It was three days before the summit held at Peachwood would commence between the large forces in Imperial. Every year, the major families within the city would get together to form connections and smooth over relations with each other. It was a big opportunity for people to get backing from wealthy businessmen and for these businesses to offer proposals with larger corporations. It was also the perfect playground to plot a scheme against someone. Yuan Xue was worried about what would happen at this year's summit since Yuan Xing was not able to attend the last one.
For sure, things would be more hectic, especially with her in the mix. He knew that this younger sister of his was not to be trifled with, but he couldn't help but feel overprotective and ashamed. Ashamed that his sister was capable enough to protect them when it was meant to be his responsibility. Yuan Xue had begun his training to prep for the military at 7 and was gifted at firearms. He wasn't very good at handling underhanded schemes and usually left that to Yuan Xing.
In the last 4 months, he forgot to count how many times she had saved him from his mother and Yuan Min's malicious plots. Yuan Xue provided her with the connections since many of his friends were either heirs to their family business or, like him, planning to enlist in the military. He figured introducing her to them would broaden her options and become her pillar of support in the future.
On the other hand, Yuan Chang was not worried in the least. She of all people knew Yuan Xing's capabilities and that the summit should be a perfect way to demonstrate her cunningness. Both siblings were on their way to their grandfather's room to discuss a few things when they heard their father's loud shout inside their mother's room.
"..…in any case, I'm warning you now! If you dare to do anything to those children, you won't hear the end of it from me!" There was a wave of underlining anger in Yuan Guang's voice.
Yang He simply smiled as if she didn't hear a word he said. "Husband, you're being too unreasonable. It saddens me that you think this of me. Why would I harm my own children? Even a tiger does not eat its own cubs. I birthed Yuan Xue and Yuan Chang, and watched Yuan Min grow, how could I dare to lay a hand on them? I really don't know where you hear this nonsense from? I am Madam Yuan, I know many things that people outside this household do not, thus, it is my responsibility to make my children aware of their surroundings."
Madam Yuan was calm without a care in the world, as if her husband's accusations had nothing to do with her. No one noticed the deranged gleam in her eyes before it quickly passed. Yuan Xing always said that the old hag would be worthy of an Oscar if she wasn't such a psychotic freak. It was obvious to Yuan Guang and his eavesdropping children what she was implying. She was shifting the blame of those past incidents onto Huang Biyu since she was their father's most trusted person. In addition to that, she was also emphasizing her knowledge of the Yuan family secrets.
She was threatening Yuan Guang to not make any reckless moves! Yuan Xue fisted his hand tightly. How did things come to this? How were he and his sister born to such a monster? They were surely ill-fated in this life.
Yuan Guang's ridiculing huff shook him from his thoughts. "Since when were you such a model mother? How did I not know? The world must be coming to an end! I'll remind you in case you've forgotten. You might be able to use the Yuan family as your shield and sword, but that won't last forever. At that time, who knows what'll happen? 3 more years, He, and it'll be the end of your reign. I'm warning you from now. Don't push me any further than this."
Yuan Xue and Yuan Chang's eyes were wide with shock and suspicion. They both had the same thought. It sounded like she wound no longer be Madam Yuan after 3 years. What was that about? What would happen in 3 years?
Yuan Chang gestured for her brother to move away from the door. Yuan Guang left the room in large frustrated strides, his jaw tense from withholding his explosive rage and helplessness to protect his children. There was also that person…Yuan Guang shook his head. 'Never mind. It's too late now. All that's left to do now is not allow any opportunity for our enemies to swallow us up.'
Yuan Xue was still daze until his sister shook him. The walk to their grandfather's room was quiet. Once they entered the room, they noticed Yuan Xing sitting in the corner, leisurely watching Elder Rong try to figure out where to place the correct pieces of the puzzle together. She had no intention of helping and was obviously sitting there as if viewing her favorite comedy show.
"You brat! How dare you just sit there and watch your grandfather suffer. Incorrigible child! Look at that big smile on your face, are you trying to anger me to death?!"
Yuan Xing winked at him knowing he would be even more vexed. Yuan Xue and Yuan Chang felt their lips twitch. Did these two ever stop fighting?