Chapter 2721

Hong Xiong paused, his expression grave. "However, considering my debt to Ah Xing’s father, I must relieve you of your duties as family head. As for Hong Xiao…"

She glanced at Hong Xiao with cold eyes. "She has acted without benevolence or righteousness. She has lost her qualification as heir. Therefore, the position of family head shall pass by succession to Hong Lei."

"Grandfather, Hong Xiao brother has done nothing wrong! Do not slander her!" Qing Xia rushed in from behind, her voice sharp with indignation.

Hong Xiong looked at Qing Xia, his gaze filled with disgust. "Do I need to explain? Because of your appearance, Hong Xiao knew something was wrong with Qing Yun’s disappearance, yet he did not investigate. Instead, he helped you hide the truth. That is a lack of benevolence. Furthermore, your marriage was originally sought by your family out of gratitude to the Qingmu clan, yet you broke that promise. That is a lack of righteousness. Is my judgment wrong?"

His eyes burned with hatred. It was because of this woman that the Hong family now had to cut off its own arm. He knew Hong Hai’s character and his deep feelings for Ah Xing. If not for Qing Xia exposing Ah Xing, he might have turned a blind eye. But now, he would never allow such a woman into the Hong family.

Hong Xiao’s face turned pale. He hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Grandfather is right. I admit my fault. Since this is the case, let Hong Lei take the position of heir."

At least Hong Lei was his younger brother. Even if he could not become the family head, having Hong Lei in charge meant he would not suffer too much.

Hong Lei looked at his brother. He could see the sincerity in Hong Xiao’s words. In truth, Hong Lei did not particularly desire the position. Others might see it as a prize, but Hong Lei preferred cultivation. However, he could not refuse.

her father and her brother had made the same mistake. she smiled bitterly. If she did not accept, her mother’s future would be bleak. Even though she claimed she wanted to divorce Hong Hai and cut ties, if she was not capable, the three of them would have no future.

Conversely, if she accepted the inheritance, even if her mother divorced her father, her path would not be difficult. After all, she would be the mother of the Hong family head.

"I accept," Hong Lei said calmly, his voice steady.

Hong Xiong looked at his grandson. He knew that among all his grandsons, Hong Lei possessed the best talent. But because Hong Lei disliked showing off, few knew of his abilities. Now, he realized that such low-key behavior had its benefits. Hong Lei had become the Hong family’s hidden trump card.

Hong Hai heard Hong Lei’s words and immediately objected. "I disagree."

"You have no choice," Hong Xiong said coldly. "A mistake is a mistake. I will not shield you. You must accept punishment, or you must leave the Hong family."

Hong Hai took a deep breath. He looked at his father, wanting to leave in anger, but he knew this was not the time for impulsiveness.

Madam Xing looked at Hong Hai. "Do not worry. I know your hesitation stems from your relationship with Ah Xing. I will not stop you. I have already spoken of divorce, and I will not take it back. Once I leave, I do not care who you make your main wife."

"Daughter-in-law," Hong Xiong frowned slightly. "I know you are straightforward, but remember this: Hong Xiao and Hong Lei are your children. If you leave, what will become of them? Hong Lei must become the heir. Hong Xiao, no matter how unworthy, is still a member of the Hong family. Do you truly want them to live with heavy hearts?"

Madam Xing fell silent. She knew she could endure hardship, but she did not want her children to suffer with her.

Seeing her hesitation, Hong Xiong continued, "I know your dissatisfaction. I understand you no longer wish to live with Hong Hai. But your children still need you. Can you truly watch them suffer?"

Madam Xing pondered for a moment, then looked at Hong Hai and Ah Xing. "I can be unreasonable. I can allow him to take Ah Xing as a concubine. But I demand a separation of property and residence. From now on, he is he, and I am I."

Although they would not be legally divorced, it was nearly the same. Madam Xing had no intention of remarrying. A separation of property and residence would at least allow her to protect her two children.

"Agreed," Hong Xiong said.

Seeing Hong Xiong’s agreement, Madam Xing stopped her agitation. "Then let it be so. Draw up the documents and take an oath now."

Hong Hai did not expect Madam Xing to be so decisive. she had always known her wife was fierce, but she had not realized she was this resolute. she wanted to speak, but seeing Ah Xing standing nearby, looking pitiful and unsure of her fate, she finally nodded in agreement.

Sometimes, destiny is inescapable. Ah Xing ultimately became Hong Hai’s concubine.

Qing Yun, Qing He, and Qing Shan, as Venerables, served as witnesses. They said nothing. After Hong Hai and his wife signed the documents, they remained silent, only signing their names as witnesses.

Next came the oath of separation between Madam Xing and Hong Hai. This oath was sworn to the Heavenly Dao, signifying that they would never again be true husband and wife.

Once this was done, they discussed Hong Lei assuming the position of family head. This matter held no interest for Qing Yun and the others, so they prepared to leave. Lan Tian also had no interest in the Hong family’s affairs and left with them.

Outside the Hong family estate, Qing Yun looked back at the plaque and shook her head slightly. "I never expected such things to happen within the Hong family."

Lan Tian said, "Often, no one knows the final outcome until the very end."

Qing Yun raised an eyebrow. "If the Hong family faces such turmoil, what about the Qing family?"

The Qing family would also face turmoil. This was not caused by Qing Yun, but by Qing Shan. Since Qing Shan was no longer the eldest elder of the Qing family, instability was inevitable.

Everyone present knew this. Lan Tian did not press the topic and instead asked, "Miss Qing Yun, where are you staying?"

"At my original home," Qing Yun smiled faintly. "At least for the next few days, I will not leave." However, how long she would stay was not entirely up to her, so she did not specify a duration.

Lan Tian thought for a moment. "Then may I visit your residence tomorrow?"