CHAPTER 1739: 1739 CHAPTER: WE ARE FAMILY

Bai Lu’s eldest son, Bai Yixiao, sneered and said, "Uncle looks down on us who are tied to the land and is unwilling to do anything for the clan. Yet when he’s upset, he comes to the clan, not putting people’s names in the family tree or causing removals. Does that seem reasonable?"

"Shut your mouth! How dare you speak against my father? What business does a younger generation like you have in this discussion?" Bai Yibo shouted.

Bai Yixiao laughed even harder, "You’ve been trying to pass the Imperial Examination for decades, and finally had to resort to buying answers and cheating to move up. You’re in no position to speak. But we, the legitimate members of the Bai Family, all have a say, and the clan is not a dictatorship."

Bai Ruozhu, listening from outside, secretly giggled. Her cousin had a sharp tongue and didn’t seem afraid of being bullied.

"The clan has already chosen Yixiao as the next clan leader, so he will participate in discussions on major clan matters in the future. How does he lack the qualifications to speak?" Bai Lu decisively added.

Bai Fu trembled with anger, "Why wasn’t I notified about the selection of the next clan leader? Bai Lu, are you targeting me?"

"Why inform you? Can your son, Bai Yibo, even be a candidate? He’s already been removed from the clan. Your son committed such a grave crime, nearly jeopardizing the entire clan. You won’t have a voice in the clan anymore." Bai Lu pointed to the Main Gate, "Enough, hurry up and leave. Your opinions are invalid in the clan."

Bai Fu turned around and looked at Bai Yihong’s family in the Yard, his face flushed with anger, then glared at Bai Lu and asked, "Is it because they became prosperous and donated to the Clan School, so the clan is siding with them? Am I just supposed to swallow my grievances? What if their actions bring disaster to the clan? Also, Bai Ruozhu, a woman should be focusing on her husband and children. What is she doing in the Palace as a female officer? Don’t you think it disgraces the Bai Family?"

"Who actually brought trouble to the clan? Ruozhu being appointed as a fourth-rank officer by the Emperor brought glory to the Bai Family. Your wife may be focusing on her husband and children, yet your family hasn’t been peaceful. Moreover, stop picking on Ruozhu. When your son caused a major disaster, which nearly implicated the entire clan, preventing all Bai Family descendants from participating in Imperial Examinations, it was Ruozhu who risked her life to meet the officials, offering them her unique method of healing, credited with a major accomplishment by the Imperial Court. This absolved our Bai Family from punishment. Otherwise, Zeji and others wouldn’t even be able to take the entrance exam."

Bai Lu spoke with some sentiment as Bai Ruozhu had never mentioned this matter before, and he only discovered it later when visiting relatives in the Capital and was told by Bai Zepei during a drinking session.

"What?" Bai Yibo jumped up, "If she can appeal to the Imperial Court, why didn’t she intercede for me? I suffered greatly outside the city, barely making it back alive, and now I can’t participate in the Imperial Exam."

Bai Ruozhu could no longer endure listening, stepped into the Main Hall, and coldly sneered, "Why should I plead for you? You broke the law and deserved punishment. Besides, your crime was serious. If I sought leniency for you, the Imperial Court could have rejected everything in anger, implicating the entire clan, preventing all future participation in the Imperial Examinations. Would that satisfy you?"

Bai Yibo scoffed, "What Imperial Court? Now there’s a change in dynasty. I’ll still be able to participate in exams in the future."

"Jianqi!" Bai Ruozhu called out, and Jianqi turned into a shadow, rushed to Bai Yibo’s side, and slapped him several times across the face.

Bai Yibo was left speechless from the surprise blows.

Reacting, Bai Fu rushed over to help but was easily dodged by Jianqi.

"Is a change in dynasty something you can discuss? As an officer of the Imperial Court, I’m fully qualified to arrest rebels. I’ll spare you with a slap this time out of respect for the clan. Cause trouble again, and you’ll face execution!" Bai Ruozhu said coldly.

"This is rebellion, plain and simple! Bai Lu, aren’t you going to intervene? When the new Emperor arrives, just wait for the destruction of your family!" Bai Fu angrily exclaimed, while Bai Yibo’s face was swollen, resembling a pig’s head, too weak to utter curses.

"If you continue with your harmful words against the clan, I’ll expel you right now, and count Bai Yihong and others under my family branch. The Emperor is currently in Beiyu City; think carefully who truly decides your fate!" Bai Fu finished and winked at Bai Yixiao, signaling his sons to escort Bai Fu and Bai Yibo out.

Bai Yibo pressed his hand against his face and muttered, while Bai Fu glared at Bai Yihong and said, "Second brother, you indeed repay my nurturing with betrayal."

Bai Yihong’s expression was dark, but this time he didn’t swallow his grievances, gritting his teeth, he said, "Your nurturing was a commitment to a friend; your lack of integrity is a matter of principle. I’ve served you diligently for decades, repaying my debts, and we still pay you money, fulfilling our duty, so how is this betrayal?"

Having said that, he no longer paid attention to Bai Fu, strode into the Main Hall, and Bai Yixiao comfortingly patted his shoulder. Bai Yihong shook his head with a smile, signaling he wouldn’t dwell on it anymore.

Bai Ruozhu was delighted with her father’s progress; at least he had moved forward.

Bai Fu and Bai Yibo, unable to gain advantage, left angrily, but the two continued to claim Bai Ruozhu had someone beat her uncle in their journey, defaming her as unfilial.

At Bai Lu’s home, everyone automatically ignored the two and happily chatted. Bai Lu learned that Bai Yihong’s family was there to bid farewell, so he said, "Call Zeji and Zebo to go with you. One pursues academics, the other business. Perhaps they can assist you."

Bai Ruozhu had the same intention and smiled, "Cousin Zeji can assist my second brother. Cousin Zebo has already been enlisted by me and has been helping with recent procurement tasks."

Bai Lu laughed, "Zebo never mentioned it; he keeps a tight lip, doesn’t he?"

"I instructed him this way. This time, I want to engage in export trade but don’t want competitors to take advantage of it, so I told him to stay low-profile while procuring." Bai Ruozhu explained.

"If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask the clan. We’re all family." Bai Lu said sincerely.

Bai Ruozhu’s family felt warm, especially when they heard the term "family." Bai Lu’s sincerity showed they were truly regarded as part of the family.

Then everyone talked about the export trade Bai Ruozhu mentioned. Bai Ruozhu briefly explained, and Bai Lu and others understood quite a bit. Bai Yixiao then said, "Ruozhu, your second uncle’s son, Zehai, practices martial arts outside and has joined a transport company for trading. He wants Zehai to gain experience by traveling. If possible, include Zehai in your merchant team for exposure."

Bai Ruozhu didn’t immediately agree, smiled and said, "I must first assess his martial skills. Such trips carry risks, but if his skills pass my evaluation, I’ll feel secure in sending him on this experience."