Volume 6, Chapter 363 – Finally, It’s My Turn to Step In

Liu Biao’s urgency stemmed not only from a guilty conscience but also from the fact that the Hai family had sent someone again last night to pressure him. They demanded that he expedite the marriage alliance for mutual benefit, or else face the consequences.

Fearing that Liu Yingyue might leave the capital after burying her father, Liu Biao had no choice but to accelerate his plans.

Qi Huang stood beside Liu Yingyue, watching with keen interest. She was eager to see what tricks this old schemer had up his sleeve.

“Esteemed members of the Liu family!”

Liu Biao strode to the center of the hall, his face brimming with smug satisfaction. “First, I must announce an important matter. Due to my elder brother’s sudden passing, the Liu family has been left leaderless. As his second brother, it is only natural that I shoulder this responsibility. With the ancestral matriarch’s approval, I have now officially assumed the position of family head. I presume you’ve all heard of this. If anyone has objections, now is the time to voice them.”

‘What a way to phrase it—‘sudden passing’!’

Qi Huang curled her lips in disdain.

As for Liu Yingyue, though she still hadn’t confirmed whether her father had truly died at her second uncle’s hands, she managed to maintain her composure, for now.

“With Eldest Brother gone, Second Brother, as the next in line, taking over as family head is only right and proper.”

“Indeed, the Liu family has always followed the principles of succession—by lineage, by age, and by virtue. Second Brother, you are not only the eldest among our generation but also a man of proven capability. We have no objections.”

“Second Brother, you’ve served as acting head for three years, exhausting yourself for the sake of the family. It’s high time you were formally recognized.”

One after another, the Liu family members voiced their support.

‘Hmph, Liu Biao actually has some sway in this family.’

Qi Huang couldn’t help but mock inwardly, though her expression remained as carefree as ever. It didn’t matter if Liu Biao was just a small-time family head, even if he were the emperor himself, she was determined to drag him down from his pedestal.

Liu Yingyue, however, could no longer hold back. Her delicate fists clenched tightly. The thought of this so-called second uncle hoarding life-saving medicine meant for their great-grandmother while being worshipped by so many made her blood boil.

Xia Wei, who was also aware of the situation, began breathing heavily, her slender frame trembling faintly, a clear sign she was barely restraining herself.

“Since you all hold me in such high regard, I shall not decline. Rest assured, with me, Liu Biao, at the helm, the Liu family will not merely remain the foremost noble house of the Western Radiance Dynasty, we will rise to become the greatest family in the entire cultivation world!”

Liu Biao began his grand proclamation.

‘Quite the boast. Pity you won’t live to see it.’

Qi Huang shook her head with pity.

“Of course, this hinges on every member of the Liu family obeying my arrangements.”

Liu Biao’s tone shifted abruptly.

“Second Brother, you jest. Now that you are family head, we will naturally follow your orders. That is our family’s rule.”

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“Exactly. Without rules, there is no order. Whoever disobeys should simply be expelled from the Liu family.”

“Second Brother, whatever arrangements you have in mind, just say the word. We pledge our full cooperation!”

Once again, the Liu family members voiced their allegiance.

This time, Xia Wei could take no more. She stepped forward, hands on her hips, and snapped—

“You—!”

But Qi Huang, anticipating this, swiftly yanked her back.

“You…?”

Xia Wei stared at Qi Huang in shock but ultimately settled down.

“Xia Wei, do you have an objection?”

Liu Biao frowned slightly.

“She has no objections. She was simply so moved by Second Master’s inspiring speech that she wanted to say how brilliantly wise you are.”

Qi Huang cut in smoothly.

“Oh? I haven’t even finished speaking. There will be time for praise later.”

Liu Biao waved her off dismissively before getting to the main point. “Very well, since that’s settled, I shall speak plainly. First—”

His gaze locked onto Liu Yingyue.

“—Yingyue, the marriage alliance from three years ago must be fulfilled. As everyone knows, Lord Hai is the current Minister of Revenue, overseeing household registrations and commerce. If you marry his son, our Liu family will dominate the business world of the Western Radiance Dynasty.”

‘Finally, he can’t hold back anymore.’

Qi Huang’s lips curled in amusement.

Before Liu Yingyue could respond, her mother, Fang Yun, spoke up first.

“Second Brother, your use of the word ‘marry’ is rather inappropriate, isn’t it? Three years ago, that Hai heir already had a principal wife. Now, counting concubines, he has seven or eight women in his household. If Xiao Yue goes over now, she’ll only be a minor concubine. Without the proper three letters and six etiquettes ¹ a traditional Chinese marriage system that governed formal wedding procedures in ancient China , how can you call it a ‘marriage’?”

“So what? The Hai family is an aristocratic official clan. For Young Master Hai to take Xiao Yue as a concubine is already an honor for her!”

Liu Biao showed no mercy in his words.

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Liu Yingyue suppressed her fury and countered, “But Second Uncle, why do you think the Hai family would protect the Liu family just for the sake of a concubine?”

“What’s wrong with being a concubine? No one is born into privilege. Everyone climbs step by step. With your qualities, rising to the position of principal wife shouldn’t be difficult, should it?”

Liu Biao twisted logic to suit his narrative.

“Unfortunately, I’m not skilled in harem schemes. You overestimate me.”

Liu Yingyue’s reply was icy.

“No matter. As long as you marry over, the Liu family will gain some measure of protection.”

Liu Biao remained unmoved.

“Second Uncle, what if I refuse?”

Liu Yingyue’s beautiful face hardened.

“You dare defy the orders of your family head? Do you need everyone here to remind you of the consequences?”

Liu Biao’s expression turned menacing.

“Little Sister, as a member of the Liu family, you have a duty to contribute. How can you be so selfish?”

The first to attack was Liu Yingliang, her eldest brother. Knowing that a capable younger sister like her would threaten his position as future head, he was determined to marry her off.

“Exactly! The Liu family’s prosperity has always been built on the sacrifices of each generation. Countless women before you have entered into marriage alliances for the family’s sake. Why should you be the exception? Do you think you’re superior?”

“If we make an exception for you, how do we face the female elders who sacrificed themselves for the family?”

“The state has its laws, the family its rules. If you disobey, don’t blame us for expelling you from the Liu family.”

Condemnation rained down from all sides.

“A family prospers through hard work and ambition, not so-called marriage alliances.”

Liu Yingyue retorted before continuing, “Three years ago, my father made an agreement with the Ancestress. I wanted to prove that staying in the family could be just as valuable as marrying out. Now that I’ve succeeded, no one can force me into a marriage.”

“Little Sister, are you saying you truly tripled the profits of that auction house in Yongning Prefecture?”

Liu Yingmei, her fifth brother, looked pleasantly surprised. Unlike the eldest brother, he had always been closer to Liu Yingyue and her mother, who had never treated him and his siblings differently.

“Yes!”

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Liu Yingyue nodded firmly before addressing the crowd. “As for whether this is true, you can ask Second Uncle. As acting family head, he should know best.”

“What she says is true.”

Liu Biao saw no point in hiding it and admitted frankly.

“What? She actually did it? But the situation at that auction house in Yongning is well-known. It was on the verge of collapse because consignors kept meeting with accidents.”

“Right, that auction house had gone through several managers before, including seasoned veterans, but none could solve the core issue.”

“If she truly accomplished this, then she does have a talent for commerce. Marrying her off would indeed be a great loss to the Liu family.”

The Liu family members were visibly moved.

“A shame, then, that Eldest Brother has passed away. That agreement is now void.”

Liu Biao’s lips curled into a sneer.

“My father may be gone, but the Ancestress is still alive. Of all virtues, filial piety comes first. Shouldn’t you seek her opinion?”

Liu Yingyue seized the opportunity to remind him, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.

“Fine! Let’s make you give up completely!”

Liu Biao was more than willing. He waved at Liu Yingliang. “Nephew, go and invite your great-grandmother out.”

“Yes!”

Liu Yingliang obeyed like an obedient servant, hastily leading his two brothers to the rear courtyard.

Before long, Old Lady Shen was wheeled into the hall.

“Great-Grandmother, this is the situation. Regarding this marriage alliance, do you think it should proceed?”

Liu Biao asked confidently, certain that the old woman would prioritize her own survival and comply, unaware that his secret had long been exposed.

“Of course… it should not!”

Old Lady Shen raised her brows, and the hall fell so silent one could hear a pin drop.

“What? Are you still unwell? Why are you speaking nonsense?”

Liu Biao’s face twisted in shock.

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“This old woman’s body may be frail, but her mind is sharp. A person’s word must be kept. Three years ago, I made an agreement with her father, and I intend to honor it.”

The old lady reaffirmed her stance.

“Great-Grandmother, I advise you to choose your words carefully.”

Liu Biao’s expression darkened as he issued a veiled threat.

“Are you threatening me?”

Old Lady Shen remained unflinching.

“No, I’m merely offering a friendly reminder!”

Liu Biao’s smile was cold.

“Do you think I fear death? As long as I live, no one shall force Yingyue into marriage!”

The old woman sat up straight, her voice ironclad.

“But you agreed to this before!”

Liu Biao gnashed his teeth.

“What did I agree to? Who can bear witness?”

Old Madam Shen’s expression didn’t waver.

Liu Biao was left speechless. After a moment, his face contorted with malice.

“Unfortunately, I am now the head of the Liu family. Everyone must obey my arrangements.”

At these words, hesitation flickered across the faces of those present. Torn between the revered ancestral matriarch and the current family head, how were they to choose?

‘Ah, seems it’s my turn now.’

Qi Huang smiled faintly before stepping forward leisurely. With a voice like silver chimes, she posed a lethal question:

“Second Master Liu, if I understand correctly, the ‘virtue’ in your family’s succession rules includes filial piety, does it not? By defying your elder’s wishes, you are unfilial. And an unfilial descendant has no right to be family head, wouldn’t you agree?”

“You—!”

Liu Biao choked on his words. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined a mere girl would drive a knife straight into his weakest spot.