Chapter 580: Chapter 576: Invitation

In just half a day, the entire Tang Clan community on North Mountain had heard about the Mi Clan bringing fifty Martial Ancestor Level warriors to the edge of the West Chongqing ridge. Coupled with the news of the Great Elder falling into a coma and the death of a group of Martial Ancestors from their own sect, the young masters and branch family heads were somewhat apprehensive and anxious. In panic, they hurriedly rushed to the Martial Hall to learn about the situation, eager to know how much chance their family had in the impending conflict.

“Didn’t the Mi Clan call upon their clansmen to the battle from the beginning because they feared us?!”

“Don’t worry, the longer this battle lasts, the more advantageous it is for us. The Tang Clan is bound to win!”

Compared to the clan members’ panic, the group of Martial Ancestors from the Tang Clan who had received supplies from the Minor Spiritual Realm and plenty of secret techniques felt their strength soaring once again. Previously an evenly matched situation was now leaning towards their favor, and as time progressed, their chances of winning would only increase.

The Mi Clan naturally had to feel nervous, thus the encroaching alliance formed by the Mi Clan, in the eyes of the Martial Ancestors, was nothing more than the desperate actions of a cornered dog.

“The Martial Ancestors of the Mi Clan are just so-so while those noble families from the Fierce Realm are nothing to fear. Of the fifty from the Fierce Realm, only about thirty to forty percent are truly capable. Only the Sect Head of the Mi Clan and the Supreme Elders are somewhat worrisome. Relax, enjoy the Farewell Banquet, then wait on North Mountain for the news of our grand victory.”

“Farewell Banquet?”

The clan members crowded at the door of the Martial Hall looked at each other blankly, confused.

But there is no wall without chinks in the world. Since they had heard the news of the Farewell Banquet from the mouths of the Martial Ancestors of their sect, they were able to dig up the root of this matter.

In less than a day, news of the Clan Leader planning a Farewell Banquet for the Martial Ancestors and the clan’s warriors started circulating rapidly.

As it happened to coincide with the ninetieth birthday of Tang Zu, Miaoyin Square was eager to throw a grand celebration. However, before they could present their plan, they were stopped by the steward of the Craftsmanship Department, Tang Cunfu, stating that the matter had already been handed over to the Yun Clan to manage.

The stewards of Miaoyin Square were quite furious upon hearing this news. Even at the peak of the Yun Clan’s power, it was only on par with Miaoyin Square, and still had to rely on the glory of the “Chengxin” song performed by the Yun Clan.

All the more so, as the Yun Clan was steadily declining while Miaoyin Square was thriving with many charming courtesans. At this point, whether in song and dance, zither performances, or beauty, they were far superior to the Yun Clan. How could they hand over the banquet honoring the warriors to others?

Could it be that Tang Cunfu had intercepted the fortune of the Yun family and had ulterior motives?!

The furious head of Miaoyin Square directly went to the Craftsmanship Department to confront Tang Cunfu face to face.

“The head of the square misjudged me,” said Tang Cunfu, with a beaming smile, looking very scholarly: “As the old saying goes, the best must be saved for last. If the Farewell Banquet is grandly organized now, what will be left for the First Head of the Martial Hall’s triumphant return? I consulted the Clan Leader and he also thinks it’s proper to leave Miaoyin Square for the day of victory. What do you think, Head of the Square?”

Not to mention that Tang Cunfu was giving a way out, by bringing up the Clan Leader, the head of Miaoyin Square had to accept even if she was reluctant, but ironically commented: “Steward Cunfu has truly taken meticulous care of the Yun Family. I fear that the Yun Clan might feel marginalized on North Mountain, so you’ve entrusted such an important task to outsiders. I’m really touched.”

Given the scale of Miaoyin Square, they had the capability to host several different parties, each one more brilliant than the last. In the head of Miaoyin Square’s mind, Tang Cunfu was determined to let the Yun Clan organize this banquet, merely wanting to let the new arrivals – dancers and zither players – make a name for themselves. If they could catch the eye of the Martial Ancestors and clan warriors present, it would offer them a secure position amidst the chaos.

Caring so deeply for just a concubine made the head of Miaoyin Square sour.

Tang Cunfu didn’t want to explain more, and pretending like he didn’t understand the sarcasm, he waved his hand and said, “How can they be outsiders? Piaopiao is my wife, and Yun clan will eventually become a branch of the Tang Clan, I ask the head of the square to take care of them in the future.”

People generally refer to their concubines as “little wife,” “junior wife,” or “young lady.” Even a favored one is referred to as an “outer chamber” or “trial room.” The term “inside person” is typically used for one’s own wife. As a representative of a branch family, Tang Cunfu of course wouldn’t make a mistake in addressing someone, so he was subtly expressing his affection and value for Yun Piaopiao, treating her no less than his wife.

The head of Miaoyin Square covered her mouth in surprise. Although she was the head of a house and had trained thousands of girls, many of whom had married into the main family as concubines, this was the first time she had seen someone address a courtesan as an “inside person.”

Yun Piaopiao was the widow of the Huang family. Everyone assumed that Tang Cunfu had forced himself on her because of her beauty, but today, they could see that it was genuine affection.

“It seems the Yun Clan has found a good man.” The head of Miaoyin Square said sorrowfully, her dissatisfaction dissipated and her heart softened. She was also a pitying figure who orchestrated pleasure with her beauty in such a depraved world. It was rare to meet someone who understood her, Yun Piaopiao’s luck was enviable.

“You flatter me, head of the square. As the Craftsmanship Department is very busy, I won’t keep you any longer.” Tang Cunfu said to the Miaoyin square head, cleverly flattering her, “In the future, I will definitely bring my wife to ask for advice. After all, the Yun clan is small and not known for extravagance. We still need your guidance on how to host this grand Farewell Banquet.”

The head of Miaoyin Square, who came to challenge him in a rush of anger, was persuaded by Tang Cunfu to go back, which amazed the craftsmen in the department.

Regardless, the news of the Farewell Banquet being organized by the Yun Clan was already known by everyone. For a while, the Yun Clan cancelled all their performances to focus on rehearsing for the banquet.

Tang Cunfu, unusually took advantage of his public post for personal gains. On the vacant lot reserved for the construction of the Martial Hall entrance, he built a large stage, bringing a rare festive atmosphere to the usually dull North Mountain community.

The birthday of the Clan Leader, Tang Zu, fell on the ninth day of the eleventh month, which was also decided to be the day of the Farewell Banquet, in the evening. Yun Clan had only a few days to prepare, but under the proper arrangements of the two senior members of the Yun Clan, everything was going smoothly and orderly.

…

Early Morning, Eighth Day of the Eleventh Month

North Mountain Sect School, Central Practice Field

After completing his morning exercises, Tang Xing ignored his junior teammates and ran eagerly to Tang Zhen’s side, looking at Tang Fengran with a flattering expression, “Sister Fengran, I just want to talk to Tang Zhen for a moment, I promise to leave as soon as I’m done.”

After their trip to the Minor Spiritual Realm, the little boy had clung to Tang Zhen. They often disappeared together, which greatly displeased Tang Fengran, who was focused on martial arts, and thus she strictly prohibited them from interacting.

However, the little boy, who was doggedly unashamed and persistent in asking for embarrassment, carried on regardless, and over time, Tang Fengran gave in. Now, he was bold enough to request to chat with her in person.

Seeing the coquettishly shy look on Tang Zhen’s face, Tang Fengran couldn’t help but shake her head and walk away, pulling along a curious Tang Yunying as well.