Max Level Return—I'll Protect That Fragile One

Zhang Yuyao secretly glared at the three children, warning them not to speak out of turn at this time.

Xiahou Shang and his wife watched intently, pretending to be detached. Xiahou Jin, smart at the right moment, absolutely wouldn’t cause trouble either. He quietly drank his wine, looking sympathetically at Xiahou Zhuo.

Just as the atmosphere became suffocating, Xiahou Huai Gui suddenly ladled a bowl of soup and handed it to the old lady, ”Mom, have some soup to calm your nerves.”

Only Xiahou Huai Gui dared to speak out at this moment.

Luo Xiangyue glanced at her youngest son, then picked up the bowl of soup, taking small sips.

Seeing this, the tense atmosphere in the hall relaxed considerably.

Xiahou Zhuo gratefully looked at his youngest brother, but Xiahou Huai Gui showed no reaction to Xiahou Zhuo’s attempt to please him.

Xiahou Zhuo was used to Xiahou Huai Gui’s cold demeanor.

At this moment, Xiahou Xiong suddenly mentioned, ”My wife and I are both old now, too old to keep up with current affairs and modern trends. This world ultimately belongs to you younger people.”

Upon hearing the old master’s words, everyone in the banquet hall, except the young children who didn’t understand, reacted with a sharp alertness.

Could it be that the old master decided to abdicate today and pass the torch?

Xiahou Xiong held the black knotted cane beside him, a symbol of the Xiahou Family’s headship.

This cane was used by the Xiahou Family’s Old Ancestor several hundred years ago when migrating from Beijiang to Yujiang City. It accompanied the ancestors as they traversed mountains and waters, overcoming countless hardships until they arrived at Yujiang City.

It witnessed the Xiahou family’s establishment and accompanied generations of family heads to today.

Seeing Xiahou Xiong’s action, Xiahou Huaicai, Xiahou Huaiyu, and Xiahou Zhuo, children of the same generation, felt their hearts tighten.

Their gaze unconsciously swept back and forth between Xiahou Shang and Xiahou Huai Gui.

The old master was about to step down, and the new family head would undoubtedly be one of these two.

These two are the most outstanding young men in the Xiahou Family, and either one taking over would lead the family steadily forward.

Yet they are a generation apart; as the uncle, Xiahou Huai Gui is several years younger than his nephew.

If Xiahou Huai Gui becomes the new family head, then Xiahou Shang, who is older, may never touch that cane until his death.

Others know this, and Xiahou Shang certainly knows it too.

Zhang Yuyao and her husband Xiahou Huaicai both looked brightly at the cane, with some begrudging glances at their younger brother.

Xiahou Huaicai knows his own weight and doesn’t intend to vie with Xiahou Huai Gui for the family head position, but his son is no less capable compared to Xiahou Huai Gui. He longingly hopes for his son to become the new head of the Xiahou Family.

Unexpectedly, Xiahou Huai Gui, who had been sick for a long time, was successfully healed by the Medicine Farmer Star.

”Shang’er.” Xiahou Xiong suddenly called his eldest grandson Xiahou Shang’s name.

Xiahou Shang looked up at his grandfather.

Xiahou Shang never hides his desire and ambition for the family head position, but he would never commit any heinous act for it.

Therefore, although his gaze towards his grandfather couldn’t hide his ambition, it was also upright and open.

Xiahou Xiong was very pleased with this grandson, who he raised and guided personally, understanding Xiahou Shang’s excellence better than anyone.

”Shang’er, of all the descendants, you are the most capable, and your methods and temperament satisfy me the most.” Xiahou Xiong’s eyes showed some regret, and he said somewhat regretfully, ”I should have passed the family head position to you.”

The word ”should” was used brilliantly.

Xiahou Shang had already guessed his grandfather’s decision; he lowered his eyes, not resisting.

”You and your uncle are equally capable, but according to seniority and respect, I decide to pass the family head position to Xiahou Huai Gui.” Xiahou Xiong asked Xiahou Shang, ”Shang’er, do you understand?”

Xiahou Shang looked at his uncle.

Xiahou Huai Gui was staring back, with a gaze lacking the kindness and tolerance that elders should have, yet without confrontational hostility either.

Although Xiahou Huai Gui was Xiahou Shang’s uncle, he was a few years younger than Xiahou Shang; to act with the posture of an elder would seem hypocritical.

Xiahou Shang nodded and said, ”Uncle is a respected elder of mine; losing to him, I have nothing to say.”

Xiahou Huai Gui slightly raised his eyebrow, raising his glass to him.

Seeing this, Xiahou Huaicai licked his lips, staying silent but with eyes that showed his dissatisfaction.