Chapter 793 - 762: Becoming More Slick
Xu Chunliang reached out to touch Mo Han’s forehead, which was smooth and jade-like.
Mo Han didn’t expect him to suddenly stretch out a "salty pig’s hand." Even though they were close, was it okay to touch her without asking? Although Xu Chunliang didn’t touch any sensitive areas, Mo Han was already bewildered.
Xu Chunliang said, "You don’t have a fever, so why are you talking nonsense?"
Mo Han spat back, "You’re the one with a fever. What I’m saying is not nonsense; it’s all things that actually happened."
Xu Chunliang said, "So what if it did happen? I am not interested in what the Zhou Family does. My grandfather was an honest doctor and knew nothing about these past events. He believes that the Huichun Hall sign was a gift from Yong Zheng. Now that he’s retired and the sign is put away, I have no intention of inheriting Huichun Hall. That name will probably disappear soon. What’s the point of rummaging through all this old stuff?"
Mo Han said, "Don’t you want to know the truth? The Zhou Family is very likely hiding the secret of ’The Huangdi Neijing.’
Xu Chunliang said, "You’re either deluded or doing this on purpose. Since you understand the saying ’a man without guilt is in trouble because he holds a treasure,’ you shouldn’t bring trouble to the Old Xu Family. If others also believe that Zhou Feng’e found treasures back then, and these treasures were passed on to the Old Xu Family, then the safety of the Xu Family might not be secured. Miss Mo, I don’t think I’ve offended you, so why are you causing us trouble?"
Xu Chunliang’s concern was not unfounded. He certainly wasn’t afraid of others plotting against him, but what about his grandfather and other family members?
Mo Han said, "You don’t need to be afraid. I won’t harm you. The reason I’m telling you this is to remind you to be more vigilant."
Xu Chunliang said, "There is nothing like ’The Huangdi Neijing’ inside or outside of Huichun Hall and Renhe Hall. Mo Han, if you want dragon bones, you should ask Bai Mushan. Many years ago, my grandfather, through him, donated more than a thousand dragon bones to the Dongzhou Museum. Not long after, the museum caught fire and was robbed. I’ll make it clear that Bai Mushan is definitely suspicious."
Mo Han said, "Professor Bai has high moral standing. He definitely wouldn’t do such a thing."
Xu Chunliang laughed, "You’re in cahoots with him, so naturally, you’re defending him."
Mo Han looked at Xu Chunliang, knowing in her heart that Xu Chunliang had suspected them long ago.
Xu Chunliang said, "Dragon bones might be treasures to you, but to me, they’re just fragments. Think about it; haven’t I helped you find quite a few dragon bones recently?"
Mo Han whispered, "I never said anything against you."
Xu Chunliang said, "I’ll say it again, whatever methods you use to find dragon bones are your business, but I hope you don’t let this matter affect my family. If it causes my family any distress, we won’t even remain friends."
Mo Han, hearing his firm tone, softened first: "Why so angry? I’m just sharing information with you."
"Thanks, but I’m not interested. Also, don’t involve Master Huang San anymore. He won’t say much due to saving face, but his collection was obtained through legitimate means, unlike you all..."
"What’s wrong with us? Where have we been illegitimate?"
Xu Chunliang couldn’t be bothered to argue with her, waved his hand, and said, "I have other things to do. I’m leaving first."
Mo Han said, "I haven’t finished speaking yet."
"I don’t want to hear it."
Mo Han said, "Don’t you want to hear about Mei Ru Xue?"
Xu Chunliang pointed fiercely at Mo Han’s nose and said, "I warn you, don’t involve her!"
Mo Han, unafraid, stared back at him: "Afraid? I thought Town Mayor Xu feared nothing; turns out you have a weakness."
Xu Chunliang said, "I have many weaknesses, so go ahead and try catching one."
Mo Han sighed quietly, "It seems you’ve developed real feelings for Mei Ru Xue. Unfortunately, the Qiao Family still doesn’t fancy you."
Xu Chunliang said, "What does it matter to you whether the Qiao Family fancies me or not?"
Mo Han said, "Just because Elder Qiao treats you well, don’t assume he’s accepted you wholeheartedly. People like them aren’t swayed by emotions. Political interests always come first for them. With Qiao Rulong in trouble, Mei Ru Xue’s significance to the Qiao Family has increased. The Qiao Family will definitely reconsider your relationship."
Xu Chunliang said, "Qiao Rulong will be fine!"
Mo Han smiled gently, "Even if he fully recovers, his affair with a woman will ruin his career. Do you think he can continue in the system?"
Xu Chunliang said, "Why do I feel like you hate the Qiao Family?"
Mo Han was unabashed, "It’s not hatred, but if the Qiao Family suffers misfortune, I would be very pleased."
Xu Chunliang said, "You should stop doing spiteful things that don’t benefit you."
Mo Han said, "At first, Elder Qiao wanted to unite the Ye Family and the Wang Family through marriage, but alas, man’s plans cannot compare to heaven’s will. The marriage between Qiao Rulong and Ye Qingya had long become an empty shell. The relationship between Wang Jiancheng and Mei Ru Xue turned into nothing due to your interference. Now the Qiao Family no longer has a future."
Xu Chunliang said, "Flowers do not stay red for a hundred days; Elder Qiao will eventually have to accept the mediocrity of his descendants."
Mo Han said, "His scheming is not something you can fully understand."
Xu Chunliang got a bit irritated by her words and stood up to leave. In fact, he understood very well that although Elder Qiao’s attitude towards him had improved significantly, looking kind and warm on the surface, he always kept a certain distance from him.
In Elder Qiao’s eyes, he was never a suitable match for Mei Ru Xue. Mo Han wasn’t wrong in saying that someone like Elder Qiao wouldn’t be swayed by emotions; political interests always take precedence.
Ye Qingya has decided to break up with Qiao Rulong, which means that the Ye Family and the Qiao Family have separated. Qiao Rulong’s political career ended just as it began, and there is no one left in the Qiao Family to carry on the family banner. Could it be that Elder Qiao has really placed his hopes on Mei Ru Xue?
Before leaving, Xu Chunliang went to say goodbye to Huang Wanglin, who walked him to the front door and said in a conflicted tone, "Chunliang, starting next week Linzheng Hall will be closed for three months for internal renovations. I may not be able to help with Miss Mo’s issues."
Xu Chunliang immediately realized that Huang Wanglin had been forced into this solution. The matter with the dragon bones had caused him not a few troubles, and Huang Wanglin didn’t want Linzheng Hall’s years of reputation to be destroyed.
Xu Chunliang said, "Third Master, I’m the one who caused you trouble this time."
Huang Wanglin shook his head and said, "It’s not trouble. Linzheng Hall needed a reinstallation long ago. This time I’ve got the chance, and I also plan to visit Weishan Island to see the remnants of your distillery."
Xu Chunliang said, "You are welcome to come anytime to guide our work."
Huang Wanglin laughed and said, "Not so much guiding. I’ve heard from Pu Jian that there are many historical sites there, including the Underwater City, and I want to see it with my own eyes."
Xu Chunliang said, "I’m confident you won’t be disappointed."
After Xu Chunliang returned, he reviewed the lesson plans prepared by Ye Qingya and remembered what he had handed over to Fu Xuedong. He made a phone call, and Fu Xuedong told him that he had already notified Sister Ji Jiajia, who, upon hearing that he was going to Shuren to substitute teach, immediately expressed her desire to go to school. However, Fu Xuedong reminded Xu Chunliang that he found Sister Ji a bit overly excited.
Xu Chunliang had some understanding of Ji Jiajia; she might be up to no good, so he shouldn’t expect her to teach honestly.
Just after hanging up with Fu Xuedong, Mei Ru Xue called. She had already left Dongzhou and returned to Gutian to continue her training. Qiao Rulong’s condition was good, but Sister-in-law Ye Qingya had left without saying goodbye. Mei Ru Xue found out she had returned to the Capital City only after contacting her.
Although the relationship between Mei Ru Xue and Ye Qingya as sisters-in-law had always been good, this time Ye Qingya’s unannounced departure made her have some thoughts, after all, considering that her older brother had just gotten out of danger, Ye Qingya should have said something even if she wanted to return to the Capital City.
Mei Ru Xue was also worried about Qiao Rulong’s marriage.
Xu Chunliang advised Mei Ru Xue not to overthink it. Marriage is a matter between two people, and it’s not appropriate for outsiders to intervene. He didn’t mention his meeting with Ye Qingya in the Capital City. Regarding the marriage between Qiao Rulong and Ye Qingya, Xu Chunliang expressed his own opinion, believing there was a high probability of divorce and suggested that Mei Ru Xue prepare psychologically in advance.
Mei Ru Xue made the phone call from the train. Hearing Xu Chunliang’s opinion, she sighed and said, "Chunliang, I’m so worried about Grandpa. This issue will definitely hit him hard."
Xu Chunliang said, "Don’t worry, his revolutionary will is as strong as iron. Even if the rest of us fall apart, he won’t."
Mei Ru Xue said, "Don’t say that. After all, he’s getting old, and he had high hopes for my brother’s family, which have basically come to nothing. If my brother and sister-in-law get divorced, the relationship between our two families will be over."
Xu Chunliang deliberately said, "Why don’t we get engaged to bring some joy?"
Mei Ru Xue fell silent for a while and then said, "Chunliang, whatever you do, don’t mention this in front of Grandpa. Let’s take our time with our issue. I don’t want to add more to his thoughts."
Xu Chunliang secretly sighed to himself, admitting that Mo Han was right: Elder Qiao still hadn’t truly accepted him.
Aware that he might be upset, Mei Ru Xue gently said, "Anyway, in this life, I’ve chosen you. No one can separate us."
Xu Chunliang said, "Anyone who dares to have designs on you, I’ll break their legs."
Mei Ru Xue scolded him playfully, "Don’t always talk about violence. Be more tactful. You need to reflect on the recent events. Why did everyone celebrate when you took leave to go to the Capital? You can’t just think about your own feelings when doing things; you must also consider those around you."
Xu Chunliang said, "You’re absolutely right."
Mei Ru Xue laughed and said, "You say that, but that’s not what you’re thinking. But indeed, the Dongzhou Barbecue City matter is quite unreliable."
Xu Chunliang said, "Did you report it to the higher-ups?"
"No, they want to use this matter to gain political achievements. Why ruin it for them?"
Xu Chunliang said, "You’ve become more tactful—so tactful that I really want to feel it personally!"
Today I went to Qufu, and just got home to write this update and send it to you all.