Chapter 512 - 339: Return to Chang’an
As the clan leader of a prominent family, one must be able to coordinate the growing forces of each house, remaining impartial, while also firmly controlling the family’s power to avoid it disintegrating into loose sand. This requires absolute measures.
Observing the situation within the court, it’s likely that in ten or a few years, another "Xuanwu Gate Incident" will be replayed. There will definitely be dissent within the clan, necessitating someone with enough skill to grasp the situation. All of us clan elders are already advanced in years, it’s unknown whether we will be alive by then. Among the younger generation, each is loyal but lacks cleverness, except for Xiao Song, who is an anomaly. This is one of the important reasons why the elders prefer Xiao Song to take over the position of clan leader. However, Xiao Song’s actions go against the ancestral teachings, so there are also elders who oppose him.
This matter can only be left hanging for now.
When enforcing family law, there’s no need for so many people to be present to watch. Therefore, Ran Yan, along with others, left the ancestral hall early and returned to the compound.
Just as she was about to enter, she was stopped by Liu Qingsong.
Liu Qingsong rushed up to her before he had even steadied his steps, and said, "I will head back to Chang’an first." He was carrying a large bundle on his back, obviously prepared well in advance.
"That’s good, I’m sure you’ve heard about Shilang’s situation. I can’t leave here, so please do what you can on your side." Although Ran Yan found Liu Qingsong unreliable, she never doubted his intelligence.
Liu Qingsong chuckled and said, "Of course, that’s my future brother-in-law. Give my regards to Jiulang."
"Alright, have a safe journey." Ran Yan said.
Liu Qingsong nodded and hurried off with his bundle. That was basically all his belongings left at the main house. In this family, he recognized only the Supreme Lady and Jiulang as his relatives. Now that the Supreme Lady had passed away, he had no further ties with the Xiao family.
Ran Yan watched his thin figure disappear into the distance, feeling somewhat helpless. After all, Liu Qingsong had inadvertently harmed her so many times that she should hold a grudge, but he had a way of making it difficult for anyone to stay angry at him. She couldn’t bring herself to seek revenge, yet not doing so left her feeling unsettled.