Chapter 104: Reform Is Imperative!

The New Year was approaching, and the entire city was filled with a bustling yet festive atmosphere. Crowds thronged the streets, and shoppers in the stores wore joyful smiles as they purchased their New Year’s goods. The biting cold of the weather did nothing to dampen their spirits; rather, it heightened the significance of this rich and vibrant holiday. People set aside their work to reward themselves for their efforts during this time, savoring the joy of family reunions.

In the grand estates of the elite, the Huo family was no exception. Every Spring Festival, they received countless gifts and visits. Many high-ranking families friendly with the Huos made special trips to pay their respects to the Huo couple, seizing the opportunity of the family patriarch’s great celebration to strengthen their cooperative ties.

As for Rong Qing, the newlywed grand lady of the affluent family, she never imagined that so soon after entering this world, she would be thrust into the role of managing some of the household affairs in place of Huo Zhen, the head of the Huo estate. She busied herself endlessly, attending various banquets and receptions as the young mistress of the Huo family, hosting influential business and political figures from around the world. By the end of the day, she found the corners of her mouth stiffened into a forced, dry smile.

Within the sprawling Huo estate, the living provisions and conditions varied greatly among the different branches of the family. The main branch and the subsidiary branches enjoyed distinctly different lifestyles. For example, fresh fruits imported by air from overseas were first allocated to the main branch before the others could have any. The patriarch and the old master of the Huo family indulged in the most lavish and secretive delicacies—rare tributes or newly cultivated foreign varieties. This not only symbolized their status and identity but also reflected the understated luxury of a discreetly wealthy family.

Each morning, as abalone and shark fin were served even as mouthwash, the indulgent lifestyle nurtured Rong Qing, yet a pang of guilt welled up inside her. The old master’s single meal alone cost what a poor family might earn in an entire year. The daily expenses of this sprawling family could easily amount to a fortune. Now that the Huo family had a powerful leader who could provide them with abundant wealth and prosperity, they must recognize that without such a strong pillar, this commercial empire would inevitably crumble. Reform and thrift were imperative.

Every weekend, the core members of the main branch gathered at the old master’s residence. This not only fostered family unity and harmony but also gave those eager a chance to amuse the old master or showcase their talents before the family head, gaining his favor. Sunday dinners became lively affairs, growing over time into an annual tradition.

In the past, the old master’s grandchildren were unquestionably the favorites, their mischievous cleverness bringing him endless delight. But ever since the new daughter-in-law joined the Huo family lineage, a tempest arose within the family core. This enchanting Rong Qing, through some unknown charm, had not only captivated the family head’s absolute devotion and exclusive affection but had also won the old master’s extraordinary trust and favor. Some less-favored members of the main branch grew increasingly resentful, and even Huo Zhen, the old master’s only daughter, found herself restless and uneasy.

Finally, with a rare moment of leisure during the weekend, Rong Qing was summoned to the old master’s residence. The entire afternoon was spent playing chess and sipping tea with him. Despite knowing nothing about the game, after a few rounds, she had learned enough to play with some semblance of order and strategy. The tea was sweet and refreshing, its fragrance sliding smoothly down her throat, bringing a sense of blissful release. The afternoon passed pleasantly.

Rong Qing craned her neck as the old master’s army advanced. Seizing a moment while he drank his tea, she slyly switched the positions of two black chess pieces, an obvious cheat that was easy to detect. Yet the old master, smiling cheerfully, bore no grudge and continued playing with his granddaughter-in-law. Their back-and-forth game was full of clear wins and losses. The other family members watching had long grown tired of their moves, but the old and the young played with joyful abandon that no one else could understand.

“I’m done playing,” Rong Qing declared as the old master neared another victory. Her pride wouldn’t let him win four out of eight rounds. With a playful pout, she stood up, refusing to continue.

“Wait, wait... Qing, how about I give you a few extra pieces? Let’s play again!” Huo Zhen hurriedly pleaded, afraid that if this little one got angry and stopped playing, the afternoon would become dull and boring. Absolutely not.

Rong Qing mischievously blinked and instantly held up three fingers.

The old master bit his lip with a wry smile, “Three pieces, fine.”

Soon, Rong Qing was beaming with pride, happily seated again in the chess room, accompanying the old master. The onlookers could barely hide their surprise and bewilderment at seeing the once stern and imposing patriarch transformed into a playful, doting old man, teasing and indulging his granddaughter-in-law. It was a scene none of the younger generation had ever witnessed. They tried their best to curry favor with the old master, yet he was so warm and affectionate now. Though jealous, they could only watch helplessly as this joyful bond flourished between grandfather and granddaughter-in-law.

“Dad, come eat,” Huo Zhen called, as the whole family gathered. She had finally taken up the kitchen duties, but the family head kept her sidelined, choosing instead to play chess with this woman. Jealousy filled her face, but she dared not lose her temper.

The main family members sat around the table. Aside from a few homestyle dishes that Huo Zhen had prepared, the rest were crafted by the Huo family’s chefs. The lavish and exquisite cuisine filled their plates, accompanied by fine red wine ready to be uncorked. For so few people, such a feast seemed wasteful. Rong Qing frowned slightly, the gnawing guilt rising again.

“Qing, where’s Ling Tian?” the old master inquired. This grandson was headstrong; if it weren’t for his wife living in the Huo estate, he might not even bother coming home. Still, since the wedding, it was clear how much he cared for her, always returning for meals no matter how busy. These days, Huo Zhen had seen more of him.

“Ling Tian will be here soon. Don’t worry about him, Grandpa, you eat first,” Rong Qing said bluntly, placing a crystal dumpling into the old master’s bowl.

“That’s not proper. Ling Tian is the family head. If he takes offense, we can’t afford the consequences,” Huo Zhen sneered.

Rong Qing knew this aunt was no easy adversary. Though polite in front of Ling Tian, she had often criticized her behind her back. Smiling generously, she said, “I understand Auntie cares for Ling Tian’s heavy workload. After all, steering such a large family isn’t easy. But Grandpa is aging, and the younger generation shouldn’t neglect the elder. I believe Ling Tian understands my sincere intentions.”

In contrast, Huo Zhen appeared petty and narrow-minded.

“Good, good child,” Huo Zhen said, pleased, patting her granddaughter-in-law’s hand with a warm smile. “Eat, eat—the food will get cold otherwise.” He swallowed the crystal dumpling in one bite and praised its deliciousness. Seeing the old master begin to eat, the rest relaxed and started helping themselves. The table was filled with delicious food and a lively atmosphere—a true family gathering.

When Huo Ling Tian finally arrived, the guests were well fed, with much food still remaining. He removed his coat and strode over to Rong Qing. Huo Zhen quickly ordered the chefs to prepare more exquisite dishes.

“No need, Grandpa, this is enough,” Ling Tian muttered, casually eating a large shrimp from Rong Qing’s bowl. Though coated with sauce, he relished every bite, his expression growing increasingly bold and affectionate.

“That won’t do. He is the head of the Huo family after all!” the old master insisted, unwilling to slight his grandson.

Watching Ling Tian eat heartily, Rong Qing busied herself arranging the dishes. She had noticed a pattern: whatever she picked, whether he liked it or not, the man would swallow it whole. She gently cautioned, “Grandpa, our lifestyle is too extravagant and wasteful. This undermines the foundation of the Huo family.” Boldly, she voiced what she had been pondering for days—the need to cut back and economize.

“Hmph! Madam Rong, your words are bold indeed. Undermine the foundation of the Huo family? I think you just can’t bear to see the Huo family prosper,” Huo Zhen snapped, unable to bear it any longer. Since arriving, this woman had stolen all her status and favor. Now she even interfered with their basic lifestyle pleasures.

With a loud ‘bang!’ chopsticks hit the table, sharp enough to silence everyone present. “Huo Zhen, Qing is my wife and the lady of the Huo family. You have no right to speak out of turn,” Huo Ling Tian’s commanding gaze swept the room, freezing all in place.

Huo Zhen trembled under his icy glare, swallowing her retort. She had witnessed this man’s ruthlessness and cunning, his ability to control a powerful family and decide life or death at will. He was like a hidden emperor in this grand estate, ready to strike down any rebel or disobedient soul. During the brutal family head battles years ago, if they hadn’t been his own aunt and uncle, they might not have escaped unscathed. In short, Huo Ling Tian was a formidable ruler not to be provoked.

“Grandpa, the daily expenses just for food in the Huo family could match a year’s income for an impoverished household. This is a tragic reality. Excessive luxury breeds greed, and human desire only grows. The Huo family should not support idle freeloaders,” Rong Qing spoke earnestly. “Starting tomorrow, Ling Tian and I will cut our household expenses by half.”

“Not just that,” Huo Zhen declared decisively. “All monthly expenses for the Huo family members will be halved. They need to learn that freeloaders in the Huo family have a hard time too.” He pounded the table, “Qing, I’m old now. It’s time to hand the reins over to your generation.”

“Grandpa, that’s not what I meant... I...” Rong Qing began, but Huo Zhen interrupted her.

“Listen to me. I’ve long worried about the future of the Huo family. While Ling Tian fights to build the empire, the rest of the family drags him down. I was anxious and helpless. But your decisiveness and sharp mind can support the entire family. Now I can rest easy, handing the helm to you. I’m old and deserve some rest.” His face was calm and peaceful, like a final, relaxed elder’s testament.

“Well then... very well,” Rong Qing replied softly.

—End of Excerpt—

Currently enduring the trials of a grueling internship...