Protect Our Clan Leader

Chapter 24: Chapter 24: The Child Follows the Mother

However, Wang Shouzhe would never readily express such evaluations. He had mingled in the workplace on Earth, and although his understanding of human relationships was not profound, it was passable.

“Uncle, you give me too much credit,” Wang Shouzhe said, neither arrogantly nor humbly, “The relationship between people depends on fate. Aunt has been as kind to me as if I were her own, and 1 am as grateful as if reborn. Whether Uncle jokes with me or even if you were to hit me or scold me, Shouzhe would have no complaints whatsoever.”

These words carried a hidden message, suggesting to Gongsun Qiang that Shouzhe respected him because of Aunt’s kindness. Otherwise, based on Gongsun Qiang’s own merit, he probably wouldn’t have earned Shouzhe’s respect.

“Indeed. My little sister has always been intelligent, virtuous, and kind-hearted,” Gongsun Qiang nodded incessantly, praising Gongsun Hui casually.

Wang Shouzhe was momentarily speechless. No wonder the Elder Clan Leader Gongsun, despite his old age, had not yet stepped down—it turned out that this Young Clan Leader really wasn’t “polished” enough. It’s no surprise that he and Shouzhe’s “late father,” Wang Dingyue, didn’t see eye to eye.

Gongsun Hui, standing to the side, pressed her forehead with embarrassment, her cheeks flushing with shame. Her big brother was quite good in all aspects, except he lacked emotional intelligence. Was she supposed to be unkind and ostracize a young legitimate son who wasn’t biologically her own? That would make her an immoral and sinister person…

“Zhe Er is my legitimate son. It is my duty to take care of him,” she hastily added. “By the way, brother, how is father’s health?”

At the same time, Gongsun Hui couldn’t help but feel emotional. She hadn’t really noticed it before, but after watching Zhe Er’s performance since taking the position of Clan Leader,

And compared to her own brother, she couldn’t help but feel there was quite a gap. She began to worry about the Gongsun Clan. It seemed her brother had eaten in vain for thirty-eight years.

“Father is doing well,” Gongsun Qiang, aware of his slip of the tongue, chuckled twice before continuing more seriously, “It’s just that lately, he has been upset and lost his appetite, always thinking of my little sister. As soon as he heard you were visiting your maternal home, he urged me to come to escort you back immediately.”

“Aunt, it’s windy outside; it’s best to return to the carriage and hurry on our way,” Wang Shouzhe said with a salute. “I’m sure grandfather is already anxious. I’ll accompany Uncle on horseback.”

The black stallion Wang Shouzhe had been riding earlier was led by the head of the household the entire time, and now it came in handy.

“Very well, Zhe Er, have a good chat with your uncle,” Gongsun Hui signaled with her eyes, and then, taking Wang Luo Jing with her, they returned to the carriage.

Wang Shouzhe clearly understood Gongsun Hui’s intention. With the Wang family in decline, they relied almost entirely on Elder Longyan for deterrence and support. Strengthening the relationship with the Gongsun Clan could be very beneficial for the Wang family.

Therefore, Wang Shouzhe rode the black stallion, leading the way with Gongsun Qiang, engaging in sporadic small talk. His attitude towards Gongsun Qiang was polite, based on respect for Gongsun Hui’s sake, and he would not fawn over the Gongsun Clan without principles or limits.

In any world, whether relationships with in-laws or alliances, they are based on mutual interests and equal strength. The strong would not respect you any more for your grovelling or sycophantic behavior.

On the other hand, Gongsun Qiang, observing Wang Shouzhe, realized that this “inexpensive great-nephew” was far superior in conversation and demeanor to his peers, and at such a young age, his cultivation base was about to reach the Advanced Vital Energy Refining Realm, with immeasurable potential for the future.

Such a young elite was nowhere to be found in the entire Gongsun Clan of Shanyang.

Especially since Gongsun Qiang’s own son, Gongsun Yan, was only a year younger than Wang Shouzhe. He normally thought quite highly of that boy, but upon comparison, Gongsun Qiang suddenly felt stifled and, with a sense of suffocation, subconsciously grew a bit more affectionate towards Wang Shouzhe: “Shouzhe, it’s not often you visit Shanyang. Stay a few more days this time; I’ll have your cousin, young Yan, accompany you to hunt in the mountains.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Uncle,” Wang Shouzhe replied with a salute, “But there are many matters to attend to in the clan, and as the head, Shouzhe must leave after visiting grandfather.”

Gongsun Qiang’s heart felt even more blocked upon hearing this, his frustration growing. Indeed, his inexpensive nephew had become a Clan Leader at just eighteen. He was already thirty-eight and still only a Young Clan Leader. Moreover, until now, the Elder Clan Leader had shown no sign of wanting to retire.

All the way back, Gongsun Qiang was brooding and had very little to say.

The Main Residence of the Gongsun Clan of Shanyang was built against Longji Mountain, with a steep and easily defensible position, surrounded by sturdy and towering walls and watchtowers, creating an imposing atmosphere.

This time, Wang Shouzhe arrived as the legitimate son of Gongsun Hui, not in the capacity of a Clan Leader for an inter-family exchange; hence, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, he was invited into the main hall.

Inside the main hall, the current Clan Leader of the Gongsun Clan, Gongsun Mo, and his first wife of the Gongsun Chen Clan were seated at the place of honor, both dressed formally, which underscored the importance they placed on Gongsun Hui and Wang Shouzhe’s visit.

“Unfilial daughter pays respect to father and mother.” Gongsun Hui stepped forward to greet them, tears rolling down her cheeks.

“Hui’er.” Gongsun Chen moved forward to lift her daughter, looking her over with emotion, “My child, it has been three years since you’ve visited your maternal home. Are you well taken care of in the Wang family?”

“Mother, the Wang family has been extremely kind to your daughter, but, but Ding Yue he…” Upon mentioning this, Gongsun Hui couldn’t stop her tears from falling and was visibly heartbroken.

“Ah- that rascal Ding Yue, he really shouldn’t have, shouldn’t have taken reckless risks. Can’t he just live a good life with you?” Chen Clan’s matriarch’s face was a mix of annoyance and sorrow, “It’s truly hard on our child.”

“That’s enough, you old woman, if you don’t understand then don’t blather nonsense,” said Gongsun Mo with a stern face, “We of the Profound Martial lineage should strive valiantly. As a Clan Leader, Ding Yue must have had reasons he couldn’t avoid. It was nothing more than misfortune.”

“I don’t understand? It’s all because of you, you old coot,” Gongsun Chen retorted with a hint of agitation, “Talking about how that boy Wang Dingyue is talented and promising, destined for the Spiritual Platform, and you agreed to give away our precious daughter to continue his line! You…”

At this point, she seemed to remember Wang Shouzhe was still present and abruptly stopped talking, showing an amiable and kind smile to Wang Shouzhe, “Shouzhe, grandmother is just upset over Ding Yue’s death and got a bit emotional. Oh my, you’ve grown so strikingly commanding and handsome in the three years we haven’t seen you, come let grandmother take a good look at you.”

Wang Shouzhe couldn’t help but smile inwardly; now he understood the saying about a son picking up habits from his mother. His big uncle, Gongsun Qiang’s habit of speaking without a filter must have been inherited from old Lady Chen.

He wouldn’t hold a grudge against an elderly lady, and immediately stepped forward to bow, “Shouzhe pays respect to grandmother.”

“Very good, very good, the child has grown up quite handsome,” Gongsun Chen, holding Wang Shouzhe’s hands, looked him over with growing fondness, and asked with concern, “Shouzhe, are you betrothed? The girls from our Shanyang Gongsun Clan are all exceptional beauties, would you like to…”

Gongsun Hui’s face darkened, and she hurriedly interrupted, “Mother, Shouzhe is my legitimate son, and it is against the rules for him to marry a legitimate daughter of the Gongsun Clan.”

Intermarriage within Profound Martial families usually requires tracing back to the fourth generation to ensure they do not descend from the same person; there can be exceptions under special circumstances.

Although Gongsun Hui is Wang Shouzhe’s legitimate mother and there is no blood relation, according to tradition and rules, this still has to be considered, especially in the current context of marriage within the family.

“If a legitimate daughter is not an option, there are a few girls in the direct lineage…”

Gongsun Chen hadn’t finished speaking when Gongsun Mo couldn’t help but roar again, “Old woman, have you lost your mind? Shouzhe is the legitimate son of the Wang family, and a Clan Leader no less, how can he marry a girl from the direct lineage!”

“You’re the one who’s lost your mind, old man. Since the Gongsun Clan cannot find a suitable match, then let him marry a girl from the Chen Clan instead,” said Gongsun Chen, “The girls of our Donggang Chen Clan are also renowned for their beauty and brilliance.”

“Mother, the Donggang Chen Clan doesn’t have a suitable girl for Shouzhe either,” Gongsun Hui explained helplessly, “Besides, Luo Yi was betrothed to the Young Clan Leader of the Chen Clan several years ago. She was to be married this year, but with Ding Yue’s recent passing, she must observe a year of mourning before the wedding can take place.”

“Oh, is that my great-nephew Chen Fangjie?” Gongsun Chen suddenly brightened up, “I’ve met Fangjie. He’s reliable and talented; the Wang family has good judgment. It’s just a pity for Shouzhe… I’ll think it over…” Her status within the Chen Clan was rather significant.

“Mother, please don’t speculate anymore,” Gongsun Hui hurriedly stopped her from making random matchmaking, “Shouzhe’s marriage has been settled, and he is to wed the legitimate daughter of the Liu Family of Shanyin.”

The Liu Family of Shanyin?

The color drained from Chen Clan matriarch’s face.