Protect Our Patriarch

……

In the end, Ancestor Long Yan was still the same Wang Long Yan from before, that proud and somewhat domineering girl. It was only with age and the increasing responsibilities on her shoulders that she had to constantly restrain her true nature.

However, no matter what, Ancestor Long Yan was the person Wang Shouzhe respected the most. She had sacrificed so much for the family in this lifetime, and even if she occasionally acted willfully, Wang Shouzhe would fully support her.

Wang Shouzhe pondered for a moment and said, "Ancestor, do you mean to get rid of that Zuoqiu kid?"

"Get rid of him?" Ancestor Long Yan was slightly taken aback and hesitated, "That kid may have a lecherous look in his eyes, but he doesn't deserve to die. A little lesson will suffice. Besides, he's from a fourth-rank clan, and it's not wise to make a mortal enemy."

"I understand," Wang Shouzhe nodded, "In that case, it's simple. That kid is about my age, so I'll just challenge him to a public duel as a peer. This way, regardless of the outcome, the conflict won't escalate, and it will help you vent your anger."

Normally, Wang Shouzhe wouldn't engage in such meaningless disputes. If there was a conflict, he would usually resolve it if possible. If it was a life-and-death conflict that couldn't be resolved, he would either not act or act decisively to solve the "problem."

"Good." Although Ancestor Long Yan wanted to take action herself, her seniority made it inappropriate to directly confront Zuoqiu Qingyun, as it would seem like bullying the younger generation.

A moment later.

Wang Shihai was a bit stunned, "Fourth Uncle wants to find Zuoqiu Qingyun's whereabouts and give him a beating?"

"Zuoqiu Qingyun? That's quite a nice name... So, there's another reason to beat him up," Wang Shouzhe smiled and nodded, "Are you afraid of trouble, Shihai?"

"What's there to be afraid of?" Wang Shihai straightened his chest proudly, "No matter how powerful the Zuoqiu's Clan from Qing'an Commandery is, their influence is limited to Qing'an Commandery. Our Monan Wang's Clan is one of the three major Purple Mansion Clans in Monan Commandery."

"Fourth Uncle, although you have a higher seniority, you're still under sixty years old. It's normal for young people to have conflicts, to duel or get beaten up. As long as it's not crippling or fatal, no elder from any clan would easily intervene."

Then, Wang Shihai went to investigate Zuoqiu Qingyun's whereabouts.

He was indeed a "local tyrant" with a group of disreputable friends, and he quickly found out Zuoqiu Qingyun's whereabouts. It turned out that in the past few days, Zuoqiu Qingyun had heard of Celestial Maiden Tianyan's reputation and had been trying to visit her several times in the evenings.

However, Celestial Maiden Tianyan, for some unknown reason, had been refusing visitors for the past month, and Zuoqiu Qingyun had been turned away three times.

"Fourth Uncle," Wang Shihai looked at Wang Shouzhe with admiration, "It seems that Celestial Maiden Tianyan is deeply in love with you. She must be doing this to show you."

As soon as he finished speaking.

Ancestor Long Yan, who was resting with her eyes closed, opened her clear eyes slightly and stared at Wang Shouzhe, saying indifferently, "Shouzhe, did you go to the high-class brothel?"

"Well... I was just curious and went to take a look. I have nothing to do with that Tianyan," Wang Shouzhe replied calmly. After all, he had a clear conscience and wasn't afraid of being questioned.

Unexpectedly.

Just as Wang Shouzhe finished speaking, a Wang's Clan guard reported from outside Xianke Residence, "Reporting to Master Wang Shouzhe, a woman named Celestial Maiden Tianyan has come to deliver a visiting card and requests to see Master Wang Shouzhe. Should we let her in?"

Ancestor Long Yan's starry eyes scanned Wang Shouzhe suspiciously, her delicate brows furrowing, "Don't hide anything from me. If there's something, let's resolve it early. If you want to take a concubine, it's not impossible, but it should be done gradually... Otherwise, if there's a fight when we return, I'll just turn a deaf ear."

"Ancestor, there's really nothing going on," Wang Shouzhe said with a wry smile, "That Tianyan has a mysterious background and a hint of strangeness about her. With such an unclear identity and purpose, would I randomly get involved with her? Even if I wanted to take a concubine, I wouldn't choose her."

"That's true. With someone like Ruolan in front of you, how could ordinary women catch your eye?" Ancestor Long Yan was reassured and nodded, "If you really fancy someone in the future, tell me first. As your ancestor, I have the right to make decisions for you. Come to think of it, you only have two sons and two daughters now; you should have more children. Even if they are just concubines' children, they are still the master's children and won't have a low status in the clan. They can continue the direct bloodline in the future."

Ancestor Long Yan seemed to be in the mood to talk, "Of course, it's best if they are daughters of noble families. They can be taken as secondary wives, and their children will be considered legitimate..."

Wang Shouzhe broke into a cold sweat and quickly interrupted, "Ancestor, please stop. Ruolan and I have deep feelings for each other, and having her alone is enough. Besides, it's very difficult for noble family members to marry secondary wives, and there's no point in it."

In this world, it's easy to take concubines but very difficult to marry secondary wives because that is a privilege reserved for the royal family. Specifically, only those with titles can marry multiple wives. And not just anyone can become a royal wife.

As for ordinary royal family members, they can only have one legitimate wife, and the rest can only be concubines. Unless a royal family member gets the emperor's approval and a decree, they can marry a few more secondary wives.

The same goes for noble family members. If they want to marry multiple wives, they either have to be powerful enough to be granted the title of a different surname king, allowing them to "infinitely" marry royal wives within the rules, or they have to apply for a decree from the emperor...

With Wang Shouzhe's current status, he doesn't have the qualifications to write a memorial to the emperor.

Unless he reveals that he is a great prodigy and then uses his connections to request an audience with the emperor. If the emperor is in a good mood and interested, he might grant an audience, give some rewards, and offer some encouragement...

But that's about it...

Only when Wang Shouzhe, as a great prodigy, reaches the Purple Mansion Realm will the emperor take him seriously. And only when he truly breaks through to the Divine Realm will he have the right to meet the emperor at any time.

At that point, the emperor would consider his words and attitude carefully.

Ancestor Long Yan frowned slightly at this, "It is indeed difficult, but not impossible."

She secretly pondered that when she reached the Purple Mansion Realm, as a great prodigy in the Purple Mansion Realm, she would have some status. Coupled with the Wang's Clan's upcoming achievements in opening up new territories and their huge tax records, she could apply for a decree for Shouzhe.

"Let's not talk about this for now," Wang Shouzhe said, "That Tianyan has an unclear background, and I don't want to get involved with her. Let's just send her away."

"Let's meet her first. Maybe there's something important," Ancestor Long Yan's clear eyes moved slightly, "I've heard of that 'Celestial Maiden Tianyan.' She's said to have the talent of a Celestial Realm prodigy, equivalent to a direct disciple of the academy. Let's hear what she has to say first."

Just as Wang Shouzhe was about to say something.

Wang Shihai excitedly shouted, "Guard at the door, invite Celestial Maiden Tianyan in."

Wang Shouzhe couldn't help but glare at him, "What does this have to do with you?"

"Fourth Uncle, you're wrong," Wang Shihai said seriously, "Just because you don't fancy Celestial Maiden Tianyan doesn't mean I don't. If you really don't want her, you can help me connect with her. After all, I'm not the eldest son, and I don't have a marriage contract yet. I don't mind that she's older and has higher cultivation..."

"..." Wang Shouzhe was speechless. This little rascal's skin was getting thicker. If Celestial Maiden Tianyan fancies you, that would be a miracle...

In no time.

A Lingtai Realm guard led Celestial Maiden Tianyan into Xianke Residence.

Wang Shouzhe received her in the pavilion in the courtyard of Xianke Residence, as a courtesy. On the other hand, Wang Shihai was bustling around, instructing the maids to prepare good tea, fruits, and various delicious snacks.

At this moment, Celestial Maiden Tianyan seemed much leaner than a month ago, and her gaze at Wang Shouzhe carried a hint of melancholy.

However, her main attention was on Ancestor Long Yan. After a slight surprise, she immediately bowed gracefully and said, "This extraordinary celestial must be Ancestor Long Yan of the Wang's Clan. I am Tianyan, and I greet Ancestor Long Yan."

As for Wang Shihai, she naturally ignored him completely.

"Tianyan, you seem to know quite a bit about our Wang's Clan," Ancestor Long Yan's eyes scrutinized her.

"To be honest, after Long Wuji suffered a loss at the hands of the Wang's Clan, I looked into the Wang's Clan in detail," Celestial Maiden Tianyan glanced at Wang Shouzhe with a hint of melancholy, "Master Shouzhe's demeanor has captivated me."

Wang Shouzhe sipped his tea and said indifferently, "Shihai said he would marry you as his legitimate wife, would you..."

Before he could finish.

Celestial Maiden Tianyan grabbed Wang Shihai by the collar and threw him out of Xianke Residence in a perfect arc. At the same time, her cold voice rang out, "A brat still wet behind the ears dares to take advantage of me."

"Bang!"

Outside Xianke Residence, there was a heavy thud.

"Ouch, Celestial Maiden..." Wang Shihai groaned in pain outside the courtyard.

"Shut up. If you dare speak rudely to me again, I'll cut you up and feed you to the dogs," Celestial Maiden Tianyan scolded coldly, "Don't come in again. I have important matters to discuss with Master Shouzhe."

After scolding Wang Shihai, Celestial Maiden Tianyan's gaze changed again, looking at Wang Shouzhe with a melancholic expression, "Master Shouzhe, you are truly heartless. It's been a month, and you haven't thought of coming to see me. I just learned some bad news about you and came to see you without regard for my dignity, yet you treat me so coldly."

"Bad news?"

Wang Shouzhe frowned slightly.

"Master, you are indeed heartless~ Your only concern is this..." Celestial Maiden Tianyan's eyes were filled with even more melancholy, "Forget it, I'll tell you directly. Have you offended that Zuoqiu Qingyun kid? He's plotting against you in secret, trying to make you suffer."

Wang Shouzhe's mouth twitched. This was... exactly what he had in mind.

……