"Ah? I... Uncle Long... this..."
Liu Zhizhong was stunned, utterly perplexed.
Qian Xuan also looked at his father and said, "Dad, what do you an by this? Isn't this the seal you've been dreaming of getting your hands on? Why are you asking Zhizhong to return it?"
Luo Shuxiu was equally astonished, looking at the seal, then at Liu Zhizhong, then at her father-in-law, unable to comprehend.
Liu Zhizhong continued, "Uncle Long, this really puts in a difficult position! This is my first ti eting you, the head of the Southwest Conference, the big shot of the Southwest! And now you want to take the gift back, won't it seem like I ca empty-handed? It's not appropriate! I'm being discourteous!"
Qian Long faintly smiled, touched his chin, and waved his hand, signaling the last servant pouring drinks to leave.
At that mont, a table full of exquisite dishes, both cold and hot, emitted a truly appetizing aroma!
Qian Long then calmly said, "I've indeed been thinking about this Chu King Seal for a long ti. Xiao Liu might not know, but Xiao Xuanzi does. I don't have many hobbies, but collecting seals is one of them, and I am particularly passionate about it. However, I can't accept this seal. There are two reasons for that, the first being its origin."
Upon hearing this, the three young people paused their eating and assud a listening posture.
Qian Xuan even joked, "Could it be that this was obtained through bloodshed, another sche by the smiling Third Master Zheng? Heh heh..."
In his heart, he knew that Zheng Xitong had committed such acts before!
Qian Long's expression turned serious, his usually kind face now sowhat grave, "Son, don't talk nonsense. You are now in charge of the Qian Family's affairs, you must set a good example. It's fine in tonight's setting, but talking like this in public damages unity."
"Dad, I understand," Qian Xuan nodded obediently, looking as if he took the advice to heart.
Qian Long continued, "This Chu King Seal's origin is indeed not as you imagined. It has, however, gone through a lot of bloodshed, that's undeniable."
"This seal actually is a family heirloom of the Zheng Family. Their ancestors opposed the Chu Kingdom's domination attempts and were nearly exterminated for it. However, one progenitor of the Zheng Family managed to escape."
"Later, that surviving family mber sought refuge in a neighboring country, rose to prominence, returned to the Chu Kingdom, avenged their family's humiliation, killed the Chu King, took the seal, and left with their army, disappearing thereafter."
"In fact, the Zheng Family has passed down the tradition and lived in seclusion in the Southwest until today. This seal continued to be passed down through generations. In itself, the seal is of considerable value, being a piece crafted from the He Shi Bi, you understand?"
Qian Xuan and his wife, along with Liu Zhizhong, were genuinely astonished, never having imagined such a background.
Qian Long said, "Therefore, considering Zheng Xitong used a family heirloom as a gift today, I find it inappropriate. An ancestral item, loaded with tumultuous history, is considered ominous, putting that aside; furthermore, it is the Zheng Family's treasure, why should I take it? Accepting it would be unethical, not in line with my principles. This is the first reason I'm asking Xiao Liu to return it."
With these words, Liu Zhizhong's respect for Uncle Long grew even more.
A true magnate, a man of honor!
No wonder, then, that he could beco the leader of the Southwest Conference; it wasn't without reason.
Qian Xuan said, "Dad, your first reason for refusing is enlightening; I appreciate it. So, what's the second reason?"
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