Chapter 376: It’s finally my turn to act.
Liu Biao was so impatient, partly out of a guilty conscience, but more importantly, because the Hai family had sent people to urge him again last night, demanding that he find a way to bring about the advantageous marriage, or face the consequences.
Liu Biao was afraid that Liu Yingyue would leave the Imperial Capital after burying her father, so he was forced to bring this matter to the agenda.
Qi Huang stood beside Liu Yingyue, craning her neck in anticipation. She wanted to see what other tricks this old man could come up with.
“Everyone!”
Liu Biao walked to the center of the main hall and said with a proud expression, “First, I want to inform you of something. Due to the unexpected death of my eldest brother, the Liu family is leaderless. As the second brother, I should naturally shoulder the responsibility. Therefore, with the approval of the Old Ancestor, I am now the official Clan Leader of the Liu family. I believe everyone has heard about this. If anyone has any objections, please feel free to voice them.”
‘What an “unexpected death”!’
Qi Huang curled her lips in disdain.
As for Liu Yingyue, she was still unsure if her father’s death was caused by her second uncle, so she managed to remain calm.
“With the death of the eldest brother, and you being the second eldest, it is only natural for you to take over as Clan Leader.”
“Yes, the Liu family has always followed the rules of establishing the heir based on primogeniture, seniority, and virtue when selecting a Clan Leader. Not only are you the eldest among the current generation, but your abilities are also well-known to all, so we have no objections.”
“You’ve been the acting Clan Leader for three years, Brother, and you’ve worked tirelessly for the Liu family. You should have been officially appointed long ago.”
…
The members of the Liu family expressed their support one after another.
‘This Liu Biao actually has some popularity in the Liu family.’
Qi Huang couldn’t help but tease inwardly, but her expression remained as relaxed as ever. Let alone the mere position of Clan Leader, even if it were the Emperor, she was determined to bring him down this time.
Hearing this, Liu Yingyue could no longer hold back. She clenched her delicate fists tightly. Thinking that this so-called second uncle had embezzled the life-saving medicine of her great-grandmother and was still being respected by so many people, she felt a surge of anger.
Xia Wei also learned of this. Her breathing became heavier, and her delicate body trembled slightly, clearly showing that she had reached the limit of her endurance.
“I am grateful for everyone’s regard, and I will not refuse. Please rest assured, with me, Liu Biao, here, the Liu family will not only be the foremost noble family in the Xihui Dynasty but will become the foremost noble family in the entire Cultivation World.”
Liu Biao began to make his grand pronouncements.
‘He brags quite loudly, but unfortunately, you won’t have the chance.’
Qi Huang shook her head with pity.
“Of course, the prerequisite is that all members of the Liu family must obey my arrangements.”
Liu Biao changed the subject.
“Brother, you jest. Since you are now the Clan Leader, we will naturally obey your arrangements. This is the family rule.”
“Yes, without rules, there can be no order. Anyone who disobeys the arrangements will be directly expelled from the Liu family.”
“Brother, just state your arrangements, and we promise to cooperate fully!”
…
The members of the Liu family expressed their support once again.
At this point, Xia Wei finally couldn’t bear it any longer. She stepped forward, hands on her hips, and said, “You are too…”
Qi Huang knew this would happen and quickly pulled Xia Wei back.
“You…”
Xia Wei looked at Qi Huang in surprise but eventually quieted down.
“Xia Wei, do you have any objections?”
Liu Biao frowned slightly.
“She has no objections. She was just moved by your outstanding speech, Second Master, and wanted to say that you are truly wise and mighty.”
Qi Huang said first, snatching the words from her.
“Is that so? I haven’t finished speaking yet. It’s not too late to praise me later.”
Liu Biao shook his head ambiguously and then got down to business. “Since that’s the case, I won’t be polite. First of all…”
As Liu Biao spoke, his gaze gradually fell on Liu Yingyue. “That is, Little Yue, the advantageous marriage from three years ago must be completed. Everyone knows that Master Hai is the current Minister of Revenue, in charge of household registration and commerce. If you marry his son, our Liu family will be able to swagger through the business world of the Xihui Dynasty.”
‘Finally, he can’t wait any longer?’
Qi Huang showed a teasing expression on her face.
Before Liu Yingyue could speak, her mother, Fang Yun, stepped forward. “Second Brother, the word ‘marry’ you used is a bit inappropriate, isn’t it? Three years ago, Young Master Hai already had a legitimate wife, and now he has a total of seven or eight wives and concubines combined. If Little Yue goes over, she can only be a concubine. Without the proper betrothal gifts and ceremonies, how can you dare to say ‘marry’?”
“So what? The Hai family is a family of officials. It is Little Yue’s good fortune to be taken as a concubine by Young Master Hai!”
Liu Biao said heartlessly.
Liu Yingyue tried her best to suppress the anger in her heart and said, “But Second Uncle, why do you think the Hai family will protect the Liu family for a mere concubine?”
“What’s wrong with being a concubine? People are not born superior. Doesn’t everyone climb step by step? With your conditions, it shouldn’t be difficult to become a legitimate wife, right?”
Liu Biao argued unreasonably.
“I’m sorry, I’m not good at internal family struggles. You think too highly of me.”
Liu Yingyue replied coldly and rigidly.
“It doesn’t matter. As long as you marry, the Liu family will receive some protection.”
Liu Biao remained unmoved.
“Second Uncle, what if I refuse?”
Liu Yingyue’s pretty face turned cold.
“You want to defy my order as Clan Leader? Do I need to remind you of the consequences?”
Liu Biao threatened with a ferocious expression.
“Little sister, as a member of the Liu family, you have a responsibility to contribute to the Liu family. How can you be so selfish?”
The one who spoke first was her elder brother, Liu Yingliang. He knew that if such a capable younger sister remained in the family, his position as family head would sooner or later be threatened, so she had to be married off.
“Yes, the Liu family’s development to this point is due to the selfless dedication of every generation. There have been no fewer women who married for the sake of beneficial alliances. Why is it different for you? Do you think you are more noble?”
“If an exception is made for you, how can we face the female elders who have sacrificed themselves for the Liu family?”
“The country has its laws, and the family has its rules. If you violate them, don’t blame us for expelling you from the Liu family.”
…
Condemnations also came from the surroundings one after another.
“For the family to grow stronger, it relies on hard work and striving, not on so-called advantageous marriages.”
Liu Yingyue retorted, then said, “Don’t you remember the agreement between my father and the Old Ancestor three years ago? I just want to prove one thing: staying at home is not necessarily less useful than marrying out. Since I have already achieved it, no one can force me to marry.”
“Little sister, are you saying you really quadrupled the profits of the auction house in Yongning Prefecture?”
Her fifth brother, Liu Yingmei, showed a look of surprise. Compared to his elder brother, he naturally felt closer to his younger sister Liu Yingyue because his sister and mother had never treated them, the four siblings, with condescension.
“Yes!”
Liu Yingyue nodded firmly and then said to the crowd, “Whether this is true or not, you can ask Second Uncle for confirmation. As the acting Clan Leader, he should know best.”
“What she said is true.”
Liu Biao knew he could no longer hide it and simply told the truth.
“What? She actually did it? We all know the situation of the auction house in Yongning Prefecture. Because the contractor kept encountering accidents, it was already on the verge of collapse.”
“Yes, that auction house has changed several shopkeepers before, including some experienced ones, but they were still unable to solve the fundamental problem.”
“If she really achieved this, then she indeed has a talent for business. Marrying her off casually would be a significant loss for the Liu family.”
…
The members of the Liu family were slightly moved.
“Unfortunately, with the death of my eldest brother, this agreement is naturally void.”
Liu Biao had a mocking expression on his face.
“Although my father has passed away, the Old Ancestor is still alive. As they say, filial piety is the foremost of all virtues. Shouldn’t you seek her opinion?”
Liu Yingyue seized the opportunity to remind him, her bright lips also curving slightly.
“Alright! Then I’ll make you completely give up!”
Liu Biao was naturally happy to oblige. He waved his hand towards Liu Yingliang. “Eldest nephew, go and invite your great-grandmother.”
“Yes!”
Liu Yingliang obeyed as if he were a servant and eagerly led his two brothers to the backyard.
Shortly after, Madam Shen was pushed into the main hall.
“Great-grandmother, this is the situation. Should this advantageous marriage continue?”
Liu Biao asked with full vigor, confident that the Old Ancestor would compromise to save her life. Little did he know that his secret had already been discovered.
“Of course… not!”
Madam Shen raised her eyebrows, and the hall suddenly became silent as a pin drop.
“What? Are you still not well? Why are you talking nonsense?”
Liu Biao showed a look of astonishment on his face.
“I, this old woman, am physically unwell, not mentally impaired. People should be honest. Since I made an agreement with her father three years ago, I must keep my word.”
The old lady reiterated her stance.
“Great-grandmother, I advise you to speak cautiously.”
Liu Biao’s expression turned grim, and he threatened her.
“Are you threatening me?”
Madam Shen asked back with a calm expression.
“No, I’m just kindly reminding you!”
Liu Biao sneered.
“Do you think I’m a cowardly person? As long as I am here, no one can force Yue’er to marry.”
Madam Shen sat up and said forcefully.
“But you clearly promised me before!”
Liu Biao gritted his teeth.
“What did I promise you? Who can testify?”
Madam Shen’s expression remained unchanged.
Liu Biao was speechless. After a moment, his face contorted, and he said, “Unfortunately, I am now the Clan Leader of the Liu family, and everyone must obey my arrangements.”
Hearing this, everyone’s faces showed a struggle. On one side was the highly respected Old Ancestor, and on the other was the current Clan Leader of the Liu family. How could they choose?
‘Is it my turn to appear?’
Qi Huang smiled slightly, then walked up with leisurely steps and asked in a voice as pleasant as ringing bells, “Second Master Liu, if I understand correctly, doesn’t the so-called ‘virtue’ in the Liu family’s rules include filial piety? And you are going against the wishes of your elders, which is unfilial. A disloyal descendant, what right do you have to be the Clan Leader?”
“You…”
Liu Biao was immediately silenced. He never imagined that a young girl could strike such a fatal blow.
