A nation had its laws, a sect its rules, a family its discipline. Great Xia had national laws, and every family had its own code. Within a family, the authority of family discipline stood absolutely above national law. National law could kill; family discipline could kill as well. And the supreme elder of a family was the one who wielded that discipline. Whether in the small family that was the Zhang Family's old residence or the greater family that was Huaiyuan Hall, a single word from Zhang Tie carried more weight than an imperial decree. No one dared defy it...
Zhang Tie could respect him and call him Ninth Uncle, but if Zhang Tie wanted him dead, he would not even need to lift a hand. With a single glance from Zhang Tie, countless people in Huaiyuan Hall would leap out and trample him to death.
"N-No, I wouldn't dare!" Zhang Fan trembled in body and soul. In just a few seconds, cold sweat had drenched his forehead, and he did not even have the courage to refuse.
"Then there's no need to wait. Tomorrow it is. You don't need to concern yourself with the old man's funeral arrangements. Go home tonight and settle your affairs. Tomorrow, leave for Liao Province on your own!"
At Zhang Tie's words, Zhang Fan's face turned even paler, utterly bloodless. His whole body trembled faintly. Yet Zhang Tie no longer looked at him and instead said to his elder brother, Zhang Yang, "The family members who are to go to Liao Province for training will set out tomorrow as well. They need not stay any longer. Tell Zhang Su who they are. If they refuse to go, have Zhang Su send people to escort them there. If any dare sneak back, break their legs