"That is true, but as the Xu Household Head, Dezhao represents the dignity of the Xu Household. You must address him as Household Head when you see him. Otherwise, making him lose face means disgracing the entire Xu Household."
"I understand." Xu Mingqing suddenly grasped it. "His position as Household Head takes precedence over our relationship as uncle and nephew."
"Exactly. Next time others are present, even if he calls you Little Uncle, you must address him as Household Head."
"I will follow your teachings, Father."
"In terms of authority, the Household Head ranks below only me, the Grand Elder. Of course, in some lineages, the Household Head ranks above the Grand Elder.
"Your elder brothers, elder sisters, and the other elders also rank below the Household Head."
"Father, then I want to become the Grand Elder someday, just like you, so my word will be law."
"You little imp. Becoming Grand Elder isn't something you can do just because you want to. First, your cultivation must command respect. You must have foresight, and you must also possess personal charisma."
"That much trouble?" Xu Mingqing drew out the last word, immediately losing much of his interest in the position of Grand Elder.
"Then you should keep doing it, Father."
Xu Chuan laughed as they talked, taking Xu Mingqing onto his flying sword and heading toward the Household Head's Hall.
As the face of the lineage, the Household Head naturally needed a separate palace, which had only been completed two years earlier.
The Household Head's Hall was magnificent and imposing.
It stood on an obsidian foundation seven zhang tall, with ninety-nine steps leading straight to the plaza before the hall. Coiled bronze dragons over ten zhang high stood on either side of the plaza.
Their scales were inlaid with gold, and