Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 319: Chapter 296: Did Not Die in Vain_2

“Little Zhuo, how could you do this? How could you let down Ning Ji, let us down, and let down the family branches that support you?”

Ning Ze wept and tried every means, pulling out various titles to pressure Ning Zhuo into changing his mind and taking back his initial decision.

Ning Xiangguo and others also looked toward Ning Zhuo, casting probing glances.

Ning Yong started to speak but was stopped by Ning Chen, who was sitting beside him, holding down his arm.

Ning Zhuo sighed deeply, “Uncle, please, take a seat.”

“I can’t sit down! Little Zhuo, give me a straight answer, right now!” Ning Ze was very agitated.

Ning Zhuo then stopped looking at him, surveyed the room with a solemn expression and a steady tone, “I am of course accountable to you all, to the branches of the Ning Family.”

“My cousin has died, and I am deeply saddened. I believe, in this world, other than his parents, no one else wants to punish the murderer more than I do.”

“I wish I could split Ning Xiaohui’s grandmother in half right now!”

“But at a critical moment, I thought of another aspect.”

“I am not alone, I am the hope of the Ning Family’s branch, the one to carry the flag in the future. Seeking revenge is but my personal desire.”

“Yet, if I were to indulge my personal desires and cause a rift in the relationship between the branch and the main lineage of the Ning Family, it would be an opportunity for enemies to take advantage in such critical times!”

“Do you all agree with this reasoning?”

Ning Zhuo paused, looking at everyone in the hall.

Ning Xiangguo was the first to nod, “Indeed, young Zhuo has thought this through. At this stage, it is a critical moment for the imperial examinations. In fact, this issue has already taken up too much of your energy and time, which is quite improper. It certainly should not be rushed.”

Others also showed signs of agreement.

Ning Ze was indignant, “Even so, we could still detain the murderer, there was no need to send her back, right?”

Ning Zhuo sighed again, “That brings me to my second, and most important, reason.”

“I have, through this incident, reached an agreement with important factions of the Ning Family main lineage and also with the Ning Family Clan Leader.”

“I will release the murderer, meanwhile, I will bring Ning Xiaoren to work by my side, and I will eventually announce reconciliation to help him return to the family.”

“And what we would get in return is a unanimous decision from the Clan Leader and the Family Elders—to give me the right to split the family.”

A multitude of reactions were stirred.

The crowd was shocked, and a few exclaimed, “Split the family?!”

Reacting, Ning Xiangqian, Ning Yong, and others urgently asked.

“Is that true? I didn’t hear wrong, did I?”

“If we are really splitting the family, that would be wonderful!”

“Who would have thought, Little Zhuo, that you managed such a big move quietly, joyous, joyous!”

Only Ning Ze stood still like a statue, rooted to the spot, eyes wide open, staring at Ning Zhuo, fists clenched, without uttering a word.

Splitting the family was no minor matter, it was quite rare.

The family is a small country, the country is a large family. A country splitting is a major event. So is splitting a family for a clan!

After the split, a family would inevitably enter a period of weakness.

Those who left the family could establish new strongholds and open new foundations.@@novelbin@@

Every person would have substantial room for advancement.

This branch of the Ning Family would rise and become the leader of the split family.

Ning Xiangguo, Ning Xiangqian, and others might become the Family Elders of the new split.

Ning Chen, Ning Yong, and others close to Ning Zhuo might receive focused allocation of resources from the split and could possibly advance to Family Elder positions in the future.

As for the resources of the split, not to mention others.

Just conducting each sacrificial rite could generate huge benefits by communicating with ancestors in the Netherworld, under the names and roles of Clan Leader and Family Elders.

Conversely, before the split, people like Ning Xiangguo couldn’t even become family executors.

Seeing the ecstasy on everyone’s faces, Ning Zhuo sighed deeply, “Although I desperately wish to kill Ning Xiaohui right now, for the greater good, for the future of us all, I am willing to suppress my personal desires and endure the pain of this decision with blood. I hope you all can understand and support me.”

The people in the hall were instantly moved.

“Boss, I knew you were profoundly righteous. Ning Ji was corrupt and overbearing in his lifetime, and although many came to you with complaints, you suppressed them. You must be eager to see the killer suffer terribly—I understand you!” Ning Yong said first.

Ning Chen sighed deeply, “Boss, you’ve made too many sacrifices, shouldering too much burden. I just misunderstood you, I owe you an apology. Now I realize your good intentions; I was wrong!!”

Ning Xiangguo then stood up and saluted Ning Zhuo, “Clan Leader, please instruct us on the next steps. I am willing to lead for you!”

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look.

Ning Chen thought to himself, “Learned, learned.”

Ning Zhuo exhaled a breath of turbid air, nodding slightly, “Having everyone’s support and understanding comforts me greatly.”

“Uncle, what do you think?”

Ning Ze was standing still, seemingly lost in thought for quite some time.

Hearing Ning Zhuo ask, he chuckled dryly, glanced at Ning Zhuo, and surveyed the hall.

The joys and sorrows of people do not intersect.

Seeing the faint joy among the crowd, filled with the pain of losing a son, Ning Ze felt an immense desolation, feeling out of place among them.

While others were in fiery celebratory moods, surrounded by flowers and lushness, he felt as though he was left in a world of ice and snow, abandoned by the world.

Finally, Ning Ze’s gaze fixed on Ning Zhuo.

Not long ago, using the cause of righteousness, representing a branch of the Ning Family, he had pressured Ning Zhuo to seek revenge for Ning Ji.

But now, after Ning Zhuo lightly tossed out the option of splitting the family, the entire branch was lured into madness; who would care about the death of a mere Qi Refinement junior?

Ning Ze’s voice was hoarse, “Ning Zhuo, your cousin’s death has become just a pawn for you, a tool to gain advantages!”

“What else can I say?

What more is there to say?

I’m just extremely disheartened, utterly disheartened.”

“I take my leave, farewell.”

After saying this, Ning Ze walked away without looking back.

Ning Zhuo quickly stood up, wanting to make amends, but Ning Ze left with a resolute demeanor, his figure stooped.

Ning Zhuo stood at the doorway, watching Ning Ze leave, lamenting sorrowfully, “Time spares no one, my uncle has aged so much.”

“I have let him down! Everyone, my heart is heavy right now.”

“Have I done wrong, or have I done right? I’m not clear on it myself.”

Ning Xiangqian and others swiftly gathered around, affirming Ning Zhuo’s actions with one voice after another, praising his sacrifice and dedication greatly.

“For the entire family branch, you’ve indeed carried too much!” Ning Xiangqian said.

“Yes, Clan Leader,” Ning Chen added.

Ning Xiangguo couldn’t help but glance at Ning Chen, consoling, “Ning Ze is understandably upset, after all, an elder burying a younger is deeply painful.”

“But I think he just hasn’t come to terms with it yet.”

“He can still have more children, and when he does come to terms, he will realize that he is indeed closest to your line among the Family Elders.”

“To put it practically, Ning Ji did not die in vain.”

This comment received strong agreement from Ning Yong, who loudly concurred, “Yes, yes. Ning Ji did not die in vain!”

In conclusion, Ning Zhuo instructed, “You must all take extra care of my uncle and aunt.”

“I’m involved in the palace examination and cannot leave, so I entrust their care to you all.”

The rest quickly agreed.