The Martial Saint rose to power starting as a substitute bridegroom.

Chapter 55 The Truth

On the other side, the Li family residence.

A large, thronging crowd, followed by a procession of musicians, stopped in front of the Li family's house.

"Excuse me, is this the home of Martial Arts Master Li?" the leading official asked, knocking on the door.

In the courtyard, Li Canghai was taken aback.

Li... Li Wushi?

Could it be that Hao'er has gone to high school?!

I knew it! Hao'er is destined for greatness!

Li Canghai was trembling all over, unable to contain his excitement. He quickly spat on his hand and tidied the stray hairs at his temples.

Then, I went to open the door.

They've finally made it! They've finally made it!

"Congratulations, Master Li! Your son has achieved fifth place in the martial arts examination!" Several officials bowed to Li Canghai with clasped hands.

"Sir, you've worked hard. Please come in! Stay for a couple of drinks later!"

"Of course, of course, thank you very much, Mr. Li!"

According to custom, officials would generally not refuse such a joyous occasion.

Li Canghai, having seen a bit of the world, remained composed in his words and actions, earning the nods of approval from those around him.

He doesn't seem like a smug, arrogant person.

"Congratulations, Mr. Li!"

"Master Li is a master at raising his son!"

Li Canghai was very pleased with these compliments.

He shared his parenting experience with people in a friendly manner, his upturned lips never fading, as if he had completely forgotten the most difficult time when few people offered his family a helping hand.

But Li Canghai was a man of great stature, and he knew perfectly well that today was a joyous occasion, and he would dig up all these old grievances later.

None of those present can escape!

Inside the main room, Li Taoshi cried out in a fit of emotion. The salted vegetable porridge in the iron pot on the stove had been bubbling away for a long time, with the lid lifted and a ring of white foam flowing out. But she couldn't care less; she had completely forgotten about it.

Her legs were weak, and she was only able to stand up with the help of two women.

My son Li Hao has become successful!

Her head was buzzing; she was in a state of blissful dizziness.

What does this mean?

This means that the family no longer has to eat coarse food and no longer has to ask others for money.

This means that I can stand up straight in front of my neighbors from now on;

This means that you no longer need to be obsequious to officials and clerks when you see them.

This means that gangsters and thugs will have to think twice before trying to exploit you.

This means that the child has already joined the ranks of important figures in Linjiang City and has a bright future ahead of him;

This means that the Li family has finally broken free from its constraints and has the foundation to become a first-class family.

It means... it means so much more!

Li Canghai took a deep breath, the past vividly flashing before his eyes.

Back then, because of the matter of learning martial arts, my eldest son, Li Yuan, ignorantly turned against me and didn't know how to consider the bigger picture.

That's truly short-sighted!

I tried so hard to explain and persuade you, but you completely failed to understand my good intentions!

Now that Hao'er is in high school, even if you have the nerve to come back and apologize, I will never let you into my house again!

You'll just stay here with the Zhou family, this impoverished household, and be poor for the rest of your life!

Thinking this, Li Canghai's smile grew wider, as if he was thrilled that he had made an incredibly wise decision.

"Mr. Li, this is wonderful news! From now on, you can enjoy a life of leisure!" the neighbors said, offering their timely compliments.

This interrupted Li Canghai's thoughts.

Li Canghai stood there dumbfounded, looking at the familiar, enthusiastic faces, completely at a loss.

"Good, good, good! I knew it! My Hao'er would definitely pass! This child has been smart since he was little!"

"Heaven has eyes! My Li family has produced a martial arts master!"

Seeing the eager and envious looks from the neighbors in the courtyard, Li Canghai straightened his back, relaxed his brows, and became more agile, as if he had suddenly become twenty years younger.

"Shuanzi, go to the restaurant and get some wine and dishes on credit. Have them delivered, and we'll set up eighteen tables for a celebration!"

"!" Upon hearing the order, a boy of about half a year excitedly squeezed out of the crowd and ran towards the restaurant at the entrance of the alley.

"Don't go, everyone! Let's start the feast right away!" Old Master Li excitedly called out to everyone.

"good!"

A cheer erupted from the crowd.

Li Tao finally calmed down from her excitement, her chin slightly raised, her eyes filled with undisguised pride and smugness.

She asked Aunt Wang next door with concern, "I heard that Li Yuan also participated in the martial arts exam. I wonder how he did? Did he pass the exam?"

Aunt Wang hurriedly laughed and replied loudly, "Oh dear, the official who brought the good news just now said that only one person from the Li family passed the exam."

A hint of regret appeared on Li Tao's face. "That's such a pity..."

"What's there to regret? Do you think just anyone can pass the martial arts exam? It depends on one's natural talent and aptitude!" Aunt Wang said, beaming with pride.

In an instant, I felt that my words were well said, and that they had subtly brought the Wang family and the Li family closer together.

Li Tao nodded and said, "It's alright. Now that Hao'er has passed, let him give his brother some pointers. Maybe there will be another chance next year..."

"Mrs. Li, you're just too kind-hearted. Have you forgotten how he had a huge falling out with you back then?!" Aunt Wang chimed in at the opportune moment, "Let him suffer the consequences of his own actions!"

"Well, we're all family, no matter what," Li Tao said with a gentle smile.

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement and praised her repeatedly, all agreeing that Li Tao was a virtuous mother.

Before long, the Li family was filled with laughter.

Inside the courtyard, more than a dozen tables were set up for a banquet.

The sounds of villagers drinking and playing drinking games rose and fell in an endless stream.

Just then, a woman with a square face and high cheekbones rushed in from the doorway, looking worried.

Looking up at the scene in the courtyard, I was suddenly taken aback.

"What...what are you doing? What happened?"

"Changhong, you're here," Li Canghai greeted with a smile. "Come in and have a seat."

Li Changhong was completely baffled.

"How come you're so out of touch, aunt? Don't you know your nephew Li Haowu passed the exam?" someone joked.

"Li Hao made the list?"

Li Changhong's eyes widened, his expression filled with mockery.

That's exactly why she came.

"Oh, isn't this the child's aunt? Why aren't you joining the celebration? Are you thinking of saying a few words?" Aunt Wang greeted her with a smile, eliciting a burst of laughter.

"Celebrate?" Li Changhong smirked. "What kind of celebration is this?"

The room fell silent upon hearing this.

Aunt Wang's smile froze. Had this aunt gone mad? How could she have such an expression on such a joyous day?

There was a lot of discussion in the crowd, and it seemed that everyone was criticizing the eldest aunt, Li Changhong.

Li Changhong's eyes reddened, and he said bitterly, "Hmph, the one who made it onto the martial arts exam list isn't your Li Hao, it's clearly Li Yuan, whom you personally sent to the Zhou family!!!"

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