Chapter 4

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“Nephew, absolutely not.” Wang Dinghai urgently advised, “Liu Shengye, the head of the Liu family, is already forty years old and very experienced.”

“Zhe’er, you are too impulsive.” Gongsun Hui was also somewhat flustered, “The position of clan leader is noble, the stabilizing force of the family...”

If it were a fight with Liu Yongzhou, they would be happy to see it, given the significant gap in strength. But directly challenging Liu Shengye would be too risky and the situation unclear.

Liu Shengye, standing to the side, secretly wiped a cold sweat. Fortunately, the Wang family still had people who understood the situation. He should properly advise this young clan leader. What kind of thing is this?

How can the two army commanders start with a life-or-death battle? That would be chaos.

Moreover, Liu Shengye had been living a life of luxury for many years and had not engaged in combat for a long time. A life-or-death battle is no joke.

“Mother, Uncle Six.” Wang Shouzhe directly interrupted them, “The clan leader is also a member of the family. Every member has the right and duty to sacrifice for the family, to shed blood and sweat for the family’s survival. Not to mention, Old Lady Longyan...”

As he spoke, Wang Shouzhe’s emotions became agitated and indignant, as if he was about to burst from the suppression. The last three words he wanted to say but held back, swallowing them hard.

“Shouzhe!” Wang Dinghai panicked and quickly asked in a low voice, “Old Lady Longyan, she won’t...”

“Don’t worry, she’s fine.” Wang Shouzhe’s face was pale, “It’s just that Old Lady Longyan has sacrificed so much for the family all her life. It’s time for us, the younger generation, to step up and shed some blood.”

However, his words seemed like a cover-up.

After saying this, Wang Shouzhe turned to Liu Shengye: “Head of the Liu family, since there are deep conflicts between our two families, why don’t we settle this once and for all? We can sign a life-or-death battle contract. The loser will withdraw from the Anjiang fishing grounds, and the family will not hold any grudges.” His words were filled with determination.

“Good, the young hero of the Wang clan truly has spirit.”

“Since there are conflicts between the two families, why not settle it with a head-to-head battle.”

The onlookers, naturally, were eager for a spectacle. The chance to see the two clan leaders engage in a life-or-death battle was a rare and exciting event. They immediately started cheering, urging the matter to proceed.

“Damn! This kid is like a hungry wolf. From his evasive words, could it be... the rumors are true... In that case, the situation has changed.” Liu Shengye shivered, his brows furrowed. After a moment of thought, he decided to change the subject and put on a friendly face, “Nephew, speaking of which, I and your father are old friends. Calling you nephew is not too much, right? The three major families of Ping'an Town have stood together for many years, all neighbors and kin. We should support and care for each other. Such a small conflict, why go to such lengths?”

“Then, according to Head Liu, you are prepared to compensate Uncle Six for his medical expenses?” Wang Shouzhe narrowed his eyes, a cold smile on his lips.

Compensate for medical expenses?

Liu Shengye’s face darkened, but he was skilled at hiding his true intentions. He smiled even more warmly: “Conflicts among neighbors are inevitable. Since it was Yongzhou’s fault this time, we naturally must admit it. Here are thirty gold coins, as compensation for Brother Dinghai.”

Saying this, Liu Shengye took out three gold bills, each worth ten gold coins, and handed them to Wang Shouzhe with a smile: “They say you are a dragon among men, with potential not inferior to Old Lady Longyan. You will surely be the pillar of Ping'an Town in the future.”

Thirty gold coins?

Wang Shouzhe, who had integrated the memories, knew this was a substantial sum. He decided to take the opportunity and smiled: “Head Liu is the stabilizing force of Ping'an. I have just taken the position of clan leader, and I will need your guidance in the future.”

Certainly, certainly!

Liu Shengye laughed and left the deep-water dock with his guards and Liu Yongzhou.

The onlookers, seeing no real fight, sighed and dispersed, disappointed as if they had missed a great show.

“Nephew, you have the means.” Wang Dinghai seemed to have let out a breath of relief, “With a few words, you turned the tide and made that old fox Liu Shengye apologize willingly.”

But Gongsun Hui showed no joy, her brows furrowed with worry.

“Uncle Six, Mother, since we’re here, why don’t we go see Uncle Six’s boat.” Wang Shouzhe smiled, “I’ve never been on a boat with Uncle Six before.”

“Sure, sure, Uncle Six will take you for a good ride.” Wang Dinghai said happily, “I’ll show you some fishing techniques later.”

Before boarding the boat, Wang Shouzhe called a few guards to his side and gave them instructions. The guards nodded and dispersed to carry out their tasks.

Wang Shouzhe then walked with Gongsun Hui to the deep-water berth, following Wang Dinghai.

Meanwhile.

Outside the Dingpu ferry, the young and fiery Liu Yongzhou looked very unhappy: “Head, we agreed to take a bite out of the Wang family. How did it end up with us apologizing?”

“Yongzhou, you are still too young.” Liu Shengye said calmly, hands behind his back, smiling, “As the saying goes, times change. In the current situation, we must not provoke the Wang family. Instead, we should be cautious to avoid conflicts.”

“Head...” Liu Yongzhou was angry and confused.

“From my judgment, Old Lady Wang Longyan is near the end of her life.” Liu Shengye narrowed his eyes, confident, “The Wang family is like a dying tiger, the most dangerous at this time. If we push too hard, it might provoke a desperate counterattack. The Liu family is not afraid, but we don’t want to give the Zhao family an opportunity to benefit.”

Wang Longyan!

This name was like a poisonous thorn in the Liu family’s throat. As long as she lived, the Liu family dared not completely break ties with the Wang family.

“Head, is this true?” Liu Yongzhou was excited.

“Originally, when Old Lady Wang Longyan went into seclusion and did not even appear for such a major event as the change of clan leader, I had my suspicions.” Liu Shengye sneered, “Seeing the new clan leader, Wang Shouzhe, so impatient and willing to risk everything in a life-or-death battle, confirmed my suspicions. In two to three years, or four to five at most, when Wang Longyan dies...”

“Head, it will take that long?” Liu Yongzhou was confused.

“What do you understand? The rise and fall of a family cannot be achieved overnight. The Liu family has waited for many years. Can we not wait a few more?” Liu Shengye waved his sleeve and, with the help of his guards, got into the carriage, “Moreover, before Wang Longyan dies, the Liu family has much to prepare. Yongzhou, remember, do not provoke the Wang family without my order, or you will face the family law!”

“Yes, Head.” Liu Yongzhou held his breath, helpless, and respectfully saw off the clan leader Liu Shengye.

......

Speaking of which, Wang Shouzhe had a few guards stay at the dock to carry out tasks. He and Gongsun Hui boarded Wang Dinghai’s medium-sized fishing boat, the “Dinghai,” which was about eight to nine zhang long and two zhang wide, entirely made of wood.

From the tall mast and the lowered sail, it was clear it was a sail-powered vessel.

Wang Dinghai ordered his crew to raise the sail and set sail, and he was eager to introduce the various facilities on the boat to Wang Shouzhe. However, Gongsun Hui’s face was serious: “Zhe’er, Uncle Six, let’s talk at the stern.”

The two followed as the boat swayed and gradually left the deep-water port.

“Sigh, Zhe’er, you went too far today.” Gongsun Hui sighed, “Old Lady Longyan has sacrificed her entire life for the family, enduring countless hardships. How can you speak ill of her, especially in public? And you even sent guards to spread rumors! Your behavior will surely reach the ears of the elders, and they will not hesitate to reprimand you.”

“This...” Wang Dinghai was also flustered, “Fifth Sister, what should we do? Will the elders impeach Shouzhe?” Old Lady Longyan was not only the stabilizing force of the family but also a towering presence, and Wang Dinghai naturally held her in high regard.

“Uncle Six, stay calm.” Wang Shouzhe smiled calmly, “The elders are our seniors. I believe they will understand if I explain the situation. Mother, I ask you, how much longer can Old Lady Longyan hold on?”

“Zhe’er, how can you be so disrespectful to Old Lady Longyan? We cannot speak ill of her...”

“Mother, as the clan leader, I must consider the overall interests of the family.” Wang Shouzhe directly interrupted Gongsun Hui, “If I cannot even ask how long Old Lady Longyan can hold on, how can I plan for the future of the family? If I cannot do this, I, Wang Shouzhe, am not fit to be the clan leader and should step down.”

......