his mother. Gongsun Qiang's unguarded mouth likely came from Elder Lady Chen.
He wouldn't quarrel with an elderly woman. He immediately stepped forward and bowed, "Shouzhe greets grandmother."
"Good, good, this child looks truly handsome." Gongsun Chen held onto Wang Shouzhe, and the more she looked, the more delighted she became. Curiously, she asked, "Shouzhe, are you betrothed? The girls of the Shanyang Gongsun Family are all lovely, do you want..."
Gongsun Hui's face darkened, and she quickly stepped forward to stop her: "Mother, Shouzhe is my legitimate son and cannot marry a legitimate daughter of the Gongsun Family."
Noble Family intermarriages typically trace back four generations not to be the same person, with exceptions made occasionally for special circumstances.
Gongsun Hui, being Wang Shouzhe's legitimate mother, though without blood ties, needed to be considered in line with tradition and rules, especially concerning contemporary marriages.
"Legitimate daughters are out, but there are some girls in the direct line..."
Before Gongsun Chen could finish, Gongsun Mo couldn't help but roar, "Old woman, have you gone mad? Shouzhe is a legitimate son of the Wang Family and a clan leader; how can he marry a girl from direct descent!"
"You old thing, it's you who's mad. If there's no suitable match in the Gongsun Family, then marry a girl from the Chen Family." Gongsun Chen asserted, "Our East Port Chen Family girls are also known for their inner wisdom and outward beauty."
"Mother, the East Port Chen Family also doesn't have a suitable girl for Shouzhe." Gongsun Hui explained helplessly, "However, Luoyi was already promised to the Young Clan Leader of the Chen Family years ago. They were set to marry this year, but due to Ding Yue's recent passing, they must wait a year in mourning before they can wed."
"Oh, is it my great-nephew Chen Fangjie?" Gongsun Chen's face broke into a smile, "I've seen Fangjie before; he's steady in character and quite talented. The Wang Family has good eyes. It's just a pity for Shouzhe... I'll ponder on it more..." She held a high status in the Chen Family.
"Mother, please don't ponder any further." Gongsun Hui hurriedly stopped her matchmaking, "Shouzhe already has a betrothal, specifically to a legitimate daughter of the Shanyin Liu Family."
The Shanyin Liu Family?
Chen's expression changed instantly.
...