Group pet Xiaopangbao: I have four big daddies

Chapter 1328 The tree desires stillness, but the wind will not cease (2)
Old Master Feng held his wine glass, gazing intently until Xi Yun's figure disappeared down the corridor before turning away. He sighed heavily and downed the wine in his glass in one gulp.

Wei Zheng shook his head helplessly and sighed as well.

Sang Qi became wary. Ever since entering the Xiang family, he had been somewhat tense, feeling that Xiang Minghou's words at the door had a deeper meaning.

His gaze shifted from Xi Yun's departing figure, and his eyes scanned the surroundings sharply, observing the martial arts figures seated in their places.

Most of those present were martial arts practitioners and scholars, with very few officials. No one from the Changyang Prince's Mansion or the Helian Prince's Mansion was present either. Although the banquet was clearly lively, there was an eerie atmosphere everywhere.

A murmur came from a seat not far away. Sang Qi looked over and, judging from their clothes and accessories, they seemed to be from a sect in the Jiangbei area.

Jiangbei is the fiefdom of Prince Yutan. Some time ago, Prince Yutan's heir, Yu Shengyou, entered the city but was disturbed by Ye Qianning and his group. After the heir left the capital with his men, he disappeared.

The royal family sent many secret guards to investigate, but to no avail.

Yu Shengyou's disappearance has unsettled the four major princes, and it's impossible that Yu Qin did nothing.

According to the Xiang family's rules, those seated at the table should all be influential figures within the sect, so Sang Qi instinctively paid more attention to their presence.

Sang Rui noticed Sang Qi's gaze and, following it, seemed to instantly understand what Sang Qi was thinking. He said softly, "Brother, aren't you being too nervous?"

Sang Qi withdrew her gaze, giving Sang Qi a cold glance without saying a word.

Sang Rui was not annoyed. His smile remained unchanged. He picked up the wine cup on the table, took a sip, and acted with a leisurely and contented demeanor.

After Xi Yun left, the quiet courtyard returned to its lively atmosphere.

People from all walks of life are never particular about formalities and get to know each other quickly. After a few drinks, they become brothers and chat happily.

Marquis Xiangming was not good at entertaining guests; Zhan Yi was the one who kept things lively throughout the entire event.

After all, he had spent most of his life mingling among the powerful and influential in the capital, and he could take care of everyone, from envoys to royalty, flattering them all.

On the five-story building in the backyard of the Xiang family, Madam Zhan, Madam Dai, Hua Qiao, Bai Ling, and Bai Xiang gathered together, drinking tea and eating snacks. Their positions were perfect for taking in the lively scene in the front yard.

Lady Zhan saw Zhan Yi's lively demeanor from afar. Although she couldn't hear what he was saying, she could tell from his appearance how much he fawned over him.

"Master Zhan is truly capable," Lady Dai praised.

"That's all the use he has." Madam Zhan withdrew her gaze, but despite saying that, her smile was incredibly proud.

She wouldn't have known the old man had this skill if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes.

"Master Zhan has an exceptionally good reputation in the capital, which shows how adept he is at handling things." Bai Ling, who has studied business for many years, was very impressed by Master Zhan's ability to navigate social situations.

Madam Zhan couldn't stop smiling and said modestly, "I was forced into this situation."

“If it weren’t for Master Zhan’s skill in handling things, things might have gone terribly wrong during the reception today,” Bai Xiang added. Bai Ling looked at Xiang Minghou, who was drinking in the distance, and sighed with a smile, “So many years have passed, and he’s not as good as he used to be.”

Lady Zhan and Lady Dai looked over upon hearing this. The once spirited Marquis Xiangming, though not so tactful in his actions, could still exchange a few warm words with those cunning and calculating people at banquets.

Nowadays, his cold and aloof demeanor, along with the menacing aura he exudes at all times, can scare away many people.

"The more experiences a person has, the more composed they become, and it's hard for them to return to their youthful state," sighed Madam Dai. Her husband, Gu Shuo, was no different.

Madam Zhan understood the implication in his words and, thinking of Zhan Chi, couldn't help but sigh: "Gu Shuo is not young anymore, is there a woman he likes?"

Mrs. Dai shook her head: "With his cold and aloof demeanor all the time, what girl would like him?"

"Gu Shuo is much better than my Zhan Chi. If you meet someone similar, you should try to match them up." - Madam Zhan
“If he’s interested, he doesn’t need me to match him up. If he’s not interested, no matter how many girls I find for him, it won’t make a difference. He’s not a young child anymore. He knows what he’s doing and he’s probably already thought about the future.” Having gone through such a marriage, Madam Dai is open-minded about Gu Shuo’s future.

Madam Zhan smiled and said, "That's true, those kids all have a lot of ideas."

“Who can argue with that? We can’t help them with what they want to do, nor can we put pressure on them. I just hope he can do whatever he wants in the future. As for matters of the heart, let him be,” said Madam Dai.

"After hearing your words, I feel much better now." Madam Zhan patted her chest.

"What? Have you heard some gossip?" Having lived in the capital for many years, Madam Dai was familiar with the intricacies of the inner quarters of prominent families.

Madam Zhan sighed and said, "It's all because of those gossipy people. They say my son is getting on in years and still isn't married, that he might have some hidden illness, and some even say he's gay... Sigh, I used to feel uncomfortable hearing these things, but now, as you said, I just hope he can live a comfortable life. As for marriage, let it be as fate dictates. With Qian Ning around, our Zhan family line won't be broken."

Upon hearing this, Dai Shi, Bai Ling, Bai Xiang, and Hua Qiao all stared at her in astonishment.

Seeing that everyone looked surprised, Lady Zhan asked, "What's wrong?"

"Women can also carry on the family line. I never expected Madam Zhan to be so open-minded." Madam Dai was genuinely surprised. In the traditionally scholarly clan, women were believed to live for men, and men were the most important lineage to continue the family.

Lady Zhan came from a scholarly family, so how could anyone not be surprised that she could say such things?

Madam Zhan smiled slightly: "It was only after experiencing many things that I realized that the prosperity of a family does not depend solely on men. Many women are no less talented than men. Men may not be able to revitalize the family business, and women may not be any less capable than men. If given the opportunity, women can also hold up a piece of the sky."

Madam Dai nodded repeatedly, her eyes full of agreement and admiration: "What you say is absolutely right. There are many intelligent women, but unfortunately they are limited by worldly customs and have nowhere to display their talents. If everyone in the world were as open-minded as you, they would surely shine brightly."

Bai Ling looked at the two with great admiration: "Now I understand why Ningning is so different. Upon closer reflection, I can see the shadows of the two ladies in her."

Madam Zhan gently stroked the hair at her temples, her eyes filled with a tender smile as she mentioned Ye Qianning: "Qianning has been intelligent and quick-witted since she was a child. She has her own ideas and opinions, and I hope she can live as she pleases and not be bound by the constraints of worldly rules and regulations."

Madam Dai smiled and chimed in, "Her cleverness and indomitable spirit are delightful to watch. She is also very thoughtful, which is quite similar to Madam."

Lady Zhan was even more delighted upon hearing this.

Downstairs, Ye Qianning, Zhan Chi, Gu Shuo, and Qian Fanji overheard the entire discussion upstairs, and they were all quite surprised.