From the family treasure tree to build an eternal family

Chapter 132 Father’s power
"Father, I'm not going! Rumor has it that Ma Shujie is incredibly ugly, I have no desire to marry her!"

Xu Zhongchao had been locked in his room by his father for over ten days. Just now, his father finally removed the chains from the door and opened it, only to find out that he was to meet Ma Shujie from the Ma family tomorrow.

Saying it was a "meeting" was actually Ma Shujie wanting to see him in person before deciding whether to marry him.

"What nonsense are you spouting!" Xu Xiaoyun shouted angrily, pointing at her son's nose.

"I've seen that girl before. She only has a birthmark on half of her face, but she has no other problems. She has bright eyes and white teeth, a well-proportioned figure, and the books she's read are stacked higher than you!"
"If it weren't for the birthmark affecting your appearance, what makes you think you're good enough for her? Huh?"

Xu Zhongchao retorted, "She's so nice, Father, why don't you take her as a concubine? I don't want her anyway."

"You! You're asking for it!"

When Xu Xiaoyun saw that her son dared to say such things, she was furious and turned to look for something handy.

Unable to find a suitable one, he grabbed a wooden chair and smashed it on Xu Zhongchao.

Xu Zhongchao couldn't dodge it; the wooden chair snapped and broke apart, causing him to cry out in pain. He had been too lazy in his martial arts training, and was only at the second level of stance training; otherwise, he wouldn't be so "fragile."

Xu Xiaoyun picked up a broken chair leg and slapped it hard across Xu Zhongchao's buttocks with all her might, as if she wanted to break the wooden stick in two.

"Huh~hmm~"

Xu Zhongchao gritted his teeth and endured it, letting out muffled groans from his nose.

Zhang Caixia, drawn by the commotion, felt distressed and quickly stepped forward to pull Xu Xiaoyun away, saying, "Be gentle, don't hurt the child."

"Children? He's twenty and still talking about children? When I was his age, I was already running a shop and managing a dozen or so employees. Don't worry about him, half of his success is because you spoiled him."

"That...that's your child."

"He's my child, so the responsibility for the other half is mine. Today I'm going to bring him back!"

As Xu Xiaoyun spoke, he swung the chair leg down again.

With a "crack," the solid wood chair leg broke.

"Huff~Huff~"

Xu Xiaoyun, panting heavily, threw the broken chair leg aside: "I'm very busy. There are many things to do at Baihe Mountain. I don't have time to waste on you."

If you want to decide your own marriage, fine, we'll sever our father-son relationship. From now on, you won't have the surname Xu, and you can go out and make a living on your own. Marry whomever you want; it's none of my business.

"Or you can marry a girl from the Ma family and live a comfortable life."

After saying that, he walked out of the room without looking back, leaving Xu Zhongchao and Zhang Caixia standing there stunned.

"Mother, is Father serious?"

Xu Zhongchao couldn't believe it. Was his father really going to kick him out of the house?

"Alas, I'm afraid so. You should listen to your father and marry Ma Shujie."

Zhang Caixia understood Xu Xiaoyun's temperament, and knew that what he said was not just an angry outburst.

Xu Xiaoyun wasn't an autocratic and tyrannical father; he simply had no other choice.

If it were his second son, Zhongchuan, he would definitely let him decide his own marriage, because he trusts Zhongchuan.

But the eldest son?

It has gone astray and must be corrected to turn it back.

This time, he displayed his fatherly authority and was determined to discipline his eldest son, Xu Zhongchao.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The next day.

As the agreed meeting time approached, Xu Xiaoyun returned home.

He walked into Xu Zhongchao's room with a cold face and saw that he had changed into a brand new set of clothes and tidied his hair: "Have you made up your mind?"

"Yes, I'll go."

Xu Zhongchao nodded.

Leaving home to make a living on his own? He doesn't have that kind of courage.

Despite his privileged upbringing at the Xu family home, his lack of financial independence, and his extravagant spending, he has a keen understanding of the plight of people at the bottom of society.

He spent dozens of taels of silver in one night at a brothel, squandering money like water, but he knew that those brothel girls had been sold to brothels for dozens of taels of silver when they were young.

The waiters in brothels who served tea and wine, ran errands, and guarded the door endured hardship and humiliation for a few taels of silver a month. It was common for them to be beaten and scolded by customers.

This is considered a high-paying job; it's much harder to earn money with ordinary jobs.

"Okay, come with me."

Xu Xiaoyun thought that his eldest son, who was ignorant of the hardships of life, needed to be properly tempered before he would understand how difficult life was, but things went more smoothly than he had imagined.

"Wait for me, I'll go too."

Seeing the two leave, Zhang Caixia followed them out.

A spacious, luxurious carriage had been waiting for a long time at the entrance of the mansion.

The carriage slowly drove away from the Xu family home, heading towards a teahouse with a pleasant ambiance.

The backyard of the teahouse is a garden with a large number of flowers and plants, and a few golden-red carp in a clear fish pond.

Xu Xiaoyun and his wife brought Xu Zhongchao to meet Ma Shujie.

Ma Shujie only brought one maid who had practiced martial arts. Her parents originally wanted to come with her, but she didn't want them to influence her decision.

"Hello, Miss Ma. This is my wife. And this is my son, Zhongchao."

Xu Xiaoyun greeted him with a smile and introduced him.

"Hello, Uncle Xu. Hello, Madam."

Ma Shujie gracefully performed the junior's greeting. She had a birthmark on her face, but she showed it to everyone openly and without any attempt to conceal it.

In earlier years, she would have felt inferior and would have worn a veil or something similar to cover herself up.

But now she's come to terms with it. No matter what, this is who she is. Nothing in this world is perfect; imperfection is what makes it real.

"Then you young people can chat here. My wife and I will go over there for tea and won't disturb you."

Before leaving, Xu Xiaoyun whispered a reminder to Xu Zhongchao: "Perform well, don't deliberately mess it up!"

After speaking, he avoided Ma Shujie's gaze and glared at Xu Zhongchao with a warning look.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Ma Shujie and Xu Zhongchao were a little awkward when they first met, but they sat down and chatted over tea.

Xu Xiaoyun and Zhang Caixia were sitting at a distance, unable to hear the two's conversation, but they could see their movements.

The entire teahouse has been booked, so there won't be any other guests disturbing us.

"Dad, do you think Miss Ma would be interested in our Chao'er?"

"It's hard to say, it's hard to say."

At this moment, Xu Xiaoyun was even more nervous than Xu Zhongchao.

He had genuinely liked Ma Shujie ever since he last met her; she was exactly the kind of person his daughter-in-law should be. He only had two sons; he didn't need to worry about Zhongchuan, but he was concerned about his eldest son, Zhongchao.

He would feel much more at ease if he had a daughter-in-law like Ma Shujie to manage the household.

"Dad, have some tea. The tea here is really good."

"What time is it? Still drinking tea?"

Xu Xiaoyun stared intently at the two people talking in the distance.

"Hey~~"

He suddenly sighed, somewhat unwilling.

"what happened?"

"They didn't like it."

"how do you know?"

"I can tell."

Xu Xiaoyun's mind raced as he considered a solution.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Ma Shujie was initially unwilling after hearing about Xu Zhongchao's reputation.

Until news came out that the Xu family had taken over Baihe Mountain.

Thanks to Xu Xiaoniu, the head of the Demon Subduing Division, the Xu family's power increased rapidly.

Apart from a few Qi-cultivating families like the Lü family, the Xu family is the most powerful in Tonggu County.

Ma Shujie's father persuaded her for several days, saying that the Xu family guaranteed that Xu Zhongchao would not go to brothels again, which made her want to come and meet him.

At first glance, she had a good impression of Xu Zhongchao, as he was quite good-looking.

But after chatting for a while, she became completely disappointed.

This person is empty-headed, lacks substance, hasn't read many books, and has few profound insights.

He's probably only familiar with drinking games at the dinner table, and only knows which family's male entertainers sing well and which family's female entertainers are pretty.

That's fine, since she knew in advance.

However, Xu Zhongchao never looked at her face, spoke respectfully and without any emotional fluctuation, suggesting that he was coerced by his family to come and was not interested in her.

The two were not a good match.

"Young Master Xu, let's end our conversation here."

"it is good."

Xu Zhongchao breathed a sigh of relief. He felt an invisible pressure in front of Ma Shujie. He could chat casually, but once the conversation went deeper, he couldn't keep up with the conversation.

Asking him to have a deep conversation with Ma Shujie was really forcing him into it.

The two had just stood up when they saw Xu Xiaoyun walking quickly towards them, and Zhang Caixia almost couldn't keep up with his pace.

"Miss Ma, wait a moment, I have a few words to say."

"Uncle Xu, please speak."

"I know you are not very willing, but to show my sincerity, I have a few conditions, let me explain them to you in detail."

First, after you marry into the Xu family, the Xu family will directly provide you with money for your and Zhongchao's food, clothing, daily expenses, etc. Your small family's finances will be managed by you, and the money will not pass through his hands.

Upon hearing this offer, Ma Shujie was tempted.

This shows that the Xu family really wants to change Xu Zhongchao's bad habits, so that he is not beyond redemption.

She controls the family finances, which is equivalent to having complete control.

Hearing Xu Xiaoyun's conditions, Zhang Caixia, who was standing nearby, felt uneasy. She felt sorry for her son.

Since ancient times, mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law have been irreconcilable enemies.

"Secondly, if Zhongchao does anything excessive that you can't handle, just let me know and I'll step in and teach him a lesson he won't tolerate."

Third, you should know that our Xu family occupies Baihe Mountain and is in dire need of talent.

"As my Xu family grows and prospers, we need virtuous and talented people like Miss Ma. For example, my dozen or so nephews have married and had children, and so many descendants are waiting to learn to read and write. With so many people, we need to set up our own school, which is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your talents."

The third condition made Ma Shujie even more interested.

What role can she play in such a large and prosperous family like the Xu family?

Her knowledge and insights will have a chance to shine.

What kind of future can she have with her own children in such a family?

"Uncle Xu, I sense that your young master is unwilling. Can you make the decision?"

This was Ma Shujie's last concern.

"Of course I can make the decision."

After Xu Xiaoyun finished speaking, she changed her mind and said, "Who said Zhongchao was unwilling? Marrying a girl like you is his blessing. He's very willing. Don't you think so, son?"

Today, he must act as this domineering and authoritarian father and arrange his son's marriage.

Xu Zhongchao forced a smile and said, "I'm willing."

"Alright, then we'll choose a day to go to your house to propose marriage!"

Xu Xiaoyun smiled, a weight lifted from her heart.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

After Xu Zhongchao's marriage was arranged.

A few days later, the marriage of Xu Xiaoyun's second son, Xu Zhongchuan, was also arranged.

Xu Zhongchuan was intelligent from a young age and excelled in his studies at the private school, especially in mathematics.

He had a female classmate who studied with him at the same private school, and the two of them saw each other frequently.

The two were childhood sweethearts, inseparable since they were little.

The woman came from a family of artisans; her family had been carpenters for generations, and now they employ many craftsmen who build houses and make furniture.

This marriage would actually be helpful to the Xu family.

Countless timbers on Baihe Mountain await the construction of houses and the making of furniture.

This is a mutually beneficial thing for both families.

Unlike Zhongchao's troubled marriage, Zhongchuan's marriage proceeded smoothly and naturally.

Xu Xiaoyun arranged the marriage of her eldest son, Zhongchao, first, and the marriage of her second son, Zhongchuan, later, with only two months between them.

He was overjoyed, as both marriages suited his wishes perfectly.

(End of this chapter)