Mo Qingkuang claimed to be indifferent to worldly affairs, but as a member of the Mo Family, how could he completely disregard the familyâs matters? If he truly didnât care, why would he return every few decades, almost a century each time, to support the Mo Family?
However, he has ultimately aged and will one day pass away. The future prosperity or decline of the Mo Family would have to be entrusted to the descendants. Similarly, Mu Beichen will also grow old, as will the heads of all families. In the future, the strength or weakness, survival or extinction depends on the descendants.
He dared not easily judge other families, but as for the Mu Family, he was certain that with Han Yanâs presence, the rise of the Mu Family was just a matter of time.
When that time comes, what changes the Eight Great Families might undergo is a mystery.
Between families, interests are paramount, and there are no permanent allies, nor eternal enemies. Although the Mo Family and the Mu Family are not on good terms, there is no deep-seated hatred, and mending relations is not difficult.
But given his status and reputation, showing goodwill to the Mu Family would be somewhat undignified.
Mo Yanhongâs acquaintance with Han Yan was a perfect opportunity; as long as they could deepen their friendship and he could mediate, good relations could be forged. When the Mu Family rises in the future, even if they couldnât support the Mo Family, they wouldnât strike hard against it.
Donât be fooled by Mo Qingkuangâs indifferent question, "You know each other," as his mind was spinning with long-term considerations.
"Know each other, of course. How could we not know Young Master Mu, the first young master of the Capital? Ancestor, you might not know, but Young Master Mu has extraordinary natural talent, not only with profound cultivation but also with a Star Divination Technique thatâs surpassed the masters; we noble familiesâ descendants admire Young Master Mu greatly." Mo Yanhong said loudly, unaware of what the ancestor was thinking.
Though he spoke of admiration, there was a clear note of sarcasm in his voice.
"Hmm, I know a little about Young Master Muâs Star Divination Technique." Mo Qingkuang intended to use this opportunity to reconcile with the Mu Family, but Mo Yanhongâs strange tone made him nod imperceptibly.
Mo Gaoyi also detected something amiss in his treasured sonâs tone, intending to caution him against speaking carelessly, lest he anger the ancestor. But before he could speak, he met Mo Qingkuangâs sharp gaze and hastily lowered his head, silently praying, "Donât speak out of turn, not when the ancestor is still somewhat satisfied with your filial piety, best not to stir up trouble."
"Even the ancestor knows; Young Master Mu indeed has great strategies, even our ancestor has heard of your great name." Mo Yanhong said with a touch of envy.
"What strategy?" Mo Qingkuang frowned.
He was planning to mend fences with the Mu Family through Mo Yanhongâs association with Han Yan, but the implication was that Mo Yanhong not only had no rapport with Han Yan but seemed to bear a grudge.
"Grandfather doesnât know yet? On Han Yan Muâs first day in the Capital, he schemed to challenge Master Ji in a Star Divination Technique contest, aiming to ride on Master Jiâs name to earn fame.
Master Ji has always been benevolent, who wouldâve thought someone would plot against him, and inadvertently fall into a trap, losing to him, which tarnished his reputation.
We noble familiesâ descendants speak of Eldest Young Master Muâs tactics with great admiration." Mo Yanhong said with a sneer.
"Oh, thereâs such a thing?" Mo Qingkuang gave Mo Yanhong a meaningful look.
He hadnât heard of such an incident, but he clearly observed the attitude of Shen Moce and Ji Gaoxian toward Han Yan earlier, which was one of utmost respect.
Moreover, having personally witnessed Han Yanâs Star Divination Technique, he knew that even if Han Yan truly bested Ji Gaoxian, it wasnât due to scheming but an open and fair technical victory.
It seems thereâs a significant feud between his young generation and Han Yan; itâs uncertain if thereâs room for reconciliation.
Thinking this, Mo Qingkuang found it odd why this young man was desperately bad-mouthing Han Yan in front of him. He wasnât even the head of the Mu Family, so even if he detested Han Yan, what could he do? Was he expecting him to take it upon himself to teach Han Yan a lesson? How could that be? As an elder, he couldnât intervene in the younger generationâs grudges and discipline someone elseâs junior, now could he?
"Right, Master Ji is a paragon of virtue and skill, his Star Divination Technique is renowned for its miraculousness and forthright prophecies benefiting the masses, yet to be ensnared by such a conniving person. We noble familiesâ descendants find it a great injustice for Master Ji and utterly scorn Han Yanâs despicable methods!" Mo Yanhong said righteously. He thought to himself: Since the ancestor is on familiar terms with these Star Divination masters and specifically called upon them for a reunion, itâs apparent their rapport is strong. Standing up for Ji Gaoxian to utterly humiliate Han Yan should surely earn the ancestorâs favor.
However, listening to him, Ji Gaoxianâs face turned alternately red and white.
Han Yan merely rolled her eyes internally. Has anyone seen someone digging their own grave? She finally witnessed it today. Mo Yanhong, this idiot, Han Yan thought, not only is he digging a hole for himself but heâs digging it so deep he wonât be able to climb out.
Initially, Han Yan sought him out because he was so haughty and blabbermouthed, nearly destroying Zhang Chihuaâs entire family. Mo Yanhong saying he was virtuous and beneficent to the people, isnât that mocking him?
Back then, Han Yan was caught in a predicament and had no choice but to compete, though in the end he lost and felt somewhat resentful, he admittedly accepted the loss with conviction. Claiming Han Yan was scheming and devious, though ostensibly flattering, upon reflection, was still a mockery.
Yet, no matter how one spoke of it, the incident was still too disgraceful for him; others, to avoid hurting his pride, didnât bring it up in his presence. He nearly forgot about it, but who wouldâve thought Mo Yanhong would blurt it out now, clearly slapping him in the face.
"Master Ji, donât feel embarrassed. Though Han Yan plotted against you with tricks, the Capital residents all know who is truly strong or weak. Iâve already discussed it with the noble familiesâ descendants. In due time, weâll invite influential elders to host a fair showdown between Master Ji and Han Yan in front of the entire Capital citizenry, to see who the true master is." Mo Yanhong said with righteous determination.
Ji Gaoxianâs face turned white, you bloody well intend to roast me over a fire.
Fairness, be damned, who is stronger or weaker is none of your bloody business? If the slap earlier wasnât loud enough, with Mo Yanhongâs commotion, how would he ever face anyone?
The prospect of this becoming a spectacle left him and Han Yan in a bindârefusal or acceptance would lead to disgrace; Ji Gaoxianâs face turned black as a pot bottom.
In truth, he was overthinking it. Mo Yanhong only said that to demonstrate his uprightness and intolerance for evil before the ancestor and to highlight his stature among noble familiesâ descendants.
People in the Capital gave Mo Gaoyi some face and didnât want to make things difficult for him. Who truly regarded him highly? Who would genuinely want to get involved in his nonsense?
While Mo Qingkuang maintained composure outwardly, he felt a twinge of disappointment inwardly.
Initially, Mo Gaoyiâs son seemed poised and talented, but now it seemed his brains werenât quite up to par.
(Recommend my completed book, similar to this text, "Shocking Poisonous Concubine: Arrogant Young Lady." Also recommending a good friendâs work MS Fuziâs "Abandoned Daughter of Divine Doctor: Ghost Emperorâs Beast Taming Fierce Princess")