Chapter 830

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Protagonist:

Shen Yao

Not much different from the Lu Family she had imagined; the outwardly low-key Lu Mansion was internally like a nouveau riche household—no wonder their vision was so short-sighted.

Shen Yao:...

Why is the aesthetic of these great families so bizarre? Surely they don't actually lack this thing?

Muttering to herself that the Lu Family was nothing special, Shen Yao obediently followed behind Lu Yan, while Lu Yan followed behind Steward Lu, who was waiting at the doorway, and the three entered one after another.

"Eldest Young Master, the Family Head still has some matters to attend to on his end," Steward Lu explained apologetically that Lu Jin could not meet Lu Yan immediately, but Lu Jin was not intending to deliberately reprimand Lu Yan.

"Your courtyard is still as it was when you left; this humble one will lead you there now."

Steward Lu could be said to have exhausted himself; as he walked, he introduced Lu Yan to the goings-on inside, matters of the Lu Family that were dispensable to Lu Yan, after all, he did not care much for those siblings.

The Lu Mansion covered a vast area; from the moment they entered through the gate, they just kept walking and walking.

Rounding the Long Corridor, walking along the Path, passing the Garden, they finally stopped at a place marked Rong Yuan.

This was where Lu Yan had lived since childhood, and also where Lu Yan's mother, Mu Rong, had once lived.

Returning here again, Lu Yan felt quite emotional in his heart, but he knew that asking others was useless; in the end, he still had to settle accounts with Lu Jin.

"Steward Lu, thank you for the trouble of this trip. Since we have arrived at Rong Yuan, I will rest here. If there is anything regarding Father, just have someone notify me."

Anyway, it was not easy to meet Lu Jin, and Lu Yan had no reason to rush; Rong Yuan was the only place where he could relax his mood.

Since Steward Lu said this place had not changed at all since he left, presumably the furnishings inside had all been restored to their original state.

Hearing this, Steward Lu tactfully left; after all, this Eldest Young Master lived up to his name. Even if the Lu Family treated Lu Yan poorly, Lu Yan was indeed capable. Obedience on the surface and words behind one's back were two different things, and Steward Lu did not want to offend anyone for no reason.

However, while Steward Lu did not want to offend anyone, some people were just willing to come forward and cause trouble themselves.

"Steward Lu"

Steward Lu:...

Bad luck!

Not long after Steward Lu left, he was caught by the master waiting outside.

Looking up at the Second Young Master, who bore a three-part resemblance to Lu Yan but lacked Lu Yan's delicate features, Steward Lu did not know what to say.

The Family Head really was something; out of so many young masters and young ladies, he chose a Second Young Master as stupid as a pig, truly not afraid that the Lu Family's entire fortune would be squandered.

"Second Young Master"

Cursing this person as useless in his heart, Steward Lu still wore a respectful expression on his face; after all, this person's reputation was impartiality. No matter which master he encountered in the Lu Family, he always upheld fairness and justice.

Second Young Master:...

Hmph!

A thing without any insight, thinking that being respectful could satisfy all masters? Wrong!

In fact, what masters needed most was not capability, not fairness, but favoritism and loyalty.

Steward Lu was very lacking in this regard; besides his father, he ignored everyone else. Although there was no problem with his attitude, who in the entire Lu Mansion did not know that he had been favored by his father in recent years? Only this Steward Lu was immovable, and precisely because he relied on his father's favor, there was nothing he could do about this person.

"Steward Lu, where have you come from? Surely my good Eldest Brother has really returned?"

Saying this, the Second Young Master revealed a mocking smile, clearly looking down on Lu Yan.

Steward Lu kept his head lowered without speaking, but this appearance did not satisfy the Second Young Master, who continued asking about Lu Yan: "Surely he hasn't moved into Rong Yuan again?"

"Tsk, what's so good about a broken courtyard? Yesterday Steward Lu worked hard all night; Steward Lu is so willing, truly a good steward of our Lu Family."

Steward Lu continued to keep his head lowered and silent like a mute. Facing the Second Young Master, who had a bad brain and spoke unpleasantly, Steward Lu had his own set of logic and excuses. After all, the Second Young Master was easier to deal with at times; the difficult part was how to explain things to the Family Head.

Perhaps because speaking provocative words made him happy, the Second Young Master's mood was much better than at the beginning. Seeing Steward Lu so uncooperative, he couldn't help but snort softly again, then turned and left.

Anyway, Lu Yan had already returned, and he was in Rong Yuan. Since he himself found the other person displeasing, there was no reason for other siblings to let Lu Yan be happy.

As for causing trouble, whether big or small, the Second Young Master did not want Lu Yan to live comfortably.

Turning to watch the Second Young Master leave, Steward Lu pondered for a moment, then turned and walked away.

He now had to go to the Study to meet the Family Head. Rather than staying silent and waiting for others to tattle, Steward Lu obviously wanted to extricate himself.

It would be best if the Family Head could issue an order, setting a clear standard for how to arrange the Eldest Young Master in Rong Yuan, making his future actions more convenient.

"Just follow the usual precedent; anyway, he is not truly intending to return." Lu Jin could be said to be a complete scoundrel of a father regarding Lu Yan's matters. Steward Lu was fortunate that the standard he set initially could still save some face for the Lu Family; otherwise, he dared not imagine the attitude in Rong Yuan.

Tsk

They are all flesh and blood of the same parents; why must it be like this!

Steward Lu could not understand Lu Jin's psychology; in fact, most people did not understand Lu Jin's thoughts either.

After all, regarding the transaction with Lu Yan's mother back then, Lu Jin had participated as an informed party and actively contacted her. Otherwise, Lu Yan's mother would not have chosen the Lu Family.

It was just that this man pretended to be not so bad; before Lu Yan's mother passed away, he revealed his true colors. Lu Yan was young then and could not yet protect himself, but Lu Yan's mother had countermeasures to threaten Lu Jin. It was precisely by relying on such means that Lu Yan was able to grow up smoothly in the Lu Family.

Right now, Lu Jin wanted to sell out Lu Yan. Partly it was because of Lu Yan's identity, but more so because he feared that if Lu Yan learned the truth, he would want his life, or even the lives of the entire Lu Family. People fear death and are greedy; Lu Jin was no exception.

Steward Lu left the Study with a respectful expression. Before leaving, Lu Jin instructed him to keep an eye on Lu Yan and, by the way, stop Lu Yan from leaving the Lu Family. Before the Sima Clan sent people, Lu Yan had best stay in Rong Yuan.

Steward Lu:...

"Yes, this humble one understands."

Steward Lu silently mourned for Eldest Young Master Lu Yan in his heart. Perhaps birth truly mattered. Clearly the master of the mansion, his freedom was not even comparable to the servants in the mansion. He did not know if Eldest Young Master knew what the result of returning would be.

"Naturally he knows; I just didn't expect him to be so impatient."

Not allowed to go out? That was tantamount to imprisonment. Although, this bit of skill could not possibly confine them.

"Lu Yan, have you always been treated like this in the Lu Family?"

It looked rather miserable; not even comparable to some decent servants.

Lu Yan shrugged his shoulders with a calm expression, indicating that this was not the first time; it had been much worse when he was a child, but as his martial force grew stronger, his treatment rose in a straight line. Right now, it was likely because he had not returned for a long time that these people had forgotten how he had beaten them mercilessly back then.

"Xiao Hei and the others haven't been moving their muscles much lately," Shen Yao's eyes shifted, and she simply pulled out the three Salted Fish Beasts to work.

Since arriving at Jin Jue City, aside from the Flame Lion being busy improving its potential, the other two beasts had been unemployed and staying at home.

Later, the Flame Lion received the same treatment as the other two beasts; even when Shen Yao and Lu Yan entered the Secret Realm, they did not bring them along.

Once the matters in Jin Jue City were concluded, the group left Jin Jue City for Floating City. There was little danger on the road, so naturally there was no need for the three beasts to come out and work.

Just like that, if it weren't for the Flame Lion and Gale Wolf's furry fur, and the Black Feather Snake liking to lie on top of her head as a hairpin, Shen Yao would have almost forgotten that Lu Yan had three contracted beasts.

They were currently living at the Lu Mansion. Lu Yan's brothers and sisters all had contracted beasts, and even some servants of the Lu Family had contracted beasts.

Since people were not easy to lay hands on, let the beasts do it. Anyway, contracted beasts had thick skin and thick flesh, so simple actions could not do anything to them.

Lu Yan nodded. "Xiao Hei and the others have eaten so many good things along the way. It's time to show off," and they could also improve while groping around.

Lu Yan understood that these contracted beasts of the Lu Family were flowers in a greenhouse, all very famous, but in terms of combat experience, they were practically nonexistent.

After all, compared to other great families, the Lu Family was truly not enterprising. Not many of Lu Jin's children had talent. Lu Yan being so strong was not due to Lu Jin's merit, but rather the talent of Lu Yan's mother, Mu Rong.

Just like that, the three contracted beasts originally lounging at Rong Yuan were thrown out by Lu Yan and Shen Yao. Shen Yao even threatened them to work hard, saying they could not return until they had beaten this group of Lu Family contracted beasts.

The Three Beasts of Xiao Hei:...

Is this for real? They have to work even after returning to the Lu Family? As three contracted beasts who already knew what being a salted fish meant, they were not very fond of fighting and killing.

"Hmph, if you don't do well, there will be no chance to improve your potential in the future." After all, the main purpose of them leaving Lian Tang City was to enhance the potential of the Black Feather Snake and the three beasts. It was just that they encountered too many things on the road. Compared to solving things themselves, relying on the Black Feather Snake and the three beasts was still too slow, which led to their appearance rate becoming lower and lower.

Right now, there was not much danger at the Lu Family, at least before the Sima Clan arrived.

After seriously assessing the strength of the three contracted beasts, Shen Yao very reassuringly drove them out of Rong Yuan, and by the way pulled out the system in her mind: "Follow them."

System:...

The system began to diligently act as a reporter, continuously reporting on the lives of the three contracted beasts at the Lu Mansion.

Because of Shen Yao's request, the three beasts thought it over and still did not dare to refuse. Using their not very big heads to ponder for a moment, they simply took Rong Yuan as the center, circling outward and constantly expanding to look for trouble in the surroundings.

"Wow, the contracted beasts here are truly carefree. They don't even know how to use a single spell. Are they pets?"

Especially those contracted beasts with beautiful fur and appearance. Every day they either ate or slept, or were held in someone's arms to be petted. So when they were caught by the Black Feather Snake and the three beasts and beaten up, besides being bewildered, they had no other reaction.

The Black Feather Snake and the three beasts never thought their mission would be so simple. It was as if they were addicted to causing trouble. They went out early and returned late, causing trouble for these contracted beasts, until the owners of the contracted beasts ran to Rong Yuan in a huff, shouting and making a scene.

Shen Yao rested her chin on her hand. It was her first time seeing so many masters of the Lu Family.

They were all Lu Yan's brothers and sisters. Because Lu Yan was the oldest among them, except for the few sisters who had already married, everyone else still lived at the Lu Family.

They resembled Lu Yan somewhat in appearance, but more so in their arrogant and overbearing nature, lacking even a bit of Lu Yan's calm composure.

Shen Yao felt these people were useless. Even without Lu Yan, the Lu Family, relying only on these people, would become increasingly desolate.

"Lu Yan, you..."

Shen Yao raised her hand to rub her ears, turned to look at the calm Lu Yan, and admired this person's psychological quality. Being scolded like this by others, he could still remain composed.

"Profanity and nonsense. Is that all the skill you have? It seems the Lu Family is truly hopeless, regressing more and more." Lu Yan, if he didn't speak, it was fine, but once he opened his mouth, it was as if his small mouth was laced with poison, capable of poisoning people to death.

Those who came over were defeated one after another. It could be said that whether it was the contracted beasts or themselves, they were all trampled underfoot by Rong Yuan.

"Eldest Young Master, the Family Head requests your presence."

Steward Lu appeared at the doorway of Rong Yuan at the right time, respectfully asking Lu Yan to follow him to the study in the front courtyard.

"Father has time?" It was truly not easy. They had been back for several days, and Lu Jin actually only looked for him today.

Steward Lu smiled slightly. "The Family Head is busy. Today he just made time."

Lu Yan:...

Made time? It was probably because the person they were waiting for had arrived, and they needed to deliver this goods to his door for inspection, right?

Lu Yan never had any expectations for Lu Jin. After all, this person's bottom line in doing things was terrifyingly low. The memories unlocked in his mind told Lu Yan that even if he guessed Lu Jin's intentions with the greatest malice, it would not be excessive.

Lu Yan did not want to say too much to Steward Lu. After all, some things were useless to say, and in the end, Lu Yan still needed to solve them himself.

Gesturing for Steward Lu to lead the way in front, Lu Yan and Shen Yao glanced at each other and followed him out of Rong Yuan.

'System'

'Host'

Without Shen Yao needing to continue speaking, the system knew the host's purpose. She definitely wanted to know about Lu Yan going to the study.

Fortunately, the Lu Family did not have any superb methods. That bit of defense was like tickling to the system. It quietly followed behind Lu Yan to the study in the front courtyard. The system thoughtfully opened its screen and automatically played the scene inside the study from all angles.

As expected

Lu Jin's study not only had him, but also several proud members of the Sima Clan.

After all, the Sima Clan's clothes were easy to identify. Back when they were in Jin Jue City, they had once sneaked into the Sima Clan at night.

'Wow, Lu Jin is so stupid!' The system straightforwardly despised this Family Head of the Lu Family. He didn't even know how to sell people. It was obvious the Sima Clan wanted to renege on the debt and white loot!

'If Lu Jin were smart, he wouldn't have fallen out with Lu Yan to this extent. Yet he still let Lu Yan grow up.' He was neither ruthless enough nor patient enough, occupying neither side. Saying he had no brain was an understatement.

'Host, is Lu Yan really worth this price?' It feels so wrong.

'No. The Sima Clan is desperate and grasping at straws. No matter how they shift the blame for the Jin Jue City matter, they cannot wash away their own problems. They just want to block the mouths of the public under heaven. Lu Yan? He is merely one of the small chess pieces.'

There were many chess pieces similar to Lu Yan. They were all pushed out by the Sima Clan to share the spoils and take the blame. This was the same as the Xuan Yuan Clan's operation. The Lu Family ultimately chose the Sima Clan and abandoned the Xuan Yuan Clan because the Xuan Yuan Clan was weak, not as strong as the Sima Clan. Actually, both were six of one and half a dozen of the other. The Lu Family could not get what they wanted.