“Fourth nephew, Li Shiyong, gifts a pure gold diagram of longevity character!”
“Niece Li Min, gifts 108 silver tableware.”
“Seventh nephew Li Shiming, gifts a mahogany tea tray!”
Unlike the guests’ gifts, the Li clan’s members presented their gifts to Li Xuanyu personally.
Outsider gifts were for stirring sensation, while Li clan members’ gifts were to show each of their capabilities.
From the start, Li Shili had kept an eye out for the Mo clan. They entered and sat on Li Xuanyu’s left side, quite eye-catching.
Each of the Mo clan members was stiff, unlike the celebration around them. This, in fact, wasn’t the worst. What worried Li Shili the most was that they didn’t bring a gift.
Shenjing’s four clans, as well as Qin clan and Ning clan, all brought something. Though common, they weren’t tasteless to smear the host’s reputation.
Steward Zheng along with other officials also came bearing gifts. Some were paintings, others were things like rare ink. Not considered precious, but they upheld Li Xuanyu’s status.
All except the Mo clan.
Li Shili was vexed they would stir something so he always watched them.
But all was well so far, with them only sitting stiff and watching the procession.
Li Shili relaxed somewhat and, looking around, he found Li Mo.
Li Mo was empty-handed and was chatting with the ugly Wang Huan.
Li Shili’s face was painted in disgust. Then flipped to a warm smile when he turned to other important guests.
Li Shili approached Qin Zhen, “Elder Qin, your gift is far too precious. I just don’t know how to thank you.”
“Because of the short time on hand, I could only offer this simple gift. I just hope it’s enough for young friend to forgive my blunder last time.”
“Young friend? What young friend?”
“You didn’t know?”
“What should I know?” Li Shili was confused.
Li Shili glanced at Li Mo then at the oblivious Li Shili and chuckled without explaining.
Qin Zhen came for Li Mo, not because the latter invited him, but because he caught news of this event and turned up unsolicited.
Yu Boyan cupped his hands at Li Shili, “Shili, let me congratulate you on your fine son. Your Li clan’s day of glory of rising to become the first in Shenjing is just around the corner.”
Li Shili was stumped.
Secretary Wang came to pat Li Shili’s shoulder, “Shili, didn’t you say that you wanted that place in the southern suburbs? After internal discussions, we unanimously decided that the Li clan is the best tasked for it.”
“S-s-secretary Wang, you’re giving us that part of the southern suburbs to develop?” Li Shili was so moved he stammered.
Shenjing’s southern suburbs were priced higher than even Yulong Bay. Only, that piece of land was contracted by the Su clan. The Li clan wanted a piece of the pie, but at the time, Secretary Wang said there was no way in.
“How about I give you the contract now?”
“N-no need. I would never dare doubt your words.”
“Ha-ha-ha, then I will give you a call and iron out the details after the celebration.”
“Yes, yes.”
“Shili, your son made an incredible friend. I look forward to your clan’s support in the future.”
Secretary Wang gave him a meaningful pat on the shoulder and took off.
‘My son made an incredible friend?’
‘Who?’
Li Shili was flummoxed, looking at Secretary Wang and Steward Zheng chatting.
A way away, Su Mingyuan was sporting a dark face, positively miffed.
Su Mingyuan didn’t come with such an expression, however.
‘Did Secretary Wang forced him to give up the southern suburbs?’
‘Did Shenjing Province have anyone who could make the great Secretary Wang do this?’
‘No, no one.’
Only the capital’s Zheng clan!
Li Shili shivered from head to toe.
The Mo clan controlled the army, the Zheng clan politics, the Bai clan money. These three clans occupied a decisive aspect of society. But if there was one clan who could affect a person’s future, that was without a doubt the Zheng clan.
‘When did Li Yan get to meet the Zheng clan’s people?’
“Eldest grandson Li Yan gifts a jade, silver, and golden chess set!”
The people cried out when it came to the grandson’s turn to present gifts.
Li Yan ran with the chess set before Li Xuanyu.
‘Eldest grandson Li Yan?’
Qin Zhen gazed at Li Mo.
Mo Zhendong turned to Li Mo.
Yu Boyan, Zhang Jingshen, Lin Jing, all the great personas off Li Shili and Li Shizhong’s guest list looked at Li Mo.
Li Mo was the picture of calmness.
“Wait!”
Li Yan was about to place the jaded, silver, and golden chess set down when Li Xuanyu stood up.
The hall went quiet.
“I am most honored for all guests coming from afar. I wish to use this chance, this auspicious day to declare something.”
Li Shili cut him off, “Dad, it’s your grandchildren’s turn to present gifts.”
The ever combing Li Weiwei of her twintails, stood up with her violin. If Li Xuanyu hadn’t stood up, it would’ve been her turn to present her gift, a violin solo.
Li Xuanyu glared, “Step aside.”
Li Shili dutifully did so.
“I want to declare that my eldest grandson is not him, but Li Mo!” Li Xuanyu pointed.
Li Shili’s face sank.
Li Mo walked to Li Xuanyu, standing abreast of Li Yan.
“Li Mo is my eldest grandson. His father is my unworthy son, Li Shili.”
Ning Baihe bolted to her feet, “Dad, what are you saying? I am Shili’s official wife. Shili never married before me. So where did this Li Mo come from? Have you gotten on in years perhaps?”
Li Shili hooted, “Baihe, watch your tone!”
Li Shili only ever cared about face. And before all these guests, his face would take the brunt of this quarrel by the look of things.
Li Xuanyu was quite calm, however, calling Li Mo over and pulled his hand, “Everyone, this child’s mother was my worthless son, Li Shili, highschool classmate. They grew to love each other and lived together for six years. But because my worthless son thought his mother had a poor background, they never officially wedded.”
“His mother’s poor background? Is your Li clan good then? How freakin’ ludicrous!” The ever stiff Mo Ziyang exploded and flipped the table.
