"Is the scheme grand?"
Hong Qingyan's eyes widened, "Big Brother Ye, are you saying that Shen Minghua is up to something? But what could he be after?"
Ye Feng chuckled, "If you don't believe me, just watch."
After all, he was the mighty Northern Border King, commanding the Northern Border Twelve Banners, where talent abounded like hidden dragons and crouching tigers. What kind of person hadn't he seen?
Shen Minghua's petty schemes couldn't possibly deceive his Fiery Eyes Golden Pupils!
"I still find it hard to believe."
Hong Qingyan shook her head, then chuckled, "Not to hide it from you, Big Brother Ye, but Grandpa was even considering matchmaking me with him before."
Ye Feng lifted his head, jesting for a rare moment, "So that means I'm stepping in?"
Hong Qingyan rolled her eyes, not knowing how to respond to that remark.
At this moment, the birthday banquet hall was filled with guests, with nearly all the invitees having arrived.
From Ye Feng's angle, he observed Hong Zhenguo ascend the stage and gesture for silence before expressing gratitude to the guests for gracing the celebration with their presence.
Then it was time for the Hong Family's younger generation to step forward and offer birthday wishes.
"Let's also go and wish Grandpa well," said Hong Qingyan as she pushed the wheelchair slowly towards the crowd.
Chu Tiange had been secretly watching Ye Feng, and now, he couldn't help releasing a sneer.
"Yu Ting, the opportunity has come. Aren't you keen on thoroughly humiliating that Ye surname trash of a son-in-law, to completely drive him out of the Hong Family? Now's your chance."
Hong Yuting spoke gravely, "You'd better handle it gracefully, after all, it's Grandpa's seventieth birthday. If you manage to upset him, even I won't be able to help you!"
"Rest assured, I know what I'm doing. Take a look at this," Chu Tiange said, pulling out a Brocade Box.
The Brocade Box was of an ancient design, evidently with some age to it.
"What is that?"
"This is a treasure. With it, tonight, that Ye surname won't be able to raise his head!" Chu Tiange laughed proudly and straightened up to walk over.
"I am Chu Tiange from the Chu Family, here on Grandpa's orders to represent the Chu Family in wishing Master Hong a happy birthday!"
Chu Tiange's voice was loud, nearly drowning out the surrounding chatter, and coupled with the fact that the Chu Family was considered a near-First-Class business powerhouse in Jiangdu,
Chu Tiange, being the heir of Chu Group and the young master of the Chu Family, naturally commanded the attention of everyone around.
"Haha, very good, very good, there's no need for formalities!" Hong Zhenguo was delighted,
But what truly delighted him was seeing Qingyan pushing Ye Feng forward, not because of the Chu Family young master.
Chu Tiange promptly presented the Brocade Box, "Today marks the grand seventieth birthday of Master Hong, and our Chu Family has spared no effort in finding this gift, which can almost be said to be unique in this world."
Hong Zhenguo said, "Unique in this world? That could be quite a claim..."
Before he could finish, Chu Tiange had already opened the Brocade Box, "Master, please have a look, everyone, please have a look!"
In the Brocade Box lay a golden thumb ring, smooth and luxurious. Under the light, it shimmered with a crystal-clear brilliance.
What was even more eye-catching were the golden dragons intricately etched onto the ring, which appeared lifelike and animated, clearly indicating exceptional nobility at first glance.
Instantly, someone in the hall exclaimed, "Could this thumb ring be the legendary Spirit King Ring?"
"The Spirit King Ring? What is that?"
"It is said that the Spirit King Ring was worn by a prince in the previous dynasty. It is not only incredibly precious in its own right, but there are also legends that the ring contains spiritual energy and that wearing it for a long time can have the miraculous effect of prolonging life!"
"To have been worn by a prince from the previous dynasty, that in itself symbolizes a status of nobility!"
"If this truly is the Spirit King Ring, then the birthday gift from the Chu Family is indeed quite generous. Young Master Chu has always had some intentions towards Hong Family's daughter; could this be the rhythm of a betrothal gift?"
"Speaking of the nobility of the Spirit King Ring, a birthday gift coupled with a betrothal gift would indeed be sufficient!"
The crowd in the hall was abuzz with comments, lifting the ring to the skies in praise.
A look of pride appeared on Chu Tiange's face, and he smiled, "You jest, but indeed, this is the Spirit King Ring worn by a prince in the previous dynasty. My Chu Family has been on good terms with the Hong Family for generations. It's just a little token of affection for Grandpa Hong's seventieth birthday."
"Tiange wishes Grandpa Hong blessings as vast as the East Sea and a lifespan as long as the Southern Mountains!" After saying this, Chu Tiange passed over the brocade box.
Hong Zhenguo did not reach out to take it. Precisely because the ring was valuable, and even more so because of what everyone had said about the rhythm of a betrothal gift, he simply could not accept it rashly.
Seeing this, Hong Tianming said, "Tiange is really thoughtful. Since it's his token of affection, Father, you should accept it."
Zhang Yuman also said, "Yes, Father, the Chu Family and our Hong Family have always been on good terms. And this child Tiange is both decent in character and appearance."
The couple both spoke one after the other, barely stopping short of expressly agreeing to the marriage.
Hong Zhenguo still stood in place, not moving. To be honest, he had never considered a marriage alliance with the Chu Family.
The atmosphere became slightly awkward. Chu Tiange's eyes shifted, and he glanced at Ye Feng with a chuckle, "The one sitting in the wheelchair must be Hong Family's son-in-law, right?"
As his words fell, the hall suddenly burst into a considerable commotion, as it was clear that many present were hearing this news for the first time.
Ye Feng kept silent, he couldn't even be bothered to glance at the other person.
Hong Zhenguo had no choice but to say, "Indeed, last month, I engaged Qingyan to Mr. Ye."
"So the rumors are true. Congratulations to Mr. Ye then. Miss Qingyan is both talented and beautiful, and countless distinguished young men in Jiangdu admire her."
Chu Tiange gave a cupped fist salute to Ye Feng, then, with a twist in his tone, said, "Mr. Ye has an extraordinary demeanor and being the new son-in-law of the Hong Family, you must have taken great care to prepare a birthday gift ahead of time for this grand occasion of Old Master Hong's seventieth, right?"
Hong Zhenguo's gaze hardened, the old man's astuteness naturally allowed him to perceive Chu Tiange's true intentions.
Hong Tianming also realized, "Yes, Ye Feng, as our Hong Family's son-in-law, have you prepared a gift for today's seventieth birthday celebration of the old Master?"
Zhang Yuman said, "The old Master holds you in high regard. Today, on his seventieth birthday, your birthday gift might not match the Spirit King Ring, but it can't be too shabby either. Otherwise, it wouldn't just be your concerns as a son-in-law that would be laughed at – our Hong Family can't afford to lose this face either."
Even Hong Wei remarked, "Indeed, Chu Tiange hasn't become our son-in-law yet, and he has already presented the Spirit King Ring. As a son-in-law who is already part of the Hong Family, surely you can't be worse than Chu Tiange, right?"
This family, one after another, made no effort to conceal the mocking tone in their words.
Qingyan was almost in tears. She knew that Ye Feng had hastily come over at the last minute and was completely unaware of tonight being her grandfather's seventieth birthday; how could he have prepared any gift?
Qingyan was just about to step forward to explain the situation.
Suddenly, Ye Feng spoke up. He looked up and stared at Chu Tiange, "You say this is the Spirit King Ring?"
Chu Tiange sneered, "Naturally, what else do you think it is?"
Ye Feng smiled slightly and said, "It's fake!"