179: Chapter 179 A Triumph

But who could have imagined that the Wuyang Pei Clan would produce a Grandmaster, stepping into the ranks of top-tier third-rate families?

One can only say that the world is unpredictable.

The birth of a Grandmaster elevated the status of the entire Wuyang Pei Clan.

However, envy aside, no matter how strong Pei Tianlin was, he was still his son-in-law.

The stronger the son-in-law, the more Face he would have, and his daughter could lead a better life within the Pei Clan.

As she spoke, Xu Yuwei directed the house servants to unload items from the carriage.

In fact, besides spirit tea and fruit pastries, there was also some cured meat from first and second-rank exotic beasts, as well as the Pei Clan's newly produced exotic beast dairy products, which were very effective for middle-aged and elderly people to nourish their Qi and blood.

As for ordinary supplies, Pei Tianlin had also prepared several crates.

The total value was around ten thousand taels.

Originally, Xu Yuwei suggested doing the same as the last time they visited her parents.

But after consideration, Pei Tianlin adjusted the gifts.

The Wuyang Pei Clan was no longer that poor third-rate family from back then, and he, Pei Tianlin, was no longer that minor Divine Strength Martial Artist.

Back then, everyone in the Xu Clan looked down on his Pei Clan for being poor.

Now, he wanted to see who the pauper was.

To the side, Xu Jianpeng watched with pure jealousy. He was already incredibly envious upon hearing that Pei Tianlin was a Five-Viscera Martial Artist.

He hadn't expected Pei Tianlin to bring such lavish gifts for a visit to his wife's Family.

Ten thousand taels was definitely not a small amount for any Divine Strength Martial Artist.

Taking the Jinhuai Xu Clan as an example, for a Divine Power Perfection Martial Artist like Xu Jianpeng, his salary was already quite high, at nearly six thousand taels a year.

Meanwhile, an ordinary Divine Strength Martial Artist's annual salary was only two to three thousand taels.

These ten thousand taels were equivalent to three to five years' salary for a regular Divine Strength Martial Artist. Even for him, it would take two years' salary to accumulate that much.

And keep in mind, this was just a visit to the wife's Family, not a betrothal gift for a marriage proposal.

Xu Jianpeng had always believed his daughter had married well into the Jinhuai Wang Clan, a veteran third-rate family.

But even so, every time his daughter returned home, the gifts she brought back were only worth about a thousand taels.

In truth, a thousand taels was actually quite a lot.

It was like ordinary people in a past life; few could afford to give one or two months' salary to honor their parents every year.

But this time, the gifts Pei Tianlin brought were worth ten times those of his own son-in-law.

That was the disparity.

If Xu Jianpeng had been born in modern times, he probably would have cursed under his breath, "Nouveau riche."

But then he reconsidered; his own son-in-law wasn't bad either.

His son-in-law did send fewer gifts than Pei Tianlin, but his son-in-law's Family had business dealings with the Xu Clan.

The Xu Clan also profited from its business with the Jinhuai Wang Clan.

"What's there to be so smug about? What's there to show off? It's just dumb luck," Xu Jianpeng cursed inwardly.

Xu Jianpeng wasn't stupid; Pei Tianlin was showing off like this specifically to slap him in the Face.

But he simply refused to accept it.

On the other side, Xu Jianhua's jaw dropped at the sight of so many grand gifts. He said in a low voice, "Yu Wei, Tianlin, these gifts are too much... It's enough that you've come back; you shouldn't have brought so many things."

"Father, this is just a small token of Tianlin's and my appreciation; you must accept it. Today is different from the past; Tianlin and I don't lack this bit of money. All these years, I haven't been by your and Mother's side, and haven't been able to fulfill my filial duties. You and Mother are getting older, and your Qi and blood are no longer as vigorous as when you were young. These things are effective for nourishing your Qi and blood. You and Mother should eat more of them whenever you can; they can also prolong your life." At this point, a hint of mist appeared in Xu Yuwei's eyes.

Returning to the Jinhuai Xu Clan this time and presenting such a large gift was partly to give her parents and herself plenty of Face, but it was also out of her guilt toward Father Xu and Mother Xu.

If she hadn't insisted on marrying Pei Tianlin, defying the wishes of her grandfather Xu Youcai, Father Xu's situation in the Xu Clan wouldn't be as it was now.

If Father Xu and Mother Xu hadn't withstood the pressure for her, she wouldn't have been able to marry into the Pei Clan so calmly.

To some extent, it could be considered that the bitterness had ended and the sweetness had begun.

Hearing Xu Yuwei's words, Xu Jianhua also felt a twinge of heartache.

How could he not understand his daughter's intentions?

Unlike his brothers, who had many offspring—both sons and daughters—he had only one son and one daughter.

His only son had unfortunately died young during a period of turmoil.

From then on, Xu Yuwei became his only child, cherished like a pearl in his palm.

It was precisely because of this that he had withstood the pressure from his old man.

Since it was his daughter's filial piety, he could only reluctantly accept it.

Having thought this through, Xu Jianhua's tone became spirited. After being suppressed for so many years, he could finally be high-profile for once. "Carry them steadily! Move all these things to my courtyard. These are all tokens of filial piety from my good son-in-law. These things are very expensive; don't you dare break them!"

The Jinhuai Xu Clan also had over a hundred years of history, with a population comparable to the Wuyang Pei Clan. Every day, many people passed in and out of the main gate.

Seeing this scene, they couldn't help but take a look. Back then, Xu Youcai's direct line was quite well-known in the Xu Clan. Most Xu Clan members knew that Xu Yuwei had married into the Pei Clan.

At that time, many Xu Clan members couldn't understand why Xu Yuwei, who clearly had better options, chose the Wuyang Pei Clan.

Now seeing Xu Yuwei in person, they knew she had come back for a visit.

They just hadn't expected Xu Yuwei to be so generous this time.

"What a grand gesture. Truly worthy of a newly risen Grandmaster Family. Back then, Clan Brother Jianhua's choice really wasn't wrong. With such a good son-in-law, he can enjoy his blessings from now on."

"I said long ago that Little Sister Yu Wei's vision wouldn't be poor. Look at that, with one move, she secured a high-potential individual. If my daughter could marry this well in the future, then I could also enjoy my blessings early."

"You're dreaming. Does your daughter have Little Sister Yu Wei's cleverness? In my opinion, you'll need to keep a very close eye on her in the future."

"What kind of talk is that? Are those even human words? My daughter is bright and intelligent. Even if she can't compare to Little Sister Yu Wei, she's still a hundred times better than your daughter. Just make sure your daughter isn't lured away by some destitute small household later."

"You..."

Many Xu Clan members felt very envious seeing this scene. Especially those of the same generation who had slandered Xu Jianhua back then; their eyes were red with jealousy.

One must realize that the more they had looked down on the Wuyang Pei Clan back then, the more painful the Face-slapping was now.

Only a dozen years had passed, and the tables had turned.

The Wuyang Pei Clan was at its peak, while their Jinhuai Xu Clan was still standing still.

Given the Wuyang Pei Clan's current status, it would be difficult for them even to try and social climb.

How wonderful it would have been if one of their daughters had married into the Wuyang Pei Clan back then.

Looking at the envious and jealous gazes of the Xu Clan members, Xu Jianhua felt incredibly refreshed. His heart found great satisfaction, and his whole being seemed rejuvenated.

You looked down on us back then; today, I'll make it so you can't even dream of climbing up to us.

Amidst the chatter, the gifts were carried one after another to the small courtyard where Xu Jianhua lived.

At the same time, Pei Tianlin's Family of three, along with Xu Jianpeng, Xu Jianhua, and their group, entered the main hall of the Xu Clan's grand residence.

Inside the main hall.

Xu Youcai was beaming, showing great warmth toward Xu Jianhua and Pei Tianlin's Family of three.

In front of his father-in-law, Pei Tianlin gave a little Face and responded slightly, but that was all. To think that this alone could repair the relationship between them was simply a pipe dream.

As for Xu Jianhua's brothers, Pei Tianlin did not have such a good attitude.

Of course, Xu Youcai had lived for so many years; how could he lack such insight? He could naturally see the perfunctoriness in Pei Tianlin's words.

In fact, he also understood that it was impossible for Pei Tianlin to become close to him after just one warm reception.

That was clearly impossible.

Although he personally hadn't gone out of his way to make things difficult for Pei Tianlin, it was because of his attitude...

...that Xu Jianhua's Family had suffered so much gossip and slander.

Pei Tianlin and Xu Yuwei were even more unwilling to visit.

The source of it all was him.

If he hadn't opposed it back then, perhaps things would be different now.

However, he was confident that as long as Xu Jianhua was still his flesh and blood, the connection with the Wuyang Pei Clan would remain.

In the future, women of the Xu Clan would have the chance to marry into the Wuyang Pei Clan through the connection with Xu Jianhua.

By then, the relationship between the two families would naturally grow closer. His Jinhuai Xu Clan might even be able to board the great ship that was the Wuyang Pei Clan.

If they could go a step further and a man from the Jinhuai Xu Clan could marry a woman from the direct line of the Wuyang Pei Clan, wouldn't that be even more wonderful?

Just as Xu Youcai was imagining the future, Pei Tianlin's words interrupted his fantasies, bringing an end to this ill-timed Family gathering.

"Yu Wei and I are a bit tired, so we won't disturb the uncles and Grandfather any further," Pei Tianlin said.

Xu Youcai did not insist but said to Xu Jianhua, who was in the secondary seat, "In that case, you all go down and rest first. You must be exhausted from the journey. Jianhua, take Tianlin and Yu Wei to the Shuihua Pavilion to rest."

Hearing this, a strange look flashed in Xu Jianhua's eyes. Shuihua Pavilion was one of the top-tier courtyards in the Jinhuai Xu Clan.

Usually, the Shuihua Pavilion was used to receive distinguished guests. For example, if the heads of various allied families came to visit the Jinhuai Xu Clan, they would be arranged to stay there.

By arranging for his son-in-law to stay there, Xu Youcai was undoubtedly signaling an attitude.

In the Xu Clan, Pei Tianlin's status was equivalent to that of the heads of various allied families.

However, he didn't dwell on it; with Pei Tianlin's current identity and strength, even if he weren't his son-in-law, he would be worthy of such importance from the Xu Clan.

"Yes, Father," Xu Jianhua answered forcefully.

Shortly after Xu Jianhua's couple and Pei Tianlin's Family of three left, discussions broke out again in the main hall.

"Father, this Pei Tianlin is just a petty man who has come into power. What an attitude! As his Elders, not only did he ignore us, but his attitude was also so foul." Looking at the backs of the departing group, the second brother, Xu Jianye, turned red in the Face and said with indignation.

"Second Brother is right. Pei Tianlin's Face is disgusting. Father was so polite to him, but he had a deadpan Face the whole time. I couldn't even stand his perfunctory attitude. If it weren't for the sake of Sixth Brother, I wouldn't have been able to endure it."

At that moment, the middle-aged woman on the far right also spoke up indignantly, "Indeed, Father. Looking at his attitude, it's impossible for him to get along with us. Why did you let him stay in the Shuihua Pavilion? This Wuyang Pei Clan just got lucky. With someone like Pei Tianlin, the Wuyang Pei Clan might run into trouble one day."

"Second Brother, Third Brother, and Fourth Sister are all correct. I just can't stand that Face of his. Just a pauper who got lucky, what's there to be so smug about? He even gave us the cold shoulder. He really thinks he's something special," said the man on the far left, who looked a bit younger.

After everyone had finished speaking, Xu Jianpeng finally spoke up coldly, assuming the posture of the eldest brother, "Second Brother, Third Brother, Fourth Sister, Fifth Brother, all of you say less. Father hasn't even spoken yet; why are you saying so much?"

A look of disappointment appeared in Xu Youcai's eyes, but his voice grew a bit louder, "Enough, stop arguing. In the future, if I hear these words coming from your mouths, don't blame me for disregarding our father-child bond and dealing with each of you according to Family law."

Hearing this, the group became as quiet as cicadas in winter.

Seeing that they were subdued, Xu Youcai continued, "Don't think I don't know what's going through your heads. Back then, your attitude toward Jianhua's Family was even worse than this. Yet today, you can't even handle this little bit of grievance? I'm starting to doubt if I made a mistake back then. With you lot acting like this, what can you actually achieve? The Wuyang Pei Clan is no longer the destitute household of a dozen years ago; it is a proper Grandmaster Family."

"You've all been blinded by anger. You must remember one thing: a Grandmaster Family must not be insulted. The current Wuyang Pei Clan is not something our Xu Clan can afford to offend. If these words were to get out, how do you think the Wuyang Pei Clan would view our Xu Clan? You are all my, Xu Youcai's, children, and you are all smart people. I don't believe you don't understand this logic."

At this point, Xu Youcai's sharp gaze swept across all his children present.

The authority coming from their father made everyone bow their heads.

Unknowingly, beads of cold sweat broke out on their foreheads. As one of the Great Families of the county city, how could they not understand the might of a Grandmaster Family?

To put it bluntly, the two were not on the same level.

But it was also impossible to say they were all genuinely convinced.

If the Wuyang Pei Clan had no intersection with their Xu Clan, then upon meeting a Pei Clan Elder, they would feel more admiration and awe.

After all, to go from a destitute, ordinary third-rate family to a top-tier third-rate family today was a massive transformation.

But when it involved someone close to them—someone they had once looked down upon—the feeling was completely different.

As the saying goes, those close to you are for comparison...

...while those you don't know are for looking up to.

One doesn't fear a brother's suffering, but fears a brother's sudden success.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the main hall was somewhat oppressive.

It was then that Xu Jianpeng took the lead in breaking the heavy silence, "Father, I understand. I will make sure my brothers and sisters watch their words and actions."

"Father, we are like Eldest Brother; we understand as well," the others immediately said in unison.

Seeing his children say this, Xu Youcai finally showed a satisfied smile; his authority as a father was not to be challenged.