In the Xiao family, if there was reverence for the old master Xiao Bin, then for the Elder Gong by the ancestor's side, the Xiao family only felt fear.
As long as they were in the Xiao family, who hadn't been reprimanded by Elder Gong? Who could evade his whip?
Even though he had disciplined everyone in the Xiao family, even though he was an outsider.
So what?
He was the old master's man.
No one dared to touch him, nor could they afford to.
It was only because he had been the one guarding for the Xiao family's old master, and he could only be the old master's man.
"What are you still dawdling here for? Waiting to die?"
His voice was a little hoarse, betraying his old age, but no one dared to question the power behind Elder Gong Chunqiu's words.
"Disperse!"
A hint of gloom flickered in Gong Chunqiu's eyes, his low voice echoing in everyone's ears.
"The Family Head, the Family Head is here."
"Family Head!"
Just as everyone was about to return to their places, Xiao Pingxing, the current head of the Xiao family, strode powerfully through the vermilion lacquered redwood Xiao family gateway.
Everyone cupped their fists in greeting, showing respect.
Only Gong Chunqiu stood with his hands behind his back, unmoved.
Xiao Pingxing first nodded to the crowd, then walked to face Gong Chunqiu.
Xiao Pingxing looked at Gong Chunqiu, his eyes as calm as a still pond.
His lips moved, uttering two words.
"Elder Gong."
Gong Chunqiu's ear twitched slightly, but he didn't look up. He merely tilted his head slightly, bringing his hands from behind his back to his front.
"Greetings, Family Head."
"Go back to your business." Xiao Pingxing smiled and waved his hand, his eyes never leaving Gong Chunqiu.
"Yiying, how is she?"
Everyone dispersed, but their ears remained in the front courtyard of the Xiao family.
"Family Head, rest assured. With the ancestor's intervention, the eldest grandson is naturally fine."
"It's good that Father has acted." Xiao Pingxing moved his feet and walked towards the backyard.
"I'll go see Yiying first. I'll discuss Dao with Elder Gong another day."
"This old man awaits the Family Head's guidance."
Only when Xiao Pingxing turned into the room and disappeared did Gong Chunqiu remain in his original posture of cupping his fists.
With a mere snort, his two gloomy old eyes suddenly opened, a sharp glint flashing within them.
"Family Head, Elder Gong is too..."
Xiao Pingxing's steps quickened, his breathing steady. The person following behind him finally couldn't help but speak, yet hesitated.
"Too what?"
Xiao Pingxing asked without turning his head.
"Arrogant and overbearing." Xiao Shiyan finally blurted out.
"For so many years, it's always been like this."
"Nonsense."
Xiao Pingxing's steps slowed by half, but only for a moment.
"I don't want to hear such words from your mouth again. At this point in time, are you still unclear?"
Hearing this, Xiao Shiyan's body trembled. He lowered his head in panic but dared not slow down.
"Family Head, Shiyan, I understand."
Xiao Pingxing let out a cold snort and said no more.
It was unclear who this cold snort was directed at.
When Xiao Shiyan looked up again, they had arrived outside the stone gate of the backyard.
"Father."
Xiao Pingxing called out, and an immediate response came from within the stone gate.
"Pingxing is here, come in."
Before Xiao Shiyan could step forward, the stone gate creaked open slowly.
"Father, Yiying, how is she?"
Reaching the courtyard and seeing Xiao Yiying lying on the stone platform, Xiao Pingxing couldn't help but feel a ripple of emotion.
"She's fine." Xiao Bin's voice was full of vigor, though he wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead.
"She'll recover in ten days to half a month. As for you, why are you back? I remember today was supposed to be the day for discussions with them."
"Father, the negotiations over there are almost complete. It's basically settled, please rest assured."
Xiao Pingxing said with a wry smile.
"I've returned because that young man Hongzhang insisted, saying he'd come back to champion our Xiao family's eldest grandson."
"Mm." Xiao Bin pondered and glanced at Xiao Pingxing.
"I'm afraid it's not as simple as you say."
"Indeed."
Xiao Pingxing didn't hide anything and nodded with a bitter smile.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Bin's breathing grew heavier.
"Young Hongzhang is good in every aspect, except for this one point. How could close kin turn against each other?"