Careful Schemes

Early the next morning, Xiao Yan felt somewhat weak after spending the entire night reasserting his authority as the husband, yet he still strode out of his room with high spirits.

After instructing the servants to deliver the prepared breakfast to Little Fairy Doctor, Xiao Yan ran into the elder responsible for guarding the Xiao Clan's treasury.

"Young Master Xiao Yan, these are the medicinal ingredients you requested."

"Mm." Xiao Yan accepted them without ceremony. Only after checking that there were no problems did he nod.

At Xiao Yan's current level, even an alchemist could not possibly keep large quantities of ingredients for low-grade pills on hand. Thus, the ingredients for refining first- and second-tier pills intended for sale had to be supplied by the Xiao Clan's treasury.

"By the way, how are the preparations for selling pills at the clan shops coming along?"

"Reporting to Young Master, the shops began preparing as soon as you gave the order yesterday. At the earliest, we can begin selling pills to the people of Wutan City tomorrow. At present, we can say we are only waiting on you, Young Master Xiao Yan," the elder answered.

"Good. Have them move faster. I have no interest in wasting too much time on those other two clans. Hold on to this Storage Ring for now. The pills inside should be enough for the people of Wutan City to buy for ten days or half a month." As he spoke, Xiao Yan removed a Storage Ring from a finger on his left hand. It was one of the Storage Rings he had obtained from the Mo Clan, containing all the first- and second-tier pills from back then.

"Young Master Xiao Yan, this is—!" The elder took the Storage Ring and looked inside, his heart jolting. He had never seen so many pills in his entire life, and his voice trembled.

"This was compensation given when someone offended me before. Enough, it would take too long to explain this matter, so don't ask. Take these and get the business set up first." Xiao Yan said, "By the way, is Father in his study now?"

Even after hearing Xiao Yan's words, the elder remained somewhat excited. He took a deep breath to compose himself, then said, "He should be. At this hour, the clan head is usually in his study. I haven't seen him anywhere else since this morning."

"Alright, I understand. You may go."

With that, Xiao Yan headed toward Xiao Zhan's study.

Before entering the study, Xiao Yan saw two figures reflected on the window paper inside.

When he entered, he discovered that not only was Xiao Zhan there, but the First Elder was there as well, apparently discussing something.

Upon seeing Xiao Yan enter, delight appeared on Xiao Zhan's face, while the First Elder immediately rose to his feet, his expression complicated.

As an elder of the Xiao Clan, he ought to count as Xiao Yan's senior. He should have been able to sit beside Xiao Zhan and wait for Xiao Yan to pay his respects. Yet he did not dare remain seated like Xiao Zhan. Xiao Zhan was Xiao Yan's father, after all—but what was he? In this world where strength reigned supreme, even if Xiao Yan stepped on his face, no one would speak up for him.

However, he could not bring himself to bow to Xiao Yan based on their difference in strength. He could only stand there awkwardly.

Xiao Zhan naturally understood the discomfort in the Xiao Clan First Elder's heart, but he could not directly offer consolation. He could only silently signal Xiao Yan with his eyes.

Xiao Yan smiled faintly. Naturally, he would not let one of his own elders lose face. Besides, the First Elder had treated him quite well when he was young.

Xiao Yan clasped his right hand over his left and leaned forward slightly, giving a proper cupped-fist salute. "Father, First Elder."

Seeing this, the First Elder took a deep breath and immediately relaxed. The more he looked at Xiao Yan, the more pleasing he found him. Xiao Yan was not only powerful and extraordinarily talented, but also refined, courteous, respectful toward elders, and caring toward the young.

The First Elder stroked his long goatee, and his thoughts could not help but wander.

With Xiao Yan's talent, he would certainly climb to greater heights in the future. Yet the relationship between their branch and Xiao Yan's family was not particularly close. Over time, estrangement would likely become inevitable—but how could that do? He had to think of a way.

Come to think of it, Canaan Academy's annual recruitment period was approaching. According to the letter Yu'er had sent home, she would return this time with Canaan Academy's recruitment team. That would be the perfect opportunity to match them up.

What? Xiao Yan had already brought back a Little Fairy Doctor, and he was also bound by an engagement with the Nalan Clan? What did that matter? What was strange about a man having three wives and four concubines? They were all family. Even if Xiao Yan might mistreat others, could he possibly mistreat Yu'er?

In truth, he had already entertained this thought last night. He simply had not made up his mind, fearing that Xiao Yan would not show him enough respect. If he went in warmly only to receive a cold response, how could he continue getting by in the Xiao Clan afterward?

"Young Master Xiao Yan is too courteous. Since you came here, you must have something to discuss with the clan head, correct? In that case, you two chat. This old man will not stay here and interfere." Since Xiao Yan had given him face, he naturally would not be tactless enough to remain and hinder the father and son's conversation.

"Please wait, First Elder. I am a junior, so by rights, I should wait until you two elders have finished speaking," Xiao Yan said, stopping the First Elder who was about to leave.

Listen to that! What was a refined young gentleman? This was one! After Xiao Yan praised him like that, the First Elder felt as though he were floating in the clouds, his very bones growing lighter.

"It is nothing important. The younger members of the clan hope you can spare some time to guide them more, so they urged this old man to speak on their behalf. Honestly, they need to cultivate—do you not need to cultivate as well? Young Master Xiao Yan, you need not pay them any mind. Just proceed at your own pace. If anyone pesters you, tell this old man. It is inconvenient for the clan head to step in over this matter, but I can still do so." The First Elder patted his chest and assured Xiao Yan, leaving both Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhan stunned.

What is wrong with this old man? Did he change his temperament during the two years I was away?

No, didn't you just say that you hoped Xiao Yan would spend more time guiding the younger members of the clan? Why did you change your tune the moment he arrived?

What Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhan did not know was that in that very instant, the First Elder's impression of Xiao Yan had transformed from an outrageously gifted child from a relative's family into his own future grandson-in-law.

What Xiao Yan knew even less was that a single cupped-fist salute today would earn him another wife in the future.

"Ahem, First Elder, there is no need for this. I returned this time to help the clan advance further, so naturally I will not be stingy in supporting my fellow clansmen. I have also thought of a method—" Xiao Yan said.

"Is that true?" The First Elder's eyes lit up. After all, he had a grandson as well. If Xiao Yan was willing to guide the younger generation of the clan, that would naturally be for the best.

"Of course. I have already thought of a method. First Elder, just tell them to wait a little longer. There will be results in a few days," Xiao Yan said with a smile.

"That is wonderful! I will go tell everyone this good news right away. I will not disturb you any longer. You father and son can talk first." With that, the First Elder left Xiao Zhan's study in high spirits.