[BL] Heroic Death System (PART 1)

Chapter 89: Covenantor (XII)

"Father, five years ago, you organized a grand banquet for me, and announced to all the Yue Family members that I was the Yue Family's heir." Shang Ke held out his left hand; on the left index finger he wore a signet ring emblazoned with the family crest. "The Yue ring is here; the previous commitment is also here."

Madam Chang and Yue Xuan's expressions twisted upon seeing this. They had been so focused on banishing Yue Ze that they'd forgotten to retrieve the signet ring.

"Yue Ze, even if you wear the Yue ring, you are no longer the Yue Family heir," Yue Xuan couldn't help but reiterate.

Shang Ke ignored him, only looking at Yue Cheng, "Father, are you going to revoke my status as heir?"

Yue Cheng expression froze as he was caught in a quandary. If he revoked Shang Ke's status as heir, it would also mean severing his relationship with Yue Family, meaning he would not offer any help to Yue Family. If he acknowledged Shang Ke's status as the heir, he'd be handing Yue Family over to a covenantor who had lost all sense of family loyalty. Not to mention, Yue Ze is now Lu Xiufan's man; after Shang Ke passes away, Lu Xiufan would be fully entitled to Yue Family. When that moment comes to pass, he feared Yue Family would have to change their name completely.

Lu Xiufan didn't say a word to this group of Yue Family members; they only cared for their short-term interests, none understood Shang Ke's true purpose. If Shang Ke really wanted to dissolve Yue Family, there were simpler ways to do so–all he had to do was simply ask Lu Xiufan. However, he didn't, and instead he was taking on the role of heir, ready to take over despite their disastrous circumstances. Even if he had become a covenantor, he hadn't really given up his pride or his principles. Yue Family members' skepticism of his sincerity were simply projections of their own thoughts. They'd forgotten now that Shang Ke was a covenantor, and that even when he was a member of Yue Family in more prosperous times, he was never greedy at heart. Now that Yue Family was in decline, why would he exert so much effort to possess it?

"Old Cheng, Yue Family's heir is Yue Xuan, this cannot be changed." Madam Chang reminded Yue Cheng immediately upon seeing his hesitation, "After Yue Ze became a covenantor, he lost the right to inherit. You should seize back the Yue ring. Even if Yue Family eventually fails, at least it will be due to its own choices. Rather than living an ignoble existence under someone else's direction, it's better to retain our pride and seek to make a comeback sometime in the future."

Hearing her rousing speech, Yue Cheng and even the other family members felt their hearts stirring with emotion.

Shang Ke quietly glanced at Madam Chang; this woman was truly good at inspiring others. Unfortunately, she had a son that would always drag her down.

"Mother speaks the truth," Yue Xuan cut in, "Yue Ze is now His Excellency's man; if Yue Family was given to him, what would be the difference between that and being taken over?"

Saying these types of words in front of Lu Xiufan, even God couldn't rescue a person of such low intelligence.

Lu Xiufan pretended not to hear what he was saying; he couldn't be bothered to lower himself to responding to such drivel.

Yue Cheng thought for a while, before saying to Shang Ke with difficulty, "Little Ze, you've always been modest, respectful and generous; I hope you are still able to show some consideration for your family."

He avoided the issue of succession, trying to persuade Shang Ke to give in on his own volition.

Shang Ke calmly stared at him for a long time, slowly responding, "The year you pressured mother into allowing Madam Chang to come and go as she pleased, in order to preserve the family's reputation, mother quietly accepted it. When mother died from her illness and you married Madam Chang after only half a year, I accepted it. When you wanted me to inherit the family property, and forced me to abandon my musical passion, I accepted it. When I became a Covenantor, and you ignored me, I accepted it. When Madam Chang sent me to the distribution center, I accepted it. Father, tell me, if this isn't showing the family consideration, what is?"