Chapter 931 - Pregnant
Although he had many questions, Yang Chen maintained his silence as he did not want to come across as a quidnunc.
Once the meal began, Guo Xuehua handed the bottle of Hua Diao to Lin Ruoxi and asked her to pour out a glass for everyone in attendance.
Lin Ruoxi was surprised at this but quickly complied when she was reminded of her current position. It wasn't something she was used to right now.
Yang Chen chuckled. "Dear, I believe this is your first time pouring wine for me."
Lin Ruoxi puffed her cheeks at his attitude.
Yang Gongming watched their interaction and said while smiling, "I heard that both of you were planning to hold a wedding?"
Yang Chen, who was busy going to town on a drumstick, looked up and replied, "Old man, I spent a lot of money on this wedding. I was hoping that you would sponsor part of it."
"Not beating around the bush I see." Yang Gongming took a sip of his wine.
Lin Ruoxi kicked Yang Chen's calf under the table. Why couldn't he be serious for once in his life? Out of all the people seated around this table, he was the last one whom anyone would assume to run out of money.
She would've financed the wedding if it weren't for the fact that a bride financing her own wedding was unheard of.
Yang Chen was continued unaffected. "We're family. I don't mind taking a cut of the family heirlooms if you don't have the cash."
Yang Gongming ignored his words. "Follow me to the ancestral shrine after this. Pay respect to your ancestors and in the afternoon I have some important clan leaders waiting to meet you. Gain their approval and the money is yours.."
"That easy? Once I get their approval, everything belongs to me?" Yang Chen jokingly said.
Yang Gongming gave him a pointed look. "Well, of course, it would only happen after I'm dead. Can't have you simply ruining decades worth of work overnight."
Yang Chen gnawed at his chicken and said, "I knew you wouldn't be so nice you old fox."
"I know what you're after. But it doesn't matter. Desire is part of being human." Yang Gongming sighed. "But there are still rules. I don't care how you chose to walk your path, only where and what you end up with."
Yang Chen hummed in response. "This is all quite deep. Aren't you afraid that it is going to be a little too heavy for your granddaughter-in-law here?"
Having said so, Yang Chen puckered his lips toward Lin Ruoxi.
Lin Ruoxi was actually daydreaming as she couldn't follow their conversation.
Yang Chen's teasing provoked her, which made her lay a punch on his face!
Yang Chen didn't bother to hide and let her hit him while smiling. He even stuffed his half-eaten drumstick into her mouth.
"Yuck! Disgusting!"
Lin Ruoxi couldn't stand it and hurriedly ran to where Guo Xuehua was seated, glaring at him all the time.
Yan Sanniang giggled. "Master, they seem to be in a lovey-dovey relationship."
Yang Gongming nodded his head in agreement. "I suppose."
Guo Xuehua's lips twitched when she overheard their conversation.
For the rest of the meal, Yang Gongming took to asking them about their lives, most of which were trivial matters. Lin Ruoxi happily answered his questions while Yang Chen continued to feast on the food.
When they were just about done, Yang Gongming waved his hands at a maid.
The maid nodded her head and after a few minutes, she carried a bowl of noodles and placed it in front of Guo Xuehua.
Guo Xuehua was startled at first, but she was soon reminded of its purpose.
"Xuehua, today's your birthday. You have aged and are not the kid you once were anymore. And so, I have prepared a bowl of noodles for you. Treat it as a blessing from me," Yang Gongming said warmly.
Guo Xuehua was touched. "Father, I didn't think you would remember. I haven't celebrated in years."
"You are never home, that's why." Yang Gongming feigned anger.
Guo Xuehua smiled, feeling embarrassed.
For a family of an upper-class status, a woman's influence was significantly weaker as there were stricter rules and regulations when it came to their actions.
Guo Xuehua was very grateful that Yang Gongming remembered her birthday and even prepared noodles for her. It was a generous gift seeing that she did not contribute much as a daughter-in-law
Lin Ruoxi felt a bit nervous when she saw this. Yang Chen's choice of gift didn't seem appropriate at all. Should she still present it?
Before she could change her mind, Yang Chen had already spoken up. "Mom, happy birthday. Ruoxi told me it's your birthday and she even got you a gift."
Guo Xuehua brightened up and looked at Lin Ruoxi with gratitude. "That's thoughtful of you. I bet Yang Chen didn't even know. You didn't have to buy anything, it's the thought that counts. I am not really in need of anything anyways."
"Mom...happy birthday, the gift...gift..." Lin Ruoxi hesitated and stood up immediately. "I'll bring the gift over, it's in our luggage."
After Lin Ruoxi ran off to get the gift, Guo Xuehua looked at Yang Chen in confusion. "Did you pull something on her? Why is she acting weird?"
Yang Chen kept a straight face. "I'm not that kind of person. Besides, I wouldn't dare. Can't risk anything happening so close to my wedding date."
Yang Gongming cut him off. "Yeah, it's good for you to have a good understanding of your own position."
Soon, Lin Ruoxi returned carrying a gift box and passed it into Guo Xuehua's arms.
"Mom, we bought this in a hurry, so I don't know if you'll like it. If you don't I'll have another one sent to you," Lin Ruoxi said earnestly.
Buying a gift for your mother-in-law required the utmost amount of perfection and Lin Ruoxi was no slouch when it came to perfection.
Guo Xuehua was curious to see what was inside so she stood up and opened the box immediately.
The moment she saw the gift, her facial expression changed into an unreadable one.
Yang Gongming and Yan Sanniang wanted to laugh while Lin Ruoxi, on the other hand, was red from head to toe.
It was a clay doll resting atop a porcelain cushion.
It was particularly eye-catching due to its colors but the thing that made it hilarious was the fact that it was shaped like a beer bottle.
Guo Xuehua tried to stifle a laugh. "This doll looks like its pregnant. Ruoxi, I think it's better for you to keep it."
It made Lin Ruoxi blushed a deeper shade of red. She then turned her head to glare at Yang Chen. This was his idea.
"I think it looks nice. Why don't you keep it, Madame?" Yan Sanniang giggled.
Yang Gongming asked Yang Chen, "Why don't you explain why you chose this gift?"
Yang Chen was just about to enjoy some pig's feet when he heard the question. He made a face and said reluctantly, "Is it really worth pointing out?"
"Yes!" Guo Xuehua was excited. "It's my birthday and you gave me a pregnant doll. Is it possible that you want another younger sibling?"
Yang Chen cringed when he heard that. "Alright alright, I'll tell you. You're making me cringe so hard."
Everyone couldn't help but laugh. Even the maids standing by the side were having their own laugh
Yang Chen wiped his mouth and pointed to the doll. "This doll is called the Matryoshka doll from Russia. There's a trick to it."
"Trick?"
"That's right." Yang Chen moved closer and picked up the doll from the cushion.
Everyone else was shocked to see another identical doll underneath it.
Lin Ruoxi got curious and picked up the doll again. There was another slightly smaller doll underneath it!
Everyone understood it now.
Guo Xuehua picked up another two dolls and realized that there was a total of five dolls altogether!
"That's interesting, one doll in another." Yang Gongming commented.
"I believe there is a meaning to it?" Yan Sanniang asked.
Yang Chen nodded and smiled. "The meaning of Matryoshka in Russian means 'Mom's doll'. The layers represent a mother nesting her child..."
This time, the atmosphere was silent.
Guo Xuehua's eyes were red and moist. She looked at Yang Chen gratefully and kept the doll back into the box.
"Alright, I'll keep the gift. But don't buy me something like this again. It's going to make me cry." Guo Xuehua chided.
Lin Ruoxi was relieved to see the outcome. She glared at Yang Chen for hiding the truth from her, even though he knew the meaning behind the doll.
It might be their first meal together as a whole family, but things went pretty well nevertheless.
After the meal, Guo Xuehua brought Lin Ruoxi into her room with a suggestive smile.
Whereas Yang Chen followed Yang Gongming into the ancestral shrine to pay his respects. There really was nothing to it but it was a little embarrassing for someone to see him bow his head.
When they got out of the shrine, Yan Sanniang walked up to them and said, "Master, the clan leaders are already at the hall and are waiting to meet Young Master Chen."
"Oh, they're on time." Yang Gongming smiled.
"But..." Yan Sanniang was slightly worried. "The other neutral clans are here too. Along with our opposition."
Yang Gongming squinted his eyes and snorted. "Is that so?"
After saying that, Yang Gongming turned to face Yang Chen. "I get tired easily so I'm going to take a nap. Tend to them will you?"
Yang Chen could feel that something bad was about to happen, judging from what Yan Sanniang had said. Someone was here for trouble
But it wasn't like Yang Chen was afraid of trouble. He asked nonchalantly, "What if someone died?"
Yang Gongming cackled and his eyes glinted. "People die every day. The real million-dollar question is, who died?"
"I see. Yang Chen snapped his fingers and nodded, "Granny Yan, lead the way."
Chapter 932 - Get Down To Business
The hall was packed with people anticipating Yang Chen's arrival.
All of them held different facial expressions as they greeted one another.
On the surface, they might seem friendly enough. But underneath the plastic smiles and warm handshakes were very different thoughts altogether.
They each grabbed their respective seats and the maids began to serve them tea.
The left side of the hall was occupied by the clan, political and military leaders, whereas the right side of the hall was occupied by those who were neutral to the Yang clan.
Amongst the people on the right were representatives of the other clans and military leaders who were not under the command of the Yang clan.
Their assistants and guards stood behind them with a stoic expression.
They chatted casually among themselves to lighten the atmosphere as they waited for Yang Chen's arrival.
"Vice Minister Liu. Your attendance was quite unexpected. You must really value the Young Master." A chubby bald man chuckled.
Opposite him was a slender and tall soldier, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Defense, Liu Bingxun. He blew on his tea and looked towards the man with a fake smile. "He's the grandson of Master Yang. He has been the highlight of several stories recently. I've been looking forward to meeting him."
"Oh ya, Vice Minister Liu, I've heard from others that the businessman whom Ministry of Defense caught, was actually captured by the Young Master." A bearded man inquired curiously.
Liu Bingxun nodded his head. "That's right. I am here to express my gratitude."
"I suppose so. I also heard that he was one of the Young Master's father-in-law." The man snickered.
People began to question amongst themselves. "One of his fathers-in-law? How so?"
The bearded man answered nonchalantly, "Haven't you heard? I've heard stories he's got enough lovers to form a football team."
Most of them were aware of this but laughed along anyway.
"Looks like he's really different from Commander Yang Pojun. I suppose it was to be expected seeing as he had been missing for more than twenty years."
"I wonder what Master Yang thinks of this, that the Yang clan has such a 'wonderful' descendant..."
Those who weren't part of the Yang clan snickered alongside the military leaders who were foes of Yang clan.
Whereas the clan leaders face darkened, including Liu Bingxun, the Vice Minister of Ministry of Defense.
At this time, a few servants walked up to them.
They brought along with them camera equipment and tripod stands, positioning them by the door.
The bald man stood up to yell, "What are you doing?! Who gave you permission to film us?"
The servants answered awkwardly, "Minister Chen, our Young Master ordered us to do so."
The bald man frowned. "Young Master? You mean Yang Chen? Where is he? Why isn't he out yet?"
Around this time, a lazy voice rang out from behind the hall.
"Eh, you've never met me and yet you are dying to see me. Is there a closet you have yet to come out of?"
Yang Chen walked forward with a huge innocent grin on his face, accompanied by Yan Sanniang.
He then sat on Yang Gongming's usual seat.
The atmosphere suddenly became quiet and the clan leaders stared at him curiously, confused at the same time.
On the other hand, Minister Chen and those on his side frowned in displeasure.
"You...you are the eldest grandson of Master Yang, Yang Chen?". "Why are you the only one here? We're here to pay Master Yang a visit." Minister Chen was not happy.
Yang Chen was confused. "Pay him a visit? Are you hoping for him to fall sick?"
"What nonsense are you sprouting! Minister Chen doesn't mean that." A soldier raised his voice at Yang Chen.
Yang Chen smiled. "I knew it. Why are you guys here to visit him if he isn't sick? Are you hoping for him to fall sick? Do you guys hate him or something?"
"You...you are twisting my words!" Minister Chen yelled. "We have nothing but the highest respect for Master Yang. Where's your respect for him? You're already sitting in his chair despite having been missing for over twenty years!"
Yang Chen frowned and asked, "Why can't I sit here?"
"Hmph, the four clans are the foundation of Beijing and the whole of China, and you have only made your presence known for the lesser part of two years. Do not assume that you can do as you please here in Beijing." Minister Chen lifted his chin cockily.
"That's right, why isn't Master Yang here to meet us? Is Yang clan looking down on us? We might not be as powerful but that is no reason to look down on us." The bearded man agreed with him.
Yang Chen grinned and turned to ask Yan Sanniang, "Granny Yan, who are they?"
Yan Sanniang slowly informed him. "Young Master Chen, this is Minister Chen from the Ministry of Public Administration. Mr Zhao, secretary of the CPPCC. And the rest of them are..."
"That's enough." Yang Chen smiled. "I know enough to assume that they aren't random strangers but only public servants."
Minister Chen and Mr Zhao were shocked at first but soon turned crimson out of anger immediately. How were they even remotely close to random strangers?!
On the other hand, Liu Bingxun and the clan leaders were secretly enjoying the situation.
Liu Bingxun got up and said, "Young Master, I'm the Vice Minister of Ministry of Defense, Liu Bingxun. I would like to thank you for your help with the criminal you caught."
Yang Chen waved his hands. "You guys are on my side, right?"
His question was so direct and straightforward. He didn't even bother to sugarcoat it which shocked everyone.
They were all so used to beating around the bush. Yang Chen had done the complete opposite where he went ahead and asked them to choose their sides.
Liu Bingxun exchanged looks with others. They were not expecting this.
Finally, an elderly walked up to him and smiled. "Young Master, we are indebted to Master Yang."
Yang Chen tried to stifle his laughter. They were really good at beating around the bush. But it didn't matter as long as they chose their sides.
After that, he turned around to face Minister Chen. "I'm a simple person. I simply cannot stand beating around the bush. Are you here to befriend me or cause trouble?"
"Young Master, I think you've been influenced too heavily by movies." Mr Zhao snickered. "What makes you think we have come here to form factions? We're here to confirm if the eldest grandson of the Yang clan lives up to the rumours we have heard. Whether or not he has a messy personal life and personality."
Yang Chen snickered. "Can I assume that you have your answer?"
"Of course we do." Minister Chen snorted. "Young Master, may I ask if you have any relations with the criminal's daughter? The very same one who was captured for treason?"
Yang Chen raised his eyebrows. "You must have done your research, judging from the way you asked this question. That's right, An Xin is my lover."
"Alright, that's the first question." Minister Chen continued to ask, "From what I know, you don't have a good relationship with Commander Yang Pojun and General Yang Lie, am I right?"
Yang Chen snorted. "That's true. But I have no relations with them. Do you guys know where Yang Lie is? I've been wanting to kill him."
"What a malicious child!"
One of the men from the opposing side stood up and lectured him. "You don't deserve to be in the Yang clan! Your personal life is a mess and you're related to a criminal. You're not even on good terms with your own father and brother! Not to mention the fact that you are out for his blood!"
"He's right. You might be the descendant of Yang clan but you're a disgrace to the family and don't deserve to be here!" Someone else agreed with him.
Mr Zhao said, "I think we have to invite Master Yang out. I strongly believe that he was sent by other countries to destroy China. We simply cannot hand the Yang Clan over to him."
They all agreed to him and continued to condemn Yang Chen.
Those who were on Yang Chen's side felt sorry for him. It wasn't supposed to be like this.
Although it was normal for a clan member to have more than one lover or be enemies with their brothers, admitting it publicly was pretty much taboo.
Any misfortune that occurred would not be easily settled as it was a battle of politics, power, and fame.
Yang Chen might have great capabilities but it didn't mean that he was going to be a great clan leader.
Yang Chen watched them speak with a calm expression. He waited until they were red in the face before he made his move. Yang Chen dug his ears and grinned, "Are you guys done talking?"
The people in attendance had no idea what Yang Chen was planning.
"If you're done, let's get down to business." Yang Chen smirked and walked towards Minister Chen who was the nearest to him.
Chapter 933 - I Am Not Threatening You
"What? Are you going to attack me?" Minister Chen puffed his chest and snorted in disdain. "Young Master, we might be in the Yang clan's mansion but we are still in Beijing."
"Oh? Is that so?" Yang Chen was unfazed by it.
Minister Chen lifted his head cockily. "In Beijing, we have our own set of rules you have to follow. Even if you belong to the four clans, you still have to mind your actions. I know of your abilities. But if you dare hit me, you're breaking the law! You may be strong, can you challenge a whole nation head-on?! Would Master Yang allow this?!"
Yang Chen seemed to have understood him. "When you put it like that, it makes sense."
"Hmph, how about that? Are you scared now?" Minister Chen snickered. "You're just a disrespectful child. We're here to meet Master Yang, so why don't you step aside? Your return to the Yang clan is not final yet. We won't allow someone like you to inherit the clan."
The opposing side nodded along and looked at Yang Chen with a teasing smile.
Yang Chen beamed.
"Are you married? Do you have children?"
Yang Chen suddenly asked.
Minister Chen was curious to know where his line of questioning was headed. "Why are you asking me this?"
"Oh, if you do, I'll capture them and bring them over here. Then I'll kill them in front of you." Yang Chen grinned.
The crowd went dead silence and they stared at Yang Chen.
Yan Sanniang smiled through her eyes and watched from the back.
"What kind of a joke is this! Are you threatening me?!"
"I'm not." Yang Chen spread his hands and feigned innocence. "I plan to kill your family members in front of you and then kill you when it is all over. Sound good to you?"
Minister Chen was furious at his claims. "I don't have the time to play games with you. I'm not some three-year-old kid who...ARGHH!"
He screamed in agony before he could finish his sentence!
To everyone's horror, Yang Chen had kicked one of his calves!
He fell to the ground clutching his leg!
Minister Chen almost fainted from the pain but his adrenaline was keeping him awake.
Yang Chen stepped on his head. He was sweating profusely and his face started glistening with oil, causing dust to stick into it.
"I don't joke around. Especially with my enemies," Yang Chen looked down on him and said coldly.
"Minister!"
His guards exclaimed and rushed forward to attack him!
Yang Chen didn't even glance at them and just threw Minister Chen's body towards them!
BANG!
His body hit them and tumbled over a couple of wooden chairs.
Everything was a mess!
Mr Zhao, who was standing at the front, had already hid himself behind everyone and looked at Yang Chen while trembling.
Everyone was shocked at this. No one expected Yang Chen to outright attack him without warning!
"You...do you know what you're doing?! You dare hit a committee member?!" The General stood up and reprimanded him.
Yang Chen grinned. "I remember you, your surname is Lu right..."
"So what?!"
"Could you be related to Lu Min?" Yang Chen walked up to him slowly.
Previously because of Li Moshen, the Lu clan didn't dare fight back. They also knew Yang Chen was not the one who killed Lu Min so they were less reluctant to back off.
However, this didn't mean that they were willing to let it go.
General Lu's face was flushed with anger. "So what if I am? Do whatever you want. You'll only end up with more powerful enemies than you can handle!"
Liu Bingxun couldn't bear to watch anymore. He stood up and tried to console Yang Chen. "Young Master, let's try and talk things through. Fighting isn't a good way to solve problems."
The clan leaders chimed in too.
Yang Chen turned around and gave them a gentle smile. "There's no need for this. How can I solve a problem which didn't exist in the first place?"
"This..." Liu Bingxun was getting anxious.
Yang Chen said nonchalantly, "I don't care about the laws of the country. Morals and ethics do not guide me. If you support me, I will graciously invite you for dinner. And for those who do not, they will not walk out of this hall ever again. They will not grace the sunlight ever again. Their families would be erased from existence to prevent any future disputes. You claim that I would face more trouble than I can handle by killing you here. Let's put it to the test, shall we? Die so we can conduct my experiment."
While saying that, he strolled towards General Lu and stared at him with a wicked smile. "I'll start with you. Say, do you support me? Or do you want your whole family dead?"
Yang Chen was emitting murderous intent throughout the room. Some of the weaker men were starting to lose strength in their legs.
General Lu's face was twisted with anger. His eyes widened as he yelled at Yang Chen. "Don't bother threatening me. I'm not afraid of you! You're just a dog that they picked up off the streets! Keep dreaming if you think you are inheriting the Yang clan..."
He couldn't finish his sentence because Yang Chen was already gripping his throat!
"Gah...cough..."
General Lu's eyes widened in fear. He didn't think Yang Chen was going to carry out his promises for real!
"I'm only asking if you support me or if you want your family dead. Stop spewing your nonsense."
CRACK!
With a crack, his neck broke and he was gone forever!
Yang Chen threw his body toward the guards who seemed to have lost their souls.
"Keep that, I only kill people. You can't expect me to be in charge of clean up as well."
"Ah!"
Few members of the opposing side were already screaming with a ghastly pale face.
Even the supporters had lost the ability to talk for a moment as they stared with their mouths agape.
Minister Chen's face was deadly pale as he lay still on the floor.
None of the guards wanted to make a move. They were balancing on a thread as it was!
Yang Chen moved in front of Mr Zhao. He chuckled when he saw how hard his beard was trembling. "How about you? Do you support me?"
Mr. Zhao said shakily with a croaky voice, "I...of course...of course I support...I support the Young Master!"
Yang Chen patted his shoulders in 'relief'. "Say it once more for the camera."
"Ah?"
Mr Zhao didn't understand what he meant by that.
Yang Chen pointed at the camera and said, "I must capture you shaking hands with me and pledging your support. I have to keep that as a memory so that I can remember you clearly. Unless you weren't being sincere?"
Mr Zhao was filled with regret. He wasn't expecting a camera to be in play.
It wasn't an ordinary threat!
If he held hands with Yang Chen and said that he supported Yang Chen, everyone would believe that he really supported Yang Chen!
Besides, in a world where technology was so advanced, the video would be in the hands of every influential leader by tomorrow!
Mr. Zhao had no choice but to strain a smile and comply. He walked to the camera and shook Yang Chen's hands while complimenting him. "I'll do my best to make Young Master Yang Chen as the next heir to Yang clan!"
Yang Chen expresses his gratitude towards him too.
After Mr Zhao was done talking, Yang Chen tossed him aside and walked from the next person. He asked the same question, "Do you support me? Or do you want your family dead?"
No one dared to defy him. Because even if their intentions were not real, they would not risk losing their lives right here!
They were to make sure that even if Yang Chen wanted to return to Yang clan, he still had to abide to the rules.
They didn't expect him to be like this. His brain was completely messed up!
Compared to their suffering, Liu Bingxun and others thought Yang Chen only knew how to act rashly. They didn't expect him to be able to control the situation even after being so violent!
Yan Sanniang nodded her head in approval. Her eyes soften in relief and she decided to leave the hall quietly.
But just before she could walk to the backyard, she frowned and turned around to face the main door abruptly, her eyes filled with worry.
Yang Chen who was acting with a public servant also sensed something. He took a quick glance at the door before continuing his act.
Soon, footsteps could be heard from outside the door. They could tell that a huge group of people were walking toward the hall.
As the got nearer, everyone else looked over instinctively and were shocked to see the view in front of them.
Yang Chen's supporters became worried whereas the opponents became hopeful.
It wasn't autumn yet and the air was still hot, so the troop of soldiers was dressed in light military outfits.
At the front of the group, was Yang Pojun!
He brought his troops and walked towards the hall.
When he saw Yang Chen and the messy environment, he frowned and his eyes were immediately filled with anger and dissatisfaction.
He was glaring beams of anger into the side of Yang Chen's head!
"Commander Yang Pojun?!"
One of the opponents yelped in surprise. Never had they been so glad to see their opponent show up in front of them.
Chapter 934 - Still Want To Seek Help
"Commander Yang, save me! He's gone insane!"
Someone from the crowd yelled out to Yang Pojun hoping that he would be able to escape his untimely death!
Yang Pojun looked at General Lu's lifeless body and Minister Chen's broken legs and frowned. If he wasn't already angry, he definitely was now.
"What do you think you are doing?! This is the Yang clan. Who gave you the right to act like this?!"
The crowd fell silent immediately.
Liu Bingxun's expression changed and he walked up with a smile. "Commander, why are you back so suddenly?"
Yang Pojun smiled when he saw Liu Bingxun. "Long time no see, Minister Liu. Things have quieted down temporarily so I have returned home for the time being. I heard that there was something big going on back home so I decided to return immediately. I guess I was right to do so."
He shot cold glares at Yang Chen after finishing his sentence.
"Commander, please don't be hasty. Everything here happened for a reason." Liu Bingxun stood by Yang Chen's side.
To him, both the neutral and opposing parties were scum. They had more in common with trash than they did with peasants. For Yang Chen to kill them right here was an unexpected event but appreciated all the same. After all, it was one less person for him to deal with.
So, of course, he had back Yang Chen up.
"Reason?" Yang Pojun snickered. "This young bastard here thinks he is the greatest. What gives him the confidence to believe that he would inherit the Yang Clan the moment he set foot in this room?"
Yang Chen ignored Yang Pojun as if falling temporarily deaf.
He continued to stand in front of the camera and shake the hands of the men before him. He grinned and said, "Sir, I believe you have not yet made your decision."
The public servant opened his mouth and looked at Yang Chen with eyes filled with fear. He averted his gaze towards Yang Pojun and said timidly, "Commander Yang, you see..."
Yang Pojun was beyond livid with the situation. "Let go of Minister Jin! How dare you carry out these disgusting practices within these walls. I shan't be held liable for my actions if you continue to act like this!"
The atmosphere became so thick you could slice it with a knife.
Yan Sanniang stood at the corner as she looked at them expectantly.
Suddenly, murderous intent flooded the room and began to saturate the air even more!
It was as though Yang Chen was being engulfed in darkness.
"Cruel?"
He grinned. "You mean like this?"
"Ah!"
The shriek came from Minister Jin who was now in Yang Chen's hands!
They could see how Yang Chen's hands tightened causing Minister Jin's palm to twist under the force! It became nothing more than a pile of useless flesh!
"How dare you! Minister Jin!"
Yang Pojun's eyes turned bloodshot. "What are you doing?!"
Yang Chen snickered and looked at Minister Jin with an icy stare. "I won't kill you if you submit yourself to me. If you try to seek help from that man, I'll break your neck. If he pleads for your sake... I'll still break your neck."
He then dropped Minister Jin and said to the rest of the room, "The same goes for the rest of you. Join me or face the consequences."
The overwhelming pressure was making it hard for them to breathe.
Even Yang Pojun's troops trembled inside.
As for the retired soldiers of the Yang clan, they were full of admiration with slight hints of fear and shock.
They had only felt this kind of pressure from Yang Gongming before. Never had they seen Yang Pojun or Yang Lie exert this kind of dominance.
No wonder Marshal allowed him to come back. They realized that all this was to ensure that Yang Chen would be the next Master of the Yang Clan.
Although things seemed to be at peace, for now, war was raging at the borders of China every day. The media was oblivious so the people were too.
They were indifferent to the lives of these ministers who only knew how to fend for themselves. In fact, their deaths mean fewer corrupt people stealing from the country.
Therefore, they really admired how bold Yang Chen was and the way he finished them off.
Yang Pojun breathed in and took a gun from his soldier. He pointed it right at Yang Chen. "Don't panic everyone. Let me handle the situation. You bastard! Get out of here!"
Yang Chen snorted. "A gun? Bullets? And what makes you think it would work this time, hm?"
After saying that, he lifted his knee and it collided with a body!
CRACK!
The sound of bones cracking rang throughout the hall. Minister Jin's body caved in and curled up into a fetal-like position!
"Pfft!"
He coughed out some blood and died not knowing what hit him!
His organs were beyond damaged that not even a god could save him now.
Yang Chen kicked the body to Minister Jin's assistant. "I've said it before and I'll say it again. I don't like hearing opposition. He was the first to suffer the consequences. Will he be the last?"
Everyone felt a chill run down their spines!
Those who were opposing Yang Chen felt as though they were lambs for the slaughter. Every breath they took could be their last!
Yang Pojun stood frozen at the same spot with the gun in his hands. There was nothing he could do to diffuse the situation.
He knew full well that bullets were useless against the monster before him.
He had tried and failed with it before.
Yang Chen ignored the gun and asked with a wicked smile, "Who's next to walk through the gates of hell? Step forward now. If not, line up and shake hands with me..."
The moment he ended his sentence, all of them dashed forward and smiled eagerly at him.
EvenMinister Chen had his assistant hold him so that he could move next to Yang Chen.
"Young Master, we fully support you as the heir of the Yang Clan!"
"That's right. The Zhao Clan will support you one hundred percent !" Mr Zhao pleaded.
"China needs someone as brave and mighty like you. Master Yang chose a good heir indeed!"
"Young Master, my daughter is really pretty. Would you like an introduction?"
The dramatic shift of events made Liu Bingxun and the other supporters laugh their hearts out.
Other than the feelings of crushing the enemies, they had also truly accepted Yang Gongming's decision.
Yang Pojun stood by the door with a heavy expression. It was one of confusion and uneasiness.
He didn't dare to believe what he was seeing.
His presence was such a joke! He rushed home in hopes of stopping anything crazy from happening, but no one took him seriously!
Even those who opposed the Yang Clan had now become Yang Chen's supporters!
And everything happened on his first day back in Beijing!
Some of those who used to oppose him were from the Zeng clan, students of Zeng Mao, relatives of Lu clan and those from Ning clan.
They were here to cause trouble for Yang Chen due to past events.
But now, they were all begging for his mercy, wagging their tails like dogs to please him.
Yang Pojun couldn't bear to watch them act in front of the camera like a bunch of clowns.
He moved across the room and stood in front of Yan Sanniang who was standing at the corner.
"Aunty Yan, I wish to meet Father." Yang Pojun felt that he had to make Yang Gongming change his mind.
Although Yan Sanniang knew this was coming, she still led the way. "Come with me, Commander."
Yang Chen was busy shaking hands with the spineless folks when Yang Pojun left with Yan Sanniang. He took a quick glance before continuing his 'film'.
Chapter 935 - Feng Xiang
Amidst all that was going on in the hall, Lin Ruoxi was spending some time with her mother-in-law in Guo Xuehua's room.
Although Guo Xuehua shared a room with Yang Pojun, they still had their separate rooms. They used it to store their own possessions as well as take care of any private business they had.
Guo Xuehua had Lin Ruoxi sit on her bed while she burrowed through her closet looking for something.
Lin Ruoxi was feeling a little anxious being alone with her mother-in-law in her room. Her eyes started to dart around the room, looking at the antique furniture it held.
"Mom, do you need help? What are you looking for?"
"I found it." Guo Xuehua stood up with a red box in her hand. "I'm alright. This box was just buried a little too deep."
Guo Xuehua sat down gleefully next to Lin Ruoxi and unwrapped the red cloth to reveal a delicate box underneath it.
Lin Ruoxi's eyes glistened and her mouth widened in shock.
In the box on top of a cushion of exquisite silver silk, was a jade bangle that caught her attention.
It looked like jadeite but it seemed more transparent than normal jadeite. It was so green that Lin Ruoxi thought there would be green liquid pouring off it.
The most eye-catching part was the two phoenixes carved onto the bangle.
Their tails were intertwined with each other and the bangle. It was so lifelike to the point that it seemed to be flying out of the bangle.
"What do you think? I bet you were immediately enraptured by it the moment you saw it." Guo Xuehua smiled with satisfaction.
Lin Ruoxi snapped out of her daze and blushed. She couldn't resist and she bit on her lips while nodding in agreement.
How was any normal woman able to resist such an exquisite piece as this?
"There's nothing to shy about. I was once like you." Guo Xuehua sighed as she reminisced.
"Was?"
"Yes." Guo Xuehua twirled the bangle around with her fingers. "This bangle is called the 'Feng Xiang Bangle. It is made from the most expensive emerald-green jade. The oldest daughter-in-law of the Yang Clan has the honour of keeping this in their care. It symbolizes the identity of the wife of the clan leader. Twenty years ago, when I first entered the clan, my mother-in-law passed this bangle to me. There was a rule in the clan which stated that this bangle must be worn by its owner until their first child is born. It is said to be a blessing..."
The moment Lin Ruoxi understood what she was trying to say, her eyes were already filled with embarrassment and surprise.
"Mom...are...are you..."
"Yes, that's right. I am passing this on to you."
Guo Xuehua chuckled and took out the bangle from the box. She held Lin Ruoxi's hand gently and pushed it through her wrist.
Lin Ruoxi could only feel the coolness of the bangle when it touched her skin.
"I heard from your grandmother that this bangle had been passed down for many generations. It supposed to hold some special abilities which I did not delve too deep into. But what I do know is that it is supposed to help with recuperation. I've not worn it ever since I gave birth to Lie Er because it's so precious and expensive."
Lin Ruoxi nodded with understanding.
Based on her financial standing, she could've bought any piece of jewellery she wanted.
But even so, nothing would ever compare to a family heirloom with a history behind it.
She was thrilled to receive this but also felt the weight of generations on her small wrist.
It was at that moment she realized the significance of marrying into such a high profile family...
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the mansion, Yang Gongming was taking a nap in his study. He was woken up by Yang Pojun who was brought in by Yan Sanniang.
"Father." Yang Pojun greeted him with a solemn expression. "Sorry for interrupting your nap but this could not wait any longer."
Yang Gongming let out a long sigh and got up from the couch. Yan Sanniang passed him a cup of ginseng tea which he drank to soothe his throat for what was going to be a lengthy conversation. "How can I blame you for interrupting my nap when you came so far from Jiangnan."
"Father, I already regret not being able to stand by your side more often," Yang Pojun said earnestly.
Yang Gongming chuckled. "Xuehua came back recently so I've been feeling better. Your presence would only cause more trouble right now anyways."
Yang Pojun frowned when he heard the word 'Xuehua'.
"Father, I wanted to talk about that guy, Yang Chen."
"That guy...Yang Chen? He's my grandson and your son. Why do you address him as such?" Yang Gongming tossed the question to him.
"That's not the point," Yang Pojun said with a rumble in his voice. "Father, you are blind to what he had done to our ministers! He hasn't even been back a day and things are already an absolute mess!"
"Oh?" Yang Gongming was very interested."Spare no detail."
Yang Pojun immediately told him what had happened.
Yang Gongming's reaction was completely unexpected. He cackled while saying, "This is good! This kid, he's braver than I thought! He's a real descendant of the Yang Clan, haha!"
"Father, are you serious?! Are you really going to accept him back into the clan?" Yang Pojun blurted out in disbelief.
Yang Gongming nodded. "I already have. I had him kowtow to our ancestors in the shrine."
Yang Pojun's face went deadly pale when he heard that.
"Father!" His voice was stern. "You...how could you do that to me and Lie Er?! He hates Lie Er and holds some measure of hostility towards me! Now you want him back?! Whose side are you on?"
Yang Gongming turned around, his expression unchanged. "Pojun...I'm not being biased. I'm your father and Lie Er's grandfather, of course, I care for you guys. But I am also the clan leader which means that I have to do what's best for the clan. Both you and Lie Er combined are still not as capable as he is in terms of being an heir..."
"I don't believe it...Father. He's a tyrant whose existence would only bring trouble to the clan. Would killing really get us anywhere?"
Yang Gongming wasn't swayed by his words. "It doesn't matter to me if you are satisfied with my decision. If you have issues, take it up with Yang Chen. In our clan, only the strongest get to lead. I don't care if you fight or plot against each other. I've had my fair share of that in my lifetime. I've already told Lie Er this, he's my grandson and so is Yang Chen. But I only have one clan to pass on. I will bequeath the clan to the last man standing..."
Suddenly, Yang Pojun tightened his fist and turned red with fury.
"Father, does it mean...you never considered me as your heir?"
Yang Gongming kept his silence but it was more than enough for Yang Pojun.
"But I'm your only son!" Yang Pojun shouted with resentment.
Yan Sanniang couldn't bear to watch it but she only shook her head silently.
Yang Gongming hummed and turned around. "I bet you've been wanting to ask this question for years."
Yang Pojun stood still with a determined expression.
"Alright." Yang Gongming smiled helplessly. "I was hoping to take this with me to my grave but since you have asked it so earnestly, I suppose I shall respond in kind."
Having said so, he beckoned Yang Pojun over to the corner of the room.
There was a painting on the wall. A painting of a river, mountains and boats. The thing that stood out the most was the signature at the lower right-hand corner indicating that this was an antique.
Forlorn and confusion was written all over Yang Pojun's face as he stared at the painting, waiting for Yang Gongming to continue.
Chapter 936 - Painting
"Pojun, tell me, what do you think of this painting?" Yang Gongming asked.
Yang Pojun did not know where he was leading with this but inspected the painting regardless.
"The brush strokes are light giving it a certain style and attention to detail. Judging by the colours and the signature here, it was painted around the Song and Ming Dynasty. It's a good painting." Yang Pojun analyzed and gave his opinion.
Yang Gongming smiled. "Good. You have studied well to be able to analyze so much."
"You wanted me to broaden my horizons," Yang Pojun said with a solemn expression.
Yang Gongming nodded. "Yeah...you've always been an obedient child and I'm proud of that."
Yang Pojun thought his tone did not match the words that accompanied it but remained silent.
"Can you see the fisherman on the boat?" Yang Gongming asked again.
Yang Pojun looked at the fishermen. "This fisherman...is there a significance behind the fisherman?"
Yang Gongming probed again, ignoring his question. "Do you know who the fisherman is?"
Yang Pojun frowned and contemplated. He thought hard about it but came up blank. "Father, I'm afraid I can't answer the question."
"It's you," Yang Gongming said nonchalantly.
"Me?"
Yang Pojun couldn't believe what he was hearing.
Yang Gongming nodded and sighed. "Pojun, do you know that this is a fake painting? I had a friend replicate it for me many years ago."
Yang Pojun's eyes widened. "But...just now you said..."
"I said your analysis was accurate. I never said it was right." Yang Gongming smiled.
Yang Pojun was shocked! Yang Gongming indeed did not confirm if it was genuine.
"Pojun, I said that I'm glad that you're an obedient child. But I would have been happier if you weren't. I longed for the day that you were disobedient but it never came." Yang Gongming patted his shoulder.
Yang Pojun was completely lost. "W...why?"
"A good son listens to his father. But he will never be an excellent son. Because if all he does is listen, he would have only lived his father's path and not his own. The future of this clan does not need its history. It needs a new perspective."
Yang Gongming's words were soft. "You were obedient since young and you were precocious. You always believed that you were the sole heir to the Yang Clan and held your self up high in public because of it. You had to be disciplined. You were strict to yourself and everyone around you..."
Yang Pojun lifted his head abruptly. "And why is that wrong?! Father, is my obedience the reason you refused to make me heir?!"
"No." Yang Gongming smiled. "The only thing wrong that held me back was your stubbornness to stick on a fixed path."
Yang Pojun's face turned pale as he listened on.
"You've never thought of disobeying me and you never doubted my decisions. You even went so far as to give up your firstborn child without consulting me first. What made you think that the Yang Clan would reject its blessing?"
"Father!" Yang Pojun gritted his teeth. "If it were you, would you not have done the same?"
Yang Gongming smiled bitterly. "I would...I would have?"
"Then why..."
"But that doesn't make it right!"
Yang Pojun was startled.
Yang Gongming sighed a long sigh. "I might have made the same choice but that does not mean that it was the right one to make. Did you know that for the last twenty years, I have woken up in cold sweat asking myself if things would have been different if we raised Yang Chen ourselves? If I had to sacrifice a baby for the sake of the clan, what kind of leader does that make me?!"
Yang Pojun stumbled a few steps back.
Yan Sanniang wiped her tears behind them.
Yang Gongming's voice was hoarse but he tried to pull through with a smile. "Pojun, how I wished you were brave enough to tell me about Yang Chen. How I wished that he would appear in our family tree. Even if I would not have allowed it, I could pass the clan on to you with relief in my heart. Saving him would have shown that you had a different thought process, the one I was hoping for. Although it might have ended up the same way, at least you were trying to control the rules rather than let it control you."
"Father...I..." Yang Pojun was devastated. He did not know what to say.
Yang Gongming turned around to face the painting. "I said you were the fisherman because all you see is the river and the mountains by your side. You would never have known hat you were just a fake painting on canvas. I sent you to broaden your horizons for a reason. I did not want you to be trapped as the descendant of the Yang Clan with ideals that weren't yours. But instead, you wasted your time learning about antiques and trivial matters..."
Yang Pojun tightened his fists.
"Father, what about Yang Chen? He does not care about all this. Why is he back?"
Yang Gongming explained. "Yang Chen is different from you and me..."
"How so..."
Yang Gongming laughed. "To him, there are no rules in the world. The world is his playground. He kills his enemies and keeps the ones he chooses by his side. He doesn't care if this would affect his reputation or whether it is morally acceptable. He follows his heart and not the rules."
Having said so, Yang Gongming pointed to the fisherman. "You are the fisherman in this painting and Yang Chen is where you are right now, looking over the whole painting. I didn't pass the clan to you but to Yang Chen because I knew that he could do something the both of us could not."
"He slaughters people! How could you speak so highly of him?!" Yang Pojun yelled out furiously.
Yang Gongming shook his head and chuckled. "We are soldiers. In our world, there are only friends and foes. There are no neutral standpoints. Politicians talk but we kill. The Yang clan doesn't need a leader to protect the clan. We need someone who would fight for the clan..."
Yang Pojun stared at his father for some time.
Finally, he smiled bitterly and said. "Father, I just can't let it go. I'm your son. Even if I failed to meet your expectations, it was only because you raised me this way."
"That was why I planned to never tell you this." Yang Gongming sounded as though he was in pain. "I did not want to hurt you knowing that it was also my fault. But since you were so eager to know, I felt that I owed you an honest answer. Pojun, although you'll never be the leader, I never looked down on you or hated you. You didn't disappoint your mother. I'm the one who disappointed both of you..."
"Mother?" Yang Pojun snorted. "I never recalled having a mother. Father, if this is your decision, I have nothing to say. I know I cannot oppose your decision but I will never accept it!"
Having said that, he left through the door he entered.
But just when he was about to step out of the door, he saw Guo Xuehua who was waiting outside. He locked eyes with her, feeling the longing in her eyes.
Chapter 937 - Red Dress
After the ministers had gotten their pledges recorded, they immediately took their leave citing reasons such as being busy or having other things to attend to.
As for the two dead men, their bodies were carried away by their assistants.
They might be prominent figures but they did not appear in the media nearly as much as some of the others. Therefore it would not raise that much of a suspicion. As for their co-workers, a story could be fabricated to cover up the truth.
Their family members were welcomed to find Yang Chen, that is if they weren't afraid of death.
On the other hand, Yang Chen commanded the servants to backup the recordings in case they were lost.
Yang Chen was convinced that no one would try to provoke him again after today, especially the Zeng and Lu clan. Before today, they probably still harboured the thought of revenge. But now, they would have lost all hope.
Liu Bingxun and the others walked forward and surrounded Yang Chen.
"Young Master, you're really daring. I admire you for that." Liu Bingxun grinned.
Yang Chen's methods might be brutal but it was effective. They were happy with the result either way.
After today, they would be able to walk with their chins up when they meet their opponents and those of neutral standing.
Yang Chen accepted his compliment and chuckled. "If you really admire me, there is something you could do for me. Lately, I've incurred a large number of expenses due to my wedding. There are certain monetary ways you could show your support."
His intentions were as plain as day. Rubbing his hands together only solidified his intentions.
Everyone shuffled a little where they stood. They had never met someone as blunt as him before.
Liu Bingxun chuckled awkwardly. "Of course... But Young Master I have to first ask were you really going to kill the family members of the ones who died today?"
Yang Chen questioned back. "Why not?"
Everyone sucked in a breath. They thought they were out of the fire but now realized that they had entered the frying pan.
"Young Master, I...don't think that's a wise choice. Killing off one person might not matter but wiping out a whole family could shake the foundations of society." One of them tried to reason with him.
Yang Chen was conflicted. "But I promised them that I would kill their families. Not following through with it would make me a liar."
Liar!? Liar my ass!
They thought to themselves.
Only the devil talks like that!
"Young Master, I have to disagree with that," Liu Bingxun said. "You can show your generosity if you spared them. Proving that you have honour would be much more beneficial would it not?"
Everyone nodded in agreement. If he really did kill off their families, who would stop him?
Yang Chen hesitated for a while and pretended to have made up his mind. "Alright, I'll take your words into consideration."
They all smiled bitterly when they realized they had been manipulated.
Of course, Yang Chen wouldn't kill the family members. But he had to manipulate them into respecting him.
Even so, they all kept quiet and decided to let things slide.
Now that everything was already taken care of, the remaining members left back to their respective jobs.
Once they all left, Yang Chen sighed in relief. Socializing was one thing that he struggled with.
When he looked at the clock, it was already two o'clock in the afternoon.
Yang Pojun hadn't come out ever since he entered the backyard and it made Yang Chen feel uncomfortable. His gaze darkened as he walked towards the backyard.
Meanwhile in Beijing University, there weren't a lot of students on campus since it was summer break.
A bunch of female students walked under the shades as they chatted along with books in their arms.
Amongst them was a lady in a red lace dress, flaunting her cleavage and curves.
She wore a pair of sunglasses and a flower hat to block out the sun. At the end of her slender legs were a pair of black heels that accentuated her fair skin even more.
It was difficult to guess her age as she seemed both young and mature at the same time.
She walked past the library and into an office building.
This was where high achieving students study but no one was here since it was summer break.
At the innermost office room, there was a young man with his head buried into books.
Knock Knock Knock.
She rapped on the door from outside.
The young man in a white shirt frowned. He was annoyed that someone was here to disturb him at this late hour.
There were so many empty rooms, why would anyone come to his place?
He grumbled but he still went in front to open the door.
His eyes widened in shock when he saw the red silhouette in front of him the moment he opened the door!
"You....you..."
"Why, little cripple, it's me. Am I that scary?"
The lady in red took off her hat and combed her long black hair. Judging from her smooth skin, it was hard to tell if she ever aged. It was none other than Luo Cuishan!
The Luo Cuishan who was supposedly 'dead'!
The little cripple was Wen Tao. He was beyond shocked to see her standing in front of him!
The woman whom he had watched her die with his own eyes was now standing in front of him.
If Wen Tao hadn't had his fair share of experience, he would most likely have fainted right there!
Luo Cuishan looked younger than ever. Especially now that she had a young body with a mature mind. His heart started to race.
But Wen Tao knew that there was definitely something wrong with this woman!!
Luo Cuishan walked into the room casually and tossed her handbag aside to stretch her body.
She turned around and giggled. "Little beggar, why are you still in a daze? Are you so excited to see me that you can't talk?"
Wen Tao gulped and took a deep breath. His eyes flickered but when he turned around, his expression had changed into a simple and honest one.
"Why...I...I always thought you were dead."
Wen Tao sobbed and choked out.
Luo Cuishan's eyes softened and walked forward with her arms open.
Wen Tao leaned forward subconsciously and laid his face on her busty chest.
"I'm sorry, I made you worry about me." Luo Cuishan stroke his hair lightly. "It was true that I almost died but God took pity on me."
Wen Tao asked while trembling, "W...where exactly did you go? I missed you a lot."
Luo Cuishan blushed. "I missed you too..."
She no longer resisted his touch and even took the initiative to initiate contact.
Luo Cuishan wrapped her legs around Wen Tao's waist and whispered into his ears, "I'm so glad you're still alive. I was worried that you were killed by that bastard. Thank God you are fine. I knew you would get away safely. I've found someone to avenge me..."
"Avenge? Who?" Wen Tao asked carefully.
Luo Cuishan didn't answer his question and pouted. "You haven't seen me in so long, don't you think I'm prettier?"
Wen Tao looked at her young face and curvy body. He gulped knowing full well that she was in her forties!
The only thing he didn't know was how she regained her youth!
Wen Tao suppressed his disgust. He knew that his safety would rely on pleasing her saviour and herself!
Acting natural, he threw lustful glances at her as his hands moved into her dress.
"I want you..." Wen Tao said hoarsely.
Luo Cuishan's gaze turned seductive. "You're too hasty. But then again, you were rough with me the last time as well."
"I can do more!" Wen Tao said and smacked his lips onto hers!
She responded passionately as they french kissed each other.
Luo Cuishan panted from the lack of air. "I now know that you're the only one who cares about me and loves me truly. I survived only to find you. Now that I have, I want to be yours forever..."
Wen Tao buried his face into her chest. His eyes shone with malice but it was visible to no one
He pushed her onto the table and pressed against her!
Minutes later, the faint sounds of moaning rang out throughout the empty halls...
Chapter 938 - Dare
The backyard of the Yang clan's mansions was full of plants as Yang Gongming took up gardening as a hobby.
Most of the plants he owned were exotic to China and were gifts from military officers and ministers.
Yang Pojun walked along the rock covered pathway with Guo Xuehua. They were both waist-deep in thought but did not utter a single word.
Guo Xuehua lowered her eyes and broke the silence. "You invited me here but you haven't said a single word. If you have nothing to say, I have to prepare dinner."
Yang Pojun's heart dropped. " Do you hate me that much?"
"I've heard everything you said in the room." Guo Xuehua strained a smile. "Did you really think I could continue pretending as if nothing had happened?"
"You're refusing to forgive me because of Yang Chen?"
"You're the one who refuses to acknowledge Yang Chen as the future leader, much less your son," she said with trembling lips. "You and Lie Er would not be alive today if it weren't for me. I may have lost him for over twenty years but I know my son well enough. He wouldn't blink twice before killing both of you. And yet you dare speak ill of him behind his back?"
"Hmph." Yang Pojun kept a stoic expression. "Everything I said was fact. Things have been going downhill ever since he arrived. I failed my election. You and I have been on bad terms and Lie Er doesn't even come home anymore. We were doing fine without him in our lives! You really expect me to just allow a murderer to roam these halls?!"
"Stop it!"
Guo Xuehua's eyes widened with rage. "You have no right to talk about him like that! You've done nothing for him as his father and you still had the guts to point a gun at his face! How do you live with yourself?!"
"Because of him, all my efforts had gone down the drain! So what if I bad-mouth him!"
"You..." Guo Xuehua looked at him in disbelief. She shook her head and said, "I regret thinking there was hope for you. You've been blinded by the power you were given."
Yang Pojun's face darkened. "I know what I want to do. Father may have been deceived but I won't be! Xuehua, I'm leaving this place and taking you with me!"
"You're taking me with you?!" Guo Xuehua fell a step back.
"That's right," Yang Pojun said sternly. "I can't let you stay here anymore. You're my wife and Lie Er's mother. That bastard is not your son! That devil would never think of you as his mother! He's just using you so that others think he really cares for Yang clan. To him, the clan is just one more step on the ladder to being all-powerful in China! If you keep helping him, you will only hurt yourself. You will leave with me!"
"I'm not leaving!"
"You don't have a choice! I'm your husband!" Yang Pojun howled.
Guo Xuehua shook her head. "Go. I don't want anything to do with you anymore."
"That's not your choice to make!"
He walked over and grabbed Guo Xuehua by her wrist.
Guo Xuehua tried to resist his tugging but she was no match for him. She yelled and cried, but to no avail.
The servants were shocked to see this but who were they to interfere.
At this moment, a deep voice was heard behind them.
"Let her go."
Yang Pojun froze.
"Yang Chen!"
Guo Xuehua turned around in surprise.
Yang Chen heard the commotion when he was making his way into the backyard.
"I'll count to three. If you don't let go, I will make you," Yang Chen said with an air of indifference.
Yang Pojun raised his brows and scoffed. "Who do you think you are?!"
"Three..."
Yang Pojun's face was flushed with anger and his hands began to tremble.
"Two..."
"Don't be so cocky! You're just a..."
Yang Pojun wasn't given a chance to complete his sentence.
Before the last second was counted, Yang Chen had already disappeared from his original spot and had appeared next to Yang Pojun.
With a wave of his hand, he landed a chop onto his arms!
"Crack..."
The sound of broken bones rang out throughout the backyard.
It happened so sudden that Yang Pojun didn't even have time to react!
"Ugh..."
He groaned when he realized that Yang Chen had broken his arms and severed his nerves!
Guo Xuehua quickly escaped from his side when she felt that his grip had loosened.
Somehow, even though he got hurt, this was the first time she didn't feel any worry or pity for him.
He deserved every bit of it and more!
"You dare to hurt me?!" Yang Pojun held onto his broken arm and spat out, "You sick bastard!"
"Your mouth stinks. I think you need to keep it shut," Yang Chen said nonchalantly and slammed his palm against his face!
"Clap!"
With a loud slap, blood splashed out of his mouth and nose!
"Hmm, I don't think it worked. Let's go for two more, as insurance. " Yang Chen smiled wickedly. He was staring at Yang Pojun like a leopard ready to pounce on its prey.
After two consecutive slaps, Yang Pojun's facial structure was completely damaged!
His face was hardly recognizable, swollen and covered in all kinds of fluids.
Yang Pojun could only pant heavily and his eyes were filled with fear.
He carried his hands and tried to take a few steps back but Yang Chen stopped him by grabbing onto his collar!
Yang Chen wiped away the dirt on his clothes in disgust and gave him a cold look.
"I let you live because I thought death was a mercy you did not deserve. Since your ego has gotten the better of you, I think crippling you would be a much better punishment. Well if you commit suicide, at least no one could accuse me of killing my father. All you would be remembered by is a coward who couldn't stand up to his own son."
It was hard to read Yang Pojun's expression because of his swollen face but his eyes were filled with dread.
After facing Yang Chen's wrath, he was beginning to regret his decisions.
For a man of his status, being handicapped was a fate worse than death!
Guo Xuehua couldn't help but pity him. She might have given up on him but they were still a married couple.
"Yang Chen...maybe we shouldn't do that." Guo Xuehua tried not to look at Yang Pojun.
Yang Chen tossed him aside and told Guo Xuehua sternly, "Mom, if you want to stop me, you should've left with him. If you choose to be by my side then accept the things that I will do to him. I owe him nothing. What I've done is already considered mercy. Family to me are those who care for me and are good to me. Those who threaten to harm me or those around me are not family, despite sharing the same blood."
"But..." Guo Xuehua wanted to say something else but the voice coming from behind her made her stop.
"Xuehua, it's fine, let him do it."
Yang Gongming had walked out of his study and was accompanied by Yan Sanniang.
The servants took a few steps back involuntarily when they saw him.
He looked towards his son who was begging him with his eyes. Pain flashed through his eyes but it was overshadowed by anger shortly after.
Chapter 939 - Why Are You So Focused?
"Xuehua, you should leave now. Yang Chen did nothing wrong." Yang Gongming placed himself between the three of them.
He looked down at Yang Pojun with pity. "Pojun, I said I was glad you've always been obedient. But now, I am thoroughly disappointed with you. I didn't think you'd try to pull something like this after I explained everything to you."
Yang Pojun's eyes were filled with resentment but that was all he could convey with his swollen face.
Yang Gongming squinted his eyes. "Listen to me carefully. Our clan does not need a stubborn, egotistical, self-centered leader like yourself! I never would've imagined that my own son would try to kidnap his wife from his own home! Don't you feel any shame?! I'm actually glad that I didn't hand the clan over to you. I am to blame for your behavior but this is beyond me."
Yan Sanniang tried to calm him down when she saw how agitated he was. "Master, be careful of your body."
Guo Xuehua wiped her tears and walked up to support him.
Yang Gongming waved both of them off. He looked at Yang Chen and said, "I was going to pass the clan over to Yang Chen when I was no longer well enough. But now, as a punishment to myself, I've decided to give up my position and live the rest of my life as a gardener."
The servants were shocked and Guo Xuehua looked at him in disbelief.
Yan Sanniang was flickering between anxious and relieved.
Whereas for Yang Pojun, his emotions were a mess. His actions were the direct cause of these events.
Yang Chen frowned when he heard this. "Old man, I never said I would take over your position."
Yang Gongming was dumbfounded, he had always been sure but now he was at a lost too.
"What did you say?"
"I said, I don't plan on taking over your position yet. It is not my time. Plus, you look fine to me. I'm sure that you can last for another ten years. Isn't it a waste for you to retire now? If you really want to punish yourself, stay. All I want is for you not to be stingy when I ask for something." Yang Chen winked at him.
Yang Gongming was taken aback at first but he laughed bitterly afterwards. "You... do you even know what kind of power you wield as the leader of the Yang clan? Once you take over, every action you make and every word that you say will change millions of lives. You can control more than two million soldiers with just a flick of your wrist!"
"Tsk tsk." Yang Chen was slightly amazed. "You're right, it does sound amazing."
Yang Gongming stood up straight in pride. "Of course, what do you think the four clans do? Gather around and chat?"
Yang Chen chuckled. "No can do. I have to get married and go for my honeymoon with Ruoxi. Oh, yea, I have my ladies' cultivations to take care of. I don't have time for this. Even my company in Zhonghai is being run by my secretary."
"You...why do you have so many things to do?" Yang Gongming sighed. "Are you serious?"
Yang Chen nodded his head but his gaze was firm.
Yan Sanniang walked up to them and said, "Master, you shouldn't force him to do it if he doesn't want to. Young Master Chen is still young and inexperienced. There will be problems if you suddenly handed over your leadership without rhyme or reason."
Yang Gongming nodded and smiled bitterly. "Then allow this old man to work in your stead for a couple more years."
Guo Xuehua forced a smile. "Father, don't be angry. Yang Chen's right, you're still healthy so you don't have to make a decision yet."
Yang Gongming patted her hand. "Xuehua, I'm sorry about what had happened. I could not have predicted this."
Yang Pojun glared at Yang Gongming, his eyes filled with anger and resentment but he couldn't talk since Yang Chen had effectively sealed his mouth shut.
Guo Xuehua struggled to smile. "I'm glad you understand."
Yang Gongming's wrinkles seemed to have deepened as he waved his hands to beckoned the soldiers over.
"Bring the Commander to the military hospital. Have the Vice Commander take over for the time being. Inform Vice Minister Liu about this."
Their faces changed when they heard his orders.
He was ordering them to send Yang Pojun to the hospital, instead of letting him stay at home. It was clear where his loyalties lied.
Yang Pojun closed his hands. He was tired of being angry and was only lost in his thought.
Yang Chen didn't really care where Yang Pojun was going. He asked Guo Xuehua instead, "Mom, where's Ruoxi? "
Guo Xuehua wiped her tears and chided. "After everything that has happened, your thoughts are only on your wife?"
"Well, my heart isn't big enough to care for these many things," Yang Chen said boldly.
"Seriously." Guo Xuehua sighed. "She's at the vegetable plot. She wanted to take a look so I just let her be."
"Vegetable plot?" Yang Chen was surprised. "We have that here?"
Yan Sanniang answered instead, "Young Master Chen, that's where Master grows his vegetables that we harvest and eat."
Yang Chen looked at Yang Gongming. "Old man, are you so poor that you can't afford to buy vegetables? Are you handing off the clan for me in order to repay your debts?"
"Bullshit!"
Yang Gongming couldn't help but curse. Even though he was trained to hold in his temper, Yang Chen had a way of bringing out the worst in him.
"Can't I grow vegetables as a hobby during my retired life?"
Yang Chen was just joking around. He waved his hands and ran off to the back
At the same time, Lin Ruoxi was excited to be at the vegetable plot.
It was like a 'playground' and a 'museum' to her since she grew up in a city and hardly cooked much less grown anything.
It was already August and there were all kinds of vegetables being grown in the North.
There were red tomatoes, white cabbage, white carrots and mustard leaves which looked extremely intriguing to her.
Lin Ruoxi didn't care if her heels got dirty as she looked around to touch the vegetables. Everything fascinated her.
When she saw the cucumbers hanging off the wooden frame, she plucked one instinctively.
But she frowned when she took a closer look at it.
"Dear, why are you so focused on the cucumber?" Yang Chen asked curiously when he saw what she was doing.
Lin Ruoxi snapped out of it and bit her lip in embarrassment. "I...I was just wondering why it looked so different from the ones we usually eat."
Yang Chen stared at the cucumber for a while then asked in confusion, "How is it any different?"
"Can't you see? There are prickly with tiny thorns on the side. The ones we usually eat don't have them!" Lin Ruoxi said with a straight face.
Yang Chen almost tripped over when he heard her answer!
Chapter 940 - Princess Syndrome
Yang Chen's face twitched and he covered his mouth trying to contain his laughter.
He smiled when he saw her looking at him with a pout on her face. "It's not that the ones we eat don't have pricks, it's because Wang Ma removes them before she cooks it."
Lin Ruoxi immediately blushed and threw the cucumber into his arms. "What are you laughing at?! I've never seen a living cucumber before! How should I know if it had pricks!"
"'Living' cucumber...Do you know how wrong that sounds, my dear Ruoxi?" Yang Chen said mysteriously.
"Why... What's wrong..." Lin Ruoxi sounded skeptical.
"You have Princess Syndrome. Living in the city, with a sheltered life has caused you to not even know what a cucumber looks like before it is harvested." Yang Chen smirked.
"You...you're the one with Princess Syndrome!"
Lin Ruoxi glared at Yang Chen in annoyance and ran off to see the other vegetables.
Yang Chen smirked and stroked his chin. It seems like she really did live a very sheltered life to not know what a cucumber looks like.
But of course, he wouldn't antagonize her about it.
At this moment, Yang Gongming walked into the vegetable plot and yelped when he saw what had happened.
Yang Chen turned around instinctively. It would take something serious to get a rise out of this old man
The next thing he saw was Yang Gongming squatting down on the plot, fumbling with the white carrots!
"Who pulled them out! Who thought it was a great idea to pull them out all at once? What a waste!"
Lin Ruoxi's face turned pale when she heard that. She walked over from the aubergine plot and stood over next to Yang Gongming.
"Grandfather...I was the one who did that..." Lin Ruoxi confessed.
Yang Gongming had completely lost his cool. He started to pick up the carrots and stared at the remaining ones on the ground. "Who gave you permission to pull out so many carrots?! Only the kitchen staff and I are allowed to harvest these!"
Lin Ruoxi's eyes reddened. She didn't know how much pulling out a couple of carrots would affect him.
"I...it's my first time seeing a carrot being grown in the soil so I just pulled one out to see. After seeing the vegetable grow so long, I decided to pull a couple more. I was happy to see so many big carrots so I pulled more and more..." Her voice was barely audible by the end of the sentence.
Yang Gongming was at a loss for words.
"You...my child..."
Guo Xuehua and Yan Sanniang were standing behind them trying to stifle their laughter but failed miserably. Guo Xuehua was already nearly in tears from all the laughing she had gone through.
Yang Chen wrapped his arm around Lin Ruoxi and said, "Alright, old man. It's just a couple of carrots. I'll eat it all for you tonight so that they won't go to waste."
"Hmph, kind of you." Yang Gongming felt bad for the carrots and told Yan Sanniang, "Sanniang, tell the kitchen to cook it tonight and ferment the remaining ones so that we can eat it next time."
Yan Sanniang nodded her head and left.
Yang Chen raised his eyebrows. "I thought you were a generous man. Why fret over a couple of carrots. She's going to be giving birth to your grandchildren and you almost made her cry over a couple of carrots."
"What do you know!" Yang Gongming nagged. "I spent so much time and energy growing these. Of course, it would sadden me to see all that effort go to waste."
Lin Ruoxi spoke up timidly, "Grandpa, how about I plant the carrots back?."
Yang Gongming sighed in exasperation. "You really are a city kid. Once uprooted, you may not plant the carrot back in lest you risk spoiling it entirely."
Lin Ruoxi was now feeling sorrier than ever.
"Alright, don't cry about it. I was the one who invited you all back. I understand." Yang Gongming waved his hands. "Go sit in the yard. Let's have some tea and chat."
No one dared to say no. Especially not after a mini tantrum over his carrots.
Yang Chen thought it was funny to see the old man like this. He was calm and composed through raging wars but angry over a couple of carrots.
They walked to the pavilion covered by grapevines and Yang Gongming was about to ask the servants to serve tea when a soldier walked up to them. "Master, Mrs Jiang Shan and Miss Cai Ning from the Cai clan are here to pay you a visit."
Everyone sat up straight when they heard this.
Yang Chen was in an awkward position. While he was glad to see Cai Ning, Jiang Shan was a complete pain in the ass.
Lin Ruoxi turned her head to stare at Yang Chen.
Guo Xuehua's face twitched thinking about how she should face them.
"Cai Ning..." Yang Gongming hummed and smiled. "I've heard of her before. She's close with you right?"
Yang Chen coughed and nodded, pretending not to have seen Lin Ruoxi's icy stare.
"Well then let them in. We can all have tea together." Yang Gongming was intrigued to see where this would go.
Lin Ruoxi felt uncomfortable to see them but it wasn't her position to say anything about it.
Few minutes later, a high pitched female voice rang out from the corridor. "Thank you Marshal for meeting us! How kind of you to have us this afternoon."
Everyone shivered when they heard her exaggerated flattery. Yang Gongming found it particularly amusing.
Jiang Shan was dressed in a floral dress of the latest trends with a red box in hand which looked like a gift.
Cai Ning walked behind her mother, dressed in beige. She seemed nervous, fumbling with her hands as she walked.
Cai Ning was the complete opposite of Cai Yan. She was well aware of her surroundings and the situation she was in
A trace of satisfaction flashed through Yang Gongming's eyes and his smile became brighter.
Jiang Shan was a people person. She would flourish in any given social situation.
She seemed extremely excited to see Lin Ruoxi. "Ruoxi, I haven't seen you in years. I still remember you as a child! You've grown to be a pretty lady. Sorry I came in such a hurry, you wouldn't mind right?"
Lin Ruoxi grew up with Cai Yan so Jiang Shan was no stranger to her.
Jiang Shan's intentions were obvious and Lin Ruoxi wasn't a fan of that but Jiang Shan seemed to genuinely miss her.
Lin Ruoxi smiled softly at Cai Ning before nodding her head towards Jiang Shan. "Of course I wouldn't mind, I'm happy to see you too."
Jiang Shan beamed and pulled Cai Ning closer. "I've been telling Ning Er to spend more time with you. You are closer to Yan Yan since Ning Er spent most of her childhood in Sichuan studying martial arts. But it's fine. I'm sure your relationship will help speed things up."
Relationship?
Jiang Shan's tone was cheerful but her words were sharp. They were final and direct, leaving no room for rebuttal.
Yang Gongming exchanged looks with Yan Sanniang. Her boldness was out of this world!