Sword God Supreme

Chapter 22: The Old Matriarch Summons

As Jiang Beishan and Fu Shan arrived in succession, Zhao Tianhua realized the real show was about to begin.

Sure enough, moments later, the Li father and son retreated in utter humiliation!

Observing the shifting gazes around them, all directed towards Chen Mo, Zhao Tianhua felt another surge of inner satisfaction. After all, he alone had anticipated this outcome!

Father was right,Zhao Tianhua thought. Chen Mo is a man of enigmatic composure, impossible to judge by ordinary standards. Otherwise, given the connections he revealed yesterday at Immortal Guest Tower, he never would have endured a year in the Li Family as a disrespected Live-in Son-in-Law.

Returning home last night, Zhao Tianhua had engaged in a deep, lengthy discussion with his father, Zhao Haifeng. They arrived at the same conclusion: since Chen Mo possessed such significant capabilities yet chose to remain with the Lis, there hadto be a deeper reason.

Therefore, when Zhao Tianhua accompanied his father to the banquet today, they deliberately avoided actively seeking Chen Mo out for extensive conversation. They feared causing any commotion that might accidentally expose whatever Chen Mo was concealing. Even when presenting gifts, they handed the pair of “Seven-Leaf Royal Ginseng” roots to Li Chang’an and Qin Wan, instructing them to pass them on to Chen Mo and his wife. Li Qingyue was, of course, included in the gesture – a necessary formality for gift-giving.

Zhao Tianhua also noticed that Jiang Beishan and Fu Shan seemed similarly aware that Chen Mo wished to keep certain matters private. Their entire attendance at the banquet felt like a carefully orchestrated performance of restraint.

None in the Li Family could have imagined that not just my father and I, but even powerful figures like Jiang Beishan and Fu Shan, actually came here solely because of Chen Mo! Hah! The irony is delicious!Zhao Tianhua chuckled inwardly, thoroughly amused.

Chen Mo, unaware of the extent of the young Zhao heir’s internal theatrics, would likely have dismissed it with indifference even if he knew. After all, how could he fail to recognize that Zhao Haifeng and his son, Fu Shan, and Jiang Beishan were all present solely due to his influence?

No,Chen Mo corrected himself silently. They came because of Old Master Xiao and Princess Yunzhu.

With his past life’s experience and unshakeable composure, he found no cause for self-satisfaction in such matters. Relying on others’ influence to solve problems was beneath him. Ultimately, this entire situation was the result of those individuals acting on their own initiative.

With the retreat of the Li father and son, the tense and oppressive atmosphere within the Ancestral Hall dissipated significantly.

Li Changming, wreathed in smiles, enthusiastically invited Fu Shan and Jiang Beishan to take their seats. Today, these two dignitaries had been the pillars holding back the tide, effortlessly resolving the Li Family’s crisis!

“I appreciate the invitation,” Fu Shan said with a genial wave. “However, I have another important matter to attend to today and must regretfully decline the banquet.”

He then turned and walked directly towards Li Chang’an and Qin Wan. “Esteemed hosts,” he addressed them courteously, “a Noble Personage entrusted me with delivering a gift. Please ensure this reaches Chen Mo and his wife.”

He produced a small, exquisite Embroidered Box and presented it with marked gravity. “Remember, this box can only be opened by Chen Mo and Li Qingyue.”

Li Chang’an and Qin Wan started as if shocked, nearly knocking over the table before them in their haste to stand. They never imagined the Lord of Linfeng City himself would personally deliver a gift to theirhousehold! The rest of the hall fell silent, exchanging bewildered glances. Just moments ago, Clan Leader Zhao Haifeng had presented the extraordinary ginseng to Li Chang’an’s family. Now, even the City Lord was doing the same? Li Changming and the other senior Li Family members were utterly dumbfounded. What was happening today? Why had the third branch suddenly become the center of such extraordinary attention?

“Th-thank you, Lord Fu!” Li Chang’an stammered, his voice trembling with barely contained emotion.

Qin Wan’s complexion became radiant. Years of accumulated grievances and stifled frustrations seemed to evaporate in this moment of validation. She took a deep breath, bowed respectfully, and said with a bright smile, “I thank you profoundly on behalf of my daughter and son-in-law for your generous regard, Lord Fu!”

As she spoke, her eyes swept over the stunned expressions in the hall. A wave of proud satisfaction washed over her, the corners of her lips lifting slightly. Finally! A day where Iget to hold my head high!

“Do not thank me,” Fu Shan stated calmly. “This gift comes from a Noble Personage. I am merely the messenger.”

“May I inquire, Lord Fu,” Qin Wan asked, curiosity overcoming her awe, “who this Noble Personage might be?”

The entire hall leaned in, eager to hear. Anyone who could command City Lord Fu Shan personally must be extraordinary! Zhao Haifeng had a sudden inkling, a tremor running through him as a title surfaced in his mind: Princess Yunzhu!

Fu Shan merely shook his head with a faint smile. “The Noble Personage’s identity cannot be disclosed. Forgive me, I cannot answer. Just remember clearly: this gift is specificallyfor Chen Mo and Li Qingyue. That is paramount.”

“I will personally ensure it reaches them!” Qin Wan assured him quickly.

The expressions around the hall grew even more nuanced. Fu Shan’s repeated emphasis that the gift was for Chen Mo and Li Qingyue carried unmistakable significance.

Li Qingyue is now a disciple of Tianshu Academy… perhaps that’s the reason?Li Changming, Li Changyun, and the other senior Li Family members exchanged glances, instinctively attributing the gift’s significance to Li Qingyue. The thought that Chen Mo himself might be the reason didn’t even cross their minds.

“Commander Jiang,” Fu Shan turned to Jiang Beishan, “please remain here and represent me at the banquet. I have urgent business and must take my leave.”

Li Changming and the others immediately moved to escort him out.

As he passed Chen Mo near the hall entrance, Fu Shan naturally paused. His smile was warm and respectful. “Young Master Chen, I must bid you farewell for now.”

Chen Mo gave a slight nod.

The observers, though deeply astonished by this interaction, reflexively assumed Chen Mo was merely benefiting from Li Qingyue’s reflected glory. Only then would someone like Fu Shan grant him such individual notice.

Once Fu Shan and his retinue had departed, Zhao Tianhua couldn’t help but lean closer and whisper admiringly, “Brother Chen, you truly command the most respect here!”

Chen Mo replied casually, “No lingering resentment?”

Zhao Tianhua stiffened, his face flushing with shame. “M-my father gave me a severe talking-to last night. It made me realize the vast gulf between us… I… I feel only awe and gratitude now, Brother Chen. No resentment remains.”

Chen Mo simply acknowledged this with an “Oh.” “I hope that is indeed the case.”

Listening to their exchange, Li Jingxue felt increasingly bewildered. The sequence of events today was utterly perplexing…

Fu Shan’s brief presence left a lasting impact. Inside the Ancestral Hall, the atmosphere regained its celebratory buzz. Numerous guests actively rose to toast Li Chang’an and Qin Wan, engaging them in warm conversation.

Though honest, Li Chang’an was no fool. He understood the reason for this sudden attention and was genuinely pleased. Qin Wan, however, was positively effervescent, her eyes sparkling, excitement barely contained despite her efforts to appear composed.

Li Changming, Li Changyun, and the other Li elders were also pleased. The Li father and son’s humiliating retreat had averted a crisis. More importantly, Fu Shan and Jiang Beishan’s presence had subtly shifted the attitudes of all the attending guests. For the Li Family, whose position had been waning, this was undoubtedly a positive development!

“Brother Zhao,” Jiang Beishan remarked casually to Zhao Haifeng beside him, “you’ve truly changed your stance?”

“Yesterday, I was blind and offended Young Master Chen,” Zhao Haifeng replied smoothly. “How could I possibly hold onto resentment? I’m deeply grateful to Young Master Chen for showing restraint yesterday, sparing my son and me greater disaster. Hence my presence today: first, to congratulate the Old Matriarch on her birthday; second, to offer a humble token expressing my sincere apology.”

Jiang Beishan paused, then gave Zhao Haifeng a penetrating look. “I suspect you have an additional motive.”

Zhao Haifeng’s brows rose slightly. “Do enlighten me.”

Jiang Beishan’s gaze drifted towards the hall entrance, settling on Zhao Tianhua seated near Chen Mo. “You likely recognized the reach of Young Master Chen’s connections,” he said meaningfully. “His future prospects are boundless. You’re using yesterday’s unfortunate incident as a pivot point. Through compensation and apology, you’re building a bridge to establish a relationship with him. Am I wrong?”

Zhao Haifeng’s eyes narrowed briefly, then he chuckled. “A father’s love plans for his son’s future. I act thus; surely you do the same, Brother Jiang?”

Jiang Beishan raised his cup, laughing heartily. “To that! Let us drink!”

Seated at the head table, the Old Matriarch observed the scenes unfolding in the hall, her heart filled with complex emotions. Today was her eightieth birthday. Today had seen too many twists. Yet she understood clearly: the Li Family’s escape from peril was solely due to borrowed influence. Without intrinsic strength, this apparent prosperity was nothing but a fleeting illusion!

Her gaze, sharp and assessing, traveled across the sea of guests and landed on a solitary figure outside the hall. Clad in simple blue robes, his frame lean, he sat with an innate detachment, an otherworldly aura setting him apart from the crowd.

Taking a deep breath, the Old Matriarch collected herself. She beckoned to the maid beside her. “Summon Qin Wan.”

The maid hurried off. Soon, Qin Wan arrived, a trace of confusion on her face. “You sent for me, Old Matriarch?”

The Old Matriarch’s tone was stern and authoritative. “The gifts presented to your household today by Lord Fu and Clan Leader Zhao – you are not to keep them. After the banquet, deliver them to Chen Mo.”

Qin Wan’s expression faltered. She forced a smile. “Old Matriarch, you worry needlessly. I wouldn’t dream of coveting such things. However… these gifts were addressed to my daughter and son-in-law. Handing them solely to Chen Mo seems…”

The Old Matriarch cut her off with a cold sneer. “I know your thoughts well enough. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t bother interfering. But today is different. You will do as I command!”

Qin Wan froze. The idea of pocketing the gifts had indeed crossed her mind. Confronted with this direct order, she finally relinquished the thought, shoulders slumping slightly in defeat. “Yes, Old Matriarch.”

Having dealt with Qin Wan, the Old Matriarch rose. She addressed the maid once more. “Now go and inform Chen Mo. Tell him to meet me at Tea Fragrance Pavilion.”

“Yes.”

The maid bowed and left.

Upon receiving the message, a flicker of understanding passed through Chen Mo’s eyes. So the old lady’s patience finally wore thin? Good.His very attendance at the banquet today had been predicated on the desire to discuss the past with her.

“Lead the way.”

Chen Mo drained his cup in one smooth motion and rose gracefully. He followed the maid towards Tea Fragrance Pavilion.