At the Xiao family residence:
“Mother, there’s news about Xiao Jinfeng!” Xiao Muhong entered the room and inquired.
“Oh? Where did he go?” Liu Xian asked calmly.
“He headed towards Tuqiucun. He’s probably going to seek refuge with Xiao Jingting,” Xiao Muhong stated.
Liu Xian chuckled sarcastically. “Xiao Jinfeng is desperate, indeed, to seek refuge at Xiao Jingting’s place.”
Xiao Muhong nodded in agreement. “Exactly! Given Xiao Jingting’s character, it’s surprising that Xiao Jinfeng turned to him. He must be desperate.”
“There’s no need to be overly concerned about Xiao Jinfeng’s current state. Let them handle it,” Liu Xian remarked.
Furrowing his brow, Xiao Muhong said, “Mother, Xiao Jinfeng is vengeful. If he…”
“Even if he’s formidable, he’s only a Level Four Qi Practitioner. Without the family’s protection, it’ll be challenging for him to advance further. After being poisoned for so long, even if he recovers, there will be lingering effects. It’s unlikely he’ll ever become a Level Five Qi Practitioner in his lifetime. Your second uncle and aunt just died, and if Xiao Jinfeng were to die now, it would inevitably invite criticism,” Liu Xian explained.
Acknowledging her point, Xiao Muhong said, “You’re right, Mother.”
“Your father is currently in a crucial stage of competing for the family head position. Your second uncle’s sons didn’t handle things properly, exposing vulnerabilities to the other branches,” Liu Xian cautioned.
“I understand, Mother. Father’s bid for family head is paramount for now. Xiao Jinfeng is indeed quite capable. Despite his difficult personality, he surprisingly had a loyal companion by his side when in trouble…” Xiao Muhong trailed off, realizing his slip-up.
Narrowing her eyes, Liu Xian remarked, “The second branch is now effectively defunct. Xiao Jinfeng has a volatile temperament and was expelled from the mercenary group. Xiao Jingting is a wastrel who excels in indulgence, and he’s of no use either. After waiting so many years, it seems Mother has finally seen a ray of hope.”
“Mother, don’t forget about Xiao Qingyan from the second branch! When my second uncle and aunt were alive, they had high hopes for him,” Xiao Muhong reminded.
While Bifeng Academy was highly esteemed, both Xiao Muhong and Liu Xian had endeavored to secure admission for Xiao Muhong. Unfortunately, despite Liu Xian’s efforts, Xiao Muhong failed the entrance exam. Xiao Muhong harbored deep envy toward Xiao Qingyan.
“We needn’t concern ourselves with him. He’s overestimating his abilities. He dared to pursue the young lady from the Hou Family and got himself beaten,” Liu Xian said with malicious glee.
Somewhat surprised, Xiao Muhong asked, “He got beaten?”
Liu Xian regarded Xiao Qingyan with great wariness. “Yes, in Bifeng Academy, there are many talented individuals. Some in their twenties have reached the ninth level of Qi Cultivation. While Xiao Qingyan has some talent, he pales in comparison.”
Understanding, Xiao Muhong nodded. “I see.”
“Previously, with the financial support of his parents, Xiao Qingyan fared decently in the academy. Now that he’s lost that backing, he won’t fare well for long. We should focus more on your third uncle and fourth uncle now,” Liu Xian suggested, clenching her fists.
Agreeing, Xiao Muhong said, “You’re right, Mother.” Previously, they had maintained a good relationship with the third and fourth branches to resist the second branch. Now that the second branch was defunct, the third and fourth branches had emerged as competitors.
“Sun’s family sent word—they want you to set a date for you and Sun Miaomiao,” Liu Xian said, smiling.
A faint blush spread across Xiao Muhong’s face. “Mother, I’ll defer to your decision.”
Pleased, Liu Xian smiled and said, “My son is talented. No wonder that stubborn girl from the Sun family has taken a liking to you. Unlike Xiao Jingting, who lacks shame and doesn’t know his own worth, he dares to pursue Miss Sun.”
Xiao Muhong heard this, a sneer creeping onto his face. Remembering how Xiao Jingting had groveled in front of Sun Miaomiao, he couldn’t help but find it amusing.
“Mother, don’t you understand Xiao Jingting’s character?” Xiao Muhong scoffed. “But, Mother, when Xiao Jingting left, you gave him several acres of land, including some prime fields. You’re too kind to that prodigal son.”
Liu Xian smiled and replied, “Although Xiao Jingting is incompetent, your grandfather was kind to him. If we didn’t give him anything, it would reflect poorly on us. Giving him land was to ensure his livelihood. If he sells the land, it’s his own incompetence, and it’s not our concern. Besides, the land isn’t anything special.”
Perplexed, Xiao Muhong asked, “The land isn’t good?”
“Those few acres of prime land had been neglected for half a month when I obtained the title deeds. Later, I transferred the deeds to Xiao Jingting. He dragged his feet, and it’s been over a month now. According to the regulations from the Hou Family, idle prime land incurs fines.”
“That idiot Xiao Jingting probably doesn’t even know about this regulation. By the time the Hou Family investigates, he won’t even know how he died. Maybe he’ll end up ruining himself. Without his parents’ protection, someone like Xiao Jingting, who squanders everything, will only invite trouble,” Liu Xian chuckled behind her hand.
“You’re truly wise, Mother,” Xiao Muhong complimented.
Looking at Xiao Muhong, Liu Xian said, “You need to have a long-term perspective. Xiao Jingting has already been driven out of the Xiao family and can’t cause any more trouble. Your grandfather will soon return from seclusion, and winning his favor is what’s important.”
Xiao Muhong nodded confidently, “I understand, Mother.”
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