Protect Our Chief-Chapter 535 - 30: Turbulent Times! Wealth Moves Hearts_4

Qiaan Xuerui did not sit, so naturally others found it inconvenient to sit as well, and could only stand and listen to him speak.

The atmosphere in the main hall suddenly became delicate, and Qiaan Xue’an’s expression also paused slightly.

He anticipated that Qiaan Xuerui came with ill intentions, but he didn’t expect him to be so overt, not even bothering with superficial niceties. This speech seemed polite on the surface, but in reality, it was publicly undermining him, clearly showing that he wasn’t intending to give him any face.

Qiaan Xue’an’s face turned slightly grim as he realized that Qiaan Xuerui was not prepared to beat around the bush and was starting to directly turn hostile.

Sure enough, Qiaan Xuerui restrained his smile and spoke again, "I’ve been in the Six Southern Guards for a while now. During this time, I’ve gotten a bit of an understanding of the situation here and I must say, I’m very disappointed~"

Qiaan Xue’an said coldly, "Young Master Rui, if you have something to say, please just say it."

Qiaan Xuerui sneered, "Our Qiaan Family and the Changning Wang Family have been in alliance for over twenty years. In terms of strength, connections, and channels, our Qiaan Family holds an absolute advantageous position, yet it’s the Wang Family and others who take the lion’s share of the profits. They have been feeding the Wang Family from the ninth grade all the way to the seventh grade, and brother, you have nothing to explain?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the surroundings fell silent, and the shopkeepers all lowered their heads, not even daring to breathe loudly.

Qiaan Xue’an suppressed the anger in his heart, "Young Master Rui, you must be joking, the Changning Wang Family’s leap to the seventh grade is certainly not due to my efforts. Moreover, this generation of the Changning Wang Family has talented individuals emerging one after another, and they are highly valued in the Academy. In fact, the collaboration between our Qiaan Family and the Changning Wang Family is actually to our benefit."

Qiaan Xuerui, as if having anticipated his words, chuckled at this, "The Changning Wang Family has a close relationship with the Academy, but is our Qiaan Family’s relationship with the Academy any weaker? Our Qiaan Family has been collaborating with the Academy for over a thousand years; are they, the Changning Wang Family, closer to the Academy than we are? As for who benefits, hmph, if it weren’t for our cooperation, would the mere Changning Wang Family dare to think they could sell their goods to every corner of Longzhou?"

"The rise of the Changning Wang Family completely depends on our Qiaan Family’s protection."

He paused, then his expression stiffened and his voice turned cold, "Moreover, our family fortune is thriving right now, and we are preparing to nurture a second Purple Mansion Ascendant. Our demand for resources is greater than ever, do you not know? At such a time, instead of striving for more benefits for the family, you go around upholding others - are you justified?!"

"You!"

Qiaan Xue’an was so infuriated that his face turned ashen. This young brat knows nothing but speaks nonsense.

He wanted to retort, but Qiaan Xuerui directly escalated the issue to the family level, and no matter how many reasons he had, they were no match for the words "for the family."

He simply couldn’t be bothered to argue anymore, and with a wave of his sleeve, he said coldly, "Whether I’m right or wrong is not the issue. I ask you, Xuerui, in what capacity are you questioning me? Even if you are of the direct lineage, so what? Without power or position, what qualifications do you have to judge me, to interrogate me?"

Qiaan Xuerui seemed to have anticipated his words, and he countered by pulling a certain item from a storage ring and revealed it: "Elder brother Xue’an, take a look at this?"

The light from the Fluorescent Stone Spirit Lamp was bright yet gentle, clearly illuminating the item in his hand. It was a token carved from a thousand-year Spiritual Oak, with inscriptions around the edges and the word "Order" in the center.

"Patriarch’s Order?!"

Everyone present was shocked, and they hurriedly lowered their heads and bowed deeply in the direction of the token.

Qiaan Xue’an’s face instantly turned pale.

The "Patriarch’s Order" is a unique token belonging to the Patriarch of the Purple Mansion Qiaan Family, which can hold some of the patriarch’s authority.

In theory, holding the Patriarch’s Order can make decisions alone. Without special reasons, the Elder Council will not deny the patriarch this face.

Seeing everyone’s reaction, Qiaan Xuerui was satisfied and nodded slightly, "Before I came, the Patriarch gave me this and instructed me to act as I see fit. Now, on the grounds of neglecting family interests, I remove Qiaan Xue’an from the position of Chief Shopkeeper. Does anyone have any objections?"

Those present were merely minor shopkeepers; where would they have the courage to oppose the Patriarch’s Order?

Immediately, they all bowed and saluted, saying, "At Young Master Rui’s discretion."

Seeing this, Qiaan Xue’an knew that the situation was beyond saving, and any further struggle was useless.

"Young Master Rui, even using the ’Patriarch’s Order’, how dare I have objections?" He gave Qiaan Xuerui a glance with a forced smile, "Since I’m no longer the Chief Shopkeeper, Xue’an won’t stay to be an eyesore to Young Master Rui, I’ll take my leave."

With that said, he cupped his hands towards Qiaan Xuerui and turned to walk out.

Before leaving, he felt a mix of sadness and anger, as well as regret in his heart. Having known Wang Shouzhe for many years with deep affection for each other, he naturally knew that Younger Brother Shouzhe was honorable and righteous, but when provoked, he wasn’t one to suffer losses.

He wondered, what made the usually wise Patriarch make such a blunder this time, letting this young brat Qiaan Xuerui stir up trouble and steal his thunder?

Truly a foolish move!

This time, the Qiaan Family might indeed face trouble. Qiaan Xuerui, oh Qiaan Xuerui, this time you might really have caused a great problem.

But so be it, nowadays the Qiaan Family, riding on the coattails of the Wang Family, has massively increased its pure earnings. Sooner or later, there will be those eyeing this juicy piece.

Today it’s Qiaan Xuerui, tomorrow it may be someone even harsher.

Only after Younger Brother Shouzhe teaches you a painful lesson, will you realize who really is taking the advantage. Then, you will understand my true capability, Qiaan Xue’an.

With this thought, Qiaan Xue’an felt a calm settle in his heart.

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