The Old One was none other than the Old Ancestor of the Song Family, Song Wenxian.
He had long heard that Yu Chenran had taken on a disciple named Chen Qingyuan and was curious about him. He also knew that Chen Qingyuan was adept at handling matters, having taught Song Ningyan to show respect to her elders.
Song Wenxian couldn't wait to meet Chen Qingyuan in person to see just how cunning the young generation could be.
"I've just arrived and was trimming the plants in the guest hall garden. I hope I haven't disturbed Young Master's rest," he said.
Before coming, Song Wenxian had disguised himself as a servant of the Song Family.
Dressed in coarse linen and straw sandals, his hair unkempt and his face covered with stubble.
"It's fine," Chen Qingyuan glanced at Song Wenxian and knew he was no ordinary person.
"I heard Young Master made our Clan Leader lose face yesterday. Truly a hero of the younger generation!"
Song Wenxian put down his tools, looking for a way to start a conversation, and bowed his hands.
"Predecessor, please don't tease. I greatly admire the Clan Leader of the Song Family and would never dare to be disrespectful."
Chen Qingyuan returned the gesture with clasped hands, quickly explaining.
"This matter has already spread. Although I am but a servant in the mansion, I have heard about it."
Between the lines, Song Wenxian intentionally revealed his fake identity, hoping to lower Chen Qingyuan's guard.
"If Predecessor is a servant, I reckon most of the Song Family would not dare to command you."
Chen Qingyuan had been in the Jianghu for many years and had a keen eye.
"Why do you say that?"
Hearing this, Song Wenxian's heart sank with a thud, secretly wondering if his shabby attire had given him away.
"Old Elder really enjoys joking with the younger generation," Chen Qingyuan said with a wry smile. "The Song Family has profound resources, and everywhere you look is a beautiful vista. Not to mention other things, just the jade brick under Old Elder's feet is worth a fortune outside."
Song Wenxian frowned slightly, not quite understanding the meaning behind Chen Qingyuan's words.
So what?
Song Wenxian remained silent, continuing to listen.
"According to what Old Elder said, even if you are a servant in the mansion, you shouldn't be dressed like this. Yesterday, as I walked through the main gate of the Song residence, the maids were all dressed in gold and jade, and the guards wore radiant armor. What a grand sight."
"Even if the Song Family had some less favored servants who didn't receive the clan's grace, it's possible. But, a disfavored servant would never be assigned to trim the gardens in the guest quarters."
"The Song Family is the leading Ancient Clan of the Northern Wilderness. Even a servant represents the face of the Song Family. How could they let an elderly person dressed so plainly come here? Wouldn't that be slapping their own face?"
Chen Qingyuan laid out his deductions clearly.
This kid seems to make some sense!
After listening, Song Wenxian's expression changed drastically.
Observant and meticulous.
Plus, with the young man's high talent and the backing of the Academy, his future was boundless!
Uncovered in just a few words, Song Wenxian found it not fun at all.
"Fair point." Since his disguise as a servant was seen through, Song Wenxian posed another challenge, his eyes deep and corners of his mouth lifted, his voice slightly hoarse: "Why not guess Old One's identity, Young Master Chen? Can you do it?"
"Is there a reward?"
Chen Qingyuan countered.
Hearing this, Song Wenxian was taken aback, then laughed: "If you can guess seven or eight out of ten, of course there's a reward."
Song Wenxian had been bored to death staying in the clan for many years.
Today, meeting Chen Qingyuan, his interest was piqued.
"Actually, your identity isn't hard to guess," Chen Qingyuan said with a meaningful smile.
"Speak," Song Wenxian dared not say more, fearing he'd give away more clues. He thought Chen Qingyuan was bluffing and needed to be cautious.
"Old sir, you just mentioned the Clan Leader was put in his place because of me. When you said that, your eyes were very calm, without a trace of respect. Plus, with your high-ranking demeanor, you're likely a core member of the Song Family."
"Daring to speak so freely of the Clan Leader without a hint of respect, I estimate your authority is not less than the Clan Leader's. As I know, the Clan Leader of the Song Family is a hero among men, and only a few reclusive Old Ancestors could possibly overshadow the Clan Leader."
"Is my guess accurate?"
Chen Qingyuan smiled slightly.
These words shocked Song Wenxian.
In just a short meeting, he had been seen through by Chen Qingyuan, which was outrageous!
What frustrated Song Wenxian was that he still hadn't figured out Chen Qingyuan's background.
"Young fellow, impressive."
After a long pause, Song Wenxian genuinely admired him.
While deducing, Chen Qingyuan also complimented the Clan Leader of the Song Family as a hero of the times. This kind of flattery was comfortable and secretly pleasing, without causing any discomfort.
A single look from Song Wenxian when he mentioned the "Clan Leader" gave Chen Qingyuan so much information. It surprised Song Wenxian, as it had been many years since he'd encountered such a young man.
Song Wenxian was the former Clan Leader and the biological father of Song Xiufeng.
How could a father speak of his son with reverence when discussing him with others?
Frustrated.
He hadn't managed to play a trick on Chen Qingyuan, but instead had his identity revealed in one sentence.
Song Wenxian stared at Chen Qingyuan with mixed feelings. Yesterday Song Xiufeng was put in his place, and today it was Song Wenxian's turn, truly like father, like son!
"I suppose it was my disrespectful actions in the main hall yesterday that piqued Old Elder's interest, leading you to grace us with your presence today." Chen Qingyuan paused, then continued jokingly: "You went to such lengths to disguise your identity, it must have been quite the trouble."
Then, Chen Qingyuan stepped forward and bowed deeply to Song Wenxian, very respectfully: "Junior Chen Qingyuan, greets Predecessor. If there has been any disrespect, please forgive me."
"You young man…"
Watching Chen Qingyuan's respectful demeanor, Song Wenxian found no excuse to reprimand him.
"Never mind, forgive you if you offer Old One a drink."
Song Wenxian puffed his beard and glared, his high status in the Song Family so easily exposed, not fun at all, boring.
"To offer Predecessor a drink is my honor, please come in."
Chen Qingyuan stood by the door, gesturing with an inviting hand.
Thus, Song Wenxian stepped into the room, his expression still tinged with frustration, the turn of events completely different from what he had expected.
In his imagination, Song Wenxian, under the guise of a servant, would get close to Chen Qingyuan, then become friendly. In a few days, when the time was right, he would reveal his identity and enjoy Chen Qingyuan's shocked reaction.
Thinking of the impact his identity reversal would have on Chen Qingyuan, Song Wenxian was looking forward to it and had arrived early in the guest hall garden.
However, things did not go as he wished.
After taking a seat, Song Wenxian stared intently at Chen Qingyuan, making him quite uncomfortable.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas