NOVEL WEB Chapter 15
Chapter 15: The Su Family’s Downfall:
“What happened? How could the Qinglou Pavilion be shut down?” Su Yuanshan asked in disbelief, his voice filled with urgency.
“I’m not sure of the details. The Law Enforcement Hall claims our brothel doesn’t meet the regulations.” The subordinate replied anxiously.
“Doesn’t comply? Why now? Everything was fine before!” Su Yuanshan erupted in frustration. However, he quickly composed himself and said, “But this isn’t a big issue. I’ll speak with Elder Yan and the others. With their influence, Qinglou Pavilion will be safe.”
Qinglou Pavilion had flourished due to the support of powerful forces, and Su Yuanshan had risen to prominence by aligning himself with these backers.
“Patriarch…” The subordinate hesitated, as if unsure how to proceed.
“What is it? Is there more bad news?” Su Yuanshan frowned, sensing something worse was coming.
“Another issue, sir. After the Qinglou Pavilion was sealed, all the elders went silent. We can’t contact any of them. Additionally, our Su family’s businesses have been abandoned by those forces, and now… they’ve all collapsed.”
“What!” Su Yuanshan staggered, nearly falling into his chair.
“Impossible! Absolutely impossible! They sought me out, gave me resources, made connections. How could they suddenly withdraw everything?”
Refusing to believe it, Su Yuanshan decided to confront them personally. But to his despair, every attempt was met with rejection. Either they were in seclusion, or they were away on urgent matters. Realization finally hit on Su Yuanshan—his family was doomed.
—
After spending a few days at the Qin family residence, Qin Yuan returned to the Holy Land, accompanied by Bai Yuan.
As they traveled, they drew curious stares, especially because of the stunning woman with him.
“Who is that woman? She’s breathtaking!” One disciple whispered.
“Isn’t that the Holy Son?” Another murmured, astonished.
“Could she be Su Mengyao?”
Qin Yuan’s esteemed status meant many eyes were on him. It wasn’t long before the entire Holy Land was buzzing with rumors about the mysterious woman he had brought back.
“Are you crazy? The Holy Son broke off his engagement with Su Mengyao days ago. That can’t be her,” someone corrected.
“And is Su Mengyao even this beautiful?” another agreed.
…
After introducing Bai Yuan to her new surroundings, Qin Yuan took her to the Wanshu Pavilion to explore her interests.
At the entrance of the Wanshu Pavilion, Su Mengyao was in a heated argument with Elder Wang, who guarded the pavilion.
Onlookers gathered, eager to witness the drama.
“Elder Wang, why can’t I enter the fifth floor of Wanshu Pavilion? Have I committed some crime?” Su Mengyao demanded.
“The sect’s rules are clear. Only direct disciples or those of higher rank can enter the fifth floor. You’re just an inner disciple.” Elder Wang calmly replied.
While it seemed to outsiders they were arguing, it was actually Su Mengyao who was losing her temper, cursing like a shrew.
“But I could enter before!” Su Mengyao protested.
Elder Wang glanced at her, his expression making the reason clear.
“Then I don’t know.” He replied dismissively.
“You!!!” Su Mengyao fumed, her anger rising.
Beside her, Lin Yun and Yu Ying watched uneasily.
Yu Ying tried to calm Su Mengyao, but she was too upset to listen.
“I refuse to accept this! I enjoyed this privilege before, even without being the Holy Son. Why not now? You’re deliberately making things difficult for me!”
The pressure of recent events weighed heavily on Su Mengyao—her family’s troubles, her father’s demands. She was nearly at her breaking point, unable to understand why so many misfortunes had befallen her.
“I…” Elder Wang began, but then he spotted Qin Yuan approaching. Immediately, he bowed respectfully, “Greetings, Holy Son.”
“Is the Holy Son here to help Su Mengyao? But who is that beautiful woman with him?” the onlookers whispered, making way for Qin Yuan.
“Qin Yuan!” Su Mengyao’s eyes lit up when she saw him.
She thought he had come to assist her and felt a surge of hope. But her joy quickly faded when Qin Yuan, without even glancing at her, guided Bai Yuan past her and into Wanshu Pavilion.
Su Mengyao stood frozen in shock, her mouth agape in disbelief.
After a long moment, her eyes filled with tears.
She felt utterly abandoned and deeply hurt.
How could Qin Yuan ignore her so completely?
How could he be so heartless?
“Mengyao, Qin Yuan is nothing but a scoundrel,” Lin Yun consoled her. “I think he only pursued you to toy with your feelings. Now that he’s bored, he’s moved on. But don’t worry, Mengyao, I’ll help you reclaim your dignity.”
Lin Yun’s words touched Su Mengyao deeply. She hugged him tightly. “Brother Lin, you’re the best. Unlike that ungrateful fool, Qin Yuan.”
Lin Yun smiled, but when he looked at Qin Yuan’s back, his eyes flashed with cold intent. “Damn you, Qin Yuan. How dare you treat Mengyao this way? I’ll defeat you in the sect competition and show Mengyao who’s truly worthy of her.”
…
“Brother Qin Yuan, why did that woman look at you like that? Does she have a grudge against you?” Bai Yuan asked, tilting her head in confusion. She had no idea what had transpired between Qin Yuan and Su Mengyao.
“Don’t worry about her. She’s not right in the head. If you see her again, stay away.” Qin Yuan advised.
“Okay.” Bai Yuan replied obediently.
—
Without Qin Yuan’s protection, the Su family’s situation worsened rapidly.
The Su family, which had once flourished by relying on Qin Yuan’s influence, now found itself in dire straits.
With Qin Yuan’s departure, other forces no longer feared or respected the Su family. They began seizing the Su family’s assets, and within a month, nothing remained but the shattered remnants of what had once been a powerful family.
…
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