The 10th Taiyuan Wang Clan (Part 3)
"Patriarch, what Erlang just said is indeed true." An elderly man stood up trembling; he was Lu Sidao, the head of the eight stewards of the Lu family. He clasped his hands and said, "Sidao believes that the Lu family is weak while the Wang family is powerful. We cannot confront them head-on, but can only seek a gradual approach."
Indeed, moments later, Lu Zhaozi appeared before everyone, supporting Lu Sicheng. Upon seeing this, Lu Changqing and the others changed their expressions. Clearly, they had not anticipated that Lu Zhaozi would appear alongside Lu Sicheng, which raised questions about what this might signify. A fleeting shadow passed through Lu Changzong's eyes.
Not only must we return the provisions obtained from Qingfeng Mountain, but we must also hand over the troublemakers to the Wang family to temporarily quell their anger. Only in this way can we ensure the safety of the Lu family. Lu Changzong, with a face full of sorrow, sighed and said: "Zhao Ci and Zhao Ying are both elite members of the Lu family for three generations. Handing them over to the Wang family is something I am reluctant to do, but this matter concerns the safety of our Lu family in Hedong. We have no choice but to proceed this way."
"Hmph! Coward!" As Lu Changqing's words fell, a cold snort was heard nearby, and Lu Changzong stood up, saying loudly: "Father, I have something to say."
Yes!
The clan leader, Lu Changzong, said, "Changzong believes that our Lu clan is weak, while the Wang clan is strong and has a vast library of resources. Moreover, there is the Li faction behind them. Our Lu clan of Hedong cannot compete with them head-on; it is better to endure for the time being."
Lu Zhao Ci was momentarily taken aback by the old man's words. What exactly did this elder mean? Was he in favor or against? There was not a hint of indication, yet he asked Lu Zhao Ci to beat the drum. Beating the drum was the way the Lu family convened discussions among its members. The Lu family's territory was quite large, and usually, matters of importance required prior notification. However, beating the drum was reserved for significant issues and should not be used lightly. As the drum sounded, within three beats, all eligible members of the Lu family, regardless of what they were doing, had to arrive at the Jin Biao Hall to discuss matters within the stipulated time. The Lu family's territory was quite large, and usually, matters of importance required prior notification. However, beating the drum was reserved for significant issues and should not be used lightly. As the drum sounded, within three beats, all eligible members of the Lu family, regardless of what they were doing, had to arrive at the Jin Biao Hall to discuss matters within the stipulated time. But could this matter be disclosed to the entire Lu family? Lu Zhao Ci shook his head; despite having two lifetimes of experience, he could not comprehend the reasoning behind it at this moment.
As the drumbeat sounded, dozens of members of the Lu family quickly gathered in the Golden Standard Hall, creating a bustling scene. All those qualified from the Lu family assembled within the hall, engaging in lively discussions about what significant matters were to unfold today, as the clan leader summoned them with the beating of the drum
The second young master speaks truly. There is also a Li faction behind him. If it is indeed as the clan leader suspects, and the Li faction is about to raise an army, they will certainly pass through Jiahubao. At that time, if they investigate my Lu family's seizure of their grain and provisions, it will be the moment of great peril for my Lu family. If we can hand over the true culprit now, perhaps we can avoid the catastrophic disaster facing my Lu family
Hmph! What a model of a gentleman, a pillar of the nation. A hint of dimness appeared on Lu Sicheng's aged face, and his murky eyes flickered across the hall. The crowd seemed to be pricked by needles, lowering their heads in silence, afraid to speak. This model of a gentleman, this pillar of the nation, refers to the late Eastern Han period when the Lu family gained fame due to Lu Zhi's emergence, earning the respect of many aristocratic families towards the Lu family of Fanyang. By bringing it up at this moment, Lu Sicheng was reminding everyone of the former grandeur of the Lu family. Although everyone had their own plans, they were now filled with shame, each remaining silent.
Father, the actions taken against Zhao Ci and Zhao Ying to eliminate Qingfeng Mountain were due to their seizure of the grain belonging to the Lu family. Initially, it was a collective decision made by the entire Lu family. Now that trouble has arisen, how can we let these two bear the blame for the Lu family? If this matter were to spread, how could the Lu family maintain its standing among the noble families in the future? We would surely become a laughingstock. How could the other members of the Lu family feel secure in risking their lives for our family?" Lu Changqing said anxiously, standing up to argue.
Alas! Who says our Lu family is not as good as the Wang family from Taiyuan! There is no other way! We can only sacrifice Zhao and Chi.
Several major stewards nodded in agreement. Although their faces were filled with expressions of helplessness, Lu Zhaoci, who stood behind Lu Sicheng, could see clearly that these individuals were not truly helpless; they were clearly detached figures who felt no personal stake in the matter. After all, they were not their own descendants, so if someone were to die, so be it
"Not bad, he will enter Guanzhong, seize Daxing, and from the stronghold of Tongguan, watch the world in turmoil." Lu Zhaoci shook his head and said: "If he wants to enter Guanzhong, my Lu family's Jiahu Fort is right on his path. If we do not submit to his family, do you think the Li clan will let us go? This is the foundation of my Lu family's hundred-year legacy; he would not mind taking my Lu family's century-old savings. However, if we were to submit to the Li clan, it would be different. The Li clan has not yet achieved great success; if my Lu family were to enter his service, not only would it ensure his consideration for the wise, preserving my Lu family's business, but more importantly, my Lu family could also become like the Wang family of Taiyuan, ruling without being rulers. This is indeed the foundation of my Lu family's hundred-year legacy; he would not mind taking my Lu family's century-old savings. However, if we were to submit to the Li clan, it would be different. The Li clan has not yet achieved great success; if my Lu family were to enter his service, not only would it ensure his consideration for the wise, preserving my Lu family's business, but more importantly, my Lu family could also become like the Wang family of Taiyuan, ruling without being rulers. Perhaps we could even surpass the Lu family of Fanyang and become the main branch of our clan.
Cough! A hoarse cough echoed from the back hall, and the main hall fell into complete silence. Everyone clearly heard that it was the voice of the clan leader, Lu Sicheng, and the many clan members dared not make a sound.
What do you all think? Lu Sicheng sighed, glanced at the steward beside him, then narrowed his eyes as if he had fallen asleep
Lu Sicheng glanced at everyone, let out a gentle sigh, and said: "The reason I have gathered you here today is that my Lu family is facing a calamity, and I would like you all to discuss it together." He then recounted the matter concerning the Wang family and continued: "Now, please share your thoughts on how we should proceed. Dawang, you speak first."
What does "that Erlang" mean?" Lu Sicheng opened his eyes wide and looked at Lu Changzong.
Yes! Yes!
"Hmph, elder brother, if that Zhao Ci is not your biological son, would you still say this? Big brother, this matter is of great importance, concerning the survival of the Lu family. You are the legitimate eldest son of the Lu family and must not show undue compassion. Do not let small matters lead to great losses" Lu Changzong said with a cold smile
Lu Changqing's complexion was pale, and after a long while, he said: "Let my father decide. I have nothing to say."
Lu Changqing's expression changed dramatically, his face turning crimson, and he pointed at Lu Changzong, yet he was at a loss for words. Although he knew that Lu Changzong was taking the opportunity to retaliate against him, he found it difficult to voice this. The other members of the Lu clan also began to discuss among themselves upon hearing this.
"Sanlang, what do you think?" Lu Sicheng asked thoughtfully
Lu Sicheng gazed deeply at Lu Zhaozi upon hearing this, and said softly: "Sound the drum!"
"Er Lang, why don't you speak up?" A glimmer of brilliance flickered in Lu Sicheng's murky eyes as he glanced at the two brothers, Lu Changqing and Lu Changzong, and nodded.
Enough. Lu Sicheng's expression changed, and his aged voice resonated in the hall. Although his voice was soft, the hall fell silent in an instant, with even the brothers Lu Changqing daring not to speak, and they could only sit down again.
Indeed! The Wang clan of Taiyuan is immensely powerful; even our own sect is reluctant to become enemies with them
If this can save my Lu family, I have no objections said Lu Changding淡淡, as if this matter had nothing to do with his own son at all
The chief steward spoke rightly. Young Master, although according to the will he is your son, this matter concerns the safety of the Lu family. Do not let your sense of loyalty cloud your judgment!" Another steward said, cupping his hands in respect.