Chapter 28: Breaking Off the Engagement, Xiao Yan's Fury!
Thirty minutes later, the elite members of the Xiao family had gathered in the family hall.
Xiao Cang occupied the main seat, Xiao Zhan sat beside him, and the three elders and several other elites sat on both sides.
Xiao Yan, the only younger generation present, occupied the last position on the left, his face reflecting curiosity.
Despite being the patriarch's eldest son, he usually wouldn't attend high-level meetings unless it concerned him.
Thus, Xiao Cang's summoning him must be related to him.
Outside, many younger generation disciples congregated, speculating about the meeting.
"Why did Cousin Xiao Cang suddenly call for a high-level family meeting? And why is that waste, Xiao Yan, there?"
"Perhaps Xiao Cang has found a way to help Xiao Yan regain his talent?"
"Seems unlikely. Such matters can be dealt with privately. Why convene a high-level meeting?"
"To be honest, it might be that Cousin Xiao Cang can't stand Xiao Yan's lack of talent and intends to expel him from the Xiao family?"
"How's that possible? Don't forget, even though Xiao Yan's talent is lacking, his father is the patriarch. Cousin Xiao Cang should show some respect, right?"
"You're naïve. I heard that the patriarch and the three elders are discussing handing the patriarch position to Cousin Xiao Cang. Having a Dou Wang as the patriarch would aid the family's growth!"
The conversation soured Xiao Yan's expression further. With Xiao Cang's authority as a Dou Wang, protecting himself from being expelled would be challenging, even for Xiao Zhan.
"Nephew Xiao Cang, all core family members are present. You may proceed," Xiao Zhan urged.
"Excellent."
Xiao Cang nodded, respectfully addressing the family members.
"I summoned everyone today because I want you all as witnesses. I have an unusual request that I hope Uncle Xiao Zhan will agree to."
"An unusual request?"
"What's the matter, nephew? Speak up"
"If it's within my power, I'll do my best,"
Xiao Zhan responded, feeling a sense of foreboding.
"Very well, Uncle Xiao Zhan is indeed forthright. Do you recall the marriage contract concerning Cousin Xiao Yan?" Xiao Cang asked casually.
"Marriage contract?"
"What are you referring to, nephew?"
Xiao Zhan's expression shifted, realizing the conversation might not be pleasant.
Xiao Cang smiled slightly, raising a teacup to his lips. "I returned recently with an entrustment from Sister Yanran. Her request is to annul this marriage contract."
The hall fell into a momentary silence.
Xiao Zhan's smile vanished, replaced by concern and discomfort.
Xiao Yan remembered the agreement his grandfather made with Nalan Jie of the Nalan family when he was still in his mother's womb.
The marriage contract was with Nalan Yanran, the personal disciple of the Yunlan Sect Master. Could this be…
Xiao Yan's heart raced, sensing impending trouble.
"I remember it. That's the marriage contract between my father and Nalan Jie. What do you mean by this, nephew?"
Xiao Zhan questioned, his expression tensing further.
Xiao Cang's smile widened slightly as he addressed Xiao Zhan, "Marriage isn't a decision to be made lightly, especially when it concerns lifelong happiness. Cousin Xiao Yan and Sister Yanran have never met, nor do they share any affection. Forcing their marriage would only lead to unhappiness."
"But if we dissolve the contract, how will it reflect on our Xiao family's reputation? How will Yan'er hold his head high in the family?" Xiao Zhan countered.
"One's honor is earned, not given. Do you believe that marrying Cousin Xiao Yan, who's only at the third stage of Dou Qi, to the esteemed Yunlan Sect's proud disciple would uphold the family's honor?" Xiao Cang retorted coldly, rendering Xiao Zhan speechless.
Then, shifting gears, Xiao Cang proposed, "Regarding the family's honor... Uncle Xiao Zhan, rest assured"
"After dissolving the marriage contract between Cousin Xiao Yan and Sister Yanran, I'll marry Sister Yanran myself."
"This way, to outsiders, the Xiao family-Yunlan Sect alliance remains unchanged, preserving the family's face and making this marriage seem fitting."
"What?!" Xiao Zhan's expression turned even grimmer upon hearing this proposal.
While it might indeed safeguard the Xiao family's prestige, it would concentrate all the humiliation on Xiao Yan.
Outside, the younger generation began mocking Xiao Yan for his predicament.
None believed that Xiao Cang's actions were excessive.
The law of the strong reigning over the weak prevailed here, and Xiao Cang's words weren't wrong.
Can the happiness of the younger generation be disregarded due to the elders' decisions?
Furthermore, Xiao Cang and Nalan Yanran seemed more compatible!
Xiao Yan's fists clenched, his face red with anger, veins bulging on his forehead, his bleeding fingertips embedded in his palms.
For him, this was an immense humiliation. Yet, Xiao Cang seemed indifferent to his plight.
"What do the three elders think?" Xiao Cang turned to them.
"This..." The elders exchanged uncertain glances, unsure how to respond.
While they leaned towards supporting Xiao Cang due to his Dou Wang status, they had to consider Xiao Zhan's contributions to the family.
"By the way, I recently crafted a few Qi Gathering Pills. If the three elders don't mind, please accept them for the younger generation at home."
Xiao Cang smiled faintly, producing three pills from his storage ring.
The alluring fragrance of the pills filled the room, causing the elders' eyes to sparkle, their breaths quickening.
"Xiao Zhan, this old man believes nephew Xiao Cang makes sense," the eldest elder declared after a deep breath.
"Yes, you should agree to this matter with nephew Xiao Cang," the second elder echoed.
"Xiao Zhan, understand this. Nephew Xiao Cang is willing to discuss this calmly with you, which is the greatest courtesy he can offer. Otherwise, with his Dou Wang cultivation, he could force your agreement," the third elder intervened forcefully.
"Three elders, you..." Xiao Zhan flushed red, feeling powerless.
He understood that Xiao Cang's willingness to discuss this was solely because of their familial ties. Otherwise, as a Great Dou Shi, he wouldn't be worthy of negotiating with Xiao Cang.
Just as Xiao Zhan wavered, Xiao Yan suddenly stood up.
"Cousin Xiao Cang, enough talk."
"You want to annul the marriage?"
"Fine, I agree!"
Xiao Yan's face brimmed with rage as he spoke, standing tall.
At this moment, his posture exuded strength. Xiao Cang noticed and couldn't help but wear a mischievous smile.