Chapter 188 The Spark That Triggered the Division of the Family

The surveillance video inside the command vehicle became the final straw that broke the camel's back.

Li Jianjun, a highly respected senior expert in the military-industrial system, known as the "pillar of stability" of the 17th Research Institute, was secretly arrested.

The interrogation went surprisingly smoothly. Faced with irrefutable evidence, he did not struggle at all, but only made one request: to see Lu Jingyan.

In that airtight interrogation room, the once gentle and refined old man looked at Lu Jingyan and revealed his reasons for betraying the country—simple yet absurd: his only son had died in a secret experiment years ago, and he felt the nation owed him a debt. "Eagle's Nest" had given him the hope and strength for revenge.

A crisis that could have shaken the very foundations of the nation was thus averted.

In retrospect, everyone was horrified. Had it not been for Bai Shu's almost miraculous accuracy in reporting the location, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Enraged, the military leadership also bestowed the highest level of commendation upon those who had contributed to the incident.

Lu Jingyan was awarded a collective first-class merit for his excellent command and ability to turn the tide, and all officers and soldiers of his Tiger Special Forces were promoted one rank.

...

The main hall of the Lu family's old residence.

The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of fine Longjing tea and the rich aroma of rosewood.

Old Master Lu sat upright in his armchair, his hands caressing a pair of smooth jade gall bladders, his face ashen, revealing neither joy nor anger. Below him, Lu Zhenguo stood ramrod straight, his square face exuding an imposing presence.

Lu Jingyan sat beside his father, his expression indifferent, as if the great achievement he had just received had nothing to do with him.

"Jingyan did a good job this time," Old Master Lu finally spoke, his voice low but carrying a metallic quality, "He is both brave and resourceful, just like someone from our Lu family."

A rare smile appeared on Lu Zhenguo's face: "This kid, at least he didn't embarrass me."

The father and son's back-and-forth praise, seemingly just ordinary everyday compliments, made the faces of the several members of the collateral branch sitting on the other side turn somewhat unpleasant.

The leader, Lu Wende, was the old man's nephew. He picked up his teacup with a forced smile and said, "That's right. Jingyan is a brigade commander now. He's made something of himself. We uncles and elders can't even catch up to him. Unlike my few good-for-nothing sons, who just mess around all day long."

His words sounded like self-deprecation, but they were actually incredibly sarcastic and sarcastic.

His cousin, Lu Zongren, immediately chimed in. He had a pointed face and a shrewd, calculating look in his eyes.

“Brother, what you say is true. Jingyan is the pride of our Lu family, and we are overjoyed. However…” He changed the subject, looking at Lu Jingyan with a sharp gaze.

"Jingyan, there's something your second uncle needs to ask you. It's not that your second uncle is being nosy, but it really concerns the reputation of our Lu family and the rules of the country."

They've arrived.

Lu Jingyan didn't even lift his eyelids. He picked up the teacup in front of him and gently blew away the foam.

Meng Wan sat down next to Lu Jingyan, her brows furrowing slightly.

Seeing that Lu Jingyan ignored him, Lu Zongren wasn't angry. Instead, he raised his voice even higher, looking heartbroken.

"What kind of place is this military exhibition? It's a place where our country's most advanced technologies are gathered, and the level of secrecy is extremely high! But I heard that you brought a woman of unknown origin in there as well?"

He slapped his thigh hard, his voice sharp and stern: "Jingyan! You're confused! You've been blinded by beauty! If this gets out, what will people think of our Lu family? This is a serious violation of confidentiality regulations! According to our Lu family rules, this is a grave crime!"

Upon hearing this, a chorus of agreement immediately arose in the main hall.

"Yes, Zongren is right, this matter could be a big deal or a small deal!"

"How could a woman go to a place like that?"

"Jingyan, you have disappointed us greatly!"

These people dared not question the military's decision to award Lu Jingyan a merit, for that would be suicidal. So, they cleverly directed all their criticism at the question of Bai Shu's identity.

If we can't bring you down, Lu Jingyan, can't we at least throw some mud at you?

"Have you finished talking?"

Just as the group was making the most noise, a clear, cold female voice rang out.

Meng Wan put down her teacup, the bottom of which collided with the table, making a crisp, light sound that struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer, instantly silencing the noisy main hall.

Her gaze swept coldly across Lu Zongren's agitated face, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Zongren, I ask you, who is Old Chen?"

Lu Zongren was taken aback and subconsciously said, "Old Chen... is a national treasure, a senior whom we all respect."

"So you're questioning Elder Chen's decision?" Meng Wan pressed.

"Me? How could I dare!"

"So you're questioning the military's security review?" Meng Wan's voice turned even colder.

“Sister-in-law, that’s not what I meant…” Lu Zongren’s forehead began to sweat.

Meng Wan's lips curled into a mocking smile. Today, she was wearing a dark green cheongsam, which made her fair skin look even more elegant. But at this moment, she looked like a sharp sword that had been drawn from its sheath.

"Since you don't dare, what are you shouting about here? Bai Shu is a specially invited medical consultant personally recommended by Elder Chen. The military knows her background better than your ancestral graves! All the procedures are complete and legal!"

She paused, her gaze sharp as a knife, piercing Lu Zongren's heart: "Or do you think your judgment is more accurate than Old Chen's? That your vetting is stricter than the military's?"

His words were like daggers to the heart.

Lu Zongren was so choked that his face turned red, and he opened his mouth but couldn't say a word.

He wasn't questioning Elder Chen or the military; he was just jealous! Why should Lu Jingyan's branch of the family enjoy such glory while they, the collateral branches, have to cower in fear?

After holding it in for a long time, he finally squeezed out a sophistry through gritted teeth: "Even if... even if her identity is not problematic! What kind of image does a woman have, always showing her face in public and getting involved in these national affairs of fighting and killing! The women of our Lu family should act like proper ladies! She is bringing shame to our Lu family!"

This statement completely ignited the powder keg.

Lu Jingyan, who had been silent all along, finally made a move, slowly putting down his teacup and standing up.

He was tall and imposing, his crisp military uniform accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist. The fierce aura honed by his years of military service was unleashed without reservation at this moment. The temperature in the entire main hall seemed to drop several degrees.

He didn't say a word, but simply looked coldly at all the distant relatives present with his unfathomable eyes.

Those whose gaze swept over him felt a pang of fear and instinctively avoided his eyes.

Finally, his gaze fell on Lu Zongren.

"my wife,"

"He is a hero."

"While you lot were hiding at home, scheming over petty gains, it was she who, single-handedly, saved the entire military exhibition, saved the lives of everyone present, and saved half of Beijing's top elites."

"You say she's a disgrace to the Lu family?" Lu Jingyan's lips curled into an extremely cold smile. "What right do you bunch of parasites who only know how to cling to the Lu family's big tree and gnaw on its wealth have to judge her?"

"You!" Lu Zongren was so angry that he trembled all over, pointing at Lu Jingyan but unable to speak.

Lu Jingyan, however, did not look at him again.

He turned around and looked at Old Master Lu and his father in the main seats. His straight back bent slightly, showing a hint of junior respect, but his words were resolute and unwavering.

"Grandpa, Dad."

"It's disgusting for our family to stay in a house like this."

"I'm putting my words out there today."

"Splitting up the family!"

"From this day forward, our No. 1 compound will have absolutely no connection with people like you!"