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Chapter 999: The Gift and the Old Rules
Chapter 999: The Gift and the Old Rules
The main hall's grand doors swung open, and an elderly martial artist in his seventies, clad in a deep red traditional martial arts uniform, strode in.
The man had a round, rosy face and an amiable demeanor. Upon reaching the hall, he straightened his back and, following the old custom, respectfully clasped his hands in greeting towards Elder Cheng.
"Elder Cheng, I am Tang Xun. I've come on behalf of my master to wish you a happy birthday. My master has specially prepared some modest gifts for you, wishing you longevity, prosperity, and a flourishing lineage for generations to come."
The guests couldn't help but take notice of this name. This was the highly regarded disciple of Yu Hongming.
The Tian Shu Gang had some connections with the Municipal Council in the past, but since the council's disbandment and reorganization, this disciple had primarily taken charge of the gang's external affairs. He was essentially the deputy leader, though his low-key nature kept his reputation from becoming widely known.
Elder Cheng had risen to greet him upon his arrival, and now he returned the gesture with a respectful bow, saying, "You honor me."
At that moment, someone approached, carrying a gift list, which they handed to Elder Cheng. He glanced at it and immediately recognized the valuable gifts it contained.
Elder Cheng clasped his hands solemnly and said, "Martial Artist Tang, thank you for the generous gifts from your gang. Please convey my gratitude to the gang leader. I will remember this kindness and return the favor in the future."
Tang Xun smiled and replied, "Elder Cheng, you're too kind. Rest assured, I will deliver your words to my master verbatim."
Elder Cheng gestured with his hand, inviting, "Martial Artist Tang, please take a seat. We've prepared some simple tea and food, so please don't hesitate to enjoy."
Tang Xun bowed again and, accompanied by a fellow disciple of the Cheng family, took a seat at an empty table to the side.
He was well-versed in the old customs and had only brought along a peer who accompanied him, while the other disciples and younger generation who came to deliver gifts remained outside the hall.
Elder Cheng returned to his seat, and the elderly members of the Cheng family on both sides looked at him with inquiring eyes. He shook his head, and no one asked further questions.
The Tian Shu Gang's actions were somewhat puzzling, but it wasn't hard to understand why they sent gifts now that the Municipal Council had disbanded. The Cheng family wouldn't get too involved just because they received a gift, but there might be other reasons at play.
Many people suspected as much, but no one wanted to voice their thoughts.
Soon, another birthday greeting arrived from outside, announcing that a steward sent by Military Governor Qiao Weiting had brought gifts.
Elder Cheng was taken by surprise.
The Cheng family had indeed sent many disciples and relatives to serve in the military, but most held middle to lower-ranking officer positions. High-ranking officers were rare, and those in positions like the Military Governor were even scarcer due to their terms and the taboos surrounding interactions between the upper echelons and local clans. It was unexpected for the Military Governor to send gifts on his eightieth birthday...
Elder Cheng raised his eyebrows slightly and instructed, "Take good care of the gift-bearing guest, and send a proper message of thanks on my behalf."
Cheng Zicheng, who had been standing by, approached the elders now that they had a moment. He was about to speak privately with Elder Cheng, but before he could open his mouth, a message arrived via the Boundary Token.
He was momentarily startled, then a look of delight appeared on his face. Just then, a young member of the Cheng family burst into the hall, breathless, and announced, "Granduncle, Great-Granduncle, uncles, aunts, and elders, Chief Secretary Qiao from the Government Hall has arrived!"
Elder Cheng's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this. He spoke in a deep voice, "Open the hall doors to welcome him!"
"Yes!"
The younger members who were serving tea and water immediately sprang into action, opening all seven sections of the grand hall's doors.
Elder Cheng straightened his sleeves and collar, leading the older generation of the Cheng family to stand at the hall entrance. The younger members outside quickly realized that an important guest was arriving and began to rise from their seats one by one.
Soon, an elderly Cheng family member who was in charge of hospitality led a man in his forties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, with a gentle and scholarly air about him, into the hall.
Many in the hall recognized him, and looks of surprise were exchanged.
Qiao Yang approached the main hall, his gaze settling on Elder Cheng. He smiled and said, "Elder Cheng, I presume?"
Elder Cheng took a step forward and clasped his hands in greeting, "Chief Secretary Qiao, I am Cheng."
Qiao Yang returned the gesture and smiled, "Elder Cheng, it's a pleasure to see you well. On the occasion of your eightieth birthday, Chief Administrator Qi remembers your past contributions and the Cheng family's unwavering commitment to the righteous path, even in the face of adversity. He has asked me to bring you some gifts as a token of his respect. Please accept them, Elder Cheng."
Elder Cheng's expression became solemn as he replied, "Chief Administrator Qi is burdened with the affairs of the state, yet he still remembers an old man like me. I am deeply grateful. Please convey my thanks to him, and tell him that the Cheng family, rooted in Central City for a hundred years, stands with Jinbei Province in prosperity. This has been the case in the past, and it will continue in the future."
Chief Secretary Qiao smiled and said, "Elder Cheng, your vigor remains undiminished even in your advanced age. I will deliver your message."
Oh, I'd also like to deliver a message on behalf of the Governor, thanking Elder Cheng for raising a fine son. If I may, I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. I wonder which one of you is he referring to?" As he spoke, he glanced around at the people nearby.
The people around couldn't help but exchange glances, their expressions somewhat subtle.
After seeing this, Cheng Shang immediately walked over and gestured, saying, "Secretary Qiao, please take a seat first."
Secretary Qiao gave him a look, then looked at the crowd with a meaningful gaze, and smiled slightly. "There's no need to sit. I still have a pile of official duties to attend to. Since I've delivered the message, I won't stay long. Elder Cheng, I bid you farewell."
Cheng Zhou clasped his hands and said, "Secretary Qiao has pressing official duties. I won't detain you any longer. Please excuse my poor hospitality." He then said to Cheng Shang, "Second Brother, see Secretary Qiao out on my behalf." Cheng Shang replied with a 'yes'.
After seeing the guest out, Cheng Zhou returned to the main hall and sat down. As the main hall door closed again, he watched Cheng Zicheng approach and asked, "Where is he?"
Cheng Zicheng paused for a moment, then lowered his voice, "Third Uncle, he's in the East Front Courtyard."
"Call him over."
Cheng Zicheng looked up, "Third Uncle?"
Cheng Zhou said, "What's wrong? I want to see my son. Is it not okay for me to meet him?"
"Yes, Third Uncle, I'll go get him right away."
Cheng Zicheng quickly left the main hall and went to the East Front Courtyard. He saw Cheng Zitong and Xiao Ke leisurely drinking sweet dew and eating vegetables.
He said, "Third Brother, Third Uncle is looking for you."
Cheng Zitong put down his chopsticks and said, "Xiao Ke, I said that we don't need to go out this door. I can still see the old man, because someone will come to invite us."
Xiao Ke said, "Yeah, Tong Ge, you're right."
Cheng Zicheng remained silent.
Not a single mistake, one shot, one inner, one container, one in one 6 one 9 one book one bar one look!
Cheng Zitong put down his chopsticks and stood up, calling out, "Let's go."
He led Xiao Ke out of the side courtyard and followed Cheng Zicheng towards the main hall.
At this moment, Ni Qianqi was talking to someone at the neighboring table. She suddenly patted Li Duizhang's shoulder and said, "Old Li, look, quick, look."
Li Duizhang looked over and said softly, "Supervisor Cheng?"
"Indeed."
Ni Qianqi excitedly said, "Just wait and see."
As these people approached, the crowd didn't pay much attention at first. But when Cheng Zitong appeared, many people felt that the atmosphere around them was a bit off, and they turned to look around.
Those who were unaware were puzzled, while those who knew whispered among themselves. Some inquired about the identity of the visitor. As expected, someone was eager to share the details, and upon hearing the explanation, many people suddenly understood and showed expressions of anticipation for the upcoming drama.
Cheng Zitong acted as if nothing was wrong and followed Cheng Zicheng all the way to the main hall. Looking up at Cheng Zhou sitting at the top, he took a few steps forward and bowed.
"Dad, I came here especially to wish you a happy birthday!" Xiao Ke, as a younger generation, also offered his birthday wishes.
The people in the hall exchanged glances at this scene.
Cheng Zhou said, "In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed. You're not young anymore, and you've gained some weight. But after all these years, your skills haven't improved much."
Cheng Zitong laughed and said, "Dad, this is how I'll be for the rest of my life. I can't make any more progress."
Cheng Zhou slowly said, "Whether you change or not is up to you. You've started your own family, and I can't interfere anymore. What did you bring this time? I won't accept it if it's not good."
Cheng Zitong said, "Do you still remember that you love Yangzhi's purple gold dates the most? I brought a large basket of them this time. Every single one was picked by me personally, and they're all from this season. You can enjoy them slowly. I just asked Xiao Cheng to bring them in. Did you not receive them?"
Cheng Zicheng quickly tapped his Boundary Record, and the birthday gift he had just received was sent over. Cheng Zhou looked at the display on the Boundary Record and said, "Hmm, good stuff. You put in effort. I'll take it."
He instructed, "Since you're here, stay and wait. Go sit over there. After the banquet, come and chat with me."
Cheng Zitong replied, "Okay." He walked to the side and was about to sit at an empty table.
Cheng Zhou shook his head and said, "I didn't tell you to sit there." He gestured outside, "Your rank isn't high enough, and you haven't reached the realm of breaking through the illusory. You can only sit there." He spoke sternly, "You should understand the rules."
Cheng Zitong's footsteps paused, and he glanced at Cheng Zhou several times. His lips moved a few times as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he didn't say a word. He slowly put on his decorative sunglasses and smiled, "I understand the rules, Elder Cheng. Should I go sit outside?"
He patted Xiao Ke's shoulder and said, "Don't just stand there. This isn't a place for the two of us." After leaving the main hall, Xiao Ke asked, "Tong Ge, are we just leaving like this?"
Cheng Zitong said, "Leaving? Let's wait outside for a while. It's nice to get some fresh air. We'll see how things go. When the time comes, we'll figure out how to get invited back in."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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