Chapter 126: Unpredictable Mood

Upon entering the city gates, Ma Chun got off first and headed to the new inn. After some back-and-forth with Yang Ling, Lin Dong took over the riding crop. With Yang Huailiang leading the way, the carriage moved smoothly even through the busy streets.

Inside the carriage, Tian Hao initially disapproved of Yang Huailiang using the whip to urge passersby aside. Seeing Lin Dong remain silent and focused on driving, he hesitated for a moment but didn’t dare intervene.

As the wheels rolled on, they arrived at a large mansion that occupied half a street in the city. Yang Huailiang stopped the horse. “Brother Lin, little Tian Hao, it’s time to get off.”

Everyone got off the carriage one after another. Lin Dong glanced at the five-meter-wide vermilion gates, where two rows of people stood on either side, clearly there to welcome them. Frowning slightly, he said indifferently, “Family head, do all the Yang family members know about Tian Hao’s talent?”

Yang Huailiang was taken aback. He glanced inside the gates, then slapped his head and stepped forward loudly, “Disperse! All of you, go back to what you were doing.”

The authority of the family head was immediately evident. Hundreds of clan members and servants panicked and scattered within moments, driven away by a few elder clan members.

Yang Huailiang sighed in relief but inwardly regretted focusing so much on showing sincerity that he forgot about Lin Dong’s concern that Tian Hao’s talent shouldn’t be known to too many people.

Seeing only a few key Yang family members left in the courtyard, Yang Huailiang stepped forward to explain, “Brother Lin, rest assured. Only some important people in the clan know about Tian Hao’s talent.”

Lin Dong still frowned. “The people who went to the inn last time weren’t important Yang family members.”

Yang Huailiang smiled and explained, “It was only after Cao Wei returned that I understood Brother Lin’s concerns. So… earlier, there were 23 people who knew about Tian Hao’s talent, including potential guards. Aside from Cao Wei, none are left.”

Lin Dong’s gaze froze, and he grew wary. Although he had Gu Huanzong backing him and Tian Hao was someone worth winning over, with Yang Huailiang’s tactics, coming to the Yang family alone meant he had to be extremely cautious.

If he had known earlier, he should have brought Xiao Tianchi or Elder Huo Yuan along. With their strength, they could ensure his and Tian Hao’s safety in the Yang family.

Now that he was here, there was no reason to back down. Lin Dong stepped through the gates, followed by Tian Hao.

“Lin Dong, it’s been years—you’ve changed a lot!” A young man in his late 20s, dressed in a blue robe, stepped forward with a smile. “Both your temperament and presence are now truly admirable.”

“You flatter me, Young Master Yang,” Lin Dong replied without hesitation. This man was Yang Chi, the fifth young master of the Yang family and also their heir.

After more than a decade apart, Yang Chi no longer seemed as arrogant as he had in his youth; he already showed signs of an heir’s demeanor. Hearing this, he showed no anger at all, and his kind smile grew even warmer.

Soon, Peng Zhenfeng, the matriarch of the Yang family, stepped forward with a smile and said, “Young Master Lin, it’s been over a decade—surely you’re not still holding a grudge against Chi over old grievances?”

“Not at all. If it weren’t for Madam Yang bringing it up, I would have forgotten,” Lin Dong joked.

Peng Zhenfeng’s face stiffened. This gentle rebuke left her momentarily at a loss for words. Fortunately, a few elders from the Yang family stepped forward to defuse the awkwardness.

After that, several other wives took turns approaching. Behind them, the remaining nine young masters of the Yang family lined up in order of seniority, smiling as they prepared to follow.

After some pleasantries, led by Yang Huailiang, the group crossed the front yard, passed through the Yang family’s small garden and several courtyards, and arrived at the main hall at the back.

There were four large round tables in the hall. Yang Huailiang led Lin Dong straight to the seat at the head of the innermost table.

Lin Dong didn’t hesitate and sat down firmly in that most prominent and honorable position.

“Order the food and drinks to be served!”

Yang Huailiang waved his hand, and several young masters near the door rushed off to prepare the food and drinks.

Soon, dishes arrived like a swarm of butterflies, each one beautifully arranged on the round tables. There were exotic beasts and an array of dishes, each of great value.

Yang Huailiang personally poured a glass of wine for Lin Dong. As he reached for the wine pot to pour for Tian Hao, Lin Dong stopped him with a smile, saying, “Family head, he’s just a child. It’s better if he doesn’t drink.”

“No wonder Tian Hao obeys you so well. ‘A strict father breeds a filial son’—that saying truly holds true,” Yang Huailiang said with a laugh before pouring the wine into his own glass.

As soon as Yang Huailiang finished pouring, Lin Dong stood up, holding his glass and looking at Yang Ling. “Young master, for this first drink, Lin Dong would like to offer it to you first.”

Yang Ling quickly stood up and raised his glass, saying, “You are now a distinguished guest of our Yang family. It should be me who offers you a drink.”

Lin Dong shook his head, drained the wine in his glass in one gulp, and then said, “If it weren’t for your care back then, there would be no Lin Dong today. I drink first as a toast.”

This behavior not only overshadowed the host but also showed complete disregard for etiquette. Instantly, all eyes turned to Yang Chi and Peng Zhenfeng, whose expressions varied.

In terms of status, Yang Huailiang’s authority within the Yang family was unquestionable. Next were Peng Zhenfeng and her son, who also held considerable power. Although Lin Dong’s interference had embarrassed Yang Huailiang, his own status meant that the embarrassment could be endured.

Undoubtedly, Peng Zhenfeng and her son had the greatest influence. Although Yang Chi was already designated as the family heir, he was not the legitimate eldest son, and Peng Zhenfeng’s title as the main wife was merely obtained by relying on her family’s backing. Now, Yang Ling also had strong support, and over time, the Peng family might not even be able to compare. The position of family heir became uncertain.

Due to Lin Dong’s attitude toward Yang Ling, Peng Zhenfeng and her son were shaken inwardly, but their expressions remained calm. They both picked up their glasses and looked at Yang Huailiang. Yang Huailiang filled Lin Dong’s glass, nodded at Yang Ling with a smile, and raised his glass, saying, “Brother Lin, I should be the one to toast to you.”

“Not at all. It’s my turn to toast to the family head,” Lin Dong replied, once again showing respect to Yang Huailiang by offering to drink first.

After that, Peng Zhenfeng and her son stood up to toast, and Lin Dong returned the gesture. Everyone was welcome to drink, creating a lively atmosphere. However, no one noticed that Lin Dong never touched any dish that Tian Hao had eaten.

The banquet lasted from noon until evening. When Yang Huailiang suggested arranging guest rooms, Lin Dong declined.

“Family head, I’d better go check out the new inn first! Since I’m in Qiufeng City, there’s no reason not to take a look at my own business,” Lin Dong said with a smile. “If you don’t mind our father and son’s large appetites, as long as the food is simple home-cooked dishes, we can come here for meals every day.”

“Brother Lin is truly talented. In a few years, Lin’s Inn might even expand to Lingnan Commandery and the capital,” Yang Huailiang said, very satisfied with the day’s event, so he didn’t insist. Gradual progress was the best approach.

Yang Huailiang took out two gem-encrusted wooden boxes from his storage ring and handed them to Tian Hao with a smile. Then he turned to Lin Dong, saying, “This is Tian Hao’s first time at the Yang family, and we didn’t prepare much. Fortunately, a few days ago, we accidentally acquired some unknown exotic fruits. Consuming them can double the efficiency of cultivation. At the time, we didn’t know their value; we only knew we had to consume them within half a month, otherwise they would wither and rot. So, with only two left, I’m giving them to Tian Hao as a gift.”

Lin Dong was intrigued. Spiritual fruits that aided cultivation were extremely valuable. Without hesitation, he said, “Tian Hao, hurry up and thank the family head.”

“Thank you, family head!” Tian Hao quickly nodded in gratitude.

Yang Ling and the others didn’t know the origin of the spiritual fruits in the box, so they didn’t mind it. However, Peng Zhenfeng and her son, along with several elders from the Yang family, showed reluctance, giving away two fruits each—amounting to the yield of over a decade.