Chapter 1288: The Family Banquet
Before attending the banquet, Qi Xuansu had to change into the new clothes Zhang Yuelu had bought for him.
Qi Xuansu spread his arms and turned his back to her while Zhang Yuelu adjusted the trailing hem for him.
Zhang Yuelu could always shift effortlessly between the serious Deputy and the gentle wife, just as Qi Xuansu could move between resolute authority and humble deference.
Taking advantage of this brief lull, the two continued exchanging information with one another.
“Has Sage Cihang decided to join forces with Sage Donghua?” Qi Xuansu asked somewhat abruptly.
“It’s hard to say,” Zhang Yuelu replied. “In matters like this, both sides may understand each other tacitly, but they certainly won’t sign any Heart Demon Contract.’”
“That’s true,” Qi Xuansu nodded. “In that case, this banquet carries significant meaning. By the way, Sage Donghua has remained unmarried his entire life, and Sage Cihang has likewise never married. If the two became Daoist companions, wouldn’t that settle everything?”
Zhang Yuelu laughed. “You really dare to imagine things. If that actually happened, should I call him father-in-law or master-father? Should you call Sage Cihang mother-in-law or master-mother?”
“I haven’t even taken Sage Donghua as my master yet, so how could Sage Cihang be my master-mother?” Qi Xuansu said. “I’m just thinking aloud. If Sage Donghua became Grand Master, Sage Cihang could be the Grand Master’s consort. The Heavenly Preceptor’s position would remain with the Zhang family, which would appease the main branch. The Earthly Preceptor’s position would still belong to the Yao family, keeping them satisfied. Likewise, the Imperial Preceptor’s position would remain with the Li family, preventing them from lashing out.”
“You’re thinking quite far ahead. Turn around,” Zhang Yuelu said, her hands still working. “From a compromise standpoint, that would indeed be the best outcome. But it’s very difficult to achieve. After all, that’s the Grand Master’s seat. Who would truly accept defeat so easily?”
After some effort, the outfit was finally neat.
Qi Xuansu examined himself in the standing mirror. “Where did you get these clothes? They’re so complicated that I actually need someone else to help me put them on.”