A chorus of murmurs filled the air, though constrained by the power of the Nalan family, everyone managed to force a smile. Yet, the atmosphere remained eerie. Even Nalan Ba, seated at the head, wore a peculiar expression. However, he displayed remarkable patience, merely squinting as he observed. When the tension eased slightly, he chuckled and said, "Alright, let's put aside these digressions for today. Tianzhe... Today marks my sixtieth birthday. According to our Nalan family's tradition, from now on, all family matters will be entrusted to you. As for this old bone of mine, it's time for me to retire... Today, with so many esteemed guests present, let them witness this momentous occasion for our Nalan family!"
Nalan Ba's words prompted another buzz of discussion in the hall. "What does Master Nalan mean? Isn't Nalan Tianzhe already the head of the family?" "Do you understand? I heard that according to the Nalan family's tradition, even if the position is passed on, the previous head still holds sway over the family's strength until they turn sixty. Only after their sixtieth birthday, relinquishing power to become an elder, does the former head truly relinquish control." "Huh, why does the Nalan family have such peculiar customs?" "It's probably to maintain the family's prosperity and test the new head." "However... at times like this, there's usually another important matter the Nalan family attends to together." "What matter?" "You'll see. I didn't expect so much excitement in Yunshui City this time!"
Amidst the clamor, Nalan Tianzhe seemed oblivious, his face displaying a slight change, as he solemnly remarked, "Father... this... isn't it inappropriate?" "What's inappropriate about it?" Nalan Ba replied calmly, "Rules are rules. The traditions of our Nalan family have remained unchanged for years. Can I arbitrarily alter them?" "But..." "There's no 'but'," Nalan Ba waved his hand dismissively. "Everything is prepared. Let's begin... With so many guests present, we wouldn't want to be a laughingstock!"
Nalan Tianzhe's expression turned peculiar, but after a moment, he muttered, "Yes..." Then, he gestured lightly, and immediately, two teams of maids emerged, politely ushering the guests to the edges of the hall to be seated. In the center of the hall, a vacant space appeared, followed by two rows of high-backed chairs. Subsequently, members of the Nalan family filed out, seating themselves according to their rank and status. The first person on the left was none other than Nalan Qing, while the seat on the right remained conspicuously empty, drawing considerable attention. Even Nalan Lin, the spirited young lady, wore a serious expression, indicating the gravity of the impending event for the Nalan family!
Observing this scene, Nalan Tianzhe furrowed his brow slightly, but he refrained from commenting further, simply stepping back to stand beside Nalan Ba. Nalan Ba chuckled, rising to his feet and bowing to the assembled guests. "Thank you all for joining this old man's birthday celebration. It's been eventful these past few days, but it's all just a farce... Please don't take it to heart! The true purpose of our gathering today is for everyone to witness a significant event for our Nalan family!"
Upon hearing Nalan Ba's polite words, everyone in the hall nodded slightly, then listened intently. "Hehe, many of you must already know that according to the tradition of our Nalan family, when I turn sixty, it's time for me, this old relic, to step down completely! So, the first thing we'll do today is to entrust all the power of the Nalan family to my son, Nalan Tianzhe! Starting tomorrow, I, Nalan Ba, will merely be an elder of the Nalan family, no longer concerned with any affairs! To all the guests present, regardless of your previous dealings with me or any other member of the Nalan family, all relationships will now be under the authority of Nalan Tianzhe! I hope you can bear with any inconvenience this may cause!"
Nalan Ba's words elicited slight frowns from some, despite his courteous tone. Although many present had good relations with the Nalan family, some relied on their ancestors' connections with Nalan Ba rather than personal rapport with Nalan Tianzhe. Thus, Nalan Ba's declaration implied a need for them to reestablish ties with Nalan Tianzhe. If Nalan Tianzhe were accommodating, it would be fine, but if not... for a moment, everyone in the hall harbored their own thoughts, yet remained silent. Nalan Ba, however, noticed the thoughts brewing among them, but he paid them no mind, smiling and waving his hand casually before continuing, "That's the first matter. Now, onto the second... Since this old relic is stepping back from affairs, our Nalan family naturally needs another young family master! According to the Nalan family's tradition, this position can be held by anyone in our family. The decision rests on everyone present to witness!"
"Hmm..." Nalan Ba's statement prompted a collective intake of breath from many. Choosing a successor for the family head was never an easy task for any clan. Though Nalan Ba didn't explicitly ask for their input... everyone knew that while the Nalan family would be observing their own members' choices, they also expected the outsiders' preferences to be considered. The hall fell into a brief silence. After a moment, Nalan Qing, seated at the leftmost position, suddenly stood up, offering a slight bow. "Grandfather, Father... I believe there's no need to select the next family master... Younger Brother He is talented and capable. He deserves this position. May I request your approval for him to assume this role?"
A faintly sour atmosphere filled the air as those present couldn't help but feel a tinge of peculiarity. Upon the rafters, Li Yi couldn't contain a chuckle, "Although I knew the plan was arranged this way, I didn't expect Nalan Qing to say it with such confidence. Does he not realize that the words 'wanting to be the head of the family' might as well be written on his forehead?"
Gong Wushuang remarked lightly, "That's his cunning. If someone else nominated Nalan He, opposing him would be awkward, putting him in a disadvantageous position. However, if he proposes it himself and others oppose, it's a different scenario. No matter what he does afterward, his position won't be compromised. With the title of righteousness, he can do plenty."
"No matter," Li Yi chuckled, "let's continue watching how he performs. This play by the Nalan family is just beginning, and I'm quite looking forward to it."
"Looking forward to your appearance?" Gong Wushuang glanced at him, her gaze shifting back to the hall.
"Indeed! Young Master Nalan He is already a formidable Warrior at such a young age! Such a strong individual is most suitable for the position of our Nalan family's Young Master!"
"Yes! Young Master Nalan He is also a student of the Roland Academy. Just this fact alone has terrified countless people! With Young Master Nalan He as the Young Master, I believe no one in this Northwestern region would dare to provoke our Nalan family anymore!"
"Moreover, Young Master Nalan He has always been dominant. Only such a character can become the head of a family!"
Various voices from within the Nalan family resounded, praising Nalan He endlessly. By the end, they had blown him up to be unparalleled, leaving Nalan He himself, if he were present, feeling embarrassed to the core! These voices didn't escape Nalan Tianzhe's notice, but he didn't say much. If things continued in this direction, it would be to his greatest advantage. But... Nalan Qing, what exactly are you up to?
"Quiet down!" Nalan Ba gestured, speaking calmly, "So, is everyone nominating He'er as the Young Master? Any objections? If not..."
"Wait!" A gentle shout interrupted, and all eyes turned to the elderly man sitting in the third position on the left.
"Who's this guy? How dare he speak like that?"
"Don't you know? He's one of the three elders of the Nalan family, called Nalan Hao. It's said that he retired many years ago, but unexpectedly, he's here today!"
"Does he also want to vie for the position of head of the family?"
"Are you stupid? Choosing an old man as the Young Master?"
Various whispers persisted, but the people of the Nalan family acted as if they hadn't heard. Only Nalan Ba showed a meaningful expression without speaking. Instead, it was Nalan Tianzhe who furrowed his brows slightly and said, "Second Elder... Do you have any objections?"
Nalan Hao looked at Nalan Tianzhe indifferently and slowly said, "In the Nalan family, anyone can be the Young Master... except Nalan He."
"Why?" Nalan Tianzhe frowned.
"Hehe, Young Master Nalan He is indeed talented and has an impressive background. However, he has always been arrogant and domineering within the family, with few who truly submit to him. If he can't even control his own family, how can he lead others? Moreover... three days ago, he was defeated by that Li Yi, even losing his wife. Who knows when he might also lose the interests of the family? Master of the family, I ask you, what qualifications does such a person have? What status? What face, to become the Young Master of our Nalan family? Our Nalan family cannot afford such a loss of face!"
"Oh!?" Nalan Tianzhe remained unruffled, "So, according to Elder Hao's opinion, who can take on the role of the Young Master?"
Nalan Hao smiled faintly and pointed at Nalan Qing, saying, "The Young Master is modest, well-liked among the family heads, and has good relations with outsiders. Although he may not have Nalan He's extraordinary talents, he is still a formidable Warrior. Master of the family, I believe, at your age, he's not bad, right?"
"So what?" Nalan Tianzhe responded calmly.
"What? I nominate Young Master Nalan Qing as the Young Master of our Nalan family! In any case, he's much better than that kid Nalan He!"
"Nalan Tianzhe slapped the table coldly, giving a faint smile before saying in a low voice, "Arrogant! Second Elder, I respect you as an elder, but please don't overstep your bounds. Who you nominate is none of my concern. But don't sow discord here!"
"Am I sowing discord?" Nalan Hao laughed heartily, "Nalan Tianzhe, so according to you, you want Nalan He to be the Young Master? Do the rest of us have no say? Does everything in the family have to be up to you? So... are all of us in the Nalan family supposed to let you lead us by the nose?"
"Nalan Tianzhe, let me tell you! The Nalan family belongs to our Nalan people, not just you alone!"