mesbooks Chapter 1681 - 1680: Unexpected Reward
Chapter 1681 - 1680: Unexpected Reward
Old Master Yan was younger than Tang Rao had imagined. He wore a brown robe embroidered with gold thread, boots similarly adorned, and his hair was half white. Perhaps because it was such a joyous occasion—his birthday—his smile never faded."Who is the old man next to him, who looks quite like Old Master Yan? His brother?"
Shu Yi stood right beside Tang Rao, naturally becoming Tang Rao's translator.
"This man is none other than Old Master Yan's son, Young Master Yan."
The only difference between Old Master Yan and Young Master Yan was one word, marking the generational gap.
"I see, but since they're father and son, they actually look like brothers. Young Master Yan looks rather old for his age, doesn't he?"
Tang Rao ensured that he didn't mean to utter these hurtful words, but in the Divine Realm, calling someone old was tantamount to disrespecting them, an insult to a cultivator.
Even the cleverest people would keep to themselves why Young Master Yan looked older than Old Master Yan, perhaps murmuring in their hearts. But fearless Tang Rao spoke the truth directly.
Thankfully, everyone's attention was on Old Master Yan, and they didn't take Tang Rao's rebellious statements to heart.
"Why do you speak without restraint? Didn't you hear a word I said?"
Shu Yi was livid, yet every time he spoke, Tang Rao acted as if he hadn't heard, which only infuriated Shu Yi.
"I was just talking casually; don't take it so seriously. Can't an honest person say what's on their mind sometimes?"
Everyone quietly listened as Old Master Yan delivered his address on stage, making Tang Rao's dissatisfied voice stand out amidst the crowd.
"Who wants to speak the truth?"
Old Master Yan, sharp-eyed and keen-eared, didn't miss Tang Rao's previous comments.
Speaking the truth at his birthday banquet—could this 'truth' be related to him?
Tang Rao and Shu Yi were startled; they hadn't expected to become the focus so soon.
"Young man, is it you who wants to speak the truth, or is it your companion?"
Old Master Yan was suspicious, stepping down from the stage while those gathered to honor him followed, casting their gaze upon Tang Rao and Shu Yi.
"You must be Old Master Yan? I'm a servant of the Shu Family, experiencing my first outing with Young Master to broaden my horizons. Young Master mentioned your youth and strength, yet I felt his praise was incomplete, adding a few points myself. Unexpectedly, Young Master forbade me, fearing I'd breach your taboos. But I sincerely wished to speak my mind to you, so there was a bit of estrangement between us. This is your birthday, Old Master Yan, so please don't hold it against us."
Tang Rao carefully chose flattering words, seemingly disrespectful at first but actually praising Old Master Yan in disguise, delighting the old master who bore no intention of blaming Tang Rao and Shu Yi.
"This young fellow is highly exaggerating. Though I'm of older age, I'm not as remarkable as you claim, but your compliments make me happy indeed, incapable of faulting you."
Old Master Yan stroked his beard, smiling warmly at Tang Rao and Shu Yi once more.
"Since you two youngsters bring me joy, leaving me content and refreshed, reward, big reward!"
Shu Yi was thoroughly impressed.
Tang Rao could turn black into white. Despite the blunt truth once angering Old Master Yan, Tang Rao's few words turned the tables, delighting him, earning an award from Old Master Yan.
The banquet boasted numerous guests, hundreds, their eyes fixed on the pair, envious of Tang Rao and Shu Yi for winning Old Master Yan's rare award, truly difficult to come by!
"Old Master, you really intend to reward us?"
Anyone else hearing this from him would immediately express thanks, possibly moved to tears.
Tang Rao was different, displaying the composure of a clueless fool.
Most strikingly, he dared to bluntly ask Old Master Yan in front of so many if the reward was indeed genuine.
Not just others, even Old Master Yan was almost tickled into laughter by Tang Rao.
"Of course it's true! If you don't believe me, I'll fulfill my promise right away and hand you the reward. How does the young one feel about that?"
A small episode took place at the banquet, already quite curious. Yet, it spurred another, with Old Master Yan thoroughly enjoying himself, astonishing others.
"I truly mean it. But Old Master's reward is merely wealth or rare items, which, naturally, would thrill us servants. Nevertheless, I dare ask if I could choose my reward?"
Huh?
Shu Yi considered stopping Tang Rao's mouth personally.
He was being overly opportunistic, cooking up any scheme to stand out.
"Certainly, I'd be curious to know what reward you have in mind."
The banquet's time had already commenced, yet Old Master Yan neither spoke grandly of past and present nor expounded on his grand aspirations, instead patiently dialoguing with Tang Rao, devoting all his attention to him.
"At the banquet, I wish to dine at the same table with Old Master, a simple request certainly agreeable, wouldn't it?"
Tang Rao sought no gold or treasure, nothing material—just the opportunity to sit at the main table, something Old Master Yan might generously permit.
"This request isn't impossible to grant, but can I ask you why you desire it? Why did you propose it?"
Old Master Yan was excessively suspicious; even with a favorable first impression of Tang Rao, he couldn't wholly trust him.
Tang Rao had pondered this question beforehand, predicting Old Master Yan would inquire about the reason, hence he already prepared an explanation.
"Old Master, whether you believe it or not, there's danger during the banquet. You may be in peril. Though I know you've reached a late celestial stage and possess self-defense capability, trust me, if I don't sit with you, your life will be at risk."