Chapter 465 – The Encounter at Clear Lake Restaurant (1/2)
Chapter 465 - The Encounter at Clear Lake Restaurant
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
The balcony was the balcony of a restaurant, the table was a restaurant's table, and the restaurant was the capital's most renowned and also most expensive Clear Lake Restaurant. This place was naturally meant for dining, and those individuals worthy to dine with Tianhai Chenwu were a scant few. As it so happened, Xu Shiji was one of these people.
Widely regarded as Chen Changsheng's nominal future father-in-law, Xu Shiji currently had a very complex impression of Chen Changsheng. Last year, the Divine General of the East's estate had gotten covered all over in dirt because of this young Daoist from the countryside, becoming the laughingstock of the entire continent. However, how could he have possibly known beforehand that Chen Changsheng was actually the highly-regarded successor of the Pope? And just how could he have known that Daoist Ji was actually the once incomparably magnificent Principal Shang…every time he thought of this engagement, he would think of many complaints against his father that had long since returned to the sea of stars. There were clearly so many things hidden behind this engagement. Why didn't you explain it all to me before?
His impressions were complex, so his thoughts were naturally also complex, and Xu Shiji's position on this engagement had also become rather difficult to pin down. Upon receiving the invitation yesterday from the Tianhai Estate, he began to think, this Tianhai clan head famous for his profound schemes and deep forethought perhaps wants to force me to take a stand. Consequently, upon arriving at Clear Lake Restaurant, he basically kept his silence, especially whenever Tianhai Chenwu brought up Chen Changsheng.
Tianhai Chenwu shot him a smile, as if completely understanding what was going through his mind. He indifferently continued, ”Shengxue is in the north, diligently cultivating, using battle to improve himself. He has already broken into Star Condensation. At the year's end, he should be returning to the capital to once more view the Heavenly Tome Monoliths.”
Xu Shiji did not understand why he would so abruptly bring up Tianhai Shengxue, even though Tianhai Shengxue was the most outstanding youth of the Tianhai clan's third generation and also one of the members of the junior generation most beloved by the Divine Empress.
”In the Grand Examination at the beginning of the year, Shengxue did some things that were simply impossible to hide, but this child was smart and didn't plan to hide anything. Now that I mention it, this is a rather excellent use of the open conspiracy…but his conduct in this matter still makes me somewhat unhappy. If the clan is too big, it's inevitable that everyone within has their own judgments and opinions, but when the clan faces a great pressure, those lonesome opinions have no meaning. We must bring all our strength together, and only through this can we protect the entire clan and continue on the correct path. It's that saying about the overturned bird's nest…if you can't even protect the nest, but are still thinking about protecting your own egg, isn't that just ridiculous?”
Hearing Tianhai Chenwu's easygoing and amusing monologue, Xu Shiji grew even more serious. It was impossible for him to not understand the ulterior meaning of these words. The so-called correct path was naturally the path where the Tianhai clan replaced the Chen clan and continued their reign over the human world. The so-called discontent towards Tianhai Shengxue was in fact a warning to him, telling him to not have too many other thoughts.
”My aunt has recently not said anything, causing many people in the capital to misunderstand.” When he was in the Imperial Palace or at the Imperial Court, Tianhai Chenwu would always refer to the Divine Empress respectfully. Only in the most private of venues would he refer to her as his aunt. This was not some sort of hidden reminder, but a naked display of strength. He turned and stared into Xu Shiji's eyes, saying, ”But they have forgotten one thing. My aunt carries the surname of Tianhai. How could she possibly bear to see her entire family be killed to the man?”
Xu Shiji knew that he could no longer continue listening. He commented, ”I do not understand why His Holiness has continued to maintain his silence.”
This was naturally a reference to that matter that had the entire capital abuzz with excitement: the Orthodox Academy and its matches with all the other schools. Tianhai Chenwu restrained his smile and said, ”If everyone does not understand, then there must be a deeper meaning…I've always held the opinion that His Holiness is using this method to make Chen Changsheng mature as quickly as possible. There are even some times where I feel that His Holiness is acting too hastily, pulling up the sprouts in an attempt to help them grow.”
Xu Shiji slightly creased his brow as he thought, that petty son-in-law of mine is publicly acknowledged as calm and mature beyond his years. He's not fully sixteen and he's almost at the threshold of Star Condensation. This is absolutely unprecedented in history, and besides my own daughter, there's really no one else that can compare. His Holiness is actually unsatisfied by this and wants him to mature even faster?
”Besides my aunt, who can comprehend His Holiness's intentions?” Tianhai Chenwu slowly said as he turned his head to gaze at the thin fog drifting over the lake.