Liu Family, no matter how declined it had become,

Liu Yingqi was still the head of the Liu Family, the present Marquis of Xuanhuai. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

His personal arrival at the tavern to welcome Yan Fu had surpassed the realm of extreme courtesy—it was off the charts!

Yan Fu showed no arrogance on account of the Yan family’s power. On the contrary, as soon as he caught sight of Liu Yingqi from a distance, he hurriedly stood up and walked briskly forward to greet him.

"Liu Uncle, you’re really flattering the younger generation!"

As a peer of Yan Fu, Jiang Wang also stood up and refused to remain seated.

Liu Yingqi let out a hearty laugh and reached out his hand from afar, striding over and firmly grasping Yan Fu’s hand, "My virtuous nephew, how do you find the time to come here today?"

As if he completely forgot the embarrassment from the last time Yan Fu himself had come to call off an engagement.

While warmly holding Yan Fu’s hand, Liu Yingqi turned his head to look at Jiang Wang, "And who might this be?"

Yan Fu smoothly extricated his hand and introduced him, "This is my good friend, Jiang Wang."

In the Qi Country of today, no other introduction was necessary—the name Jiang Wang was enough.

Even Jiang Wang wouldn’t be arrogant and took the initiative to greet him respectfully, "I’ve seen Marquis Xuanhuai before."

"So, it’s Jiang Qingyang! Truly, fame does not do one justice—meeting in person far exceeds the reputation!" Liu Yingqi’s expression was a mix of shock and joy, "Such a radiant and outstanding presence!"

Jiang Wang and Yan Fu exchanged a subtle glance.

It seemed that after Yan Fu personally called off the engagement, the days for Liu Yingqi’s branch became even tougher...

Just looking at Liu Yingqi’s departure, with the way cleared in advance, the area being swept clean, and guards patrolling the streets, the scene was frighteningly grand.

But what kind of person needs such external grandiosity to present themselves?

Take Zhongxuan Chuliang, for instance, even if he were alone, wherever he sat down, who would dare not to take him seriously?

Moreover, Liu Yingqi was causing such a spectacle just to welcome someone like Yan Fu, a junior.

No matter how powerful the Yan family is,

Yan Fu is but a junior.

Such a welcome by Liu Yingqi would not make Yan Fu feel respected but would only make him feel pressured—weighty moral pressure. Look at what you’ve done to us. I, the lofty Marquis of Xuanhuai, now have to ingratiate myself like this.

Jiang Wang couldn’t help but wonder if this was Liu Yingqi’s intention.

"That’s just a modest reputation, not worth mentioning." Jiang Wang was not adept at handling such situations, but he thought that Yan Fu might find it even harder, so he still took the initiative to say, "Uncle, you are too ceremonious. Yan Fu and I have come here in casual attire, merely for a private visit, for nothing of great importance."

"Yes," added Yan Fu. "Had I known Uncle Liu would come personally to receive us, I wouldn’t have dared send a visiting card."

Jiang Wang and Yan Fu had made their point quite clear.

But Liu Yingqi seemed not to understand at all, smiling very affectionately, "Are you here to look for Xiu Zhang?"

Even his tone was rather ambiguous.

At that moment, Jiang Wang’s impression of this man plummeted.

The Qi Country was filled with talented individuals, and among the high-level personages Jiang Wang had encountered, if not all had outstanding charisma, the majority were indeed exceptional figures.

None was like Liu Yingqi, resembling a plastersome dog skin, once stuck, it couldn’t be shaken off.

And he was a Marquis!

Jiang Wang was finally able to understand why, with Yan Fu’s style of handling matters gently and effectively, he still felt compelled to personally call off the marriage, creating an unsightly scene. Given Liu Yingqi’s behavior, how could the marriage possibly be annulled without Yan Fu’s direct intervention?

What particularly disgusted Jiang Wang was this.

Since the engagement between Liu Xiuzhang and Yan Fu had been dissolved, the two were essentially unrelated.

Yet, in order to fabricate an illusion of cordial relations with the Yan family, Liu Yingqi deliberately spoke with ambiguous undertones. Where did this leave his daughter’s reputation?

Jiang Wang could see it clearly, and of course, so could Yan Fu.

Being habitually gentle and polite, Yan Fu’s face also took on a bad complexion, but he forced himself to maintain basic decorum and said, "Uncle Liu, if you’re busy, you can attend to your matters first. I’ll just have a few words with Miss Liu and then leave."

"It’s fine, it’s fine, Uncle isn’t busy!" Liu Yingqi continued to smile, seemingly oblivious to the young people’s reluctance, "Come, Uncle will lead you back to my residence!"

At this point in the conversation, unless he was willing to create an open confrontation, Yan Fu had no choice but to follow alongside Liu Yingqi into the Liu Family’s carriage.

In the carriage, Liu Yingqi was excessively enthusiastic, personally pouring wine for Yan Fu and Jiang Wang, "This must be your first visit to Fufeng Commandery, right, Jiang Wang? You absolutely must try our local delicacies and see the scenic beauty of Fufeng Commandery."

Jiang Wang could only politely respond, "I am on a tight schedule this time, but definitely next time."

"Oh? What important matters is my wise nephew tending to?" Liu Yingqi seemed completely unaware of his intrusiveness and pressed for details.

"Just some matters concerning cultivation, nothing much to speak of," Jiang Wang answered dismissively.

"Oh, cultivation is good. Young man, you should have great ambitions and not linger in complacency. Born in distress, die in comfort," Liu Yingqi adopted a mentor-like attitude and began giving advice.

It was difficult for Yan Fu, who still managed to retain his composure, occasionally agreeing with a few words, "Uncle Liu’s words are profound; I will remember them well and reflect upon them when I get back."

"Such a teachable lad. I’ve always said, you, Yan Fu, are first-class. Right, Jiang Wang, you are too. Both of your futures are boundless. It’s just that Uncle here is getting on in years..."

It was a vexing ride if ever there was one!

Finally, when the carriage stopped, Jiang Wang couldn’t wait to get out and catch his breath.

This was a secluded courtyard, not part of the main Liu Family estate.

Several weeping willows adorned the entrance.

Not far off was a pond, creating a serene environment.

Rows of Guards had followed the carriage all the way and now stood solemnly on both sides.

Liu Yingqi stood at the gate of the courtyard, turning to Yan Fu, "Dear nephew, Xiu Zhang is residing in the inner rooms. If you’ve got something to say, go right in and talk to her. My daughter is stubborn and ignorant, and if she fails to observe proper etiquette, please be forbearing."

He then turned to Jiang Wang quite naturally, "Come, let’s have nephew Jiang appreciate Fufeng’s scenic beauty, and let’s not disturb their conversation..."

He certainly went to great lengths to create an opportunity for Liu Xiuzhang and Yan Fu, playing the part of the considerate elder.

"Uncle Liu," said Yan Fu, who had been respectfully observant of etiquette all the way, interrupting, "My visit to Miss Liu is to discuss formal matters; there’s nothing secretive about it, and no private conversation is needed. I have brought Jiang Wang as a witness, so I am afraid it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to leave with you."

Jiang Wang blatantly ignored Liu Yingqi’s invite, stepping to the side of Yan Fu to make his stance clear through action.

Liu Yingqi watched Yan Fu quietly for a while, sensing the determination in his stance.

How dare this young man be so audacious?

He was nearly at the point of anger.

But this type of embarrassment...hadn’t he endured enough over the years?

With what grounds did the current state of the Liu Family have to truly "teach" Yan Fu a lesson?

With a forced smile, Liu Yingqi relented, "Someone, go inform the young miss that a distinguished guest has arrived."

He continued to speak in an excessively amiable tone, "Prime Minister Yan is my esteemed uncle, who even held me as a child. Although not related by blood, he’s better than a real uncle! His direct grandson has come here, and with the years of friendship between our families, she must not treat him poorly."