章節 24: Like Mother, Like Son
編輯: Atlas Studios
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However, Wang Shouzhe would not casually express this kind of evaluation. He had been in the workplace on Earth before. Although he could not be considered a master in social conventions, his skills were passable.
"Eldest Uncle, you're exaggerating," Wang Shouzhe said, neither servile nor supercilious. "People merely happen to get along or not get along with each other. Mother treats me as her own, and her boon to me is as great as the gift of life. Never mind if Eldest Uncle makes a joke, even if you hit and scold me, Shouzhe wouldn't have any complaints."
These words were like needles hidden in silk. The meaning intended for Gongsun Qiang is 'I respect you because Mother is good to me. Otherwise, I'm afraid you alone isn't worthy of my respect.'
"Yes, yes. This little sister of mine has been smart, virtuous, and kind since she was young." Gongsun Qiang kept nodding and casually praised Gongsun Hui.
Wang Shouzhe was immediately rendered speechless. No wonder the Old Gongsun Patriarch still did not retire despite his advanced age. It turned out that this Young Patriarch really didn't experience enough "polishing". No wonder Gongsun Qiang and his "deceased father" Wang Dingyue disliked each other.
Beside her, Gongsun Hui held her forehead when she heard this. Her face was burning with embarrassment. Her eldest brother was quite good in all aspects, but he lacked experiences and emotional intelligence. Was it supposed to mean that if she wasn't kind enough, she should be ostracize and target the young legitimate son who was not her biological son? What kind of immoral and vicious person would she be then…
She hurriedly added, "Zhe'er is my legitimate son. It's my duty to take care of and raise him. By the way, Brother, is Father feeling well?"
At the same time, Gongsun Hui sighed inwardly. In the past, she didn't think much of it, but after Zhe'er ascended to the position of patriarch, his performance…
Looking at her eldest brother again, she felt that the gap between them was a little too great. Vaguely, she began to worry about the Gongsun Clan. Her brother really didn't have the proportional mindfulness to his 38 years of age.
"Father's health is quite good." Gongsun Qiang also knew that he had misspoken. He chuckled dryly and said seriously, "It's just that recently, he's been in a bad mood and has a poor appetite. He's been thinking about Little Sister all the time. As soon as he heard that you're coming back to your parents' place to visit, he immediately urged me to come and pick you up."
"Mother, the wind is strong outside. Let's return to the carriage and hurry on with our journey." Wang Shouzhe cupped his hands and said, "I believe Grandfather is already anxious from waiting. I'll ride the horse with Eldest Uncle."
The black horse that Wang Shouzhe was riding previously had been led by the clan guard. Now, it was put to use.
"Okay, then Zhe'er, enjoy the chat with your Uncle." Gongsun Hui subtly gave him a meaningful look. With that, she led Wang Luojing back to the carriage.
Of course, Wang Shouzhe understood what Gongsun Hui meant. The Wang Clan was currently weak, and was basically supported by Ancestor Longyan's deterring force alone. If they could use this opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the Gongsun Clan, it would be very beneficial to the Wang Clan.
Thus, Wang Shouzhe rode his black horse and traveled in front of the group with Gongsun Qiang. They chatted casually. His attitude towards Gongsun Qiang was also based on courtesy towards Gongsun Hui. He would not ingratiate himself with the Gongsun Clan without a bottom line.
In any world, in-laws and allies were built on the basis of mutual interests and equal strength. The strong would not respect you any more for your groveling and ingratiating behavior.
On the other hand, Gongsun Qiang looked at Wang Shouzhe and realized that this "cheap nephew" far exceeded his peers in both his manner of speech and bearing. Moreover, he was about to reach the advanced level of the Qi Refining Realm at such a young age. His future potential was limitless.
He somehow could not find a match for such a young talent in the entire Gongsun Clan of Shanyang.
This was especially true in comparison to Gongsun Qiang's own son, Gongsun Yan. Gongsunyan was only a year younger than Wang Shouzhe. Normally, Gongsun Qiang would think that the young fellow was not bad. However, once he compared them, Gongsun Qiang immediately felt his chest tighten a little. Frustration aside, he subconsciously became closer to Wang Shouzhe. "Shouzhe, it's rare for you to come to Shanyang. Stay for a few more days this time. I'll get your cousin Xiaoyan to accompany you to hunt in the mountains."
"Thank you for your kind intentions, Eldest Uncle." Wang Shouzhe cupped his hands and said, "It's just that I'm busy with affairs in the clan. As the patriarch of the clan, I'll be taking my leave first after paying respects to Grandfather."
Gongsun Qiang's heart skipped a beat when he heard this, and his chest tightened further. That's right. This cheap nephew of his had become the patriarch at only 18 years old. He was already 38 years old, and he was still only the patriarch apparent. Moreover, up until now, the old patriarch had no intention of retiring from the position at all.
On the way back, Gongsun Qiang felt gloomy and did not say much.
The main residence of the Gongsun Clan of Shanyang was built along Dragon Ridge Mountain. The terrain was steep and easy to defend, making it difficult to attack. There were also tall walls and arrow towers outside the main residence, making it appear very imposing.
This time, Wang Shouzhe came as the legitimate son of Gongsun Hui. He did not come as the patriarch for diplomacy between the two clans. Hence, after a simple exchange of etiquette, he was invited into the main hall of the front hall.
In the main hall of the front hall, the current patriarch of the Gongsun Clan, Gongsun Mo, and his main wife, Gongsun Chen, were sitting at the head of the table. They were all wearing formal wear, showing how much they valued Gongsun Hui, Wang Shouzhe, and the others.
"Greetings, Father and Mother." Gongsun Hui went forward to bow. Tears rolled down her face.
"Hui'er." Gongsun Chen helped his daughter up and observed her excitedly. "Child, you haven't returned to your parents' home for three years. How are you doing in the Wang family?"
"Mother, the Wang family treats me very well. It's just that… it's just that Dingyue…" As soon as this matter was mentioned, Gongsun Hui wept incessantly in tremendous grief.
"Alas… That brat Dingyue. He really shouldn't have taken such a risk. Couldn't he just spend his days with you in peace?" The Chen family's old face was filled with regret and sorrow. "It's really hard on our child."
"All right, old lady, don't throw around wild blames if you don't understand," the solemn-looking Gongsun Mo said in a low voice. "As Arcane Martial Artists, we should advance courageously. As the patriarch, Dingyue definitely had reason to go. He was just unlucky."
"I don't understand? Isn't it all your fault, you lousy old man?" Gongsun Chenxi grumbled with slight agitation, "What did you say about that kid Wang Dingyue? About him being so talented and passionate that he would definitely succeed breaking through to the Spirit Tower Realm in the future? You actually agreed to let our precious daughter be his second wife! You…"
At this point, she seemed to remember that Wang Shouzhe was still at the scene. She immediately stopped talking and gave Wang Shouzhe a kind and benevolent smile. "Shouzhe, Grandmother is just upset that Dingyue has passed away and got a little agitated. Oh, child, I haven't seen you for three years, and you've actually grown into a handsome young man. Come and let Grandmother take a look."
Wang Shouzhe could not help but smile inwardly. Now he understood the old saying of like mother, like son. Eldest Uncle Gongsun Qiang most likely followed Old Madam Chen's habits of speaking without restraint.
He wouldn't argue too much with an old lady. He immediately walked up and cupped his hands. "Shouzhe greets Grandmother."
"Not bad, not bad. This child is really handsome." Gongsun Chen tugged at Wang Shouzhe. The more she looked at him, the more she liked him. She couldn't help but ask with concern, "Shouzhe, are you engaged? The daughters of our Gongsun Clan of Shanyang are all beautiful. How about…"
Gongsun Hui's face darkened. She hurriedly stepped forward to stop her. "Mother, Shouzhe is my legitimate son. He can't marry the direct daughters of the Gongsun family."
When Arcane Martial Clans intermarried with each other, normally, they had to trace back to four generations without the same individual. In special circumstances, exceptions could occasionally be made.
Gongsun Hui was Wang Shouzhe's legitimate mother. Although they were not related by blood, according to tradition and rules, it should be taken into account, especially in an intermarriage between the current generation.
"If direct daughters won't do, there are a few girls in the direct lineages…"
Before Gongsun Chen could finish speaking, Gongsun Mo could not help but roar again, "Old woman, you're confused. Shouzhe is the main son of the Wang Clan and the patriarch of a distinguished family. How can he marry girls in the direct lineages!?"
"Old man, you're the one who's confused. Since there's no one suitable in the Gongsun Clan, he can marry girls from the Chen Clan," Gongsun Chen said. "The girls from our Chen Clan of Donggang are also famed for being beautiful and intelligent."
"Mother, the Chen Clan of Donggang doesn't have any girls suitable for Shouzhe either," Gongsun Hui explained helplessly. "On the other hand, Luoyi was already betrothed to Young Patriarch Chen a few years ago. She was going to marry this year, but Dingyue has just passed away. She needs to observe mourning for a year before she can get married."
"Oh, you mean my great-grandnephew, Chen Fangjie?" Madam Chen immediately beamed. "I've met that child, Fangjie. He has a mature character and is rather talented. The Wang Clan has good judgment. It's a pity about Shouzhe… I'll think about it…" She was quite senior in the Chen Clan.
"Mother, stop overthinking things." Gongsun Hui hurriedly stopped her arbitrary matchmaking. "Shouzhe's marriage has already been confirmed. It's with the direct daughter of the Liu Clan of Shanyin."
Liu Clan of Shanyin?
Madam Chen's expression changed instantly.
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