Chapter 24

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However, Wang Shouzhe would not casually reveal such an evaluation on the surface. He had mixed in the workplace on Earth, and although he was not particularly adept at human relations, he was still passable.

"Uncle, you flatter me," Wang Shouzhe said neither humbly nor arrogantly. "Interpersonal relationships are based on fate. Auntie has treated me like her own child, and her kindness is like a second birth to me. Even if Uncle were to scold or beat me, I would not have the slightest resentment."

These words were also laced with hidden barbs, implying to Gong Sun Qiang that he respected him because Auntie was good to him. Otherwise, based on Gong Sun Qiang alone, he probably wouldn't have the reason to respect him.

"Yes, yes. My little sister has always been smart, virtuous, and kind-hearted," Gong Sun Qiang nodded repeatedly, praising Gong Sun Hui casually.

Wang Shouzhe was momentarily speechless. No wonder the old patriarch Gong Sun didn't step down despite his age; it seemed this young patriarch still needed more "polishing." No wonder he and his "deceased father" Wang Dingyue didn't see eye to eye.

Gong Sun Hui, standing beside them, was holding her forehead, her cheeks burning with shame. Her elder brother was good in many aspects, but he lacked emotional intelligence and needed more training. If she weren't so kind, she should have ostracized and targeted her non-biological, young legitimate son? That would make her a heartless and wicked person...

She quickly added, "Zhe'er is my legitimate son, and it is my duty to care for and raise him. By the way, Brother, how is Father?"

At the same time, Gong Sun Hui was deeply moved. She hadn't noticed it before, but after Zhe'er became the patriarch, his performance was remarkable.

Comparing him to her elder brother, she felt the gap was significant. Subtly, she began to worry about the Gong Sun clan. Her elder brother had truly wasted thirty-eight years of meals.

"Father is doing well," Gong Sun Qiang realized his mistake and said with a dry laugh, "but he has been in a bad mood, not eating or drinking, always thinking about his little sister. As soon as he heard you were coming back to visit, he immediately urged me to come and fetch you."

"Auntie, the wind outside is strong. We should get back to the carriage and hurry on our way," Wang Shouzhe said, bowing. "I'm sure Grandfather is already waiting anxiously. I will accompany Uncle on horseback."

The black steed Wang Shouzhe had been riding earlier had been led by a retainer. Now it was put to use.

"Alright, Zhe'er, have a good chat with Uncle," Gong Sun Hui gave a subtle glance and then led Wang Luojing back to the carriage.

Wang Shouzhe, of course, understood Gong Sun Hui's meaning. The Wang clan was currently weak and relied almost entirely on the old ancestor Longyan for support. If he could strengthen the relationship with the Gong Sun clan, it would be very beneficial for the Wang clan.

Therefore, Wang Shouzhe rode the black steed and walked at the front of the procession, chatting casually with Gong Sun Qiang. His attitude towards Gong Sun Qiang was polite out of respect for Gong Sun Hui, but he wouldn't go overboard to flatter the Gong Sun clan.

In any world, whether it's in-laws or allies, relationships are based on mutual interests and equal strength. Stronger people won't respect you more just because you kowtow and flatter them.

On the contrary, Gong Sun Qiang, observing Wang Shouzhe, found that this "adopted nephew" was far superior to his peers in both speech and demeanor. Moreover, at a young age, his cultivation was about to reach the high stage of the Qi Refinement realm, with boundless potential.

Such a young and outstanding talent was hard to find in the entire Shan Yang Gong Sun clan.

Especially his own son, Gong Sun Yan, who was only one year younger than Wang Shouzhe. Normally, he thought the boy was quite good, but in comparison, Gong Sun Qiang felt a bit depressed and subconsciously became a bit more affectionate towards Wang Shouzhe: "Shouzhe, it's rare for you to come to Shan Yang. Stay for a few more days. I'll have your cousin Xiao Yan take you hunting in the mountains."

"Thank you for your kindness, Uncle," Wang Shouzhe said, bowing. "However, clan affairs are busy, and as the head of the clan, I must leave after visiting Grandfather."

Gong Sun Qiang's heart sank even more upon hearing this. Yes, this adopted nephew became the patriarch at eighteen. He was thirty-eight and still just a young patriarch. Moreover, the old patriarch had no intention of stepping down.

On the way back, Gong Sun Qiang was in a gloomy mood and said very little.

The main residence of the Shan Yang Gong Sun clan was built along the Longji Mountain, with steep terrain that was easy to defend but hard to attack. The main residence was surrounded by a sturdy, high wall and arrow towers, giving it a formidable and imposing appearance.

This time, Wang Shouzhe came as Gong Sun Hui's legitimate son, not as the head of the clan for an official visit. Therefore, after a simple exchange of courtesies, he was invited into the main hall.

In the main hall, the current patriarch of the Gong Sun clan, Gong Sun Mo, and his wife, Gong Sun Chen, were seated in the main position, dressed formally to show their respect for Gong Sun Hui and Wang Shouzhe.

"Your disobedient daughter pays respects to Father and Mother," Gong Sun Hui stepped forward to pay respects, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Hui'er," Gong Sun Chen stepped forward to support her daughter, looking her up and down with excitement, "My child, you haven't come back to visit for three years. Are you well at the Wang family?"

"Mother, the Wang family treats me very well, but, but Dingyue..." Mentioning this, Gong Sun Hui shed more tears, feeling very sad.

"Ah~ Dingyue, that rascal, really shouldn't have gone on reckless adventures. Couldn't he just stay with you and live a peaceful life?" Chen's face was filled with frustration and sorrow, "It's truly hard on our child."

"That's enough, you old woman. If you don't understand, don't speak recklessly," Gong Sun Mo said sternly, "We Xuanwu practitioners should be brave and strive for progress. As the head of the clan, Dingyue must have had a reason to go. He just had bad luck."

"I don't understand? It's all your fault, you old rascal," Gong Sun Chen said, slightly agitated, "You said that Wang Dingyue was talented and would surely become a Lingtai, and you even promised my precious daughter to him as a second wife! You..."

At this point, she seemed to remember that Wang Shouzhe was still present and stopped, giving him a kind and gentle smile: "Shouzhe, Grandmother is just sad about Dingyue's passing, and I got a bit emotional. Oh, my child, you've grown so handsome and strong in three years. Come, let Grandmother take a look."

Wang Shouzhe couldn't help but smile. Now he understood the saying "the son follows the mother." His Uncle Gong Sun Qiang's lack of tact was probably inherited from the old lady Chen.

He wouldn't argue with an old lady and stepped forward, bowing: "Shouzhe pays respects to Grandmother."

"Good, good, this child is truly handsome," Gong Sun Chen held Wang Shouzhe, becoming more and more pleased, and asked with concern, "Shouzhe, are you engaged yet? Our Shan Yang Gong Sun clan has many beautiful girls. Would you like to..."

Gong Sun Hui's face darkened, and she quickly intervened: "Mother, Shouzhe is my legitimate son and cannot marry a legitimate daughter of the Gong Sun clan."

In Xuanwu families, intermarriage usually requires tracing back four generations to ensure they are not the same person, with occasional exceptions.

Gong Sun Hui is Wang Shouzhe's legitimate mother, and although there is no blood relation, she must be considered according to tradition and rules, especially in the current generation.

"Legitimate daughters won't do, but there are a few girls in the direct line..."

Before Gong Sun Chen could finish, Gong Sun Mo interrupted with a roar: "Old woman, you're confused. Shouzhe is the legitimate son of the Wang clan and the head of the clan. How can he marry a direct-line girl!"

"You're the one who's confused. If the Gong Sun clan can't find a suitable match, then we can find a Chen girl," Gong Sun Chen said, "Our Donggang Chen clan has many girls known for their beauty and intelligence."

"Mother, there are no suitable girls from the Donggang Chen clan for Shouzhe," Gong Sun Hui explained helplessly, "Luo Yi was already betrothed to the young patriarch of the Chen clan years ago and was supposed to marry this year, but with Dingyue's passing, she needs to observe a year of mourning before the wedding."

"Oh, is it my great-nephew Chen Fangjie?" Gong Sun Chen's face lit up, "I've seen Fangjie. He is steady and talented. The Wang clan has good taste. It's just a pity for Shouzhe... I'll think about it..."

Gong Sun Hui quickly stopped her from matchmaking: "Mother, don't think about it. Shouzhe's marriage is already arranged with the legitimate daughter of the Shan Yin Liu clan."

Shan Yin Liu clan?

Chen's face changed instantly.

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