"Anyway, because they disagreed, the village proposed other plans," Xia Chengzong said.
"Other plans?" Xia Chuyi raised an eyebrow.
"If they don’t agree to break off relations with Xia Chengzu, then the village will supervise the Xia Family members comprehensively in the future. Any slightest misstep, and they will be driven out."
For villagers, being rooted to their land, being driven away was the greatest threat.
"Did they agree?" Xia Chuyi was skeptical.
Xia Chengzong shook his head and said, "No, but the village chief didn’t give them the right to object. Finally, the village chief also called me to the stand."
"I naturally sided with the village chief. I announced on the spot that I was breaking off relations with Xia Chengzu."
Once he had taken a stand, the villagers also criticized the Xia family vehemently.
Completely suppressing the main branch’s momentum.
In the end, the Xia Family had no choice but to agree, even if they disagreed.
Either break off with Xia Chengzu, or accept supervision in the village—those were the only two options.
The people from the main branch, especially Grandma Xia, had deep feelings for Xia Chengzu.
One could say that the main branch of Xia family implicitly chose the second option.
"So, Chuyi, don’t worry, from now on, they won’t dare to bother you anymore," Xia Chengzong finally said.
As long as he was there, he would suppress any attempts by the main branch in advance to relieve Chuyi of any worries.
Xia Chuyi remained silent.
She pursed her lips and suddenly said to Xia Chengzong, "Brother, school is starting soon, I need to register and in July, I will be taking the national college entrance exam."
Xia Chengzong was surprised by the sudden change in topic, "You’re taking the college entrance exam?"
She nodded affirmatively, then continued, "After that, it’s very likely that I will go to study out of town."
Her implication was clear, she wouldn’t be around here much longer, and even if the main branch wanted to act up in the future, they wouldn’t be able to find her.
On the other hand, he would always be here, constantly dealing with the main branch—even if they dared do nothing more than merely encounter each other from a distance, it would be enough to make one feel disgusted and uncomfortable.
"Brother, let me ask you once more, do you want to join the army?" Xia Chuyi looked seriously at her older brother and finally asked.
Xia Chengzong was silent for a moment, then decisively shook his head and said, "No, I’m staying in Ling County."
With him there, he could at least keep the people from the main branch of Xia family in check.
Xia Chuyi sighed, understanding his thought process—she even felt somewhat guilty.
If it weren’t for her, her brother wouldn’t be stuck in such a difficult situation.
"Brother, if you insist on not leaving, then I’ll teach you how to make marinated flavors. When I’m no longer in Ling County, you can continue to run the shop."
As soon as she finished speaking, Xia Chengzong sternly interrupted, "Chuyi, I’m not staying to take over your shop!"
His tone was somewhat angry.
Xia Chuyi smiled wryly, quickly shaking her head to explain, "Brother, that’s not what I meant."
"I’m going to take the college entrance exam, and if I pass, I will go to school."
"By then, the shop here will need someone to manage it."
Xia Chuyi said to Xia Chengzong.
"If you stay in Ling County, it would be most appropriate for you to manage this shop."
After hearing her words, Xia Chengzong frowned for a long time, then pursed his lips and said gruffly, "Alright, it’s agreed then. I’m just helping you manage the shop; the shop still belongs to you."
He didn’t want any misunderstandings.