Hedonist Prodigy

Chapter 71: Name Shakes the Capital

The grand banquet hall of the State Guesthouse brimmed with brilliance as Old Master Qin’s birthday celebration began on time.

After the master of ceremonies offered his blessing, the distinguished guests rose together to toast the elder. Lifting his cup, Old Master Qin gestured lightly in all directions and spoke with a hearty smile:

“Today is this old man’s birthday. What does a birthday mean? It means I have grown another year older. But at my age, I am already as old as one can be—so one more year hardly makes a difference. What truly weighs on me is that I’ve disturbed all of you, asking you to put aside your busy affairs to accompany me, an old fellow, in this little torment. My heart feels uneasy about it. With this simple glass of wine, I offer my humble respect. Please—eat well, drink well, and enjoy yourselves.”

With those words, he raised his hand and drained the cup in one gulp. The guests followed in unison, and warm applause rolled through the hall.

That single toast was to everyone present. Then Old Master Qin gestured for the guests to be seated, before turning to offer another toast—this time to those at his own table.

This was no ordinary table. Here sat the heads of the seven great families of Yanjing. Other than them, no one— not even members of the Qin family—was qualified to sit.

Standing attentively at their side, Qin Junlin poured wine for the elders. He wore a vivid scarlet suit, a color too flamboyant for most men, yet on him it harmonized perfectly with his natural bearing. Instead of gaudiness, the bold hue only heightened his striking presence, leaving a memorable impression on all who glanced his way.

He had already noticed Ye Qingxuan’s arrival. Though not the first time he had seen her, her elegant attire tonight still startled him, stirring his heart. For a moment he considered stepping forward to greet her. But after a pause, he restrained himself.

Qin Junlin understood what this banquet truly signified. Outwardly, it was a grand celebration of his grandfather’s eightieth birthday, drawing dignitaries from across the capital and bringing the Qin family immense prestige. Yet beneath the surface, it was also his grandfather’s way of introducing him to the world—and testing him.

If he passed this test, he would gain entry into the Qin family’s core affairs far sooner than expected, perhaps even positioned to one day succeed as head of the clan. His influence might eclipse even that of his father and uncles.

This was the greatest opportunity of his life. He could not allow a single misstep—certainly not for the sake of a woman, no matter how deeply he admired her. For now, Ye Qingxuan could only be set aside. His duty was to stand at his grandfather’s side, serving wine to the other six patriarchs.

These seven elders were men of immense power and rank. For ordinary people, even catching a glimpse of them would be a lifelong rarity, let alone serving them at such close quarters. Though Qin Junlin had no right to interject in their conversations, even this role of pouring drinks was itself an honor and a symbol of status.

When word spread of tonight’s scene, even if he had done nothing more, the fact that he alone had stood among these men would elevate him above his peers, granting him the right to converse on equal footing with the older generation.

The thought made Qin Junlin’s usually composed heart swell with excitement. But he quickly calmed himself, steady hands continuing to refill the cups.

After several rounds of wine, Old Master Qin waved his hand. “Qin Junlin, if you have matters to attend to, go ahead.”

“Exactly,” chuckled Elder Bai. “What future can a young man have, lingering with us weary old fogeys? Go on, go do what you must.”

As his words fell, the other elders’ gazes drifted meaningfully toward Elder Ye, subtle smiles curling at their lips.

But Elder Ye sat still as a mountain. “Since Qin Junlin shows such filial devotion, let him stay. I, for one, have no interest in serving drinks for certain other old fellows.”

Laughter burst around the table. Elder Bai rubbed his cheek and grumbled good-naturedly, “You don’t need to spell it out. I know exactly which old fellow you mean. But don’t think I can’t see through that crafty glint in your little eyes. You say Qin Junlin should show his filial piety here, but isn’t it too early for such words? After all, nothing is certain yet.”

Elder Ye shot him a sideways glance. “I’m not as devious as you. My words represent no one else’s thoughts. Now pour me another cup.”

“Still pretending? Let’s see how long you can keep that act. Come, Qin Junlin, pour for Elder Ye. Make sure he drinks his fill, or he’ll take it out on you later.” Elder Bai teased.

Qin Junlin understood their banter perfectly. Smiling faintly, he bent down to pour Elder Ye a drink. “Grandpa Ye, it’s rare to see you in such high spirits. Tonight, drink freely. I’ll personally see you home later.”

“Ha! Old Li may be in high spirits, but that leaves the rest of us as nothing more than his backdrop,” Elder Chen joked.

“And worse, we’re unappreciated backdrops,” Elder Bai snorted.

Elder Ye downed his wine in one gulp. “Old Bai, with all these fine dishes, can’t you at least keep your mouth occupied? Who was it just now challenging me to a drinking match?”

The elders roared with laughter again. Even Old Master Qin chuckled and said, “Qin Junlin, toast us one more round, then go about your business.”

Qin Junlin instantly understood: this was his grandfather’s open signal of support, telling him to proceed boldly with what he intended.

Though symbolic, this toast carried weight. He carefully filled each cup, bowed deeply with both hands, and declared: “On behalf of my grandfather, I offer this toast. May each of you enjoy blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea, and longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountain.”

“Add this: May there be many more nights like tonight, year after year.” Elder Ye lifted his cup and drank first.

The others followed, one by one, showing Qin Junlin immense respect. Across the hall, guests watched discreetly, hearts shaken.

So the rumors were true—Qin Junlin’s position within the Qin family was extraordinary. To see even these seldom-seen patriarchs granting him such face was beyond belief.

From this night forward, his future seemed limitless. Unless he ruined himself or met untimely misfortune, the path ahead was clear: within decades, he would ascend to terrifying heights. The next head of the Qin family—there could be no other candidate.

Many who had earlier hesitated to approach him now secretly regretted their pride. Had they known he would shine so brightly tonight, they would have rushed to make his acquaintance.

At another table, Lu Xiuxiu beamed, hardly able to contain her joy. She kept signaling her husband, Ye Shen. Ye Shen smiled, then glanced at his daughter. Ye Qingxuan sat quietly, eyes lowered, seemingly indifferent to the unfolding events. Her father frowned slightly, puzzled by her aloofness. Yet before he could ponder further, Qin Junlin himself approached.

“Uncle, Aunt,” Qin Junlin greeted warmly. “Forgive me for not coming to welcome you earlier, nor paying my respects right away. I fear I’ve been discourteous.”

Lu Xiuxiu quickly waved it off. “Nonsense! Today is Old Master Qin’s birthday. Of course you must be busy. If you had neglected him for our sake, we would have been in the wrong.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Aunt. Allow me to toast you both.”

Husband and wife exchanged a look, then drank with him. Lu Xiuxiu’s eyes gleamed expectantly, waiting for what he would say next.

Qin Junlin did not keep her waiting. After a pause, he said, “Uncle, Aunt, there is something I have long wished to say to you, but never had the chance…”

With that, he suddenly dropped to one knee.

“Please entrust Ye Qingxuan to me. I swear upon myself and in the name of the Qin family: I will cherish her for a lifetime, protect her forever, and never allow her to suffer the slightest grievance.”

The hall erupted in uproar. Many had whispered that Qin Junlin would propose to the Ye family tonight, but without Qin family confirmation, it remained only rumor—until now.

Ye Qingxuan’s head, lowered all evening, snapped up in shock. Her eyes widened, disbelief flickering within.

She had dreaded this possibility, hoping his earlier restraint meant she might escape. But the very thing she feared had now arrived. Her expression turned dazed, even fearful.

Lu Xiuxiu, however, had awaited this very moment. Her eyes brimmed with tears of excitement. “Good… good…” she stammered repeatedly.

Ye Shen squeezed his wife’s hand, sighing inwardly. Daughters must eventually marry, after all.

Qin Junlin turned toward Ye Qingxuan, his voice soft: “Ye Qingxuan, if you are willing, grant me this chance—to care for you for life. Will you?”

Her lips trembled. She wanted to refuse, or at least delay. But with Qin Junlin’s pledge spoken before all, supported by her elders, retreat seemed impossible.

“Ye Qingxuan,” Qin Junlin added earnestly, “if this feels sudden, you need not answer at once. Just agree to be with me, and I will prove with my actions that I am worthy of your trust.”

“But…” Ye Qingxuan’s voice faltered. She looked around the crowded hall in confusion, whispering, “Young Master Qin, I… I…”

Qin Junlin pressed on, eyes burning with intensity. “Forgive me if this seems abrupt. But I cannot wait another moment. Perhaps you do not know—years ago I vowed that in this life, I would marry no one but you.”

Old Master Qin suddenly clapped his hands, booming, “Excellent!”

“Marry him!”

“Marry him!”

Guests, catching the patriarch’s cue, began to echo the cry.

Qin Junlin bowed gratefully to all sides, then fixed his gaze back on Ye Qingxuan. The pressure mounted unbearably. She realized this proposal had her grandfather’s full blessing. His one word, good, was a declaration of support.

What should she do? Refuse, and risk humiliating them all? Or surrender to the tide?

“Please rise, Young Master Qin,” she whispered at last. “My thoughts are in turmoil. I need time.”

Qin Junlin froze. “Ye Qingxuan… is this your rejection?” His voice held disbelief. With the patriarch’s approval and his own kneeling vow, he had been certain she would accept, if only hesitantly.

She remained silent.

His smile twisted bitterly. “So it is rejection. I wonder—what kind of man could move your heart, if not me?”

Qin Junlin, who had never known refusal in his life, felt humiliation searing his pride. At such a crucial moment, rejection was intolerable.

“There is no one,” Ye Qingxuan whispered. “I simply… do not wish to marry yet.”

Her mother panicked. “What nonsense! You’re not young anymore. How can you be so willful?”

“Mother, you don’t understand…”

“Don’t understand? Do you think I don’t know of your outings? Better you settle your future now, before you are entangled with unsuitable people!”

“Mother! How can you speak that way of Jiang Feng?” Ye Qingxuan burst out.

“Jiang Feng… what Jiang Feng?” Lu Xiuxiu was momentarily speechless, then shouted, “What? The person you like is Jiang Feng? Are you sure you’re right? How could it be Jiang Feng? What’s so good about him? How could you be so foolish?”

She lost control of herself, her words so loud and clear that every guest heard them.

“So it’s Jiang Feng?” Qin Junlin’s face flickered between pale and purple. He had never expected this. In Ye Qingxuan’s eyes, he wasn’t even as good as that piece of trash. Just where did Ye Qingxuan place him?

The hall fell silent.

“Jiang Feng? Who is Jiang Feng?” guests whispered.

“Elder Jiang’s grandson,” someone murmured.

“Is he here?”

“No, I didn’t see him.”

*****

At the table of elders, all eyes turned toward Elder Jiang—some mocking, some amused, some simply curious.

Elder Jiang’s expression shifted, astonishment flickering. He had never imagined tonight’s events would suddenly involve his grandson. He could only sigh inwardly. Could it be true, as his son once suggested, that Yanjing’s most admired beauty might actually become his family’s granddaughter-in-law?

Yet beneath his surprise, one certainty settled heavily in his heart: Jiang Feng was in serious trouble.