Zhu Shun Yao laughed heartily. "Son, expelling someone from the clan is no small matter. It requires a grave offense. Currently, their abuse of me, smashing my New Year gifts, and hiding the gold my biological mother gave me are merely issues of personal character. They have not harmed the clan’s core interests. Therefore, expulsion is just talk and will eventually fade away. Since that is the case, I must show them my kindness. By pleading for them, I also block the Fourth Branch’s path to asking me for favors in the future."
Zhu Xiang Yao had been sent away. Without special reasons, he would never come out in this lifetime. Zhu Guifu effectively had no son. Although he had two daughters, his preference for sons meant he disregarded them. Thus, he needed a nephew to adopt. Zhu Shun Yao was the best candidate.
Although Zhu Shun Yao was the only child of the Third Branch, he had been raised by them. If they demanded he support them and treat them as parents, others would not find it excessive. Moreover, since it did not harm other branches’ interests, they would not oppose it.
Zhu Shun Yao did not want such elders controlling him. Today’s gift-giving was designed to eliminate any chance of adoption, even the slightest one. The revelation about his biological mother’s support payments made this easier. Now, even if Zhu Guifu asked Zhu Shun Yao to care for them, Zhu Enfu would likely object first.
Zhu Shun Yao was not a fool to be manipulated. Furthermore, as the head of the Azure Sovereign Qingdi Group, he held wealth and power. Many people in the Four Towns worked for his group. If he became unhappy and caused trouble, everyone would lose their jobs. That would be his fault. Therefore, Zhu Enfu would not agree to such demands. Thus, Zhu Guifu’s future plans to target Zhu Shun Yao would fail.
"Dad, according to your plan, do we no longer need to wear masks to visit them during festivals?" Zhu Zhibin’s eyes lit up. He had hated the Fourth Branch since childhood.
"Yes. With today’s events, the Third and Fourth Branches are truly severed. Even if your grandfather returns alive, he cannot blame me." Zhu Shun Yao’s years as a leader had broadened his vision and made his thinking more comprehensive.
"Dad, you are awesome." Zhu Zhibin gave his father a thumbs-up.
"Son, learn from your dad. There is much to learn." Zhu Shun Yao rubbed Zhu Zhibin’s head, pleased by the praise.
Xie Xinlian smiled nearby. "Look at your enthusiasm. Keep this talk at home. Do not take this excitement outside these few days."
Zhu Shun Yao nodded in agreement. "Your mother is right. We keep the excitement at home. Do not take it out."
"Dad, you underestimate us," Zhu Zhibin said directly. "Watch us. We will pretend better than you. Besides, it is near the end of the year. We have nowhere to go but the streets. You have more social engagements." Zhu Zhibin wore a smug expression.