Sidekick Fights Back (Married The Protagonist’s Mother)

All the present elders nodded at his remark. Su Kang glanced around the table. Not all the clan's elders are present at this gathering, he noted. The First and Second Elders rarely show themselves except for the most crucial occasions. Third Elder—Grandpa Li—is currently out with Su Hua, and another branch elder is absent for reasons unknown to me.

The Sixth Elder, after taking another mouthful of wine, added, "Even if he somehow survives and carves out a spot for himself, his family will have to relocate to the Central Plains. The businesses they built here will be left behind. It will be ours in the end."

"I never imagined when you suggested that helping Li Fang might indirectly benefit our Su family, it would turn out quite like this," Su Kang's younger uncle, Su Han, the Fifth Elder, chimed in with a soft, appreciative smile. Su Han possessed a charming face with long hair, a trait Su Feng and Su Cheng had clearly inherited. "Good job, nephew."

Su Kang merely offered a faint smile in return. His younger uncle and the Sixth Elder often viewed situations through a merchant's lens, always assessing the benefit to the family. Su Kang hadn't considered these opportunistic angles, but he wouldn't deny their words either, content to let them assume what they wished.

If Yunxi had heard this, she would have exploded, Su Kang mused inwardly. She doesn't even know Li Fang has gone to a battlefield yet... and if one day she found out this truth, then… He sighed internally, raising his wine cup in a polite toast to the Sixth Elder.

"But..." Su Han continued, his expression turning more serious, "there's something else I truly want to praise you for. We'll speak of it in detail during the official family meeting. For now, we just wanted to see you." Then, waving his hand dismissively, he added, "Go on—enjoy the banquet with your cousins."

"Su Kang, teach a few things to the younger ones while you're at it," the Eighth Elder interjected with a knowing smile.

Su Kang caught the hint and bowed slightly. "I understand.”

As he left the table, the Sixth Elder took another sip of wine, his gaze lingering on Su Kang's retreating back. "His presence and aura have changed,” he murmured, then turned to Su Chen. “Your son is growing faster. Can we even support him?”

"There's also Su Hua, who's gone with Uncle Li, searching for ways to advance to the next stage," Su Han sighed. "Even with our recent expansion, we are struggling to gather enough resources to support the younger generation adequately.”

A heavy silence descended on the table at his words. “About the resources, I'm thinking about going to the Cangwu region—" Su Chen began in a heavy voice, but Su Jinhai interrupted him.

“Stop. These discussions are not suitable for the current atmosphere. We will address them in the meeting,” Su Jinhai spoke with calm authority.

"Children are perceptive enough to understand the atmosphere and hidden implications now," Madam Liu added softly, glancing at Su Chen, Su Han, and the Sixth Elder.

"If you create a gloomy mood here, they will sense it. Let them rest and enjoy themselves for now.” The elders nodded, their gazes drifting towards the younger generation, who were indeed enjoying the banquet.

"Now then," Madam Liu continued, "I shall return to the ladies' table. You men enjoy your drinks, and let us ladies catch up." She stood and gave a polite bow before departing.

…..

Su Kang returned to the younger generation's table. Before he could even fully settle, Su Jiao leaned in, a wide, curious grin on his face. "Cousin Kang, with your cultivation realm, you should already be an elder by rights! Don't you agree?"

Su Kang settled into his seat. "I can't officially become an elder until I'm at least fifty, by tradition." He paused for effect, a subtle smile tugging at his lips as he glanced pointedly at Su Jiao and the roasted pheasant laid out before them. "But, I've just been assigned by the elders to teach all of you some... deep insights."

The implication, particularly his gaze lingering on the food, was clear.

Su Wei quickly suppressed his laugh, nearly choking on his wine. “Su Jiao, perhaps you've been playing too much and haven't heard about Cousin Kang's… amazing training methods. You're close with Ting; why don't you two train together?” he suggested, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

"Training… with Su Ting?” Su Jiao looked puzzled. He glanced at Su Ting, who was enjoying his food quietly at the table, then decided to ask him directly. “Su Ting, how are you training with your Brother? What kind of training is it?"

Su Ting paused, his chopsticks hovering over a piece of succulent meat. He glanced at Su Jiao, then at Su Wei, noticing his cousin's barely concealed mischievous grin. Understanding dawned on him.

"It's skill improvement training," he said smoothly, his expression utterly serious. "Elder Brother is meticulously improving my skills and refining my techniques. You want to join?”

Su Jiao then turned to Su Kang, a thoughtful frown on his face. “Brother Kang, you see, I'm practicing Talisman creation. I don't think I need your 'deep insights.’ But I believe Su Wei would definitely benefit from them,” he declared, flashing a smug smile at Su Wei. I'd be a fool to fall for such obvious tricks, his expression clearly conveyed.

“But I have been asked by the Eighth Elder to teach a certain someone,” Su Kang said, his smile calm and unwavering. “I can't go against his words, now can I?” Su Jiao's smug expression faltered noticeably upon hearing this.

Laughter rippled around the table at Su Kang's words. Everyone understood: Su Jiao's own uncle was trying to teach him a lesson. Such playful jokes and lighthearted teasing continued throughout the evening.

Sometimes Su Kang would participate, offering a witty retort or a subtle jest, and at other times he would simply listen, a faint smile on his lips as he observed the familiar camaraderie of his cousins.

After some time, as the wine flowed freely and the festive mood deepened, Su Liang suddenly reached for his storage ring. With a flourish, he produced a small, elegantly crafted box. It was made of a light green wood, intricately carved with delicate flower patterns. He presented it to Su Feng with a knowing smile.

“Brother Feng, a certain lady asked me to pass this on to you. My apologies, with all the travel and recent matters, it completely slipped my mind until now.”

Su Feng looked at the ornate green box, a flicker of something unreadable in his usually composed eyes. He accepted it with a quiet nod of thanks to Su Liang.

Su Kang watched the exchange, a flicker of puzzlement in his eyes. Before he could voice his curiosity, Su Jiao, ever inquisitive, leaned forward. “Brother Feng! You have a lover?”

Su Wei sighed dramatically, shaking his head with mock exasperation. “It's not confirmed yet, Su Jiao. They've just been exchanging gifts for some time now. Cousin Feng here is rather… slow in these matters,” he said, casting a pointed look at Su Feng.

Su Kang’s curiosity was also piqued. "Who is this mysterious lady?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Su Liang chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Oh, you know her too, Su Kang. Come now, Feng, why don't you answer honestly? No need to be so reserved among family.” He nudged Su Feng good-naturedly.

Su Kang mentally reviewed the young ladies of prominent families he could recall, but quickly gave up. Su Feng, with his handsome features and composed demeanor, had always been admired by many; it could be almost anyone.

Su Feng let out a soft sigh, a rare hint of something less than perfect composure touching his features. "It's Lin Qingya," he replied calmly, though a faint warmth seemed to touch his ears. "We are simply getting to know each other. It's nothing particularly serious at this stage."

Despite his calm words, a chorus of knowing "Oohs" and chuckles went around the table. No one seemed to believe his assertion of it being "nothing serious."

“Lin Qingya?” Su Jiao’s eyes widened. He turned towards Su Liang. “Isn't that the sister of Elder Sister-in-law Shuyin? The one renowned for her beauty and talent in zither music?”

Su Liang confirmed with a nod, his smile broadening. “Yes, she is the younger sister of Shuyin.”

Su Kang’s mind flashed back. A decade ago, he recalled. He remembered a beautiful and graceful young girl with snow-white skin and a quiet, intelligent gaze. He had seen her years ago when Su Liang's son, Su Ren, was born, and she had come from the Lin clan with congratulatory gifts.

He recalled seeing her again, a little older but just as poised, when his cousin's daughter, Su Meying, was born. That girl must have grown into a proper young lady by now, Su Kang mused. Indeed, with her beauty and grace, she would be a fine match for Cousin Feng.