NFBE Chapter 2048 A calculated scheme? What a clever Zong Wangshan!
Chapter 2048 A calculated scheme? What a clever Zong Wangshan!
However, Li Xiangnan seemed not to hear the hidden meaning in those words, his face still bearing that polite smile, his gaze calm.
"Patriarch Zong is too kind. Today, the Li family is hosting a banquet for guests, and everyone who comes is a guest. There is no reason to turn away guests, but..."
He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the seven or eight well-dressed men behind Zong Wangshan who were clearly not ordinary followers, but his tone remained calm: "Patriarch Zong may not know, but there are many guests today, and the courtyard is probably a bit crowded. If all these brothers from the Zong family were to go in together, it would be difficult to find even a place to rest! Why don't you invite these brothers to rest for a while in the courtyard next door? Tea, fruit, and snacks are prepared there, and it's just as lively! Patriarch Zong and the two young masters, please come in?"
These words were both firm and persuasive, and were well-reasoned and supported by evidence.
This not only reminded people of the basic etiquette of treating guests as guests, thus deflecting accusations of unwelcomeness, but also directly pointed out that it was against the rules for the other party to bring so many people into the courtyard.
Who brings seven or eight thugs and henchmen who look like they're not to be trifled with when they're celebrating a wedding?
Of course, a reasonable solution was also provided: move to the neighboring yard!
This saved face for the other party while also maintaining order and safety at their own banquet.
Li Xiangnan's response was impeccable, neither impolite nor showing weakness.
Zong Wangshan narrowed his eyes, stared at Li Xiangnan for two seconds, then suddenly burst into laughter, his voice shaking the roof tiles. "Good, Doctor Li, you're so young, yet you're so thoughtful! We'll do as you say, Doctor Li!"
He turned around and casually waved his hand at the people behind him, "You guys, go and rest in the next yard!"
"Yes!" Seven or eight followers responded in unison, their voices short and forceful. They turned and left, clearly well-trained. Sun Jie immediately stepped forward and led them away.
The problem of attendants was solved, but the pressure from Zongwangshan and his two sons did not lessen. The three of them stood there, like a volcano that could erupt at any moment.
"What about the ceremony?" Zong Wangshan gestured with his chin towards his second son, Zong Jiye.
Zong Jiye understood, stepped forward, and held a rectangular wooden box in his hands.
The box was undecorated, but the wood was smooth and warm, exuding a heavy texture. It was handed to Li Xiangnan expressionlessly.
Li Xiangnan did not take it immediately, his gaze lingering on the box for a moment.
Song Ziming had quietly arrived half a step behind him without him noticing, and nodded slightly, indicating that he had not found anything unusual outside the courtyard, but the box still needed to be checked according to the rules.
Li Xiangnan understood immediately and was about to speak.
Zong Wangshan seemed to see through his thoughts, waved his hand, and said loudly, "Doctor Li, you can rest assured! I, Zong Wangshan, never give such low-class gifts! Open it up and let Doctor Li and all the relatives and friends who are here to congratulate us have a good look at it, and let everyone judge whether this gift from the Zong family is worthy of our attention!"
His words were full of domineering confidence, and carried an air of arrogant self-assurance that he wasn't afraid to be seen.
Upon hearing this, Zong Jiye did not hesitate. He clicked open the copper clasp on the wooden box and lifted the lid.
In an instant, a dazzling golden light, mixed with a certain solemn aura, flowed out of the box!
Inside the wooden box, on the lining, were three... golden maces?!
No, to be precise, they are three gold-plated maces, each about 1.3 feet long, with an ancient and majestic design!
The mace is not made of pure gold, but of some kind of dark metal, probably tungsten steel or something similar.
However, the entire body is covered with an intricately engraved gold exterior, featuring reliefs of a lion-shaped mouth and cloud and thunder patterns.
The mace handle is wrapped in dark red rhinoceros hide, and each end is inlaid with a quail egg-sized, pure and bright pigeon blood red gemstone!
The three golden maces are identical in design, differing only slightly in the color of their gemstones. They stand side by side, reflecting a blend of coldness and luxury in the sunlight!
A fierce and domineering aura, reminiscent of conquering battlefields and suppressing evil spirits, immediately swept over us!
hiss!
This...this is hardly a gift for a baby who is one month old!
This is clearly a ceremonial weapon used by military generals to demonstrate their military power and symbolize their authority!
Or rather, it was a display of strength that was very much in the style of the main family and was not concealed at all!
Inside and outside the courtyard, a chorus of suppressed gasps and gasps instantly erupted.
"Holy crap! What is this thing?"
"Could it be gold? It's so dazzling!"
"It's a golden mace! I recognize it; I've seen it in ancient books!"
"Is this a gift for a baby?"
"Yeah, that's so powerful!"
Even Li Xiangnan's pupils contracted when he saw what was inside the box.
He anticipated that the gift from the main family might be different from the ordinary, but he did not expect it to be such a direct, powerful and oppressive object!
This gift is less a blessing and more a declaration, a statement that showcases the family's style and heritage!
Our clan is just that tough and unique!
"How are you, Dr. Li?"
Zong Wangshan seemed quite satisfied with everyone's reaction. He looked intently at Li Xiangnan and said in a loud voice, "Doctor Li, these three golden maces for warding off evil spirits and protecting the home are crafts passed down from my Zong family ancestors. They were meticulously crafted by the family's artisans according to ancient methods. They are sturdy and uniquely crafted, and can ward off evil spirits and protect the peace of the home!"
"A red gemstone is also an auspicious omen, symbolizing great fortune! Today, on behalf of the clan, I present this gift, hoping that your daughter will be free from evil spirits and enjoy peace and prosperity throughout her life. I also wish that the Li family's household will be strong and its prestige will grow daily! Does Doctor Li find this gift acceptable?"
This explanation, which forcibly links this golden mace, a symbol of martial prowess, with the functions of warding off evil spirits and protecting peace, is somewhat plausible and quite impressive!
The key point is that the gift itself is indeed quite valuable, with exquisite craftsmanship and a plausible meaning.
If Li Xiangnan were to decline or express doubt under the watchful eyes of everyone, it would seem petty and that he was afraid of the clan's imposing presence!
With a quick thought, Li Xiangnan instantly understood the clan's intention.
This gift, to put it bluntly, is a calculated scheme!
Accepting it is tantamount to tacitly approving the main family's strong intervention in today's occasion and acknowledging the main family's "unique" congratulatory gift!
If they don't accept it, the Zong family's attitude will be seen as a sign that they don't understand the rules, offend others, or know how to behave, which would play right into the hands of certain people.
At that time, the clan will make a huge fuss about the wedding banquet!
With his two sons and the seven or eight thugs from the neighboring courtyard, Zong Wangshan was sure to cause quite a stir!
If this gets out, the Li family will likely suffer a major setback in Yanjing and lose all face.
However, the other party's initiative to open and inspect the gift, while seemingly open and honest, actually throws the pressure of whether it is safe back at them. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, do you dare to say that there is a problem with my gift?
What a magnificent Zongwang Mountain!
As expected, they are domineering, cunning, and even more imposing than the Qian family!