novelraw Chapter 457: So she has to deal with a hidden political big boss?
Chapter 457: So she has to deal with a hidden political big boss?
Delphine’s face flashed with a trace of astonishment. It was only after hearing Desmond Wood carefully recount these unknown matters that she realized—there truly existed families whose ancestors basked in excessive glory, ultimately choosing to retreat and live in seclusion.
The ancestors had risen to the position of Grand Secretary, nurturing three thousand disciples under their wing. In an era where officials were selected through imperial exams, such power and influence were unparalleled. These dense network-like connections were passed down generation after generation, resembling a formidable giant. Even though in recent generations the family members suffered heavy losses during wartime, the deep-rooted foundation inherited across time was something neither ordinary noble families nor nouveau riche could compare to.
"Although the family has chosen seclusion, the saying ’a starved camel is still bigger than a horse’ holds true. Our influence is still significant and cannot be underestimated, albeit too low-profile for outsiders to notice. However, by Aunt Soft’s generation, the family had regained stability and prosperity. Many young people yearn for life outside the family, sparking immense internal conflict. One faction advocates for tradition, while the other pushes for change. For over twenty years, an undercurrent of division has steadily grown. Nowadays, the conservatives remain in the Ancestral Temple Hall living secluded lives, while the progressives actively pursue paths in various industries, thriving in the political, business, and military arenas."
Delphine frowned and spoke softly, "Since it’s a legacy-based family, the clan laws must be strict. How can it still break apart? Isn’t there someone in charge?"
Desmond Wood finally gave her an approving look and replied, "Actually, the family split is closely tied to Aunt Soft’s departure from home. The clan leader’s token of authority is the Yellow Jade Seal, engraved with the phrase ’All Under Heaven Are Equal.’ For major decisions concerning the clan, the seal is a required proof of legitimacy. Without the clan leader’s token of authority, fragmentation inevitably ensued over time. Aunt Soft was originally the candidate to become the clan leader. If she hadn’t left back then, she would likely have become the clan leader of our generation."
Delphine was speechless. She took out the Yellow Jade Seal she always wore and examined the ancient seal script carved on it. She asked, "Isn’t this seal part of a pair? Doesn’t the other half lack real function?"
Finnian shook his baby-faced head and said, "This seal was originally carved from an ancient yellow jade from Huang Tian. Back then, the ancestors accidentally caused a fine crack in it, and later they decided to refine the jade and sculpt it into two pieces. When Aunt Soft left, she gave the other half to your maternal aunt. Your aunt has a gentle disposition, but her son grew up to be an ardent progressive. So, to put it bluntly, the other half of the seal is in the hands of the progressives. However, they are not part of the direct lineage of clan leaders, and many family members refuse to accept it. Over the years, things have grown increasingly chaotic. Only you, as the rightful heir, can claim the other half of the Yellow Jade Seal and put an end to this division within the family."
This was precisely why, for so many years, the progressives managed to trample all over the faces of the conservatives, causing even Finnian, a Law Enforcer, to endure plenty of grievances along the way.
Desmond Wood looked at her with eager anticipation, his eyes glowing brightly.
Delphine was dumbfounded, unsure of what to say. So, she had a particularly troublesome cousin from her maternal aunt’s side? And he was a progressive?
"Although you didn’t grow up within the family and may not understand the sentiments of us conservatives, you absolutely cannot align yourself with the progressives. Do you understand?" Finnian ground his teeth with an implicit threat, completely forgetting the drooling awe he displayed upon first arriving in Southeast Asia, captivated by its dazzling opulence.
Delphine: "..."
"So, what’s the name of this maternal aunt’s cousin? What does he do now?" Delphine asked with a slight headache.
Desmond Wood’s baby face flashed a suspicious expression, and he coughed lightly before vaguely answering, "His name is Finnian. Nowadays, well, he’s stirring things up in the Imperial City."
Seeing the intense gazes from both father and daughter, Desmond Wood’s face darkened as he said, "He’s the most cunning and duplicitous figure in Imperial City politics. Last year, he was even named the Political Person of the Year."
Looking at Desmond Wood’s hesitant demeanor, Delphine felt her heart sink. So now she had to deal with a hidden political boss?