The news that Ziche Min had taken Jiang Chen away sent shockwaves through the entire Yan family. Especially after learning the full details of the Xiahou family affair, the Yan family patriarch and the elders all came to realize the extraordinary potential of this young man.
Standing out in an alchemy competition of that caliber was no small feat.
Yet now, this young man who had kept his depths hidden from view had been spirited away by Ziche Min.
"Zhenhuai, what happened? How could you let your guard down at a time like that? Why didn't you stop it?" The Yan family patriarch couldn't help but sigh.
"Patriarch, I was still socializing at the Xiahou residence at the time. I only learned that Lord Ziche Min had taken Brother Shao Yuan away after the fact."
"And you, Yan Qingsang — why didn't you intervene?" Supreme Elder Yan Wanjun glared at his grandson with open irritation.
Yan Qingsang replied with an aggrieved tone, "What's wrong with all of you? Brother Shao Yuan being favored by Lord Ziche — isn't that a good thing? I figured this works in our favor. In the future, we could use Brother Shao Yuan's connection to get closer to Lord Ziche Min, maybe even forge ties with the entire Eternal Sacred Land."
Yan Qingsang had his own logic, and once he put it that way, the others found some merit in it.
However, Elder Yan Wanyou let out an odd chuckle. "Qingsang's idea isn't without a good starting point. But tell me — how long has this Shao Yuan been with our Yan family? He certainly doesn't feel any deep loyalty toward us, does he? If the Eternal Sacred Land extends an olive branch, do you really think he could refuse? How could he possibly refuse? After all, the Eternal Sacred Land is far more attractive than our Yan family."
"Elder Wanyou, you don't understand Brother Shao Yuan. If he truly wanted to attach himself to someone of higher standing, he would have had plenty of opportunities in the Blue Smoke Island Domain. He's an independent sort — he would never abandon our Yan family over some petty advantage."
"Heh heh, what the Eternal Sacred Land can offer him isn't some petty advantage," Yan Wanyou snickered.
While the group was still talking, a shout suddenly came from outside: "Patriarch, Elders — young Master Shao Yuan has returned!"
Shao Yuan was back?
Upon hearing this, Yan Qingsang rushed outside without a second thought. He had become utterly devoted to Shao Yuan, long since regarding him as a guiding light. He had never once doubted that Shao Yuan would return. He was certain that Shao Yuan would never abandon the Yan family and throw in his lot with the Eternal Sacred Land simply because of Ziche Min. Yan Qingsang might not have been the most shrewd of people, but on this particular matter, his conviction was rock-solid.
And the facts proved him right.
"Shao Yuan greets the Patriarch and all the Elders."
The Yan patriarch laughed heartily. "Shao Yuan, you've done well. I never expected our Yan family to be so fortunate as to gain an alchemy genius of your caliber. This is truly a blessing for our clan."
Jiang Chen smiled modestly. "The Patriarch flatters me. Brother Zhenhuai and Brother Qingsang both contributed a great deal as well."
The patriarch laughed again. "Yan Zhenhuai's sense of responsibility and Yan Qingsang's boldness are both worthy of recognition. I've looked into the matter thoroughly. Your contribution during the alchemy competition was by far the greatest. The two of them played a minor role, but nothing compared to yours."
It was clear that the patriarch was deliberately trying to court Jiang Chen. His words were carefully diplomatic, designed to heap praise upon the young man.
Jiang Chen was perceptive enough to read between the lines. He smiled faintly. "I don't dare claim too much credit. As long as I haven't disgraced the Yan family or brought trouble to it, my conscience is clear."
Seeing Jiang Chen remain humble despite his achievements, the others nodded inwardly, acknowledging that this young man was truly exceptional. If the Yan family didn't lock down such talent securely, it would be an enormous loss down the road.
"Patriarch, Elder Wanyou — doesn't he have a granddaughter named Qingzhi? I've heard that Miss Qingzhi is a perfect combination of beauty and talent, one of the finest maidens in our Yan family. And Shao Yuan is in the prime of his youth, already our most valued non-bloodline talent. If they were to be matched in marriage, wouldn't that serve both sides — strengthening family bonds?"
Someone had begun to play matchmaker.
Yan Wanyou's brow furrowed. How had the idea landed on him? He was about to object, but then it occurred to him — why should he object?
This Shao Yuan surpassed every Yan family prodigy in virtually every respect. Aside from Yan Zhenhuai, no one in the younger generation could hold a candle to him.
A marriage alliance would be an excellent choice, to say the least.
The only reason Yan Wanjun's branch had secured Shao Yuan's allegiance was that Yan Qingsang had met him first. And this so-called brotherhood — Yan Wanyou didn't buy it for a second. What was brotherhood compared to a life companion? He considered his granddaughter Qingzhi. Her character, looks, and talent were all first-rate. But the chances of her marrying into the very top echelon of geniuses were slim at best.
The signs that Shao Yuan was destined for greatness were becoming more and more obvious with each passing day. And so, in a flash, Yan Wanyou changed his stance.
He had initially disliked Shao Yuan and resisted his presence because the young man had been brought in by Yan Wanjun's branch, and that had sparked an instinctive aversion. But now, reasoning differently, he figured that since resistance was pointless, why not try a different approach? If he could really bring Shao Yuan into the family as his grandson-in-law, that would certainly be no disadvantage to him.
"Patriarch, Qingzhi is well-mannered, obedient, and outstanding in every way. She and Shao Yuan would make an excellent match. However, this is not something I can decide on my own — I leave it in the Patriarch's hands."