Chapter 2

After several days of full effort to heal his injuries, Wu Yuanxin had completely assimilated the memories left by his predecessor. However, his injuries were severe, and he still hadn't left his room.

On this day, Wu Yuanxin was sitting cross-legged on his bed, practicing his healing techniques.

"Master! The clan head has arrived..."

A gentle voice came from outside the door, belonging to Wu Hong, the old butler who had raised Wu Yuanxin.

Wu Hong looked old, like a man in his seventies, with an unknown exact age. He had raised Wu Yuanxin from childhood, with unfathomable cultivation and strength. He was usually silent and unobtrusive, a competent old butler, and the greatest contributor to Wu Yuanxin's survival to this day. However, he only silently supported and cared for Wu Yuanxin, never offering his own opinions, and the two rarely communicated!

According to the memories of his predecessor, Wu Hong should have been specially arranged by his father to care for and protect Wu Yuanxin, granted the surname Wu, and extremely loyal, with no extraordinary background. He was one of the deep reserves of the ancient Wu clan and one of the special treatments for the eldest legitimate son!

"Xin'er..."

A clear voice, clearly suppressing anger but filled with concern and guilt, came from outside the door...

Wu Yuanxin opened his eyes and saw a refined middle-aged man in a scholar's robe walk in, with thick eyebrows, bright eyes, and a three-inch beard, exuding a gentle and elegant demeanor, with the charm of a mature man.

Wu Shileng!

Wu Yuanxin's father, the fifth legitimate grandson of the Wu Immortal Turtle, the eldest legitimate son of Wu Hua, the governor of Luoyang in the Eastern Capital, and the current clan head of the Wu family!

The ancient Wu clan could be traced back to the beginning of the Wu Emperor's reign, or even earlier, with generations of prosperity. Today, the Wu clan has over ten thousand members, with influence spread throughout the land.

Without going into the distant past, the seventh-generation ancestor, Wu Nian, held the position of Lord of Surrender in the Northern Wei; the sixth-generation ancestor, Wu Qia, held the position of Duke of Jinyang in the Northern Wei; the fifth-generation ancestor, Wu Immortal Turtle, held the position of High Priest in the Northern Wei and is still alive, being one of the Three Immortals; the fourth-generation ancestor, Wu Keji, held the positions of Grand Censor, Minister of Works, and Chief Secretary of the King of Yue in the Northern Wei; the third-generation ancestor, Wu Juchang, held the position of General of Distant Defense in the Northern Qi; the second-generation ancestor, Wu Jian, held the position of Consultant in the Northern Zhou, and is now known as the first generation of the Wu clan... Wu Hua, the governor of Luoyang in the Eastern Capital of the Sui Dynasty, holds great power.

The above is just one of the main lines of the Wu clan, not including other main lines, collateral branches, and vassal forces, which gives a glimpse of the clan's strength.

No matter how the world changes, the Wu clan can always dominate and remain prosperous, which speaks for itself!

"Father!"

Wu Yuanxin finished his practice and stood up to greet him, respectfully addressing him. He then looked at the two people behind Wu Shileng and greeted them: "Uncle Tai! Uncle Shuo!"

Four people followed Wu Shileng, with Wu Hong as usual standing guard outside the door.

On the left was a man in his fifties in a scholar's robe, looking haggard, who was one of the Wu clan's financial executives and a confidant of Wu Shileng... Wen Ren Tai.

Beside Wen Ren Tai was a young man, looking dejected and listless, with a slender build, pale face, and no beard, appearing refined and handsome, and quite shrewd, who was Wen Ren Tai's son, Wen Ren Zhong.

On the right was a robust man, with a tower-like presence, steel-like beard, and a haggard expression, who was one of the Wu clan's guard commanders and a confidant of Wu Shileng... Du Shuo.

Beside Du Shuo was a robust and muscular young man, with a rough and rugged appearance, looking very strong, somewhat like a big and clumsy person, who was Du Shuo's son, Du Heng!

Wen Ren Tai and Du Shuo grew up with the clan head Wu Shileng, were absolutely loyal, and were part of the household retainers.

Wen Ren Zhong and Du Heng were Wu Yuanxin's personal servants, and they grew up together.

This was one of the main methods of the top-tier, long-standing major families, where the true upper echelons and confidants were raised from childhood, with household retainers given priority.

"Pay respects to the master! The wicked son deserves death for causing such a disaster for the master, the old servant is ashamed!"

Wen Ren Tai stepped aside, avoiding Wu Yuanxin's greeting, and bowed deeply with a guilty expression, his voice hoarse as he pleaded for forgiveness, almost in tears!

Du Shuo's mouth opened and closed, not knowing what to say, but he also bowed deeply!

Wu Yuanxin shifted his body and responded sincerely, "Uncle Tai, you're exaggerating! Uncle Shuo, there's no need for this! We're all family, why be so formal?!"

It's worth noting that according to the memories of his predecessor, Wu Yuanxin discovered that his various foundational factors had nearly doubled, and his vision was much sharper, allowing him to easily see insects hundreds of meters away, comparable to an eagle's eyes.

More importantly, his eyes had gained a new ability, or rather, a "special ability." When he focused intently on someone, he could magically sense their good or evil and their sincerity. His predecessor did not have this ability, nor was his vision so sharp!

This was one of Wu Yuanxin's greatest pleasant surprises, possibly a special ability due to his strong mental power!

Because he was a fusion from another world, Wu Yuanxin named it the "Cycle Eye"!

"Ah... Wicked son! Kneel down!"

Wen Ren Tai sighed deeply, suddenly turning his head and shouting angrily.

Wen Ren Zhong, with a gray and self-blaming face, immediately knelt down as if prepared. Du Heng, only a moment later, also followed suit!

Before Wu Yuanxin could react, Wen Ren Tai quickly and solemnly continued, "Master! The family rules cannot be violated, enforce the family rules!"

According to the rules, Wen Ren Zhong and Du Heng were Wu Yuanxin's attendants, almost like personal property. If they were to be dealt with, it would naturally be Wu Yuanxin's responsibility; others handling it would be overstepping!

"..."

Wu Yuanxin was taken aback, looking at his father Wu Shileng with confusion, but Wu Shileng's expression was unreadable, showing no emotion. Wu Yuanxin couldn't help but think to himself:

"Wu Shileng is the clan head of the Wu clan and also Wu Yuanxin's father. Dealing with the two servants, Wen Ren Zhong and Du Heng, on behalf of his son is completely within his rights and can't be questioned! However, he specifically brought the two pairs of fathers and sons, which is also a way to save them... This cheap father isn't as simple as he appears! Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to hold the position of clan head of a major family! Of course, his favoritism is the main reason; otherwise, he would have already punished them according to the family rules and killed them!"

In the eyes of outsiders, including Wu Yuanxin.

Wu Shileng, the clan head of the Wu clan, had a gentle and compliant personality, diligent in farming and disliking power and fame.

If it weren't for the presence of the Wu Immortal Turtle in Wu Shileng's lineage and his father Wu Hua, the governor of Luoyang in the Eastern Capital of the Sui Dynasty, Wu Shileng, as the eldest legitimate son of the Wu Hua lineage, would not be a suitable candidate for the clan head of a major family!

"Hmph!"

Thinking about this, Wu Yuanxin's thoughts raced, and he coldly snorted, saying with a sneer, "What family rules? This time, it was my idea, and they were just following. And only I saw it; did they see it? What does it have to do with them? If you want to enforce the family rules, come for me. Do you think they can kill me again?"

"..."

Wu Shileng and the two pairs of fathers and sons all looked at Wu Yuanxin with surprise and confusion, not expecting him to say this, which was different from before!

However, considering Wu Yuanxin's near-death and revival, some changes were normal.

After all, the Wu Yuanxin they knew was wise and talented, a true genius, just more reserved and low-key!

Especially Wen Ren Tai and Du Shuo, who were extremely grateful and moved. Wu Yuanxin was taking the blame alone, otherwise, Wen Ren Zhong and Du Heng would have faced certain death!

"Stop talking nonsense! As members of the same clan, mutual slaughter is a taboo, it was just an accident! An accident!" Wu Shileng glared and scolded, emphasizing the last part.

Wen Ren Tai took a deep breath, bowed deeply with gratitude but solemnly, "The master's great kindness and righteousness are a blessing for us! However, the wicked son deserves death, and the consequences must be borne by himself, he must not tarnish the master's reputation!"

In this world, similar to ancient Chinese culture, reputation is very important.

Normally, the servants would be executed, and all the blame would be placed on them to protect the young master.

Now, Wu Yuanxin was willing to sacrifice his reputation to protect Wen Ren Zhong and Du Heng, how could they not be moved and grateful?

"Enough! Let's decide this matter, no more talk. If you want me to disappear, I'll leave!"

Wu Yuanxin waved his hand, speaking with fatigue and annoyance. He paused, then looked at Wu Shileng seriously and said:

"Father! I don't want to stay in this family anymore! I am already an adult, the world is vast, where can't I find a place to live?"

Wu Shileng stared intently at Wu Yuanxin, seeing that he wasn't faking it, and sighed inwardly, scolding with guilt, "Don't say such angry words!"

Wu Yuanxin didn't say more, his expression complex, and his voice hoarse, "I'm tired!"

"..."

Wu Shileng hesitated, feeling both anger and more concern and guilt!

Feeling the sincere father-son bond, Wu Yuanxin hesitated for a moment, then said with a hoarse and solemn voice:

"Father! A good person is easily bullied, and a good horse is easily ridden! Constant retreat is not seen as tolerance but as weakness! A tiger that hides its fangs for too long will be mistaken for a sick cat!"

"Hmm?!"

Wu Shileng's eyes narrowed, remaining silent, his gaze sharp as he looked at Wu Yuanxin.

Wu Yuanxin's predecessor's appearance and personality were indeed somewhat similar to Wu Shileng, gentle and reserved, seemingly indifferent to fame and fortune, but in reality, deep and calculating, reserved and low-key, which is why he was quite favored by Wu Shileng.

The current Wu Yuanxin has a bit of a sharp edge, quite different from Wu Shileng's impression!

"Have you not realized this after what happened?"

Wu Yuanxin's heart skipped a beat, feigning a bitter smile and sighing.

*********

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