This not-so-spacious courtyard was the venue for the family banquet that Shang Yanfei had arranged.
An open-air feast, but since it was inside a mountain, there was no need to worry about wind or rain.
The courtyard was neither luxurious nor elegant — if anything, it was somewhat dilapidated.
Over a dozen tables had been arranged in a circle within the courtyard, and it was already starting to feel crowded.
The tables were set with fruits and other light snacks, along with upright name plates indicating each seat's owner.
Three people had already arrived and taken their seats.
"Big Brother, I wonder what Father wants with us this time," Shang Chaofeng said through a mouthful of red fruit he had just popped into his mouth.
The eldest, Shang Qiuniu, sat upright with his eyes closed in meditation. Upon hearing this, he cracked open a sliver of his eyelids, his voice low and deep: "Father emerged from seclusion and missed us, so he is hosting a family banquet. What is strange about that?"
"Big Brother's words have merit, but when has Father ever hosted a family banquet without an important matter behind it? Don't you think there are rather too many tables set out today?" Shang Pulao spoke up from the side.
Shang Chaofeng chuckled, while Shang Qiuniu closed his eyes once more.
Shang Pulao's gaze flickered. He oversaw the Wind and Moon District, managing the various pleasure houses, and was the most well-informed of them all. He had actually already caught wind of something and was about to speak further when his ear twitched: "Someone is coming."
All three turned their gazes toward the courtyard gate.
With a creak, the gate was pushed open, and three people walked in.
Wei Yang led the way, with Fang and Bai following behind.
This courtyard was one Fang and Bai had visited before — it was the same private residence where they had been received previously.
"This private residence belonged to the Patriarch back when he was still one of the Young Masters, before he was jointly suppressed by several others. The Patriarch retreated in order to advance, voluntarily giving up his position as Young Master and becoming an ordinary clan member. During that period of hardship, he lived here. Later, when the Patriarch rose to power, he preserved this place as a warning to himself and to future generations. All family banquets have been held here ever since."
Wei Yang introduced the history as he opened the gate.
Then he noticed the three figures in the courtyard: "Hmm. Three Young Masters have already arrived."
Shang Qiuniu, Shang Chaofeng, and Shang Pulao all rose to their feet and clasped their fists toward Wei Yang: "Elder Wei Yang. Greetings."
Wei Yang was one of Shang Yanfei's five great generals, a key minister of the Shang Family. Any Young Master aspiring to compete for the position of Young Patriarch had to go through Wei Yang's evaluation.
"All three Young Masters are well. These two are honored guests invited by the Patriarch today." Wei Yang clasped his fists in return, his expression placid. As an Elder, his status was a tier above the Young Masters. As a key minister, he had no need to curry favor with them.
"This way, please." Wei Yang guided Fang Yuan and Bai Ningbing to their respective seats.
Shang Qiuniu and the other two exchanged glances, each reading the surprise, astonishment, and curiosity in the other's eyes.
This was a family banquet. When had outsiders ever been invited?
Who exactly were these two? And their seats were even closer to Father's seat of honor than their own.
Wei Yang sat down as well, a smile on his face, and continued: "Allow me to introduce you. This is Shang Qiuniu, the Patriarch's eldest son. He currently oversees the Shang Family's Gu raising grounds. This is the Patriarch's fourth son, Shang Chaofeng, who manages all the Gu fighting arenas within Shang Family City. And this is Shang Pulao — all the pleasure houses in the Wind and Moon District fall under his charge."
Shang Qiuniu had a robust build and a deep voice. He clearly had a steady temperament. He was the eldest, nearly thirty years old.
Shang Chaofeng had wild, disheveled hair and a high nose bridge, radiating an untamed air.
Shang Pulao was the most refined-looking of the three — slender of frame, pale-complexioned, with a pair of peach-blossom eyes and an air of romantic charm. He was clearly someone who spent his years wandering among the flowers.
"Qiuniu greets the two honored guests." Shang Qiuniu was the first to clasp his fists in a bow.
Wei Yang did not proactively introduce Fang and Bai. The three Young Masters were shrewd enough not to be so foolish as to press for details.
"Greetings, Young Masters. I am Hei Tu, and this is my companion, Bai Yun." Fang Yuan introduced them.
These two names were obviously aliases.
This only made the three Young Masters even more uncertain about the origins of Fang and Bai, so they simply laughed it off and kept the pleasantries going.
As the time for the banquet drew near, Young Masters continued to arrive in succession.
There was Shang Pixiu, who managed the Gambling Stone Hall; Shang Suanni, who oversaw the restaurants and silk shops; Shang Fuxi, who ran the auction house; and Shang Bixi, who headed the proxy training bureau. And then there was Shang Yazi, whom Fang Yuan was already familiar with.
Wei Yang introduced each of them to Fang and Bai. When the Young Masters caught sight of the two, each revealed at least some measure of surprise.
One by one they took their seats. With more people came more conversation, and the small courtyard gradually came alive.
Just before the banquet was about to begin, the gate was suddenly pushed open again, and a Young Master burst in with hurried steps.
He was tall and lean, with thick brows and tiger-like eyes — this was Shang Bi'an, who commanded the garrison army of Shang Family City.
The garrison army handled disputes, mediated conflicts, and maintained public order, making it the busiest of all postings.
After exchanging a few polite words with Fang and Bai, Shang Bi'an had not yet sat down when flames suddenly flickered at the seat of honor, and Shang Yanfei appeared.
This time, Shang Yanfei wore a white robe with gold trim along the cuffs and edges. His vivid crimson blood-hair cascaded freely down to his waist. Combined with his strikingly handsome features, it formed his unique aura and charisma.
"Your sons pay respects to Father." The assembled Young Masters rose, then dropped to one knee in unison and spoke together.