A Discussion at the Dinner Table: The World and the Martial World!

"I've heard so much about you?"

Su Changqing stopped and put Xiao Nuomi down from his neck. Then, looking at the noble yet respectful man in gold robes in front of him, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"I'm just a tavern owner, I don't have any great name. You're too kind, my lord."

He saw through the other person's identity at a glance.

Tianqi City, the Golden-Clad Marquis.

This is a truly important figure, second only to the emperor, and above thousands of others.

But he didn't show the slightest bit of fear or trepidation, as if he were greeting an ordinary guest.

"Sir, you are too modest."

Marquis Lanyue didn't mind Su Changqing's attitude; on the contrary, she appreciated his composure in the face of both honor and disgrace even more.

"With a single chopstick, you cleaved the heavens; with one hand, you subdued two heroes. In this martial world today, who doesn't know your great name? Meeting you today, I can see that your reputation is indeed well-deserved."

"It's just empty fame, a real burden."

Su Changqing waved his hand, took Xiao Nuomi's hand, and walked to the table to sit down.

"Since you're here, Lord Marquis, why don't we have a drink together? It just so happens that Xiao Se is usually very stingy, so it's rare for him to treat us today. We might as well drink instead."

Xiao Se: "..."

My treat?

When did I say I was treating?

But after glancing at Su Changqing's ambiguous smile and then at Lan Yuehou's expectant look, he could only reluctantly fill their cups with wine.

"Please, sir."

Lan Yuehou raised his cup.

"please."

Su Changqing didn't stand on ceremony and drank it all in one gulp.

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

Lan Yuehou put down his wine cup, his gaze gradually becoming deep.

He looked at Su Changqing as if trying to see through the man's heart.

"gentlemen."

Lan Yuehou spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of probing and a touch of seriousness, "Since you possess unparalleled martial arts and extraordinary abilities, what do you think of this world?"

World!

This is a very broad topic.

For ordinary people in the martial arts world, the world is that place of chivalry and revenge, a stage for making a name for themselves.

But for someone like Marquis Lanyue, the world is the country, the people, and the imperial power!

When he asked that question, he was actually asking about Su Changqing's stance and his ambitions!

Xiao Se paused slightly in his hand holding the wine glass, and also perked up his ears.

He also wanted to know what the world meant to this god-like man.

Su Changqing did not answer immediately.

He simply picked up a peanut, carefully peeled off the outer skin, blew off the red skin, and then stuffed it into the mouth of the little glutinous rice girl who was eagerly waiting next to him.

"Mmm...delicious!"

Little Nuomi happily squinted her eyes.

After finishing all this, Su Changqing wiped his hands and said casually:

"The world? It's too big to manage."

"I'm a rather lazy person, and I don't have any grand ambitions. I only care about this little tavern and my daughter's three meals a day. As long as no one comes to demolish my shop or bully my family, what does it matter to me whether the world belongs to the Xiao or the Li family?"

That answer... is so down-to-earth!

You could even say he's a bit "unambitious"!

Lan Yuehou was stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting Su Changqing to say that.

But he was not disappointed; on the contrary, the light in his eyes shone even brighter.

"What about the martial arts world?"

Lan Yuehou pressed further, "Sir, you are a man of great skill in the martial world, don't you want to leave your mark on it? Perhaps... become the leader of the martial arts alliance? Or establish your own sect and be revered by all?"

"The martial arts world?"

Su Changqing scoffed, his eyes full of disdain.

"The martial arts world is nothing."

"They're just a bunch of people who have nothing better to do than stir up trouble and fight each other. They fight tooth and nail for a hollow title, and kill each other over a few worthless manuals. They should use this time to go home, take care of the kids, and cook more meals for their wives."

"In my opinion, those so-called chivalrous heroes don't even understand life as well as the guy chopping vegetables in my kitchen."

Quiet.

The table was deathly silent.

Lan Yuehou and Xiao Se stared blankly at Su Changqing, as if they were seeing this man for the first time.

If these words were spoken by an ordinary person, they might be considered cowardly and lacking in ambition.

But when Su Changqing said it, it had a resounding power!

It is a kind of indifference after seeing through the vanity of the world, a kind of transcendence from standing at the peak and looking down on all living beings!

He doesn't compete, not because he can't win, but because... he disdains it!

In his eyes, neither imperial power nor fame and fortune in the martial world were anything but fleeting clouds, and none of them were as important as the daughter in his arms who was chewing peanuts!

This is true freedom! True liberation!

"Not competing is competing."

Lan Yuehou took a deep breath, stood up, and bowed deeply to Su Changqing, "Sir, you are very talented. I have learned a lot from you."

He finally understood.

Why would Xiao Se willingly work as an accountant here?

Why is that proud and arrogant Wushuang chopping vegetables here?

Because here, you'll find the most precious thing in the world—truth!

In this world full of hypocrisy and scheming, Changqinglou is like a pure land where people can shed all their pretenses and find their truest selves.

"Alright, stop with the nonsense."

Su Changqing waved his hand, "Since you're here, have a good meal. My food is a bit pricey, but it's definitely worth the money."

"Hahaha! Alright! Then bring another pot of good wine!"

Lan Yuehou laughed three times, feeling more relaxed than ever before.

The meal was enjoyed by both the host and guests.

Before leaving, Lan Yuehou took out a silver note from his pocket, which contained a full thousand taels of gold!

"This is for the drinks."

"Lan Yuehou laughed."

"Too many."

Su Changqing raised an eyebrow.

"not much."

Xiao Se casually added from the side, "This wine is a special edition, a thousand taels is just right."

Su Changqing glanced at Xiao Se and gave him a "well done" look.

Marquis Lanyue didn't mind being slaughtered; on the contrary, he found it quite amusing.

He straightened his clothes and bowed to Su Changqing again.

"Sir, today's conversation is more valuable than ten years of study. Although you have no interest in the martial world or the imperial court, some things are beyond your control. The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease."

"Tianqi City awaits your arrival, sir. The turbulent events there may be more suitable for you."