Protect Our Patriarch

Book 2: Chapter 60: Behind the scenes! Mastermind Changning

Just as Wang Zong'an was trembling in fear, Wang Shouzhe arrived at the scene.

"Wang Liyao!" Wang Shouzhe scolded angrily, "What are you doing on the stage? You..."

However, he couldn't finish his sentence.

Because the moment Wang Liyao saw her father, the seriousness and dignity on her pretty little face disappeared instantly. She pouted, and her eyes welled up with tears.

Then she threw herself into Wang Shouzhe's arms, crying pitifully, "Daddy, you're finally here, wuwu~"

Seeing his beloved daughter in such a pitiful state, Wang Shouzhe's heart melted instantly. How could he still be angry?

He quickly held his precious daughter steady, stroking her hair with a pained expression, "You silly girl, standing so high on the stage, aren't you afraid of falling?"

"Daddy, the, the old master is bullying people." Wang Liyao pouted, her eyes filled with tears, her beautiful little cheeks puffed up in anger.

Wang Shouzhe broke out in a cold sweat.

Then Wang Shouzhe scolded his son, "Wang Zong'an, what are you doing? Just standing there like a fool, don't you know you should persuade your sister?"

Wang Zong'an's eyes widened in surprise.

This, this is my fault? I'm only five years old, okay?

Besides, I've tried to persuade her many times, but can she listen to me?

"You dare to glare at me?" Wang Shouzhe said sternly, "As the young clan leader of my Wang's Clan, it's your fault for not being able to control the situation. I'll deal with you when we get home."

Alright!

Wang Zong'an had a look of despair.

This time, a beating seemed inevitable. But he was used to it. Every time his sister caused trouble, he couldn't avoid being implicated.

Being the legitimate eldest son of the Wang's Clan, his life was really hard~

Then, Wang Shouzhe turned his gaze to the students who were causing a commotion. As his gaze swept over them, they all trembled in fear.

However, this time Wang Shouzhe didn't have the mood to deal with them, instead he said, "Disperse, go about your business."

But what Wang Shouzhe didn't expect was that the group of children, although scared, didn't disperse obediently, but looked eagerly at Wang Liyao.

Wang Liyao, who was hiding in Wang Shouzhe's arms crying and acting coquettishly, waved her hand and said, "Didn't you hear what my daddy said? Disperse."

As soon as her words fell, a large group of students of all ages dispersed and went about their business.

This made Wang Shouzhe break out in a cold sweat.

Why was his authority in this clan school less effective than his daughter's?

Then he saw a few familiar figures in the group of children, sneaking around, trying to slip away.

"Wang Luolan! Wang Shouming! Wang Luoqing! Wang Zongyao! Wang Lili!"

Every time Wang Shouzhe called a name, someone in the crowd would tremble and then obediently walk back.

From the oldest Wang Luolan to the youngest Wang Luoqing, they lined up in front of Wang Shouzhe, all with their heads down, not daring to look at him.

"Wang Luolan." Wang Shouzhe glared, "How old are you? Still messing around with your nieces and nephews!"

"Fourth brother." Wang Luolan gave a dry laugh and said weakly, "It's all because of the old master, he's a bit too bullying. I was just supporting Yaoyao, I didn't do anything else bad."

The once little eighth princess Wang Luolan, who used to be in Wang Shouzhe's arms, was now a fourteen or fifteen-year-old girl, very beautiful, a little beauty.

"Humph!"

Wang Shouzhe snorted, still somewhat displeased, "I know the old master well, although he's a bit old-fashioned, he's still an elder of our Wang's Clan. If there's a problem, can't you solve it properly? I think you're just idle. Your fourth sister is too busy, you go there and organize a team of refugees to dredge and expand the river, the target is not less than thirty miles."

"Yes, fourth brother."

Although Wang Luolan was a bit aggrieved, she obediently accepted the task and left.

She was not the first time doing such work.

The children of the Wang family are good in this respect, although they need to study and cultivate, they also need to participate in family affairs.

Not only Wang Luolan, but also Wang Luomiao, and the former Wang Luoqiu, Wang Luoqing and other girls, have been involved in family affairs during their studies.

This will give them a great exercise, and they will grow rapidly. None of the young ladies of the Wang's Clan are completely delicate little ladies.

Then Wang Shouzhe turned his gaze to Wang Shouming and Wang Zongyao.

These two boys, one eight years old and the other nine, are the continuation of the Wang's Clan bloodline, the foundation of the family's future.

Especially Wang Shouming, the youngest of the Shou generation, is the second son of Sixth Uncle Wang Dinghai, taking over the position of the youngest seventh generation male from Wang Shouye.

As soon as he was looked at by Wang Shouzhe, he started to tremble and honestly said, "Fourth brother, I was wrong."

"Fourth Uncle, I was wrong too." Wang Zongyao was also very scared, his heart trembling, "Please don't tell my father."He is the second son of my second brother, Wang Shouyi. Although my second brother is mild-tempered, he is very strict with his children. If this matter reaches his ears, Zong Yao, the little brat, will be skinned alive even if he doesn't die.

"You two have already started nurturing your meridians and entered the initial stage of cultivation. Your strength is not inferior to ordinary people," Wang Shouzhe said, "Go to the refugee camp and take on the tasks of distributing porridge and comforting the refugees. This will also let you understand how difficult life can be."

Upon hearing this, the two were not shocked but delighted. They bowed to Wang Shouzhe and said, "Thank you, Fourth Uncle/Fourth Brother." Doing these tasks not only saved them from being reported to their parents, but also earned them some merit points.

Finally, Wang Shouzhe's gaze fell on Wang Lili and Wang Luoqing.

The two girls also looked at Wang Shouzhe with some fear, ready to accept whatever punishment was coming.

Wang Luoqing is the ninth of the Luo generation. Unless something unexpected happens, she is probably the youngest of the Luo generation.

Of course, it's not impossible for Sixth Uncle Wang Dinghai to have a late-life child and give Wang Shouzhe another sister.

Now that the family's conditions have improved, the economic pressure and burden have been greatly reduced, and the birth rate is much higher than before.

"Fourth Brother," Wang Luoqing, who was only six years old, blinked her watery eyes at Wang Shouzhe and said in a childish voice, "Sister Yao Yao said that the old master is too bullying."

"That's your niece Yao Yao, don't mix up the generations," Wang Shouzhe lovingly ruffled her little head, "Besides, how could the old master bully you?"

This little girl is the youngest in age, but highest in seniority. Wang Zongwei, who is already thirty years old, has to respectfully call her Ninth Aunt.

"Fourth Uncle," Wang Lili also said somewhat aggrievedly, "I also think what Sister Yao Yao said is right. The old master shouldn't look down on the female teachers in the clan school."

Wang Lili is the eldest daughter of my second brother Wang Shouyi, and she is only seven years old this year. Although she is a year older than Wang Luoqing, they are both still young girls.

For these young girls, Wang Shouzhe couldn't bear to be harsh, so he pinched her cheek and said, "Your goal now is to study hard. If there are any problems, report them to Fourth Uncle, and Fourth Uncle will solve them."

"Fourth Brother, we were wrong, and we are willing to be punished," Wang Luoqing was quite responsible, "We are also willing to help in the refugee camp."

"Alright, after I deal with this matter, none of you will be able to escape," Wang Shouzhe said, glaring at Wang Liyao, "Including you, understand?"

"I understand, Daddy," Wang Liyao was not afraid of punishment, "I also heard from Seventh Aunt and Fourth Aunt that refugees have been arriving in Ping'an Town one after another recently, and there is a lot of resettlement work to be done."

"Good girl~"

Wang Shouzhe praised her, then put her down and went with her to the old master's office with the female teacher.

In the office sat a man in his seventies. The old man looked very miserable. His once majestic white beard had been burned off by half, and his face was black and gray, looking quite embarrassed.

He was leaning on his cane, still trembling slightly, as if he was still somewhat frightened.

"Shouzhe, how do you usually discipline your children? Look at your daughter Wang Liyao, she's always causing trouble in the clan school."

Upon seeing Wang Shouzhe, the old man finally found a vent for his emotions and began to criticize sharply.

"Old Master Wang, calm down, calm down. Let me ask about the situation first."

Wang Shouzhe, who had great respect for this old predecessor who had served the Wang's Clan diligently for half his life, quickly tried to soothe him.

This old man was named Wang Yangjie, a distant relative of the Wang's Clan and a very outstanding scholar. He had traveled the world, seen much and knew a lot, and had even served as a civil official in the Changning Guard City.

Back then, it was Ancestor Long Yan who had invited him back to teach in the clan school. He had taught many people, including the previous incarnation of Wang Shouzhe, and had made great contributions in his life.

Therefore, in the new clan school, he served as the vice principal.

As for the principal, of course, it was Wang Shouzhe in name. However, he was usually too busy to manage the affairs of the clan school.

The face of Wang Shouzhe, the clan leader, was still very effective. Seeing him speak, the old man finally calmed down.

Then, Wang Shouzhe turned his gaze to his beloved daughter.

His daughter was already eight years old and was well past the age of ignorance.

She crossed her arms, puffed up, and said somewhat aggrievedly, "Daddy, didn't you always say that boys and girls are the same? But the old master always favors those boys."

"When those boys make mistakes, he just lightly scolds them. But if the girls in the clan school make mistakes, the old master always says he wants to drive them away. And the old master always says that there shouldn't be female teachers in the academy, and he scolds them at every turn. I was just angry, so I opposed him."

Wang Shouzhe knew about this.

Old Master Wang Yangjie did indeed have the problem of favoring boys over girls. Back then, when Luo Qiu and the others didn't like studying, it might not have been unrelated to this.

Moreover, it seemed that Luo Qiu and Luo Jing had also often opposed Wang Yangjie in the past."You can't just burn the old master's beard. If there's a problem, it should be solved." Wang Shouzhe said with a serious face, "So, what do you suggest we do?"

"I think there should be a female vice principal in the clan school." Wang Liyao had obviously thought about this issue before. As soon as Wang Shouzhe asked, she crossed her arms and began to talk earnestly, "We also need to establish clear rules. No matter who makes a mistake, they should be punished. Boys and girls should not be treated differently."

"Hmm, you have a point." Wang Shouzhe said, "However, Yao Yao, your approach is too radical. Apologize to the old master first."

Wang Liyao respected her father very much. Although she still felt wronged, she sincerely apologized.

Then, Wang Shouzhe also bowed to Wang Yangjie and said, "Old master, I also apologize on behalf of my daughter."

He was very sincere.

Wang Yangjie was a bit flustered and hurriedly returned the gesture, "Master Wang Shouzhe, I was just upset at the moment, I didn't mean to make things difficult for Miss Liyao."

The current Wang Shouzhe was not the same young boy he used to teach.

Now, Wang Shouzhe had great influence in Ping'an Town. With just one word, he could affect the fate of thousands of people. How could he accept this apology?

"However, the child does have a point." Wang Shouzhe said solemnly, "Our Wang's Clan has come this far, and many women have made significant contributions. Whether it's Madam Gongsun Hui or Ancestor Long Yan, they are all outstanding women. I hope the old master can be 'fair and just'."

"Yes, Clan Leader."

Wang Yangjie didn't know why, but he suddenly felt a chill in his heart and quickly agreed.

"Yao Yao, are you satisfied with this?" Wang Shouzhe asked seriously.

"I'm satisfied. As long as the old master can be fair and just, I'm willing to respect him." Wang Liyao nodded seriously.

"In that case, we should also punish those who need to be punished." Wang Shouzhe said seriously, "There's a saying 'if a woman is not taught, it's the father's fault'. It's because I've been neglecting to discipline you that you've become somewhat arrogant and do whatever you want. This time, your father, you, and An An will be punished together."

"Yes, father." Wang Liyao seemed to realize her mistake and accepted the punishment obediently.

But Wang Zong'an was dumbfounded.

He was implicated again.

Being a young clan leader is so hard!

……

Changning Xu's Clan.

As an old eight-rank family with a history of three hundred years, the true foundation of Changning Xu's Clan was not as simple as it appeared.

In the deepest part of its main house, there was an ancient hall called "Zang Ling Hall", which was the ancestral hall of Xu's Clan.

But it was not just a simple ancestral hall.

Inside it was the foundation of Changning Xu's Clan's survival, a treasure.

This treasure was called "Zhen Long Stele", a precious heirloom of Xu's Clan.

With the large array in Zang Ling Hall, it could exert a destructive power. Even a cultivator at the Heavenly Man realm might be suppressed and eventually ground to death if they tried to force their way in.

Unfortunately, the "Zhen Long Stele" had significant flaws.

First, it could not be moved and had to be used in conjunction with the large array.

Second, there were faint cracks on its surface, indicating that it could not be used many more times.

This was only natural. Otherwise, how could Changning Xu's Clan have a foothold in Changning?

It was precisely because of the "Zhen Long Stele", this powerful weapon, that made others wary.

At this moment.

Under the Zhen Long Stele, an old man in a grey robe was sitting cross-legged.

His hair and beard were all white, his skin was no longer smooth as in his youth, and there were many wrinkles on his forehead. He had obviously entered old age.

However, his aura was extremely restrained, making it impossible for others to gauge his depth.

In front of him stood a middle-aged man in a brocade robe, the head of Xu's Clan, Xu Anbang.

"Ancestor, that's what happened." Xu Anbang said respectfully with his hands down, "According to my deduction, Wang's Clan's move this time seems to be helping us, but they actually have other intentions. Their goal is most likely to make our Changning Xu's Clan the scapegoat, to directly confront Huangfu's Clan, and attract all of Huangfu's Clan's firepower."

Hearing this, the old man slowly opened his eyes, his gaze neither happy nor sad, "Anbang, what you mean is……"

Xu Anbang said solemnly, "If we refuse Wang's Clan of Ping'an, we will have to live at the mercy of Huangfu's Clan in the future. Our wealth and life will be at their mercy. However, if we cooperate with Wang's Clan, we will completely fall out with Huangfu's Clan, and there will be no turning back. This matter is of great importance, and I dare not make a decision. I ask for the Ancestor's guidance."

A flicker of emotion passed through the old man's eyes as he looked at Xu Anbang, "From the moment you entered, I could feel it. Since you already have an idea in your mind, why don't you share it?"

Xu Anbang took a deep breath and said, "From my observation, Wang Shouzhe of Ping'an Wang's Clan is not a simple character. This time, he probably has a big plan."

He mentioned some unusual details he had noticed when he went to welcome the direct disciples of Zifu Academy last time, as well as his observations and understanding of Wang Shouzhe during this period."Wang Shouzhe, he seems unremarkable, but in reality, he is extremely cautious and never does anything without certainty. His move against the Huangfu's Clan must have been thoroughly considered. Perhaps he already has a complete plan against the Huangfu's Clan."

"Interesting, very interesting~"

A smile crossed the old face of the grey-robed elder.

Back in the day, the ancestor of the Wang's Clan in Ping'an Town, Ancestor Zhou Xuan, was also a remarkable hero.

Unexpectedly, only a few decades after the death of Ancestor Zhou Xuan, another extraordinary youngster has emerged from the Wang's Clan in Ping'an Town.

"In that case, let's join this young man from the Wang's Clan in his madness."

The grey-robed elder made the final decision.

Upon hearing this, Xu Anbang's eyes lit up with fervor: "That's exactly what I was thinking. Our Changning Xu's Clan has been suppressed for so long, it's time to show the Huangfu's Clan that we are not to be trifled with!"

As his words fell, a powerful aura of the Spirit Platform realm surged from him, filled with fighting spirit.

As a three-hundred-year-old prestigious eight-rank family, Changning Xu's Clan naturally had its own confidence and courage.

……

After dealing with the clan school matters, Wang Shouzhe put aside all other things.

Taking his daughter and son, he joined the river embankment construction work as an ordinary person.

Upon hearing the news, Liu Ruolan also rushed over. After understanding Wang Shouzhe's intentions, she joined the team.

Both husband and wife understood.

This was a crucial period for their children's growth. They needed to teach by example, let them endure hardship and understand the difficulties of life, and establish their correct values.

If their values were not correct, their future achievements, no matter how great, would be like castles in the air, which might collapse at any time.

Even if they didn't collapse, they would most likely become a disaster.

Wang Shouzhe had seen and heard a lot of such things in his previous life on Earth.

It was fine for the children to have their own independent thoughts and oppose the old master's educational policies and prejudices.

But the means they adopted were too impulsive, acting on a whim, which Wang Shouzhe did not agree with.

Moreover, the old master was advanced in age and had devoted his life to the Wang's Clan. Even if his ideas were indeed outdated and no longer suitable for the current Wang's Clan, he should not be treated this way.

Therefore.

Wang Shouzhe and Liu Ruolan, hiding their identities, took their two children to build the river embankment, letting them truly experience the hardships their ancestors faced when they first settled in Ping'an Town.

Hiding their identities also allowed them to interact more with ordinary children and civilians.

To prevent them from developing a sense of superiority, as if they were born as young masters and young ladies.

Surprisingly, during this period, both Wang Shouzhe and Liu Ruolan had many insights into life and felt the difficulties of ordinary people's survival.

They also felt their willingness to build a home with the Wang's Clan in Ping'an Town, and their vision of creating a peaceful habitat for their descendants.

Naturally, this was a solid lesson for their children, which would be beneficial for their future life.

……

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

Under the leadership of Fang You'an, the direct disciple of the Zifu Academy, the disastrous consequences of the flood were gradually being alleviated.

The disaster-stricken people were resettled, and the affected areas began to gradually rebuild. Everything was well-organized, and life was slowly returning to the ruins.

However, in these short two or three months, the entire Changning Guard was in turmoil.

The old eight-rank family, Changning Xu's Clan, had completely fallen out with the former Huangfu's Clan and started a feud.

Their battle centered on the raw silk material.

In Changning Guard and its vicinity, the price of raw silk kept rising again and again, and in a short period, it had increased by more than three times its original price.

Even some shrewd businessmen specially transported raw silk from far away places to make a fortune.

However, these two clans seemed to have no intention of backing down, continuing to snatch the output of other clans' silkworm farms at high prices.

In less than three months, both sides had invested more than 200,000 Top Gold.

Without a doubt, this was a battle where one would harm a thousand enemies at the cost of eight hundred of their own.

This was no longer a simple business behavior, but an intention to drive the other party to death and completely drive them out of this industry.

Even though the city guard had tried to mediate several times, neither side had any intention of backing down. It was like two gamblers, both of whom had lost their cool, constantly raising the stakes until one side completely collapsed.

The intentions of both sides were clear to anyone with discerning eyes.

The former Huangfu's Clan had the backing of the Heavenly Huangfu's Clan, while Changning Xu's Clan was not fighting alone, with the Wang's Clan of Ping'an Town as their ally.

Wang Zongwei of the Wang's Clan in Ping'an Town was the link between them.

For several months, he had been almost permanently stationed in Changning Town.

One day.

At the fish stall of the Wang's Clan in Changning.

A luxurious carriage slowly drove up the street.

The shop assistants and stall owners around all cast their attention to the carriage.

"That's Young Master Zongwei's carriage, isn't it?" a stall owner said, "He's off to the main house of Changning Xu's Clan again.""Tsk tsk, the eldest son of the Zongwei family has been quite the spectacle these past two months. He is the link between the Wang's Clan of Ping'an and the Xu's Clan of Changning. Now that the Xu's Clan of Changning and the former Huangfu's Clan are fiercely competing in the silk industry, it's all thanks to the financial support from the Wang's Clan of Ping'an that the status of the eldest son of the Zongwei family is rising with the tide."

"If the Xu's Clan of Changning can stabilize their footing, the eldest son of the Zongwei family will become a hot commodity in the future."

Amid a series of discussions, the carriage headed east of the city.

What people didn't know was...

This carriage was not only carrying Wang Zongwei, but also a woman who was dressed very seductively.

She exuded an alluring charm, as if every smile and frown was captivating.

However, Wang Zongwei sat upright, keeping his head down and not daring to look at her more than necessary.

It was as if the woman in front of him was a venomous beauty that he dared not touch.

"Hehehe," the seductive woman laughed charmingly, "Eldest son Zongwei, are you afraid that I will eat you? I heard that you've won quite a bit of money at the gambling house recently."

"This..." A drop of cold sweat trickled down Wang Zongwei's forehead, his voice trembling, "Miss Mei, don't joke around. I was just following orders, otherwise I wouldn't dare to go to the gambling house again."

Although she was just a housekeeper, there were differences among housekeepers. Moreover, her methods were extraordinary, as if she had eyes everywhere, and every move was under her control.

If he offended her, he would probably have a hard time.

"Alright, alright, seeing you so nervous is really boring." The seductive woman laughed, her face suddenly turning serious, "However, you must not get my name wrong. I am now called — Lady Ji."

"Yes, Lady Ji." Wang Zongwei obediently replied, hesitating slightly, "May I ask, Lady Ji, why have you sought me out this time?"

As soon as the serious matter was mentioned, the seductive woman's face became serious, a hint of fanaticism flashed in her eyes: "I have received a secret order from the family head. The whole net has been set up, and we can take action now. This is the secret order document for you from the family head, asking you to fully cooperate with this major operation."

Major operation, Wang Zongwei's eyes tightened, he checked the secret order, and confirmed that it was real.

Although there was a hint of fear in his heart, he still said solemnly: "For our ancestors, for the Wang's Clan, and for my wife and children."

"I will follow Lady Ji's orders."

"Hehehe!" Lady Ji's laughter was particularly enchanting and captivating, "Don't be nervous, young master Zongwei. Your part of the task is not difficult, but the merit value is extremely high, which makes people envious."

Although her laughter made Wang Zongwei's hair stand on end, a hint of fanaticism flashed in his heart.

Yes, the merit value of his task this time was very high.

If he could earn enough merit value and borrow a bit more, he could exchange it for a Spirit Awakening Pill and a drop of Stone Marrow for his child.

With the Stone Marrow and Spirit Awakening Pill, his child Ning's future would be much brighter.

......