CHAPTER 80: CHAPTER 80 ANCESTOR MANG ARRIVES

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It must be admitted that women often have much finer thoughts in this regard than men.

Although Wang Shouzhe could not be described as an unfeeling man, he ultimately had fewer thoughts in this area. Without the reminders from his eldest aunt Gongsun Hui and his sister Luomiao, he might not have thought of sending some gifts.

Fortunately, through this silent interaction with Liua Ruolan, he roughly understood the meaning Liua Ruolan was trying to convey.

"Yuan Rui, go back and tell your sister that I understand her meaning," Wang Shouzhe said solemnly.

Ah?

Liua Yuanrui looked puzzled, his sister’s meaning? What did his sister mean? Could it be that there is some hidden secret in this return gift?

Although he was quite talented, he was still young.

Moreover, boys generally don’t pay as much attention to these matters as girls do.

Putting this topic aside for a moment, Wang Shouzhe chatted idly with Liua Yuanrui again.

Eldest aunt Gongsun Hui, however, excused herself for the time being.

A little over half an hour later.

Outside the main hall, Gongsun Hui’s voice came in: "Shouzhe, your great-grandfather is here, come out and greet him."

Great-grandfather?

Wang Shouzhe was slightly stunned, then suddenly realized, and immediately greeted him with a joyful expression. Liua Yuanrui was also slightly curious and followed out.

Outside the main hall of the main residence.

There stood a tall man in a grey robe, who appeared to be a middle-aged man. But just standing there casually, he exuded an imposing aura like a lofty mountain, unfathomable.

And eldest aunt Gongsun Hui stood obediently by his side, like a well-behaved little girl.

"Shouzhe pays respects to Ancestor Mang." Wang Shouzhe hurriedly stepped forward to salute.

"Shouzhe, no need for formalities."

This man in the grey robe was, of course, one of the two ancestors of the Gongsun Family—Gongsun Mang. Inside and outside the family, he was respectfully addressed as Ancestor Mang.

At this time, Ancestor Mang was also sizing up Wang Shouzhe, revealing a pleased and satisfied smile: "Not bad, not bad. Shouzhe, at a young age, you have achieved the seventh layer of the Qi Refining Realm, which is quite remarkable."

Of course, what pleased him most about Wang Shouzhe was not his cultivation progress but this young man’s way of handling matters, his style, and some of his skillful strategies.

"Ancestor Mang overpraises me," Wang Shouzhe replied respectfully and humbly, "I have only achieved what I have today because of the resources my family has poured into me. Ancestor, your esteemed presence is much appreciated. Why did you not notify us in advance so that I, Wang Shouzhe, could welcome you properly? Otherwise, it seems it is our Wang Family that has been too discourteous."

"I came this time to handle a confidential matter, so there is no need for a grand reception. So what of politeness or impoliteness?" Ancestor Mang laughed heartily, "I have heard from Hui’er about your plans and thoughts. You have done well, those wolf-like people ought to be harshly taught."

Wang Shouzhe clasped his hands and said, "I thank Ancestor Mang for your support. Please, Ancestor, move to the main hall so that I may entertain you properly."

"There’s no need for that now." Ancestor Mang laughed and waved his hand, then turned his gaze to Liua Yuanrui and smiled gently, "This child bears the aura of the Liua Family’s cultivation technique, the Primordial Water Heart Technique. Could he be a child of the Liua Family?"

Wang Shouzhe said, "Ancestor, this is Liua Yuanrui, the younger brother of my fiancée Liua Ruolan."

Liua Yuanrui felt a chill run through him and snapped back from his initial shock. He hurried forward to pay his respects: "Liua Yuanrui pays respects to Ancestor Mang."

The Gongsun Family and the Liua Family were not on good terms, but it was merely a level of disharmony. They were not enemies like fire and water. Moreover, it didn’t mean that a junior could be rude or inattentive when meeting someone else’s ancestral-level elder.

"So this is a child from the Yuanzhi generation of the Liua Family. I met your elder brother Yuanzhi a while ago; that child indeed has the potential of the Spirit Platform. Considering the financial resources of the Liua Family today, they can indeed cultivate him. However, you, young man, your aura is unstable, and your whole body is slack. You must dedicate yourself more to cultivation in the future. Whether you can walk the Spirit Platform path in the future is uncertain, so don’t give up lightly." Ancestor Mang advised with a demeanor of a senior, offering a few pointers.

"Yes, I will definitely strive, senior." Liua Yuanrui was sweating on his forehead. One shouldn’t casually retort when an ancestor speaks, even if he is from another family.

After all the pleasantries.

Eldest aunt Gongsun Hui respectfully saluted Ancestor Mang: "Grandfather, I have already communicated with Ancestor Longyan earlier. The elder has been waiting for a while; shall we proceed now?"

At the mention of Ancestor Longyan, even Ancestor Mang’s expression became serious, with a hint of respect in his eyes, he said: "Hui’er, lead the way. I haven’t seen the esteemed grand-aunt in a long time."

Ancestor Mang’s mother was Wang Lingdie, the eldest daughter of the fourth generation of the Wang Family. Hence, Ancestor Longyan was truly his great-aunt.

Gongsun Hui led the way in front, followed by Ancestor Mang.

And the two juniors, Wang Shouzhe and Liua Yuanrui, naturally followed closely behind.

After notifying Ancestor Longyan, they proceeded into the Longyan Residence.

Ancestor Longyan was already waiting in the courtyard. Her white hair draped over her shoulders, wearing a veil, with simple attire, she seemed so ethereal, completely untouched by the world’s smoke and fire, like a true exiled immortal descending to the mortal realm.

Wang Mei, disguised as Zhong Luoxian, was as different in temperament from the elder as heaven is from mud.

Ancestor Mang took the lead in paying respects, bowing and saying, "Gongsun Mang, pays respects to Ancestor Longyan."

"Mang’er." Ancestor Longyan’s eyes deep as the starry sky, flickered with a trace of nostalgia, "Every time I see you, I can’t help but think of the past. I remember when your mother was young, she always looked forward to my return from the Academy, hoping there would be rare tasty snacks. Time, like a white colt passing through the crevice, changes everything in the blink of an eye."

Listening to Ancestor Longyan’s lament, Wang Shouzhe couldn’t help but smile inwardly, realizing that Ancestor Mang’s mother, Ancestor Grandmother Lingdie, was also a foodie in her childhood.

No wonder Ancestor Longyan is so fond of that troublesome girl Wang Lici, seeing the shadow of her niece’s childhood in her.

"Grandmother, my mother lived a peaceful life, without difficulty or worries. Please do not be saddened, Ancestor," Ancestor Mang comforted.

In truth, only Ancestor Mang knew that his mother Wang Lingdie lived to eighty but suffered from heartache for the last twenty years without cure.

It was because her maternal family suffered misfortune, and she grieved for her ancestors, especially her Aunt Longyan and Brother Qiong Yuan. No matter how good the elixir, it could heal the body but not the heart.

He remembered clearly, twenty-five years ago, before she passed away, his mother Wang Lingdie held his hand and instructed, Mang’er, if there’s a chance in the future, you must support the Wang Family.

He always remembered those words.

Otherwise, why would Gongsun Hui go and marry Wang Dingyue as a continuation? If it weren’t for Gongsun Mang’s push from behind, Gongsun Mo might not have approved of the continuing marriage, nor would other elders agree.

"Ancestor Longyan, Ancestor Mang." Wang Shouzhe advised, "Let’s all sit down and talk. The past is past, let’s look forward to a beautiful future."

Both ancestral-level figures were not ordinary mortals. Immediately, they retracted their emotions and sat down on the stone benches of the pavilion.

Liua Yuanrui seized the opportunity to step forward for his respects: "Liua Yuanrui, pays respects to Ancestor Longyan."

Ancestor Longyan had once personally visited the Liua Family to arrange a marriage for Wang Shouzhe, naturally familiar with the young generation of the Liua Family. Her voice softened a bit, "This child Yuanrui, possesses the temperament of a scholar. It seems you are prepared to take the path of an official, which also is a way out. But do not let studies delay your cultivation."

With Ancestor Longyan’s keen eyesight, she discerned Liua Yuanrui’s problems instantly.

"Yes, Ancestor." Liua Yuanrui sweated profusely, having been criticized by two ancestors today.

Inwardly promising, upon returning, he must strive harder in cultivation.

Also, he was utterly surprised that Brother Shouzhe had already reached the seventh layer of Qi Refining Realm, on par with his twenty-one-year-old brother Liua Yuanhui.

Such potential explains why the family finally agreed to this marriage.

Suppose under Wang’s circumstances, if Wang Shouzhe had no value for support. Ancestor Longyan would undoubtedly find it difficult to open such a topic with the Liua Family, even if her face was magnanimous.

Gongsun Hui began gracefully serving tea to both ancestors, using the Shanyang Small Spirit Species. It’s unknown when she gathered it from her maternal home, but fresh fruits and other items were also presented.

While Wang Shouzhe and Liua Yuanrui, the two younger ones, stood by obediently, listening to their conversation.

After quite a while, the conversation shifted to Wang Shouzhe.

First was the insect plague incident, then it was unclear how he managed to acquire a large sum of grain from Qiaan’s Trading Company. Subsequently, using the grain sold at high prices to the Zhao Family and Liu Family.

Now, he began targeting Liu Family and Zhao Family’s merger plan.

One step connected to another, trapping the Liu Family and Zhao Family in a predicament with no way out. They purchased costly old grain, intending to capitalize on the situation for substantial profit.

However, Wang Shouzhe utilized the large project of clearing silt and filling land, employing labor instead of pay, saving on wages and rescuing self-farming peasants from famine, thus shattering Liu Family and Zhao Family’s plans.

They failed to gain benefits while damaging their reputation, getting stuck with a bulk of overpriced old grain. After such an incident, Wang Family’s reputation among Ping’an Town’s civilians would utterly overshadow Liu Family and Zhao Family.

Ancestor Mang praised Wang Shouzhe endlessly.

While Liua Yuanrui stood wide-eyed, increasingly shocked, Brother Shouzhe, this prospective brother-in-law, was formidable, indeed. The series of dazzling operations, digging pits for others, also harvested enormous benefits for Wang Family.

Even both ancestors were there to hear his instructions, assisting him in handling follow-up matters.

Ancestor Longyan, at this time, glanced at Wang Shouzhe with deep meaning. Mentioning these affairs in front of Liua Yuanrui inevitably meant he would relay them back to the Liua Family.

It also served to quell some idle gossip within the Liua Family.

But Ancestor Longyan knew undisclosed secrets, and Wang Shouzhe could only publicize certain achievements to this extent.

His latter plan was not only fiercer but must not be leaked externally whatsoever. This concerned Wang Family’s grand rise in the future!

Wang Longyan understood clearly, in that Changning Guard City, some families were very reluctant to see Wang Family rise.

In an instant!

Her eyes flashed with a slight cold light.

Now that she’s slowly recovering from her injuries, the future will be Wang Longyan’s time to reclaim past debts.

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