Zhang Chen had no idea that people were watching him in secret. In particular, when they saw that he refused to yield an inch to Zhang Shenqi, a look of approval appeared on one old man's face.
"Hmph! This boy has no respect for his elders. Defiant and insolent-he deserves to be thrown out of the family!" Someone else disapproved of Zhang Chen's behavior and angrily rebuked him.
The old man who had voiced his approval shot the other man a sidelong glance. "Elders? Respecting one's elders depends on whether they're truly worthy of respect. If all he knows is blind loyalty, compromise, and retreat, then he's nothing but a mediocrity, incapable of shouldering our Zhang Family's vast holdings."
"Fourth Zhang, what do you mean by that? Zhang Shenqi is the head of the Zhang Family. Whether the Zhang Family rises in the future, whether this household can stand tall, will naturally depend on the descendants of Zhang Shenqi's branch. What does it have to do with him?" The man who disapproved immediately retorted.
"Heh! Eighth Zhang, you're mistaken! Zhang Chen is the Zhang Family's true direct-line heir. Zhang Shenqi is merely serving in his stead. Now that Zhang Chen has returned, and has even managed to topple the Pacifying Border Prince's Mansion and shatter our Zhang Family's centuries-long plans, he has clearly proven himself a man of great ability. Only by entrusting the Zhang Family to someone like him can we rest easy!" Fourth Zhang countered.
"The position of family head belonged to him in the first place. Now that its rightful owner has returned, Zhang Shenqi ought to give it back."
The people in the pavilion argued incessantly, while down below, the air was thick with the smell of gunpowder.
"Zhang Chen, don't get so arrogant! You ruined