Chapter 3036 - 3037: The Clan Elders’ Schemes

Chapter 3036: Chapter 3037: The Clan Elders’ Schemes

The Zhong family members were all excited, almost rushing forward.

"What did it say?" Zhong Kui asked urgently.

"Xiaoxiao said he only remembered part of it, just that there was a ruby on the sword," Bai Ruozhu replied.

"Ruby?" The clan elders exchanged looks, and the third elder quickly asked, "Are you sure it’s a sword? Not a Western Regions curved knife or something similar?"

Bai Ruozhu pretended to talk to Xiaoxiao, then said, "Xiaoxiao only saw the hilt of the sword and the ruby, nothing else. Perhaps he needs more time to remember more."

Actually, Xiaoxiao hadn’t remembered anything; the ruby sword hilt was something Bai Ruozhu deliberately mentioned.

On her previous trip to the Western Regions and this trip, she saw many people from the Western Regions with daggers or curved knives at their waists, usually with gemstones embedded in the hilt, most often rubies.

She hadn’t studied what kind of rubies they were specifically, but she had heard that the area was rich in these red stones, with beautiful colors, and said to ward off evil.

So her aim was to enlarge the target, confuse everyone, and buy some time.

She didn’t want to resort to this, but the Zhong family had been pressing her too hard.

"Isn’t this too vague?" one elder said unpleasantly.

Bai Ruozhu showed a difficult expression, "Xiaoxiao, think again, see if you can remember anything else?"

Xiaoxiao moved smartly to signify he was speaking, and Bai Ruozhu continued: "Really can’t remember anything else? Then there’s no choice."

She shook her head at the Zhong family, "He can’t remember anything else now."

An elder from the Zhong family stared intently at Bai Ruozhu, "How do we know you can truly understand what it’s saying? What if you’re pretending to be mysterious?"

These words made Jiang Yichun unhappy, and he glared back, saying, "If you don’t believe us, don’t ask. You try getting close to Taisui."

"You..." The clan elder started to lose temper but was stopped by Zhong Kui.

"Let’s all leave, this isn’t the place to talk," Zhong Kui gestured.

Bai Ruozhu was a bit worried about Xiaoxiao, secretly telling him, "I’m leaving now. You come to find me quietly tonight. Don’t let the Zhong family discover you."

"Okay, sister, I’ll be careful," Xiaoxiao replied.

Bai Ruozhu took Little Dengdeng’s hand and led him out. Little Dengdeng waved goodbye to Xiaoxiao, not knowing that Xiaoxiao couldn’t see.

Everyone left the forbidden land, and the Zhong family didn’t insist on Bai Ruozhu and the others staying; clearly, they needed to have an urgent discussion.

"Songsong, you and the astrologer also go rest, enjoy your newlywed bliss. Leave the matter of investigating the traitor to us old men," said the third elder.

Ao Song glanced at her father, and Zhong Kui nodded.

The third elder was highly respected in the Zhong family, and since he spoke out, Zhong Kui couldn’t refute, not to mention he felt sorry that his daughter couldn’t rest properly after getting married. It was right to give them time to build their relationship.

Once Ao Song and the astrologer left, the third elder’s face sank.

"You all saw it just now, right? It listens to Bai Ruozhu, which might be disadvantageous for our Zhong family."

Other elders nodded along, someone said, "Unless Bai Ruozhu joins our Zhong family, but she still has her Jiuli Clan identity, she likely won’t agree."

"Then have her husband join the Zhong family," the third elder said sharply, "He is a Donghai merfolk, but since he came here, he isn’t inheriting any position in the Merfolk Clan, why can’t he join us? As long as he becomes a member of our Zhong family, we can control his wife and prevent her from taking it away."

Zhong Kui listened, feeling a headache, "How do we make him willingly join the Zhong family? What benefit does he get?"

They aren’t foolish and aren’t without background, why choose the Zhong family?

Calling it a choice is polite; in reality, it’s falling under Zhong family’s control.

"The Zhong family can make him stronger, who doesn’t want to become stronger?" the third elder said.

"As I know, merfolk also have their unique abilities, he probably isn’t interested," Zhong Kui shook his head, "Jiang Yichun isn’t easy to persuade."

"Then they shouldn’t think of leaving the Zhong family smoothly. We can’t let them know our secrets, get so close to it, and casually let them leave, it’s too risky for the Zhong family!" the third elder exclaimed angrily.

Zhong Kui furrowed his brows, "Third Uncle, they cured Ao Song’s illness, our Zhong family can’t repay kindness with ingratitude."

"Who said you repay kindness with ingratitude? Just find a way to persuade Jiang Yichun, then we’ll all be one family, isn’t it a joyful ending?" the third elder said again.

"Yeah, Zhong Kui, you should try, how would you know if you don’t try?" Other elders agreed.

Zhong Kui felt troubled, knowing attempting was futile, they’re absolutely unwilling.

"What if they refuse no matter what?" he asked.

The third elder narrowed his eyes, "For the safety of the Zhong family, we will act when necessary."

"Isn’t there any other way?" Zhong Kui said helplessly.

"Do you have any? Can you ensure they won’t leak secrets, won’t take it away?" the third elder retorted.

Zhong Kui couldn’t guarantee; he trusted his daughter’s judgment in making friends, but in the face of great interests, he couldn’t promise anything.

Not far from the door, the astrologer removed his magic technique and quickly left with Ao Song.

"Astrologer, what should we do? Should we first alert Sister Ruozhu?" Ao Song asked worriedly, then shook her head, "No, we should help them escape from the Zhong family first."

The astrologer tightened his grip on her hand, seemingly giving her strength.

"Don’t worry, they wouldn’t dare act recklessly. The Zhong family is just afraid of secret leaks, causing great trouble. But if they move against Ruozhu and the others, it will surely incur the wrath of the Jiuli Clan and the Merfolk Clan, potentially leading to disastrous consequences for the Zhong family," the astrologer said.

Ao Song breathed a sigh of relief, "That’s good, let’s tell Sister Ruozhu, see what she plans to do."

"Alright." The astrologer looked at her, suddenly changing his tone, "You should call me husband."

"Huh?" Ao Song was momentarily stunned, then realized he meant her calling his name.

Her face turned red to the neck, and she glared at him playfully, "I just like calling your name."

"Do what you like," the astrologer’s ears felt warm, and he leaned closer to her.

"Stop goofing around, hurry to find Sister Ruozhu." Ao Song, feeling the warmth on her face, hurriedly ran away embarrassed. Since kissing her once, he often snuck attacks, though it felt delightful, but if the household servants saw, where would she hide her face?

The astrologer caught up with her, and the two found Bai Ruozhu to inform her of the Zhong clan elders’ intentions.

"Looks like I’ve brought trouble again this time," Bai Ruozhu said helplessly, smiling bitterly at Jiang Yichun.

Jiang Yichun gently took her hand, "It’s okay, I’m here."

Bai Ruozhu’s heart felt warm, and she nodded in agreement, indeed, with him there, she felt very secure.