Chapter 115: The Lunar New Year Banquet

As the year’s end approached, Yang Cheng granted a five-day holiday to all industries, allowing the Yang family to enjoy a relaxed New Year. The entire Yang household was filled with joy.

On the eve of the New Year, as evening drew near, all were summoned by their supervisors to the west courtyard, entering a vast wooden pavilion erected temporarily. Though the exterior was simple and unadorned, once inside, a festive atmosphere pervaded every corner. Hundreds of luminous orbs hung from the beams, glowing brilliantly, each draped in red fabric that bathed the space in a warm crimson light. Countless red ribbons fluttered gently from the rafters.

Three to four hundred tables were arranged in neat rows, creating an impressive sight. Though the food and drink had yet to be fully laid out, each table already bore a bottle adorned with vibrant floral arrangements. Ahead stood a raised platform, backed by red curtains, decorated with several meters’ length of floral art.

Everyone was deeply moved; none had ever witnessed such a spectacle. Some felt slightly uneasy but had no choice but to follow their supervisors to their designated seating areas. Fortunately, familiar faces surrounded them, sparking lively conversations and a joyous buzz.

At the front, more than ten tables were reserved. Besides the guests invited by Yang Cheng who occupied the prime seats, the rest were for performers from the Wang Manor, while remaining seats were given to families of the Yang martial artists.

Yang Cheng had not invited many outsiders. Apart from the esteemed Lord Zhu Wushang and the elder Chu Feitian, who temporarily resided with the Yang family, only Zhu Buhuo and Lord Le Yin were present. These two had labored tirelessly to ensure the early completion of Drunken Immortal Valley and had only just returned as the year’s end approached. They were now keenly interested in anything Yang Cheng organized and had come immediately upon hearing the invitation to the Spring Festival banquet.

Upon arrival, they couldn’t help but admire Yang Cheng’s grand gesture. As businessmen, they understood the costs involved, but rare was someone as thoughtful as Yang Cheng, who truly invested effort and care for his subordinates.

Each table seated ten. Yang Cheng arranged the main table carefully, considering Lord Zhu Wushang’s noble status. Normally, seating arrangements would be delicate, but knowing Zhu Wushang’s simple nature, Yang Cheng refrained from isolating him with a separate table, which might have displeased him.

This was Zhu Wushang’s first visit to the Yang household. Very interested in the evening’s banquet, he had arrived early with a retinue of beauties and was now being accompanied to the main table by Yang Cheng.

Old Zhu had arrived earlier and took no offense at Yang Cheng’s casual manner, boldly occupying his seat at the main table. Spotting Yang Cheng approaching with a distinguished man in regal brocade robes—someone vaguely familiar—he nudged Lord Le Yin, prompting him to identify the newcomer.

Lord Le Yin, distracted by the pavilion’s decorations, glanced toward Old Zhu’s indication. The moment he saw, he sprang up as if rebounding, pulling Old Zhu aside and whispering, “That’s the lord.”

Old Zhu immediately rose, a touch nervous. He knew Yang Cheng had designed furnishings for the Wang Manor but had no idea their relationship had grown so close as to invite him here.

As Yang Cheng and Zhu Wushang approached, Zhu and Le Yin hurriedly paid their respects. Yang Cheng introduced his two partners, and Zhu Wushang nodded in acknowledgment, taking his seat without ceremony.

Soon after, Su Yin Xue arrived with three companions, joining the main table. Lord Zhu lifted his gaze to see a scar-faced man radiating fierce energy on his left—none other than Lu Bai Chuan, a Golden Core stage powerhouse he had met before. Lu Bai Chuan greeted the lord with a respectful fist salute.

In the center was a man exuding laziness and world-weariness, who simply nodded and seated himself. Zhu Wushang found him familiar but could not recall his identity.

On the right stood a handsome man concealed beneath a headscarf, who greeted Zhu Wushang with a fist salute and a smile.

Zhu Wushang was astonished—after years in Wuzhou City, how could he not recognize him? This was Bai Mu Yun, former head of the Bai family, now sought by many. Unexpectedly, he was here in Wuzhou, blending inconspicuously among the Yang family.

Yang Cheng thought to himself that these were all great masters, none to offend lightly. Assigning priority seating would only complicate matters.

Just then, Murong Tie arrived with Chu Feitian.

Yang Cheng had enjoyed a pleasant conversation with Chu Feitian earlier, admiring his erudition, wisdom, and refined demeanor. He had invited the elder specifically to join these grand guests, hoping to ease the atmosphere.

Originally, Old Zhu and Lord Le Yin were talkative, but faced with such distinguished company, they felt restrained, especially Lord Le Yin, who, though usually refined and courteous, was visibly nervous meeting both the lord and the renowned Liu Chang Qing of Wuzhou.

As Chu Feitian was elderly, Yang Cheng personally greeted and seated him.

Once everyone was in place, Yang Cheng introduced each guest.

Through the introductions, Lord Zhu realized the lazy, irreverent man was none other than “Smoky Rain Evil Youth” Liu Chang Qing, causing him great surprise. Zhu Wushang had glimpsed Liu Chang Qing’s demeanor from afar once and then lost track of him. Now, unexpectedly, the man was here within the humble Yang family.

Moreover, Liu Chang Qing had come accompanied by his longtime rival Bai Mu Yun. Tonight was full of surprises. The fierce battles of Wuzhou had nothing to do with Zhu Wushang; no one dared provoke him. Yet he had certainly underestimated Yang Cheng.

Old Zhu had known of Liu Chang Qing’s presence but kept the information closely guarded, even from his close friend Lord Le Yin.

Lord Le Yin, remembering Liu Chang Qing’s appearance, bypassed the handsome man in the headscarf and introduced Old Zhu, as if oblivious to the former. The man in the scarf remained unperturbed, smiling faintly.

In fact, Bai Mu Yun had requested to join the gathering, wanting to add to the lively atmosphere without causing Yang Cheng any trouble. Hence, he concealed his distinctive traits.

Like Bai Mu Yun, the serene and unruffled elder from Bai Creek Village, Mr. Chu, remained composed. Whether introduced to the lord or others, he smiled gently, displaying no sense of distinction.

As Yang Cheng prepared to introduce Mr. Chu, Lord Zhu, who had been deep in thought, suddenly rose and asked, “Is this gentleman from Zhongdu? Is his surname Chu?”

The gathered were surprised by Lord Zhu’s courtesy.

The elder smiled, “I never imagined that after more than ten years, Lord Zhu Wushang would still remember this old man. I am truly honored. I am indeed Chu Feitian.”

The crowd exchanged glances; none had heard of this man before.

Yet Zhu Wushang was overjoyed, clasping his hands in salute. “It has been over ten years, yet Elder Chu’s bearing remains unchanged. To meet you again in this remote place is my great fortune. After so long, I did not expect to see you in a foreign land, so I hesitated to be certain. Please forgive me.”

Chu Feitian waved his hand, dismissing the concern.

Zhu Wushang stepped aside from the main seat and invited the elder, “Please, sit, sir.”

Chu Feitian replied, “It has been many years. Lord Zhu has matured, but alas, I am old and no longer serve at court. I carry a sentence and have long been exiled to Bai Creek Village. I am unworthy of such honor.”

Zhu Wushang was sentimental and nostalgic. Though he was enfeoffed in Wuzhou with only a guard and steward, and no family, unable to return home or leave his territory, it felt much like exile. Meeting an old friend today stirred his emotions until tears welled in his eyes. He choked up, saying, “Though you are no longer at court, you once taught me. I could never forget you.”

He then looked at Yang Cheng. “Brother Yang, more than ten years ago, Elder Chu taught many princes in the imperial palace and was my mentor. Today, I use your noble venue to host him. I hope that is agreeable.”

Still stunned, Yang Cheng guessed the elderly man was once a high official in the little village, never imagining such stature. He quickly nodded, “Of course, of course.” Then gestured to Chu, “Please, sir, take a seat.”

Seeing no way to decline, Chu Feitian took the main seat without further ceremony.