Jiangnan and Yunlong followed the Pei family members into the main hall, bypassing the side hall. Only the most important guests were ever received in the Pei family's main hall; even high-ranking officials typically used the side hall.
"Everyone, please be seated. Dinner will begin shortly," the Pei family patriarch said with a smile, settling at the head of the table. The others took their seats. Su Chen occupied the seat to the patriarch's left, with Yunlong opposite. Remarkably, seated beside Su Chen was not Pei Hua, the eldest son, but Pei Man. This seating arrangement clearly highlighted Pei Man's elevated status within the family.
In elite families like the Pei family, even mealtimes adhered to a strict schedule: six o'clock in winter, six-thirty in spring and autumn, and seven o'clock in summer. Precision was paramount. As it was late autumn, dinner would commence at six-thirty, leaving roughly twenty minutes.
"Mr. Su, we've long wished to express our gratitude with a meal, but we feared it might seem presumptuous," the patriarch said, addressing Su Chen. "A few days ago, Man and Yun spoke by phone and learned you were in Yandu. We felt compelled to offer our hospitality."
Su Chen realized Pei Man knew he was in Yandu because Tang Yun had told her; he'd mentioned his trip during his last visit to her home.
"You're too kind. My previous actions were merely out of respect for Auntie Pei," Su Chen replied casually.
"What might seem a small gesture to you, Mr. Su, is considered a great kindness by our family," Pei Man said earnestly.
"Indeed, Mr. Su, you saved this old man's life. I must offer a proper toast later," the patriarch added, his words conveying both strategic flattery and genuine appreciation. He then shifted the subject, a hint of confusion in his voice. "However, Mr. Su, you seemed deeply hostile towards our family during your last visit. I've pondered this; I can't recall any prior dealings."
The others echoed his confusion, turning to Su Chen. Yunlong, understanding his limited role, observed and listened.
"It's nothing serious. I'm perhaps a cynic, disapproving of the perceived superiority of your great families," Su Chen replied nonchalantly.
This explanation seemed to satisfy the others; they saw him as a passionate young idealist, a common sentiment among the younger generation. However, the patriarch and Pei Man recognized his deflection. Pei Man played along, laughing, "Surely, Mr. Su, you don't believe all of us are arrogant and overbearing?"
"So, are you?" Su Chen countered, tilting his head and sweeping his gaze across the Pei family members, finally resting on the patriarch.
The sudden shift in tone created palpable tension. While Pei Man's earlier statement had been self-deprecating, Su Chen's question was impossible to answer truthfully without either admitting fault or denigrating the family.
The patriarch's displeasure was evident, yet his composure remained, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Mr. Su, in any circle, there are good and bad, arrogant and humble, polite and rude."
"And you, old master? Have your past deeds ever haunted your midnight dreams?" Su Chen asked, his eyes fixed on the patriarch's.
The family was shocked. Even Pei Man gasped. No one in Huaxia would dare question the Pei family patriarch so directly. Yunlong, terrified, silently worried about Su Chen's audacity.
Just as the patriarch was about to rebuke Su Chen, Pei Man intervened softly, "Mr. Su, why this sudden question? If you have something to say, please speak directly. I believe my grandfather will be forthcoming." She subtly signaled to the patriarch, who, sensing a hidden agenda, was instantly intrigued.
"Indeed, Mr. Su, speak freely. I shall answer as best I can," the patriarch said, suppressing his anger.
"Oh, it was merely a casual question. Why the seriousness, old master?" Su Chen replied with a knowing smile.
A butler announced the arrival of dinner.
"Let us dine," the patriarch said, regaining his composure. "Mr. Su, Mr. Yun, let us enjoy some drinks later."
Dozens of exquisite dishes were served – roasted deer tendon, Wanshou meat, braised shark fins, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, and more – former imperial delicacies. Yunlong, considering himself a gourmand, felt overwhelmed by the sheer opulence, realizing the vast difference between Jiangnan's Four Great Families and Yandu's elite.