Chapter 978: Chapter 979: The Authority of the Family Head
Song Xiaodong didnât hold back and directly ordered the family guards to detain all the people from the Zhou family and Qiao family.
Zhou Zhengfang and Qiao Longyang did not resist. With their status, unless Song Xiaodong intended to go to war with both families, merely detaining them was the most that could be done for now.
Song Xiaodongâs sudden appearance and his immediate decision to detain everyone from the Zhou and Qiao families showed a level of decisiveness and ability that was worlds apart compared to Su Chengquan and Su Qingyuan. This act elevated the prestige of the Su family, while those two had nearly sold the Su family out completely.
Su Chengquan and Su Qingyuanâs faces paled, their bodies trembling as if caught in a storm. They lowered their heads, not even daring to glance at Song Xiaodong.
"Raise your heads!" Song Xiaodong commanded with a cold voice.
Su Chengquan and Su Qingyuan trembled at the sound, instinctively lifting their heads. Su Chengquan swallowed nervously, stammering, "Family Head, congratulations on your return."
Song Xiaodong gazed at him and said slowly, "No matter who acts as the Family Head of the Su family, they must always act in the interest of the family. When I disappeared unexpectedly, the Su family could not be left leaderless. If you desired to become the Family Head, that shows youâre willing to take responsibility. I donât oppose that."
"Yes, yes!" Su Chengquan and Su Qingyuan nodded repeatedly, their foreheads soaked in sweat, knowing that Song Xiaodong wasnât about to stop at that.
"However!" Song Xiaodongâs tone suddenly turned sharp and he roared, "Ask yourselves honestlyâdid you want to become the Family Head for the benefit of the Su family? Were your intentions entirely for the good of the Su family? Do you not understand that allying with the Zhou and Qiao families is akin to plotting with a tigerâoffering our entire Su family into their hands? This behavior of yours is no less than selling out the Su family. Do you even consider yourselves part of the Su family?"
"I... I..." Sweat dripped down the faces of Su Chengquan and Su Qingyuan, streaming along their cheeks. They didnât dare reach to wipe it away. Their mouths opened feebly as if seeking to explain themselves, but under Song Xiaodongâs piercing gaze, they suddenly realized no matter what they said, it wouldnât mask their betrayal of the Su family.
Song Xiaodong said in a stern voice, "I want to punish you now. Do you have any objections?"
"No... no objections." Su Chengquan and Su Qingyuan were like two defeated roosters, heads drooping low.
"Does anyone else here have any objections?" Song Xiaodong turned his gaze to the other members of the Su family.
"None!" Everyone responded decisively, their eyes burning with fervor.
Previously, there had been some resistance within their hearts about Song Xiaodong being Family Head. They had accepted it mainly because he had brought them considerable benefits, elevating the Su family to new heights.
But just now, when Song Xiaodong appeared and turned the dire situation around in an instant, neutralizing the crisis entirelyâit was the kind of capability to handle major issues effortlessly that made them truly realize the extent of his strength.
Such authority, such boldnessâthis was the demeanor of a true Family Head. A sense of admiration stirred among all of them, even pushing some to the brink of reverence for Song Xiaodong.
Especially the younger members, whose gazes toward Song Xiaodong carried even greater fervor.
"Yuya, what should be the punishment for Su Chengquan and Su Qingyuan?" Song Xiaodong asked Su Yuya.
Su Yuya replied solemnly, "They should face the extreme punishment of âthree blades and six woundsâ as a warning to others!"
Su Chengquan and Su Qingyuan immediately let out cries of horror, falling to their knees, snot and tears streaming as they pleaded, "Family Head! We know we were wrong! We know we were wrong! Please, have mercy and spare us this once!"
Song Xiaodong snorted, "Tell me a single valid reason why I should spare you."
"I... I..." Su Qingyuan and Su Chengquan racked their brains but couldnât come up with a single reason that might convince Song Xiaodong to spare them. Not only had they brought outsiders to act against the Su family, but they had also attempted to harm Song Xiaodongâs woman. Either offense alone constituted a major betrayal.
Su Yuya spoke again, "Family Head, we are now in a society ruled by law. Family matters within the clan can no longer override federal law. Thus, I suggest we confiscate all their assets for the Su family, drive them out of the Su family entirely, and ensure they are never employed by the Su family againâstripping them of all connections henceforth."
Song Xiaodong turned to Su Chengquan and Su Qingyuan, his voice icy, "Do you accept this?"
"We accept! We accept!" The two men, relieved to be spared harsh corporal punishment, were overjoyed and agreed immediately.
Song Xiaodong added coldly, "And let me remind you bothâbeing expelled from the Su family doesnât mean you can go around badmouthing the Su family. If I ever find out youâve spoken ill of the Su family or engaged in actions harmful to the Su family, I will end your miserable lives myself!"
"We wouldnât dare, wouldnât dare! Thank you, Family Head, for sparing us!" The two kowtowed repeatedly.
"Take them away." Song Xiaodong waved a hand, and the family guards promptly escorted the pair out.
Song Xiaodongâs gaze swept over the remaining members of the Su family. Some of them began to feel nervous, as there were individuals here whose conduct could hardly be considered virtuous. At the very least, they lacked a backbone and had shown disrespect toward Song Xiaodong.
Finally, Song Xiaodong spoke slowly, saying, "The main culprits, Su Chengquan and Su Qingyuan, have been dealt with. I wonât pursue the actions of the rest of you this time, but rememberâif thereâs a next time, you will face severe consequences."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
With the family matters settled, Old Master of the Sun Family laughed heartily and said, "Patriarch Song, I wonât trouble you further today. You surely have other matters to attend to. In a couple of days, Iâll come for a visit."
Song Xiaodong replied, "Thank you, Old Master of the Sun Family, for standing up for us. In a couple of days, I will personally visit to express my gratitude."
"Ha ha, very good!" The Old Master of the Sun Family waved and swiftly departed with his group.
After seeing off the Sun family, Song Xiaodong tasked Su Yuya with handling the aftermath. Each member of the Su family was wholly deferential. Not a single voice of dissent or dissatisfaction arose.
With this matter now resolved, Song Xiaodongâs authority within the Su family had reached an unprecedented height. In the eyes of the Su family members, Song Xiaodong was practically a god-like figure, surpassing even the level of reverence held for the Su familyâs Old Master during his lifetime.
Finally returning to the villa, Song Xiaoru and the others surrounded him, sharing their emotions about being reunited after time apart.
"Dongzi, this time Zi Yun performed exceptionally well. Shouldnât you reward her?" Song Xiaoru said with a smile.
Song Xiaodong looked at Sun Ziyun, who boldly returned his gaze, her eyes radiating an intense warmth.
Song Xiaodong laughed heartily and said, "Indeed, she should be rewarded. I wonder, would spending tonight with me count as a reward?"
"It does!" Sun Ziyun blushed deeply but replied boldly, meeting Song Xiaodongâs eyes. "That would be the greatest reward for me."
"Hahaha..." All the women burst into laughter.