Chapter 8: Ignorance of Rules

Seeing Chu Zongguang's anger, Chu Xiu finally stopped his actions, and a hint of unusual expression flickered in his eyes

The steward and the manager within the Chu family are two distinct positions. The manager is primarily responsible for some of the family’s business and properties, while the steward is tasked with managing certain internal affairs of the family and is relatively close to the members of the Chu family. Several stewards are relatives of some of the madams, which allows them to hold the position even if they lack martial skills

Although Chu Zongguang was too lazy to concern himself with the affairs of the Chu family and was wholly focused on his seclusion, he still had his limits. With Chu Kai's blatant overreach, he certainly could not stand by and do nothing.

The Second Madam's expression was gloomy: "I miscalculated. Who would have thought that after staying in the Nanshan mining area for a year, Chu Xiu would have changed so much? Had I known it would be like this, I should have advised the master to assign him to another place back then"

Chu Xiu cast a cold glance at his footman Liu and said, "If this kind of trash were placed in the Nanshan mining area, I would have long since thrown it out like a firework. My father is merciful, but I, Chu Xiu, am not so easy to deal with"

Chu Zongguang waved his hand and said, "Alright, everything has been settled, you may all disperse now"

Then Liu Guanjia was taken aback, but he still walked over, muttering, "If there is something to say, the second young master can just say it directly. Are you afraid that I won't be able to hear you from a distance?"

The Nanshan mining area is filled with criminals and thugs. Although the environment is harsh, it is also quite a test of one's character. After spending a year there, Chu Xiu seemed to have transformed into a completely different person.

Chu Xiu bowed respectfully to Chu Zongguang and said with a smile, "Thank you, Father."

However, at that moment, Chu Xiu suddenly stood up and said, "Father, I still have something to say."

Especially the pair of mother and son from the Second Lady, their greatest enemies had previously been the First Lady and Chu Kai. It is unexpected that Chu Xiu has changed so much within a year and has developed such great ambitions.

It was not only because of Chu Xiu's ruthlessness, but also because at this moment, Chu Xiu seemed to have transformed into a completely different person, which caused them to feel an intense discomfort

Chu Zongguang waved his hand casually and said: "Forget it, remember next time, this is the Chu family, not the Nanshan mining area. If there is something to discuss, let’s talk it over properly. I will deduct your salary for three months to cover the medical expenses for Steward Liu's injury"

He was never favored by the master, and now it is even more so. The Chu family will not choose a madman as the heir to the family head.

Just now, Chu Kai had been so presumptuous in front of him, and he merely scolded him once. Now, when it was his turn to reprimand a servant, Chu Zongguang was so furious that he slammed the table.

However, just as he approached Chu Xiu, Chu Xiu suddenly struck without any warning, delivering a punch to Steward Liu's abdomen. The immense force immediately caused Steward Liu to spit out a mouthful of blood, clutching his stomach as he collapsed to the ground

Chu Xiu immediately clasped his hands and said: "I will obey, however, esteemed father, what should be done about the matter I mentioned earlier? I cannot truly guard a mining area in Nanshan as a business, can I? Otherwise, what is the significance of calling me here as the heir to the family?"

The second lady revealed a hint of coldness on her face and said: "Rest assured, my lady spent a considerable amount of money to win over the steward within that merchant convoy. Even if Chu Xiu were to take control of the convoy, I guarantee he would not be able to command a single person!"

At this moment, the madam spoke up in dissatisfaction: "My lord, are we just going to let this matter go? Chu Xiu committed an act of violence in public, showing complete disregard for you!"

By the way, Mother, Father has given Chu Xiu a caravan today. If I remember correctly, several of the stewards in that caravan seem to be your people, right? Find an opportunity to trip up that Chu Xiu!

Chu Kai fixed his gaze on Chu Xiu, a faint cold smile appearing at the corner of his mouth

Enough! Chu Xiu! What do you want to do? To act in public, do you not regard me as your father at all?

With the departure of Chu Zongguang, everyone also left the conference hall, but before leaving, they all cast peculiar glances at Chu Xiu

Chu Zongguang's furious palm struck down, and the table beside him immediately shattered into pieces

Forgive me for speaking candidly, esteemed father, but your kindness in daily life has led these subordinates to be unaware of the rules

Chu Xiu cast a glance at him and said loudly, "Elder brother, what do you mean by this? Is it wrong for me to follow our father's words? You are not the head of the family yet, so why are you meddling so much? When you truly become the head of the Chu family, will you drive us, your younger brothers, out to beg for food?"

This person is the chief steward of the Chu family, surnamed Liu, and is a cousin of the matriarch.

Chu Zongguang coughed and said: "Alright, this matter is settled as such, and no one is allowed to argue any further"

Chu Kai sat down with a sullen expression, while the matriarch of the Chu family also wore a grim face and remained silent

The Second Madam and the others could not help but shiver at the sight of Chu Xiu's expressionless demeanor

This is Tongzhou Prefecture, belonging to the Chu family, not her former family. Confronting Chu Zongguang head-on will only make him increasingly detest her

Although Liu Guanjia is a relative of the madam, he is still merely a servant. Could he possibly allow his son to apologize on behalf of a servant? Even if this son is the one he likes the least

As soon as Butler Liu spoke, everyone turned to look at him, for it was clear to all that Butler Liu was targeting Chu Xiu. After all, it was Chu Xiu who had just stood opposite the Madam and contradicted her.

Chu Zongguang frowned and said, "What else do you want?"

Therefore, you need not worry; among your few brothers, Chu Kaizhi is talented yet lacking, possessing only arrogance. Chu Xiuxing acts recklessly and is not favored by the master

After leaving the council chamber, the Second Madam and Chusheng returned to their room. Unable to contain himself, Chushang said: "Mother, didn't you arrange for someone to take care of that Chuxiu? How is it that he is still alive and has returned now?"

At this moment, a family meeting was taking place, and no one expected that Chu Xiu would suddenly erupt and take action. By the time everyone reacted, Steward Liu had already been trampled by Chu Xiu to the point of gasping for breath, with no air left to breathe in.

Regardless of the reasons why Chu Xiu stands in opposition to the Lady, they are the beneficiaries, and that is sufficient

At that moment, Chu Xiu stood up and suddenly said to Steward Liu, "Steward Liu, come here for a moment, I have something to discuss with you"

Chu Xiu said lightly: "Elder brother and the others all hold a part of the family business, but what do I have? Since father has established this rule for the heir to the family head, it should not be unfair, should it?"

Chu Xiu's choice was unexpected for everyone; however, both the Second and Third Wives revealed a hint of joy.

Although the Nanshan mining area can be considered a business of the Chu family, the mining area is limited in size, and no matter how capable a person is, they cannot create a second one. Sticking to the Nanshan mining area as a business is essentially no different from giving up the position of heir to the family head

When did it become acceptable for a servant to interrupt when the master is speaking? I haven't returned to the Chu family for over a year, has the Chu family become so unruly now?

However, you need not worry about giving birth. Just look at Chu Xiu's performance today; daring to act in front of the master is simply a sign of utter disregard and extreme madness

Since Chu Xiu entered, Chu Kai has never looked at Chu Xiu properly. The only time he now regards Chu Xiu directly is because Chu Xiu stands on the opposite side of him, and his attitude remains the same as when he faced the previous Chu Xiu, looking down from a position of superiority

You ... ... !

Chu Xiu slowly cupped his hands towards Chu Zongguang and said: "Father, please do not be angry. I simply lost control for a moment."

Chusheng nodded slightly, a hint of coldness appearing in his eyes. In his view, only he of the Chu family was worthy of becoming the future head of the family. What made that guy Chu Kai superior to him, other than being born a few years earlier?

That Chu Shang is only in his teens, too young in age. Although he is the favorite of the old master, he poses no threat to you at all. As long as you become the heir to the family head, are you still afraid that you cannot suppress him

Once these words were spoken, apart from Chu Zongguang, the expressions of everyone present changed somewhat. Chu Xiu's intention was very clear; he wanted a portion of the family business, and he also wished to compete for the position of the family heir.

Chu Zongguang frowned slightly. Although he had never considered passing the position of family head to this son, whom he had never particularly liked or valued, he could not act too excessively in front of so many people

Bang

Moreover, that Chu Kai is actually seven or eight years older than Chu Xiu. Despite such a significant advantage, he has not become the heir to the family head early on. Now, he even has to compete with his younger brothers for the position, which is simply pathetic

Chu Kai was so enraged that he stood up abruptly, but Chu Zongguang's expression immediately darkened, and he coldly snorted: "Sit down! Look at what you've become; do you still have any semblance of the authority of an elder brother? Don't forget, I am still alive! Right now, the Chu family is not selecting a head of the family, but rather an heir to the head of the family!"

This is not over yet, Chu Xiu, with a blank expression, relentlessly kicked the Liu official step by step, and in an instant, the Liu official was already covered in blood, letting out cries of agony.

Moreover, he has been in seclusion for many years and has indeed paid little attention to family matters, which has led to some unacceptable behavior among the servants

The madam comes from a prominent family, yet she seems somewhat unclear about her own position

Upon hearing the words of the lady, Chu Zongguang's expression immediately darkened. He coldly snorted and said: "What more do you want me to do? Should I have him pay with his life for Steward Liu? I have said that this matter is settled. From today onwards, the merchant convoy from our Chu family to Yan country will be entrusted to Chu Xiu to manage. The convoy should be on its way back now; once it returns to the Chu family, you will take over its management."

At this moment, the two women finally understood why Chu Xiu would stand by their side; to be precise, it should be said that the current Chu Xiu was standing on their side.

Does this waste even think he can compete for the position of the family head's heir? Chu Xiu considers his threat to be even less than that of the young Fourth, Chu Shang, who is only in his teens.

At this moment, a middle-aged man standing at the back suddenly spoke in a slightly sarcastic tone: "Isn't the second young master holding the Nanshan mining area in his hands? What more business does he need?"

As he got up, Chu Xiu also noticed the grim faces of the madam and Chu Kai, but he paid them no mind; this foolish mother and son pair.

It seems that I truly did not win the favor of this dear old man before

Chu Kai turned to Chu Xiu beside him and said in a low, fierce voice: "Chu Xiu! Do you even know what you are saying? I will give you one more chance, do you dare to say it again?"

While explaining, Chu Xiu subtly praised Chu Zongguang a few times, which effectively alleviated much of Chu Zongguang's anger