Chapter 179: Chapter 178: The Ancestor Arrival
A long redwood table was placed near the main courtyard, covered in a dark red cloth embroidered with golden cloud patterns. Behind it stood several servants with record books, ink brushes, and rows of neatly arranged return-gift boxes.
The boxes came in different sizes, similar to the ones given to Wen Qinglan and her maids.
Some were small and delicate, tied with red ribbons. Some were medium-sized and decorated with simple gold seals. The largest boxes were made from polished wood and carried the faint fragrance of fresh pastries even before they were opened.
Li Xinyue stood beside the table, checking the servants’ arrangement one final time.
"Record every gift properly," she instructed: "Follow the arrangement my third brother made, One large gift box receives one large dessert box. One medium gift box receives one medium dessert box. Small boxes receive small boxes. If someone brings several boxes, give the same number back."
The servants nodded: "Yes, Miss Xinyue."
Li Jain was standing beside Li Cheng and Li Zhang, who had been called forward for the gift exchange. The twins were both dressed properly, though Li Zhang kept looking toward the large pastry boxes with obvious interest.
Li Cheng noticed and frowned: "Do not stare, it will make the guests uncomfortable to accept it."
Li Zhang said with satisfaction: "That would be perfect. More for us, then."
Li Cheng was helpless and decided to not pay anymore attention to him.
Li Xinyue stepped forward: "Thank you to all the guests who came today to celebrate Young Master Cheng and Young Master Zhang’s birthday. The gift exchange will now begin. Every guest who gives a birthday gift will receive a return gift from Master Li."
The most powerful families in South River City had brought many thoughtful gifts. Of course, their reason was not only kindness. The Li household had become increasingly well known, and the guests wanted to save face before one another.
No family wanted to appear stingy, nor did they want their gift to look smaller than the next person’s.
The first family to step forward was the Zhao family. Their head servant carried three medium-sized boxes and two small boxes.
The servant opened the record book and announced politely: "The Zhao family offers three boxes of spirit herbs and two boxes of protective talismans. May Young Master Cheng and Young Master Zhang grow strong, safe, and successful."
Li Cheng and Li Zhang stepped forward together and said: "Thank you for the gifts."
A servant recorded the gifts quickly. Then five return-gift boxes were brought out. Three medium dessert boxes. Two small dessert boxes.
The Zhao family servant accepted them politely, though he did not look too interested. He assumed they were ordinary pastries, perhaps something the younger children in the household would enjoy. But he still took it to his master.
The next family stepped forward. This time, it was the Qian family. They had brought four large gift boxes.
The moment the boxes were placed on the table, several nearby guests looked over.
The boxes were large enough that two servants had to carry each one.
Someone from the Zhao family could not help saying: "The Qian family is generous. Four large boxes for two children’s birthdays."
The Qian family head smiled faintly: "It is only a small gesture."
Someone nearby laughed softly: "Small? Those boxes look like they could hold half a spirit beast."
The Qian family head replied calmly: "Then perhaps your family should have brought larger gifts."
The Zhao family head’s expression changed slightly: "You think size is everything?"
The Qian family head smiled: "At least it shows sincerity."
The two men looked at each other, then snorted and turned away.
Li Zhang watched the scene with wide eyes. He leaned toward Li Cheng and whispered, "Why are adults fighting over gift boxes?"
Li Cheng shrugged: "Because they are adults. It’s not the gift boxes specifically, they are just competing with each other and are trying to save face."
Li Zhang thought about it. Then he nodded seriously: "That makes sense."
The Qian family received four large dessert boxes.
The family head accepted them with a polite smile and handed them to his servant: "Take these home," he said casually: "The younger children can have them."
The servant lowered his head: "Yes, Master."
Several other families did the same.
One family brought six small boxes filled with spirit orbs, jade ornaments, and young cultivators’ protective accessories. They received six small dessert boxes in return.
Another family brought two medium boxes and one large box. They received two medium boxes and one large dessert box.
A few guests were bored and began teasing one another:
"Only one medium gift box? You came all the way here with that?"
"It is a rare spirit weapon."
"Then why is the box so small?"
"The weapon is small."
"Your heart is also small."
"You are only jealous because you brought two boxes of flower seeds."
The other man immediately replied: "Those flower seeds are rare Moonlight Spirit Flowers."
"Then perhaps the birthday boys can grow flowers instead of cultivating."
The nearby guests laughed.
The man’s face turned red, but he could not argue too loudly to maintain his dignity.
Li Jain watched the scene from nearby with some confusion. He had not expected guests to become so competitive over gifts.
To him, a gift was simply a gift. If people brought it with good intentions, that was enough.
But human social rules were always complicated. The more he tried to understand them, the more he felt his cultivation stir restlessly inside his body.
Li Jain quietly decided not to think too deeply. As long as the twins were happy, that was enough.
The gift exchange continued for a long time. The servants wrote every item down carefully.
Even several merchants had prepared small storage rings filled with useful things for young cultivators.
By the time almost all guests had given their gifts, the servants had already distributed many dessert boxes.
Most guests still did not take them seriously.
They thanked Li Jain politely, then placed the boxes beside their seats or handed them to their servants. Many had already decided to bring them home for younger children or grandchildren.
Only people like Boss Wu, Boss Lan, and Old Man Ling treated their boxes with unusual care.
Boss Lan had received three medium dessert boxes. He held them like someone was about to steal them.
Old Man Ling had received two large boxes and four small ones. He quickly placed a storage talisman over them.
One guest noticed and laughed: "Old Man, are you planning to preserve pastries for a hundred years?"
Old Man Ling glared at him: "You know nothing."
The guest only laughed again.
At that moment, a sudden stillness spread near the entrance.
The guard at the gate stopped speaking and took several steps back. Several guests who had been chatting turned around.
Then one person whispered in disbelief: "Why is he here?"
Another person’s eyes widened: "That is..."
"The Li family ancestor."
The courtyard became much quieter. Even several older guests stood immediately.
A tall elderly man slowly entered through the gate. His hair was completely white, but his back remained straight. He wore a dark gold robe with the Li family crest embroidered along the collar. His aura was restrained, but every cultivator in the courtyard could feel that it was deep and heavy.
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