Chapter 106: A Banquet Amidst the Snow

Half a month later, a heavy snowfall blanketed the entire city of Wuzhou.

Yang Cheng stood at Yuhua Academy, gazing down the mountain. Below, a vast expanse of white stretched out. The entire urban area was concealed beneath the snow, revealing only countless black specks—windows and doors. The streets were cold and desolate, with sparse black dots moving about.

After admiring the scene for a while, Yang Cheng returned to the Yang residence. It was still early, and Steward Su was in the front courtyard, overseeing preparations for the banquet—arranging tables, chairs, and dishes.

In the backyard, a sudden surge of youthful spirit took hold of Yang Cheng. He called over Li Tianxing, Hua Mingzhu, and others who were resting. Together, the seven young people began building snowmen.

Before long, an enormous snowman took shape. Yang Cheng, who seldom carried a sword, borrowed Hua Mingzhu’s blade to carve the figure. He crafted a perfectly round head, used two red berries as eyes, a red carrot for the nose, and formed a crooked wide smile on its mouth.

It resembled a comical expression he had once used. With one hand on its hip and the other pointing skyward, the snowman looked amusing, prompting laughter from the other six.

Still not satisfied, Yang Cheng gathered snow from the tree and sculpted a little rabbit clinging to the trunk with its limbs, an utterly hilarious sight.

As laughter filled the air, Yang Cheng led the charge in a snowball fight. At first, out of respect for Yang Cheng’s status as the head of the family, everyone restrained themselves, except for the younger Li Tianhu and his brother, who fought back earnestly without hesitation.

Their simple-mindedness meant they had no reservations, and their lively antics brought the group together. Soon, everyone was playing joyfully, their shouts and laughter echoing through the backyard. Several family martial artists came over to investigate, including Bai Liulu and two others who paused to watch.

Bai Muyun watched his niece, Bai Zhuluo, who alternated between startled dodging and bending over laughing. A pleased smile crept over his face. This warm, harmonious, and joyful scene reminded him of the times he had played with his own parents as a child.

Lost in thought, he suddenly felt something fly through the air and strike his shoulder. Weak as he was, he couldn’t dodge in time. Snowflakes scattered across his face, but there was no pain. He looked toward the source of the snowball and saw Liu Changqing holding another snowball, winking at him.

It turned out that Liu Changqing found the playful scene amusing and, feeling tempted, wanted to join in but was mindful of his status and refrained from playing with the youngsters. Seeing Bai Muyun engrossed in watching, he tossed a snowball his way.

But when Liu Changqing caught the stern look Bai Muyun gave him, he could only smile awkwardly. At that moment, a snowball struck Liu Changqing’s cheek—this one was heavier, infused with a bit of spiritual power to prevent him from dodging.

With his face covered in snow, Liu Changqing turned and saw Lu Baichuan grinning mischievously across from him. He hurled a snowball back, which landed squarely in Lu’s mouth, leaving him in a sorry state. Only then did Liu Changqing laugh heartily.

Zhong Qiang and others watched from a distance, daring not to tease these formidable figures. It was a rare sight to see them embarrassed, and they stood there chuckling quietly.

After a long while, everyone felt exhilarated. Yang Cheng, slightly out of breath, glanced at the time. Without disturbing the young players, he went alone to the front courtyard.

Hua Mingzhu, just gathering a handful of snow, saw Yang Cheng’s departing figure and suddenly felt a pang of loss.

Yang Cheng entered the front hall to find Lord Le Yin and Zhu Buhuo already waiting. Concerned that Yang Cheng might be busy, they had instructed Xiao Lan and Xiao Wu not to announce their arrival and remained seated in the hall. Several members of the Merchants’ Guild, friends of Lord Le Yin, were also present.

Though these people had no direct dealings with Yang Cheng, they had heard of the booming business of the Yang family’s furniture enterprise in Wuzhou over recent months. With Lord Le Yin’s high praise for Yang Cheng, they waited patiently.

Fortunately, the front hall was warmed by several large coal braziers; otherwise, the biting cold of winter would have been unbearable.

Seeing Yang Cheng, everyone rose and greeted him.

Lord Le Yin introduced them one by one. These individuals held modest positions within the Merchants’ Guild, mostly active in the first and second tiers. Yang Cheng was happy to make more acquaintances; perhaps future collaborations awaited.

Yang Cheng exchanged polite bows with the group. One slender elderly man remarked, “Young Master Yang, so young and accomplished—truly worthy of your success. We seem to have lived many years in vain.”

Everyone laughed.

The thin man then asked, “Young Master Yang, with your achievements and talent, why have you not considered joining our Merchants’ Guild? Within our ranks, you would surely rise to a high position and gain many business advantages.”

Yang Cheng replied, “I am grateful for your kind words, though I do not deserve them. I have admired the Merchants’ Guild for some time, but currently, I am unable to disengage from my affairs and have not considered expanding beyond. Moreover, with Brother Le within the guild, his support suffices. It would be redundant for me to join hastily.”

Lord Le Yin beamed with pleasure.

The elder envied, “Old Le will surely see his business flourish even more alongside Young Master Yang. I expect his status within the guild will rise swiftly.”

Yang Cheng and Lord Le Yin exchanged humble gestures.

Others chimed in, “Young Master Yang, please remember us in the future.”

“Of course, today we are all friends; we shall look out for one another,” Yang Cheng said, bowing.

The group echoed, “Yes, friends indeed.”

“Should you need anything, Young Master Yang, please do not hesitate to speak.”

“...”

After some conversation, Yang Cheng stepped out to welcome arriving guests, leaving Lord Le Yin to entertain those present.

Old Zhu followed Yang Cheng into town to assist. Many tavern owners there knew him, and now that he and Lord Le Yin were closely allied with Yang Cheng, it was natural for them to lend a hand when the Yang family needed it.

The two chatted briefly by the door as guests gradually arrived.

Upon arrival, the guests exchanged polite greetings before Xiao Wu led them to the front hall to rest. By noon, most had arrived—around seventy or eighty—before the two returned to chat and await Steward Su’s banquet arrangements.

Twenty-five or twenty-six tables had been set up. The hall was too small to accommodate all, so the tables were placed in the open area in front of the hall where press conferences were held. Yang Cheng invited everyone to be seated. The snowfall had ceased, the air was still, and warm braziers beneath the tables kept the chill at bay. Dining while enjoying the snow was a uniquely pleasant experience.

As everyone settled, they scrutinized the dishes and items on the tables with curiosity.

An impatient voice laughed loudly, “I always say, whenever Young Master Yang invites us, it’s never without surprise. Today is no exception. Young Master Yang, why don’t you introduce the items on these tables first?”

Laughter erupted, and others joined in agreement.

Yang Cheng, noticing that his two hundred or so invited guests all looked to him, had deliberately seated himself at the central table so everyone could see him. He smiled and said, “Boss Xiao, you seem impatient. Very well, now that everyone is seated, allow me a few words of introduction.” The crowd responded enthusiastically.

Yang Cheng began, “Everyone here conducts business in various districts. How has tavern business been for you all this year?”

“Ha! No need to say, this year will be a prosperous one!” someone shouted.

“Usually tavern business is neither good nor bad, but this year we’ve hit the jackpot. No, we should thank Young Master Yang,” others agreed.

“I’m glad I decided to work with Young Master Yang from the first press conference; otherwise, who knows how much I would have lost,” another chimed in.

The crowd buzzed with lively conversation, each adding their voice, creating a vibrant atmosphere.