374: Chapter 32 Maple Mist Together at Dusk_1 374: Chapter 32 Maple Mist Together at Dusk_1 To speak of Zhongxuan Mingguang, he was indeed a leader among flowers, a leader in the romantic arena.
To say that the younger generation is playing with what he left behind is indeed not inappropriate.
Seeing him speak like this, the old Zhong Xuan Family patriarch sighed inwardly and fell silent.
One comnt was the limit; any more would unsettle the balance and provoke undue resentnt from his grandson.
Having witnessed many storms in his life, how could he not know that Zhongxuan Sheng was bound to make a move these days?
By visiting the Xiashan Villa today, he was likely supporting Zhongxuan Sheng, which is why he refused to go.
In the competition between his two grandsons, it was impossible for him to personally intervene, no matter where his sympathies lay.
As for Zhongxuan Mingguang, this fool, he lived for nothing but won at his age, failing to see even this and foolishly rushing to the Xiashan Villa.
After a few words of advice, he even thought his father was suppressing him.
Seeing that the old patriarch had lost interest, Zhongxuan Sheng stood up to take his leave, leading Zhongxuan Mingguang to Xiashan Villa.
To describe Zhongxuan Mingguang with a phrase, it would be “high vision but low ability.”
A single incident could reveal the truth.
Back then, as the eldest legitimate son of the Zhong Xuan Family and having birthed the eldest grandson, he confidently believed he was the sure successor to the Marquis of Bowang, proudly naming his son with the self-reverent character “Zun.”
If it were an ordinary family, it might have passed.
At most, it would have signified ambitious aspirations, but what kind of family was the Zhong Xuan Family?
It was one of Qi Country’s top aristocratic families.
Unreservedly, they had the power to challenge the “sole sovereignty”!
What would the Qi Royal Family think of this?
It was Zhongxuan Yunbo, the old patriarch, who intervened and personally changed the na to “Zun.”
In Qi Country, only one person can be revered; that is Jiang Wang, the King.
It signified that the children of the Zhong Xuan Family should be followers of the supre ruler.
It was a form of self-effacent and a warning.
Unfortunately, Zhongxuan Mingguang never understood.
When his father forcibly changed his son’s na, he sulked for quite so ti.
…
It was not only Zhongxuan Mingguang who received Zhongxuan Sheng’s invitation.
Li Longchuan, Xu Xiangqian, Gao Zhe, Yan Fu—these went without saying.
Even Fu Miu from the Four Seas Business Alliance received an invitation.
“This fatso dares to insult too much!”
Inside the Sea Tower, Fu Miu angrily threw the invitation to the ground.
As one of the twelve elite deacons of the Four Seas Business Alliance, being maid by Zhongxuan Sheng, losing an ear, was the sha of his life.
But after the war, the power of the Zhong Xuan Family rose again, and Zhongxuan Chuliang had beco the Marquis of Dingyuan, so he dared not express his bitterness.
In his view, Zhongxuan Sheng inviting him to enjoy the scenery at Xiashan Villa was clearly to humiliate him.
At that mont, a hand full of wrinkles picked up the invitation from the ground.
It belonged to a person who appeared very aged.
Stooped over, his face creased with deep lines, and among the dense wrinkles, age spots were also present.
He seed to struggle just bending over, and rising was no easier.
Fu Miu hurriedly greeted him: “Alliance Hierarch, how co you’re here?”
This man was the leader of the Four Seas Business Alliance, Qing Xi.
Qi Country has always relied on rchants, and the Four Seas Business Alliance is the rchant association with the longest history in Daqi, its heritage self-evident.
Although their influence has waned in recent years, overshadowed by the rise of the Jubao Business Association, no one dares to truly underestimate them.
Qing Xi slowly opened the invitation and examined it carefully, “Maple and mist at dusk…
it reminds , Mid-Autumn is upon us again.”
Fu Miu comnted, “How could Zhongxuan Sheng’s invitation warrant your attention?”
Qing Xi closed the invitation, blowing off the dust, “Based on his move in Donghua Pavilion, I should indeed take a good look at him.”
Fu Miu’s expression turned unnatural, “It’s too early to talk about victory or defeat; disciples of the Martial God are not to be taken lightly.”
The old man did not engage with this notion, simply pocketing the invitation, “If you won’t go, then I shall go in your stead.”
Fu Miu was greatly surprised, “Are you going to that plump kid’s Xia Mountain residence?”
“Go?
Why not?” Qing Xi said slowly, “Such beautiful scenery.
In my lifeti, how many more tis can I see it?”
…
There were actually quite a few houses near Xia Mountain, but the one Zhongxuan Sheng had bought undoubtedly had the best view.
To speak of Xia Mountain residence, it would be this very place.
Inside the Xia Mountain residence, distinguished guests filled the seats.
The banquet was directly laid out in a spacious courtyard, opposite to which were mountains covered with red maples.
It originally started with just a few sons of aristocratic families, who couldn’t go against Zhongxuan Sheng’s wishes and ca with the intention of enjoying a banquet.
But after Li Zhengshu and Qing Xi personally attended, the level of guests at the banquet suddenly rose.
Not only the sons of aristocratic families, but also the current generation in power from various families ca in large numbers.
Five full tables were laid out!
The maids served dishes like butterflies flittering among flowers, and delicacies from various places were presented in sequence.
Zhongxuan Sheng was accustod to extravagance and would certainly not be stingy.
These dishes could be presented proudly anywhere.
Zhongxuan Mingguang’s face didn’t look too pleased.
The beauty of the crimson clouds at sunset was indeed beautiful, an annual occurrence.
Xia Mountain didn’t only have Zhongxuan Sheng’s house.
Whose presence were all these people supporting?
In his eyes, naturally, they were all supporting the Zhong Xuan Family!
The Zhong Xuan Family of today, with two titles under its na, how splendid!
How could Linzi people not chase after them?
Taking advantage of Zhongxuan Zun’s absence, Zhongxuan Sheng had evidently started strutting about in the capacity of the Zhong Xuan Family’s heir.
Luckily he had co; otherwise, if this montum continued to build, who knows what would have happened!
Sitting in the place of honor, he addressed the guests, “Thank you all for coming to our Zhong Xuan Family’s residence.
My son Zhongxuan Zun is diligently studying at Under Jixuegong, so today it is I, along with my nephew Zhongxuan Sheng, who will be your hosts.
If there is any lack in our hospitality, please forgive us!”
His address, both in what was said and left unsaid, was perated with an inferiority complex, as if he was afraid others would forget his peerless son, while also awkwardly diminishing Zhongxuan Sheng.
Yet surprisingly, Zhongxuan Sheng showed no displeasure at all, but just smiled and served dishes to others, as if he did not care about Zhongxuan Mingguang hogging the spotlight.
Jiang Wang had also returned to the residence early and was chatting leisurely with Xu Xiangqian and Li Longchuan.
When the conversation turned to sothing amusing, he would occasionally laugh out loud.
After three rounds of drinks, Zhongxuan Mingguang would not stop talking about Zhongxuan Zun and how incredible Under Jixuegong was.
No one sought to upset him, all playing along to flatter him.
But then Li Zhengshu suddenly said, “Today is Little Sheng who plays the host, why are we only indulging in idle chatter?
Why doesn’t he co forward and say a few words?”
This was undoubtedly an endorsent for Zhongxuan Sheng.
As soone who was present during the reporting to the king at Donghua Pavilion, he viewed Zhongxuan Sheng with newfound respect, and it could even be said that he was deigning to co and join a junior’s banquet, which showed his high regard.
On the other hand, Qing Xi, the leader of the Jubao Business Association sitting next to him, seed to be there for an unknown reason, hardly drinking or speaking throughout.
Zhongxuan Mingguang’s face stiffened, but he quickly hid it.
To speak of it, he was of the sa generation as Li Zhengshu, but their achievents were worlds apart.
Just like he was indeed the cousin of Zhongxuan Chuliang, but no one would discuss the two as if they were on equal footing.
Any resentnt Qi towards Li Zhengshu, he had no right to harbor.
So he turned his attention to his hefty nephew.
Then he saw Zhongxuan Sheng stand up with a smile, make a welcoming circle around to everyone present.
After that, he simply said, “Having such esteed seniors and good friends respond to the invitation truly brings glory to my humble abode!
However, Zhongxuan Sheng is fully aware that it’s because of the intoxicating beauty of the scenery that you are all here.
I shall drink this cup to the full as thanks to the guests!
Words can be tedious, so please enjoy the view!”
Having said that, he drank his cup dry and truly sat down.
He had no intention of using this opportunity to say or do anything.
It seed as if he was indeed here just for the scenery.
The sky, which had dipped with the sunset without anyone noticing, was now dusky.
You could see the sky at dusk dyed with a crimson glow, like unfolding red maples.
Atop Xia Mountain, the red leaves were like fire, as if the evening clouds had descended to the world of n.
The clouds rged with the sky and the mountain, all in harmony.
It was exactly the ti when the crimson clouds and evening were as one!
…
…
PS: Speaking of which, our clueless operations officer at the starting point, who barely understands how things work, has organized a monthly ticket event in the comnt section—everyone should participate, there are Starting Point coins as rewards.
This is the first event in the review area of the Devotion of the Celestial Wanderer!
Thank you to the friends in the reader group for guiding through the planning of this event.
User Comments
0 comments from readers