Chapter 258 - The Decision (2/2)

Then came the crime of disobedience. It was about the matter of Linfeng's marriage.

Since Linfeng had clearly stated his stance to the elders, Grandma Zhou and his grand-uncle supported Linfeng. On the other hand, Grandpa Zhou supported Master Xiong. The elders had to do this tactic, to show their support to Linfeng without rousing Master Xiong's ire.

Xiong Zhi naturally sided with Linfeng.

Now, the vote was two over three, not yet including Butler Zhou's vote.

Master Xiong and Grandpa Zhou, against Xiong Zhi, Grandma Zhou, and Linfeng's grand-uncle.

Two votes on holding Linfeng accountable, and three votes for pardoning him.

If Linfeng was not pardoned from his sin, he would have two choices. Obey Master Xiong's order as the Master's last grace, or get banished from the Zhou family.

If he was pardoned, he would be allowed to follow through with his decision of not accepting Master Xiong's order and he would not be banished. But if by chance, he made another grave mistake in the future, then he would instantly be expelled immediately once confirmed of his crime.

Now, it was Butler Zhou's vote. If he put his vote on Master Xiong's side, this matter would turn to a tie.

Then, they would have to involve the masters from the secondary branch of the Xiong family. This matter would be dragged on longer.

If he took Linfeng's and Xiong Zhi's side, then this matter would end at this point, and his son would be pardoned from his crime.

This was a heavy decision for Butler Zhou.

In fact, if Xiong Zhi did not force her way in, it would even be a more painful event for him.

Zhou Min looked at his son, his eyes filled with hesitation, pain, and guilt.

Linfeng had his head down. As the subject of the trial, he was the guilty man who had caused all this.

Butler Zhou knew that his son was stubborn. His son would likely choose the banishment over obeying the arranged marriage.

Zhou Min's mind ran. It was like he was brought back to the same situation long ago when his younger brother called him in panic and asked for his help. Back then, he had already sworn with his life to be forever loyal to the Xiong family, but his brother's blood was precious to him. So he saved his brother and broke his principle.

The guilt he had carried from then on always burdened him. He exchanged his absolute loyalty as atonement for his sin.

'I am sorry—'

Butler Zhou closed his eyes.

”I vote for Master Xiong's will. Zhou Linfeng had committed a great sin and should not be pardoned from it.” His voice was firm as he stated his words. He looked at his son's eyes who glanced up at him as he started speaking.

His son slowly blinked, seemingly understanding what Butler Zhou's determined eyes were saying.

'I am sorry, Master Xiong. For choosing my kin before you again,' Butler Zhou continued in his thoughts.

In fact, the main reason for his heavy indecision was the burden of deceiving his master whom he had sworn his loyalty with.

That was right. Zhou Min and Linfeng knew that ever since Linfeng smoothened out those wrinkled hands of Grandpa Zhou, successfully softening the elders' hearts, Linfeng had already won no matter what Zhou Min ended up choosing.

The unknowingly united act of the Zhou family to help Linfeng within the extent of their power, gave a huge hand for this outcome to come up

This matter would be dragged longer—enough for Linfeng to buy time and break the treaty.

'I'm sorry... Master.'