bookbashuk Chapter 283 Going with the Flow
Chapter 283 Going with the Flow
Inside the Feng Family's Hundred Herbs Pavilion, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, yet it couldn't conceal the subtle atmosphere reminiscent of a "family strategic meeting."
After finishing his analysis, Feng Wenyuan turned to Feng Wenzheng, who had been listening attentively, and asked, "Brother, what do you think?"
Feng Wenzheng put down his cane, picked up the teacup on the table, gently blew on the floating leaves, took a sip, and then slowly said, "Wen Yuan is right. Chen Anran is no ordinary person; ordinary marriage alliances will be useless against him and will only annoy him. He and Xiao Lu are fellow disciples, so it's only natural that feelings will develop over time. What we need to do is not to force a marriage, but rather... go with the flow and use a little ingenuity to make this 'channel' flow smoother."
His gaze swept over his two nephews, his tone steady: "Changyuan, Alie, your presence here is key to 'going with the flow.' There's no need to deliberately bring them together; just continue their interactions as usual, speak well of Xiaolu to Chen Anran, and create more opportunities for them to spend time together naturally. Sect affairs, cultivation difficulties, and even interesting anecdotes from down the mountain can all become topics of conversation. Let Xiaolu's 'presence' in his life gradually increase."
Feng Changyuan understood immediately: "Yes, Uncle. I understand."
Feng Lie nodded vigorously: "It's just about getting Chen Anran used to having Xiao Lu around! We're good at that!"
Feng Wenyuan smiled with satisfaction and added, "Besides, our personal visit is also a matter of 'prestige'."
He looked at his elder brother, Feng Wenzheng, who nodded slightly and continued, "That's right. Your third uncle and I will formally visit the Yunyin Sect, pay our respects to Sect Leader Su, and speak with Fellow Daoist Chen Anran. Firstly, to fulfill our previous promise to come and see the 'Yunyin Immortal Footprints' with our own eyes; secondly, to demonstrate the Feng family's regard for and goodwill towards the Yunyin Sect. The family's attitude itself is a kind of intangible 'power,' allowing Chen Anran to more clearly understand that behind Xiaolu is not only personal affection, but also a family force that can be relied upon and used for mutual development. This understanding carries considerable weight for someone like him who prioritizes the sect."
Feng Wenyuan clapped his hands and laughed, "That's exactly what we mean! The more seriously we visit and exchange ideas about cooperation, the more Chen Anran will realize that accepting Xiaolu is not just about accepting a junior sister, but also about establishing a positive interaction and resource complementarity between the Yunyin Sect and the Feng family. If he truly has foresight, he will weigh the deeper meaning behind it."
The two brothers exchanged a glance, their minds already made up. This trip to the Cloud Hidden Sect was not only to fulfill the proper etiquette and enjoy the scenery, but also to pave some solid stepping stones for their niece's path to marriage.
"Uncle, Father, shall we go up the mountain now?" Feng Changyuan asked.
Feng Wenzheng waved his hand: "No rush. For a formal first visit, it is proper to present a visiting card first. You two should go up the mountain immediately and inform Headmaster Su and Fellow Daoist Chen that your third uncle and I have arrived at the foot of the mountain and will come up to pay our respects after a short rest."
"Yes!" Feng Changyuan and Feng Lie responded in unison, turned around and quickly left Baicao Pavilion, heading straight for the stone steps leading up the mountain.
…………
Yunyin Sect, front courtyard.
Just as Chen Anran finished instructing Zhao Mengmeng on the key points of a basic formation, Feng Changyuan and Feng Lie arrived together, their expressions respectful yet tinged with joy.
"Fellow Daoist Chen," Feng Changyuan said, cupping his hands in greeting, "My father and third uncle have arrived at the Hundred Herbs Pavilion at the foot of the mountain. They specifically instructed the two of us to inform them in advance, and they will formally come up the mountain to pay their respects later."
Chen Anran was slightly surprised upon hearing this, but quickly regained his composure. The Feng brothers had stayed on the mountain for a long time, so it was only natural for their elders to come and visit, but he hadn't expected them to arrive so quickly and in such a formal manner.
He remembered that it hadn't been more than a few days since he returned from Longhu Mountain.
"Senior Feng's presence is an honor to our Yunyin Sect," Chen Anran returned the greeting. "I will immediately inform our senior sister and prepare to welcome you."
He told Zhao Mengmeng to practice on her own, then turned to find Su Wan.
Su Wan was reviewing the month's expenses in the back hall when she heard that the head of the Feng family had come in person. She was quite surprised and took it very seriously. She put down the account book and said gently, "The head of the Feng family has come in person, so we must not be negligent. Anran, you come with me to the mountain gate to greet him. Qingyi and Xiaolu, please also come."
Soon, the core members of the Yunyin Sect gathered in the front courtyard.
Wei Qingyi remained dressed in green, her expression aloof. Feng Xiaolu, however, seemed somewhat uneasy, her fingers unconsciously fidgeting with the hem of her dress, her eyes darting around.
She hadn't fully recovered from the blunt words her two cousins had said at the bar that night, and now, hearing that her eldest uncle and third uncle had arrived in person, she felt even more uneasy.
Su Wan gently comforted her, "Little Deer, don't be nervous. Patriarch Feng and Third Master Feng are your elders and distinguished guests of the sect, so it's natural for you to meet them."
Feng Xiaolu gave a soft "hmm" and secretly glanced at Chen Anran. Chen Anran seemed to sense something and returned her a gentle look, indicating that she should not worry.
Before long, steady footsteps echoed down the stone steps. Feng Wenzheng held an ebony cane, with Feng Wenyuan following closely behind. The two brothers walked leisurely as they ascended the steps.
Su Wan was the first to greet them, giving a graceful bow: "Patriarch Feng, Fellow Daoist Feng, you have come from afar. The Yunyin Sect has failed to welcome you properly, and we hope you will forgive us."
Chen Anran, Wei Qingyi, and others also paid their respects.
Feng Wenzheng's expression was solemn. He raised his hand in a gesture of support, saying, "Sect Leader Su, you are too kind. I hope you will not take offense at my unannounced visit." His gaze swept over everyone, lingering briefly on Chen Anran. He nodded and said, "Young friend Chen, how have you been?"
Chen Anran bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Feng. I am doing well."
Feng Wenyuan smiled warmly and looked at Feng Xiaolu first, his eyes full of affection: "Xiaolu, are you getting used to life on the mountain? You look much better than when you were on Longhu Mountain."
Feng Xiaolu bowed respectfully: "Reporting to Uncle, everything is fine on the mountain."
"That's good, that's good." Feng Wenyuan nodded with a smile, then turned to Su Wan, "Sect Leader Su, my niece is a bit impulsive. If she does anything inappropriate, please forgive her."
Su Wan said softly, "Fellow Daoist Feng is too kind. Little Lu is clever and quick-witted, a blessing to our sect."
After exchanging pleasantries, Su Wan led everyone to the main hall to serve tea. Spiritual tea and snacks had already been prepared in the hall; though not luxurious, they were fresh and elegant, exuding the natural charm of the mountains and fields.
After the guests and hosts took their seats, Feng Wenzheng took a sip of tea and slowly began to speak: "Back in Longhu Mountain, I heard Xiaolu mention that the Yunyin Sect had taken on a new look, and the resort at the foot of the mountain was particularly unique. Seeing it with my own eyes today, I know that what she said was true. The mountain gate is quiet and full of spiritual energy, and the disciples are well-mannered. Sect Leader Su and Young Friend Chen have managed it very well."
Su Wanqian said, "Patriarch Feng, you flatter me. The Yunyin Sect was newly established and its facilities were quite simple; we were just trying our best to maintain it. It is the Feng family that has a profound foundation and is a role model for us."
Feng Wenyuan picked up the conversation, his smile deepening: "Sect Leader Su is too modest. As the saying goes, 'A mountain is not famous for its height, but for the immortals who dwell there.' Although the Yunyin Sect has not been established for long, it has quite the air of an immortal. Especially this 'Yunyin Immortal Retreat Resort,' its design is ingenious, blending cultivation and secular life into one. Even we old folks find it novel and interesting, and we can learn a lot from it."
He changed the subject, his gaze naturally falling on Chen Anran: "I've heard that many of the ingenious ideas in this resort came from young friend Chen? Truly, the younger generation is formidable."
Chen Anran hurriedly replied, "Senior, you flatter me. It was merely a matter of pooling the wisdom of many and adapting to local conditions. Fellow Daoist Jiang Yun, Fatty Li from the foot of the mountain, and others contributed a great deal of effort; it was not the work of this junior alone."