Chapter 65 Distinction Between Superior and Inferior
An elderly man with silver hair, advanced in years, slowly walked from a distance.
Dressed in traditional Tang attire, the old man walked steadily with a stature broad and strong; if not for his silver hair, no one would believe this was the seventy-year-old, Gu Ju.
Elder Master Gu's fame might not be as widespread as the three great families of Jiangzhou, but his power and influence were not to be underestimated. He seldom got involved in conflicts and didn't scramble for benefits with others, hence he had no disputes of interest. It could be said that he was a significant figure standing aloof from worldly affairs.
Seeing Elder Master Gu appearing in their field of vision, the passersby began to buzz with conversation—
"It's Elder Master Gu!"
"Elder Master Gu has come, who would dare to cause trouble here?"
"This kid is done for!"
"I heard Elder Master Gu has OCD; he does not allow strangers to step on the Marble at his doorstep carelessly."
"I've heard about this before. Last time a young man dirtied the Marble, and later his legs were broken by someone."
"That's brutal! Then this kid will not only have his legs broken but also his tongue cut out!"
...
Everyone was discussing the matter and, one way or another, the outcome for Fang Yu seemed predetermined. Nearly everyone shared this thought.
"Kid, my grandfather has arrived, better watch your mouth! Behave yourself... otherwise, even the mighty heaven can't save you," Young Master Gu cautioned seriously.
"Oh, your grandfather is a tiger? So frightening!" Fang Yu asked doubtfully.
Young Master Gu hummed lightly and said, "Even tigers have to lie down in front of my grandfather!"
"That powerful? Then I must see for myself."
As they spoke, Elder Master Gu had already approached the gate.
Finally—
Elder Master Gu was fully visible to everyone.
His expression was solemn, commanding respect without anger. If he were in ancient times, he would be an emperor who reigned supreme.
Such demeanor clearly did not belong to an ordinary person.
The expression on Elder Master Gu's face wasn't very pleasant, as he could not stand anyone acting wildly on his territory, no matter what they did.
When he raised his head to see who was the impudent person causing trouble—
His expression became complicated, filled with a myriad of emotions!
Following that, his eyes widened, and his lips trembled.
His old legs also started shaking uncontrollably.
...
Young Master Gu glanced disdainfully at Fang Yu before turning his attention to his grandfather.
However—
His grandfather's complexion seemed very excited! Young Master Gu knew his grandfather well, capable of distinguishing between anger and joy quite clearly.
Young Master Gu was certain that his grandfather was overcome with happiness, to the point where tears nearly flowed.
What's going on?
...
Fang Yu stood with his hands clasped behind his back, smiling amiably at Elder Master Gu, his demeanor casual, as if he did not take Elder Master Gu seriously.
Seeing Elder Master Gu so thrilled and silent with excitement, Fang Yu took the initiative to speak:
"Elder Gu, your grandson said that even tigers have to bow before you; when did you become so impressive?"
"—"
Upon hearing these words, the face of Young Master Gu turned, engulfed in rage.
Had it not been for his grandfather's presence, he would have definitely started a fight!
In his eyes, his grandfather was a godlike figure; for a young man to be so arrogant to his face was unforgivable!
However, the next scene shattered his worldview—
Upon hearing Fang Yu's words, Elder Master Gu showed a look of embarrassment, then let out a long breath to calm his wild joy, and strode forward quickly.
Then, Elder Master Gu bowed deeply towards Fang Yu, respectfully saying:
"Young... Young Master!"
Young Master Gu's mind went blank.
Stunned as a wooden chicken.
Then his face showed an expression of disbelief; this was impossible.
How could his grandfather, a man revered by all, bow to a young man and address him as Young Master?
How much had the once unyielding backbone bent in this moment!
This is very wrong!
Grandpa's body is trembling, his eyes are reddening, and tears are about to flow out!
This cry of "Young Master" is incredibly devout, incredibly respectful.
The whole place is silent, as if frozen in time, the air congealed.
...
It's unclear how much time has passed before the passersby nearby burst into discussion—
"What's wrong with Old Master Gu? Why is he bowing to a young man?"
"Holy shit, really? Who is this young man?"
"Big news, this is really big news!"
Whether it's at the entrance or the passersby nearby, they're all staring intently at this scene. They don't understand why Old Master Gu would do this.
But this is enough to show that this young man is no ordinary person.
That young man who looks a bit unsophisticated, yet somewhat unconcerned with worldly matters.
Who is he, exactly?
This question arises in everyone's mind.
The wind blows through, breaking the silence.
Seeing that Fang Yu makes no move, Old Master Gu, thinking his gesture incomplete, hurriedly takes a step forward, preparing to kneel—
This...
Young Master Gu is stunned.
A bow and calling him Young Master was already beyond his imagination, but kneeling, what's going on?!
While Young Master Gu is completely confused, Fang Yu approaches with a smile and supports Old Master Gu, who is about to kneel.
"No need for such formalities with me; you know I detest all that tedious protocol."
"Yes, Young Master."
The passersby are also startled by this kneeling gesture!
Many people point and discuss amongst themselves.
...
Old Master Gu's face turns red, not wishing to pay attention to the idle chatter, and seeing his grandson still in a daze, he says authoritatively: "Qingshan, why aren't you quickly paying your respects to the Young Master?!"
"Ah?"
"What 'ah'? Are you not heeding Grandfather's order?" Old Master Gu scolds.
Gu Qingshan feels as if his head is filled with paste, unable to comprehend.
Frightened by his grandfather's anger, he slowly walks up to Fang Yu and bends over, saying, "Have..... have met the Young Master."
Old Master Gu frowns, lifts his leg, and kicks towards Gu Qingshan's legs!
"Outrageous! With your status, you should perform the kneeling salute!"
This kick sends Gu Qingshan stumbling to his knees.
Kicked into a state of dumbfoundedness.
Kicked into confusion.
...
Fang Yu stands with his hands clasped behind his back, glancing over with peripheral vision, pretending to be aware of the bigger picture, and says, "Let him stand up... I have no association with him."
Hearing this, Old Master Gu is startled and says, "Young Master... he's my grandson, and I am your servant; there is, of course, a connection."
"That's all you say, I don't acknowledge it," Fang Yu shakes his head gently.
Hearing the discussions outside, Fang Yu adds, "Let's go inside to talk, it's too chaotic here."
"Yes!"
...
The group enters the interior of the estate.
With the people out of sight, the crowd dissipates gradually.
Inside the estate, in the hall.
Fang Yu sits in the seat of honor, exuding an impressive demeanor.
Old Master Gu doesn't dare to sit and respectfully stands to the left of Fang Yu.
If Grandpa doesn't dare to sit, Gu Qingshan, as his grandson, dares even less to sit; his mind is filled with confusion.
Gu Qingshan is forced to gather his thoughts; he urgently wants to understand the identity of this Fang Yu— could it be that Grandpa mentioned the Lu... family... clan?! At this thought, Gu Qingshan gasps in shock.