Chapter 259: Life 73, Age 49, Martial Disciple 4
After YuanFei departed, the mood around me shifted. The cultivators that he and TaiZu had brought with them relaxed their postures and began glancing in my direction with hints of scorn and disdain.
As most of these people were members of TaiZu’s and YuanFei’s original entourages, this wasn’t entirely a surprise. They had never viewed me as an authority figure, and they had done their best to avoid me so that they wouldn’t have to show me any kind of deference.
The people took special notice of, however, were elders who had chosen to join in on this little insurrection. They were young men and women I had recruited from the training complex, and they had all chosen to side with YuanFei. They no doubt had their reasons for this, but their reasons didn’t matter. The looks of scorn and derision they were giving me were enough to seal their fates.
As I turned to leave, TaiZu spoke.
“Prince Fang, today’s events were… unfortunate, but I hope you understand that this is for the best. The Su Clan should be controlled by members of the Su Clan. We will support your efforts, both in the Wastes and beyond, but we will not be your slaves. I am sure that after you think things through, you will agree that handing over the position of Patriarch to YuanFei was the correct decision.”
His tone was conciliatory, and I felt that he really believed what he was saying. However, a glance around at his compatriots proved that he was the only one here who had been driven by any such lofty ideals.
I dipped my head to him. “I am sure you are right. I look forward to seeing what this clan becomes under YuanFei’s leadership.”
TaiZu winced and softly cleared his throat. “Please, Prince Fang, refer to him with his proper title. Patriarch YuanFei.”
A faint smirk lifted the left side of my mouth. “Indeed.”