Chapter Forty-Eight: Pitiful on the Surface, Poisonous Within

When Su Zheng arrived at the ancestral home, he saw Chen Muxue standing alone, her head bowed in humility, isolated from the crowd. His anger surged instantly; in that moment, he ignored everyone else, taking Chen Muxue by the hand and sitting her down beside him.

Seeing this, the old lady Chen was enraged, her voice cutting sharply through the air in rebuke.

“Grandma, don’t be angry. Ignore these uncultured people. After today, not only will they have no right to sit here, they won’t even be allowed to step through the Chen family’s door,” Chen Wenli said with a gleeful laugh, soothing the old lady while a mocking gleam danced in her eyes.

The old lady forced herself to suppress her fury, scanning the room and confirming that everyone who needed to be present had arrived. She then spoke gravely:

“Today’s family meeting is called to announce two matters.”

The Chen family members below were somewhat puzzled. They knew the meeting’s purpose was to expel Chen Jianguo’s family from the clan, but the other matter the old lady referred to was less clear.

At this moment, only Chen Xiong, Chen Peng, and Chen Wenli’s faces betrayed a hint of excitement. Especially Chen Wenli; her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and her gaze toward the crowd seemed to carry a touch of superiority.

“I am old now, my health is not what it once was, and many things are beyond my strength. This affects our Chen family’s development. Therefore, the first matter I wish to announce is that I will select an heir from among you to gradually take over family affairs, so this old woman can finally rest.”

The old lady sighed, then revealed the first purpose of today’s gathering.

The Chen family members below immediately reacted with various expressions, many stealing glances at Chen Xiong’s family in the front, their suspicions rising.

“Who do you all think would be suitable as the heir? Speak freely; I want to hear your opinions,” the old lady said, scanning the crowd and waiting for their response instead of making a direct announcement.

A buzz of whispered discussion arose; most eyes were drawn to Chen Xiong’s family.

“Well, do you have someone in mind? We are all family here—say what you think, and I will take it into consideration,” the old lady continued, her tone gentle, completely ignoring Chen Jianguo’s family.

Chen Xiong watched their reactions, a faint smile on his lips, excitement swelling within him. He knew that after today, he would gradually gain true control over the Chen family—his word would be law.

“Ahem... I’ll speak first. I believe Ah Xiong is the most suitable. He’s the eldest son and capable—there’s nothing to discuss,” said the old lady’s eldest daughter, Chen Xiong’s sister, Chen Yufeng.

“Yes, eldest brother is the best choice. I agree,” chimed in Chen Wenping, the youngest daughter.

With their support, the younger generation nodded in agreement, and the family reached a consensus.

“Ha... Well, it seems Ah Xiong, you are the people’s choice. Then I shall make it official!” The old lady smiled, her intention always to let Chen Xiong gradually take over. Hearing the family’s recommendations only strengthened her resolve.

“From today onward, Chen family affairs will be handed over to Ah Xiong. You must all follow his lead and unite your efforts, so that our Chen family’s status in Qingyang will rise to new heights!”

As her words fell, enthusiastic applause erupted, congratulating Chen Xiong as the new head of the Chen family.

The two people from the notary office quickly recorded the announcement, and even the respected elders bearing the Chen surname nodded with approval, clearly unopposed.

They were here mainly to witness and had no wish to meddle in Chen family business. Besides, they had received favors from Chen Xiong; even if asked for an opinion, they would side with him.

At this moment, Chen Xiong was brimming with pride, his triumph and arrogance unconcealed. He even cast a disdainful glance toward Chen Jianguo’s family in the distance.

“Alright, now I’ll announce the second matter,” the old lady raised her hand for silence, then turned her gaze to Chen Jianguo’s family.

Everyone knew that the next announcement was the expulsion of Chen Jianguo’s family.

Such a thing rarely happened, usually only to those guilty of serious wrongdoing. But today, the reason for expelling Chen Jianguo’s family was less about crime and more about their lack of capability and repeated disobedience of the old lady’s orders, which had brought great losses to the Chen family.

“Jianguo, tell me, do you recognize your guilt?” The old lady’s expression grew cold and angry as she stared at Chen Jianguo.

“Mother, I... I haven’t done anything. I haven’t worked at the company, so what guilt could I have?” Chen Jianguo replied anxiously, his voice small and tinged with inferiority.

“Hmph! Still so foolish! It’s exactly because you have done nothing that you have grown up without making a single contribution to the family—that is your greatest sin! Do you understand?”

Her voice grew louder and louder, but at the end, her face showed a rare hint of reluctance. “Don’t blame me for being ruthless. For Chen family to rise, to flourish, to be respected in Qingyang, we must weed out the weak, be fair and just, reward those who deserve it, and punish those who must be punished. Only then can we inspire the next generation to strive for glory!”

As her words ended, Chen Jianguo’s face was filled with despair, knowing his mother had made up her mind to strip his family of their place in the clan.

“I agree!” At that moment, a voice sounded in the hall.

Everyone turned to see that it was Su Zheng who had spoken.

Now all were stunned, astonishment written across their faces.

This fool must not be awake. What’s going on?

The old lady was about to expel his family, and he agreed first?

Ha! Not only is he a useless fool, he’s an idiot!

Everyone looked at Su Zheng with mocking smiles, glancing at the old lady to see her reaction.

“Idiot! What right do you have to speak for me? Are you out of your mind?!” Chen Jianguo trembled with rage, never expecting Su Zheng to be so stupid—worse than a simpleton!

“What a disaster, woe is me...” Lyu Hongmei, now in tears, hadn’t the strength to scold Su Zheng anymore, her heart utterly broken.

“You agree? Very well, then I won’t bother counting up your past transgressions. Since you agree, I’ll make the announcement,” the old lady said, surprised by Su Zheng’s words, but with no affection left for him, ready to proceed.

“Wait!” Su Zheng spoke again, his manner calm and unruffled, ignoring the mocking eyes around him as he declared loudly:

“Just now, you said we must be fair and just, reward and punish clearly. I agree with that. So now, let’s discuss how to reward Muxue.”