Chapter 43: The Choice To Reconcile
At the break of dawn, a light drizzle lent a refreshing coolness to the summer air of Li City.
"The Chieftain has summoned me?" Wu Yuan, who had just finished his breakfast at home, was greeted by the hurried arrival of Steward Fang, who came in such a rush that he had no time to bring an umbrella.
"Young Master Yuan, it's someone from the Xu faction." Uncle Fang replied hastily.
The news of Wu Yuan's special recruitment by the sect hadn't been officially disseminated, but Uncle Fang, who had witnessed the event the previous night, had tactfully begun addressing him as 'Young Master'.
"The Xu faction? The general's faction?" Wu Yuan was slightly taken aback.
Uncle Fang nodded in affirmation.
"Mother, please see to Uncle Fang. Do serve him some hot soup before he leaves," Wu Yuan requested.
"Alright. Since the chieftain is asking for you, you should hurry. I will take care of things at home," Wanqin replied.
...
With each step Wu Yuan took, he covered a distance of several zhangs, swiftly arriving at the ancestral mansion. There, he found Wu Qiming and Steward Xu from the Xu Manor in the study.
"Steward Xu." Wu Yuan said, looking straight at him without courtesy.
"Ah, Young Master Yuan has arrived," Steward Xu responded with utmost politeness, seemingly ignoring Wu Yuan's cold demeanor. This was a stark contrast to his attitude when Wu Yuan and Wu Qiming first visited the Xu faction.
"Wu Yuan," Wu Qiming said with a slight smile on his face, "Steward Xu is here on behalf of General Xu to congratulate you on your special recruitment by the sect. He has brought 10,000 silver taels to show the Xu faction’s support for you."
"10,000 silver taels? From General Xu?" Wu Yuan furrowed his brows slightly.
"That's right!" Steward Xu replied with a smile, "The general was overjoyed to hear of Young Master Yuan's achievements. It's been many years since such a martial arts prodigy emerged from Li City. The general specifically asked me to bring this generous amount of silver." As he spoke, Steward Xu presented a stack of silver notes.
Wu Qiming observed from the sidelines. Clearly, this was a gesture of goodwill from the Xu faction, and whether it was to be accepted depended entirely on Wu Yuan's attitude. Wu Qiming did not want Wu Yuan to harbor resentment towards him.
"The prosperity of the Xu faction is beyond our Wu Clan's reach," Wu Yuan said indifferently, "I appreciate General Xu's goodwill, but there is no need for this silver."
"The last gift of 5000 silver taels had a significant and unforgettable impact on our Wu Clan and me."
"When you return, I hope you’ll tell General Xu to guard Li City more diligently in the future, ensuring that the hooligans don't run wild," Wu Yuan expressed placidly. There was neither scorn nor joy in his tone, as if he was merely stating a matter of fact.
Steward Xu's half-extended hand stiffened, the color of his face changing slightly. For a moment, he was at a loss for words. As someone trusted by Xu Shouyi, how could he not understand the implications of Wu Yuan's words?
Previously, 5000 silver taels had almost caused the Wu Clan's ruin. Would they dare accept 10,000 taels this time?
"Haha, children don't understand such matters," Wu Qiming laughed, casually guiding Steward Xu's hand and the stack of silver notes back to his chest, "Steward Xu, you've had a long journey. When you return, please tell General Xu that our Wu Clan is a benevolent and law-abiding family. We'd never wish to get into conflicts with others. We hope the general can rest assured."
Having been given a path of retreat, Steward Xu regained his composure, revealing a smile once again, "Young master Yuan is kind indeed, I understand the Wu Clan's intentions and will surely relay it to the general, in hopes of fostering a good relationship between both families."
Wu Yuan gave a slight nod, not continuing the conversation.
Not long after, Wu Qiming and Wu Yuan watched Steward Xu depart.
"Chieftain, what do you think?" Wu Yuan asked quietly.
"Does Xu Shouyi intend to reconcile with us?" Wu Qiming shook his head, "But Headmaster Zhang Da settled our grievances with 10,000 silver taels, and the general sent another 10,000 taels? I don't understand."
10,000 silver taels was not a small sum!
Although the Middle Land was filled with chaotic, bloody battles between martial artists, top-tier powerhouses could easily amass large sums of wealth. But that was only applicable to first-rate Adepts and above. For third-rate Adepts, if they did not risk their lives to loot and pillage, they might not even possess 10,000 silver taels.
Take for instance the Wu Clan of Li City, with nearly a thousand mouths to feed if rounded up. Considering their fixed assets such as mansions, courtyard houses, and fabric shops, their net worth was around 200,000 silver taels. And if they were eager to liquidate their assets, they would suffer substantial losses. As for liquid assets? At their most affluent, they might have tens of thousands of silver taels, but during hard times, they struggled to scrape together even a few thousand.
Therefore, 10,000 silver taels was not a small sum. But, this depended on the person! And the circumstances!
The Wu Clan and Xu faction bore such deep grudges. Wu Yuan was about to be specially recruited by the martial academy, and his status had skyrocketed. Did the Xu faction think they could resolve this feud with a mere 10,000 silver taels?
It was too little.
"The fact that the Xu faction sent us silver indeed surprised me. But I am more concerned about other matters. Headmaster Zhang Da knew I was about to be specially recruited, so I am not surprised." Wu Yuan frowned, "But how did Xu Shouyi know about this in just one night? Did Headmaster Zhang tell him?"
"He's the general of defense, it wouldn't be surprising if he has such insider information." A hint of worry appeared on Wu Qiming's face, "I'm just worried. You completely rejected his goodwill today, does our Wu Clan really wish to provoke the Xu faction?"
The thought of clashing with the general of defense made Wu Qiming quite uneasy.
"Do you prefer that I accept this 10,000 silver taels?" Wu Yuan retorted, "Chieftain, can you truly trust the Xu faction?"
Wu Qiming paused, falling silent.
"Moreover, can we truly let go of the feud? Wouldn’t our clansmen have died in vain?" Wu Yuan shook his head, speaking softly, "There are some things that can't be measured with money."
Wu Qiming looked at Wu Yuan. For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
A life couldn’t be measured with money? Yet in Wu Qiming's mind, every life did have its price.
Both fell silent, each lost in their thoughts.
"If there is an appropriate way," Wu Qiming seemed to make up his mind, stating, "Wu Yuan, I still hope for a reconciliation with the Xu faction."
"Reconciliation?" Wu Yuan looked at Wu Qiming incredulously, "Chieftain, when you returned alive that day, it was you who told me not to forget the grudge!"
"Indeed." Wu Qiming sighed, "It was I who reminded you not to forget the hatred of our people. I yearn for revenge even more than you. At that time, rage filled my heart. But these days, I have been contemplating this matter!"
"Wu Yuan, you are incredibly talented in martial arts and may become a first-rate Adept in the future. But how many years will it take? Ten years? Fifteen years?" Wu Qiming shook his head and sighed, "That’s too far in the future. In the meantime, what can we do to the Xu faction?"
"On the contrary, Xu Shouyi has a high status and extensive connections. If he wants to deal with us, he has plenty of ways."
“Perhaps, we could keep fighting. Eventually, you may obliterate Xu Shouyi and crush the Xu faction, but by the day we get our revenge, how many more Wu clansmen will be dead or injured?"
"I have thought about it for a long time and made up my mind. Let's not fight anymore. The Wu Clan is too weak, we cannot afford the losses." Wu Qiming looked at Wu Yuan, his eyes pleading.
Listening to Wu Qiming's words and observing his expression, Wu Yuan was completely stunned. From his memory, he had never seen the chieftain plead like this. Even when he was imprisoned by the Vicious Tiger Gang, the chieftain had always gritted his teeth and persevered!
"Chieftain, are you sure about this?" Wu Yuan's expression was solemn, speaking in a low voice.
"I'm sure." As Wu Qiming voiced his thoughts, his ideas grew clearer, "We can compensate the families of the clansmen who died. When you grow stronger, the clan will also be stronger."
"The deceased are gone, there is no need to shackle the living in the past. By ending our struggle with the Xu faction, you will be able to train at the Cloud Martial Hall in peace."
Wu Yuan fell silent. Was the chieftain's perspective wrong? No! It could even be said to be very sensible!
As a chieftain, was revenge the first duty? Or was it to satisfy his desire? No! The most important duty of a chieftain was to continue the lineage of the clan! To lead his clansmen to a better future! Even if this process caused him some humiliation, it still had to be done.
A few minutes of silence ticked by.
"Chieftain, how do you wish to proceed?" Wu Yuan slowly asked.
"I will visit the Xu faction again and speak to General Xu." Wu Qiming seemed to have made a significant decision, "A face-to-face talk! I will do everything possible to make General Xu believe in the sincerity of the Wu Clan."
Wu Yuan nodded in agreement, not uttering a word. Not denying meant acquiescence.
"Wu Yuan, you don't have to go, I can go myself," Wu Qiming quickly got dressed.
Despite his injuries, he boarded the carriage, stepping onto the path leading to the Xu faction.
Clearly, we are in the right. Clearly, my Wu Clan suffered heavy casualties. In the future, I can tap into the power of the sect to crush Xu Shouyi.
Wu Yuan stood alone under the eaves, his eyes lowered, listening to the soft patter of rain hitting the ground.
And yet! They had to take the initiative to reconcile. And even had to fully convince Xu Shouyi that the Wu Clan had given up on revenge. Why?
Because he is the general of defense of Li City? Because of the network of personal relationships he has formed within the Cloudstride Sect?
Wu Yuan's heart grew colder. He was unwilling! He was reluctant!
Martial artists cultivated with a sincere heart, seeking clarity of thought! Without clarity, how could they maintain the purity of their initial aspirations?
I don't blame the chieftain! But, having such strength yet unable to wield it due to various considerations? A hard-to-suppress killing intent welded up Wu Yuan's heart.
Those who possessed strength tended to aggression. And Wu Yuan was someone who could already exert 100,000 catties of strength.
...
After some time, at the Xu Manor.
Clip-clop~ Clip-clop~ The carriage carrying Wu Qiming slowly departed, heading in the direction of the Wu Clan's ancestral mansion.
On the second floor of the three entryway courtyard of the Xu Manor.
"Steward Xu, do you believe Wu Qiming's words? Can Wu Yuan and the Wu Clan truly let go of the resentment between our two families?" Xu Shouyi, dressed in a black robe, asked in a deep voice.
"Judging by their deeds and words, Wu Qiming's words do not seem false." Steward Xu respectfully replied.
Xu Shouyi subtly nodded.
"But..." Steward Xu hesitated.
"Whatever you have to say, just say it." Xu Shouyi stated.
"As the leader of a clan, Wu Qiming has many considerations, he is trustworthy." Steward Xu said, "But after observing Wu Yuan's behavior today, I believe he has a stubborn character. This young hero might not be able to swallow such a grudge."
"A young hero, is it?" Xu Shouyi murmured.
"Alright, you may leave!"
"Yes." Steward Xu respectfully replied and descended the stairs.
Wu Qiming. Xu Shouyi watched as the Wu family's carriage disappeared around the corner of the main street. I am willing to trust you, but, can I trust Wu Yuan?
My sincerest apologies. This time, I cannot keep my promises. I cannot afford to take this gamble!
......
At the Wu Clan’s ancestral mansion.
“Wu Yuan, these 30,000 silver taels are a gift from General Xu." Wu Qiming handed them to Wu Yuan.
For two hours, Wu Yuan had been waiting in the ancestral mansion.
"Chieftain, since the negotiations have ended fruitfully, take it. Consider it as compensation from the Xu family to our clan.” Wu Yuan said.
"But this is...”
"Chieftain, as I've said, it's for the clan." Wu Yuan firmly shook his head, refusing to be persuaded.
Wu Qiming sighed, “Wu Yuan, I hope you don't blame me.”
"Chieftain, I don't blame you, I just blame myself for not being strong enough. " Wu Yuan shook his head faintly, "If I had the power of a Savant expert now, would we have to go through such trouble?"
Wu Qiming opened his mouth, but no words came out.
"Alright. Chieftain, you should rest. Your injuries haven't healed yet, don't overwork yourself. I'm going home now." Wu Yuan walked into the hazy rain.
Wu Qiming sighed deeply, but remained silent.
......
Night fell.
The drizzle continued to envelop Li City. The curfew was in effect, and not a sliver of moonlight illuminated the land. All streets were filled with darkness.
In a secluded alley not far from the Wu family's street.
Three shadowy figures appeared soundlessly, moving at ghostly speed toward the Wu family's street.
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