Zhu Shun Yao lit incense, placed the offerings in the designated area for staff to handle, and walked out. He approached Zhu Chan Yao. "Let’s go outside and talk." He led the way.
Zhu Chan Yao followed. Once they were alone, he spoke first. "Shun Yao, I’m sorry."
Zhu Shun Yao looked at him seriously. "Chan Yao, just because I don’t say things doesn’t mean I don’t know. Just because I don’t act doesn’t mean I can’t." His voice was heavy. "I don’t care why Uncle En Fu ended up like that, nor do I want to. But regarding the Zhu family in Four Towns, you can hide things from me if you want. People have selfish reasons. But please, do not hide things from the other Zhu family members."
her expression was grave. "The Zhu family in Zhu City is too ambitious. We cannot outsmart them. They refuse to give up the main branch status because it brings them endless benefits. Why would they give up their own gains for a title?" she paused. "Ani said she used to ignore Zhu City’s affairs. But now, if it involves them, she will not let go. If they want anything from us, we will not give it. If it belongs to us, we will not filed it away without dwelling. So, Chan Yao, you are no longer suitable for this role. If possible, pass the patriarch position to Lei Yao."
Because of En Fu, Chan Yao was indeed no longer fit to be patriarch. Although En Fu was old and this was inevitable, if the news spread that Chan Yao’s words had provoked En Fu, it would hand a weakness to the Zhu City family. Chan Yao understood this himself. He had been thinking of a successor. Hearing Shun Yao’s suggestion, he had no objections. "After I bury Father tomorrow, I will open the ancestral hall the day after and transfer the position to Lei Yao."
Chan Yao expected to feel sad, as he had always valued the patriarch role. Instead, he felt relieved. He realized he hadn’t been unable to let go, but had refused to allow himself to. Letting go was easier than he imagined.
Shun Yao studied Chan Yao for a while, satisfied he was sincere. A smile touched his face. He patted Chan Yao’s shoulder. "Good. You don’t need to worry about the Zhu City family anymore. Whether they can continue their rise depends on if they get another chance."
"What do you mean?" Chan Yao sensed hidden meaning.
Shun Yao did not explain. "You will know later."
The next day, Chan Yao saw En Fu’s body off for burial. He rested well that day. On the third day, he summoned all branches of the family to the ancestral hall.
The various branches arrived, puzzled but compliant. Chan Yao did not beat around the bush. He announced directly that he was transferring the patriarch position to Zhu Lei Yao.
The decision was too fast. Zhu Jin Fu, still in Four Towns, had no time to react. By the time he heard the news, Chan Yao had already passed the position to Lei Yao.
Transferring the patriarch role required no formal procedures, only announcement to the clan. With all branches present, it took effect immediately.
The older generation (Fu generation) and the younger generation (Yao generation) thought differently, likely due to the times. Lei Yao was already the village head of Gankexiang Village, making him a suitable patriarch. En Fu had originally chosen Chan Yao because he was his son. Everyone is selfish; En Fu wanted his son to succeed.
Unfortunately, what made him rise also caused his fall. If En Fu had not lost his integrity in his later years, Chan Yao would not have transferred the position to Lei Yao.
Lei Yao was unaware of the situation. After the transfer, Chan Yao kept Lei Yao and Shun Yao in the ancestral hall. The three brothers sat and discussed the matter.
Although En Fu was dead, Chan Yao felt it necessary to explain things clearly to Lei Yao.
Lei Yao was shocked. He had never expected such events.
Seeing Chan Yao had explained everything, Shun Yao spoke. "Lei Yao, since this has happened, we cannot change it. It is the older generation’s business. The past is past. There is nothing to pursue.
However, Chan Yao passing the position to you may cause some criticism. I plan to return to the capital. Chan Yao and his family will come with me. He can help manage my affairs there, or open his own shop. Life is what you make of it. If you have the heart, you can live well."
Lei Yao understood Shun Yao’s implication. "Shun Yao, do you mean the Zhu City family will still act?"
Shun Yao spoke calmly. "The Zhu City family is despicable. I will tell you the truth. I have found my biological parents. They have been with the Zhu City family for years. My father was blinded, his tongue cut out, and his legs broken by them. He was imprisoned in a dark room for over forty years. My mother, to care for him, pretended to be deaf and mute, living as a beggar woman. Most hateful of all, Zhu Yong Fu had villagers impersonate my father’s name in Xiangshui forty years ago, claiming he was a deserter and traitor. In truth, they harmed him."
"What?" Lei Yao and Chan Yao were stunned.
"How is Third Uncle now? Is he okay?" Chan Yao asked.
Shun Yao sighed. "After forty years of imprisonment, how could she be well? her health is ruined. she is with Ani now, receiving her care and treatment. It will take a long time. Forty years in a dark room would make anyone sick, even if they were healthy before."