Too high to reach

Chapter 60 The Meaning of Flattery
The next day, Xu Ke came to pay New Year's greetings to the Mo family.

Early in the morning, the Mo family cleaned their house again. Four pots of daffodils were in full bloom in the living room, filling the whole house with fragrance.

Mo Rushan also had Zhuang prepare a sumptuous lunch, hoping to invite his son-in-law to stay for lunch.

Early in the morning, Wang called her entire family over and examined them one by one.

Today, Mo Ruhai had taken great care in his appearance, wearing a navy blue robe that exuded both composure and elegance. His hair and beard were also neatly trimmed. He looked several years younger all of a sudden.

The jade belt around their waist... it's their own stuff!

"It's so beautiful!" Mo Yi asked softly, "Father, are you keeping it for yourself?"

"Father will take good care of them and not keep any for himself. We'll have to sell them to make money!" Mo Ruhai said with a hint of slyness.

Mo Yi smiled.

Wang paid the most attention to the ink pattern, so she didn't notice what her husband was wearing around his waist.

"Daughter, you look beautiful today too! You've really grown into a young lady..." Mo Ruhai exclaimed with deep emotion, sincerely praising Mo Yi.

Today, Mo Yi didn't want her mother to find fault with her, so she dressed herself up carefully from head to toe.

However, it shouldn't be too outrageous to avoid misunderstandings; the main focus should be on a group of celebrities holding up the ink pattern.

Look at Mo Wen... she's wearing a purple-red wide-sleeved spring robe, and her hair ornaments and shoes complement each other, making her look bright and elegant.

That jewelry was new. I've never seen her wear it before...

He couldn't help but chuckle to himself: You're overthinking it. The sharpness of the ink pattern won't be easy to suppress!

My sister-in-law came today too. She sat there quietly, looking a little unhappy. I don't know if she's still not feeling well, or if it's something else.

Then she saw Mo Qing clinging tightly to her side, his eyes sparkling, occasionally whispering in her ear.

Mo Yi smiled again; it seemed that Mo Qing had said something to her.

After Wang finished looking at her eldest daughter with satisfaction, she looked at Mo Da. He was already handsome, and with his bright blue spring robe, he looked quite dashing...

"Da Ge'er looks really impressive today!"

Mo Yi nodded in agreement; his older brother was indeed impressive.

Mo Da was annoyed by his mother: "Mother, you must remember, moderation is key! My sister's marriage is settled, and you will be her mother-in-law. You need to maintain a certain air..." He stopped and didn't finish his sentence.

The brother's next words should be: "Don't say too much," right? Mo Yi chuckled inwardly...

Although he was too embarrassed to say the second half of the sentence, that was exactly what Moda meant!
Upon hearing this, Mo Wen realized that she had been so focused on Xu Lang and her appearance that she had forgotten to tell her mother. Her mother...

But Wang didn't take it seriously, sticking her neck out and saying, "Your mother has a good figure!" She straightened her back.

She looked in the mirror; her outfit today was no different from that of a noblewoman.

The family arrived at the front.

Mo Rushan and Mo Rusong were already in the living room, dressed quite neatly. The three brothers stood in a row; they didn't seem like they could embarrass Mo Wen...

Today, Liu didn't come out. She listened to Mo Yuan's advice and started working. Her daughter's dowry was limited, so making some exquisite items would make them presentable gifts.

Having guessed what Mo Wen would wear, Mo Yuan went against the grain, opting for a "secluded orchid in a secluded valley" style to contrast with Mo Wen's look.

When the two met, they looked at each other and immediately felt a sense of rivalry and resentment. The little boat of friendship that had been built just a couple of days ago capsized.

The family waited in the living room, using conversation to mask the tension.

When the two cars arrived at the Mo family's gate, the gatekeeper immediately informed the family inside, and Mo Da and Mo Fan came out to greet them.

Stopped in front was a gleaming black, imposing carriage. The curtain was lifted, and Young Master Xu stepped out.

Mo Da was a little stunned when he saw him; he always had a high opinion of himself. He was even known as "Handsome Mo" at Xishan Academy.

But the young master Xu in front of him easily crushed him... His mother had told him that Xu Ke was handsome, but he never expected him to be this handsome.

Mo Fan, on the other hand, was initially taken aback but quickly realized what was happening and nudged him. Mo Da then stepped forward and bowed, asking, "May I ask if you are Young Master Xu?"

Xu Ke quickly returned the greeting: "My name is Xu Ke!"

Wow, that move... it's incredibly elegant and graceful.

Composing himself, Mo Da said, "I am Mo Wen's elder brother, Mo Da. This is my cousin, Mo Fan! Happy New Year, Young Master Xu!"

Mo Fan smiled and bowed, saying, "Happy New Year, Young Master Xu!"

Although Xu Ke described himself as beautiful, his smile was very sincere: "Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Brother, you don't need to be so polite, just call me Ruqing..."

After exchanging a few pleasantries at the door, we invited him into the front living room.

As soon as the three entered, the Mo family fell silent. They all stared in disbelief at the person before them…

Tall and slender. Fair skin, long, arched eyebrows, and bright, star-like eyes. A faint smile played at the corners of her lips.

He was dressed in luxurious clothes and had an elegant demeanor.

Although he was born into a civil service family, he still retained the noble air of a scion of a prominent family.

...In everyone's eyes, Mo Da was already the best among them, but when he stood next to Xu Ke, he looked rather thin and pale.

Tsk tsk, is this their own son-in-law? The three brothers looked at each other, somewhat incredulous.

Mo Da's expression was complicated. "Uncle, Father, Third Uncle, this is Young Master Xu!"

Xu Ke stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Junior Xu Ke greets Uncle and Aunt of the Mo Family and wishes everyone a Happy New Year!" He bowed deeply.

"Young Master Xu, please don't stand on ceremony!" Mo Rushan realized what was happening and nodded with a smile.

This young son-in-law was someone Mo Ruhai had never seen before. His wife had praised his good looks countless times, but he never expected him to be so outstanding!
He was also somewhat excited, his voice trembling: "Madam, please introduce your family members to Young Master Xu."

This was Wang's moment of glory.

Such a wonderful son-in-law! She found him for her daughter! This unprecedented satisfaction made her head sway slightly, and the pearls and gems she wore sparkled.

“Young Master Xu…” Madam Wang spoke in a slightly affected tone.

Xu Ke quickly said, "Aunt Mo, please call me Ruqing!"

Seeing how informal he was, Madam Wang was even happier and didn't stand on ceremony: "Alright! Ruqing, let me introduce you. This is Wenwen's uncle and aunt!"

Xu Ke smiled and bowed.

Upon their first meeting, Mo Rushan carefully selected a fan as a gift.

Xu Ke accepted it with both hands, thanked it softly, and then turned to hand it to the servant beside him.

Next up is Mo Ruhai.

Xu Ke's expression became even more respectful.

Mo Ruhai immediately took a liking to this handsome son-in-law. In his excitement, he went to take off the jade pendant from his waist... which he had originally planned to admire for a while before selling. He even glanced at Mo Yi.

Mo Yi knew her father too well; seeing him looking at her, she smiled and nodded. Although she felt a little sorry for him, seeing the... well... she still couldn't compare to him.

My third uncle gave me a set of Xuan brushes.

Pointing to Mo Da, Madam Wang introduced him with some pride: "You two met outside just now. This is Mo Da, Wenwen's older brother. He studies at Xishan Academy and will be taking the autumn imperial examination soon."

Xu Ke said to Mo Da, "I originally planned to try the imperial examination in the fall, although my master said I was still a bit lacking... But recently, I got a job in the Imperial Guard, so I'm afraid I'll have to give up my studies and join the army!" His tone was cheerful.

This surprised even Madam Wang.

Mo Rushan sighed, "You've already achieved the title of Xiucai at such a young age; it's a pity you're not continuing your studies. But joining the Imperial Guard is a rare opportunity. If you can get through that route, your advancement will be much faster than passing the imperial examinations!"

In his heart, he thought, "They are from a well-established family; they have connections everywhere!"
Xu Ke smiled but didn't say anything.

"It's a real pity that you can't go down the same path as Ruqing. But I admire your choice..." Mo Da really liked this prospective brother-in-law.

"Actually..." Xu Ke smiled bitterly, "It's because half a year ago, I joined the Ninth Prince's cavalry. I had to practice every day, and I fell behind in my studies. I was scolded by my teacher, and when I tried to pick it up again, I found that... my mind wasn't as focused as before. So I simply changed my path. Compared to Brother Mo, my willpower is obviously not strong enough."

The way he speaks is witty and carefree. He's completely at ease, which is especially pleasant.

When Mo Fan was introduced, he smiled brightly and, upon hearing about polo, genuinely envied Xu Ke.

But to Mo Yi, her second brother's smile looked a bit silly.

Next, it was time for the engaged couple to meet. Xu Ke looked at Mo Wen intently. She saw that Mo Wen's face was slightly flushed, her eyes were bright, and she was stunningly beautiful.

Xu Ke bowed respectfully, "Miss Mo, Happy New Year!"

Mo Wen returned the greeting: "Young Master Xu!"

The two looked at each other, their faces turning slightly red.

Then, Wang casually pointed to Mo Yi, Mo Yuan, and Mo Qing, "These are Wenwen's sisters!"

Xu Ke smiled and bowed, her eyes focused, but she didn't seem to be looking at them seriously. "Hello, sisters!"

His appearance pleased both Madam Wang and Mo Wen. However, both were secretly thinking of Mo Yuan: "What's the point of dressing up like this?"

After meeting, everyone started chatting.

Mo Rushan had barely begun when Wang Shi launched into her performance, showering Xu Ke with praise and compliments, a torrent of compliments flowing freely.

The desire to flatter was irresistible...

(End of this chapter)