Chapter 7: The Authority of the Head of the Family
Qin Hanyue's tone suddenly became a bit lighter: "I just fear that you might not understand and think that your mother does not want you to have a better living environment"
Qin Hongyuan's gaze fell upon the several daughters-in-law behind him, and he said coldly: "Explanation? Why should I provide you with an explanation?"
"Mother..." Qin Li's voice was somewhat choked. In Qin Hanyue's words, there was an endless love for him. This love was like a warm ray of sunlight, enveloping Qin Li entirely. That feeling was something Qin Li had never experienced before
In the grand reception hall of the Qin family, the atmosphere was tense. Sitting in the main seat, Qin Hongyuan appeared calm, while Qin Feng knelt before him. The three elderly elders, all in their advanced years, had not even been given a seat and stood behind Qin Feng, their expressions quite grim.
The door to the reception room was slammed shut
At this moment, people seemed to recall that this master of the house, who had never resorted to violence, was actually a martial artist of the eighth rank in the Xuan level, a genuine expert
Qin Li was slightly taken aback, as his memories of his grandfather Qin Hongyuan were pitifully few, almost nonexistent. However, judging by his mother Qin Hanyue's demeanor, it seemed... not very good at all
"Let's go, we can talk in the house," Qin Hanyue's voice carried a hint of fatigue, suggesting that she was not as moved or happy as one might have imagined
From childhood to adulthood, Qin Feng, who had been surrounded by countless halos, had never seen such a violent side of his grandfather. His face turned pale with fright, tears welling in his eyes, he stood up and rushed out of the room.
Mother is hope. One day in the future, you will become a man of great stature! You must let all those who look down on you know that you are the son of Qin Hanyue!" As Qin Hanyue spoke these words, tears glimmered in her eyes: "For this, Mother is willing to endure any hardship.
Now, the family head is in charge, and we old folks... are already half-buried in the earth, what status do we still have? Look, here we are, and we can't even get a seat!" Another tall, thin old man, striking the ground with his cane forcefully twice, said resentfully.
At this moment, those legitimate daughters-in-law who had come over aggressively seeking an explanation were all shrinking back in silence, lowering their heads and not daring to utter a word.
Qin Hongyuan, with a blank expression, looked down at the crowd below. Suddenly, with a sharp "crack," he slapped the armrest of the precious chair made from a thousand-year-old yellow pear wood. The sound was crisp and clear, as the incredibly hard armrest shattered into pieces, scattering across the ground. Qin Hongyuan abruptly stood up, exuding a tremendous aura that pressed down on the people below like a mountain.
This was the first time Qin Li had heard his mother mention this. In the past, Qin Li was solely focused on practicing martial arts and had no time to worry about other matters.
So terrifying! Qin Li was somewhat taken aback, secretly thinking: How is this like something out of "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio"...
The place was left in a very clean state after people departed, and within the dilapidated courtyard, only Qin Li and her son remained. Qin Hanyue furrowed her brows, her eyes reflecting a hint of confusion.
"Mother, what is wrong?" Qin Li asked softly, his eyes filled with concern
Three old men, leaning on their canes, wobbled away. Perhaps in their youth, they too had once been formidable figures, but now, in their aged silhouettes, there was nothing but desolation.
Even several elders have not been able to receive a hint of goodwill from Qin Hongyuan! It is important to note that the head of the family, Qin Hongyuan, is usually very courteous to these elders.
What is a spirit beast? - Illustration - Book
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Qin Li smiled and said, "Perhaps some people would not think this way; they might be feeling quite distressed inside. Mother, rest assured, even if I leave the Qin family now, I will be able to support you and ensure that you will not suffer any more grievances!"
He knows that, no matter what happens in this life, this extraordinarily beautiful woman before him will never give up on him. What could make a delicate woman fearlessly confront a bloody slaughter knife, if not maternal love? Qin Li truly cannot think of anything else.
Alright, my dear, I know you are understanding now and that you know how to protect me! I am very happy!" Qin Hanyue gently wiped the corner of Qin Li's eye with her hand and then said: "My father is a very capable and ambitious person! Under his leadership, the Qin family has gradually transformed from a medium-sized family to what it is today! In Huangsha City, there are three major families: the Shangguan family, the Fang family, and the Qin family, with the Shangguan family being the strongest! They almost monopolize all service-related industries, while the Fang family mainly engages in the pill business. As for our Qin family, we are an adventurous family, and some even call us the Hunter family! Whether it is medicinal materials, spirit beasts, or even treasure hunting, all fall within the scope of the Qin family's operations.
Although the three elders were all quite aged, none of them were confused; they could clearly discern the implications behind Qin Hongyuan's words. They were all filled with indignation, yet felt unable to express it, as he was essentially speaking about himself. Finally, the tall, thin elder sneered and said: "Very well, we old fools shall wait and see the master's heartfelt efforts!"
Looking at his mother, whose face was filled with sorrow, Qin Li slowly asked: "Mother, do you mean to say that... everything he has shown today has nothing to do with familial affection?"
A sudden jolt ran through Qin Li's heart as he thought, could it be that he appeared too calm while committing murder, and she noticed something?
Grandfather, each person should take responsibility for their own actions! How many elders are there, all of whom I brought here? The grandson cannot understand why we should give Zichenyuan to them! What contributions have they made to the Qin family?
Qin Feng's mother, Mo Lan, the legitimate wife of the eldest son of the Qin family's main branch, stood behind, her heart aching as she watched her son kneeling there. Observing the three elders clearly expressing their dissatisfaction, she could no longer hold back and wanted to stoke the flames further, curious to see how her father-in-law would ultimately decide
Bang
Qin Hongyuan said with a faint smile, "When the day comes that I step down as the head of the family, I will tend to flowers and plants, go fishing, and play with birds... That is what an elderly person should do."
"Hongyuan, let us consider the passage of time. It has been over ten years since I last visited this grand hall. As one ages, one wishes to avoid being bothersome, which naturally leads to speaking less and meddling in fewer affairs!" A frail, silver-haired elder with a face full of wrinkles slowly spoke, "Thirteen years ago, when you handled the matter concerning your daughter, most of the family was quite dissatisfied. A woman who has committed such a disgraceful act deserves to be punished severely! The reputation of the Qin family has been tarnished by her actions! Even if she is not to be killed, she should at least be expelled from the Qin family!"
In this world, what could make a mother happier than having a thoughtful son
Qin Li shook his head; in his memory, Qin Hanyue had never mentioned these things to him. Of course, in the past, Qin Li would never have had such exchanges with Qin Hanyue, nor would he have done the things he did today
Qin Hanyue smiled wryly, looking at Qin Li with affection: "My dear son, you have truly become muddled from practicing all day. Spirit beasts are born in the mountains and forests; they are all favored by nature! Spirit beasts possess special abilities, and many of them have extremely strong offensive capabilities. It is said that there are even spirit beasts that surpass the heavenly level, and they can even transform into human forms right beside us!"
Father, I originally had no right to say anything, but this matter has caused widespread discontent within the family. I believe that for both public and private reasons, you should come forward to explain the rationale behind this action. Moran is a clever woman; she did not directly criticize Qin Hanyue and her child, but instead, she has effectively taken the entire family hostage, using it as leverage. Her intention is quite clear: even if you are the head of the family, you must consider the feelings of the clan members, right?
"Indeed, Xiaohongyuan, I have watched you grow up. You are a capable person! Over the years, the family has indeed seen some development under your leadership, but in this matter, your handling of it has been... rather unjust!" said another plump old man with a look of regret.
At this moment, only the legitimate daughters-in-law of the Qin family remain in the room. Qin Hongyuan snorted through his nose and then said: "Don't think I don't know what you are all thinking. I am not dead yet! Behave yourselves! From now on, if I hear any more rumors about their mother and son coming from any of you... don't blame me for being rude!"
After Qin Hongyuan finished speaking, he opened the door and left, leaving behind a group of Qin family daughters-in-law in the room with ashen faces
Qin Hanyue was taken aback, staring blankly at Qin Li for a long time. Suddenly, she broke into a smile, her expression carrying a hint of satisfaction: "My dear son, you have finally grown up! I never expected that you could think of this too!"
It is likely due to Qin Hongyuan's constant affection that this young boy, who at such a tender age has garnered countless adulations, does not fear the imposing family head. Thus, even at this moment, although Qin Feng is kneeling there, he still speaks with his head held high.
After a slight gasp, Qin Hongyuan looked at the three elders and softened his tone: "Uncles, I am temporarily unable to discuss this matter in detail with you. In short, please believe that my heart, Qin Hongyuan, is true to the Qin family! I would never do anything that would harm the Qin family! In the future... you will understand my intentions!"
Qin Hanyue felt that her thirteen years of dedication had, at this moment, received the best reward. Unable to contain her emotions, she embraced Qin Li, tears streaming down her face, and gently said: "Mother believes in you. In my heart, you are the most outstanding one in this world"
Qin Hanyue said, casting a meaningful glance at Qin Li
You have gone too far!" Qin Hongyuan pointed at Qin Feng and said: "Get out! Face the wall and reflect on your actions. You are not allowed to eat for three days! This family is not yet under your control! Get out! Get out!"
Qin Hanyue walked into the room, pulled Qin Li to sit down, and then gazed into Qin Li's eyes with her exceptionally beautiful eyes. She slowly said, "Xiao Li, there are some things that I originally planned to wait until you grew up to tell you, because for a young child, it is better not to know certain things. However, your performance today has truly surprised me!"
Qin Hanyue did not seem to suspect anything and continued, "A change has made you more mature. Mother is very pleased! Do you know why Mother named you Qin Li?"
Qin Hanyue continued, "I know your grandfather very well; he is a man with a heart of stone! He could ignore us, mother and son, for thirteen years and could continue to do so. Perhaps, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he would never come to see me again until the day he dies"
As for those who wish to observe the commotion, including the managers and side branches, they do not even have the qualification to enter this room and are kneeling outside instead! This is not out of their own volition to pay respects to the clan leader, Qin Hongyuan. Just moments ago, Qin Hongyuan suddenly erupted in a thunderous rage, instantly shattering the confidence of all those who had come.
Everyone's heart beats in unison.