The Hwangbo Clan’s Beloved Live-In Son-in-Law - Chapter 72
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 72
The Hwangbo Family’s banquet began with great fanfare.
The family elders had been staying for several days, each inviting their close acquaintances.
Not only renowned scholars with deep connections and some former and current officials, but also the influential figures of Jinan greeted each other with joy.
Outside the gates, they generously distributed food, so from Daming Street to the northern slums, people held handfuls of food in both hands.
Large and small martial families in Jinan sent people to offer congratulations, and major sects in Shandong also sent small gifts or letters.
The exceptions were the Ak Family, who even sent people to congratulate them, and…
“…What brings Lord Lin all the way here?”
“How could I not come to the Hwangbo Family’s celebration?”
“Wasn’t the greeting we exchanged recently sufficient?”
“If one receives a gift, isn’t it proper etiquette to give something in return?”
“I didn’t know Pahosam Gate enjoyed getting beaten.”
It was Pahosam Gate, who came without being invited.
“Hmph. You’re giving too much meaning to children’s quarrels. Well, fine. We’ve come all this way, yet you won’t even let us in? The Hwangbo Family’s hospitality is truly cold.”
Conflicts had already been increasing due to the recent Taishan Alliance incident.
Recently, they had even clashed over merchant guild matters at Jinan’s borders.
He thought he had appropriately disciplined them then, but they seemed to have mistaken his merciful restraint for weakness.
Seeing how Pahosam Gate had sent Lin Qing, the lord of their primary military force Qianhuoying, along with twenty subordinates including his direct followers as envoys.
…Their intentions were quite obvious.
“Clear the way.”
Hwangbo Yeonhwi nodded casually.
“We welcome your visit.”
He cupped his hands and bowed his head, causing Lin Qing’s eyebrows to twitch before entering. Behind him, Pahosam Gate’s group poured in.
“Will this be alright?”
“It’s fine. Just keep an eye on the gifts. They wouldn’t come to an uninvited feast empty-handed.”
“…Yes, sir.”
A relieving breeze swept through the main gate where tension had briefly lingered.
Hwangbo Yeonhwi, who had been coldly observing the guests’ reactions, quietly called someone over and whispered.
“Provide them lodging at Beiqingdang.”
“…That place…”
“It’s one of the finest locations, so they can’t complain.”
“However, the other guests nearby might be uncomfortable…”
“Hmph. Those stubborn gentlemen will be the ones making them uncomfortable. Do as I say.”
Beiqingdang was a large guest hall in the northeast direction.
It was decorated with the quietest and most serene atmosphere, and Xingyaoshengshe, which Xie Baowei had used, was also in that area.
Therefore, it was where they had housed the renowned scholars famous for their literary works.
“Tsk.”
As the servant bowed deeply and hurried away, Hwangbo Yeonhwi clicked his tongue and turned his head.
Great trees do not sway in gentle breezes.
“Lord Hwangbo! It’s been so long.”
“Oh my! What brings Scholar Zhang on such a precious visit!”
“It’s been ages since I left office. Hehe, I came because you still honor me with such kind words.”
“I apologize for being so distant. Please, come in.”
“Well, being poor, I couldn’t bring much, just wrote a poem… I hope it’s acceptable.”
“What! If Scholar Zhang wrote a poem, all of the Central Plains would line up waiting for it. Such a precious thing!”
Ahahaha.
Hwangbo Yeonhwi laughed cheerfully. His waist bent repeatedly.
Guests continued to arrive without end.
.
.
.
“So… so what is this…”
“You really didn’t know?”
“…I didn’t know.”
“Didn’t grandfather tell you? Your brothers either?”
“They didn’t tell me.”
“No, they did. Why, didn’t they say when we were all eating together that you were the star of the banquet?”
“…I thought it was just something they said. I didn’t know that star meant this kind of star.”
Xie Baowei shook his head back and forth.
Elaborate things were draped over his body.
Raising his arms revealed a blue silk straight robe, and looking at his chest showed a square badge embroidered with bears and leopards.
Shaking his head made the gold decorations on his black silk cap jingle.
Around his waist was a belt adorned with gold and jade ornaments.
Lüli, watching this, simply blushed as if finding it wonderful, and not only Huangbo Lüli but even servants like Seokpil kept praising him.
Even Yingying stroked his sleeves, saying “You look amazing…”
“…What is all this.”
Xie Baowei, who had never dreamed it would be this kind of occasion, was simply dumbfounded.
“Ah. We’ve been using your name throughout the banquet preparations, so if you still didn’t know, that’s your fault. That’s why… I told you to get out more.”
“…I didn’t know it meant this.”
“You look wonderful. Wei-rang… so handsome.”
“Li… no, that’s…”
What on earth.
No. What on earth.
Of course, he understood that to hold such a feast, there must be proper justification.
Whether it was a wedding banquet, a 60th birthday celebration, a celebration for passing exams, or an opening ceremony… these weren’t people who would come without reason, and there was no reason to invite people without cause.
So Xie Baowei had only thought it was some family event.
Since both Lüli and he had returned, he thought they were just gathering the elders to share a good meal.
And he hadn’t just stayed cooped up in his room either.
Sometimes he went out to have a drink with his brothers-in-law, bought accessories suitable for Lüli, snacked with Yingying, and wandered the mountains and fields gathering medicinal herbs.
Even then, he didn’t know.
He just… just… thought they were using the excuse of holding a banquet after so long to repair the shabby hall.
But that justification.
‘Congratulations on Xie Baowei’s appointment as Crown Prince’s Guard and Imperial Guard Captain.’
Who would have known.
In reality,
A long inscription reading “Celebration Banquet for Imperial Guard Captain Lord Hwangbo’s Promotion” was written in one flowing stroke, hung as a plaque above the main gate, and displayed on red silk in the banquet hall.
Moreover, phrases like “Bringing Glory to the Family Gate” and “Imperial Grace and Honor Spreading Wide” were hung on the pillars outside the banquet hall.
Furthermore, this justification was written on all the invitation cards sent to guests.
So essentially, they had shouted to every corner of the neighborhood that our son-in-law was achieving great things!
“…Sigh. I understand that much. But do I really have to appear?”
After all, the guest of honor couldn’t be absent.
The finest silk official robes, tailored when he didn’t even know they were taking measurements, fit his body perfectly. The hat and belt also shone as if custom-made for him.
Wearing those glittering clothes, he felt like a clown.
He wasn’t particularly talented in literature, nor was his learning deep. He had simply been lucky enough to catch someone’s eye. Since he wasn’t actually performing any real duties, he felt nothing but embarrassment.
Yet the reason he stood here obediently was simply,
“…You look wonderful, my lord.”
Because of Lüli, who wore an endlessly proud expression.
Her eyes were brimming with tears.
“Oh my. Why are you crying and making a fuss on such a good day?”
“…Brother, shut up.”
Just as Yeon-gung said, teardrops formed in Lüli’s eyes.
They were tears filled with sadness and guilt rather than joy. Understanding her feelings, Xie Baowei shook his head and gently took her hand.
“…Please forgive this worthless woman. This position that my lord barely obtained after going through such mortal danger… and I’m just here admiring your appearance. How foolish of me, isn’t it?”
“I’m fine. I’m just not used to it, that’s all.”
Xie Baowei wiped away Lüli’s tears and smiled warmly.
Lüli raised her large eyes to look at Xie Baowei.
The two faces gradually drew closer…
“That’s enough.”
“Ahem.”
“…Brother, haven’t you left yet?”
“Shut up. We need to go in now.”
The family’s main banquet was just being prepared.
The guests had been gathering in the banquet hall one by one for quite some time. Hwangbo Yeonhwi had just come out to announce the purpose of the banquet.
Now, once Xie Baowei appeared and exchanged greetings, the banquet would finally begin.
“We shall welcome Captain Xie to the banquet.”
Whew.
Xie Baowei let out a long breath and took his position.
He looked once at Lüli’s face, once at Yingying’s face, and didn’t look at Yeon-gung.
He put all his strength into his left leg as he walked, so his limp wasn’t too noticeable.
Sob.
From behind, he heard suppressed crying, but he didn’t turn around.
He just said inwardly, “It’s alright, Lüli.”
He raised his head and slowly walked across the banquet hall.
Glancing sideways at the Pahosam Gate side, he saw faces full of dismay.
Those who hadn’t received invitations apparently hadn’t known this was the reason.
Well, who would dare cause trouble for someone working beside the Crown Prince?
“Xie Shu.”
As he reached the head table, Hwangbo Yeonhwi called Xie Baowei’s name in a low voice and met his eyes.
His eyes were also full of pride and regret.
He playfully winked at him.
Turning around, he saw all the guests standing and showing their respects.
Seeing this, he carefully sat down next to the Household Head.
“Precious boy.”
“You called him arrogant before.”
“He’s a precious boy. Hehe.”
The Household Head laughed happily.
Xie Baowei also smiled warmly.
The banquet began.
***
The first toast went around along with the Household Head’s long opening remarks.
Hwangbo Seungjeong stood majestically as if he had never been frail, his appearance allowing one to imagine what he must have looked like in his youth.
Food began to be served, and the invited musicians began to play.
Conversations flowed softly, wine circulated, and gradually the atmosphere warmed up.
Xie Baowei felt like he was going crazy.
“Scholar Zhang, Captain Xie is here.”
“Oh my, how delightful!”
It was a long series of greetings.
He met the guests in order, meeting them, and meeting them again.
He had been bowing so much that his back, which had been sturdy even through intense fights, felt like it was creaking.
The words were so difficult and numerous – the words he had to say were difficult, and half of what he heard was incomprehensible.
At least when he got to the martial arts world figures, it became somewhat understandable.
Fortunately, once the long greetings ended, most conversations were carried on by the Household Head and Brother Yeonhwi, so he just had to listen.
Still, it was a peaceful event. Everyone was full of goodwill and congratulated his future.
Whatever their true feelings might be, at least that’s how it appeared.
“It’s been a while.”
“Mm.”
Xie Baowei had a welcoming face as well. He didn’t know why he had come if this was how it would be, but, mm. A guest who replaced greetings with a single word, the rising star of Shandong Ak Family. It was Ak Munheon of the White Shadow Spear.
“How is the Blue Sound Spear?”
“Mm.”
He’s insane.
Here’s a madman drawing out his spear and thrusting it forward at a harmonious banquet.
I asked out of genuine gladness to see him, but I never thought he’d thrust it at me like this.
Xie Baowei looked at the spear and nodded.
“…It’s in good condition. You must have maintained it well.”
“Mm.”
Anyone watching would think his tongue had been cut out.
The other guests from the Ak Family seemed to be in a similar state.
There were three guests from the Ak Family in total: Akmungi, the youngest son of the Ak Family head whom I had seen before, known as Swift Severing Wind, and a clerk with a gentle expression.
At least Akmungi was watching the situation with a pale expression, but the clerk’s face was unreadable.
…Had he given up? I wondered.
“I want to see your spear.”
Just as I was about to move to another seat after the brief greeting, Ak Munheon spoke up.
…So his tongue was fine after all. That trivial thought came first before the meaning sank in.
He’s insane.
“…Now?”
Seeing him shake his head, perhaps he wasn’t truly mad after all.
Xie Baowei chuckled lightly.
“My spear had its shaft broken. When I get a new spear, I’ll show you then.”
“…I’ll wait.”
He seemed half truly insane.
Leaving his disappointed gaze behind, I was about to move when
suddenly, someone interjected.
“I heard you caught Tougui, is that true?”
It was Lin Qing from Pahosam Gate.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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