novelraw Chapter 367 - 359: Wild Fantasies
Chapter 367 - 359: Wild Fantasies
First: The Sikong Family’s rule is to assist the variable, to save the people from distress and aid the world. The clansmen are well aware and must not violate this, but... if the variable is unable to shoulder significant responsibilities, they will form a matrimonial tie to better support the other party, thus safeguarding their security and smoothly executing the great duties, without delaying either.
Second: Though the Sikong Family has secluded itself for a long time, their ancestors were a prominent family of compound surnames. If the other party were a single surname noble, it might still be reluctantly bearable, but to hand over all resources to a foundationless commoner, isn’t that a colossal joke?
By then, generations of scheming and effort would go to waste, branding them as traitors to the Sikong Family. Hence, they refuse to follow the arrangements of a mere girl and cannot defy their ancestral teachings. It is best to make her a figurehead with no real power.
Third: If the plan is executed smoothly, the Sikong Family can turn the tide against the wind and rise swiftly before the nation stabilizes, recreating the Sikong Family’s glorious legacy. Should anything go awry, they could pin the blame on the variable, significantly reducing the risk borne by the Sikong Family.
The leader lazily leaned against the chair, listening with interest as the elders meticulously planned Cheng Xiaoxiao’s future.
Not bad, not bad, a thoughtful approach, entirely starting from the Sikong Family’s interests, exchanging the smallest cost for the best reputation while seizing the greatest power.
Who knows what the little wildcat will think when she finds out. According to him, she is not one to be easily manipulated. He has not intervened forcefully, wanting to see a good show.
As the chosen one to save the world, how could she be so ordinary? The old fellows think she is just a little girl, disregarding her, and they might just get a slap in the face.
The more he thought about it, the better his mood became!
After days of discussion, finally, something took shape. He could hardly wait!
Raising his eyebrows with a mysterious smile, "Since the elders have agreed, then let’s proceed like this. However, in matters of marriage, it is still essential to ask the parties involved, is it not?"
After hearing the Family Head’s words, someone expressed dissatisfaction, "What’s the point of asking? With our Sikong Family’s reputation and foundation, many officials’ and wealthy families’ daughters are eager to marry in, not to mention a common girl."
The person spoke disdainfully, as if the other party would be gaining a significant advantage.
The speaker was the House Master of the fourth branch, whose son was chosen by the elders to marry the other party.
If not for the other party’s special status, the fourth branch would never have considered it.
"Four Cousin is right. The Ouyang Family’s status would certainly elate the other party into agreement, so I have decided to make the little girl happy."
He snapped his fingers to give the command, "Let someone bring Miss Cheng to the main hall for a discussion."
After listening to the calculations of these old folks, Cheng Xiaoxiao merely sneered, feeling disdain in her heart. Randomly deciding her marriage without even considering whether she agrees or not.
When she learned that the Sikong Family Master was summoning her, she felt displeased. That person was obviously just wanting to watch the commotion unfold and didn’t fear her turning the Ouyang Family’s roof upside down.
By then, let’s see if someone can remain calm and composed, sitting still like a fisherman waiting.
Cheng Xiaoxiao leisurely stepped out of her room, "Let’s go!"
The attending young maid looked puzzled, "Miss Cheng, haven’t we already strolled through the garden today? Where are we going?"
She quickly caught up to support.
"We are going to the main hall."
With just a word, the young maid’s expression changed, "You mustn’t, Miss Cheng. The Council Hall is critical to the clan, and the elders are discussing matters there. You absolutely mustn’t interrupt."
As they exited the courtyard gate, they saw She Yao standing guard nearby, who respectfully saluted upon seeing her.
Humph!
She had recently caused quite a bit of trouble for this person.
Who asked him to act so ruthlessly back then, always attempting on her life with his vicious demeanor? After coming to this place, she specifically had him as her bodyguard, making him suffer quite a lot, having even given him diarrhea-inducing medicine several times. But now, She Yao had gotten smarter, carrying various antidotes, yet he still couldn’t guard against her entirely.
Now, with fate’s turn, he flinched whenever he saw her.
When her chilly gaze swept over, She Yao couldn’t help but tense up, unsure what new trouble she intended to stir. He truly couldn’t withstand it; the stamina and belief cultivated from childhood didn’t hold up here. He wondered when the master would transfer him away—he genuinely didn’t want to see this intimidating lady again.
"Look at your unambitious self; today I’m going after the big fish, not bothering with a little shrimp like you."
She Yao lowered his eyes, saying nothing.
The young maid was anxious, initially hoping Guard Yao could find a way to stop her, but seeing this posture, it seemed unlikely. Just when the young maid was unsure of what to do next,
a guard hurriedly reported.
"The Family Head invites Miss Cheng to the Council Hall for a discussion."
"Alright, let’s go!"
The bewildered young maid could only follow along, wondering whether it was a coincidence or something else. How did Miss Cheng know of the Family Head’s call, prompting such an early departure from her room? She dared not speculate wildly. In the Sikong Mansion, speaking without careful thought was a major taboo; she could only suppress her doubts, silently following along.
Cheng Xiaoxiao, head held high, walked with an air of independence, arriving at the entrance of the Council Hall.
The guards on either side gave a respectful salute, making a gesture of invitation.
She looked at the grand, ornate door plaques, intricately carved with patterns, adorned with intricate, exquisite, and archaic decoration. The eaves soared gracefully upwards, like birds spreading their wings. The mortise and tenon design interlocked, tiles shielded each other, providing shade and waterproofing—a masterpiece of craftsmanship, uniquely charming. Truly, the rich know how to display their class.
Cheng Xiaoxiao crossed the threshold, spine straight, ignoring the probing or curious glances around.
She walked directly to the center, giving no opportunity for others to speak. After a slight bow, she decisively stated, "Grateful for the Sikong Family Master’s life-saving aid, this young woman is endlessly thankful. However, having disturbed you all for so long, I am immensely guilty and uneasy in my heart. The myriad troubles caused to your distinguished mansion were completely unintentional; today, I come specifically to bid farewell, hoping for the Sikong Family Master’s understanding. If assistance is needed in the future, I will certainly not hesitate."
She took the initiative because she couldn’t stand these people always appearing so aloof, expecting everyone to be endlessly grateful for their charity.
The fourth branch’s House Master immediately jumped up as if stepped on, furiously saying, "You actually want to leave? Do you know what benefits my Sikong Family has offered you?"
"Honored elder of the Sikong Family, you elevate the young woman undeservedly. I am merely a commoner; it was through my ancestors’ accumulation of merits that I earned the Sikong Family Master’s help to save my life. How could I dare expect anything more? That would make me appear ungrateful, greedy, and lacking in manners, wouldn’t it?"
The fourth branch’s House Master was rendered speechless by these words.
For a moment, he was unsure what to say. This situation was entirely different from what he imagined. The other person understood etiquette and knew her place, unwilling to owe the Sikong Family further, fully aware of her standing.
If he had to rush to marry his son to her, what would he become? It would seem as though his son was undesirable, desperate to find a match. Yet, for well-known reasons, he couldn’t articulate them, leaving him truly frustrated.