Chapter 299: The Dou Family (II)
Li Yuanping left the courtyard, snapped his fan shut with a swish, and walked on with a displeased expression. Dou Yi followed closely behind, feeling as though he had caused trouble and dared not speak.
Li Yuanping suddenly stopped. Caught off guard, Dou Yi nearly stumbled into him. "Young Master! Young Master!" he called out hurriedly.
"Shut up!" Li Yuanping hissed, using his fan to steady the man, frowning slightly. He then said softly, "Which idiot from the Dou Family took it upon themselves to replace that Liu Family member? You nearly made me lose face in front of my elder brother... If Mother finds out, she will surely have you all punished!"
Dou Yi knew he would have to stay by Li Yuanping's side from now on, but could not bear to blame his father, so he merely stammered in response, "Y-yes...Yes..."
Li Yuanping waved his hand gently and turned his head as he walked, saying, "You do not need to tell me… I know it was probably Old Master Dou. When people get old and gain power, they start scheming more."
Dou Yi quickly followed, replying respectfully, "This was also for your benefit, Young Master. The Clan Affairs Courtyard has always been the stepping stone to becoming the family head… Young Master Yuanjiao has often expressed his desire to relinquish his authority. Now that you are in charge of the Clan Affairs Courtyard, it's only a matter of time before you ascend to the family head! Father simply wanted to place more people to help you."
"Heh," Li Yuanping chuckled, amused. "You speak with such certainty. Your father isn't trying to help me; he's trying to sabotage me! If he truly wanted to help, he would patiently wait three years. There's no need for him to meddle now."
He frowned and looked at the guilt-ridden Dou Yi before saying, "Your father is merely using this as an excuse to expand his influence… Why does he need to do so under the guise of helping me? Your family is my maternal family. When I assume leadership, you will naturally have your place. There's no need for all this… Don't assume I am young and easily deceived."
Dou Yi quickly broke out into a cold sweat. Li Yuanping, waving his fan, continued calmly, "Let us set that aside. I do not care who sent you. Since my elder brother has assigned you to me, you will work for me from now on. Forget about your Dou Family."