Chapter 729 - 726: One of Us? (Part 3)
Bai Feichen took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "Second Brother has grand ambitions, I can’t compare. I’m used to a carefree life, the Jianghu is more to my liking!"
Hua Yuanming continued to persuade earnestly, "Old Fifth, I used to think the same way, but look at how well I’ve done now? There’s no need to worry, didn’t we form our brotherhood in Haotian Village to make a name for ourselves in the Jianghu? We’ve achieved that now. Entering officialdom is just another way to make our mark in the political arena. We brothers together, with one heart, can achieve anything! Besides, we have Young Master Xuan to look out for us!"
Gu Hongxin felt that Hua Yuanming’s words were too direct, but when he glanced around and saw everyone just smiling, with no sign of displeasure, he felt relieved.
Yet he thought, Second Brother has always been forthright. Besides, we’re all brothers here, so there’s no need to hide anything. Now is the time to speak clearly, show everyone how well we’re doing, with a bright future ahead. That way, there’s no worry of unforeseen difficulties, so that they will follow the same path! In this sense, although Second Brother seems blunt, he’s actually quite strategic!
Huangfu Yuxuan humbly replied, "Uncle Hua, don’t give me all the credit. I merely made an introduction; it doesn’t count as guidance. It’s the true skill of Second and Third Uncles that convinced them and earned their superiors’ appreciation!"
One side was praising, the other humble, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
However, Huangfu Yuxuan noticed that Xia Wanqing had not spoken at all, and also, Xia Sichen had taken Huangfu Jingchen away without bringing him into the hall. With such an assembly in the hall, were they discussing something major?
Discussing major issues without avoiding him?
This seemed like a good sign! It meant they weren’t treating him as an outsider. But since Huangfu Jingchen was an outsider, Xia Sichen took him away.
He discreetly cast a glance at Xia Wanqing and noticed that Xia Wanqing wasn’t even smiling.
Something was off; the entire atmosphere in the hall felt slightly wrong.
Huangfu Yuxuan’s gaze swept over Hua Yuanming and Gu Hongxin. Both who had been singing praises just moments ago had now stopped.
Gu Hongxin said, "Brother, is there something you want to say?"
Xia Wanqing set down the teacup in his hand, gazed around the hall, and said calmly, "Indeed! The purpose of today’s banquet is to discuss this matter. In three days, we will return to Haotian Village!"
"What?"
"Go back?"
Hua Yuanming and Gu Hongxin exclaimed in unison, the news came as a sudden shock to them.
Now that Old Four and Old Fifth have come to the Capital City, even if they’re not entering officialdom, isn’t staying in this prosperous place better? Why return to Jinzhou, return to Haotian Village?
Xia Wanqing spoke lightly, "Yes, if you think about it, it’s been a while since we left Haotian. Old Four, Old Fifth, Guardian Li, and Master Hu came later, but still, the Capital City is not Haotian Village. However long we stay as guests, we must eventually return home!"
Hua Yuanming became anxious, "Big Brother, if you and the rest leave...leave, what will Third Brother and I do?"
In a hurry, Gu Hongxin glanced at Huangfu Yuxuan and said, "Yes, Big Brother, we are doing quite well in the Capital City, why leave so suddenly? We might not necessarily have to go back to the village. Second Brother is right, we’ve made a name for ourselves in the Jianghu, established a foothold. So why not continue in another place, together as brothers, united we are unbreakable!"
Gu Hongxin knew very well, although Huangfu Yuxuan treated him and Hua Yuanming quite favorably and kindly, it was because they were the Second and Third Village Chiefs of Haotian Village. Huangfu Yuxuan hoped that with them leading, they could bring the entire Haotian Village to develop in the Capital City.
Huangfu Yuxuan had great ambitions, needed manpower, if the people of Haotian Village stayed, their potential for success would eventually be realized.
But if only the two of them stayed, would Huangfu Yuxuan still value them the same way?
Xia Wanqing, with a look of longing, said slowly, "Second Brother, Third Brother, things haven’t been exactly smooth for us in the Capital City. Have you forgotten about that time we were imprisoned? Forgotten how Wenjin was kidnapped? Our roots are in Jinzhou, in Haotian Village. That’s why we thrived and prospered in Jinzhou. But in the Capital City, we’re unfamiliar with the terrain. We were powerless when imprisoned, reliant on Young Master Xuan to rescue Wenjin. So tell me, what can we accomplish by staying? Staying here would only burden Young Master Xuan."
Hua Yuanming became anxious, "Big Brother, weren’t those matters resolved? Wouldn’t leaving the Capital City just because of these incidents make it seem like you’re scared of them?"
"Second Brother’s right, I am indeed scared!"