Page 1207

"Grandfather!"

The two juniors faced Chen Baifeng and bowed.

Chen Lin and Chen Song are both of Chen Baifeng’s grandson generation, though they have unexpectedly arrived outside the family hierarchy. Looking at these pleasant surprises, Chen Baifeng’s gaze was complex.

Perhaps families shouldn’t distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate children.

Such divisions breed inferiority and conflict among brothers, as most illegitimate children carry resentment.

It’s rare for these two children to have good character; even when they gained influence, they were still quite respectful to their elders.

Of course, this is related to the Chen Family’s ethos, where as long as the children have talent, they are nurtured with effort.

This is the characteristic of the Sorcerer Family.

After all, the inheritance of sorcerers’ techniques and certain talents don’t care whether one is legitimate or illegitimate.

"You should have heard about the vacancy for the Lyuzhou Hell Ruler, right?"

Both quickly replied, "Yes, we’ve heard."

"What do you think?" Chen Baifeng asked.

"Um..." Chen Song hesitated a moment before saying, "Grandfather, I’ve only been in Hell Ruler for two years, and compared to many seniors, my experience is still shallow. Luckily, I’ve achieved some accomplishments, but I’m still far behind many seniors.

I will certainly strive in the competition, but I dare not claim victory. .."

Upon hearing this, Chen Baifeng nodded secretly. Despite Chen Song’s young age, he was calm, and although his last words were modest, they were not without ambition. This temperament at his age is rare; he has been well nurtured.

"And you, Chen Lin?" Chen Baifeng inquired.

"I... can’t really say. I’ll do whatever Grandfather suggests," Chen Lin said, scratching her head.

At this, several elders immediately frowned, though Chen Baifeng couldn’t help but chuckle.

This little granddaughter has a straightforward personality, quite in line with what’s expected at her age. In terms of numerical aptitude, this granddaughter is actually better. Her academic performance at the academy is also more outstanding, better suited to a pure scholar.

Yet, due to family decisions, she resolutely gave up the chance to further study at the Dragon Palace, choosing instead to apply for Hell Ruler, supposedly reprimanded by headmaster Chen Ying at the time.

But she is stubborn, what the family decides, she follows.

Upon becoming Hell Ruler, it was said she initially created quite a few troubles, which Chen Ying personally helped resolve. However, later she seemed to organize everything neatly, being a kid who works diligently but has low emotional intelligence.

"Baifeng..." one of the elders began, "Should we really let this girl compete for Lyuzhou’s position?"

Chen Baifeng hesitated slightly. Earlier, it seemed fitting to let the girl try her luck while sending Chen Song to aim for opportunities with other advantages.

Yet, as previously mentioned, the Wei Family’s grand display is a real opportunity, making Song’er’s prospects significantly greater.

"Indeed, Baifeng, as you said earlier, given the opportunity, sending Chen Song might be better?"

Chen Song lowered his head, clearly wanting to avoid the elders seeing a hint of eagerness in his eyes. Yet this action caused Chen Baifeng, who had intended to change his mind, to frown instead.

"No..." Chen Baifeng shook his head patiently, saying, "Song’er’s aptitude is higher..."

When mentioning Song’er’s aptitude, he specifically glanced at Chen Lin, finding her still playfully focused on her fingers, seemingly indifferent.

With a chuckle, he continued, "Being Lyuzhou Hell Ruler carries great significance, not something that can succeed with mere calculation. Even with the Wei Family’s influence, the likelihood isn’t high.

Comparatively, other cities hold more promise; sending Song’er to places with better opportunities is clearly advantageous. "

Chen Song reflected seriously upon hearing this; indeed, he wished to contest Lyuzhou’s position, crucial as it would make him a core family figure, one of Jiangnan’s central figures.

In contrast, Southeast County is not well-known. Nowadays, when mentioning the Shen Family, everyone knows Third Master Shen of Nanming Prefecture, Second Master Shen of Nanyang City, but who knows Shen Shiyi of Southeast County?

Yet, as the Family Head mentioned, Southeast County’s lesser reputation actually means less competition. Given his age, assuming a main city’s Hell Ruler position would assure a boundless future, no need to rush the moment.

With this realization, his expression noticeably eased.

Seeing this, Chen Baifeng nodded slightly, observing Chen Song’s modest demeanor while acknowledging his complex thoughts. Attempting to leverage Wei Gongcheng’s dislike of Wei Family to scheme at his age would certainly reveal him, making it unwise.

But that girl, Chen Lin...

Thinking of this, Chen Baifeng smiled and said, "Girl, you should go to Lyuzhou and try your luck. If you succeed, great; if not, it’s fine. The family won’t blame you, you’ve already accomplished much as a county Hell Ruler."

"Really?" Chen Lin grinned widely, her face slightly chubby with baby fat, looking extraordinarily cute, even lightening the mood of some dissatisfied elders.

This girl... it’s unknown how Old San trained her, truly a straightforward nature, fortunately. Jiangnan is still uncomplicated, allowing her to climb less might not be a bad thing.

In the future, the academy should produce more excellent graduates to look after this naive girl.

Chen Song glanced at Chen Lin, secretly smirking, as this silly girl thought it was praise.

During academy days, he was often outshone by this silly thing, nearly dying of frustration. It’s lucky his accomplishments in Hell Ruler exceeded far beyond; otherwise, truly overtaken by such a foolish thing, life might not be worth living.

"Alright, let’s leave it at that... go down and prepare, apply tomorrow."

"Yes..."

After they left, several elders couldn’t contain asking, "Baifeng, you seemed inclined toward Chen Song earlier. Why suddenly change your mind? And what was the Wei Family opportunity you mentioned?"

"Wei Gongcheng’s dislike of Wei Family elders isn’t new. Over the years, the Wei Family benefited greatly under his name, though Wei Gongcheng disdained confronting them. It doesn’t mean he’s not annoyed, and now is a prime opportunity to clarify his position, distancing from Wei Family."

"I see..." the elders immediately understood, "So... those swayed by the Wei Family, using any means, are unlikely to be recommended by Wei Gongcheng?"

"That’s the reasoning!" Chen Baifeng laughed heartily. "Most talented students aren’t of family descent. Such scholars possess excellent capabilities but often lack foresight. Their elders could easily become misled by the Wei Family entanglement. Only a few families are local, unaware of the grudge between Wei Gongcheng and Wei Family, giving us the edge. If the candidates aren’t terribly incapable, they have chances. "

"Then... it’s better to call Chen Song!" an elder insisted.

"Chen Song won’t do..." Chen Baifeng shook his head directly...