At the very front of the hall were two purple armchairs. With a single glance, Wang Chong saw two dignified silver-haired elders seated on the armchairs.
"Grandfather!"
A crisp voice sounded. Before Wang Chong could react, his little sister had already dashed over and pounced into the embrace of the two elders.
"Hehe, look who's here!"
"Isn't this our Little Yao?"
"Little lass, you finally remembered to visit grandfather?"
…
In the hall, the dignified silver-haired old man opened his arms and embraced the Wang Family's little sister. He placed her on his knees with an amiable expression on his face.
On the other hand, Wang Family's Little Yao didn't stand on ceremony either. She hugged the two silver-haired elders tightly as she called out for her grandfather and grandmother.
Upon seeing this sight, everyone in the hall had complicated expressions on their faces. Even Wang Chong's cousin, Wang Li, couldn't help but reveal a look of envy.
The old master had a strict personality. Before him, no one dared to breathe loudly. Even Wang Chong's big uncle, Wang Gen, was the same.
In the entire Wang Clan, only Wang Clan's Little Yao was an exception. Every time they met, she would kick up a fuss. Yet, the old master and old madam didn't mind it at all. On the contrary, they liked her a lot.
This was his little sister's unique ability, and no one could learn it.
"Father, I'm here to offer my blessings to you. May your fortune be as boundless as the sea and you live as long as the mountains!"
Wang Chong's big aunt and uncle carried two large longevity peaches and respectfully offered their blessings. The old master had an incorruptible personality, and he didn't like those extravagant and luxurious things.
In the past, there were people who had gifted him those expensive gifts, but not only were the gifts returned, they were even reprimanded.
Thus, even though it was his seventieth birthday, no one dared to violate the old master's taboo and hold a lavish celebration. The gifts were all simple and unadorned items.
Besides, the old master didn't like them either!
"Un, you're too kind."
The old master nodded slightly as he received the peach. His expression didn't change much. Everyone in the Wang Clan knew that this was the old master's temper.
His temperament was harsh and serious. Even on such a joyous occasion as his seventieth birthday, he did not reveal too much of his emotions.
After Uncle and Aunt finished offering their blessings, they brought Cousin Wang Liang to the side in a well-behaved manner.
Since the old man didn't say anything, the others didn't dare to say anything.
"Grandpa, grandson Wang Chong, I wish you happiness as vast as the East Sea, and longevity as long as the Southern Mountain Pine!"
When it was time to celebrate his mother's birthday, Wang Chong suddenly stepped forward and said.
"Oh?"
As soon as Wang Chong finished speaking, everyone in the room immediately looked over, including the Old Master and Old Madam who were sitting on the armchairs. For the first time, they noticed Wang Chong, and a strange look appeared in their eyes.
This time, when the people of the Wang Clan came to offer their blessings, everyone said, "Blessings as vast as the East Sea, longevity as long as the South Mountain." Wang Chong was the same, but he added a few words at the end, and the entire mood instantly changed.
The two of them had heard plenty of birthday blessings, but this was the first time they had heard such a speech.
"Hehe, Old Master, listen carefully. This child is very similar to your demeanor back then!"
Old Madam suddenly said with a smile.
"Not bad!"
The old master nodded with a smile, not saying much. But by the side, Wang Chong's big uncle, big aunt, and uncle were visibly moved.
Everyone in the Wang Clan knew that in order to prevent the Wang Clan from getting too arrogant, the old master rarely praised others. Even for Wang Chong's big uncle, the old master would only nod his head slightly most of the time.
A simple 'not bad' might sound like nothing much, but those who were familiar with the old master knew that this was already a rare sight.
"… Also, grandson has a gift for you."
Wang Chong said.
The moment Wang Chong said those words, the atmosphere in the room suddenly changed. By the side, Wang Chong's big aunt, Wang Ru Shuang, signaled to Wang Chong with her eyes, and Wang Chong's big uncle also fell silent.
On the other hand, even though Wang Chong's big aunt had a displeased expression on her face a moment ago, she was sneering coldly by the side.
Everyone in the Wang Clan knew that the old master was upright and incorruptible, and he never liked to accept gifts.
Not only did he not accept gifts from outsiders, even if they were from the Wang Clan, he would never accept any gifts other than on a joyous occasion. On top of that, he only accepted gifts from Wang Chong's uncles and uncles.
As for the younger generation, he didn't accept any gifts at all. He didn't want the younger generation to be tainted by the customs of the officialdom from a young age, forcing them to learn how to 'reciprocate' gifts.
Who would have thought that just after the old master praised Wang Chong, Wang Chong would immediately break the taboo?
"Children really can't stand compliments!"
Wang Chong's big aunt said sinisterly by the side.
Seated on the chair, the old master stared at Wang Chong expressionlessly. Even the smile on the old lady's face retracted.
"What gift did you give him?"
Unexpectedly, the old master suddenly asked. His gaze was fixated on the rectangular object in Wang Chong's hands. No one could tell what he was thinking about.
"A saber and a sword!"
Kneeling on the floor, Wang Chong said honestly.
Hong!
The moment Wang Chong said those words, the entire hall burst into an uproar.
"Chong-er, what are you doing?"
Wang Chong's mother's face darkened. She had noticed that when Wang Chong boarded the carriage, he was holding a long object tightly wrapped in a long cloth.
Just that, Zhao Shu Hua didn't expect it to be a saber and a sword.
Sabers and swords brought about a calamity of blood. For Wang Chong to take out such a weapon in front of the old master, it was a grave offense.
"Wang Chong, back down!"
Wang Chong's big uncle, Wang Gen, bellowed. Previously, Wang Chong had helped him resolve the matter regarding his eldest son, Wang Li, to prevent the Yao Clan from making use of him.
As a result, Wang Gen's view of Wang Chong changed drastically. That was also the reason why he stepped forward to stop Wang Chong's big aunt from ridiculing him in the carriage.
But to gift a sword and a saber on such a joyous occasion like his seventieth birthday, this was too ridiculous.
Even though Wang Chong was still young, it was unacceptable for him to do such a thing.
"Chong-er, how can you be so insensible! Aren't you cursing your grandfather? Hurry up and keep the item and apologize to grandfather. "
Wang Chong's big aunt said anxiously.
This child was too young and rash. Not too long ago, his outstanding performance had caught the attention of the old master. In fact, due to his birthday speech, the old master even made an exception and praised him. How could he make such a mistake so quickly?
Wasn't this destroying his own future?
Wang Ru Shuang had a good impression of Wang Chong. Wang Ru Shuang didn't think that Wang Chong was doing it on purpose when he gifted a sword and a saber on his birthday. Most likely, it was due to the fact that the young were ignorant and didn't understand such taboos.
Unlike the old master, the old lady had an amiable personality. But at this moment, she retracted her smile and pursed her lips tightly.
Wang Chong's cousin, Wang Li, didn't say anything. Instead, he glanced at Wang Chong and frowned. On the other hand, Wang Zhu Yan was shocked by Wang Chong's actions. She followed behind Wang Chong's big aunt and shot him a meaningful glance.
"Why did you give me a sword and saber?"
The old master asked gravely.
The atmosphere in the room grew even more stifling.
Wang Chong held onto the sword and kneeled on the floor, but there wasn't any change in his expression.
"What grandson gifted is a heavy sword! Grandson thinks that this sword is the most suitable weapon for grandfather, and it can best express the feelings in grandson's heart! "
Before the others in the room could react, the old master was able to tell what Wang Chong was talking about. And Wang Chong's big uncle couldn't help but glance at him in astonishment.
This nephew of his was truly surprising him.
'A heavy sword without an edge is just a simple work of art.' Wang Chong's words were undoubtedly implying that the sword he gifted wasn't sharpened. A truly powerful sword didn't need to be sharpened to possess immense might. As for those truly exquisite weapons, they didn't need to be polished meticulously either. Just like the saying, 'The chest is as empty as a valley, while the abdomen is filled with knowledge and wisdom'.
Could it be that Wang Chong was trying to say that even though the old master had already retired and lived in such a simple and unadorned residence, he was still an influential official who wielded great authority in the empire and was respected by the masses?
His status had already reached a level where he didn't need to be rewarded with a high official's salary, the Purple Ribbon Fish Token, or the congratulations of the officials.
— — Just like the heavy sword in Wang Chong's hand!
If this nephew of his really had such thoughts, and that was why he gifted the old master a heavy sword as a gift, then this was truly incredible!
This was something that even Wang Gen hadn't thought of before. Without a doubt, regardless of whether it was a birthday peach or anything else, there was nothing more fitting and fitting for the old master's heart than this.
As expected, the old master seemed to have thought of this as well, and a smile appeared on his face.
"Bring it over!"
The old master said as he stretched out his hand. Wang Chong kneeled over and respectfully placed the sword into the old master's hand.
This was something that Wang Chong was willing to do.
Wang Chong's respect for the old master came from the bottom of his heart. There were many things that one could only understand after many years.
Regarding the old master, Wang Chong only came to understand many things after the old master passed away.
In the Tang dynasty, there were two true legends.
One was Yao Feng's grandfather, the pillar of the Yao Clan, Old Master Yao. And the other was his grandfather. Everyone respectfully addressed him as' Duke Jiu '.
He had lived a life of vicissitudes and weathered many storms. He had once defended the borders of Northern Tibet and fought against two Turkic Khaganates.
He had also once criticized the current situation in the royal court with impassioned speeches, stripping away the old prejudices and ushering in a new atmosphere in the royal court.
Back then, there was a coup in the royal court, and when the empire was on the brink of collapse, he stood his ground and supported the current Holy Emperor, resulting in the unprecedented prosperity of the empire.
His students and acquaintances were all over the world!
When he was at his peak, he retreated bravely.
He had lived an honest and upright life, and he was respected by the empire.
…
In fact, even after he retired, the current emperor couldn't resist building this Four Quarters Embassy in order to retain him!
Every historical figure had a prototype. Wang Chong was once perplexed as to why the old master wielded such great influence in the royal court, but he couldn't find such a person in history.
It was only many years later that a name flashed across Wang Chong's mind. Only then did Wang Chong realize who his grandfather was.
Zhang Jiuling!
He was a famous minister in the history of the Tang dynasty, as well as the last of his generation. But in this world, he was known as' Wang Jiuling ', and everyone respectfully addressed him as:
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