Protect Our Patriarch

……

Shouzhe's Small Courtyard was always a riot of color, with lush plants and a faint mist in the air, exuding a vibrant and spiritual aura.

Many children of the Wang Clan's direct and collateral lineages had deep impressions of this courtyard.

This was because the clan leader, Wang Shouzhe, was particularly fond of his younger relatives. Almost every child had sat on his lap as he told them magical and exciting stories.

To the children, Wang Shouzhe was always like a gentle spring rain, nurturing them with care and attention, striving to give them a sunny, positive, and healthy childhood.

However, today, Wang Shouzhe sat in the pavilion with a face as dark as water, unable to even enjoy his favorite celestial tea.

Wang Zongrui was Wang Shouzhe's second son and the fourth child of him and Liu Ruolan.

At fifty-two years old, he had grown up handsome and upright, like a noble young master in a chaotic world. Even though he now sported a small mustache, it only added to his maturity and steadiness.

After marrying the direct daughter of the Fang Clan of Longyuan, he lived a steady life, having two sons and a daughter.

Overall, except for a period in his childhood when he suspected his father and the spirit artifact Xiaoxue of having some unspeakable past—leading to several beatings from his mother that made him doubt if he was Xiaoxue's son—he and his elder brother Wang Zongan had not caused Wang Shouzhe much worry.

Now, at fifty-two, he had been working diligently at the "Changning United Manufacturing Division" for thirty years, gradually taking on more responsibilities and becoming one of the pillars of the Wang Clan.

But today, he was miserably kneeling before his father, Wang Shouzhe.

Sweat dripped from his forehead, his eyes darted around, and his expression was weak, as if he had committed a grave mistake.

Since that incident in his childhood, he had not seen his father so angry for many years.

Even his mother, who had personally made his father's favorite "Rock Sugar White Fungus Lotus Seed Soup" to plead for him, was glared back by his father.

"Grandpa~ Dad, Daddy..."

Wang Yingxuan, who was "escorted" over by her mother from the Fang Clan, shrank her neck in fright at the scene, her little face turning pale, unable to speak properly, looking pitiful like a little quail.

"Father..." The Fang Clan daughter, who had been fierce in front of Wang Yingxuan, now bowed weakly and cautiously said, "I have brought Yingxuan. You can punish her however you want, even if it means beating her to death, just don't make Zongrui kneel anymore."

Since marrying Wang Zongrui, they had been a loving couple, having two sons and a daughter. Seeing her husband punished, she felt heartbroken, especially knowing that her father-in-law wouldn't really hit Yingxuan.

Yingxuan almost died of anger.

Mother, am I really your daughter? To save your husband, you even sold out your daughter...

As a daughter-in-law, Wang Shouzhe naturally wouldn't show her a bad face.

His expression softened slightly, and he comforted her, "Feng'er, since you married into the Wang Clan, you have been virtuous and managed the household well, your conduct impeccable. But today's matter..."

As he spoke, he secretly signaled to Liu Ruolan, who was holding the lotus seed soup and visibly angry.

Liu Ruolan glanced at him, then put down the soup and took the Fang Clan daughter aside, softly comforting her, "Feng'er, don't worry. Although the old man is angry, Zongrui is still his son. He won't go too far."

Hearing this, the Fang Clan daughter felt slightly relieved and glared fiercely at her daughter, Wang Yingxuan.

"Zongrui, do you know your mistake?"

Seeing the Fang Clan daughter being comforted, Wang Shouzhe turned his stern face back to Wang Zongrui, his expression cold as iron.

"Father," Wang Zongrui said, trembling with his head down, "I know my mistake."

"Yingxuan is my granddaughter. Her current state is largely your responsibility as her father," Wang Shouzhe said. "Since you admit your mistake, the punishment will be halved. Someone, execute the family law, fifty strokes."

"Yes, Father."

Wang Zongrui obediently took off his outer clothes, revealing his back.

"Here!" Two Lingtai Realm family guards, already prepared, stepped forward with family law rods, saying to Wang Zongrui, "Young Master Zongrui, forgive us."

"This is my deserved punishment, I don't blame you." Wang Zongrui dared not blame them and quickly said, "Go ahead."

The two Lingtai Realm guards then began to wield the rods, striking Wang Zongrui's back.

With the first strike, Wang Zongrui shuddered but could only endure it, not daring to use profound energy to protect himself.

"Thwack! Thwack!"

The rods landed solidly, and after just a few strikes, Wang Zongrui's back began to split open.

The Fang Clan daughter almost fainted from the sight. This was called having restraint?

She quickly pinched the still-stunned Wang Yingxuan, "You silly girl, what are you standing there for? Go beg your grandfather for mercy! He usually dotes on you the most."

Wang Yingxuan, her face pale, hurried to Wang Shouzhe's side, crying and pulling his arm, "Grandpa, Grandpa. It's all my fault, it has nothing to do with Daddy. I shouldn't have been lazy, I shouldn't have neglected my studies, I shouldn't have threatened the clan school teachers, I shouldn't have led the trouble. Please don't punish Daddy anymore..."

"Don't cry, don't cry," Wang Shouzhe patted Wang Yingxuan's head lovingly. "You're still young, it's normal to be playful and lack self-control. Grandpa doesn't blame you. The fault lies with your father for not fulfilling his duties as a parent."

Then, Wang Shouzhe turned his cold gaze to the family guards, "Are you all not eating enough? Every stroke must be solid. If anyone lets this unworthy son off lightly, I'll make sure they regret it."

The guards, frightened, dared not hold back and struck with all their might.

"Thwack! Thwack!"

Each strike shook the ground slightly.

After a few more strikes, Wang Zongrui could no longer endure and began to scream in pain, but he still did not dare to use profound energy to resist.

"Mother, Mother," the Fang Clan daughter, pale with worry, pleaded with Liu Ruolan, "Mother, you love my husband the most, please plead for him. If this continues, Feng'er's husband will die."

Liu Ruolan, also unable to bear it, angrily said, "Wang Shouzhe, Zongrui has always been obedient and never defied you. Even though he was negligent in Yingxuan's matter, he is still our son. A few strikes are enough. If you continue, don't blame me for turning against you."

The guards, knowing the status of the mistress, immediately stopped.

The Fang Clan daughter sighed in relief. With her mother-in-law pleading, her husband was safe.

Unexpectedly.

Wang Shouzhe coldly glanced at Liu Ruolan, "Hmph, indulgent mothers spoil their sons. Zongrui's current state is due to your usual indulgence. This brat can't even manage his daughter, what use is he? Better to beat him to death. You are not to interfere."

Liu Ruolan trembled with anger, "Wang Shouzhe, how dare you speak to me like that? Fine, I'll return to the Liu Clan and leave you in peace..."

"Hmph, unreasonable. Go if you want!" Wang Shouzhe, unusually stubborn, turned to the guards, "What are you standing there for? Do you want to defy my orders?"

The guards, terrified, resumed their task with renewed vigor.

"This home is unbearable! Wang Shouzhe, I'll wait for your divorce letter at the Liu Clan..." Liu Ruolan, furious, shouted.

"Mother, don't be rash, Father is just angry," the Fang Clan daughter, frightened, tried to calm her.

Seeing the situation escalate, she dared not intervene further.

Especially since Wang Shouzhe's words, "indulgent mothers spoil their sons," made her heart tremble.

Yingxuan's behavior and poor performance were partly due to her indulgence and the pampering from her maternal relatives.

At this moment, the most frightened was Wang Yingxuan.

She had never seen such a scene, nor even imagined it, and was too scared to cry or plead.

All she could think was: It's over, it's over. With Daddy beaten like this, how can I have a good life?

Fifty strokes, every one solidly delivered.

Wang Zongrui's back was a bloody mess, his face pale with cold sweat from the pain.

He dared not treat his injuries, trembling as he dressed and bowed to Wang Shouzhe, "Thank you, Father, for the lesson. I will remember it and never repeat my mistake."

"Since you've learned your lesson, you may rise," Wang Shouzhe said lightly. "Treat your wounds properly, don't leave any lasting damage."

"Thank you, Father."

Wang Zongrui stood, bowed deeply again, then looked coldly at the frightened Wang Yingxuan, "Father, I have some private matters to attend to at home. Please excuse me."

Wang Yingxuan's heart sank, realizing the danger.

She turned to run but was caught by Wang Zongrui, who lifted her effortlessly despite her struggles.

Wang Shouzhe, sipping his celestial tea, ignored them, "Go ahead, Zongrui."

"Thank you, Father."

Wang Zongrui, holding Wang Yingxuan, walked briskly to his courtyard.

The Fang Clan daughter, terrified, quickly bid farewell to Liu Ruolan and Wang Shouzhe, then ran after them. If she was late, her daughter might be beaten to death.

As the second son, Wang Zongrui's courtyard was not far from Wang Shouzhe's, only a few dozen meters away.

Soon, Wang Yingxuan's wails echoed from his courtyard, along with pleas and promises to study hard and behave.

Then, the Fang Clan daughter's cries, "Zongrui, Yingxuan is my daughter too, you'll kill her. You bastard, I'll fight you!"

"Stay out of this! Indulgent mothers spoil their sons. If not for you and your relatives' pampering, Yingxuan wouldn't be like this," Wang Zongrui's angry voice echoed.

"Zongrui, how dare you yell at me... I'll go back to my family with Yingxuan, give me a divorce letter."

"You want a divorce letter? Fine, I'll write it."

"Wang, you've grown bold, ready to replace me now that you're about to take over the Changning United Manufacturing Division. After all I've done for you, bearing two sons and a daughter!"

"Unreasonable, say what you will."

"Daddy, Mommy, it's all my fault, I promise to study hard and respect the teachers..." Wang Yingxuan, truly scared, cried out, fearing her family would be torn apart.

"It's your fault, I'll beat you to death," Wang Zongrui said angrily, "I've lost my wife, what use are you?"

"Indeed, if not for your mischief, your father wouldn't have been beaten, and we wouldn't be torn apart. Husband, give me the cane, I'll vent my anger too."

Thus, Wang Yingxuan achieved the "Mixed Double Beating" milestone in her life.

Her cries and screams spread, attracting many Wang Clan members.

Initially, the adults felt pity and wanted to intervene.

But upon learning the cause and the discord between Shouzhe and Ruolan, their expressions turned serious, and they returned to their homes to question their children.

Those with good grades and behavior were relieved and encouraged them, boasting later.

Those with poor performance faced their parents' wrath.

Wang Zongrui, the clan leader's second son, was beaten for failing to discipline his child. What if their children caused trouble and it reached Shouzhe's ears?

That night, many children were beaten for various reasons, even minor mistakes.

Their cries echoed through the Wang Clan's main residence, dispersing clouds and revealing the bright moon.

That night became an unforgettable collective memory for many children.

In the future, the two major internal groups of the Wang Clan, the Heavenly Maiden Alliance and the Spring Youth Group, recorded this night as a significant event.

The legendary Valkyrie Wang Yingxuan detailed the night's pain and its impact on her future in her famous work, "How the Valkyrie Was Forged," laying the foundation for her path.

This book became a guide for parents, illuminating their path and giving them hope.

But that's a story for another time.

For now, the night that caused many future youths great suffering was not over.

In the small courtyard, Wang Shouzhe listened to the collective beating of children, a satisfied smile on his lips.

He sipped his celestial tea.

Not easy, not easy~

For the future and foundation of the clan, Wang Shouzhe had truly exhausted his mind and efforts.

As the clan grew, with more children, how could he manage them all? Especially as the Wang Clan expanded, with thousands of children, how could he handle it?

Naturally, every family should take responsibility for their children's future.

Wang Zongrui's suffering was not in vain; he couldn't even manage his daughter.

But Wang Shouzhe knew the main cause was Fang Xunfeng and her relatives' indulgence. Their pampering led to Yingxuan's behavior.

But as his daughter-in-law, he couldn't discipline her directly.

So he beat his son to set an example, sparking a wave of reform in the clan's child education.

As Wang Shouzhe reveled in his success, Liu Ruolan stood beside him, holding the reheated lotus seed soup.

"Dear, how was my plan today? Does it deserve the term 'grand strategy'?" Wang Shouzhe, feeling accomplished, looked at Liu Ruolan, "Of course, without your cooperation, it wouldn't have succeeded."

He drank the soup, feeling warm inside.

Though the soup had a unique flavor, his wife's care warmed his heart.

For this happy family, he would endure any hardship.

"Dear, you've finished the soup and boasted enough," Liu Ruolan's eyes gleamed coldly, "It's time to settle your rudeness."

"Dear... it was for Yingxuan," Wang Shouzhe felt a chill, sensing danger.

"But you were rude."

Liu Ruolan stepped closer, her eyes sharp.

"Dear, it was for the clan's foundation," Wang Shouzhe stepped back, feeling guilty.

"I know, but you were rude."

"Don't think I'm easy to bully, you're a great prodigy, but I'm not weak."

"Try me," Liu Ruolan sneered.

"Fine, I will," Wang Shouzhe retorted.

Then, the courtyard echoed with the sounds of a fight and Wang Shouzhe's occasional cries, "Liu Ruolan, don't go too far, I'm letting you win."

The commotion worried the clan members.

They felt for Wang Shouzhe, struggling for the clan's future.

But they couldn't help.

Listening briefly, they closed their doors and windows, pretending not to hear.

Then, they beat their children again, indirectly supporting Wang Shouzhe.

Even Ancestor Long Yan, resting after returning from the outer regions, felt for Wang Shouzhe.

"Shouzhe, you've sacrificed so much for the clan's foundation. I, Wang Long Yan, must train hard and reach the Purple Mansion Realm to protect the clan."

Ancestor Long Yan resolved to train in seclusion, blocking Wang Shouzhe's signals for help.

"Ruolan, don't be unreasonable! This is the main residence, I'll let you win here," Wang Shouzhe, desperate, used his final trick, "Let's settle this at Shuiyue Pavilion."

"Hmph, you often meet there secretly..."

Wang Shouzhe's words were cut off as Liu Ruolan's voice changed, only he could hear.

"Ruoling? Oh no!"

Wang Shouzhe's heart sank.

……

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