Yang Bingshan appeared indifferent, as if Liu Qingxi's actions were trivial, truly amusing the Wen Family.
Just as he was about to speak, a voice filled with suppressed anger interrupted from outside: "You don't need to worry about my matters!"
As soon as the words fell, a white figure quickly approached, with an expressionless face suddenly filled with a disconcerting rage. The coldness in Yang Bingshan's eyes was devoid of any warmth.
"I will decide my own marriage; you need not concern yourself, Master Yang." The words carried an unmistakable distance.
Between the two men sharing the same blood, there seemed to be an insurmountable chasm.
Yang Yichen had been enjoying a rare moment of happiness with Liu Qingxi when suddenly a servant reported Yang Bingshan's arrival, breaking the tight grip of their hands.
Yang Yichen had already felt displeased at Yang Bingshan's arrival, fearing that the Wen Family would struggle alone; he could only endure the pain of separating from Liu Qingxi.
Little did he know that upon returning home, he would hear Yang Bingshan's intention to tear them apart. Even more absurdly, he dared to suggest that Liu Qingxi should comply.
Who gave him the confidence and authority? He cherished her like a delicate treasure, afraid she might be hurt even slightly, yet this man trampled on her feelings so ruthlessly.
How could Yang Yichen not be furious? Moreover, as memories surged in his mind, an inner voice told him that he did not belong here.
Yang Bingshan had given life to this body but had fulfilled no obligations as a man; he was not the elder Yang Yichen recognized in his heart. Only the Wen Family provided him with warmth and kinship.
"Yichan," Yang Bingshan stared into the boy's eyes. "Do you know how many years you could save by acting this way? Is it worth it for a woman?"
"If I find it worthwhile, then it is worth it; you need not concern yourself." Yang Yichen met Yang Bingshan's aggressive gaze sharply. "Wasn't Master Yang also driven by such motives twenty years ago when he married a woman he didn't love and kept the one he truly loved by his side?"
"Yes, if it weren't for your choices, I wouldn't be who I am today, and my mother wouldn't have suffered for over a decade." He spoke the truth.
Yang Bingshan was unable to refute this, but his thoughts remained unyielding.
Receiving the olive branches thrown by several officials, the benefits mentioned in the letters made him eager. Even during the peak of the Yang Family's prosperity, such easily attainable advantages had never been available.
Moreover, officials of the Fifth Rank and Sixth Rank had previously seemed unattainable to him.
With a son who was a Seventh-Rank County Magistrate, if he could align himself with such a Father-in-law, along with the other party's connections, reaching a high position was not impossible. This was Yang Bingshan's true thought.
Thus, upon hearing that Yang Yichen had returned, he immediately set aside his business to rush over. Since receiving the letter, this thought had crossed his mind countless times.
He initially believed that Yang Yichen would agree; who would have thought that this mother and son would be equally stubborn?
"Don't you know about these benefits?" Yang Bingshan simply could not understand the thought process of these two individuals.
Yang Yichen looked down on this unfeeling man even more; in his eyes and heart, there was only self-interest and no familial affection.
"Anan, escort Master Yang out. Such a person is not welcome in our home anymore." The cold attitude left Yang Bingshan feeling terrified.
He never expected to be driven out by his son in front of everyone like this.
Deep down, he still believed that parental commands should not be disobeyed; Yang Yichen should still listen to him.
Even though there had been significant conflicts in the past, there should be no lingering resentment between father and son.
I initially thought that Yang Yichen was the one in charge, but unexpectedly, Anan, the obedient servant, picked him up and threw him out.
"You!" Yang Bingshan was furious, but looking at the several onlookers at the door, he realized that if this continued, he would be humiliated beyond measure.
With a huff of anger, he turned and left.
In the courtyard, the mother and son exchanged glances, both extremely angry at Yang Bingshan's actions.
His behavior not only belittled Liu Qingxi but also disrespected both of them.
It was Wen Family who first calmed down: "Yichan, don't take it to heart. You and Qingxi are fine; just treat him as if he doesn't exist as a father."
This was the first time Wen Family clearly acknowledged the father-son relationship between him and Yang Bingshan.
As a mother, she couldn't let her son deny his father, but this man was becoming increasingly unreasonable, crossing their bottom line.
Yang Yichen remained silent, feeling that this father had become too idle lately to meddle in his affairs. It seemed time to give him something to do.
Meanwhile, Yang Bingshan, leaving Ten Li Pu, felt deeply provoked in his authority as a father. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. In his view, there was nothing wrong with his choice.
At this moment, Liu Qingxi had no idea she was being targeted.
After sending Yang Yichen away and facing numerous teasing remarks and winks from others, she feigned calmness: "Aren't you all going to get back to work? There are so many people coming to buy houses; how can you not work hard?"
Her stance of hands on hips and shouting lacked any intimidation. However, despite the jokes, everyone continued with their tasks since it concerned the future development of Ten Li Pu and people's livelihoods.
Beside him, Zhang Wuliang changed into a clean and neat short outfit, dressed in a blue robe with his hair tied up high. After years of studying and learning to read, he had gained a touch of scholarly elegance, mixed with the shrewdness of a businessman.
“Qingxi, I think I can’t hold on much longer; the number of people has been increasing lately.”
Indeed, it was not just Liu Qingxi who was being harassed; Zhang Wuliang, the chief manager and Liu Qingxi's right-hand man, was experiencing the same.
In Linyi, for those who were satisfied with the houses built by Liu Qingxi or came for her reputation, Ten Li Pu had only benefits and no drawbacks.
Liu Qingxi looked around; the construction was going smoothly, with everyone performing their duties. She felt that it was no longer an issue; she needed to inform Zhang Wuliang about her decision in advance.
“Village Chief, let’s go to your house; I have some other matters to discuss with you.”
At Zhang Wuliang's home, the original Earthen House had been replaced by an Azure Brick House. While it could not compare to the grandeur of newly constructed properties, it had its own charm.
The square courtyard featured a Main House, east and west wing rooms, and two back rooms at the entrance. There were also several rooms in the backyard behind the Main House, making it equivalent to a two-courtyard layout, spacious enough for a family to live comfortably.
This change came as the family became wealthier over the past two years, replacing the old Earthen House with an impressive Azure Brick House.
At this moment, Zhang Wuliang sat at a square table in the Main House, facing Liu Qingxi. “If there’s anything you need, feel free to say.”
“Village Chief, our preliminary preparations are nearly complete. For most people, what they cannot obtain is often seen as the best. This is why we have such a bustling scene now. Additionally, since some constructions are nearly finished, we can start pre-sale promotions.”
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