Chapter 897

"Lord Gao, the Master and the Young Master have been waiting in the main hall for quite some time. Please, come in!"

Gao Yang walked into the Shangguan residence. The first thing that met his eyes was an exceptionally wide bluestone path, winding deep into the estate, flanked by vibrant, eye-catching flowers.

Soon, Gao Yang followed the bluestone path to the main hall, where he saw Shangguan Wan'er waiting outside the door.

Shangguan Wan'er was dressed in a green robe, her complexion as fair as mutton-fat jade. She carried an air of cold detachment, as if to say, "Keep your distance!"

"Wan'er!"

Gao Yang called out.

Seeing Gao Yang, Shangguan Wan'er walked toward him.

"Wan'er, I heard from Father that the Shangguan family once had two generals in one generation and a tradition of martial arts. They say it would only take one punch to kill me—is that true?"

Shangguan Wan'er looked Gao Yang over seriously, then said, "That's a rumor. It would take two punches."

"When I told Father and my brother that you were coming for dinner tonight, their reaction was even more intense than I imagined. You'll have to endure it for a while."

Gao Yang's heart had just relaxed, but the next second, he was ready to turn and leave.

"Wan'er, I suddenly remembered that Father is going to the Rouge Pavilion tonight. I'll head back first to help Mother catch him. I'll take my leave."

Shangguan Wan'er immediately grabbed Gao Yang's hand, a black line of frustration appearing on her forehead.

She said viciously, "Gao Yang, if you dare stand me up, I'll castrate you myself. And I won't use a sharp blade—I'll use a thick piece of wood, or cut you bit by bit with a piece of paper. Do you believe me?"

Gao Yang's steps faltered.

He stared at Shangguan Wan'er's face, looking utterly miserable.

Shangguan Wan'er softened her tone and continued, "You have a prominent status and great power now; Father and my brother won't actually do anything to you. At most, they'll scold you and give you the cold shoulder. For my sake, just endure it, alright?"

Gao Yang still looked hesitant. Ever since he was born, he, Gao Wenzhi, had never been forced to swallow his pride. He simply wasn't the type to take abuse!

"After dinner, come to my room, and I'll play a tune on the flute for you. You can have your way—how about that?"

Shangguan Wan'er added.

Gao Yang stared at Shangguan Wan'er's fair face and her soft, pink lips. He took a deep breath and said,

"It's just a father-in-law and a brother-in-law; what's so difficult about that? For your sake, Wan'er, let alone a scolding or some cold treatment, even if I had to take a beating, what of it?"

"Lead the way!"

Shangguan Wan'er: "..."

What kind of words were those? Had she pumped him full of adrenaline?

But Shangguan Wan'er didn't overthink it and led Gao Yang toward the main hall. At this moment, she was feeling quite nervous herself.

As soon as they stepped into the hall, the atmosphere shifted instantly; a solemn, oppressive air descended.

In the center of the hall stood a table laden with dish after dish of fragrant, mouth-watering delicacies. At the head of the table sat a middle-aged man in a black robe with a square face, his expression stern and unsmiling, exuding authority in every movement.

Beside him sat a young man in a white robe, his posture equally straight, his frame tall; he looked to be about twenty-five.

From the moment Gao Yang stepped into the hall, both pairs of eyes fixed on him, filled with pressure.

Ordinarily, given Gao Yang's status, he would certainly be seated in the seat of honor, and the two men would have risen to pay their respects, but today's dinner was clearly different.

Gao Yang took the initiative to bow, saying, "Gao Yang greets you, Uncle, and Brother Shangguan!"

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Shangguan Xuan spoke.

"Lord Gao, I have long heard of your great reputation. Please, sit."

Hearing this, Gao Yang sat down.

Even as the number one schemer of Da Qian, he felt extremely nervous and apprehensive in this situation. It was like the food chain—a father-in-law and a brother-in-law were the natural nemesis of a son-in-law!

Although Gao Yang had been through many romances before, he had never met the parents. He wouldn't even give money, and sometimes, feeling the cost was too high, he would sneak off at dawn while the golden-haired beauties were still asleep to steal a hundred coins to buy an old hen to nourish himself.

This was a first in both his lifetimes!

"Everyone, leave!"

Shangguan Xuan said, his face taut, as he waved his hand.

"Yes!"

The servants waiting on the side immediately withdrew.

"Wan'er, you leave too."

Shangguan Xuan commanded.

"Father, I should stay and keep them company."

Shangguan Wan'er looked at Gao Yang, fearing the situation would spiral out of control, and was unwilling to leave.

"Leave!"

Shangguan Xuan's voice was firm and carried a hint of displeasure.

Shangguan Ting also kept his face taut and said in a low voice, "Wan'er, Father and I have things to discuss with Lord Gao. It's not convenient for you to be here."

Seeing this, Shangguan Wan'er rose reluctantly.

"Yes!"

She gave Gao Yang a look that said she couldn't help him, then walked out, turning back to look at Gao Yang from time to time.

Wait, she was just leaving?

Leaving him all alone?

Would Shangguan Xuan and his son, Shangguan Ting, really disregard everything and beat him up?

Gao Yang felt completely numb.

He looked up to see the two pairs of authoritative eyes—Shangguan Xuan's and Shangguan Ting's—staring fixedly at him, filled with pressure.

Today, this hurdle would not be easy to clear!

But the next second,

When the door was closed, the light cut off, and only the three of them remained.

Shangguan Xuan was the first to rise, laughing heartily as he said, "Lord Gao, I have long admired you! Please, take the seat of honor!"

"We have been remiss, truly remiss! That little girl Wan'er didn't tell us sooner. Please forgive our poor hospitality!"

Gao Yang's eyes widened. Even as the number one schemer of Da Qian, he was caught off guard.

What was going on?

Then,

An even more unexpected scene unfolded.

Shangguan Ting also stood up, grabbed Gao Yang's hand, and was about to kneel, saying with tears in his eyes, "Brother-in-law, help me!"

"I beg you to save the Shangguan family from the fire!"