801 Each has their own plans
Upon hearing this, Jiang Huangyuan frowned slightly, but then relaxed. He was angry, but since he needed someone's help, he suppressed his anger and dissatisfaction for the time being.
He clasped his hands slightly, seemingly reluctant to lose face, and slowly said, "Elder Jiang Xun, I have indeed come here with an important matter to ask of you."
I dare not disturb the patriarch's secluded cultivation. Elder Jiang Xun can handle this matter; it's not a big deal!
Jiang Xun smiled gently and said, "Elder Yuan, you're too kind. Please speak freely."
A slight smile played on his lips, and although his words carried a hint of politeness, they seemed to contain an undeniable arrogance, indifference, and haughty superiority.
The tone of voice, as if bestowing charity upon ants, is truly unbearable!
Looking at Jiang Xun's arrogant and nonchalant demeanor, Jiang Huangyuan felt a ripple of emotion stir within him. He said softly, "I am old and my energy is waning, therefore I wish to resign from my position as elder."
Jiang Xun chuckled softly, a playful smile on his face, seemingly somewhat surprised by the matter.
The Jiang family naturally wants to remove him from his position as elder, because there are limited positions available and he must relinquish them so that others can take his place. However, they cannot afford to break off relations openly, so they can only resort to underhanded methods.
He smiled outwardly, a genuine smile, but inwardly he sneered, thinking sarcastically, 'As expected of a collateral branch. You haven't experienced much; such petty tricks made you crumble and resign on your own. Truly a pathetic wretch!'
He couldn't help but think of more, including the collateral branches of the family. He sneered inwardly, "As expected, they are all ungrateful bastards. A few rumors and gossips have made you all work together so well. It's true that those who are not direct descendants cannot be of one mind."
My father's teachings were indeed true!
The human heart cannot be tested!
But now that his goal had been achieved, his expression quickly changed. Jiang Xun bowed slightly, saying with great reluctance, "Elder Huang Yuan is a model for the branch, bringing glory to all branches of the family."
The family's strong support for the branches seems to be the right thing to do. Our Huang family lineage, whether branches or direct descendants, must contribute all our strength to the development of the family.
On behalf of the family, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Elder Huang Yuan for his contributions!
Jiang Xun bowed deeply, his humble posture like an ancient pine tree bowing deeply in a storm, its back bent to the limit, almost parallel to the ground!
The manner of the gesture seemed to be one of heartfelt respect, or perhaps a farewell to someone about to die. Sending off the dead shouldn't be too shameful.
I was moved, truly moved!
Jiang Huangyuan witnessed this scene and felt an indescribable surge of emotion.
Tears flowed like a river bursting its banks, gushing forth and sliding down his face, now marked by the passage of time, scattering like pearls across the ground.
Tears, as if carrying the bitterness and suffering of his entire life, poured out at this moment.
His hands trembled so badly he could barely control them. He wanted to reach out and help Jiang Xun up, but it seemed he didn't have the right or the ability, nor was he qualified!
Jiang Xun gets up!
Seeing Jiang Huangyuan instantly moved to tears, he smiled inwardly, thinking to himself, 'How easily fooled! A simple bow, and he's gained an elder's position. Quite clever!'
Jiang Xun bowed slightly to Elder Huang Yuan and said politely, "Elder Huang Yuan, you have devoted your life to the family. Now that you have chosen to resign from your position as elder and enjoy your later years, it is truly a blessing for the family."
The head of the family is well aware of your contributions and will naturally not be stingy. I have decided to bestow upon you one hundred taels of gold as a token of respect and gratitude. May you henceforth live a carefree and contented life within the family, enjoying the joys of family life.
Upon hearing these words, Elder Huang Yuan's eyes flashed with a complex emotion.
A pang of sorrow and irony welled up inside him; he thought to himself, 'I have no descendants, so how can I experience the joys of family life!'
However, his expression still held an unprecedented clarity. He nodded slightly, his voice carrying a detached tranquility: "Thank you, Patriarch, and thank you, Elder Xun, for your kindness."
However, time waits for no one, and I feel that my strength has declined and I can no longer shoulder more responsibilities. Moreover, there are many talented people in the family, and now it is the era of the young.
Although this city is prosperous, it is ultimately too noisy, which is not what I want.
Therefore, I have decided to travel to the town below, seeking peace and tranquility. I hope Elder Xun will understand my plight and allow me to depart in peace!
His words were filled with a sense of detachment and indifference, as if he had seen through the illusions of the world and hoped to pass away peacefully in the end!
Elder Jiang Xun paused slightly, pondered for a moment, and then chuckled softly, "Very well, since Elder Yuan is so thoughtful and willing to contribute to the family, I imagine the family head will agree."
After thinking for a moment, he said softly, "Elder Yuan, Changbai Town, which is under the family's jurisdiction, is rich in resources and has a pleasant environment. If you are willing, would you please take charge of Changbai Town?"
There, the location is a bit remote, but you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy peace and tranquility. All the specific matters in Changbai Town are handled by Elder Yuan!
Elder Yuan only needs to hand over half!
Upon hearing this, Elder Huang Yuan's eyes flashed with satisfaction. He nodded slightly in agreement, feeling a strange sense of emotion welling up inside him.
He bowed deeply in gratitude and said, "Thank you very much, Elder Xun!"
He respectfully stepped back three steps, his expression seemingly extremely satisfied, and nodded happily before leaving!
He quickly left the gate and returned to his room. The quiet little courtyard was now eerily silent, and his expression was filled with hatred.
He muttered to himself, 'They're really treating me like a beggar. A hundred taels of gold, but not even a single elixir. They're really taking advantage of my old age and my lack of connections.'
They still want half of the taxes? Do they think I don't know? Not only are there no subsidies, but they also want me to pay half of it. They're really bullying me! How dare they treat me like this? They've got me cornered.
That's true. These branches are all vassals of the main branch. Even a little bit of medicine will make them fight even more fiercely. Once this position is given up, they'll immediately be vying for favor with the direct line. Where will they find an old, dying man like me?
Seeing Huang Yuan pass away in his old age, Jiang Xun felt a sense of satisfaction and said softly, "He really doesn't know what's good for him. He actually wanted to steal the limelight from our main branch. Does he even want to overthrow the main branch?"
With such a proud and aloof attitude, who are you trying to impress?
Even your own relatives aren't helping you, so who are you trying to prove your superiority to!
Very well, your foolishness has ultimately left you isolated and helpless. Besides, you've probably already felt your lifespan diminishing. If not, I could have tolerated you for a few more years; after all, you're a fine sword!
Jiang Xun remained calm. Although he had suppressed Jiang Huangyuan, he was still filled with apprehension towards the branch and other members of the family.
He thought to himself, 'Now is truly a time for change for the Xuanji Sect. Huang Yuan used to be so ruthless, making many enemies for the Jiang family. But a good sword certainly had its value back then!'
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