Speaking of Chongxuan Mingguang, he was indeed a leader among flowers and a head in the world of romance.
It's not unreasonable to say that what young people play with now is just what he played with before.
Seeing him speak like this, Old Master Chongxuan sighed secretly and stopped talking.
A hint was already the limit; saying more would tip the scales and cause resentment among the grandsons.
Having seen many storms in his life, how could he not know that Chongxuan Sheng would take action soon?
He went to the Xiashan Villa today, likely to support Chongxuan Sheng, so he refused to go. In the competition between his two grandsons, no matter who he favored, it was impossible for him to personally intervene.
As for that fool Chongxuan Mingguang, at his age, he had lived entirely for women and couldn't even understand this, still rushing to the Xiashan Villa.
When advised a few words, he thought his father was suppressing him.
Seeing the old man had lost interest, Chongxuan Sheng stood up to take his leave, leading Chongxuan Mingguang towards the Xiashan Villa.
Chongxuan Mingguang, to describe him in one phrase, was "aiming high but achieving little."
This could be seen from just one incident.
Back then, as the eldest son of the Chongxuan family's main line and having the eldest grandson, he was certain he would be the next Marquis of Bowang. Proudly, he named his son with the character "Zun" (meaning supreme).
If it were an ordinary family, it might be acceptable, perhaps just showing ambition, but what kind of family was the Chongxuan family?
They were a top noble family of the State of Qi.
To speak bluntly, they had the strength to aspire to "supreme authority"! How would the royal family of Great Qi think about this?
It was Old Master Chongxuan Yunbo who intervened and personally changed it to "Zun" (meaning compliance).
Only one person could be supreme in the State of Qi, and that was the ruler of the Jiang clan.
This signified that the children of the Chongxuan family should be followers of the supreme, not seekers of supremacy.
This was a form of self-effacement and warning.
Unfortunately, Chongxuan Mingguang never understood this. He even sulked for a long time over his father forcibly changing his son's name.
...
Not only Chongxuan Mingguang received Chongxuan Sheng's invitation.
Li Longchuan, Xu Xiangqian, Gao Zhe, Yan Fu—these went without saying. Even Fu Miu of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance received an invitation.
"This fat man bullies me too much!"
In the Four Seas Tower, Fu Miu angrily threw the invitation on the ground.
As one of only twelve First-rank Stewards of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance, having his ear cut off by Chongxuan Sheng was the shame of his life.
But after the war, the Chongxuan family's power grew further, and Chongxuan Chuliang had become the Marquis of Dingyuan, so he dared not show resentment.
In his view, Chongxuan Sheng inviting him to the Xiashan Villa to enjoy the scenery was clearly to humiliate him.
At this moment, a wrinkled hand picked up the invitation from the ground.
This was a person who looked very old.
Slightly hunched, his face full of wrinkles, and among the dense wrinkles, age spots had appeared.
He seemed to have difficulty bending down, and also rising.
Fu Miu hurriedly greeted him: "Alliance Master, why have you come?"
This person was the master of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance, Qing Xi.
The State of Qi had always valued merchants, and the Four Seas Merchant Alliance was the oldest merchant alliance in Qi, with obvious heritage. Although its influence had declined in recent years, being subtly overtaken by the Jubao Commerce, no one dared to truly underestimate them.
Qing Xi slowly tore open the invitation and looked at it carefully: "Maple Glow at Dusk... speaking of which, it's Mid-Autumn Festival again."
Fu Miu said: "Why is the invitation from that fat man of the Chongxuan family worth your attention?"
Qing Xi closed the invitation and blew off the dust: "Based on the move he made at the Donghua Pavilion, I should take a good look at him."
Fu Miu said awkwardly: "It's hard to say who won or lost; how could the closed-door disciple of the War God be easy to deal with?"
The old man did not respond to this, just put away the invitation and said: "If you won't go, I'll go in your place."
Fu Miu was shocked: "You want to go to that fat man's Xiashan Villa?"
"Go, why not?" Qing Xi said slowly: "Such beautiful scenery, how many more times can I see it in my lifetime?"
...
There were actually many mansions near Xiashan, but the one Chongxuan Sheng purchased was undoubtedly the best for viewing scenery.
When people spoke of the Xiashan Villa, this was the place.
Now, in the Xiashan Villa, distinguished guests filled every seat.
The banquet was held directly in a spacious courtyard, facing the mountain covered with red maples.
At first, only a few young masters from noble families came, not wanting to offend Chongxuan Sheng, thinking of it as a recreational gathering.
But after Li Zhengshu and Qing Xi personally attended, the guests at the banquet suddenly rose a level. Not only young masters from noble families, but also many from the current ruling generation of various families came.
A full five tables were set!
Serving maids moved like butterflies among flowers, placing delicacies from various regions one after another. Chongxuan Sheng was accustomed to extravagance and certainly wouldn't be stingy. These banquets would be impressive anywhere.
Chongxuan Mingguang's expression became unpleasant.
Maple Glow at Dusk was beautiful, but it happened every year. Xiashan didn't only have Chongxuan Sheng's mansion. Whose presence were these people supporting?
In his view, naturally they were all supporting the Chongxuan family! The Chongxuan family now had two marquises in one generation, how glorious! How could the people of Linzi not support them.
While Chongxuan Zun was away, Chongxuan Sheng was acting like the heir of the Chongxuan family, showing off everywhere.
Fortunately he came, otherwise if this momentum continued, who knows what would happen!
From the main seat, he greeted the guests: "Thank you all for coming to my Chongxuan family's villa. My son Chongxuan Zun is studying hard at the Jixia Academy. Today, my nephew Chongxuan Sheng and I will host you. Please forgive any inadequate hospitality!"
This greeting revealed pettiness, fearing others would forget his prodigious son, while awkwardly downplaying Chongxuan Sheng.
But strangely, Chongxuan Sheng showed no displeasure, just cheerfully serving food, seemingly indifferent to Chongxuan Mingguang stealing the spotlight.
Jiang Wang had also long returned to the villa, simply chatting with Xu Xiangqian and Li Longchuan. At interesting points, he would occasionally laugh out loud.
After several rounds of wine, Chongxuan Mingguang kept talking about Chongxuan Zun and how amazing the Jixia Academy was. No one spoiled his fun, all playing along.
But then Li Zhengshu suddenly said: "Today is little Sheng's hosting, why only chatting? Won't you come out and say a few words?"
This was backing Chongxuan Sheng.
He was present at the imperial audience at the Donghua Pavilion. Because of this, he had a new respect for Chongxuan Sheng, and this time he could be said to have condescended to attend a junior's banquet, showing great importance.
Beside him sat Qing Xi, master of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance, who seemed to have come for unknown reasons, not drinking much or speaking much throughout.
Chongxuan Mingguang's expression froze, but he quickly concealed it.
Speaking of which, he and Li Zhengshu were of the same generation, but their achievements were vastly different. Just as he was Chongxuan Chuliang's cousin, no one would compare them.
He had no right to resent Li Zhengshu, so he looked at his fat nephew.
But he saw Chongxuan Sheng stand up with a smile, first making a circle around to show welcome.
Then he only said: "Distinguished elders and good friends, your presence honors my humble home! But Chongxuan Sheng knows clearly, this is all because the beautiful scenery intoxicates. So I drink this cup to thank the guests! Words are tedious; just enjoy the scenery!"
After saying this, he drank it all and actually sat down. No intention to use this opportunity to say or do anything.
It seemed as if today was purely for enjoying the scenery.
The sunset had unknowingly descended, and it was now dusk.
The horizon was dyed red, like layers of red maples. On Xiashan, the maples were fiery red, as if the red clouds had descended to the mortal world.
Clouds, sky, and mountains blended into one color.
Truly, Maple Glow at Dusk!
...