176: Chapter 175: Without you all, where would this prosperous era be for us, the younger generation?

The open-air banquet in Su Family Village was still in full swing, and the lanterns in front of the ancestral hall remained as bright as day from sunset to sunrise.

The backyard of the Su Family ancestral home, however, exuded a tranquility that was a world away from the external clamor.

Su Han reclined on a rattan chair under the grape trellis, flipping through a yellowed manual of Su Family Boxing.

Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows on the pages; occasionally, a breeze would drift by, carrying faint sounds of laughter and the aroma of food.

“Great-grandfather, Black Panther went to steal ribs again!” Xiao Budian ran in, clutching her skirt, her twin pigtails bouncing high with every step. “Grandma Li said he's already snuck food three times today. If this keeps up, the kitchen masters are going to lock him up!”

Just as she finished speaking, Black Panther darted out from the corner with a half-gnawed rib in his mouth. Seeing Su Han, his tail immediately tucked between his legs, but he held the rib even tighter, letting out a pitiful whimper as if trying to defend himself.

Su Han put down the boxing manual and raised an eyebrow at him. “It seems the banquet at the ancestral hall smells better than the dog food Xiao Budian gives you?”

Black Panther quickly dropped the rib on the ground and rubbed his head against Su Han's pant leg, his watery eyes full of flattery.

Xiao Budian took the opportunity to snatch the rib and toss it into a nearby bamboo basket. “You're forbidden from eating dinner today as punishment!”

“Alright, stop bullying him.” Su Han chuckled and rubbed Black Panther's head. “He's just basking in the glory of this grand feast. It’s rare for him to be so unrestrained.”

He looked at Xiao Budian and noticed a bit of cream on the tip of her nose. He couldn't help but reach out to wipe it off. “Did you also sneak into the kitchen for some pastries?”

Xiao Budian stuck out her tongue and pulled a steaming Osmanthus Cake from her pocket. “Great-grandfather, smell this! It’s fresh from the steamer, so fragrant! I saved it specifically for you!”

Su Han took the pastry. A warm sensation traveled from his fingertips, mixed with the sweet scent of osmanthus, sending a wave of warmth through his heart.

Though these past two days were meant for quiet recuperation, he was constantly moved to laughter by the antics of this pair; even the wound on his back didn't feel as itchy anymore.

As he was eating the cake, Xiao Nuan walked in carrying several books. Seeing the scene in the courtyard, she couldn't help but smile. “Brother, so many people want to see you, but they've all been blocked at the ancestral hall by Uncle.”

She placed the books on the stone table and pointed at the covers. “I borrowed these from the grandfathers in the clan. They're all about the military stories of the Su Family ancestors. Didn't you want to learn more about the clan's history?”

Su Han picked up a copy of 'The Biographies of the Su Clan Martyrs'. The characters on the cover were already somewhat blurred. Opening the first page, he found records of the first generation of Su Family ancestors serving in the military to fight pirates during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty.

His fingertips brushed over the yellowed pages, and he suddenly understood why Su Bowen valued the words 'loyalty and bravery passed down through generations' so highly—it wasn't a hollow slogan, but a gene etched into their very bloodline.

“What did Uncle say?” Su Han looked up and asked.

“Uncle said you just got injured and need rest, so he won't let outsiders disturb you.” Xiao Nuan crouched beside Xiao Budian to help adjust her crooked hair ribbon. “But many people have traveled from out of town specifically to see you. There are relatives of the families you saved, and many retired veterans who say they want to toast you.”

Su Han thought for a moment. “Have Uncle arrange it. They don't all need to come to the ancestral home; I’ll meet them in the side hall next to the ancestral hall. It's the thought that counts; I can't let them come all this way for nothing.”

Xiao Nuan's eyes lit up. “I'll go tell Uncle right now!”

Not long after, Su Bowen came over personally, holding a thick registration book. “Third Uncle, I've noted down everyone who wants to see you. There are about twenty people. If you feel tired, just see a few and then rest; I’ll handle the rest for you.”

He opened the register and pointed to the names. “This one is a retired veteran from the neighboring city who participated in the Self-Defense Counterattack on the Southern Border. They have regular gatherings, and since he happened to be in the city, he said he had to come see the hero. This one is the grandfather of the little girl you saved; he rushed here from the countryside with a basket of farm eggs, insisting on giving them to you personally. And this one...”

Su Han waved his hand. “No need to look further. As you said, Uncle, let's go to the side hall.”

In the side hall of the ancestral hall, tables and chairs had already been set up. Su Wu was keeping several guests company.

When they saw Su Han enter, everyone immediately stood up, their eyes filled with respect.

The white-haired retired veteran was so excited he rubbed his hands together. His military uniform sleeves were worn shiny, yet they were washed impeccably clean.

“Major Su! I’ve finally met you in person!” The veteran stepped forward, his voice as loud as a bell. “I saw the video of you saving people from the fire on TV. That drive of yours is exactly like how we were when we went to the battlefield back then!”

Su Han quickly took his hand. “You overstate it, senior. You are the true hero.”

“What do my little achievements count for?” The veteran waved his hand, his eyes reddening. “A soldier who can fight like that in a time of peace is truly rare! Come, I toast you!”

“It should be me toasting you!”

“Without you, how could we juniors have this prosperous era?”

Su Han quickly picked up his wine glass.

The two of them drained their glasses in one go.

The veteran set down his glass and suddenly straightened his back, giving Su Han a standard military salute—though the movement was a bit stiff, it carried the unique character of a soldier.

It wasn't until the sun began to set in the west that the last guest left. Su Han breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back against the chair, rubbing his brow. Su Bowen brought a cup of hot tea. “Tired? I told you to see fewer people, but you wouldn't listen.”

“It's the thought that counts. Being a bit tired is worth it.” Su Han took a sip of tea.

As they were talking, Xiao Budian ran in holding Black Panther, waving a piece of red paper. “Great-grandfather! Great-grandfather! Look at the certificate I drew! It's for Black Panther!”

On the red paper, the words 'Best Hero Dog' were written in crooked characters. Next to it was a drawing of a little dog with its tongue sticking out and a large red flower hanging around its neck.

Black Panther seemed to know it was for him; he excitedly circled Xiao Budian, his tail wagging like a blooming flower.

Su Han took the 'certificate' and solemnly pasted it onto the doorframe of the ancestral home. “Black Panther indeed deserves this award.”