Chapter 1030: The Split

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Huangfu Ruiling glanced at Huangfu Jingzhang and the others before speaking coldly, “In the future, no need to bother me with trivial stuff. Handle it yourselves.”

Huangfu Jingzhang’s face darkened at his words. “Huangfu Ruiling, what’s this about? You’re not cutting ties with us, are you?”

Huangfu Ruiling lifted his head and looked at Huangfu Jingzhang with indifference. “I thought this was already clear. Some things are better left unsaid to save face for everyone. If we part ways, it won’t look good for anyone.”

“You’re distancing yourself from us, aren’t you?” Zhongyu Liuying said, disbelief evident on her face. “We’re family. How could you do this?”

“Exactly!” added Huangfu Ruixiang. “We’re family. Even if we have our differences, that doesn’t mean we cut ties. Family sticks together.”

Ye Leng’an, surprised by Huangfu Ruiling’s sudden shift, reached out and held his hand. Although taken aback, she didn’t intervene, choosing instead to offer silent support.

Feeling the warmth from Ye Leng’an’s touch, Huangfu Ruiling softened momentarily. But his gaze remained icy when he looked back at Huangfu Jingzhang and the others.

“You know where we stand,” he said coldly. “Let’s limit our interactions. I won’t deny our relationship, but I won’t clean up your messes either. That’s my compromise.”

Huangfu Jingzhang seethed. “Is this how you treat your parents? We brought you into this world, and this is how you repay us?”

“I’ve already repaid you for giving birth,” Huangfu Ruiling retorted icily. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Huangfu Jingzhang’s blood drained from his face at the reminder. He’d thought the matter was forgotten, but Huangfu Ruiling had kept it close all along.

Shaken, Huangfu Jingzhang couldn’t help but tremble at the thought.

Although Zhongyu Liuying remained silent, her expression revealed her displeasure. A sense of unease crept over her when she glanced at Huangfu Ruiling again.

Huangfu Ruiling continued, “So, from now on, you’re free to do as you please. It’s none of my concern, and you don’t need to keep me informed. However,” he paused briefly, scanning everyone before adding, “don’t expect any favors from me in the future. Otherwise, I’ll cut off your financial support.”

Under Huangfu Ruiling’s stern demeanor, no one dared to argue. It wasn’t that they lacked objections, but rather they feared challenging his authority.

With no further dissent, Huangfu Ruiling nodded in satisfaction. “An’an and I have decided to marry on her 20th birthday. When the time comes, you will be taken to the ceremony. For any further inquiries, refer to Ford. He’ll oversee matters at the ancestral mansion on my behalf. Of course, if you have any objections, you’re welcome to leave as well.”

With that, Huangfu Ruiling took Ye Leng’an’s hand and headed out.

As they departed, everyone else in the hall felt relieved.

But once Huangfu Jingzhang regained his composure, he couldn’t hold back his anger. He muttered under his breath, “That ingrate! I regret the day he was born.”

He knew he could only voice such thoughts behind Huangfu Ruiling’s back; he wouldn’t dare say them to his face.

Huangfu Ruixiang quickly intervened. “Father, watch what you say! Brother has done enough. And remember, this is the ancestral home—some things are best left unsaid.”

Though still angry, Huangfu Jingzhang begrudgingly agreed. “Understood,” he replied before heading upstairs.

He’d never imagined feeling so restrained in his own home after all these years.

Leaving wasn’t an option; the ancestral home was his last link to status. Losing it would mean a fall from grace in society.

So he suppressed his anger and resigned himself to the situation.

Watching his father leave in a huff, Huangfu Ruixiang felt lost. With Huangfu Ruiling no longer involved, his cultivation path seemed blocked.

Zhong Yating noticed the turmoil in Huangfu Ruixiang’s eyes. Unsure of the cause, she knew their fates were now intertwined.

Determined to secure a better future for them both, she resolved to find a way forward.