"Elder Li, I understand."
Chen Jinzhao knew Li Buyan's words were correct, and he indeed needed to reach a conclusion with Yu Mengzhi.
He just wasn't sure if his genetic mutation would be inherited.
This was the crux of his dilemma.
Li Buyan chatted with Chen Jinzhao about some trivial matters in life, then finally said, "Let's go, lest they wait outside the courtyard for too long."
Chen Jinzhao nodded.
The two walked out of the Buddhist hall side by side, which made Yu Mengzhi secretly heave a sigh of relief.
Her greatest fear was that Chen Jinzhao and Li Buyan would have a conflict. Now it seemed that situation had not occurred. Li Zhiqing and Yu Mengzhi had similar thoughts and breathed a sigh of relief in perfect unison. Li Tiance and Li Tiannan exchanged glances, both feeling that the negotiation between Chen Jinzhao and the old man might have made new progress, which was good news for them.
"Father."
Li Zhiqing stepped forward and supported Li Buyan.
Li Buyan waved his hand and said, "No need to support me, I'm not at a point where I need assistance."
At the same time, he instructed Li Zhiqing to call Yu Wendong over. They would all have dinner together that night, dissolving years of misunderstandings over a few drinks.
"Tell him he absolutely cannot refuse for any reason, otherwise he shouldn't even think about marrying my daughter," Li Buyan said.
Li Zhiqing's face flushed, and she repeatedly agreed.
Li Buyan also asked Chen Jinzhao to stay. Chen Jinzhao was initially eager to return to Ninghai to inquire about his father's death, but he changed his mind and stayed when he saw Yu Mengzhi's pleading gaze.
The private banquet was set at the Xizi Lake State Guesthouse.
This hotel was used by Yuezhou Province to entertain foreign guests. Some high-ranking officials from within the country also stayed at the Xizi Lake State Guesthouse when inspecting Yuezhou. Setting the private banquet at this location indicated Li Buyan's high regard, and Li Tiance and others dared not be negligent, quickly arranging for preparations.
As the group left the temple, the ground had already been cleaned.
However, a faint smell of blood still lingered in the air, causing the temple's abbot to lament with compassion, "All sentient beings suffer. When will the cycle of grievances end?"
No one could answer this question.
As long as interests existed, there would be conflict. In other words, where there are people, there is the martial world; where there is the martial world, there are grievances and killings.
This had never changed for thousands of years.
That evening, Li Buyan hosted a banquet at the Xizi Lake State Guesthouse, and Yu Wendong traveled from afar to attend.
Many influential figures from Yuezhou Province heard the news and rushed to meet Li Buyan, hoping that a single encounter could change their destiny.
Of course.
Li Buyan closed his doors and did not meet them, which was regrettable.
At the private banquet, Yu Wendong was even more nervous than Chen Jinzhao. Chen Jinzhao clearly saw Yu Wendong's hands trembling. At first, Chen Jinzhao thought his future father-in-law was fearful, but later realized he was overcome with uncontrollable excitement. The relationship between Yu Wendong and Li Zhiqing had spanned nearly thirty years, and now it was finally coming to fruition. Who could remain calm?
If it were Chen Jinzhao, he felt he would be even more excited.
Yu Wendong relaxed somewhat after drinking, then slung an arm around Chen Jinzhao's shoulders, almost calling him brother, leaving Chen Jinzhao amused and speechless.
Alcohol could indeed act as a lubricant. Yu Wendong, emboldened, spoke with Li Buyan, and their relationship became more harmonious, at least less awkward than before.
In summary, this private banquet brought them closer together.
After the private banquet.
Li Tiance again had a private conversation with Chen Jinzhao, wanting to understand Chen Jinzhao's thoughts.
They discussed everything from family to the global landscape, then from world order to personal aspirations.
Chen Jinzhao confided his internal struggles to Li Tiance, who patted his shoulder and said, "Only you can make the decision. I believe you will make the most rational choice."
"Let's hope so," Chen Jinzhao replied noncommittally.
A night passed.
When Chen Jinzhao woke up, his head felt a bit heavy.
As he moved, Yu Mengzhi, who was beside him, also woke up. Yu Mengzhi immediately asked, "It's only seven o'clock, why are you awake? Want to sleep a little longer?"
"I can't sleep, you continue sleeping," Chen Jinzhao said.
Hearing this, Yu Mengzhi also became more alert and hugged Chen Jinzhao, asking, "Do you have something on your mind? I actually noticed you seemed unhappy last night. At first, I thought you didn't like the atmosphere and overlooked your feelings."
Chen Jinzhao kissed Yu Mengzhi's forehead and said, "It has nothing to do with you."
"Yesterday, Auntie talked about my parents' past at the temple and found some discrepancies with my understanding of them, suggesting there might be some unknown secrets. I want to go back and investigate as soon as possible."
He told Yu Mengzhi about the acquaintance between Li Zhiqing and his parents. Yu Mengzhi was also greatly surprised, "My father never told me these things. Since you want to investigate, I'll go back with you now and do my best to help you wipe the dust off the historical records until we see the truth."
"No need, I plan to go alone," Chen Jinzhao asked.
Yu Mengzhi immediately became anxious. Chen Jinzhao raised his hand and covered her lips, "You've only recently reunited with Auntie and the Li family. Spend more time with them."
"No, I always feel like you're very lonely," Yu Mengzhi stubbornly shook her head.
Chen Jinzhao patted Yu Mengzhi's head, "You're being naughty again. There are some things I need to do myself."
Yu Mengzhi timidly asked, "Do you think I can't help you?"
Chen Jinzhao gave a wry smile, "How could I possibly think that? Don't overthink it. I just don't want you to be in danger, and you should be accompanying your family now, experiencing the hard-won warmth of family. I've spoken with the old man and Uncle Yu, and we'll have the wedding next year."
Yu Mengzhi's delicate body trembled, and she remained silent for a long time.
Chen Jinzhao thought Yu Mengzhi didn't agree, until he lowered his head and saw tears welling up in Yu Mengzhi's eyes, forcing him to comfort her well.
"I'm fine, just too happy," Yu Mengzhi said, crying.
Chen Jinzhao patted Yu Mengzhi's shoulder. He too was filled with uncertainty about the future.
In the past year, many ups and downs had occurred, and he had faced near-death experiences several times. He wondered if he could maintain his luck in the coming year. And his physical condition—he had originally planned to be honest with Yu Mengzhi, but after some thought, he suppressed it. Now was not the best time.
After Yu Mengzhi finished crying, she choked out, "Chen Jinzhao, I'll wait for you to marry me. In this life, I'll marry no one but you."
Chen Jinzhao pinched Yu Mengzhi's nose.
"Okay."
"This is our promise. I will definitely marry you in a grand sedan chair."
"If I fail to do so, may I die a terrible death."