novelraw Chapter 299 - 274: Dou Clan (Part 1)
Chapter 299 - 274: Dou Clan (Part 1)
"Xiao Xian."
Li Yuanjiao stroked the serpent jiao carved pillar at his waist, his brows tightly furrowed in a constricted manner, in contrast to Li Tongya or Li Xuanxuan and others whose outward appearances were calm, with deeply hidden thoughts. He was born with narrow-set brows, which naturally made him look unkind. Now, with his eyebrows knitted, he exuded even more of a serpent’s air.
"The Xiao Family’s Yu Mountain branch... It’s a bit of a step down for Qingxiao to marry into them, but Xiao Jiuqing is very tactful, with a promising future. If that Xiao Xian is sincere, and if my younger sister is willing, then it could actually be a decent choice."
"Among our Xiao Family, the Yu Mountain branch is considered one of the biggest among the side branches."
Xiao Guiluan wrapped her arm around Li Yuanjiao’s, speaking gently:
"Xiao Xian’s talent is not outstanding, but his prospects in qi cultivation are still promising. Qingxiao’s talent isn’t great, and with the strength of the Yu Mountain branch, it’s not a problem for Xiao Xian to help her reach a mixed level of qi, which would also be suitable."
As the couple talked and laughed, they arrived at Lijing Mountain. They descended into the courtyard, and the clan soldiers below immediately approached to greet them respectfully:
"Family Head, Mistress, Young Master Yuanping has been waiting inside."
Li Yuanjiao nodded slightly and entered the room to see a young man dressed in white, holding a fan. He looked to be about twelve or thirteen years old, with a slightly pale complexion, exhibiting a somewhat sickly demeanor. He was carefully examining the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the wall. Hearing the noise, he turned his head, his eyes lighting up as he smiled and said:
"Big brother has returned."
"Hmm."
Li Yuanping, born to Li Xuanxuan during his qi cultivation phase and his principal wife from the Dou Clan, was Li Yuanxiu’s younger brother from the same mother. However, Yuanping was born at the same time Li Yuanxiu passed away, which affected his fetal qi, resulting in a deficiency in his innate constitution.
Fortunately, both of his parents were cultivators. Although Li Yuanping possessed a spirit aperture, his talent was not considered high. He could be described as an average person. After five years of cultivation, he had reached the second layer of the fetal breathing Chengming cycle.
Li Yuanjiao responded with a nod, then saw Li Yuanping say with a smile:
"I heard that big brother has broken through to the third layer of qi cultivation. Congratulations are in order."
To be honest, Li Yuanjiao hadn’t been much occupied with worldly affairs over the years. All the fetal breathing practices or mundane tasks at home were handled by Xiao Guiluan. This woman took charge with a grand demeanor and fair rewards and punishments, managing everyone to be obedient and orderly.
With Xiao Guiluan’s assistance, Li Yuanjiao’s cultivation level hadn’t lagged behind. After he was given the "Cultivating Qi Devouring Spirit Talisman," his cultivation progressed by leaps and bounds, surpassing even Li Qinghong. In five years, he reached the third layer of qi cultivation, even surpassing his father, Li Xuanxuan.
Li Yuanjiao nodded slightly, took two steps forward to the seat of honor, and looked at his younger brother, who still had traces of youthful innocence. He said warmly:
"How’s it going, can you still handle the Clan Head Courtyard?"
"It’s manageable."
Li Yuanping nodded, smiling as he said:
"The Jade Courtyard Guards already possess cultivation at the fourth or fifth layer of fetal breathing. With the five of them working together, there is no disturbance they can’t suppress. It’s just a matter of disciplining some petty thieves on ordinary days."
Li Yuanjiao never intended to manage affairs himself. Seeing Li Yuanping growing up day by day, he hurriedly handed over the Clan Head Courtyard to him. Now, seeing him manage it quite well, he nodded satisfactorily and said warmly:
"Be strict with the family laws; let there be no arrogant individuals among the family’s younger generation."
While the two brothers were chatting, a person hurriedly came up from below and bowed in the courtyard, saying respectfully:
"Reporting to the Family Head, there’s a letter from Guanyun Peak."
"Bring it here."
The person below, clad in armor with a square face and thick eyebrows, had an honest demeanor and handed over the letter. Li Yuanjiao took the envelope but didn’t open it immediately. Instead, he stared at the armored warrior.
The messengers who usually delivered letters under these circumstances were from the Liu Family, and Li Yuanjiao was accustomed to them. Now, however, he felt this person was unfamiliar. After scrutinizing him for a while, he asked doubtfully:
"Are you from the Dou Clan?"
The armored warrior knelt before him with a bit of trepidation and answered:
"Reporting to the Family Head, my name is Dou Yi, and Lady Dou is my aunt... The usual messenger fell ill, so I took his place."
"So it’s my mother’s person."
Lady Dou naturally referred to Li Xuanxuan’s wife and Li Yuanping’s mother from the Dou Clan. Indeed, Li Yuanjiao should call her mother. Pretending to have an epiphany, Li Yuanjiao turned to Li Yuanping with a smile and said:
"He’s your cousin, then."
Li Yuanping sat by the side, and upon hearing the words, just nodded without looking at Dou Yi, as he poured himself more tea. Li Yuanjiao immediately understood and gestured for Dou Yi to leave, saying nonchalantly,
"Since that’s the case, you may go serve at Yuanping’s side. Find a position to handle affairs in the Clan Head Courtyard."
Dou Yi nodded continuously and slowly backed away. Li Yuanping could only offer a wry smile and said,
"This matter is certainly not mother’s doing, most likely the Dou Family acted on their own initiative..."
"I know,"
Li Yuanjiao nodded and sighed,
"As they say, a wall falls for all to shove. The Liu Clan, after all, was our ancestor’s maternal family, and we should maintain a Liu surname in the hall. The fact that such gossip has reached our ears means that others still fear the expectations associated with our surname and won’t act too outrageously."
Li Yuanping nodded thoughtfully and replied,
"I have learned my lesson..."
Li Yuanjiao laughed heartily, the brothers sharing a heartfelt moment. Li Yuanjiao’s expression then turned complex as he said,
"This wisdom is also for your instruction, brother. Though I lack ambition for power, I trust that in your hands, we will not be let down."
Naturally, his words were about Li Yuanxiu. Li Yuanping had heard various stories about this brother he had never met since he was young. At this, he nodded and Li Yuanjiao read the letter, glancing over it with a laugh,
"It’s a letter from father."
Li Yuanping looked up in confusion, only to hear Li Yuanjiao say,
"The magic disaster is growing more rampant. Now, it’s not just Jiang Yan alone; dozens more have joined the Demonic Path, slaughtering everywhere. As a result, talismans and magic artifacts from inside and outside the sect are increasingly sought after, and this year’s income has increased by no small amount."
"Father is thinking of harvesting the cloud bamboo at home and sending another batch to make talisman paper, which could greatly reduce the cost."
Upon hearing this news, Li Yuanping looked down and said,
"The magic disaster has been ongoing for more than five years, and yet we have never seen the Zifu of the Green Pond Sect take action. I wonder what Chi Zhiyun is thinking."
Li Yuanjiao paused, put down his tea cup, and answered,
"The magic disaster... is not simple. That Jiang Yan, who knows what kind of person he is, whose pawn he might be. You’ve read the clan history, you know the power of the Zifu. To let Jiang Yan run wild like this, it must be with Zifu’s tacit approval."
Li Yuanping quietly pondered. After a brief exchange between the brothers, Li Yuanping checked the hour and, not wishing to disturb Li Yuanjiao further, took his leave.
After Li Yuanping had left, a graceful woman in feather clothing emerged from behind him, performed a ritual greeting by his side, furrowed her brows slightly, and said in a deep voice,
"Husband, the decline of the Liu Clan has been too swift. In just five years, they’ve gone from a noble surname to having their descendants scattered all around... I fear something strange is afoot."
"It’s only natural,"
Li Yuanjiao, having secured the small letter under other documents as if it were a treasured item, answered,
"How is it the Liu sons are suddenly ailing, trying so hard to push that person in front of me? It’s clearly a test to see how much affection we still hold for the Liu Clan."
Li Yuanjiao put the small letter away carefully and continued,
"The Tian Clan has been dispatched to the Shanyue Region, and the remaining Ren, Chen, Xu, Dou, and other families have likely been conspiring for years to oust the Liu their noble status. Only a bunch of Liu youngsters are still indulging in pleasures. Once the news from the mountain came down, these families began to make their move. The Liu Clan never had any significant individuals; that they held on for five years already shows the caution of the noble families."
Xiao Guiluan nodded and laughed,
"Times change. Many things that once bore the Liu name should now bear the Dou name. I’ve met mother several times; she’s tough and has quite the temper."
Li Yuanjiao laughed heartily, catching the underlying message in Xiao Guiluan’s words, and spoke warmly,
"I’ve also spent many years with mother, and in her eyes, all the Dou Family members together aren’t worth one of Yuanping’s little fingers. The Dou is but the next Liu, no need for concern."
He paused before adding,
"Yuanping’s temperament resembles that of Lady Dou; he won’t be easily fooled. In two years, when he takes over the family’s affairs, you and I can go to Wutu Mountain to cultivate and be a pair of celestial companions—wouldn’t that be delightful?"
Xiao Guiluan gave a slight nod, but her own family, the Xiao, had been a noble family for hundreds of years, with fierce internal struggles for power, not like the newly established and harmonious Li brothers. Having seen countless examples of kin slaying kin, Xiao Guiluan, without power in her hands, felt an unease in her heart. She herself did not mind, but she was worried about their child, Li Xizhi, being mistreated.
Yet this woman was sharp as ice and snow, and she had smoothly gauged her husband Li Yuanjiao’s temperament. She didn’t immediately contradict his words but smiled agreeably, watching the flickering candle flames, contemplating how she could gather more support for Li Xizhi.