Reunion . . .
If the Song Clan were to collapse, Song Jue saw a potential opportunity to start anew in a distant place, taking his brother and nephews with him. The resources provided by Cha Eun Xiao made the prospect of founding a new Song Clan elsewhere a viable endeavor.
As the third steward approached Song Jue, eagerly sharing the message that the prime elder had summoned him, Song Jue couldn't help but be perplexed by the sudden attention. He couldn't fathom the reason behind this sudden change in the steward's attitude.
In truth, the steward's abrupt respect and deference towardSong Jue was driven by a desire to forge a closer connection with him. If Song Jue were to adopt them as his grandsons, they would joyfully accept the honor. The opportunity to address Song Jue as "grandpa" would be met with genuine enthusiasm.
The third steward's behavior was a reflection of a broader trend among those who were aware of recent developments. Many individuals, including those who had previously enjoyed a favorable relationship with Song Jue, now sought to strengthen their bonds with him. The meteoric rise of Song Xuan had not gone unnoticed, and there was no shortage of individuals who coveted similar favor.
While Song Jue perceived the third steward's altered demeanor as flattery, the steward defended his actions, acknowledging past ignorance. He expressed his commitment to the relationship and even humorously suggested that Song Jue could be considered as a grandfather. However, the steward's motivations were transparent – he was paying Song Jue obeisance.
In response, Song Jue questioned the steward's newfound boldness, emphasizing that their connection did not merit such audacious familiarity. However, the steward continued to grovel, begging for forgiveness and invoking family obligations to support his request.
Despite Song Jue's initial dismissal, he quickly found himself engaged in the unfolding events. Learning of the demise of Song Wuyang and the drastic transformation of the Song Clan, Song Jue was taken aback. Over three hundred lives were lost, while over four hundred individuals had been imprisoned. An additional three hundred had been expelled from the clan.
Song Clan had undergone a monumental shift, and the prime elder was waiting in the main hall to brief Song Jue on the details. The news was met with a burst of excitement, and Song Jue eagerly moved to meet the prime elder. He was overjoyed at the fall of the Song Clan, particularly when he learned of the mysterious and powerful individuals behind these events.
With his brother, nephew, and now Cha Eun Xiao's involvement, Song Jue couldn't help but express his admiration for the remarkable trio responsible for the Song Clan's upheaval.
Song Jueclarified that he wasn't referring to his immediate family but instead was speaking about Cha Eun Xiao and Cha Nantian. The third steward, astounded by Song Jue's familial terminology, immediately recognized the presence of influential connections.
As the steward rushed to keep up with Song Jue, he relayed the recent developments with profuse perspiration, attempting to elucidate the remarkable figures visiting Song Jue.
Puzzled by the idea of a "friend" and "nephew" visiting him, Song Jue couldn't fathom the existence of such powerful connections in the Qing-Yun Realm. He questioned how someone like Han Bingxue, associated with the Frost Sword, could possibly be his friend, and who the mysterious young man referred to could be.
Upon his arrival at the main hall, Song Jue was met by a group of eight elders who offered him warm greetings. However, their newfound cordiality, addressing him as "Little Jue," left Song Jue feeling rather uncomfortable and discomfited. He voiced his displeasure, emphasizing that he despised such endearing appellations and found them sickening.
In the midst of this peculiar exchange, Cha Eun Xiao and Xuan Bing had difficulty suppressing their laughter. The name "Little Jue" struck them as comical and the retort "Little Jue my ass" particularly amusing.
With an indignant tone, Song Jue addressed the elders as he entered the hall. The sight of Cha Eun Xiao, however, immediately transformed his demeanor from confusion to elation. Stunned by the unexpected reunion, he was moved to ask, "Xiao Xiao? Is it really you?"
Cha Eun Xiao affirmed with a nod, confirming his identity to Song Jue, who was overjoyed by the revelation. Song Jue's ecstatic response included excitement, trembling, and close scrutiny of Cha Eun Xiao's appearance, noting the changes that had occurred in his absence. The emotional encounter left him with a flushed face and happiness in his heart, overwhelmed by the reunion with his beloved nephew.
Song Jue's joyful exclamation, "Xiao Xiao," echoed through the hall, leaving Han Bingxue with a twisted expression. While he found the nickname amusing, he knew better than to risk calling Cha Eun Xiao by such an endearing moniker. The thought of his boss labeling him as an uncle led to an internal realization that perplexed him greatly. However, he wisely chose not to utter the endearing term "Xiao Xiao," lest he meet a dire consequence.