The banquet hall for the New Year's banquet is said to be a hall, but in fact it is an open-air corridor.
Under the cornices are carved lacquered beams and columns, and on both sides of the cloister are the snow-covered mountain scenery and the ice-covered pond, with the wind and snow drifting, giving you a panoramic view.
However, snowflakes and winter wind did not blow into the banquet hall. Although the corridor was open and open, the carved paint on the beams and columns concealed formations, making the hall as warm as spring. In this snowy scene, good wine and delicious food add to the warmth.
Xie Yuan was sitting at the front seat, and when he and the others saw Xie Bing walking in, they all looked surprised.
Although no one has put the matter on the table, everyone knows that there are still several factions in the family. The one with the loudest voice and the most violent reaction recently is the faction that does not agree with Xie Yuan, who is not as good as the weakest, as the head of the family. .
Longwuyuan is an extremely important place in the clan. Xie Bing has always had a high status among the family elders and can be said to be of high authority.
And he had told Xie Junming before that Xie Yuan himself was still a baby, younger than many students in his courtyard, and couldn't teach others, so he shouldn't care about how he manages Longwu Academy.
Therefore, Xie Bing has always been regarded as a leading figure in the opposition, and is as influential as Xie Wen, the elder of the pharmacy.
But everyone thought, how could Xie Bing appear at this banquet?
What is he here to do?
Xie Yuan was a little confused, but said calmly:
"Elder Bing is here, please take a seat."
Xie Bing didn't speak, just nodded, then sat down in the empty seat without saying a word.
Everyone looked at each other, Xie Lei touched his forehead and said curiously:
"Xie Bing, what are you here for?"
Xie Bing, who had a square and resolute face, glanced at Xie Lei, who had a beard as thick as a steel needle and was very rough, and said lightly:
"The head of the family is hosting a New Year's banquet. As the elder of Longwu Dean, is it strange that I'm here?"
Xie Lei looked at him and said with a smile:
"It's strange. You didn't give the new head of the family face, and now you're here again. Don't you think it's strange?"
Xie Bing's face darkened. Not everyone in the family was thoughtful and sophisticated. For example, Xie Lei never looked at the occasion and said whatever came to his mind. He was very individual.
The atmosphere was a little strange, Cui Pingjun said softly:
"Elder Lei, Elder Bing, the new year is here, it's good to have a reunion, there's no need to pay attention to those polite things."
Xie Yu also stroked his white beard and said with a smile:
"Since everyone who should come is here, let's eat."
The two masters didn't say much, but they still stared at each other.
For Xie Lei, Xie Yi is more skilled and more talented than him, which makes him convinced; there is no need to talk about family management.
He understood and was convinced by Xie Yi. Although he didn't fully understand his choice, he felt that he could at least take a look. After all, he had witnessed Xie Yuan's talent with his own eyes and admired it very much. However, at such a critical moment, the family is still fighting for power, ignoring Xie Yi's decision, and stumbling upon young people before their feet are firmly established. This is not to mention the Xie family's family tradition of respecting the elderly and supporting the young, but it is also very harmful to the stability of the family. Xie Lei Fang couldn't stand it, and he didn't have a good look when he met Xie Wen and other elders recently.
Seeing that the time was almost up, Xie Yuan simply said a few words——
He really only said two sentences, one for everyone's hard work this year, and one for everyone to be better in the coming year.
Although he is the head of the family, he is still a junior, and there is no need to lecture here at length. Xie Yuan hates people who distract people from eating at the wine table.
There is no need to say anything if you can come, and there is no point doing ideological work for those who can’t come. Everyone will vote with their feet.
As long as you prove yourself more and more, more and more people will come to vote.
Xie Yuan vaguely wanted to understand why Xie Bing appeared here unexpectedly, but he didn't say much. He was neither particularly eager nor indifferent to Xie Bing, just like everyone else. Xie Bing never explained much, just drank and ate food, and after a few rounds, he said goodbye and left.
Although he didn't stay for long, even if he just showed up, the current situation within the Xie family is of great significance.
It may seem like a reunion banquet with not many people, but actually there are a lot of people in the family paying attention. Although many masters eat at their own homes, there are always attendants coming and going to report on the situation.
When they heard that Xie Bing had actually arrived at the Wind and Snow Corridor, many masters and elders were stunned, and some of them even had dark expressions on their faces.
And I heard that both Xie Yu and Xie Lei arrived directly, especially Xie Yu who arrived very early. Many masters who were originally swaying with the wind couldn't sit still. They walked around the house a few times and suddenly put down their chopsticks. .
In the banquet hall, Xie Yuan saw a grandmaster coming in after a while, either sweating profusely, in a hurry, or with an unchanging expression. He greeted Xie Yu and said hello to himself, saying that he was delayed for something, and then Sit down next to me.
Xie Yuan was amused in his heart. Would the Grandmaster really be sweating profusely after running such a long distance?
But by the end of the banquet, there were very few vacant seats.
Cui Pingjun and Xie Jun's expressions softened a lot, so at least Xie Yuan, the head of the family, looked okay. Although the newcomers may not necessarily be on Xie Yuan's side, it is still a good sign.
The elders in the family who had ulterior motives were a little disappointed. In Xie Yuan's first year as the head of the family, it seemed that his power was not successful.
After the banquet, the masters said goodbye and dispersed, but one person did not leave yet.
Xie Yu, an old Taoist priest with white beard and white eyebrows, waved to Xie Yuan:
"Xie Yuan, come with me."
Xie Yuan respectfully obeyed the order and was very respectful to the elder and grandmaster with the longest seniority in the family. Whether it was him, other grandmasters, or Xie Yi before him, he was very respectful.
Xie Yu's experience is quite legendary. He was close to Taoism since he was a child and was indifferent to the secular world. He went out to seek immortality and enlightenment just after he passed the age of weak crown. He wandered around the world and has not been heard from for decades.
The family all thought that he had died somewhere in the world. Xie Yu suddenly returned to the family and meditated in the clan. The young boy left home and the elder returned, nothing more than this.
Everyone doesn't know much about his experience over the years, but no one can see through his cultivation.
However, Xie Yu himself said that he practices Taoist quiet skills. If there are any Taoists, they can ask him for advice. If they want to kill and fight, his skills are not worth mentioning.
Xie Yuan followed Xie Yu out of the banquet hall and walked towards the mountain through the snow.
Although Xie Yu is more than a hundred years old, he is wearing a plain Taoist robe, holding his hands behind his back, walking swiftly in the wind and snow, and does not look like an old man at all.
Xie Yuan didn't know why the elder called him, but he just followed him silently to the top of the hillside, looking down at the Xie clan land in the snow, which was silvery white and full of New Year's joy.
Xie Yu stood quietly for a while, his expression neither sad nor happy. Xie Yuan stood silently behind him.
"Xie Yuan, do you know how far back the history of the Xie family goes?"
Xie Yu suddenly asked.
Xie Yuan was stunned for a moment, slightly embarrassed. He really didn't know this question. After all, he didn't grow up in the Xie family, and he never went to the Xie family private school. He only knew that it was more than a thousand or two thousand years ago.
As the head of the family, he doesn't know the family history, and he has nothing to gossip about when he is caught by the opposition.
Xie Yu didn't take it seriously, just smiled and said:
"It has been more than 4,200 years since the ancestors of the Xie family came here to cut trees and build houses."
More than four thousand two hundred years...
Xie Yuan chewed this number silently, and his heart was gradually touched.
This can already be the history of a civilization, but it is all condensed into one family.
Although it was because the world was different, Xie Yuan suddenly felt the weight of reality with such a heavy history on his shoulders.
"The four-thousand-year-old family has become a part of the history of this world and the Central Plains. The burden on you will not be too light."
Xie Yu leisurely said:
"But over the past four thousand years, the Xie family has experienced countless ups and downs and has always stood firm. There have been great enemies, disasters, foolish family heads and elders, the decline of family talents, and extremely difficult moments, even far worse than today. It will be difficult for the Yao family.
"However, the Xie family has continued on, being knocked down time and time again, standing up again and again, and making a comeback."
Xie Yu stepped on the snow under his feet and said with a smile:
"This is Dongshan. This word describes my Xie family.
"The Xie family has taken root in this world. It has experienced four thousand years and will experience the next four thousand years, no matter what happens in the middle.
"So, don't be stressed. No matter whether you do well or not, there will definitely be some family heads who are far inferior to you, but the family will still survive. Just do your own thing, and leave everything to time and future generations. , leave it to the green mountains at your feet.”
Xie Yu waved his hand, and the surrounding wind and snow bypassed the two of them, revealing a piece of pure land.
He smiled and said:
"Besides, I believe in Xie Yi's vision, and I am very optimistic about you. Some small resistance will definitely not stop you."
When Xie Yuan heard this, he was moved and bowed:
"Xie Yuan thanked my grandfather for enlightening me."
Xie Yu looked kindly, touched Xie Yuan's head, then took out a pill that was whiter than the surrounding snow, held it in his hand, and floated it slightly.
"This pill is given to you."
"Grandpa, this is..."
Xie Yuan blinked as he looked at the elixir, which was completely shiny and white with no trace of impurities.
"When I was young, I used to discuss Taoism with Master Yuxu. I lived on Luofu Mountain for a while and got along well with the Taoist priests there. Master Yuxu taught me the art of alchemy. I have been practicing at home these years. , but there is something gained.
"This Snow Dragon Pill is my favorite. I have only practiced this one for so many years. Haha, I have damaged the family's warehouse a lot.
"Take it, you must have practiced Taoist exercises, right?"
Xie Yu held the elixir and looked at Xie Yuan.
Xie Yuan nodded:
"When I was in the countryside, I was taught Qi-nourishing Kungfu by a Taoist priest. The foundation of internal strength is still Taoist."
Xie Yu nodded with a gentle expression and handed the elixir to Xie Yuan:
"That's good. This elixir is most helpful to Taoist Kung Fu. If you take it to warm it up, it will improve your internal strength."
Xie Yuan looked at this elixir without a trace of impurities, and his eyes were moved. He had seen many precious elixirs, but this was the first time for him to see a elixir like this. It must have taken Xie Yu a hundred years of skill and a large amount of the Xie family's treasury to produce this single elixir, which was no ordinary thing. "Grandpa, isn't this too expensive? If you refine it yourself, it might be good for your health."
Xie Yuan declined.
Xie Yu stroked his beard and chuckled:
"My body is very good, and my skills are at their peak. The path I take is different from that of a warrior. It is hard to hope for the state of unity of inside and outside. It is a waste to use such a precious medicine. It is better to give you such a promising "
Xie Yuan heard that Xie Yu's martial arts training method did not seem to be traditional, but was somewhat of an ancient Taoist practice.
However, in today's era, there are only a few who can go far on this road, that is, the Luofu Mountain Xuanzhen Sect. Most of the Taoist priests are also practicing modern martial arts that combine Taoist Kung Fu.
Xie Yuan's heart suddenly moved and he asked tentatively:
"Grandpa, is your path of cultivation similar to that of the ancient alchemists?"
Xie Yu hummed and shook his head:
"I'm following this path, but I don't know whether it's almost the same or whether I'm going the right way. Now it seems that I might have gone astray."
He smiled, but his expression was very calm.
Xie Yuan pondered for a moment and then asked:
"Grandfather, have you read the notes handed down by ancient alchemists?"
"Of course. When I was young, I became interested in this path after seeing these ghost stories."
Xie Yu smiled, as if recalling the past, which happened more than a hundred years ago.
He was quiet for a while, shook his head, and sighed suddenly:
"That's all. Life happens all of a sudden. Well, why do you ask about this?"
"This junior is just curious because my grandfather's cultivation path is different from that of ordinary people. Well, I have read a pre-Qin alchemist's handbook in the fairy palace in Wanyao Mountain before, so I can only write a preface."
Xie Yuan explained.
Xie Yu nodded:
"Well, I heard Xie Wei say it. I also asked him about it, but it's a pity that they are all fragmentary sentences with unclear meaning and of no use. If you are interested, I have some ancient relics that you can borrow to read. . Haha, don’t delay your martial arts practice. These ghost methods are harmful to people. Once you enter, you will be fascinated and unable to get out.”
Xie Yuan's eyes brightened when he heard that there were fragments to read. However, looking at Xie Yu's regretful expression and feeling the icy touch of the Snow Dragon Pill on his hand, he said:
"Grandpa, I have finished reading the preface. It is quite complete."
"Oh? Really? Even Xie Wei can't understand anything, but you are enlightened. Haha, let's hear it."
Xie Yu became slightly interested and asked with a smile.
But he didn't have high expectations. Xie Wei and Xie Yuan entered the same ruins. Xie Wei didn't see the trick, and Xie Yuan was probably the same. Saying this, maybe I just want to make myself happy. Well, it is also a good thing for young people to be filial.
While he was thinking this, he listened to Xie Yuan start reciting directly, and his expression gradually changed.
After Xie Yuan finished memorizing the preface that Gun Gua Gua was familiar with, he saw Xie Yu standing quietly in the wind and snow. He didn't speak for a long time until his silver hair and shoulders were covered with a layer of snow.
Xie Yuan saw that Xie Yu was acting strangely, so he didn't dare to disturb him and stayed with him silently for a long time.
It wasn't until both of them turned into snowmen that Xie Yu suddenly became inspired and shook off the drifting snow, as if emerging from a cocoon and regaining a new life.
With a swish sound, a strong wind suddenly blew up in front of Xie Yuan's eyes, blowing snowflakes that made his eyes dizzy.
When he opened his eyes again, there was no human figure in front of him, and there was only a long dragon-like trace marking the route Xie Yu left.
"Could it be that this preface to the pre-Qin alchemist's manuscripts is of great inspiration to my grandfather?"
Xie Yuan was thoughtful.
Xie Yu has lived for hundreds of years and has been practicing Taoism. He has always been calm and kind. No one in the Xie family has ever seen him lose his temper.
He didn't even say a word, and immediately left without a trace. Unless he had a great understanding, he wouldn't be like this.
Xie Yuan was a little happy. He was happy to be able to help this elder who loved him very much. And if he gained something, he might be able to help him solve the mystery of the pre-Qin alchemist's manuscripts. Those ancient fragments might be of some use.
Xie Yuan was quite interested in these ancient sects. Even if they were just a reference on the martial arts path, they would be useful.
After looking at the Xie clan land in the snow, Xie Yuan looked up at the pure white sky, patted the snow on his body, and walked down the mountain calmly.
New Year's Day.
A big event happened in the capital, or in other words, in Dali as a whole.
The fourteenth prince of the late emperor held the imperial edict of the late emperor and dethroned the crown prince. He then held an enthronement ceremony at the Temple of Heaven and named the emperor Yuan Xin.
The new emperor succeeded to the throne and posthumously named the previous emperor as Emperor Wuli, and the deposed prince as Prince Li.
After that, the new emperor worshiped Wang Yunzhi, the head of the Wang family in Langya, as his prime minister. Wang Yunzhi received the prime minister's seal on the spot and ruled the world. All officials were unconvinced.
"Violence is a compromise with hundreds of officials and noble families. Wu means still advocating the martial arts of the late emperor. It is also the duty of a son of man. It is the result of the game.
"Then he worships Wang Yunzhi as prime minister, which means that he will not go to war with the aristocratic family. The royal family is ready to rest and recuperate, and the factions of the aristocratic family in the government and the public will turn their attention to the Wang family, or take the Wang family as the leader, or they will fight for their own interests and will not give the new emperor Too much resistance.”
Xie Yuan and Cui Pingjun discussed a series of changes in the new king's succession in the study.
Cui Pingjun nodded lightly:
"You have seen it more clearly, so what do you think will happen next?"
"The Wang family was originally at the top of the family, and now that it has been granted the power of the emperor, it can be said to be the most powerful in Dali. But if it is a big tree, it attracts the wind. No matter it is other forces or the largest Cui family, they will not let the Wang family get stronger and will definitely start a fight with them. Conflict. The Wang family is actually acting as a shield for the royal family to attract fire. Why should Wang Yunzhi be like this? ”
Xie Yuan was slightly confused.
Cui Pingjun said slowly:
"This starts with the origin of the Wang family. They are disciples of saints. They have always been particularly enthusiastic about the way of monarchs and ministers, and they have always loved to serve as officials in the court. Almost most of the heads of the Wang family hope to give themselves a new life. Bi's career as prime minister
"Of course the emperor doesn't really value the Wang family. From Wang Yunzhi's point of view, he can't fail to see the emperor's intentions. But as the grand master of the Wang family, he is naturally not afraid, and he will not miss this opportunity. I guess what he has in mind I think, when he is firmly in the position of prime minister, the Wang family is so powerful, why should he be afraid of challenges?"
Xie Yuan nodded slightly to express his understanding.
Cui Pingjun said again:
"Do you have any instructions for our Xie family officials in Beijing?"
Xie Yuan said slowly:
"In this situation, the Cui family and other forces are fighting against the Wang family. We don't need to get involved. Let them preserve their strength and shrink back if necessary. Now is not the time for us to fight."
Cui Pingjun nodded:
"I will tell Xie Jun and let him give the orders."
Xie Yuan looked at Cui Pingjun and asked:
"The Cui family has already started a fight with the Wang family?"
"They started right after the enthronement ceremony, and they were brewing even before that. Although there was no explicit fight, according to my information, everyone from the court to the people to warriors, from farmland, water transportation to trading houses, were suppressing each other. In many places, warriors have come to ask for battles, but they are still limited to a small extent and focus on discussion.”
Cui Pingjun looked calm, as she had expected:
"After the battle in the palace, the eldest brother will definitely not let go of the Wang family easily, and the Wang family will also not let go of the Cui family."
Xie Yuan nodded solemnly. When the gods fight, the fish in the pond suffers.
Although he is not a fish in the Xie family, the dispute between the two aristocratic families may affect the entire Central Plains.
The key is that according to their deduction, it is difficult for the two families to really fight for any result, so they will stop with a tacit understanding, and then at the same time look at the other family that can affect the situation but is very weak, that is, the Xie family.
The three-legged tripod has always been stable, but now one leg is a little weak. If the other two want to be the strongest, the target is not on the opposite side, but on the side.
At that time, the Xie family of Chen County will face the biggest challenge.
The news of the enthronement ceremony quickly spread throughout the world along with the official posts, and the Xie clan naturally received the news earlier.
Although many elders had expected Wang Yunzhi's true worship as prime minister, they still couldn't help but think of Xie Yuan's words at the elders' meeting.
It seems that the Wang family really has something up their sleeve.
Originally, when many people saw this scene, they might feel close to the Cui family, but after Xie Yuan said that, the elders were not confused. They basically recognized the reality and knew that the next step would probably be between the two families. Coveting for survival.
Can Xie Yuan lead the Xie family to complete this challenge?
The elders didn't know, but had a little more faith than the first time.
"No matter what, it's still strength."
Xie Yuan held the Snow Dragon Pill in his own training room, feeling its unique touch and almost perfect shape.
Xie Yu has been in seclusion since that day. It was sudden and no one knew the reason except Xie Yuan.
I wonder if after he comes out, I will be able to share some of the experience of the pre-Qin alchemists' cultivation?
Xie Yuan was slightly looking forward to it, but didn't think more about it.
Now is the time for him to quickly improve his strength.
He took the Snow Dragon Pill, opened his mouth, and swallowed it in one gulp. (End of chapter)