In the council hall, everyone sat upright and silent, all waiting for Wu Lan’s response.
Wu Lan was Wu La’s mommy, and also the current Clan Leader of the Wu Family Village.
Sitting beside her was Wu La, the next Clan Leader.
Wu La had already taken on the appearance of a young master.
His youthful face wore an expression of maturity, indifferently observing everything around him, as if he intended to etch their images firmly into his mind.
"Clan Leader, what we’re saying does make sense. Since we’re moving, the inheritance of our Wu Clan must not be interrupted, right?
Once we leave this place, we will be like eagles without wings, unable to fly again. What if we have no trump card?
Surely you don’t trust those villagers, do you? Anyway, I don’t."
One of the elders spoke up; it was the Fifth Elder, always in charge of external relations.
These people, each controlled something, but in truth, the most important thing had always been in the hands of the Wu Family.
To put it nicely, they were elders, but less flatteringly, they were merely wardens of the Wu Family.
In the past, they might have had some status, but once their items were used, they had nothing.
But now? Hunkered down in this place.
With nothing at all, it was inevitable a few were unhappy.
"I don’t quite understand what the Fifth Elder means. What do you mean by having no trump card? The Wu family has always relied on jewelry for livelihood; don’t all the elders know how to make it?"
Moreover, the reason each elder knew a portion was to balance the power among them, but unexpectedly, it still wasn’t enough; they wanted more.
And what has this Fifth Elder been up to lately with his frequent trips outside?
"Clan Leader, are you playing dumb with us? Who doesn’t know that the Wu Family’s secret weapon has always been in their own hands?
Haven’t we been here in this village for a hundred years? Isn’t that enough to earn your trust? Or have you never trusted us?
You initially said we’d never leave, yet now you suddenly want to move. Have you considered our feelings? Aren’t we doing well here?"
The Third Elder also spoke up; their village was self-sufficient, with lands to rule over. Wasn’t that good enough?
Why must they go down the mountain? In unfamiliar territory, what if they were outmaneuvered?
"Third Elder. Haven’t we discussed this matter? The children need education; they can’t stay here forever. We have no electricity, no teachers. If the kids never leave the mountains, is that fine by you?"
Her brother’s dream had always been to lead the clan out of this place and into the outside world.
Daddy was unwilling because there was something they needed to protect, but about these elders? Perhaps other motives were at play.
"Let’s not beat around the bush. Clan Leader, everyone says the Wu Family possesses treasures of immeasurable value. Just hand it over for us to share, and we’ll agree. Otherwise..."
The Third Elder narrowed his eyes, and soon, a number of guards entered the room — his guards.
Wu Lan’s face darkened; she hadn’t anticipated that this day would come so suddenly.
They were actually ready to confront her with force.
"Elders, are you forcing me? With every business deal, we’ve shared the profits. Have I ever wronged you?"
The Wu Family had a jewelry store outside and dealings with many other jewelry stores, providing them with exquisite gold and silver jewelry.
Every order that came back would be shared with everyone; their clanspeople were all craftsmen.
"It’s nothing but a pittance. I’ve heard... the Wu Family’s share is much more."
The Third Elder spoke with a sly smile.