Chapter Forty-Eight: You Are Deceiving Me

The Shi family had been struck by such a tremendous upheaval that all previous alliances and joint measures could no longer be continued, at least not in the short term. If the family itself was unstable, recklessly forming alliances with other clans would be risky; once the others discovered their internal troubles, it would no longer be just a matter of a few members rebelling. The opposition might seize the opportunity, leading to a loss of power and control for the family—a true case of inviting the wolf into the house.

“Now, I hereby announce the removal of Shi Chengren from all positions within the family, and for one year, he is forbidden to leave Cangzhou! I will assign people to monitor his actions throughout this year!”

“Chengren, I hope you sincerely repent. I understand your urgency for the sake of the family, but what you did is not something I can easily forgive. This punishment is already quite lenient!”

“If we were to follow the old family rules, you would have been expelled, and might not even be allowed to use the family name. Reflect deeply and understand your mistake!”

“Do you accept this punishment?”

In the grand hall of the family, Shi Chengren knelt at the very center, surrounded by all the current core members. Each of them looked on with complex expressions. Some were pleased, some uneasy, and others were clearly gloating.

Wherever there are people, whenever someone powerful falls from their pedestal, there will always be those eager to step forward and trample them. Such is human nature.

Moreover, the wealth and influence of the family were like a single great cake. Now, with one less person—especially someone who once held a large share—many others could now claim a bigger piece.

“I am willing to accept this punishment. Please, Patriarch, punish me as you see fit. I will reflect sincerely and will not disappoint your expectations!” Shi Chengren spoke with apparent sincerity, though no one could say how much of it was genuine.

The punishment was decided by Shi Tianhe, who took into account Chengren’s status as a senior member of the clan. If the penalty were too severe and word spread, it would damage the family's reputation and possibly invite ridicule from others.

“Good, to recognize one’s faults and amend them is a great virtue.”

...

“Yuanqing, I’ve noticed you seem distracted these past few days. Just now, when my uncle was being punished in the council hall, your gaze kept drifting elsewhere,” Shi Yurou finally voiced the question that had been troubling her as they walked home.

Sharp as ever, she sensed that Yan Yuanqing was not himself today; ordinarily, he was attentive and focused during meetings, at least in front of the family members, always appearing concerned for family affairs.

Yan Yuanqing had not expected Shi Yurou to be so observant.

He smiled lightly and shook his head. “Ha, it’s nothing really—just some thoughts, minor things. You needn’t worry.”

He didn’t want to drag Shi Yurou into his father’s troubles, so he tried to brush it off. But as soon as he spoke, Shi Yurou shook her head vigorously.

“No, you’re lying to me. You’re hiding something!”

She stared directly into Yan Yuanqing’s eyes. Her unwavering gaze made him uneasy, his own eyes becoming evasive, which only strengthened her suspicion.

“Tell me, what’s going on? What happened? You’ve persevered in our family for so many years; I believe you have the strength and willpower to handle anything!”

“So if something is troubling you now, it must be something big!”