Signing In At The Civil Affairs Bureau, I Was Rewarded With A Gorgeous Wife

"No mistake about it! No mistake about it!"

The man's eyes shone brightly as he looked at the eight large characters, continuously saying, "I am extremely excited to be able to see such calligraphy up close today!"

"Is it really as mystical as you say? I think it's just so-so!"

Wu Batian said with disdain, "These few characters definitely can't top my brother Sheng Peng's calligraphy. Isn't that a surviving work of Wang Xizhi, of higher value than this?"

However, aside from some people who did not understand calligraphy echoing his sentiment, anyone with a certain knowledge of calligraphy was somewhat sneering.

Although the value of calligraphy and painting is mostly hyped up by people, once it reaches a certain height, as soon as the calligraphy and painting reach a certain realm, countless people will pursue it!

Song Yun's entirely new style of calligraphy clearly had the elegance of a calligraphy master. Perhaps as soon as he established his own school, many scholars and writers would be eager to join his ranks?

"Why are you all looking at me with that kind of gaze? Did I say something wrong?"

Wu Batian could not accept the disdain in the eyes of the people around him, and he abruptly shoved the middle-aged man nearest to him.

People hurriedly turned their heads away, knowing that the young tyrant could do anything when provoked, and they certainly couldn't afford to provoke him!

"Batian, try to restrain yourself a bit," Hu Shengpeng said reluctantly with pursed lips.

He had thought that he had grasped something Ouyang Shu, the old master, liked, but to his dismay, someone came out of nowhere and upstaged him!

Seeing the old master Ouyang Shu lovingly touch those eight large characters made his face burn with pain!

"Alright, alright, everyone has had a good look. I will put away this piece and observe it myself later on. Hahahaha, I am truly overjoyed today. In a while, let's all have a couple of drinks together!"

Ouyang Shu, the old master, carefully rolled it up and then handed it to Ouyang Rong to take to his study.

The onlookers who were intently trying to comprehend were caught off guard when the calligraphy was suddenly put away! Their eyebrows shot up and they wanted to curse out loud, but in an instant they remembered they were at the Ouyang Family's place, so they could only regretfully return to their seats.

The gifts that followed were all too similar, sent with the intention of being the most expensive rather than the best. The old master Ouyang kept the items he liked; for those he didn't like but were still very valuable, he directly converted them into checks to return to the giver.

After all, the Ouyang Family's longevity banquet was not about making money, and they didn't want to owe anyone any favors because while goods have a price, favors are priceless!

"Next, the son of the Nangong Family, Nangong Han, will come forward to present the birthday gift!"

With an inexplicable expression, Nangong Han held a tray covered with red cloth. He slowly walked up to the old master Ouyang and bowed, saying, "Today, to celebrate the old master Ouyang's birthday, the Nangong Family especially offers a jade Guanyin statue. We hope the old master likes it."

After saying so, he uncovered the red cloth. A jade Guanyin statue, fifty centimeters tall and lifelike, stood solemnly on the platter, calming everyone's mood instantly due to the great care the sculptor had taken. Experience new tales on empire

This was a fine piece. The old master Ouyang said with a kindly smile, "Young man, do not be too impatient. You should consider things from multiple perspectives, and from now on you must avoid arrogance and impetuosity, understand?"

Nangong Han, glancing at Song Yun who had presented his gift earlier and was now seated at the same table as the old master Ouyang, felt a chill in his heart. This was the old master Ouyang's way of admonishing him!

It was also a way of showing support for Song Yun!

"The younger generation will heed your teachings."

Nangong Han bowed and walked away.

There was only one family left that hadn't come forward, the Bai Family!

No matter what, Bai Jingbing of the Bai Family was one of the hosts today. One could overlook the other in some minor details, but in front of such a large crowd, it was still necessary to save some face; hence, the Bai Family was chosen to be the final act of this segment.

"Next, the Bai Family from Forty-nine City, ranked first among noble households, will come forward to offer the congratulatory gift!"

Bai Jingbing stood up and clapped his hands. Two members of the Bai Family entered, carrying a chest, showing just how seriously the Bai Family regarded this social event!

"This box contains a collection of antique treasures from the Bai Family, I hope you will enjoy them!"

Bai Jingbing had the box placed in front of Grandfather Ouyang, who opened it to find a dazzling array of items, and couldn't help feeling sentimental. Last year for his birthday, it was the patriarch of the Bai Family who had come personally, and a toast was gift enough.

But this year... Things are not the same without the people!

Well, old friend, let's help you one last time!

Grandfather Ouyang closed the box, smiling as he said, "I'm very pleased with the gift from the Bai Family, Jingbing, stay at this table and have a few drinks with me!"

Bai Jingbing looked at Ouyang Shu in surprise, feeling somewhat incredulous.

Since ancient times, there have always been more who would kick a man when he's down than those who would lend a hand in the snow, and those who oppose their own interests never hesitate to employ ruthless measures.

But the Ouyang Family...

This must be the only smooth-sailing affair these days!

"The gift presenting ceremony is over, let the banquet begin!"

As Ouyang Rong's voice died down, everyone started picking up their chopsticks, toasting each other, returning toasts, and drinking merrily, each hoping to make an ally or two, or to delve into deeper cooperation on several projects.

The scene was lively for a while.

"Grandfather Ouyang, I toast to you!"

Bai Jingbing said with some excitement, "I'm not good with words and don't know what to say; it's all in the drink, I'll finish mine, you can do as you please!"

After saying so, Bai Jingbing drained a full cup in one gulp, and Grandfather Ouyang sighed before asking, "How... is your father's health these days?"

Bai Jingbing's expression turned to worry as he said, "On good days, he's like there's nothing wrong with him, but when the illness strikes, he..."

"Ah, the Bai Family!"

Grandfather Ouyang took a solemn sip from his small cup, his expression somewhat desolate.

If the Bai Family were willing to let Song Yun act as the main doctor, the cause of Elder Bai's illness would surely have been found by now!

If Bai Weiguo hadn't made things difficult for them when Bai Qiu returned home, perhaps Song Yun would have offered help when Elder Bai fell ill, potentially averting the crisis!

But now!

One wrong step by the Bai Family leads to another!

He not only felt heartbroken for the plight of his old friend but was also angry that the younger generation of the Bai Family had taken things too far!

"Song Yun, I know the Bai Family hasn't left you with a good impression, and I apologize on behalf of your uncle! You still have injuries, no need to drink, I'll finish this cup for you!"

Bai Jingbing hadn't touched a dish of food, but he kept drinking cup after cup.

Song Yun didn't know what to say; after all, any slight movement behind his back still hurt, and to say he harbored no resentment was impossible!

He could only pour a cup of juice and drink slowly along with Bai Jingbing.

"Elders, we're here to offer our toasts!"

Hu Shengpeng, with a few others, approached and laughed, "Please feel free, we'll drink ours!"

After finishing their drinks, Hu Shengpeng didn't leave but instead, pulling Wu Batian with him, made his way towards Song Yun.

"Mr. Song, my brother has been disrespectful to you, so I specifically brought him over to apologize!"