novelraw Chapter 100: Battle Robe
Chapter 100: Battle Robe
Chapter 100 Battle Robe During their idle chat at the wine table, these big shots also mentioned the small meeting on the third day of the Lunar New Year.This refers to the high-level meeting happening the day after tomorrow.
Wen Gu found their tone even stranger. At first glance, it seemed like they were discussing some important military operation, but when he considered his previous guesses, it felt like they had another purpose.
"Will Wen Gu also attend the small meeting on the third day of the Lunar New Year?" someone asked.
Wen Gu's presence here today signified a certain inclination from the Zhao Family Head.
Pei Jun, seated at the same table, also looked over.
Wen Gu replied respectfully, "Yes, my maternal uncle said I should go to broaden my horizons and learn from all of you seniors."
Someone chuckled, "You should indeed broaden your horizons. As for learning… cough!" It seemed there was more left unsaid.
The grand banquet on the first day of the Lunar New Year did not last too long. After listening to Old Zhao's speech, which aimed to boost confidence, envision the future, maintain relationships, and strengthen cohesion, watching the performance by the professional team, and observing the various stances of the guests, the activities became much more relaxed in the later stages.
Wen Gu also faced many probes, but he had prepared for them and handled them calmly.
While dealing with these probes, Wen Gu also noticed that Young Master Zhao went to chat with his maternal uncle and cousin.Young Master Zhao actually had a drink with Old Master Hong first before seeking out his maternal uncle. They discussed academics and also mentioned the upcoming Centai Academy.
By now, the news of the academy's establishment had reached those who were even slightly well-informed. Combined with recent visits to relatives and social engagements, even if one didn't pay attention, the news would be delivered.
Speaking of the academy, although this maternal uncle was cautious, his words indicated a supportive attitude. Young Master Zhao had a clearer understanding.
Recalling his aunt's eager job-seeking demeanor at the Zhao Residence before the New Year, and the advice Wen Gu had given, a certain decision in his heart was reaffirmed. He did not say much to his maternal uncle and cousin He Wenyu, only lingering for a short while.
This did not arouse their suspicion, and others who saw it merely thought it was a casual greeting between relatives.
Wen Gu watched the scene unfold.
Just then, He Wenyu looked over. Their eyes met, and Wen Gu raised his wine glass.
He Wenyu was flattered. After today's banquet, everyone knew Wen Gu's special status – a capable individual who could sit at the same table as the most powerful people in Xin Prefecture! Although they were technically peers in age and cousins to Young Master Zhao, their status was now vastly different.
Yet, this capable individual showed no arrogance and was very humble and polite.
He Wenyu hurriedly returned the gesture with his wine glass and then drank it down.
After finishing, he said to his father, "Wen Gu seems quite amiable. He just raised his glass to me."
Uncle He, who was contemplating discussing poetry and literature with some renowned scholars he rarely had the chance to meet, did not pay much attention to his son's words. Not to mention them, even Aunt Zhao, upon hearing this, believed that Wen Gu's current mysterious and special status meant he was undoubtedly involved in significant matters and would not be targeting their humble family.
Maintaining superficial courtesy should be enough.
After the grand banquet ended, families returned home to discuss various things, from charcoal stoves and fresh vegetables to glassware and table arrangements.
However, the most talked-about topic was undoubtedly Wen Gu, and their attention to this new dignitary of Xin Prefecture increased. The same question lingered: Why was Wen Gu seated at the foremost table?
Because Wen Gu miraculously appeared at the foremost table during the banquet and gained the approval of several powerful civil and military officials, he received a large number of New Year visiting cards afterward.
If Wen Gu were still living in Jingxing District instead of Zhao Residence, people would have undoubtedly flocked to his doorstep to block his path!
However, Wen Gu's attention was not on this. He was contemplating how to handle the small meeting in the council hall on the third day of the Lunar New Year.
He recalled the subtle reactions of those powerful figures when they learned he would be attending.
His maternal uncle wanted Wen Gu to attend this small meeting, which was attended only by high-ranking officials.
However, at such a time, letting an inexperienced young man like Wen Gu participate would definitely not be for discussing crucial strategic decisions or planning. It was likely not a highly confidential meeting concerning significant matters.
Perhaps it was just for ordinary deployments and mutual exchange.
But then again, were the military and political officials stationed in various parts of Xin Prefecture all returning to Xin Prefecture City just to celebrate the New Year and attend a banquet at the Zhao Residence? Every meeting must have important significance!
Madam Shen knew Wen Gu would be attending this meeting and had someone prepare his attire in advance.
A complete set of new clothes, from inside out, with less ostentation and more solemnity. This was Madam Shen's gift to Wen Gu, his "battle robe" for participating in political discussions! She felt honored by Wen Gu's success and felt he should not be dressed shabbily! Madam Shen attached great importance to having such a junior who could enter Xin Prefecture's core circle.
She even refused several important visitors and specifically found Wen Gu to talk with him for a while, offering some guidance. This first small meeting of the New Year was for Zhao Family's trusted confidants and was bound to be significant, requiring careful handling!
On the third day of the Lunar New Year, Wen Gu changed into his clothes and put on the new, windproof, and warm thick cloak gifted by Madam Shen.
The weather was still cold, and wearing something warm would not be conspicuous among the gathering of dignitaries and wealthy households.
Braving the cold wind, he arrived at his maternal uncle's council hall.
His maternal uncle and cousin had not yet arrived, so Wen Gu waited in the adjacent warm chamber. Soon, the attendees began to arrive, several of whom were familiar faces from the feast two days prior.
However, compared to their attire at the New Year's Eve banquet, the style of dress today was completely different, carrying an unpretentious, unconcealed sense of hardship. As if afraid others wouldn't know, they wore their thoughts and feelings on their clothes! Each one appeared more threadbare than the last!
Simply put, the clothing of these people was: stylish at the New Year's Eve banquet! Begging for food today! Even Pei Jun, from a hereditary noble family, was wearing old clothes with frayed edges and a patched jacket, far less luxurious and resplendent than on the day of the grand banquet.
Although their imposing manner and demeanor were evident, they all dressed as if their family fortunes had declined. How unsightly!
A few people who came over glanced at Wen Gu's expensive cloak adorned with dark patterns and smiled kindly and affectionately, as if looking at an innocent child.
Wen Gu appeared surprised, "…Seniors, what is this?" The arrivals just smiled, shook their heads without answering, their eyes holding a deep meaning. Only Pei Jun whispered to Wen Gu as he passed, "Learn from this first."
Regardless of their reactions, it was not ridicule. Knowing that Wen Gu was only here to broaden his horizons and learn today, and would not be joining the fray, they were more tolerant of him.
Besides, they were planning to discuss some matters with Wen Gu privately and could not reveal too much to him before the meeting. At this moment, Butler Fusheng, by the Zhao Family Head's side, quickly approached, opened the council hall door, and respectfully invited the attendees inside.
His eyes quickly scanned the attire of the generals and scholars, then looked at Wen Gu's dark-patterned embroidered cloak. Fusheng's face remained impassive as he thought to himself: Young Master, you still have much to learn!
Upon entering the council hall, Wen Gu's seat was at the end.
In terms of status and merit, he truly paled in comparison to the others. The brief peace in Xin Prefecture was hard-won by the united efforts of these individuals, and Wen Gu was just beginning to exert himself, so being here was already an excellent starting point.
There were only about a dozen people attending today, so one could see everyone at a glance.
When the Zhao Family Head and Young Master entered the room and saw the group's drab and shabby attire, they already felt a throbbing headache before the meeting even began, their eyelids twitching.
Dammit! Did this group coordinate their meeting style today? A sharp gaze swept over them, and seeing Wen Gu seated at the end, as well as the cloak he was wearing, their expressions softened, and their hearts were greatly comforted. Thank goodness! At least there's one normal person! They were thinking they should indeed add more new faces, otherwise, these old foxes…
Just as they were thinking this, they saw Wen Gu take off his outer cloak, revealing plain, old, and worn clothes underneath.
The Zhao Family Head: "…Wen Gu! I never expected you, with your refined appearance, to collude with them as well!" Young Master Zhao's face also showed a rare moment of blankness. The generals, who were already brewing their intentions, widened their eyes.
Who is it?! Who tipped him off? Who gave him the hints and guidance?! They looked at the Zhao father and son, then at Wen Gu, and suspiciously turned to their colleagues, their gazes scrutinizing. There must be a traitor among us!
Wen Gu smiled humbly at everyone.
Approaching the upper echelons of power × Integrating into the upper echelons of power. See, how harmonious and consistent is our style! He had made preparations for both scenarios.
If they didn't have this intention, he would have kept his coat on. After all, he looked frail, and in the cold winter, even with a brazier indoors, seniors would understand him dressing more warmly as a frail scholar.
But if everyone was as he expected, all eyeing Old Zhao's accounts, and today everyone intended to cry poverty, then he would act in unison with them! To be frank, this junior also wants a share of the pie! It's time to reveal the "battle robe"!
(End of this chapter)