Chapter 213: Who Are You Really?

Chapter 213: Who Are You Really

The floor heating was scalding hot, making the room as warm as spring.

The sun-facing window was half-open, and the gentle sunlight poured in, mingling with the cold plum-scented breeze and the rising heat from the floor heating.

Patriarch Xu sat casually on a huanghuali round-backed armchair, his eyes slightly narrowed, smiling with ease and affection.

His gaze swept over Lu Mingchao and her companions, and the admiration in his eyes grew even stronger.

"Lu Yao, although I was unable to attend the grand debate at Shouzhan Pavilion in person, I have heard of its magnificence as if I had witnessed it myself. A young man should have lofty ambitions, competing for brilliance across the vast skies."

"Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation."

Lu Yao bowed slightly, "Patriarch Xu, you flatter me."

Patriarch Xu chuckled and continued, "Xie Yan, heroes each have their own perspectives; there's no need to ask about their origins."

"Qingxing says your martial skills are extraordinary, flowing like water. When the opportunity arises, you will surely be able to fulfill your ambitions."

"Don't rush, don't rush."

"Keep your edge hidden, remain humble, and bide your time."

A faint tremor passed through Xie Yan's brow, and a layer of mist-like confusion unconsciously surfaced in his eyes.

His eyelashes fluttered slightly, concealing his confusion, and his expression remained unchanged.

"Patriarch Xu's teachings, I, Xie Yan, will keep them in my heart."

Patriarch Xu glanced at Xie Yan again and again, as if trying to discern traces of familiarity from this unfamiliar face.

His thin, dry lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he remained silent.

Finally, all his hesitation turned into a single sentence of concern.

"I heard you have both a son and a daughter. I hope they are well?"

Xie Yan was on guard, and when he looked up, he met a pair of eyes that held no malice.

"Mingchao is as gentle and kind as jade, and she takes excellent care of the children."

"Thank you for your concern, Patriarch Xu."

Patriarch Xu fumbled with the dull ring on his index finger, his mind wandering. "Your son's name is Huaiqian, right?"

"Huaiqian can bring lasting peace, but fullness cannot last forever."

"With a humble heart, one can undertake difficult tasks."

"It's a good name."

Even someone as simple and slow-witted as Xu Qingxing sensed something unusual.

Was his grandfather paying too much attention to Xie Yan's family background?

Speaking too deeply with someone you barely know is going too far.

Just as Xu Qingxing was about to risk the wrath of his grandfather's sword to remind him, Patriarch Xu abruptly changed the subject, "Chaofu Trading Co. has a bright future, and Xie Lu Shi is kind-hearted, helping those in need. Truly, a woman who rivals men in strength."

"The rise of Xie Lu Shi in Changhe County has truly made this old man take notice."

Lu Mingchao: A true master of balance and diplomacy.

Perhaps Patriarch Xu wasn't off seeking immortality, but rather mastering the art of balance.

Lu Mingchao smiled humbly and respectfully, "Thanks to the county magistrate's keen insight and meticulous observation, as well as his generous support."

Patriarch Xu waved his hand, "That is simply his duty as a local official."

"Today, I invited you all here for a gathering."

"Excellent, excellent."

Lu Yao said gently, "I have not yet had the chance to thank Patriarch Xu for his protection and kindness."

"Nothing to repay, just a sincere heart."

Patriarch Xu, "Young Six was not considerate enough earlier, so the Runan Xu Clan should handle the aftermath."

Lu Yao knew that even for the aftermath, Patriarch Xu did not need to personally intervene.

He must remember to return the favor.

Patriarch Xu continued, "A banquet has been prepared at the mansion to specially host everyone."

"Please."

Lu Mingchao was preoccupied with the thought of wanting to see the variables in the world.

She glanced back several times, on the verge of speaking but holding back.

Seeing this, Patriarch Xu took the opportunity to say, "Xie Lu Shi, please remain."

"In the past, I had some friendship with the Yongning Marquis, but since I retired to visit famous mountains and rivers, we have not met again. I feel a sense of melancholy. I wonder if Xie Lu Shi could enlighten me."

This was exactly what Lu Mingchao wanted; how could she refuse?

Xu Qingxing's doubts grew even stronger.

Monks do not lie, and Daoists act as they please?

When did his grandfather develop such a deep friendship with the Yongning Marquis, where parting is as hard as meeting, and thoughts linger?

And melancholy?

His grandfather would only angrily curse the Yongning Marquis for seeking fame and profit, scheming and barking like a dog!

Xu Qingxing glanced back repeatedly as he led Lu Yao and Xie Yan away from the flower hall.

"Patriarch Xu, I have a question, and I hope you can enlighten me."

Lu Mingchao did not want to mince words.

Patriarch Xu did not feign ignorance or try to obscure the truth. His eyes, though aged, were bright, deep yet clear, and his voice was full of ease and frankness, "You want to ask about the variables?"

Lu Mingchao nodded, "Please enlighten me, Patriarch Xu."

Patriarch Xu stroked his beard, "You have turned a deadlock into a dynamic situation."

"Madam Xie, you might not be aware, but I've had some modest success in the art of physiognomy through my quest for immortality and the Dao."

"About three years ago, the grandson of Qingyun Academy's headmaster came of age, and I was invited to officiate the capping ceremony. Your brother, Lu Yao, being a distinguished disciple of the headmaster, naturally attended the ceremony."

"I took the liberty of reading Lu Yao's fortune out of sheer delight."

"His face was as flawless as jade, a young scholar who had passed the imperial examinations, destined for fame and high status."

"Yet, it also bore signs of poverty, disability, and an early demise."

"Meeting a benefactor, turning misfortune into fortune, and encountering auspiciousness in times of peril, his life would be one of unparalleled greatness."

"Otherwise, he would fulfill the fate of poverty, disability, and a short life."

"That day when you came to Changhe County for New Year preparations, I passed by Lu Yao, who was carrying a shoulder pole and selling pancakes."

"Lu Yao met his destined benefactor."

"The Lu family's affairs are no secret; with a little digging, one could find out that the only change in the Lu family in the past two years was your return."

"Then..."

Patriarch Xu pursed his lips, holding back the words he was about to say.

Lu Mingchao, sharp as a tack, said, "Then, Patriarch Xu had Xie Yan investigated and discovered that Xie Yan resembled an old acquaintance, right?"

As soon as Patriarch Xu uttered those loaded and probing words, Lu Mingchao had a vague sense of it.

Hiding one's edge, biding one's time—the hidden dragon does not act.

This wasn't ordinary advice for a hunter.

Not to mention the saying, 'Huaiqian can remain at peace, but fullness cannot last forever.'

Shu Yuan once mentioned that the former Emperor Jingxiang derived the courtesy name Huaiqian from this saying.

She realized Patriarch Xu wasn't just probing—he was confirming.

Confirming whether Xie Yan and Huaiqian were the old friends he was searching for.

Patriarch Xu was taken aback, "You're truly bold!"

"What good does it do for you and Xie Yan to volunteer information?"

Lu Mingchao chuckled lightly, her eyes slightly narrowed, "Wasn't it Patriarch Xu's blatant attention to Xie Yan, out of love for the house and its crow, that made me sense something unusual?"

"Patriarch Xu already has the answer in his heart. Whether I confess or not, what difference does it make?"

"Beating around the bush only adds to misunderstandings. Let's speak openly."

"What does Patriarch Xu intend to do, and what does he wish to gain?"

"Please speak plainly, Patriarch Xu, otherwise I truly cannot be at ease."

Patriarch Xu's gaze was profound, staring straight at Lu Mingchao, his eyes filled with too many complex emotions.

Lu Mingchao felt her scalp tingle under his gaze, but she could only hold her ground, not avoiding, allowing Patriarch Xu to scrutinize her.

After a long while, Patriarch Xu said in a suppressed voice, "Who exactly are you?"

"Empress Dowager Xie's agent."