Author : Vasudeva_AY
Zhen stood in the dimly lit corridor, his weariness palpable beneath the weight of his troubled gaze. Shadows loomed around him, swallowing the narrow passage in obscurity. His figure leaned wearily against the cool stone wall, the fatigue etched deeply into his youthful features. Beneath his eyes, dark circles bore witness to sleepless nights and silent despair. A maid methodically mopped the floor in the distance, her presence a mere whisper against the backdrop of his solitude.
At that precise moment, Elder Zhang, a man in his fifties with hair once vibrant but now fading, traversed the corridor. His gaze alighted upon Zhen, whose eyes bore the weight of sorrow. Despite Zhen's meager talents and his affiliation with the side family branch, Elder Zhang did not turn a blind eye.
The adage "blood is thicker than water" resonated within him, prompting an act of compassion toward the 14-year-old who had fallen from grace. Elder Zhang extended his hand, not out of obligation, but from a genuine sense of empathy.
Opening the door to the room adjacent to Zhen, Elder Zhang gestured for him to enter. Zhen complied silently, stepping into the modest space illuminated by the afternoon sun streaming through the open window.
As Elder Zhang placed a comforting hand on Zhen's shoulder, his voice carried both authority and compassion. "Zhen, I can empathize with your sentiments. From the moment you entered this world, the weight of expectation has been upon you."
Zhen nodded, his eyes betraying the turmoil within. With a voice trembling with emotion, he struggled to articulate his frustrations. "I was coming to terms with it, Elder Zhang. It's just that... Elder Wang's staunch adherence to tradition stifles any notion of progress," he confessed, tears welling in his eyes.
Elder Zhang's tone softened, imbued with understanding. "Indeed, Zhen. Elder Wang's dedication to our heritage is unwavering. However, we must also recognize the importance of embracing innovation and evolution in our pursuit of strength."
Zhen, still tearful, managed to articulate amidst his sobs, "I see what you mean, Elder Zhang. Tradition has its place, but in these changing times, we must also be willing to adapt and evolve."
Elder Zhang's demeanor shifted slightly, his tone reflecting a resonance with Zhen's sentiments. "Precisely. It's not that Elder Wang's intentions are misguided, but his reluctance to embrace change can be... limiting, to say the least. We must find a way to honor our heritage while also forging ahead into new horizons."
Zhen's tears began to subside, but his voice remained tinged with emotion as he spoke, "I couldn't agree more, Elder Zhang. Progress requires a delicate balance between honoring our roots and reaching for the stars."
Unbeknownst to them, a maid who had overheard part of their conversation gasped in disbelief. "Did Elder Zhang just say that Elder Wang is limiting and misguided? I can't believe he would speak about him like that!"
"Thank you, Elder, for guiding me. I will keep your words in mind," Zhen said as he bowed respectfully. Elder Zhang nodded in acknowledgment. "Hmph, Now you may go," he replied, signaling the end of their discussion.
Zhen reached the door and pushed it inward, catching the maid off guard as she eavesdropped. She jumped back in surprise as Zhen emerged from the room.
"Women," he muttered under his breath, his expression morphing from tears to a sly smirk. Everything that transpired moments ago was no accident. Zhen, having lived within the family for 14 years, was keenly attuned to the ambitions simmering beneath the surface, particularly the aspirations of the elders vying for the vacant position of patriarch of the Li family.
His tears and sobs were all part of an elaborate act—a ploy to set his plan in motion, to sow discord between the prominent figures of Elder Zhang and Elder Wang. Both held their own visions for the family's future. Zhen noted Elder Zhang's precise movements and timing as he exited the room. Just prior, Zhen had deliberately spilled juice on the nearby floor and called for Reena at the exact moment Elder Zhang passed by.
Zhen observed Reena's type, one who relished overhearing conversations and embellishing them in her gossip. He strategically presented himself as raw and vulnerable, aiming to elicit sympathy from Elder Zhang and engage in discussions about Elder Wang. He anticipated Reena's inclination to overhear and amplify the details of their conversation.
His confidence stemmed from 15 years of experience he had in human emotions and psychology in his past life. Zhen understood Reena's penchant for sensational gossip, and he provided her with precisely that.
"Let's wait before striking again," Zhen mused as he exited the corridor. Despite his calculated moves, he remained cautious, knowing that nothing could be certain until it played out completely.
In this world, many men may not embody true honor or righteousness within, yet they often project a facade of honorability and righteousness outwardly. Elder Zhang and Wang were no exception to this pattern. In a society where reputation and honor are highly esteemed, damaging a person's honor can be a potent weapon, especially when it involves discrediting their ideals and principles.
By targeting the ideals upheld by Elder Zhang and Wang, one could effectively undermine their perceived honor and integrity. For individuals like Elder Zhang and Wang, whose reputations are closely tied to their adherence to tradition and their commitment to the clan, tarnishing their ideals could strike at the very core of their perceived honorability.
Thus, in a world where appearances often outweigh realities, manipulating perceptions of honor and righteousness can be a subtle yet powerful tool in shaping the dynamics of power and influence.
As the gossip surged through the ranks of servants, it inevitably found its way to the innocent ears of children, who, untainted by the complexities of adult politics, possessed an uncanny ability to amplify and disseminate news with rapidity.
Near the back courtyard of the ancestral home, where the sprawling expanse of grass met the stoic embrace of stone boundaries, two children meandered under the relentless gaze of the sun. Elder Wang, seeking respite from the heat, sat ensconced beneath the shelter of an extended roof, a mere observer to the unfolding drama.
"Did you hear what Elder Zhang said about Elder Wang?" one child inquired of his companion.
"Not exactly, but I caught wind of something," his friend replied, curiosity piqued by the tantalizing tidbits of adult discourse.
The first child, eyes wide with a mixture of astonishment and intrigue, relayed the essence of Elder Zhang's comments. "Elder Zhang practically declared Elder Wang unfit for the patriarch position, questioning his mental acuity and accusing him of clinging to outdated ideals."
Elder Wang, seated and seeking solace from the afternoon heat, caught wind of the passing conversation between the two children. His demeanor shifted abruptly as he rose to his feet, his head adorned with sparse remnants of red hair atop a round countenance.
"Hey, you two!" he called out, his voice tinged with anger, wisps of verdant green spirit energy swirling around him. "What were you saying about me?" His tone brooked no disobedience, demanding answers with authority.
The children, cowed by the elder's sudden outburst, quickly prostrated themselves. "It wasn't us, Elder! We swear, we didn't say anything disrespectful!" they exclaimed, their voices trembling with fear.
"Do you think I am a fool? I heard everything," Elder Wang thundered, his frustration palpable.
"Respected Elder, we meant no disrespect. We only overheard the conversation from children playing nearby," one of the children ventured, sincerity evident in his eyes.
Elder Wang regarded them with a stern gaze before finally allowing them to depart, his anger gradually subsiding. "Elder Zhang," he muttered beneath his breath, the name carrying a weight of resentment even in his subdued tone.
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