Half a month later, Nianze officially assumed the presidency under the title of heir.
The first thing he did after taking office was lavishly reward his younger brothers and sisters.
Of course, this was Shiraishi Yoshijo's idea. Having Nianze do it was meant to let him bestow favors upon his siblings and thereby win their loyalty.
Naturally, such a ploy could not fool the other children.
But now that the heir had been decided, they no longer had even the slightest chance. Naturally, they could not refuse Nianze's rewards. One by one, they expressed their gratitude to him before setting off for different places, accompanied by their mothers.
With so many women gone, the enormous castle became exceedingly desolate.
Early in the morning, a thin mist hung in the air.
Shiraishi Yoshijo woke from his sleep, pushed aside the smooth, pale leg entwined around him, and rose to the window. With so many people driven away, the outside had already begun to show signs of decay.
Dead branches and fallen leaves covered the ground, left unswept. The grass, shrubs, and trees had gone untrimmed and grew wildly. Some houses had even been swallowed by rampant vines.
A pair of arms suddenly wrapped around him from behind, and Tsunade's voice sounded beside his ear. "Do you regret it?"
"A little. But this is already the best solution. Tsunade, have you made up your mind?"
"I've been with you for so many years, yet I still never managed to enter your heart."
"I'm sorry."
"Can't you really let me stay?"
"Go to Konoha. That is your hometown. Construction of Konoha Shrine is nearly complete. I'll have Tian Meng return, then let Guangtai, the third son, serve as governor."
Shiraishi Yoshijo turned back and gently kissed her forehead, then dressed and pushed open