Chapter 1443 – The Nie Clan’s Hidden Worries (Part 2)
The situation of the Nie Clan bears some resemblance to that of the Xu Clan.
The brothers Xu Pei and Xu Fei have been locked in a deathmatch, battling it out relentlessly, all due to their grandfather’s favoritism towards his youngest grandson, which has stirred conflict between the eldest legitimate grandson and the second legitimate grandson. The Nie Clan’s circumstances are even more complicated; Old Patriarch Nie is in robust health, and the several sons he has fathered are thriving, enjoying life to the fullest.
Moreover, they are passionate about creating a large family, contributing valuable strength to the Nie Clan’s population.
Nie Liang’s father is just the fifth son of the Old Patriarch. Having had no hope of inheriting the family business, it turned out that the Old Patriarch stubbornly held onto power within the Nie Clan for many years, refusing to retire even at his age, while simultaneously pressing down on his sons and heavily cultivating a few promising grandsons.
Old Patriarch Nie has always been dismissive of the concept of primogeniture, and now, with this stance, other sons are beginning to stir.
With hearts swaying, they start to contemplate ambitions that should not be entertained.
It began with minor skirmishes, but escalated into plots to harm the younger generation.
As the eldest legitimate son of the fifth household, Nie Liang stands out among the Nie Clan’s younger generation and is under immense external scrutiny.
Seeing how the Old Patriarch frequently praises Nie Liang and seems inclined to pass on the family business to the fifth household, the other uncles quickly grew restless.
Nie Liang has been poisoned!
The toxin is not too potent, but prolonged exposure is weakening his body bit by bit.
If it weren’t for a trip to Dongqing Cangzhou to interact with Jiang Pengji, Wei Ying had become cautious and requested his younger brother Wei Ci to come check his pulse… Nie Liang would have likely died before realizing he had been poisoned. The perpetrator was so clandestine and had severed all clues that even Nie Liang could not find the true culprit. However, he is certain the assailant is absolutely tied to his uncles!
Upon returning to Zhong Zhao, Nie Liang is simultaneously conducting a thorough purge of those around him, seeking means to seize power, and attempting to bypass his grandfather to take control of the entire Nie Clan.
The process is naturally arduous and perilous, but Nie Liang is acutely aware that if he does not take action, the Nie Clan will inevitably be torn apart by his uncles’ infighting!
Due to the accumulation of toxins within, and with no chance to recuperate properly, Nie Liang’s health has been deteriorating year after year.
As a precaution, he plans to have his eldest son inherit the Nie Clan; as long as the legitimacy is established, those uncles would dare not act overtly chaotic.
Yet, the Old Patriarch still bears a grudge against Nie Liang for his actions and refuses to acknowledge the heir Nie Liang has established.
If that is the case—
Once Nie Liang passes, how will a tender child withstand a pack of uncles like wolves?
Wouldn’t he be devoured by a group of uncles along with the eternally youthful grandfather?
If there is anything that still burdens Nie Liang, it is probably the child and the Nie Clan itself.
“But…” Wei Ying seems to want to say something more.
Nie Liang smiles bitterly, “For the sake of the Nie Clan, I cannot let Liu Xi swallow South Sheng.”
He knows his time is short; if he dies, the Nie Clan members will turn on each other in a scramble for power, ultimately benefiting Jiang Pengji.
If Jiang Pengji were a benevolent person, Nie Liang wouldn’t worry too much—without a struggle for supremacy, the Nie Clan could stand firm on its heritage. Disappointingly, Jiang Pengji is not only unkind, but she is also someone who cannot tolerate even a speck of sand in her eye. As long as the Nie Clan remains under her, it will eventually suffer its demise. For various reasons, Nie Liang can only grit his teeth and continue to plot, trying his best to pave the way for his family.
Only by eliminating hidden dangers can the Nie Clan withstand the upcoming storms of turmoil.
“If the Lord insists on this, I cannot oppose. But if we are to mobilize against Liu Xi, some may object.”
Nie Liang’s position differs from Jiang Pengji’s.
Both hail from wealthy clans with rich heritage, but Jiang Pengji has broken free from the Liu Clan’s constraints and has established her own branch, leaving no one able to interfere in her decisions. Though Nie Liang controls the Nie Clan, he inherently relies on the clan’s power, still subject to others’ influence.
Even though Nie Liang has garnered numerous scheming strategists and military generals, he remains unable to shake off the clan’s impact.
Nie Liang states, “I will consider this matter carefully. If there are truly those who remain stubborn and continue to obstruct…”
He pauses, his gaze carrying a chilling coldness that sends shivers down the spine.
“If saplings wish to thrive, they need someone to prune their excess branches.”
If the several uncles of the Nie Clan continue to be so unreasonable, Nie Liang sees no harm in inflicting upon them the pains he’s endured.
Still want to fight?
Let them all go with him to battle slowly at the gates of hell!
Since living is a curse, perhaps death might bring peace, and who knows, maybe the Nie Clan could turn their luck around.
If it comes to that, Nie Liang doesn’t wish to do so.
Beside him, Wei Ying is unaware that his friend has made a shocking decision, while he remains troubled inside.
At this moment, a report comes from outside that Young Master is here to pay his respects, and Nie Liang’s expression noticeably softens.
Nie Liang’s eldest son is on the verge of manhood, having inherited the best traits from both his father and mother; he is handsome, tall, and bears a striking resemblance to the youthful Nie Liang. Behind him follows a friendly-looking young boy, appearing to be the eldest son’s little shadow.
This little shadow is none other than the son of Nie Liang’s cousin, who usually lacks any presence and has a timid disposition.
Nie Liang does not wish for his son to be alone, and having a playmate of the same age brings him joy.
“Father, why does your complexion look so pale?”
The eldest son greets his father and also bows to his father-in-law Wei Ying.
Nie Liang replies, “I worked long hours last night and rose early this morning; it’s normal for my complexion to pale, my son need not worry.”
His son expresses concern a few more times, and upon observing Nie Liang’s furrowed brow, discreetly takes his leave.
Throughout this exchange, that friendly-looking nephew never managed to chime in, nor did he take offense.
Unbeknownst to them both, after they leave, a chilling voice rings in Nie Liang’s ears.
There is little life force left in Nie Liang; only six months remain.
Six months? Yet he seems to still wish to support his son to ascend… If this really comes to pass, wouldn’t all my efforts go to waste?
The Emperor’s Advisor System selects the destined individual. If you have no chance of success, why would I choose you? Don’t worry.
…
“Ah Yang, why are you in a daze?”
Nie Liang’s eldest son sees his cousin standing still and stops to wait for him.
“It’s nothing, little brother, just a bit worried about Fifth Uncle; not only does he look worse than before, but he has also lost quite a bit of weight.”
Nie Liang’s eldest son remarks, “You should be friendly with your father; the other brothers, let alone care for father, would consider it good enough not to slander him behind his back.”
It is precisely because of Nie Yang’s goodness that he enjoys lifting this cousin up.
“In a while, we will both be taking the cap ceremony; I wonder what name father will choose for us…”
The cap ceremony is of great importance for men in ancient times, and choosing a name is a vital part of the event. After the ceremony, they are recognized as adults.
Nie Yang is not valued by his parents due to his average aptitude, and even the cap ceremony—such a significant day—wasn’t mentioned.
If it weren’t for Nie Liang’s memory, Nie Yang would have utterly embarrassed himself.
Nie Yang smiles, “Whatever name is chosen is fine. Fifth Uncle is a literary genius, no less than a great scholar, so why worry about a name?”
“That’s true.”
The two head together to the clan academy to study, with Nie Liang’s eldest son leading the way while Nie Yang lags behind.
Unbeknownst to him, the gentle and somewhat timid Nie Yang in everyone’s eyes is filled with dark clouds beneath his surface.
