Chapter 27: A Conversation Between Grandfather and Grandson

  As the head of the Nie family, the old man's authority at home was naturally unquestionable. The three brothers followed him out.

  In terms of ranking, Nie Jialiang was walking in the front. However, Nie Zhenbang deliberately fell behind. Although it was at home, Nie Zhenbang paid great attention to such details. It may be just a normal walk, but there were many hidden implications.

  In China's official circles, seating and ranking are very particular. According to traditional customs, the middle seat is the most honorable. Next, under equal distance, the left side is more honorable.

  Of course, looking at ancient China, the situation is different in each dynasty. In the Qin and Han dynasties, the right side was considered superior. After the Wei and Jin dynasties, it continued until the Tang and Yuan dynasties, where the left side was considered superior. Until now, after the founding of the country, this tradition has also been continued. When walking, generally being half a step behind is most appropriate.

  Old Master just sat on the sofa, but Nie Ziyu this girl stuck to Old Master's side. As the only granddaughter of the Nie family, Nie Ziyu is a very special existence in the Nie family. The pearl on the palm, the princess at home.

  Moreover, Lao Yezi didn't have any requirements for Nie Ziyu at all. On the contrary, he was very strict with the Nie brothers.

  "Grandpa. Happy New Year."

  Nie Zhenbang also shouted a sentence following Nie Jialiang and Nie Jimin.

  Old Master Nie's gaze started from the Nie family beam and swept over one by one, finally stopping on Nie Zhenbang. He looked at this grandson who suddenly appeared out of thin air, Old Master Nie's face was very serious, unable to see any change in expression. For a moment, the atmosphere in the house became somewhat solemn.

  Next to her, Old Lady Huang Qiumei saw the situation and immediately stood up: "Old man, what are you doing? Come on, I've been waiting for you. The things for ancestor worship are all ready. Hurry up and start. Otherwise, New Year's Eve will be over."

  For Nie Zhenbang, the old lady's idea is very simple, no matter what, no matter who gave birth to him, he is still her own grandson. As the saying goes, emperors love their eldest sons; ordinary people love their youngest children. The old lady did not have such enlightenment. If it weren't for the old lady's doting, Nie Guowei would not have done such absurd things back then. Love the house and also love the crow. As the son of the youngest son, and also the smallest grandson in the third generation. The old lady is indeed very fond of Nie Zhenbang.

  In the living room, a square eight-immortal table has been set up. In front of it, the ancestral tablets of Nie's family are placed. Incense and candles are lit. Various offerings are arranged.

  The old man stood in front of the table, also respectfully knelt down, after three knocks and bows, he got up and walked to the side, watching his children and grandchildren worship their ancestors.

  After Ye Shuyan finished her courtesy call, only Nie Zhenbang and Nie Ziyu were left. For a moment, the atmosphere also became awkward.

  "Zhenbang, pay your respects properly. This is your first New Year in the Nie family. Show some respect." The old man suddenly spoke up beside him.

  This sentence came out, and everyone was stunned. Aunt Huang Yuerong was a little surprised. Looking at Nie Zhenbang's eyes also changed. Before, Huang Yuerong didn't take Nie Zhenbang seriously at all. Even in her heart, Huang Yuerong didn't think Nie Zhenbang was a member of the Nie family. But today, Old Master said so, and the meaning is very clear. Because Old Master acknowledged that Nie Zhenbang is a descendant of the Nie family.

  Don't underestimate this change. Although Nie Zhenbang had a ceremony when he came back, in the past, Nie Zhenbang never participated in the family's ancestral worship. But this time, the old man asked Nie Zhenbang to worship his ancestors.

  Next to him, Nie Jialiang's expression was also complex. From his younger brother, Nie Jialiang had gained a lot of benefits. He could become the 21-year-old Zhengke and possibly the 23-year-old deputy director. It can be said that Nie Zhenbang's achievements were great. However, in big families like theirs, there were also struggles. Only one person from each generation could be the core. All the family's resources and manpower could only revolve around the core.

  As the saying goes, without rules and regulations, nothing can be accomplished. If there is no core, everyone will do their own thing. What if our political views are different? Should we split up? That would only lead to self-destruction. If that happens, the Nie family won't last three years before being replaced by other families in the capital. This is reality. Now it's the second generation of the Nie family. Nie Guotong has a slight advantage. Naturally, Nie Liang doesn't want to lose this position as the third-generation successor.

  On the contrary, Ye Shuyu's expression was the most complicated at this moment. This is her nominal son. In the capital city family, it's not just Nie Guowei who brings children back from outside. However, those children were all brought back since they were young. But Nie Zhenbang didn't come back until he grew up, which makes a difference, and that means she has to spend more effort and time using her true heart to win Nie Zhenbang's recognition.

  Are both sides going to suffer losses? Are they going to make a big fuss that can't be resolved? If it were before Old Master recognized Nie Zhenbang, there might have been a possibility. Now that Old Master has acknowledged him, if she still makes a scene, that would be foolish. Thinking of this, Ye Shuyan's attitude is also undergoing subtle changes.

  A few people's changes were seen by Nie Zhenbang, and at this moment, Nie Zhenbang was also excited. Ancestor worship, this is something that has never been experienced before. Now it seems that all his actions have achieved obvious results. No matter what, he himself has changed a lot. What makes Nie Zhenbang even happier is that from now on, his actions will get more support. In this way, the plan to change the fate of the Nie family will be more in hand.

  Nie Zhenbang immediately walked forward with a respectful expression, lit three incense sticks like Nie Jialiang and Nie Jimin, knocked his head three times with a solemn expression, and inserted the incense into the incense burner.

  After Nie Ziyu finished the ancestor worship, the old man looked around at his son and several grandsons, then gazed at Nie Zhenbang and said: "Zhenbang, come with me to the study for a moment."

  Having said that, regardless of the astonished expressions of others, the old man had already walked towards his study.

  Lao Ye Zi's study room, Nie Zhenbang has lived here for nearly ten years in two lifetimes, but he never had the qualification to come in.

  The entire study looked very antique. A row of bookshelves made of Huang Li Hua wood, looking at this, Nie Zhenbang had a feeling of wasting good materials. You know, Huang Li Hua wood is stable and not easily deformed, in terms of value, it's only second to top-grade woods like Zi Tan Mu. It's usually used to make some irregularly-shaped items. Like bookshelves, which are inherently stable and not easily deformed, using Hong Mu or Suan Zao Mu would be more than enough. But the old man here had bookshelves made of Huang Li Hua wood.

  A huge desk made from a single piece of red wood. The surface area is so large that it must be at least two hundred years old. This is another valuable item.

  "Don't look anymore, these are just external things. They are all national property. I am just one of the users in this long historical river. If you strive hard, maybe the Nie family still has the qualifications to sit here." The old man's words were very calm, but his tone revealed a sense of desolation.

  The second and third generations of the Nie family are inferior. This is an undisputed fact. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang can somewhat understand his grandfather's choice back then.

  In the event of a lackluster next generation, Nie Rongzhen chose a path of adventure. The conservative faction was not strong. As the second-in-command of the Military Commission, Nie's support was especially important, whereas the reformist faction, due to Comrade Nan Hui's influence, may not have had such an obvious role in the Nie family.

  Unfortunately, things that go against history and public opinion will naturally be unable to overcome justice. In the end, Nie's family fell into a decline in their family fortunes. This is also inevitable.

  "Grandpa, I will work hard." Nie Zhenbang nodded solemnly.

  Nie Lao Yezi sat down at this moment, looked up and stared at Nie Zhenbang, and said solemnly: "Zhenbang, tell me. Where are you going to take the Nie family?"