Chapter 827 - Chapter 827: The Auspicious Time Hasn’t Arrived
Chapter 827: The Auspicious Time Hasn’t Arrived
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
It wasn’t until the auspicious time was nearly upon them that Huangfu Ruiling finally arrived, with Ye Leng’an by his side.
Huangfu Ruiling’s demeanor remained icy, his face devoid of any extra expression. Only when he looked at Ye Leng’an did a hint of tenderness occasionally flicker in his eyes.
Though late, Huangfu Ruiling, being the patriarch, faced no objections or even glances for his tardiness.
Nevertheless, there were always those eager to seize the spotlight.
As Huangfu Ruiling led Ye Leng’an into the hall, Huangfu Jingzhang, seething with suppressed anger, couldn’t resist speaking up. “Do you even realize what day it is today? It’s the sacrificial ceremony! Coming so late, are you deliberately showing disrespect to our ancestors?”
To him, Huangfu Ruiling’s cold countenance was a form of triumph. Everyone else had already arrived, except him.
As the family head, everyone had to wait for him, including his biological parents.
This realization stirred up the anger he had been holding back – his lost position as family head, Huangfu Ruiling’s habitual coldness toward his parents, the embarrassment of the engagement ceremony, and the subsequent deduction in living expenses.
All these grievances fueled his inner rage. Seeing Huangfu Ruiling now, he knew he shouldn’t, but he couldn’t help but mock.
“Has the auspicious time arrived yet?”
In stark contrast to Huangfu Jingzhang’s fury, Huangfu Ruiling remained eerily composed, almost indifferent. Without even sparing a glance at Huangfu Jingzhang, he asked Zhongyu Liuying and Nangong Xiyu. “If I recall correctly, the auspicious time hasn’t arrived yet, has it?”
This time, the sacrificial ceremony was Zhongyu Liuying and Nangong Xiyu’s responsibility, so it was only natural to inquire with them.
The two were taken aback. They hadn’t expected Huangfu Ruiling to disregard Huangfu Jingzhang and address them directly.
Quickly regaining her composure, Nangong Xiyu replied, “No, not yet. The auspicious time hasn’t arrived.”
With Nangong Xiyu’s response, Huangfu Ruiling glanced indifferently at Huangfu Jingzhang, saying nothing. But the meaning behind his gaze was crystal clear. The auspicious time hadn’t even come yet, so why was he causing a scene?
Instantly, everyone understood Huangfu Ruiling’s unspoken message. All eyes involuntarily shifted to Huangfu Jingzhang, awaiting his reaction.
Huangfu Jingzhang wasn’t oblivious or foolish; he understood Huangfu Ruiling’s message perfectly well. This only fueled his simmering rage. His face flushed red, fists clenched as if he would charge forward any moment.
Seeing this, Huangfu Jingxian stepped forward, restraining Huangfu Jingzhang. He then turned to Huangfu Ruiling with a smile. “Ruiling, don’t mind him. Your father simply attaches great importance to this ceremony, hence the impatience. It’s not aimed at you.”
He then turned to whisper to Huangfu Jingzhang, “Brother, mind the occasion. There are many eyes on us! Any trouble won’t bode well.”
Though Huangfu Jingzhang remained visibly displeased, he only snorted and said no more.
In truth, he felt deeply unsettled by Huangfu Ruiling’s indifference. Yet, Huangfu Ruiling’s recent disregard had undeniably ignited his anger.
However, he didn’t express himself as forcefully as he felt. He also worried that he might be embarrassed in the end.
After all, in Huangfu Ruiling’s heart, he held no weight as a father.
Therefore, when Huangfu Jingxian spoke up, he yielded to the situation.
Huangfu Jingzhang’s retreat didn’t surprise Huangfu Jingxian. They were brothers, having grown up together, so he knew his elder brother well.
This minor incident, hardly a conflict, soon passed, and the sacrificial ceremony was about to commence. Huangfu Ruiling, leading the family, headed toward the ancestral hall, followed closely by Ye Leng’an.
Though engaged, Ye Leng’an wasn’t officially part of the family yet, lacking the qualification to enter the ancestral hall. However, with Huangfu Ruiling wielding almost all of the family’s power, none dared to challenge his words.
As they reached the hall’s entrance, already open, Huangfu Ruiling suddenly stopped, turning to the others. His gaze landed on Li Yiran. “Why is she here?”
Though addressing Li Yiran, the question was directed at Zhongyu Liuying and Nangong Xiyu. They were in charge of the ceremony, thus responsible for everything. So, with an unexpected presence, they were the ones to answer.
At that moment, Li Yiran stood there, her complexion drained of color, looking pitiful. She hadn’t expected Huangfu Ruiling to suddenly confront her at this time. Just moments ago, Huangfu Ruiling had remained silent, leading her to believe he tacitly approved her entrance into the ancestral hall.
However, she was caught off guard when Huangfu Ruiling directly questioned her at the entrance of the hall.
Seeing Li Yiran’s distressed expression, Huangfu Ruixiang felt a pang of sympathy, wanting to explain on her behalf. Yet, before he could step forward, he was pulled back by Zhong Yating. Though irritated, upon seeing Huangfu Ruiling’s cold countenance, he silently retreated.
While Huangfu Ruiling was his older brother, he didn’t harbor any brotherly affection toward him. He could already imagine the torrent of criticism he would face if he were to intervene at this moment.
So, he found that his ability fell short of his wishes.