Chapter 7: The Chu Family's Council

His esteemed father has spoken, yet regarding the five uncles of Chu Xiu, they did not even lift their eyelids.

Although the Third Madam did not explicitly state it, her words clearly indicated that she was on the side of the Second Madam

However, her actions are quite foolish; no matter how prominent her family may be, this is not her family's territory. This is Tongzhou Prefecture, this is the Chu family. By confronting Chu Zong in such a manner, she will only incite further disdain from him.

In fact, there is nothing wrong with enjoying seclusion, after all, the Chu family can be considered a family of martial arts, albeit the smallest among them. However, in the realm of martial arts, strength is everything; rather than toiling to gain favor, it is better to directly overpower others with strength

Only the matriarch, with a grim expression, coldly snorted and said: "I do not agree! Our Chu family, as a prominent martial arts family, choosing the heir to the family head without testing their strength is simply a joke!"

The experience of Chu Zongguang can be considered legendary. Over twenty years ago, he brought dozens of members of the Chu family to Tongzhou Prefecture, starting from scratch to establish a foothold there. Now, the Chu family has become one of the three prominent families in Tongzhou Prefecture, even surpassing the Li family, which has been rooted in Tongzhou for over a hundred years.

However, in Chu Xiu's memory, his father could be described as extremely indifferent; he had hardly seen his father a few times throughout his life.

His elder brother and sister-in-law are both of the same disposition, very arrogant, looking down on everyone.

The second lady smiled and said, "Of course I agree with what the master has said."

Chu Xiu followed the Second Madam into the conference hall of the Chu family. At this moment, the hall was already filled with people. At the top, there sat a tall, square-faced middle-aged man, dressed in brocade garments, with his eyes slightly closed.

Apart from the elders and the managers, seated on both sides are several of Chu Zongguang's wives and a few of Chu Xiu's brothers

It is said that the lady comes from a prominent family, and upon seeing her now, it is indeed the case, as she dares to directly challenge Chu Zongguang.

The several elders of the Chu family are merely for show, having their own small schemes, yet they do not dare to go against the wishes of Chu Zongguang

She can now be certain that Chu Xiu must know about her design to kill him, yet even if he is aware of this, he still stands by her side. What exactly does Chu Xiu mean by this

The last of the three wives was a clever woman. After the eldest and second wives had grown old and lost their beauty, she alone won the favor of Chu Zongguang. She presented herself as harmless, yet her lack of contention was, in fact, a form of contention. Chu Shang was the one most favored by Chu Zongguang.

The eldest of the Chu family, Chu Kai, is tall and always wears a hint of arrogance on his face. Among the four brothers of the Chu family, he is also the strongest in terms of strength, having already reached the Blood Condensation Realm

Chu Xiu squinted his eyes as he observed the few people present, and through this conversation, he had nearly grasped the personalities of those in attendance.

However, the problem is that Chu Zongguang has diligently practiced for over 20 years, yet his own strength seems to have undergone little change, which is simply a waste of time. Without talent and comprehension, no matter how much one isolates oneself in closed-door training, one cannot become a master.

Chu Zongguang's strength is innate, having already transcended the stages of body tempering and blood condensing, achieving a state where the vital energy, blood, muscles, and bones within his body are harmoniously integrated, free of impurities, resembling the condition of a newborn infant. Although Chu Zongguang is actually over fifty years old, he appears even younger than the second madam, who is in her forties.

At this point, Chu Zongguang glanced at the youngest, Chu Shang, and said: "Although our Chu family is a martial arts family, due to your ages, your strength will not be assessed for the time being; only your abilities will be evaluated. Do you all agree?"

The madam is also aware of this point, and she proudly raised her eyebrows at the second madam. It is two against two; if Chu Zongguang were to openly favor Chu Shang, it would be somewhat indefensible.

The third son of the Chu family, Chu Sheng, had a slightly slender build and always wore a warm smile on his face. However, the gaze he directed at Chu Xiu was tinged with a hint of malice, clearly indicating that he had not anticipated that Chu Xiu would return alive.

In the past, Chu Xiu did not think much of it, but now, after his reincarnation and crossing over, he feels that his father is somewhat strange

This middle-aged man is Chu Xiu's father, Chu Zongguang, the head of the Chu family

The madam and Chu Kai both looked at Chu Xiu with disbelief, especially Chu Kai, who remembered that this young man had always followed him around as a lackey. Now, he actually dared to oppose him

These elders are all the elders of the Chu family and also the seniors of Chu Zongguang, holding some power within the Chu family

At that moment, Lady Chu suddenly said: "Chu Xiu, although you are a son born out of wedlock, you are still the heir of the Chu family. What is your opinion on this matter that the master has mentioned?"

No one should speak further; such a significant matter as the heir must certainly be considered with caution. Today, with several uncles present, I shall establish the rules here.

At this moment, the matriarch of the Chu family suddenly said: "What is there to decide? Chu Kai is the legitimate eldest son of the Chu family, and his strength is also the greatest. If we do not allow Chu Kai to be the heir, then who else can take on that role?"

Chu Zongguang coughed lightly and said: "My Chu family has been in Tongzhou Prefecture for over twenty years now, and we can be considered fully established here. In recent years, the children have grown up, and several uncles have been urging me. It is time for the Chu family to determine the position of the heir to the family.

Beneath Chu Zongguang are five elderly men, the youngest of whom appears to be over sixty years old

Madam San also followed suit, saying: "I naturally agree as well."

The second lady said leisurely: "I never said that. I only know that we are all women, and in these major matters, it is still up to the master to make the decisions"

As for Chu Zongguang himself, Chu Xiu could sense that his father was a person who feared trouble. Even though he repeatedly stated that choosing the heir to the family head was a significant matter, he still seemed somewhat indifferent to it.

Chu Zongguang rubbed his head, feeling somewhat headache; he despised dealing with such messy matters the most

The Chu family's mansion is magnificent and resplendent. Although it cannot be compared to the Shen family, which has been rooted in Tongzhou Prefecture for hundreds of years, the Chu family is undoubtedly a prominent family within Tongzhou Prefecture.

Chu Xiu entered and greeted the people in the council chamber, saying: "Greetings to my father, Uncle Grandfather, Third Uncle Grandfather, Seventh Uncle Grandfather, Eighth Uncle Grandfather, Ninth Uncle Grandfather, Aunt, Second Aunt, and Third Aunt"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present was taken aback

They are indeed two generations older than Chu Xiu, so they naturally do not care about this younger generation. What is most important is that everyone knows what status Chu Xiu holds within the Chu family, and there is no need to pay attention to it.

The second lady goes without saying; she is ruthless and merciless. Her son, the third, Chu Sheng, is far less skilled than his mother. When he entered, Chu Xiu could sense the murderous intent emanating from him.

Madam San merely smiled and softly said, "I am just a woman, and naturally do not understand such matters. Whatever the master says, that is what it is."

Indeed, Chu Zongguang was not only indifferent towards him, but also treated his other sons in a similar manner. The only one who received somewhat better treatment was the fourth son of the Chu family, Chu Shang, who was also the youngest son of Chu Zongguang

The martial artists at the innate realm on www.hetushu.com have already reached a considerable level in martial arts, and they are not unknown figures in the outside world; however, within the Tongzhou Prefecture, they are truly skilled experts

Saying this, the Second Madam turned her gaze towards the Third Madam: "Sister, don't you think so?"

At this moment, even Chu Zongguang looked at Chu Xiu with a face full of surprise. He felt that this son, whom he had always overlooked, seemed to be somewhat different from a year ago. Is it really the case that the Nanshan mining area can cultivate people like this

Upon hearing these words, the expression of the madam immediately turned ashen.

Beside these elders, there are also some standing individuals, who are merely the stewards and managers of the Chu family, and some are the descendants of these elders. They also hold a portion of the power within the Chu family

In Chu Xiu's memory, his father had always been in seclusion for cultivation, to the extent that he did not even concern himself with matters within the Chu family, only expressing opinions on significant issues. If it were not for the fact that he was currently the strongest in the Chu family, the power of the Chu family might have already fallen into the hands of others

Our Chu family is only this big, and our business is only this small. It is easy to see whose progress is significant.

At this moment, everyone present seemed to finally notice Chu Xiu. The second madam immediately frowned, as this was exactly what she feared. Although she had managed to win over the third madam and Chu Shang, this fool, Chu Xiu, had always stood by the first madam and Chu Kai.

The matriarch of the Chu family is said to come from a prominent clan and married Chu Zongguang before he arrived in Tongzhou Prefecture

In the span of one year, Chu Kai, Chu Xiu, Chu Sheng, and Chu Shang, each of you holds a portion of the family business. Whoever manages the family business the best will inherit the position of the successor.

Seeing Chu Zongguang's anger, the women finally fell silent

As soon as these words were spoken, the expression of the eldest lady and the eldest son of the Chu family, Chu Kai, immediately darkened. It was evident that Chu Zongguang was clearly favoring the youngest, Chu Shang, and with a single statement, he had completely undermined Chu Kai's greatest advantage.

The four sons of the Chu family, yet there are only three wives; Chu Xiu's biological mother is merely a concubine and certainly does not qualify as a formally wedded wife

Upon hearing this, the second lady of the Chu family immediately let out a cold laugh and said, "Eldest sister, your statement is quite incorrect. Why should the legitimate eldest son be entitled to inherit the position of the family head? Our Chu family is not a royal family, where only the eldest son can inherit. Look at those other martial arts families; the position of family head is always held by the most capable person."

Chu Zongguang slammed the table and shouted, "Enough!"

This indeed puzzled Chu Xiu; could it be that his father had truly become so engrossed in his own world that he was so indifferent to such a significant matter?

The third lady of the Chu family is a graceful woman in her thirties, who is most favored by Chu Zongguang. The fourth son of the Chu family, Chu Shang, is only sixteen years old this year, with striking features. It is said that he resembles a young Chu Zongguang, which is why he is also the most favored by Chu Zongguang

However, the second lady furrowed her brows, as she found it somewhat difficult to discern what Chu Xiu was thinking.

In the past, Chu Xiu did not wish to contend, but now, Chu Xiu does not seek the position of family head. Are the assets of the Chu family to be left to his few useless brothers?

In fact, the meaning of Chu Xiu is quite simple; he also wants to contend for the position of the head of the family. Standing on the side of the first lady, what is there for him to contend for?

Chu Zongguang nodded slightly and simply said, "You have returned, please take a seat."

But who would have known that at this moment, Chu Xiu smiled and, with a cupped fist gesture towards Chu Zongguang, said: "How could I, as a son, dare to have any opinions on matters decided by my esteemed father? Naturally, I will do as my father says."

The matriarch of the Chu family revealed a glimmer of coldness in her eyes and said, "Are you implying that my son is inferior to your son?"