Mr. Tang drank the hangover soup and is no longer drunk at all.
He held back for a while, but still managed to ask patiently, "Brother Xu, do you know what you're saying? The entire Mu family is now wiped out, leaving only this old good-for-nothing and you."
"If I am able to marry and have children, I will not force you in the slightest."
"But I am over fifty years old and in poor health. I don't know when I will pass away. The responsibility of rebuilding the Mu family and making it prosperous again rests on your shoulders."
"Think about your deceased grandfather, parents, uncles, and aunts. How could you say such selfish things!"
Mu Xu remained unmoved and said solemnly, "Third Uncle, I have been taught by my grandmother and parents since I was a child. They never forced me to study and become an official, or to bring glory to the family. They only hoped that I would grow up peacefully and happily and live a carefree life."
"Later, when the barbarians breached the city, they fought desperately to protect me and wanted me to live. If they knew this in the afterlife, they certainly wouldn't want me to live a life of subservience!"
"No!" Mr. Tang was frantic and tried to persuade him earnestly, "Since you know that you survived because of your family's protection and risked your life for them, you should stand up for your family even more!"
"Your great-uncle doesn't want to harm you. He just wants you to marry a dignified and virtuous woman who can wholeheartedly help you support the Mu family and ensure its continued prosperity."
"Twenty years from now, our Mu family will be restored to its former glory!"
Unfortunately, no matter what he said, Mu Xu just shook his head and refused to compromise.
Finally, Mr. Tang lost his temper and blurted out...
"Back then, I left home to travel far away because of a woman from the martial arts world. I thought I had found my lifelong match, but in the end, we parted ways. All women are the same; they are not worth a man wasting his future on!"
"If I had listened to my family back then and married a virtuous wife, I would have a house full of children and grandchildren now, and I wouldn't need to beg you, my unfilial descendant, like this!"
Mu Xu straightened his sleeves and asked with a hint of surprise, "You must have liked that woman back then, Uncle? Since you liked her, no matter the outcome, it was a rare experience in your life."
"Why should Uncle be so fixated on the outcome and then condemn all women in the world with one blow?"
"Furthermore, the princess is exceptionally intelligent, filial, and of noble birth. Why does my uncle think she wouldn't be a virtuous wife and wouldn't be able to support the Mu family's reputation with me?"
"Now I am moved, but I am not confident that I can persuade the Li family to part with their love and allow the princess to marry me. Uncle should help me, why are you blocking me like this?"
"You...you're going to drive me crazy!" Mr. Tang slammed his fist on the table. Seeing that Mu Xu wasn't afraid and even had a bit of a roguish air about him, he became even angrier.
"Why did you fall for Princess Kang Le? That girl has been spoiled by the Li family and the Marquis since she was a child. Even though she has learned manners and is sensible, she can't stand being wronged or suffering!"
"How can she stand by you and start from scratch, slowly building up the family together! Besides, you're marrying up, and she's marrying down. You'll be under her thumb for the rest of your life!"
"The Li family has a rule that concubines are not allowed! You are the only one left in our Mu family. It is time for you to marry a wife, take more concubines, have more children, and continue the family line!"
"The Li family is powerful. Do you want to spend your whole life listening to people say that you rely on your father-in-law for a living? You must listen to me! Even if you marry a daughter from a fallen scholarly family, as long as she is generous and virtuous, she will be better than that pampered daughter of the Li family!"
Upon hearing this, Mu Xu's face turned cold, and he stood up and said, "Third Uncle, you can criticize me, but don't be disrespectful to Princess Kangle! Not to mention our marriage is still far from settled, even if it were settled, you can't speak to her like that!"
"When my parents and clansmen were slaughtered like cattle and sheep by barbarians, it was the Marquis who avenged me, a half-grown boy, and sent me to learn martial arts to strengthen my body!"
"After I arrived at the Li family, they treated me even better, providing me with food and clothing and never neglecting me in any way. Even if I were an animal, I would still be grateful!"
"Speaking of which, Third Uncle cared so much about the family, but didn't he abandon the family and leave back then? Where were you when the family was slaughtered? Where were you when I was all alone and helpless?"
"Now that I have successfully grown into a man of integrity, you jump out and point fingers, telling me how to bring glory to the family!"
"If you continue to be so stubborn and can't see your place, then let's pretend we never met today, and go our separate ways from now on!"
After saying that, he turned around and strode out the door!
"Xu-ge'er!" Mr. Tang rushed to the door, tripped over the threshold, and fell to the ground, still shouting, "Mu Xu, come back here! Come back!"
Unfortunately, Mu Xu heard it clearly, but didn't turn his head.
Two young servants quickly stepped forward to help him up, whispering, "Don't worry, sir. Perhaps the young master hasn't figured things out yet. He'll definitely come back later!"
"That stubborn boy, why can't he understand my good intentions!" Mr. Tang sighed, looking up at the sky. "I made the wrong choice back then, that's why I couldn't bear to let him end up like me, regretting it later!"
Just then, the old servant guarding the gate came in and asked, "Sir, why did the young master leave? Someone from the dining hall came to ask what dishes he would like for dinner!"
Mr. Tang's eyes lit up, and he quickly ordered, "Help me wash up; I need to go to the cafeteria."
Unable to dissuade them, they could only hurry up and get to work.
Soon, Mr. Tang changed into a brown silk robe with a subtle floral pattern and went directly to the cafeteria.
The students have already started eating.
Upon seeing Mr. Tang approaching, they quickly bowed and greeted him.
Hearing the commotion in the kitchen, Li Laosan was also surprised. He stepped forward, bowed, and said with a smile, "Mr. Tang, why did you come in person? You could have just sent a servant to give you instructions."
Mr. Tang replied, "I have something to say to you, could we find a quiet place?"
Li Laosan was even more puzzled, but still led Mr. Tang to the room where he usually rested.
The room was very clean, and when Bai Rijia came over, she even put two potted plants on the windowsill.
Right now, the flowers are in full bloom, filling the room with a delicate fragrance.
Li Laosan invited Mr. Tang to sit down, poured him tea himself, and said with a smile, "Sir, today is your birthday. Are you satisfied with the banquet that was sent to you?"
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Mr. Tang's eyes, and he quickly replied, "I'm satisfied. Thank you for your help in arranging this. Over the past few years, my meals have required a lot of your care."
"Sir, you're too kind. My son's writing is left-handed, and you've given him a lot of guidance. I don't have any other skills, so I can only cook you some delicious meals. It's convenient to live in the same place as you."
Li Laosan smiled broadly, appearing very honest and simple.
Mr. Tang sighed inwardly, his mouth becoming increasingly unable to open.
Over the years, he has taught many students.
Although everyone else was good and treated him with great respect, only the Li family was as thoughtful and attentive as he was, taking care of him in every way.
Princess Kang Le is the apple of the Li family's eye. If he speaks up today, his relationship with the Li family will probably come to an end.
But thinking about the family's resurgence and his grandnephew's stubbornness, he couldn't care less.
Today's update is here!
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