Chapter 503: A Favorable Impression? Marry Him and Become the Primary Wife, Plotting for the Saint Noble Family

“Young Master Jiang, you’ve come to visit Qing’Er personally. Please forgive us for not giving you a more proper welcome.”

An Elder from the Tantai Family led the way, clasping his hands in a formal greeting as he spoke apologetically.

“You are too kind, Elder.”

“Miss Tantai and I hit it off from the moment we met, and we’ve had many pleasant conversations. I’m also grateful to her for showing me around Immortal Ascension Island these past few days. When I heard she was attacked last night, I was deeply concerned. How are her injuries now?” Jiang Lan asked.

As he spoke, he gestured to a subordinate behind him, who presented the Healing Holy Medicine brought as a get-well gift.

“Thank you for your concern, Young Master Jiang. Qing’Er’s injuries have been stabilized. Elder Tantai Xu from the Elder Pavilion rushed back and has already examined her personally…” the Elder replied.

Jiang Lan seemed to let out a sigh of relief.

Seeing Jiang Lan’s seemingly genuine concern for Tantai Qing, many members of the Tantai Family exchanged subtle glances.

Some of the younger members, in particular, couldn’t help but read more into it.

Tantai Qing and Jiang Lan had grown quite close over the past few days. Many cultivators had seen them in various shops and restaurants, chatting and laughing cheerfully as they walked side by side, looking like a perfect couple.

Jiang Lan was the young master of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, but he also had another title: Feng Jun of the Great Xia Dynasty, husband to the reigning empress.

‘For him to be seen so openly with Tantai Qing… does he truly not care about his reputation? Isn’t he afraid this news will reach Emperor Xia’s ears?’

‘Or could it be, just as the rumors claimed, that the current Emperor Xia is merely a puppet controlled by the Prime Minister’s Mansion?’

Soon, a group of Tantai Family members led by Tantai Xu entered the courtyard.

Helian Xiang and the members of the Gongsun Family trailed behind them.

Although Jiang Lan was merely a junior, he represented the Prime Minister’s Mansion, so they had to show him a certain degree of superficial respect.

However, the members of the Helian and Gongsun Families were not nearly as welcoming as those from the Tantai Family.

Helian Xiang offered a perfunctory clasp of his hands, said nothing further, and led his family members away with a cold expression.

The matriarch from the Gongsun Family spoke up. “Brother Tantai Xu, I must return to my family to report on this matter. Rest assured, we will cooperate with the Tantai Family afterward to find the true culprit behind the attack on Qing’Er.”

“We will take our leave now.”

Neither Helian Xiang nor the matriarch paid Jiang Lan much mind as they passed by him.

After all, they were powerful figures in their own right, hailing from the Saint-founded Noble Families. They treated even Jiang Lan’s father, Jiang Lintian, with the same detached air. When they had first made their names across the land, Jiang Lintian might not have even been born.

To them, Jiang Lan was just a greenhorn, not even a fraction of their age.

Watching this unfold, Tantai Xu’s expression darkened with suppressed anger, but he held his tongue.

“I hope you can forgive them, Young Master Jiang.”

“The Helian and Gongsun Families are extremely resistant to the recent rumors circulating on Immortal Ascension Island, which is why they behave this way…” an Elder from the Tantai Family quickly explained.

Jiang Lan smiled. “I understand. The Saint-founded Noble Families have existed for over ten thousand years. In past ages of turmoil, they emerged to assist the Emperor and establish political order. It’s only natural they wouldn’t pay much mind to a mere Prime Minister’s Mansion.”

Though his words were humble, the members of the Tantai Family present looked uncomfortable, sensing the undercurrent of dissatisfaction in his tone.

The Tantai Family was also a Saint-founded Noble Family, but even they wouldn’t dare to openly disrespect the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

At this, Tantai Xu spoke up. “The Gongsun and Helian Families are complacent and stagnant. Sooner or later, they will be left behind by the changing times.”

“Young Master Jiang Lan, to possess such strength at your young age is a sign of heaven-sent talent. You are truly a dragon among men. I imagine that catching up to Li Sheng in the future will not be an issue for you.”

“You flatter me, Senior. My meager cultivation is nothing to speak of. My grandfather’s power is supreme in this world, truly unfathomable. How could I possibly compare to him?” Jiang Lan said with a smile and a dismissive wave of his hand.

The Elders and other members of the Tantai Family, however, read a different meaning into the exchange. As a Great Power, Tantai Xu was one of the six elders in the Elder Pavilion and held immense authority within the family. He was so influential that even the family patriarch had to heed his advice.

‘But now he seems to be deliberately trying to get closer to Jiang Lan?’

‘Or more accurately, because of Li Sheng.’

Tantai Xu’s expression turned serious. “Many years ago, overseas, I had the unexpected fortune of meeting Li Sheng. I was able to listen to his sacred words up close and benefited immensely. Young Master Jiang Lan, you are Li Sheng’s own grandson and have traveled thousands of miles to reach Immortal Ascension Island. I am indebted to Li Sheng; by all rights, I should have been there to welcome you personally. However, matters at the Elder Pavilion have been overwhelming recently, and I was unable to break away.”

“And now, with Qing’Er injured, you have gone to the trouble of visiting personally instead. I am truly ashamed.”

“You’re too kind, Senior; you’re making me feel unworthy. When one travels, one cannot always rely on one’s grandfather’s reputation,” Jiang Lan replied with a faint smile.

The members of the Tantai Family and the Four Great Dukes watched the two converse so freely and casually, completely unhindered by the vast gap in their cultivation and seniority. They were all secretly amazed.

‘He truly is one of the most powerful young nobles of this generation,’ they thought, ‘to be so composed in the presence of a Great Power.’

Even the other Elders of the Tantai Family wouldn’t dare to be so casual before a figure of Tantai Xu’s standing.

And they could see that Tantai Xu wasn’t treating Jiang Lan like a junior, but rather as an equal.

This set the minds of many in the Tantai Family racing with new ideas.