novelraw Chapter 219 - 87: The Family Head Candidate (Part 1)
Chapter 219 - 87: The Family Head Candidate (Part 1)
At this time, the courtyard where Rong Yuanqiao lived was also in turmoil. When Rong Yuanqiao was being executed, the Great Elder had already sent people to notify his wife and children to pack their things and move out of the courtyard as soon as possible. The courtyard was specifically for the Family Head of the Rong Family, and now that Rong Yuanqiao was no longer the Family Head, they naturally couldn’t stay there any longer.Upon hearing this news, Sun Guangling and her daughter were dissatisfied and wanted to go to the Elder Council to cause trouble, but the elders were already familiar with their behavior and had sent a team of guards to prevent them from leaving the courtyard.
When they saw Rong Yuanqiao being carried back, dripping in blood, they were stunned and immediately surrounded him.
"Master, what happened? How did you end up like this?" Sun Guangling, who had some genuine feelings for Rong Yuanqiao, burst into tears upon seeing him like this and wailed as she asked.
"Yes, father, how did you suddenly lose your position as the Family Head?" Rong Yuanqiao’s third daughter, Rong Xi, also cried as she asked.
Rong Yuanqiao was unconscious at this time and naturally couldn’t answer their questions. It was the guard, Sun Bing, who had followed the Great Elder that briefly explained the situation.
Sun Guangling was well aware of Rong Yuanqiao giving the Rong Family’s treasure to Rong Yan, as she had even instigated it, and she knew and participated in the plot to kill Rong Ye’s parents. Now that their actions had been exposed, her face turned pale instantly, and she was shaky, supported by Rong Xi beside her.
"Mother, are you alright?" Though Rong Xi was usually quite arrogant, she had some sense to know that Rong Yuanqiao and Sun Guangling were her backing. If anything happened to them, her life would be unbearable, and since Rong Yuanqiao was already in such a state, Sun Guangling couldn’t fall as well.
Sun Guangling swayed and shook her head, "Mother is fine. It’s all Rong Ye, that little bastard’s fault. I should have eradicated him back then, or things wouldn’t have turned out like this!"
She truly regretted it. Back then, Rong Ye was young and fortunately survived. At that time, because Rong Yuanqiao wanted to succeed as Family Head, to avoid leaving a handle for others to grasp and to prevent others from suspecting them, they let Rong Ye live.
Moreover, Rong Ye had disguised himself well during childhood, making her and Rong Yuanqiao always think his talent was mediocre. It wasn’t until Rong Ye was taken as a disciple by Wen Guiyun that they realized they might have underestimated him.
But by then, with Gui Yun protecting Rong Ye, they didn’t dare to act rashly. They thought all those involved from back then had been dealt with, and Rong Ye wouldn’t find evidence. Who would have thought that after more than twenty years, Rong Ye still found evidence and dethroned Rong Yuanqiao from being Family Head!
Rong Xi didn’t know about her parents’ deeds. She was quite shocked to hear it just now, but considering their current situation, she, like Sun Guangling, thought they should have eradicated the problem back then, or they wouldn’t have ended up like this!
"The Great Elder ordered that you should pack up and leave today, and you can only take your own belongings. Anything belonging to the Rong Family is not allowed to be taken." Sun Bing, seeing the mother and daughter’s state, showed a touch of disdain in his eyes and said coldly.
"Our master has served as Family Head for many years. Even if there is no merit, there is hard work. Now, in this condition, can’t we wait until he’s healed before making us leave?" Sun Guangling held Rong Xi’s hand to stand up, pleading slightly.
She had been high and mighty for so many years, never expecting to have to speak so humbly to a servant, but now circumstances were stronger than people. Rong Yuanqiao’s injuries were so severe that they needed timely treatment, or they wouldn’t know if he could survive, so she had to suppress the humiliation in her heart.
"No, the Great Elder’s order has been made. You better hurry and pack, or we’ll do it for you." Sun Bing, who already disliked them, felt no sympathy at this moment and flatly refused, even threatening them.
Upon hearing this, Sun Guangling and Rong Xi were upset, but they had no choice. After exchanging a glance, they gave up caring for Rong Yuanqiao and returned to their rooms to pack their things.
"Several of you follow them and make sure they don’t take anything that belongs to the Rong Family." Sun Bing waved to the guards who had followed behind, instructing them to follow Sun Guangling and Rong Xi.
"Yes."
The guards responded in unison, with two following Sun Guangling and two following Rong Xi, each heading towards their rooms.
Two quarters of an hour later, Sun Guangling and Rong Xi were brought forcefully by the guards to Sun Bing, their complexions ashen. Sun Bing took one look at the guards behind them, nodded after seeing them shake their heads, and then led them and Rong Yuanqiao away.
When they reached the main gate, they were driven out before returning to the Rong Family and directly closing the main gate in front of Sun Guangling and Rong Xi.
...
After punishing Rong Yuanqiao, the five elders invited Rong Ye back to the conference hall to discuss the subsequent matters.
"Rong Ye, now that you’ve come out of the Trial Land, according to our ancestral tradition, you are the next Family Head of the Rong Family. When do you plan to assume your position?" The Great Elder, as the highest-ranking person present, looked kindly at Rong Ye and asked.
"Great Elder, I’ve never intended to become the Family Head of the Rong Family. The reason I participated in the Trial Land was merely to take the opportunity to expose what Rong Yuanqiao has done to the public." Rong Ye replied candidly to the Great Elder.
"What? You have no intention of becoming the Family Head of the Rong Family, then what shall we do now?" The Third Elder, being rather impatient, stood up directly from his chair upon hearing Rong Ye’s words and asked anxiously.
"Third, don’t be in a hurry, let Rong Ye finish." The Great Elder frowned, calming the Third Elder before looking at Rong Ye.
"To be honest with all elders, in the Trial Land, my cultivation has already reached the Half-step Immortal Rank. With my cultivation level, it might not be long before I ascend, so it’s not suitable for me to become the Family Head of the Rong Family. However, I have someone I can recommend to you." Rong Ye cupped his hands towards the people, speaking unhurriedly.
Upon hearing that Rong Ye’s cultivation had reached the Half-step Immortal Rank, the five elders of the Rong Family were somewhat surprised, but soon delighted. It must be known that the Half-step Immortal Rank is something only major powers possess; the Rong Family’s influence is only significant in Rong City, and has waned over the years, being considered third-rate in the entire Sub-immortal Realm. But with Rong Ye at the Half-step Immortal Rank, it’s different. As long as Rong Ye is there, the Rong Family’s status is unshakeable!
"Who is the person you’re suggesting?" The Great Elder concealed his inner excitement and didn’t blame Rong Ye anymore but only wanted to know who Rong Ye wanted to recommend.
"The person I want to recommend is Rong De." Rong Ye had already decided on the candidate and spoke without thinking.
"Rong De? Is it Rong De, the eldest son of the Third Lord?" The Second Elder, reacting rather swiftly, quickly realized whom Rong Ye was referring to and asked with some surprise.
"Yes, that’s him." Rong Ye nodded in confirmation.
The Third Lord mentioned by the Second Elder is Rong Ye’s third uncle, Rong Yuanheng. He is the third son of Rong Ye’s grandfather. Due to his mediocre talent and the significant age gap with Rong Yuanqiao, he was not dealt with by Rong Yuanqiao. However, over the years, Rong Yuanqiao hasn’t forgotten to suppress Rong Yuanheng, who was sent elsewhere by Rong Yuanqiao to manage Rong Family’s businesses and could only return home during the New Year.
Rong De, the eldest son of Rong Yuanheng, was left behind by Rong Yuanqiao under the pretense that Rong Yuanheng lacked the resources available to the Rong Family elsewhere, hence leaving Rong De behind would be more beneficial to his development. In reality, it was to hold Rong De as a hostage, so Rong Yuanheng wouldn’t dare act rashly.
Rong De’s life was slightly better than Rong Ye’s, but his relationship with Rong Ye was very close.
"If I remember correctly, Rong De’s talent is not particularly outstanding, and in other respects, he’s quite ordinary." The Fourth Elder, who was evidently familiar with the Rong Family’s younger generation, said, frowning.
"With Rong Yan around, Rong De naturally wouldn’t dare show too much talent; otherwise, he might have been disposed of by Rong Yuanqiao and his wife." Rong Ye’s lips curved into a mocking smile, as he spoke lightly.
The five elders were shocked in their hearts and exchanged glances, falling silent.
"Rong De is younger than me, his talent is on par with mine, and because of these years of trials, he has developed a very resilient character, making him very suitable for the position of Family Head." Rong Ye looked earnestly at the five elders and said.
"We still need to assess this matter; if Rong De is indeed as you said, then he will be allowed to inherit the position of Family Head." The Great Elder looked at the other elders and made the decision.
After the incident with Rong Yuanqiao, the Great Elder had realized that the Family Head of the Rong Family still needs to be capable. The Rong Family had been dormant for so many years, and they needed someone to lead them to rise again.
With Rong Ye at the Half-step Immortal Rank, if Rong De is as intelligent and talented as Rong Ye claims, then indeed, he is the most suitable candidate.
Rong Ye was confident in Rong De, so he naturally wasn’t afraid of the elders assessing him, and he merely nodded at their response.
"Additionally, the day after tomorrow, I will be breaking through to the Half-step Immortal Rank; by then, the Heavenly Tribulation will descend. I ask the elders to ensure the Rong family members are restrained so they are not implicated by me or affected while I cross the tribulation." After coming out, he had been suppressing his cultivation, but prolonging the suppression is not good, so he planned to cross the tribulation soon. Such a significant event naturally needed the Rong family elders to be informed, to avoid any embarrassing situations that might arise.
"You plan to cross the tribulation the day after tomorrow? How prepared are you? Do you have confidence? Do you need our help?" The Great Elder, surprised by Rong Ye’s statement, quickly asked in urgency.
"I’m already prepared, don’t worry, I will pass through safely." Noticing the Great Elder’s concern for him, Rong Ye didn’t hide it and reassured him.