https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-997-The-Birthday-Celebration-at-Hui-Lake-Mansion/13076198/
Chapter 998: A Heavily Guarded Main Hall
Chapter 998: A Heavily Guarded Main Hall
Cheng Zitong, upon seeing someone approaching, looked up and recognized his older cousin Cheng Zicheng, the eldest son of his father's elder brother and currently the eldest member of the Cheng family's younger generation.
Cheng Zicheng greeted them, "It's been a while, little brother. Come, follow me inside. Let's not block the entrance; it doesn't look good, and we don't want to be ridiculed."
Cheng Zitong removed his decorative glasses and replied, "Little Cheng, after so many years, your big face hasn't changed a bit. What do you mean by that? Am I the joke, or is someone else?"
The middle-aged man shook his head, "You're not the joke, but you know what I mean. Give our second uncle some face; don't block the entrance. Come inside and listen to him for a moment. Can you do that?"
Cheng Zitong didn't refuse this time, "Alright, it's been a while since we brothers have seen each other. Let's chat before seeing the old man. Come, Xiao Ke."
"Sure," Xiao Ke responded.
The middle-aged man turned and waved, signaling those nearby to continue their tasks. Cheng Zitong and Xiao Ke followed him inside.
Meanwhile, in the parking lot, Ni Qianqi and her colleagues exchanged glances, knowing there was more to come. They quickly exited their vehicle.
After closing the car door, Li Duizhang went to the trunk to retrieve something, saying, "Officer Ni, you mentioned that Old Master Cheng has another son. Why haven't I heard of him before?"
Ni Qianqi explained, "This son is a sensitive topic for the Cheng family, so we usually avoid mentioning him. Oh, and today is the old man's birthday, so I shouldn't have brought it up..."
One of the female colleagues held Ni Qianqi's hand, "Sister Ni, we're not inside yet, so there's no taboo. Go ahead and tell us."
Ni Qianqi continued, "Well, it's said that Old Master Cheng's eldest son was exceptionally talented and gifted. The Cheng family's long-held hopes were likely pinned on him. But then, for some unknown reason, he passed away at a young age. This seemed to be a significant blow to the Cheng family. Afterward, the old man seemed to place his hopes on Cheng Guanli, but Cheng Guanli..." She trailed off. "In the path of martial arts combat, he appears rather mediocre."
"I've heard that Cheng Guanli has been working hard all this time, but talent is something you either have or don't. It's not something that can be easily improved. The Cheng family's expectations for him were too high, and he could never live up to them. He was constantly criticized by some people, and in the end, he had to leave Central City to forge his own path. He was restricted by the family's rules and couldn't do many things. It's said that because of this, Cheng Guanli had to distance himself from the Cheng family."
The female colleague expressed sympathy, "Cheng Guanli has had it tough too."
Li Duizhang agreed, "He's had it hard, but we've had it harder. Don't forget that Cheng Guanli has an exceptional student."
The female colleague nodded repeatedly, thinking to herself that this student must be incredibly talented.
Li Duizhang pondered, "That's odd. Knowing who Cheng Guanli's student is, why aren't they being treated well? If not for Cheng Guanli's sake, they should at least respect Chen Chuan."
The female colleague sighed, "It's clear as day. Even a fair official finds it hard to handle family matters. If I were the old man, would I have to bow down to my son? To the Cheng family, this son isn't here to celebrate the birthday; he's clearly here to compete."
Li Duizhang nodded, "That makes sense."
Ni Qianqi, excited, said, "We shouldn't concern ourselves with the Cheng family's thoughts. Let's go and give the birthday gifts, then see what's happening inside."
Inside the mansion, the middle-aged man led Cheng Zitong to a relatively spacious side room and ordered some food, drinks, and furniture to be brought in.
Cheng Zitong asked, "Little Cheng, what's the meaning of this?"
The middle-aged man sighed, "Little brother, I know that after you left Central City, you've held a grudge against the family and the old man."
Cheng Zitong waved his sunglasses dismissively, "Come on, I don't hold any grudges. You all treat me like an enemy; is that necessary? I'm here sincerely to celebrate the old man's birthday."
The middle-aged man's expression turned serious, "Little brother, I know you have an exceptional student, and everyone knows about it. But you also know that they are all aware of the dispute between you and the old man from years ago."
He paused, "After so many years of absence, you show up at the old man's 80th birthday celebration. Those who don't know won't think much of it, but those who do will assume you're trying to show off and flaunt your power. This is the old man's 80th birthday celebration, and you're giving others a reason to laugh at us. Just now, you must have seen the many eyes watching us, hoping for the Cheng family to embarrass ourselves."
He spoke earnestly, "Little brother, listen to your brother's advice and don't go to the main hall. If you truly want to pay respects, wait until after the birthday banquet is over, and then meet the old man privately. Don't cause trouble for the family."
Xiao Ke, unable to contain his anger, spoke up, "Why? This is too much! How have you wronged Tong Ge? First, you wouldn't let him in without an invitation, and now you're stopping him from paying his respects in person. Is he still the old man's son? Is he still your brother?"
He pointed at the middle-aged man's face, "Cheng Zicheng, I can't stand your self-righteous attitude. You're acting so haughty. Let me tell you, if Tong Ge's student wasn't busy today, you wouldn't dare stop him!"
Dare you?"
The middle-aged man remained silent, his gaze fixed on the two of them.
Cheng Zitong patted Xiao Ke and said to the middle-aged man, "Little Cheng, I'm not saying this to you, but your words are unreasonable. According to your meaning, do you mean that I, Cheng Zitong, should hide behind every time I encounter such a big day? Why? Do you think I'm embarrassing the Cheng family?"
"Third brother, I've said what I needed to," the middle-aged man replied gravely. "Please understand my intention. As a gesture of respect for our elders and to maintain the family's dignity, I'm asking this favor of you on Second Brother's behalf."
Cheng Zitong looked at him and nodded. "Alright, but speaking of which, this is my home, right?" He gestured around him and looked in all directions. "After so many years of not returning, I need to take a good look around and find those past memories."
The middle-aged man shook his head. "Sorry, Third Brother, but please stay here for now."
Cheng Zitong glanced around and then realized, "I understand. This is to prevent me from showing my face in front of others." He looked outside and said, "Then I must insist on crossing this threshold today."
The middle-aged man shook his head again. "Third Brother, you've taught a good student, but you yourself are not yet qualified."
Cheng Zitong smiled, "Some things don't necessarily require fists."
The middle-aged man immediately became alert. He knew that Cheng Zitong had learned some unorthodox techniques, and although he wasn't afraid, it might affect the birthday celebration. He took two steps forward and spoke in a low voice, "Third Brother, it's the old man's birthday, and there are many guests here. Don't cause trouble."
Cheng Zitong smiled and said, "I won't cause any trouble." He walked to the side and pointed to the gift he had brought, "But even if I don't go in, you must deliver this birthday gift to the old man and personally hand it to him."
The middle-aged man walked over to inspect the gift, saw that it was a regular item, and nodded. "Third Brother, Second Brother will take care of delivering the gift. You can rest assured."
"With your assurance, that's enough. Go ahead and take care of your business."
Cheng Zitong walked a few steps and sat down at a table. He knocked on the table with his sunglasses and said, "I want one of everything that's being served outside, not a single dish less."
The middle-aged man replied, "You won't be shortchanged." He called in a few people, who took the birthday gift and left. Then he stationed several disciples to guard the door.
Cheng Zitong looked at Xiao Ke, who was standing there sullenly, and said, "Sit down. Why are you standing there?"
Xiao Ke, frustrated, said, "Brother Cheng, how can you bear it?"
Cheng Zitong picked up the sweet dew on the table and took a few sips. "Hmm, this sweet dew is good. One sip and you can tell it's made with water from that old well. Xiao Ke, come and have a drink."
Xiao Ke shouted, "Brother Cheng, I'm talking to you!"
Cheng Zitong rubbed his ear and said, "I'm listening. You're shouting so loudly that my ears are ringing. What's the rush?" He smiled and said, "Don't worry, the old man will invite us in soon."
Xiao Ke's spirits lifted instantly. "Brother Cheng, do you have a plan?"
Cheng Zitong smiled and said, "A plan? What plan could there be? The old man isn't as narrow-minded as some people in the Cheng family, but he's very particular about following rules. When we meet him later, we might have to endure a little."
Cheng Zicheng emerged from the side hall, carrying gifts as he approached the main hall. There were six large tables set up, three of which were already occupied by guests.
Cheng Zhou, dressed in an old-fashioned birthday robe, sat in the main seat. His short hair was slightly gray but stood upright like a brush.
Despite his age, he was full of vigor, especially his bright eyes. He sat upright, and beside him were mostly third-degree fighters, with only a few elderly members of the Cheng family.
When Cheng Zicheng arrived, Cheng Zhou was chatting with a few elderly men leaning on canes. His junior disciple Fan Shoulu and disciples Qiao Lin Hu were accompanying them.
Cheng Zicheng saw that they were in the middle of an engaging conversation, so he paused and had his gifts sent to the side hall first, waiting to the side.
After the conversation on both sides came to a pause, and they each picked up their teacups to drink, Cheng Zicheng took a few steps forward. Suddenly, a younger member of the Cheng family hurried in and said, "Old Master, the leader of the Tian Shu Gang, Yu Hongming, has sent birthday gifts through a messenger."
Yu Hongming?
Everyone at the table stiffened. Yu Hongming and Cheng Zhou's father, Cheng Yunbai, were of the same generation. They had competed with each other, but Yu Hongming was one of the most outstanding figures among their peers. If not for his refusal to join companies or the government, he could have become a top-tier fighter.
Although this man was now old, his physical prowess had declined, but his status and generation remained. The fact that he took the initiative to send birthday gifts was a significant gesture.
However, the Cheng family had not had much interaction with the Tian Shu Gang in the past, and this year's gift-giving was unusual...
Some people were puzzled, while others had already guessed the reason.
Cheng Zhou put down his teacup and said solemnly, "Please, come in."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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