Chapter 629 - 232: A Clean Break

Chapter 629: Chapter 232: A Clean Break

The commotion caused by the Xu family attracted the attention of many passersby. Even inside Princess Longyu’s Mansion, numerous maids and servants were peeking out to see what was happening.

Left with no choice, everyone hastily exchanged greetings and hurried inside the gates.

Only then did Xu Shiniang notice the two young men standing next to his eldest son, Xu Yanlin.

One of them was a flawless gentleman, as radiant as a rare pearl; even standing next to him, Yanlin seemed slightly outshone.

The other had a carefree and uninhibited air about his features, looking remarkably similar to his brother-in-law. Barring any surprises, this had to be his ready-made eldest nephew. That meant the young man who had stunningly caught his eye a moment ago was likely his niece’s husband.

Judging by his appearance and aura, he was truly an exceptional figure. He just wondered what his family background was like, how knowledgeable he was, and how much true capability he possessed.

With these thoughts in mind, Xu Shiniang casually draped an arm over his youngest nephew’s shoulders. "Come on, let’s head home with your uncle and go see your grandfather."

"Okay, Uncle Shiniang!" Yao’an replied loudly.

Inwardly, however, he was groaning in misery.

He had already heard that his grandfather was the Vice Minister of the court, someone who dared to directly confront even the Empress Dowager. He didn’t know what a Vice Minister was, nor did he know what the Empress Dowager did. But he did know that his youngest uncle was the most formidable person he had ever met. Yet, the moment his youngest uncle heard that his grandfather was at home, he had been wincing and sucking in breaths as if nursing a terrible toothache.

The idea that his grandfather was not someone to be trifled with took firm root in little Yao’an’s heart.

The group chatted as they made their way into the front courtyard. It was completely silent, without the slightest sound. If not for the maids and servants walking about to prune the flowers and sweep the fallen leaves, one might have suspected it was a deserted, lifeless place.

"Your father prefers quiet. Usually, when he’s at home, he doesn’t allow anyone to disturb him."

Xu Suying nodded. "I figured as much. After all, my dad is the Vice Minister. In the court, he’s either arguing with the Empress Dowager or bickering with his colleagues. With his head buzzing all day long, of course he’d want some peace and quiet when he gets home."

Just as she finished speaking, Xu Suying’s footsteps faltered. Everyone followed her gaze and saw a slender, white-haired elderly man standing in front of a flourishing plum blossom tree near the entrance of the flower hall not far away.

The old man was dressed in an ordinary robe, yet he exuded an aura of natural, imposing authority without showing any anger. As he watched his daughter approaching from afar, a crystalline glint seemed to flash across his eyes. But upon closer inspection, his gaze was as calm as a bottomless abyss, making it impossible for anyone to discern the emotions hidden within.

Old Sir Xu looked at the group, his focus landing heavily on Xu Suying. "You’re back? Since you’re back, come on in."

Xu Shiling rubbed his nose, and Xu Shiniang said, "Father has become increasingly a man of few words over the years. You’ll get used to it."

Even Old Madam Xu told her, "Your father is truly happy in his heart that you were able to return."

"I know my dad is happy," Xu Suying replied. "He even shed a tear just now. Really, I saw it with my own eyes. My dad missed me too. I know all of this. It’s just that he’s a man—reserved and not good at expressing his feelings. But since he’s my dad, I forgive him for it."

Everyone was left speechless.

Joyfully, Xu Suying led her family into the flower hall. After escorting Old Madam Xu to take the seat of honor next to Old Sir Xu, she asked, "Dad, I haven’t seen you in twenty years. Shouldn’t I kowtow to you?" ℴℴ𝘮

PFFT!

The sound of someone spitting out tea echoed through the room. Xu Shiniang covered his mouth, pointing at Xu Suying. This younger sister of his always had a knack for saying the most unexpected things. After twenty years, he was once again experiencing the full force of her presence.

He wasn’t the only one who had choked on his tea. Mrs. Guo, Xu Shiling, and the crowd of younger cousins couldn’t help but cover their mouths, holding back their laughter as they looked at this legendary aunt.

Old Sir Xu also stared at this daughter who seemed to have been born simply to be the bane of his existence. Slowly and deliberately, he set down his teacup and said to her, "If you really want to kowtow, then do it. It’s not like I can’t handle it."

Without hesitation, Xu Suying pulled Chen Song down, and the two knelt briskly on the floor.

But it wasn’t enough for just the two of them to kneel. She also called out to Chen Wanqing, De’an, Zhao Jing, and Yao’an. "Hurry up, let’s all kowtow to your grandfather. Once you kowtow, you’ll get a greeting gift! Your grandfather is incredibly wealthy. Don’t miss this chance to fleece him for all he’s worth."

The others chuckled and knelt as well, while Old Sir Xu scolded her with a laugh, "You rascal! You were born just to infuriate me."

"How could that be? Having a house full of children and grandchildren is your greatest blessing in your old age. I might have been gone for twenty years and couldn’t help with anything else, but I’ve certainly added to our family’s numbers. Just look at them—isn’t every single one of them exceptionally talented and good-looking?"

Looking at his daughter’s flamboyant and uninhibited demeanor, a touch of deep gratification softened Old Sir Xu’s eyes. Even the gaze he directed at Chen Song became significantly gentler.