Fortunately, Tang Hao was not here and knew nothing of Tang San's current thoughts, or he would surely have hammered this oh-so-filial son to death.
Entering the reception hall, Li Ye first greeted his grandfather, Ma Xiunuo, before joining Yu Xiaogang in welcoming the guests who had come for the banquet.
"Pavilion Master Li, I trust you've been well."
Holding a glass of wine, Yue Guan stopped squabbling with Dugu Bo and greeted Li Ye.
"Senior Yue Guan, there's no need to be so formal. Just call me Xiao Ye," Li Ye replied with a smile.
"Li Ye, lad, our eldest brother asked me to pass along a message. He said he wouldn't be attending the banquet. He only hopes you'll treat that girl Xiao Xue well from now on."
Over at the Worship Hall, Qian Daoliu could not bear to see Bo Saixi again, so he could only send the brothers Qian Jun and Jiang Mo to congratulate Li Ye in his stead.
"Then please enjoy the food and drink, seniors. I'll pay Grandpa Qian a visit another day."
After making a full round of socializing, Li Ye could stand it no longer and slipped away to hide in the kitchen.
He grandly claimed he was checking whether the dishes for today's banquet were ready, but in truth, he was craving food and did not want to deal with so many social niceties.
It was nearly noon before Li Ye finally poked his head out of the kitchen, traces of grease still lingering at the corners of his mouth.
"Xiao Ye, I thought our pavilion master was going to hide until next year."
Seeing that Li Ye had finally deigned to appear, Yu Xiaogang gave him a reproachful look, then took out a handkerchief and wiped his carefree, treasured