No one paid much attention to what Gu Yanxiao had said earlier, as everyone was preoccupied with the upcoming conversation.
However, when Shen Feng looked at Gu Yanxiao, she revealed a knowing smile. Others didn't notice, but Shen Feng immediately realized, thinking, "This guy must have said that deliberately, otherwise he wouldn't have said it like that!"
Shen Feng now understood that it would be best not to express any opinions casually in the subsequent conversation, otherwise, Gu Yanxiao would surely say something unpleasant. If things really escalated to that point, it would truly lead to domestic discord!
The banquet then commenced. Shen Feng led Ke Yiming and his wife into the grand hall, where many young men and women were present. These young men were mostly Shen Feng's disciples. Anyone who became Shen Feng's disciple was destined to become an esper, so countless people were clamoring to become his disciple. However, Shen Feng only accepted four disciples each year, two boys and two girls, with limited slots. Becoming Shen Feng's disciple was more difficult than getting admitted into the City Lord's Mansion.
Shen Feng had his own reasons for taking so many disciples; he needed to cultivate his core strength. Adults had long been hardened by life, their minds more complex than a honeycomb, making them very difficult to cultivate.
Therefore, Shen Feng ultimately chose to nurture them from childhood. While youths were not without their schemes, compared to adults, their schemes were far fewer. After cultivation, they would not easily betray him.
Thus, Shen Feng chose to cultivate children. Fourteen years had passed, and the results proved these children were indeed very loyal. Many factions had tried to recruit them with large sums of money, but as these children grew up, they all chose to follow the arrangements of Shen Feng and Chang Jianyi.
This approach was not Shen Feng's original idea but was inspired by some ancient practices, particularly those of many rebels during the Ming Dynasty who favored adopting adopted sons. This was because children, cultivated from a young age, were extremely loyal, which led to this choice.
Children were universally recognized as very pure because they didn't have too many complex thoughts. They would learn whatever they were taught. Furthermore, emotions could exert power at crucial moments, influencing a person's choices. Thus, treating these youths as disciples also fostered a sense of family atmosphere.
Upon seeing Shen Feng's disciples, Ke Yiming was immensely envious. He said, "It's wonderful that you can continuously cultivate fresh blood. If only we had so many esper potions, then we could also cultivate our own espers!"
Shen Feng smiled faintly upon hearing this and replied, "As long as one persists in doing this, anyone can achieve it. As for obtaining esper potions, why not hunt sea beasts at sea? Your strength is already considerable. As long as you can move freely at sea, hunting sea beasts should be quite easy!"
"Heh, are you mocking me?" To Shen Feng's surprise, Ke Yiming was displeased with the consolation. Moving freely at sea was not something just anyone could do.
The group soon entered the hall, where various delicacies were already prepared, and everyone was getting ready to dine.
Shen Feng's family sat at a separate table, with Ke Yiming and his wife opposite them.
At this point, Ke Yiming could no longer hold back and asked, "Lord Fengshen, have you considered what I mentioned during the day?"
What Ke Yiming was referring to was the matter of a marriage alliance. While a marriage alliance appeared to be merely the union of two young people, a deeper look revealed that it involved a vast amount of interests. It was not easy to resolve it casually, but agreeing to it directly would lead to more chain reactions.
Shen Feng remained silent, as he was facing a dilemma. Regardless of whether he agreed or not, it would displease someone.
Seeing his father's expression, Shen Xingzhi couldn't help himself. He needed to strive for his own happiness, so he directly said, "We refuse this matter. Uncle Ke, please return."
The banquet had just begun, and Shen Xingzhi had already spoken of such a matter, causing the atmosphere at the dining table to become tense. Ke Yiming's expression instantly soured.
At this moment, Chang Jianyi immediately reprimanded her son, "You are still a child, what do you know? Don't cause trouble, just eat your meal obediently!"
Shen Xingzhi retorted indignantly, "Although I am still young, I have my own opinions. I study every day, so I understand that parental arrangements have inherent flaws and will make me unhappy in the future!"
Chang Jianyi's brows furrowed, and her maternal authority was unleashed. She then said, "You've learned to talk back to your elders at such a young age, haven't you? I never expected you to be so headstrong that you wouldn't even listen to your mother!"
Shen Xingzhi defended himself, "I'm not being disobedient. If it were something good, I wouldn't object no matter what happened. But this concerns my lifelong happiness, and I cannot be careless!"
Upon hearing his son's words, Shen Feng understood his son's true thoughts. He couldn't ignore his son's feelings just because he was only in his teens.
Therefore, Shen Feng finally spoke, "Well, the child's opinion should always be considered. Let's not let there be a rift in the family!"
Seeing this situation, Ke Yiming and Gu Yanxiao made their judgment. At this moment, Shen Feng's family had differing opinions. Chang Jianyi wanted to agree to the matter, while Shen Xingzhi wanted to resist. As for Shen Feng, he was adopting a mediating approach.
However, in the end, Chang Jianyi's authority was greater. Under her continuous reprimands, Shen Xingzhi was rendered speechless, caught off guard by the barrage of questions.
Chang Jianyi had controlled Yuzhou for a long time and naturally possessed the aura of a superior. She usually restrained this aura, not displaying it casually, especially at home, where it had been suppressed for a long time. But at this moment, when her aura truly erupted, Shen Xingzhi was immediately unable to cope.
"Do you think the status you have now was given to you by whom? Do you think you can decide your own affairs now? You understand nothing at this moment. You say you've learned a lot, but without your parents, you wouldn't survive a day outside! Your parents have sacrificed so much for you to have such a comfortable life, yet now you're unwilling to agree to such a small matter. Aren't you just a child? Because you only want what you need now, and if you can't get it, you throw a tantrum, isn't that right?" Chang Jianyi questioned sternly.
Upon hearing these evaluations, Shen Xingzhi wanted to retort but was completely unable to. In the end, he could only stand there dumbfounded, not knowing how to defend himself.
So, Shen Xingzhi could only cast his gaze towards his father, hoping that his father could help clarify the situation.
Shen Feng thought for a moment and said to Chang Jianyi beside him, "Senior sister, don't push the child to a dead end. At least let him understand the current era. I believe that after knowing the current situation, he will surely understand our feelings!"
"Husband, I suddenly remembered something. When we go back, we should visit Dabie Mountain. I have a friend there, and I haven't seen her in a long time. I miss her very much!" Gu Yanxiao suddenly said at this moment.
Ke Yiming didn't understand why his wife brought up such an insignificant matter at this time, so he casually replied, "Whatever you wish. It's not a big deal anyway. As long as you want to, it's not a problem to go."
However, at this moment, Shen Feng had heard Gu Yanxiao's words and immediately realized something. This woman was actually using this matter to threaten him. It was detestable! He had previously thought she was a woman who could keep secrets, but now it seemed that was not the case at all.
Therefore, Shen Feng could only remain silent. If he continued to speak, Gu Yanxiao would likely expose certain matters.
Finally, Chang Jianyi made the decision, agreeing to the marriage alliance from Jinling. However, she still had her conditions: "The marriage of the two children has been settled like this. But I still have something to say. The matter of dowry must be discussed seriously. What do you say?"
Ke Yiming quickly nodded and said, "Of course, this matter needs to be discussed seriously. The wedding should not be delayed; let's hold it immediately. We will send the eldest daughter over at the first opportunity. Also, there is a grain business that needs to be discussed by everyone. You should all understand!"
Shen Feng remained silent, unable to say much. However, at this moment, he was already thinking about how to comfort his son later. Although he couldn't help him fulfill his wish this time, he would need to console him from other angles later, which might make him feel much better.
Chang Jianyi finally said, "Let's eat first. This matter can be discussed later. The dowry and betrothal gifts for the two children also need to be discussed seriously. We are eating now, so let's not talk about these spoilsports, shall we?"
Ke Yiming and Gu Yanxiao also quickly nodded and said, "Yes, yes, that's right. Everyone should eat now. Yuzhou's strength is indeed quite formidable. When other places have no food, Yuzhou can still prepare such a sumptuous meal with chicken, duck, fish, meat, and all sorts of delicacies. It seems this is the true paradise!"
Shen Feng was no longer accustomed to Ke Yiming's flattery and said, "There's no need to flatter me now. Let's eat together. Since this matter has been settled, we will not go back on our word. You all relax, and we'll send you to the guesthouse later!"
Thus, everyone indulged in the delicious food and shared various interesting stories. The atmosphere during the meal was very harmonious, and everyone was happy, except for Shen Xingzhi.
Shen Xingzhi felt that his life was firmly grasped by his mother, so at this moment, he could only grieve in silence. He left the hall without eating much and retreated to his room.
Chu Chaoyan saw this situation and nudged Xiao Long beside her, saying, "Go and keep an eye on your brother. Don't let him get into any accidents. Also, take some food with you so he doesn't go hungry!"