“Father, Grandfather is seriously ill but Second elder cousin brother is not anxious at all, and he even brought a woman of unknown origin back home instead. I just said a few words to him, and he wanted to hit me.” The young girl hugged the arm of the man, and complained in a coquettish manner. Her appearance was like pear blossoms in the rain and one could not help but sympathize with her naturally. If not for her words just now, even Ling Chuxi would have felt sorry for her too.
‘Wait, what woman of unknown origin? Is she talking about me?’ Ling Chuxi glared at Xiao Tianwen. If she had not been in the Xiao residence, Ling Chuxi would have slapped her so hard she would have been searching for her teeth all over the floor.
“Eldest Uncle, this is my friend.” Xiao Tianfan’s expression did not change, but his gaze became more solemn.
“I understand. Go and see your grandfather soon, it looks like the old man might not make it this time,” the middle-aged man said to Xiao Tianfan and glanced at Ling Chuxi frustratedly before taking his daughter away.
Xiao Tianfan trembled slightly, looking a bit put out.
“Let’s go. I will arrange a carriage for you first,” Xiao Tianfan said finally and led Ling Chuxi to the back.
Seeing how he looked as if he had lost his soul, Ling Chuxi was puzzled. Even an idiot could make out that Xiao Tianfan was not well-respected in the Xiao family. With his cultivation at the realm of Great Fulfilment, no matter which family he was from, shouldn’t he be greatly looked up to? Why was it like this?
“I belong to the side branch of the Xiao Family, and was born of a concubine. My mother was originally a maid at the official residence, but until today, she has not been given a title. That was my uncle just now, the eldest son of the head of the family. His name is Xiao Gaode,” Xiao Tianfan explained briefly, already knowing what Ling Chuxi was thinking.
Ling Chuxi was still born into a noble family. Even though her family was a little smaller, when it came to such politics within the family, it was no worse than those big families. She could understand his implication immediately. The disciples belonging to the side branch were never given much of a standing in the family, what more a son born of a maid without any title? One could only imagine Xiao Tianfan’s standing in the family.
However, something was still not quite right. No matter how low his standing may be, with Xiao Tianfan’s cultivation, he should not be getting this type of treatment.
“My uncle has a son who is older than me by three years – his name is Xiao Tianying. He had already advanced to the realm of Great Fulfilment when he was seventeen years old and after that, he went traveling to learn more. As for me, I have only been seen as a good-for-nothing since young. If not for Grandfather’s special regard of me, I might have still remained that way.” When he mentioned his grandfather, Xiao Tianfan’s eyes shone in gratitude, but it quickly dimmed.
So that was it. Since the eldest son of the main family had already produced a genius, then Xiao Tianfan’s cultivation would only lead to suspicion and jealousy. No one would wish for another powerful opponent, so it was only natural for him to be rejected. No wonder no one had heard his name before, the head of the Xiao Family must have not wanted to let outsiders know about his existence.
Ling Chuxi recalled the past circumstances she had faced in her own family clan. She also more or less had been in the same boat as him, and could sympathize with his situation.
“When I went to Nan Xia Country last time, I thought I could become famous with one battle, and then I could finally hold my head up high. I never expected to meet you though. Looks like I am doomed by God to live in obscurity all my life,” Xiao Tianfan said dejectedly.
“Don’t worry. If it’s gold, it will eventually shine,” Ling Chuxi finally said after thinking of something comforting to say. After all, she was the one who had destroyed Xiao Tianfan’s chance of gaining fame and thus felt some guilt in her heart. However, they were standing on different sides. Even if she had to do it again, she would still have made the same decision.
Xiao Tianfan gave a sad smile, but didn’t seem to take her words seriously.
“What is going on with your grandfather’s sickness?” Ling Chuxi asked.