But why was his son injured? Wasn't it because of the eldest son? So he did nothing wrong; it's all the Bai family's fault.

As for why he sought refuge with Lu Muran?

Because Lu Muran didn't treat him like a servant, he had lived a more comfortable life than his master all these years, and that was enough.

Lu Muran led the way, taking Bai Ze to the banquet hall where the Bai family used to hold large gatherings.

As soon as Bai Ze entered, the scene of his grandfather entertaining soldiers here every year during the Spring Festival automatically came to mind.

There was also the cheerful laughter and chatter of family members.

"At tonight's banquet, Aze, please treat all the important people you brought this time to a feast. I also want to follow your grandfather's example and host a banquet for those who have made contributions. Is that alright?"

After Lu Muran walked in, she sat down in the main seat, acting like the patriarch of a family. Bai Ze thought to himself, "This black-hearted person has learned a bit of magnanimity from his grandfather."

Since the other party wants to pretend, let them pretend. As for their purpose, do you really think he, as their son, is stupid?

If we don't set up a stage and temporarily restrain our sharpness, how can the other side put on a show?

So he readily sat down, gave a soft "hmm," and looked at Lu Muran with hopeful eyes.

As expected, his performance completely dispelled any lingering resentment Lu Muran might have had, and the calculation in his eyes was unmistakable the moment he turned around.

Bai Ze had actually been careful when he entered the Lu residence, and instructed Liu Ji to wait for an opportunity and act according to the signal.

Does his good father really think he's still the same naive young man he used to be? Didn't his good wife teach him, Bai Xiang, a year ago not to easily believe what others say about appearances?

Hopefully, all that this good father has meticulously prepared for will not ultimately disappoint.

"Does Ze'er have an objection or not?"

Seeing Bai Ze sitting there like an old monk in meditation, without saying a word, Lu Muran asked him in a kind and gentle tone.

"No objection. Since Father wants to invite my subordinates in, I will make the arrangements. However, after this meal, Father must explain the deaths of my grandfather and mother clearly. Otherwise, Bai Ze will still misunderstand Father. Then, wouldn't this meal be meaningless? Isn't that right, Father?"

Bai Ze saw that this person, whom he regarded as a thorn in his side, still wanted to ask for his opinion, so why didn't he dare to let Liu Ji and the others in?

Some of the men he brought were skilled in martial arts, while the people in the mansion were just soldiers who didn't know martial arts. What did he have to be afraid of?

"Very good! I am very pleased that Ze'er is so understanding. Don't worry, I will explain the matter clearly after the banquet."

"Xuwang and Yu Niang are here. Come and sit down. Xuwang, your older brother hasn't been back for a long time. Didn't you say you missed him? You must have a few drinks with your older brother tonight."

With a benevolent father's face, Lu Muran smiled and compromised for a while before greeting a mother and son who were walking into the dining room.

This mother and son are Bai Ze's stepmother and younger brother.

Lu Xuwang was eleven years old. He looked energetic and had the innocence of a little boy, but also a hint of scheming.

The woman was probably in her early twenties, stunningly beautiful, with a well-proportioned figure and an indescribable charm—the type most men would want.

Her mother, on the other hand, was a valiant female general with an undeniable air of heroism about her, a completely different person from this woman.

So the father sitting in front of him is so shallow that he's taken a fancy to this vixen?

If she had taken a liking to someone, that was fine. She could have simply refused her mother's advances. But Lu Muran shouldn't have set her sights on the Bai family's military power and then tried to deceive her mother's feelings.

I heard that this guy is a deeply hidden pawn of the King of Leping. No matter why, just because he saved his master back then, he will deal with him without hesitation.

"Brother, you're back? You have no idea how worried Father was after you went missing last time. He sent so many people to look for you."

As soon as Lu Xuwang entered, he sat down next to Bai Ze and asked him with great concern.

It was as if none of the things they and their mother had done before had ever happened.

Bai Ze silently crossed this out in his mind. These people really think he's an idiot, huh? Now they want to turn him into a lamb to the slaughter.

That's a rather unrealistic plan.

To his surprise, his stepmother spoke up at this moment, her voice gentle and soft, instantly conjuring up the image of a virtuous wife and loving mother.

“Aze, I misunderstood you before and thought you were trying to harm Xuwang, so I sent some people to get you out of the mansion. After the master came back, I realized my mistake. Please forgive my heart as a mother. I was just worried about my son and that's why I did that wrong thing. Actually, I've known all these years since I married the master that he was thinking about my sister. You've been gone for a year, and he's been thinking about you two siblings every moment.”

“It’s all my fault. As long as you and your son stop having conflicts, and you can come back to support Baicheng and become its leader, I’m willing to compromise on anything. Aze, are you willing to give us a chance to make amends?”

Bai Ze's stepmother, as soon as she sat down, suddenly grabbed his hand and began apologizing profusely, her words sincere and forceful. Bai Ze, still a teenager, was completely taken aback by this woman's antics.

Seeing Bai Zhe looking somewhat dazed, Lu Muran's lips curled into a wider smile. It seemed that although this kid had been away for a year of training, his temperament hadn't changed much. His clumsy tongue and inability to recognize situations hadn't changed much either. Well, that was good; it was just right to control him.

The Lu family of three talked at length to Bai Ze, but after a quarter of an hour, the food finally arrived.

Bai Ze's signal was quickly answered. The men Liu Ji sent, disguised as important generals, were very successful; their appearance certainly lived up to their previous training.

Lu Muran looked at the group of people, praised them, and then called her own people in to join them for drinks. This was clearly a trap.

"Now that everyone is here, let's begin the banquet. Bai Ze, I, your father, have mistreated you for the past year and even the years before. Today, let's toast each other and let bygones be bygones, shall we? Don't worry, you are my son, Lu Muran's son, and also a member of the Bai family. You should rightfully inherit Bai City. In a while, I will officially designate you as the young master. All 30,000 soldiers under Bai City's jurisdiction will be yours from now on. Do you think your father's apology is sincere?"

Once everyone had arrived, Lu Muran was the first to stand up and speak frankly to Bai Ze, at least on the surface.

Bai Ze glanced at the other man's wine jug, a slight smile curving his lips. He stood up, raised his wine cup, and clinked it against his father's.

"Father, you flatter me. Since you have such a plan, then I will accept it without hesitation. I know that you will be able to clear up the misunderstanding from back then, so I will forgive you in advance."