Protect Our Clan Leader

Chapter 535: Chapter 30: Storm is Coming! Wealth Moves Hearts_4

Qian Xuerui didn’t sit down, so naturally, no one else found it appropriate to sit either. They could only stand and listen to him.

The atmosphere in the main hall suddenly became awkward, and even Qian Xuean’s expression faltered briefly.

He had expected that Qian Xuerui had ill intentions, but he did not anticipate that he wouldn’t even bother with any pretense. His words appeared polite, but they were a public blow to Qian Xuean’s dignity, a clear indication that he had no intention of saving his face.

Qian Xuean’s face turned dark, realizing that Qian Xuerui was not going to be diplomatic anymore, and decided to confront him directly instead.

Sure enough, with a serious face, Qian Xuerui continued speaking, “I’ve been in the Southern Six Guards for a while now. During this time, I’ve come to understand a bit about the situation here, and I’m quite disappointed~”

With a cold expression, Qian Xuean said, “Master Xuerui, if you have something to say, just say it.”

… Qian Xuerui sneered, “Qian Family has been in partnership with the Marriage Alliance Group of the Changning Wang Clan for more than twenty years. In terms of power, connections, and distribution channels, the Qian Family maintained an absolute advantage. However, the Wang family and others have taken most of the profits, which has allowed the Wang clan to rise from Rank 9 to 7th Rank. Brother, don’t you have something to explain?”

The moment these words came out, silence enveloped the room. The shopkeepers all lowered their heads and didn’t even dare to breathe loudly.

Suppressing his anger, Qian Xuean retorted, “Master Xuerui, you jest. The rise of the Changning Wang Clan to the 7th Rank is not thanks to me. Moreover, this generation of the Changning Wang clan is filled with talented individuals, highly valued in the Academic Palace. In fact, our Qian Family’s partnership with the Changning Wang Clan has benefitted us more.”

Qian Xuerui seemed to have anticipated this response and laughed lightly, “The relationship between the Changning Wang Clan and the Academic Palace might be close, but isn’t our Qian Family’s relationship with the Academic Palace just as strong, if not better? After all, the Qian Family has collaborated with the Academic Palace for over a thousand years. As for who benefits more, heh, without collaboration with the Qian Family, does the insignificant Changning Wang Clan even dream of selling its goods in every corner of Longzuo?”

“The rise of the Changning Wang Clan is all thanks to the protection of our Qian Family.”

After a brief pause, his demeanor turned solemn, and his voice dropped, “Moreover, the family is currently prospering and looking to cultivate our second Purple Abode Master, so our need for resources is greater than ever. Don’t you know this? At a time like this, instead of seeking more benefits for the family, you’re protecting others. Have you lost all reason?”

“You!”

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The accusation left Qian Xuean fuming, his face turning grim. This ignorant youngster dared to spout such nonsense here.

He wanted to argue, but Qian Xuerui elevated the issue to the level of the family. No matter how many reasons he had, none could stand against the phrase ‘for the sake of the family’.

Rather than arguing, he decided to drop the matter, flung his sleeves, and coldly said, “Whether I’m wrong or not is beside the point. I want to ask you, Xuerui, in what capacity are you questioning me? Even if you are of the direct line, you have neither power nor position. What qualifies you to judge me, to question me?”

Qian Xuerui seemed to have anticipated this, and he pulled an object from his storage ring, revealing it to everyone, “Elder Brother Xuean, do you know what this is?”

The light from the Fluorescent Stone Spirit Lamp was bright and gentle, clearly reflecting the object in his hand. It was a token made of thousand-year-old spiritual oak wood, engraved around the edges, with the word “Order” in the middle.

“The Patriarch’s Order?!”

The people present were shocked, quickly lowering their heads and bowing deeply towards the symbol.

Qian Xuean’s face instantly turned pale.

The “Patriarch’s Order” is a unique token of the Qian Family’s Patriarch and holding it means being able to perform some of the duties of the Patriarch.

Theoretically, with the Patriarch’s Order in hand, one can make decisions on their own. Unless there’s a compelling reason, even the Elder Council wouldn’t dare to disrespect the Patriarch.

Seeing everyone’s reactions, Qian Xuerui was satisfied. He nodded slightly, “Before coming here, the Patriarch gave me this and instructed me to act as I see fit. So, with the accusation of neglecting the family’s interest, I hereby remove Qian Xuean from his position as Store Manager. Does anyone have objections?”

The people present were all junior shopkeepers, without any courage to oppose the Patriarch’s Order.

Immediately, they all bowed down and said, “We will abide by Master Xuerui’s decision.”

Seeing this, Qian Xuean knew that it was too late to fight back now, and doing so would be useless.

Since Master Xuerui has gone so far as to pull out the ‘Patriarch’s Order’, how dare I object?” He glared at Qian Xuerui through a forced smile, “Since I’m no longer the Store Manager, I won’t be a hindrance any longer to Master Xuerui. I’ll take my leave.”

After saying so, he bowed to Qian Xuerui, turned around, and left the room.

Before he left, he felt a mixture of sadness, rage, and regret. He and Wang Shouzhe had been close for many years and he knew that Shouzhe was a man of great integrity. But if angered, he was not one to back down.

What on earth was the usually rational patriarch thinking, allowing this impudent young Qian Xuerui to create chaos and steal his peach?

What a foolish move!

Now, the Qian family is in big trouble. Qian Xuerui, you’ve really caused a mess this time.

But it is what it is. With the direction the Qian Family is heading, riding on the success of the Wang family, their pure profits had greatly increased. Sooner or later, someone was going to covet this fat piece of meat.

If it’s not Qian Xuerui today, it might be someone even more ruthless tomorrow.

Only when Shouzhe gives you a good beating will you all realize who is the one reaping the benefits. By then, you will truly appreciate my capabilities, Qian Xuean.

With this realization, Qian Xuean felt a strange sense of calm.

…