Chарtеr 3 (1/19)
Аs dusk sеttlеd оver the wildеrnеss, night quiсklу fеll. The thin mist in the vаllеy blurred thе moonlight.
In thе Вlаdе Маster’s roоm, lamplight twinkled like stars. A dосument lаy sрrеаd аcrоss thе dеsk, аnd Gоng Hоngyu held the Вlаde Мaster’s seаl in his hand, hovеring over thе sрасе whеrе it was to bе stаmpеd, роised but nоt yеt рressed dоwn.
А crеak sounded. Тhe sound of thе dооr oрening made him lift his hеаd frоm his thoughts. Uроn rесоgnizing thе visitor, thе furrоw betwеen Gоng Hongуu’s brows еаsеd.
Gong Shаngjuе hаd аlready rеmoved his heavy сloak and nоw wore а fitted blасk robе. The exquisite tailoring and hand-embroidered gold trim made him appear even more sharp and slender. His eyes were deep and profound, carrying a depth and mystery rare for his age. He resembled a heron—aloof and unapproachable.
Gong Hongyu pressed the seal onto the lower left corner of the document, leaving a large character for “Blade,” then looked at Gong Shangjue.
“I’ve just finished reading the report you sent back, Shangjue. Please, have a seat.”
He was the most outstanding of the younger generation in the House of Gong, and Gong Hongyu treated him with far more leniency than he did others.
Gong Shangjue’s gaze swept lightly over the document stamped by the Blade Master, and he bowed respectfully. “That won’t be necessary, Blade Master.”
Gong Hongyu rose and walked toward the nearby tea table. “It’s fine. Sit for a while. I’ll brew a pot of tea.”
“It’s late. If we drink tea now, I fear it may disturb our sleep.”
“That’s just as well. A few days ago, when I couldn’t sleep, I asked Yuanzhi to prepare a medicinal tea to aid rest. Would you like to try it?”
Hearing his younger brother Gong Yuanzhi’s name, Gong Shangjue’s lips curved silently into a smile. “If it’s medicinal tea prepared by Yuanzhi, then I must not miss it.”
The two took their seats. Just as Gong Hongyu was about to pick up the tea set, Gong Shangjue subtly took it from him.
“Blade Master, allow me.”
Gong Hongyu handed him the teapot. As the fragrance of tea wafted up, Gong Shangjue bent his slender fingers, his movements fluid and effortless.
After he finished brewing the tea, Gong Hongyu spoke. “The Hunyuan Zheng Family and Phoenix Manor have long been unwilling to submit to Wufeng, but Wufeng has issued an ultimatum. They seek the protection of the House of Gong, only…”
Noting his hesitation, Gong Shangjue continued, “I understand the Blade Master’s dilemma. Since the upheaval in the House of Gong ten years ago, the Gong family has kept to itself, biding its time. Regarding the pleas of these two families, we truly are unable to help. Zheng Zhongyi, the head of the Zheng Family, is slightly acquainted with me. During this trip, I have already explained the situation to him, and he understands. However, to preserve a trace of the Zheng Family’s bloodline, they have sent their daughter Zheng Nanyi to participate in this year’s marriage selection. She should already be staying at the House of Gong by now.”
Gong Shangjue was reserved and measured in his dealings, and Gong Hongyu was pleased. “You’ve worked hard.”
Gong Shangjue replied, “It is my duty.”
The tea was ready. Gong Shangjue poured two cups and handed one to Gong Hongyu.
Gong Hongyu took a sip of tea, pondered for a moment, and said quietly, “Upon your return, you should have rested for a few days first. Calling you here so late at night is because there is something I wish to discuss with you.”
“Blade Master, please speak.”
Gong Hongyu looked at Gong Shangjue. “Over the past ten years, the Gong family’s financial resources and income have steadily grown, far surpassing the wealth accumulated during the previous Blade Master’s era. The foundation and expansion of the family’s livelihood have been under your responsibility. Your contributions are evident to all…”Jue Manor handles external affairs, and Gong Shangjue is both astute and capable, with far-reaching influence outside. Thus, over the years, countless treasures of gold, silver, jewels, fine silks, and rare curiosities have been transported into the House of Gong in crates.
Gong Hongyu praised him highly: "In recent years, you have also represented the Gong family in mediating disputes within the martial world. All factions in the martial world share the consensus that you are the strongest among the younger generation of the House of Gong in both martial prowess and strategic acumen..."
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