Under the watchful eyes of all, Bai Zepei respectfully responded "Yes" to the old father, then bowed to people like Bai Lu and his parents, and calmly said, "I will first go over to Grandpa’s side, and will come back later to chat with you all."
As he walked towards the old master, everyone in the yard stopped talking, all their attention was focused on him, as if he had a natural attraction, or a calm aura that captivated everyone’s gaze.
Facing Bai Zepei’s composure, Bai Yibo felt even more suffocated. Although he didn’t seem to show much on the surface, he was beginning to suspect that he had been profoundly affected. Ever since he was brushed past by the masked man, he felt a sense of breathlessness, as if a large stone was pressing against his heart.
"Greetings to Grandpa and Uncle," said Bai Zepei respectfully when he arrived where they were.
"Excellent, excellent, our family has produced three scholars. Thanks to your efforts, even my old bones could rest in peace," the old man said, touching his beard with a look of deep affection on his face.
Many people chimed in, saying that Bai Fu was being too dramatic. They commented on how well he has aged and dismissed his talk of death.
Bai Ruozhu glanced at her parents and elder brother. The old man’s position was evident. He treated them as if they didn’t exist, as if the Bai family didn’t need them. His attention was now entirely on Bai Zepei, mainly because Bai Zepei had become a scholar, bringing the Bai family the honor of having three scholars.
Seeing many people praising him, Bai Fu cast a provocative glance at Bai Lu. Ignoring Bai Fu, Bai Lu loudly commented, "Zepei is truly a promising young man. He made it to scholar status at only eighteen, and even achieved first rank in the examination. He is far superior to my grandson, Zeji."
The Zeji Bai Lu referred to was his second grandson. Among Bai Lu’s grandchildren, Zeji did the best acadically, although he had not yet become a scholar.
Though pointed at, Bai Zeji did not get angry. Instead, he scratched his head, smiled at Bai Zepei and appeared to be a rather honest and somewhat shy person.
Upon hearing Bai Lu’s words, everyone praised Bai Zepei. Bai Zepei remained humble and composed, responding individually to each comment. His demeanor was far superior to Bai Yibo’s smugness, which endeared him to everyone even further.
The old man and Bai Yibo both looked green with envy, but they had to continue smiling to avoid appearing petty.
The banquet began, and the chefs, led by Bai Ruolan, began serving the cold dishes at each table. Seeing that she wasn’t helping, Lin Ping’er felt awkward and offered to assist with the serving, but the old woman immediately barked, "You needn’t trouble yourself, I can’t put you to work."
Her loud voice instantly pulled the attention of many to her, making Lin Ping’er extremely embarrassed. She reluctantly retracted her hand to avoid attracting further trouble.
Once the cold dishes were served, Bai Fu beckoned everyone to the tables. He arranged for Bai Yibo and Bai Zepei to sit on either side of him, with them taking their places at the main table. Apparently trying to avoid conflict with Bai Lu, Bai Fu had Bai Lu seated at a nearby table.
Everyone’s seats were taken, only to discover there were two places short. With no spare seats left in the old mansion, Bai Fu said, "Can’t we squeeze a bit? Yihong, you are family, sit out this meal with your eldest son."
Usually, women don’t join these types of banquets, so Bai Ruozhu had prepared to stay in the kitchen with her mother. She hadn’t expected the old mans’ calculation would exclude her father and elder brother. Did he find it amusing to invite them and then leave them out?
Bai Zepei stood up, saying, "Father, you should take my seat. How can a son stay seated if his father is not at the table?"
The old man’s face darkened, he tugged at Bai Zepei, saying, "Family does not need to observe such formalities. Today’s banquet is first and foremost in celebration of your uncle and your success in the examinations. What do you mean by saying that you won’t join us at the table?"
Bai Zepei easily broke free of his grandpa’s hold and replied, "I appreciate the elders’ congratulations, whether or not I take my seat is not important. However, filial piety must be observed. Didn’t grandpa always emphasize filial piety?"
His words stung the old man like a slap in the face. His face was flushed with agitation, but he couldn’t find a comeback.
Bai Yihong stood there with a mixed bag of emotions. He had been left out by his father earlier in the day and was understandably upset. Now, he was not even allowed to join them at the table. But his second son’s defense kindled a spark of joy in his heart. If he persisted in not taking a seat, it would only leave his second son in an awkward position.
Fortunately, Bai Lu saw Bai Yihong’s dilemma, gave Bai Zeji a kick and said, "You go play with your brother Zepei, let your Uncle Yihong sit here."
Bai Zeji stood up chuckling and earnestly beckoned Bai Yihong over, saying, "Uncle, come and switch seats quickly."
Bai Ruozhu didn’t recall much about this cousin in her memories, but at that moment she thought highly of him, a testament to the solid upbringing by the family patriarch.
Bai Yihong thanked Bai Lu and Bai Zeji before taking the seat.
The old man was helpless to stop the process and Bai Zepei remained standing, saying to Bai Zehao, "Big Brother, come and sit."
"Why are you asking him? Is there anything wrong with a younger generation member not joining the table?" the old man retorted irritably.
Ignoring the old man, Bai Zepei rose from his seat, walked over to Bai Zehao and led him to his spot, saying, "How can I sit if my elder brother is standing?"
The guests nodded in agreement, commenting that Bai Zepei showed great respect for his father and elder brother and was an admirable young man.
Bai Zehao didn’t want to sit with the old man in the first place, but at Bai Zepei’s signal, he let Bai Zepei lead him away, laughing, "I don’t wish to offend you, Brother. I will graciously accept your offer."
At this time, other people started to offer their seats to Bai Zepei and Bai Zeji, but both were the younger generation and were reluctant to let their elders give up their spots. The old man furrowed his brows angrily, shot a nasty look at Bai Zepei, and announced loudly, "Never mind him, let’s start the banquet!"
Bai Ruozhu figured the old man must be seething inside, thinking Bai Zepei was a lost cause, but her second brother was no lost cause who needed propping up.
Some of the guests from the village, trying to keep things pleasant, had already run back and quickly returned with two benches, loudly suggesting that two people could squeeze into one table. The old man was in no position to object, so after all the hustle, Bai Zepei ended up sitting beside Bai Yihong, and Bai Zeji squeezed in with Bai Zehao. The brothers were now together, able to chat freely.
Feeling relieved, Lin Ping’er advised Bai Ruozhu that it would be best to go to the kitchen to rest.
Although it was normal for them to eat something in the kitchen, when Lin Ping’er mentioned rest, she was suggesting that the old lady would likely be reluctant to provide food for them as well. Luckily, both had eaten more than usual before leaving the house that morning in anticipation of such a situation.
No sooner had they set foot in the kitchen than the old lady lowered her voice and began to curse.