Chapter 89: The Old Master’s Secret! (1/2)
At the very end of the hall, on two purple-colored wooden arm-chair, Wang Chong saw two dignified silver-haired elders.
“Grandfather!”
A crisp call echoed through the hall. Before Wang Chong could react, his little sister had already rushed forward and dived into the embrace of the two elders.
“Hehe, let’s see who we have here?”
“Isn’t this our Xiao Yao?”
“Little fellow, you finally remembered to pay your grandfather a visit?”
…
In the hall, the stern-looking old man opened up his arms and placed the Wang Family’s little sister onto his lap. At this moment, he seemed like an amiable elder.
And the Wang Family’s Xiao Yao didn’t stand on ceremony either. In their embrace, she acted coyly, calling out grandfather and grandmother with an extremely sweet voice.
Upon this sight, a complex expression appeared on everyone in the hall. Even Wang Chong’s cousin, Wang Li, couldn’t help but feel envious.
The old master was a stern person, and before him, no one dared to even breathe loudly. This included Wang Chong’s big uncle, Wang Gen, as well.
In the entire Wang Clan, only Wang Family’s Xiao Yao was an exception. Everytime she saw them, she would make a ruckus, but the old master and old lady didn’t seem to mind at all. Rather, they were extremely fond of her.
This was the unique ability of Wang Chong’s little sister, and no one could imitate her skills.
“Father, daughter has come to offer you blessings. May you experience happiness as vast as the eastern seas and a longevity comparable to the southern mountains!”
Wang Chong’s big aunt and uncle carried two longevity peaches forward and respectfully offered their blessings. Old master has always lived a simple life, and he didn’t like those extravagant and expensive objects.
Someone had once given him those valuable objects, but not only were those objects sent back, that person was even severely reprimanded.
Thus, even though it was his seventieth birthday, no one dared to tread on that taboo and conduct a luxurious banquet. All of the gifts presented were simple, inexpensive, and practical as well.
“Un, I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
The old master lifted his head briefly and took the peaches indifferently. Everyone in Wang Clan knew that this was how the old master’s personality was like.
He was a stern person who rarely smiled. Even on a joyous occasion such as his seventieth birthday, he maintained an austere expression.
After big aunt and uncle offered their blessings, they brought Cousin Wang Liang to the side and stood upright.
The old master didn’t say anything, so others didn’t dare to speak up either.
“Grandfather, Grandson Wang Chong wishes for your happiness to be as boundless as the endless waters flowing in the eastern seas and your longevity to be as though the unaging pines of the southern mountains
When it was mother’s turn to offer her blessings, Wang Chong abruptly stood forward and said.
“Oh?”
Wang Chong’s words caused everyone in the room to look over, including the old master and old lady. This was their first time noticing Wang Chong, and a peculiar gleam flashed in their eyes.
This time, everyone who came to offer their blessings spoke of ‘happiness as vast as the eastern seas and a longevity comparable to the southern mountains’, and Wang Chong was the same as well. However, just by adding a few words, he changed in entire literary conception of the phrase.
The two of them has heard plenty of blessings, but this was the first time they had heard such a unique one.
“Hehe, old master. This child does resemble you when you were younger!”
The old lady smiled.
“Not bad!”
Smiling, the old master nodded his head, but he didn’t say anything much. On the other hand, Wang Chong’s big uncle, big aunt, uncle, and the others were agitated.
The Wang Clan knew that the old master rarely praised anyone who as to prevent complacency. Many times, the old master would only gesture his approval via a nod, even for Wang Gen.
This ‘not bad’ seemed as though it didn’t mean anything at all, but those who were familiar with the old master’s temperament knew that this was one of the rare compliments he offered.
“… Also, grandson has a present for you.”
Wang Chong said.
At that moment, the atmosphere in the hall stilled. Wang Chong’s big aunt, Wang Ru Shuang, hurriedly glanced at him urgently. Wang Chong’s big uncle also stared at him silently.
On the other hand, Wang Chong’s big aunt, Xing Chun Yuan, sneered coldly.
Everyone in the Wang Clan knew that the old master was upright and incorruptible, and he never liked to accept presents.
This didn’t just apply to outsiders. Other than festive occasions, he would never accept anything from anyone. On top of that, he only accepted presents given by those of Wang Chong’s father’s generation.
As for the younger generation, he would never accept anything from them. He didn’t them to come into contact with the ignoble culture of the political field of sending and accepting ‘gifts’ from a very young age.
They didn’t expect Wang Chong to tread on the old master’s toes right after he offered a rare compliment to him.
“Kids truly can’t withstand compliments!”
Xing Chun Yuan uttered coldly.
Seated in the wooden armchair, the old master stared at Wang Chong indifferently, while the old lady beside him retracted her smile.
“What do you intend to present me?”
Contrary to everyone’s expectations, the old master asked as he glanced at the rectangular object in Wang Chong’s hands. No one could tell what he was thinking.
“A sword!”
Kneeling on the floor, Wang Chong reported honestly.
Boom!
The moment Wang Chong spoke, the entire hall immediately flew into an uproar.
“Chong-er, what are you doing?”
Wang Chong’s mother was horrified. She has already noticed Wang Chong holding a long rectangular object covered tightly with cloth.
Just that, Zhao Shu Hua could never imagine that it would be a sword.
Sword represented bloodshed, and presenting such an object to the old master during his birthday was a huge taboo.