CHAPTER 102: CHAPTER 101: THE FOUR BROTHERS OF THE JING FAMILY

As night fell, the Jing Garden lit up with dazzling lights bright as day.

The servants bustled in and out; the monthly family feast was the busiest time for the Jing Family servants, delivering dishes, lighting incense, fanning the air. The three housekeepers constantly coordinated operations, ready to implement back-up plans in case of unexpected events, leaving everyone unable to pause for rest.

Meanwhile, the Jing Family members casually chatted throughout the Jing Garden; naturally, the large family had many small circles. The young gathered to discuss the quality of new girls from Xiangxue Sea’s golden basin, the middle-aged indulged in mutual flattery to strengthen relations, and the elderly shared conversations about health, descendants, and the past.

The most attention-grabbing figures on the scene were, undoubtedly, the two heirs, Second Son Jing Zhengwu and Third Son Jing Zhengtang.

Jing Zhengwu already managed part of the Jing Family’s industry; many family members present relied on his favor for survival, so naturally they showered him with flatteries. Moreover, Jing Zhengwu’s fiancée, Qin Yueshi, was the third young lady from the Qin Family—one of the top ten commercial associations in the Silver Blood Association.

The Qin Family, unlike the currently tumultuous Jing Family, although slightly inferior, nonetheless had a young and vigorous patriarch. The three siblings, Qin Leyin, Qin Yueyang, and Qin Yueshi, were famed as gifted youth, making Jing Zhengwu and Qin Yueshi’s union a precursor to asset restructuring between the two enterprises.

Many elders were certain that once Jing Zhengwu assumed the position of patriarch, the Jing and Qin family associations would proceed with comprehensive cooperation, capturing more market and gaining more profits, which would greatly benefit ordinary family members.

Jing Zhengtang also attracted many flatterers; although compared to the illustrious and versatile Jing Zhengwu, the youngest sibling appeared rather ’honest’—unskilled in socializing, with a temperament even described as weak, potentially linked to his mother’s origins in a small association.

However, since Jing Zhengtang started managing family business, it advanced rapidly, benefiting many family members. Elders spoke highly of him, as business families remained focused on earning capability.

Jing Zhengtang wasn’t a business genius; his achievements originated entirely from the blue-clad woman beside him, Feiwei. Her name suggests she was a servant without a surname, bought by the Jing Family as a child to serve.

Due to their age difference, Jing Zhengtang and Feiwei played together since childhood, eventually making Feiwei his personal maid, naturally developing affection over time. Two years ago, during a family feast, Jing Zhengtang boldly declared to his father, the patriarch, his intention to marry Feiwei.

Undoubtedly, his statement caused quite a stir, with countless family members expressing opposition, and some elders even suggested renouncing Jing Zhengtang’s heir status.

Although at the current status of the Jing Family, alliances through marriage were favorable but not essential, marrying a servant was different—it was disgraceful!

Many advised Jing Zhengtang: Feiwei could be a concubine, but why insist on making her the main wife? Jing Zhengtang remained stubborn, raising doubts about whether his mother had an affair—since when did Jing Family descendants behave like this?

Ultimately, the patriarch of the Jing Family suppressed all dissatisfaction, assigning Jing Zhengtang a task. The implication was clear: achieve results and earn the right to decide; fail and lose heir qualification for defying family opinion.

Naturally, Jing Zhengtang rose to the challenge. With Feiwei’s help, their business prospered, silencing family objections.

Face or profit? To the typical Jing Family member, the choice was obvious.

By the way, Jing Zhengtang was the only one with a good reputation among the Jing Family, and most people in Xuanzhu County heard of his deeds. Consequently, his network expanded, business thrived—understandably.

As a businessman, would you rather cooperate with an honest and weak youth or a cunning peer?

As a worker, would you prefer a kind and easygoing boss or a cunning one?

As a consumer, would you shop at a store with honest service and quality goods or at a cunning shop?

Even within the Jing Family, support for Jing Zhengtang was hardly less than for Jing Zhengwu.

Certainly, Jing Zhengwu’s rise promised a brighter future, but regardless of family development, family members depended on his willingness to grant their desires; they were passive.

Whereas Jing Zhengtang’s rise promised ’control.’ With such an honest and docile patriarch, family members were assured their desires would be met; they were proactive.

In comparison, ambitious family members naturally backed the second son, while those wanting to coast sided with the third son.

Although the patriarch retained ultimate authority, familial intentions remained key factors.

—Especially when the patriarch lost judgment, family members could directly nominate the next patriarch.

Outwardly, however, everyone appeared harmonious. Needless to say, Jing Zhengwu constantly reminded of the hierarchical relationship with terms like ’third brother’ and ’as your elder brother;’ Jing Zhengtang cooperatively complied, unless Feiwei whispered in his ear, he remained silent.

As the sound of golden bells echoed through Jing Garden, everyone knew the feast was officially starting, and headed towards ’Hui Fu Hall.’ Upon reaching Hui Fu Hall’s entrance, they discovered someone already seated at the main table, causing many to change expressions as a senior angrily shouted, "Jing Zhengfeng, what are you doing here?!"

At the main table sat a man in black, dressed more like a ranger than a noble, with legs propped on the table. Servants stood around anxiously, seemingly wanting to dissuade him but hesitant to act.

He snorted, "What am I doing? Waiting to eat, unless you came here to defecate instead of dine?"

"You—"

Jing Zhengwu interrupted the elder’s outburst, looked at the man in black warmly, "Long time no see, fourth brother."

"I can’t accept that title, Jing Second Young Master," the man in black sneered.

This brazenly disrespectful man was naturally Fourth Young Master Jing Zhengfeng, or rather, the illegitimate child the Jing family patriarch left behind outside. His appearance resembled Jing Zhengwu and others, but his eyes were filled with hostility reflecting years of struggle at the low levels.

Jing Zhengwu spoke, "Family feast, any Jing Family member can attend. However, since father recognized fourth brother three years ago, you haven’t attended one for years, so I’m curious, has fourth brother decided to return to the family? If so, wonderful, as brothers united, nothing cannot be achieved, and the Jing Family would surely thrive."

Jing Zhengfeng sneered, dug at his ear, and said, "How well-spoken, so touching, I’m moved to tears, how about you guys?"

He spat, "The old one summoned me; otherwise, I wouldn’t bother to see you hypocrites. Don’t bother talking to me, you’ll make me vomit."

Others wanted to speak, but Jing Zhengwu glanced back at them, saying, "Since that’s the case, feel free, fourth brother. Everyone else, take your seats."

"But he put his feet up on the dining table..."

Jing Zhengwu glanced at Jing Zhengfeng, frowned slightly, and asked, "Who’s in charge of Hui Fu Hall?"

"It, it’s me, Deacon Kang Zhi." A middle-aged servant, dripping with sweat, stepped forward to confess to Jing Zhengwu: "I’ve tried my best to persuade the Fourth Young Master, but..."

"You can’t even handle such a small matter? Is your mouth just a decoration?" Jing Zhengwu said calmly, "Go slap yourself on the side, do it hard enough, and don’t stop until the Fourth Young Master hears your ’persuasion’ and is willing to put his feet down."

Kang Zhi’s face turned pale, but he still nodded emphatically, "Yes!"

With that said, he stood outside the door and slapped his own face.

Jing Zhengfeng saw this and sneered, "Ridiculous, Second Young Master, if you like punishing servants, go ahead, but don’t drag me into it. Do you think this will make me the villain? It’s just you making a fool of yourself with your dirty tricks."

Jing Zhengwu was unaffected, smiling gracefully as he led Qin Yueshi to sit on the opposite side of the main table, while the others also took their seats. Although it wasn’t time to serve the dishes yet, drinking and chatting was fine, and Hui Fu Hall quickly became lively.

Kang Zhi was outside slapping his face, and though no one was watching him, each slap was harder than the last, soon filling his mouth with blood. It was then he heard footsteps, turned his head, and instinctively bowed: "Greetings, Eldest Young Master!"

"What are you doing here?" The Eldest Young Master seemed puzzled.

Kang Zhi briefly explained what had happened in Hui Fu Hall, and the Eldest Young Master glanced at it, letting out an "Oh": "Then carry on, don’t let me disturb you."

Kang Zhi hadn’t expected the Eldest Young Master to speak on his behalf, so he continued to slap himself.

When Le Yu entered Hui Fu Hall, everyone stood up to greet him: "Greetings, Eldest Young Master!"

Even though no one believed Jing Zhengwei would become the Patriarch, they still had to show proper respect—after all, the internal conflict among the Four Jing Brothers was their immediate faction’s business. If any other clan member dared to get involved, it would undoubtedly leave a thorn in the victor’s heart: I didn’t instruct you, yet you dared to bully my brother, will you switch sides and bully my son when I have one?

"Good evening, everyone," Le Yu responded calmly and led Qing Lan to the main table.

With so many members of the Jing Family, Hui Fu Hall had ten tables, but only the main lineage could sit at the main table, like the Four Jing Brothers, the concubines, and a few esteemed elders.

The main table was almost full, with only two seats remaining, perfect for Le Yu and Qing Lan.

However...

Jing Zhengwu said, "Brother, Fourth Brother is here today, we specially saved a seat for you so you can connect with him."

Jing Zhengfeng gave Le Yu a glance, then closed his eyes to rest, seemingly not interested in talking to them.

Le Yu raised an eyebrow slightly, "Brother, you’re really thoughtful; this is just what I wanted."

Jing Zhengtang couldn’t help but stand up: "Eldest Brother, I—maybe I should sit over there, I’m quite familiar with Fourth Brother—"

"No need."

Le Yu walked to his seat, glanced at Jing Zhengfeng’s feet on the dining table, and said nonchalantly, "Put your feet down."

The noise in Hui Fu Hall instantly quieted.

Jing Zhengwu maintained his sunny smile, squinting slightly.

Jing Zhengtang seemed anxious, but Feiwei held his hand, so he didn’t move rashly.

Jing Zhengfeng kept his eyes closed, unmoving, as if he heard nothing.

"Put your feet down," Le Yu said again.

There were some laughs in Hui Fu Hall.

Everyone felt that the Eldest Young Master might be unable to save face this time.

But this time, Jing Zhengfeng moved.

He placed his other leg up as well, still with his eyes closed and silent, but his actions were enough for everyone to understand his mockery.

Le Yu sighed, slightly leaning forward as if he wanted to lower his head and speak to Jing Zhengfeng: "I’ll say it one last time..."

He inserted his right hand into his trouser pocket, pulling out an object reflecting a metallic matte sheen from the pant leg!

"Put your feet—"

Le Yu suddenly pulled out a short-barreled shotgun, aimed at Jing Zhengfeng’s legs, and pulled the trigger—

"Down!"

Bang!