Jingtang Road, a historic architectural compound near the Grand Canal in Tongzhou, the old Sima residence was three times larger than Gu Shiren's estate. Fronting the Grand Canal and backed by a forest park, its location and feng shui were questioned for their ability to bring prosperity.
Currently, in a spacious living room within the compound's central courtyard, the decor was luxurious, with furniture crafted from precious woods. Yellow cushions adorned the chairs, and a massive coffee table displayed a set of exquisite tea ware. Beside it sat a packet of Jin Gua Gong Tea, reportedly priced at fifty thousand for one hundred grams.
Chen Qiuyun, dressed in a black qipao, her form-fitting dress perfectly showcased her voluptuous and graceful figure. Her hair was styled in an updo, revealing her stunning face. Though not young, she was exceptionally well-preserved. Having grown up in a prominent family, she exuded an air of nobility, her every movement demonstrating poise and elegance.
Her beautiful eyes were like autumn water, framed by arched brows and long lashes, conveying a hint of melancholy, as if harboring countless unspeakable thoughts. Her full, rosy lips were inviting.
Chen Qiuyun was a woman who exuded mature charm. Her looks and figure seemed to naturally stir a man's desire.
Even Sima Boyong, sitting beside her in a thick cotton-padded coat and a coat draped over his shoulders, leaned back in his chair. His small eyes gazed at Chen Qiuyun, and even after seven years together, he felt a stir of emotion.
Alas, he had made a promise to her back then!
Just then, Zhu Yangyu and Wei Ping entered. Sima Boyong accepted the tea poured by Chen Qiuyun, brought it to his nose to savor the aroma, and then took a small sip. Nodding, he finished the tea, slowly placed the cup down, slipped his left hand into the cuff of his right sleeve, and looked up at the returning pair. "Wan Yunting is in the capital?" he asked.
"Yes."
Zhu Yangyu nodded. "We just returned from the airport and saw Wan Yunting being driven by Gu Zichen. He should be staying with Gu Yuanbai at Gu Shiren's place."
Sima Boyong nodded slightly. "The National Traditional Chinese Medicine Conference is still a few days away. Why did that brat decide to come to the capital?"
Zhu Yangyu and Wei Ping exchanged glances and shook their heads, indicating they didn't know. "Perhaps he came early to consolidate support for Gu Yuanbai and them," Zhu Yangyu ventured.
"Heh heh."
Mentioning this, Sima Boyong couldn't help but chuckle. His small eyes cast a sideways glance at Chen Qiuyun, who sat expressionless beside him. He took her jade-like hand, as if admiring a piece of jade, and said with a smile, "Do those four old fossils of Gu Shiren really think they can win over people in the capital and go against my Sima family? They're dreaming."
Zhu Yangyu and Wei Ping remained silent. At that moment, Sima Wentang entered, accompanied by a young man. The young man was tall and upright, dressed casually and comfortably. He was handsome and dignified. Upon entering, he called out to Sima Boyong, "Grandpa, I'm back."
"Xuan Yu, you finally decided to come back, you rascal."
Sima Boyong turned and saw his grandson, his heart stirring. Sima Xuan Yu immediately stepped forward and, bending slightly, helped his grandfather up. "Grandpa, please sit. I heard you were injured. How is your condition?"
Sima Boyong sat down again, then turned and glared at Sima Wentang, eliciting a laugh. "Dad, Xuan Yu is back, I couldn't keep it from you."
Sima Xuan Yu grasped his grandfather's wrist and was feeling his pulse. His brow furrowed. "Grandpa, was the person who injured you a martial arts expert?"
"Yes, it was your Ancestor Zong."
Sima Boyong sighed lightly, pulled Sima Xuan Yu to sit beside him, and shook his head with a smile. "I've taken the medicine, and it's no longer serious, but there's a lingering injury. If I want to break through to the martial arts realm again, it's hopeless."
Sima Xuan Yu's eyes instantly turned cold. "Grandpa, I'll settle this score for you!"
"Good."
Sima Boyong's small eyes looked at his beloved grandson with affection. He patted his arm with satisfaction and smiled. "Xuan Yu, I called you back this time not to settle scores with the Wuliang Daoist Temple, but for you to take over your father's position as the chairman of the Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Association!"
Sima Xuan Yu nodded. "My father has already told me about the matter with my uncle and the previous incident of supporting medical care in the countryside. It has indeed had a significant impact on our Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Association. Now that you, Grandpa, have gained a reputation for fratricide and usurpation, it is indeed unfavorable to our Sima family!"
"Therefore, I want you to form a marital alliance with the Kong family!" Sima Boyong said, patting his arm.
Sima Xuan Yu was taken aback. Even Sima Wentang, who was unaware, looked at his father in surprise. "Dad, you want Xuan Yu to marry Kong family's offspring?"
"Naturally, Kong Jingguo's daughter!" Sima Boyong said to Sima Wentang.
Sima Wentang, however, said in surprise, "Doesn't Director Kong only have a son? How can he have a daughter?"
Sima Boyong smiled. "Kong Jingguo used to have a daughter, but she is now at the Wudang Sect. It's rumored that she is a once-in-a-millennium martial arts prodigy of the Wudang Sect. She has also inherited the sword intent of the Wudang Sect's Old Ancestor of Swordsmanship, making her the foremost sword practitioner among the younger generation!"
"Is that so."
Sima Wentang was surprised. They really didn't know that Kong Jingguo had another daughter like this.
"I've already discussed this matter with Director Kong, and he has agreed to marry his daughter to Xuan Yu. If our Sima family forms a marital alliance with the Kong family, then in the future in the capital, the five great families may welcome our Sima family!" Sima Boyong said with a smile, looking at Sima Wentang and his grandson Sima Xuan Yu.
Sima Wentang's heart was invigorated. He nodded. "If Xuan Yu truly marries Director Kong's daughter, our Sima family will be completely tied to the Kong family's grand ship. In the future, no one in the capital will dare to challenge our Sima family's position."
Sima Boyong nodded, turned to Sima Xuan Yu, and smiled. "Xuan Yu, you cannot refuse this. You are the future of our Sima family, and my arrangement is for the sake of the family's future. You won't blame your grandfather, will you?"
Sima Xuan Yu shook his head slightly and smiled. "Grandpa, what are you saying? You're thinking of me, so of course, I won't refuse your arrangement. Besides, it's all the same who I marry. As long as it's beneficial to our Sima family, a little sacrifice from me is deserved."
"Good, ha ha, truly worthy of being my Sima Boyong's grandson." Hearing his grandson's words made Sima Boyong even happier.
Immediately, Sima Xuan Yu said, "Grandpa, my dad has already told me that the person who disrupted your plan at the Wuliang Daoist Temple is someone named Wan Yunting, right?"
"Mm."
Mentioning Wan Yunting, Sima Boyong's small eyes immediately turned sinister. "That brat is now the Abbot of the Wuliang Daoist Temple and the Vice President of the Lingnan Traditional Chinese Medicine Association. Our Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Association has been experiencing difficulties for the past year, all because of this person!"
Sima Wentang nodded. "Xuan Yu, your grandfather and I want you to return and take over so that you can deal with Wan Yunting!"
Sima Xuan Yu's eyes were cold. He looked at his father and grandfather and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa. I will make that brat pay for his actions!"
Sima Boyong smiled and nodded, patting his shoulder. "A few days from now, at the National Traditional Chinese Medicine Conference, I'll have your father announce your takeover as the association's chairman. However, before that, we need Kong Jingguo's approval and to finalize the marriage arrangement with his daughter. Then everything will be smooth sailing!"
"Alright, we'll visit Director Kong together later." Sima Xuan Yu nodded.
"Master, there's something I need to report to you!" Zhu Yangyu said immediately.
Sima Boyong turned to him. "If you have something to say, just say it."
Zhu Yangyu nodded and glanced at Wei Ping standing beside him. "Senior Brother Wei, you can leave first."
Wei Ping was stunned and looked at Zhu Yangyu, wondering why there was something being kept from him at this point.
"Wei Ping, you go out first."
Sima Wentang turned and said to him expressionlessly.
Wei Ping's heart sank. He glanced at Sima Boyong, lowered his head, and retreated. The Sima family was left behind. However, Sima Boyong turned and said with a smile to Chen Qiuyun, who sat silently beside him, "Qiuyun, please tidy up the room. Xuan Yu will be staying at home tonight."
Chen Qiuyun nodded slightly, said nothing, and got up to leave. Sima Xuan Yu watched her sway away, her plump buttocks looking shapely, then withdrew his gaze and looked at Zhu Yangyu. He then said, "Master, there's news from the sect that someone has hired Duan Feilong to assassinate Wan Yunting!"
"Oh?"
Sima Boyong's eyes widened in surprise. Sima Wentang and Sima Xuan Yu both looked at Zhu Yangyu with confusion and asked, "Who?"
"Tan Zhiyuan of the Wudang Sect!"
Zhu Yangyu said, "He is a disciple of Elder Zhang Yansong of the Wudang Sect. It was through his introduction that Duan Feilong was hired to assassinate Wan Yunting. However, I haven't been able to investigate clearly yet who is behind Tan Zhiyuan!"
Sima Boyong's small eyes narrowed into slits. After a pause, he said, "It seems that brat Wan Yunting is not the only one who wants him dead!"
This was because Duan Feilong was a member of the Divine Teach of Tianyan. As the leader of the Tianyan Divine Teach's branch in China, Sima Boyong naturally knew that Duan Feilong was a former disciple of the Wudang Sect who later joined the Tianyan Divine Teach.
"Yang Yu, have Duan Feilong come to the capital to see me. Also, investigate clearly who is behind Tan Zhiyuan and who wants to kill Wan Yunting!" Sima Boyong commanded Zhu Yangyu, his small eyes wide.
"Yes, Master. I will arrange it now." Zhu Yangyu nodded and turned to leave.
Sima Wentang looked back at his father. "Dad, do you mean you want to find out who is behind Tan Zhiyuan and join forces to kill Wan Yunting?"
Sima Boyong nodded and smiled. "The other party has approached Duan Feilong, which means we have a connection with them. As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. The fact that a Wudang Sect disciple is acting as an intermediary indicates that the person who wants to kill Wan Yunting is not of ordinary status!"
Sima Wentang and Sima Xuan Yu nodded their heads...