Jiang Hao and Jiang Ping had just entered the house when they saw their father being thrown out. The two were stunned at first, then hurriedly ran over to help Jiang Jingyun up.
“Dad, what happened? Are you okay?” Jiang Hao asked worriedly.
Jiang Jingyun had taken quite a hard fall. Now, being seen in such a humiliating state by his two sons, he felt utterly disgraced. Standing up, he pushed Jiang Hao and Jiang Ping aside and snapped, “I’m fine!”
“Was it that b*stard Jiang Feng?” Jiang Ping sharply asked.
“Jiang Feng again? Not only did he hit me, but he also dared to lay hands on you, Father? He must have a death wish!” Jiang Hao said furiously.
Only now did Jiang Jingyun notice the five glaring red finger marks on Jiang Hao’s face. He hadn’t expected Jiang Feng to strike both his son and himself. His eyes burned with rage as he took a deep breath and said in a cold voice, “Come with me. I want to hear how that little b*stard plans to explain himself.”
Inside the spacious living room, everyone’s expressions were a mix of shock and disbelief.
They had all grown accustomed to Jiang Feng being weak and easy to bully. In their eyes, he was nothing but a useless wastrel, incapable of achieving anything. The fiasco at the racetrack, where he had chased after Ye Qingxuan, had already embarrassed the entire Jiang family, making them the laughingstock of others. As a result, everyone harbored resentment toward him.
Thus, they all supported the idea of punishing Jiang Feng to prevent him from doing anything even more disgraceful and further tarnishing the Jiang family’s reputation. But what they hadn’t expected was that Jiang Feng seemed like a completely different person now. Not only did he defy the old master, but he even threw Jiang Jingyun out.
This was shocking—after all, the two people Jiang Feng feared the most were the old master and Jiang Jingyun.
“What’s going on?”
Everyone was utterly confused. They no longer looked at Jiang Feng with the same disdain as before. Instead, there was a hint of wariness in their eyes.
Zhao Wuxia stared at Jiang Feng in surprise. She instinctively adjusted her glasses, feeling a slight unease. If what had happened in the hospital a week ago had only left her mildly surprised, then today’s events had truly shaken her.
‘Has he really changed? But how could a person change so drastically in just a few days?’ she thought, puzzled.
Among all the people present, the only one who still showed concern for Jiang Feng was a young girl standing inconspicuously in the crowd. She appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen years old, gazing at Jiang Feng with worry. Her big, blinking eyes made her look incredibly pitiful.
Just then, a furious roar came from outside.
“Jiang Feng, you b*stard! Get out here and face your death!”
Jiang Jingyun and his two sons stormed in aggressively. Jiang Hao’s eyes were blazing with rage as he glared at Jiang Feng, wishing he could skin him alive.
Jiang Feng frowned. He hated trouble, yet the moment he returned home, it just kept coming at him nonstop.
“These people are truly ridiculous.”
“What? Cat got your tongue? You mongrel! Not only did you hit me, but you also dared to hit my father! Why the hell didn’t you just drop dead? Our Jiang family has never had a piece of trash like you!” Jiang Hao bellowed viciously, spitting in fury.
Mongrel?
At those words, several people in the living room subtly changed expressions.
On the left side of the old master, Jiang Hanyu, who had been dozing off, slowly lifted his head and glanced at Jiang Hao. His gaze carried a trace of anger as he said in a cold voice, “Shut up.”
Jiang Hao’s face instantly turned pale. Realizing that he had spoken out of line, he panicked and instinctively took two steps back, hiding behind Jiang Jingyun.
Jiang Jingyun and Jiang Mingfei exchanged glances before quickly looking away. Jiang Jingyun’s eyes flickered uncertainly as he stared at Jiang Hanyu, seemingly deep in thought. After a moment, he finally spoke in a firm tone, “Hanyu, you saw what happened just now. I need an explanation.”
Jiang Hanyu responded lazily, “It’s just a minor incident. Let’s drop it.”
“A minor incident? Then tell me, what exactly counts as a major one?” Jiang Jingyun practically roared. He had openly scolded Jiang Feng many times before, and Jiang Hanyu had never once spoken up for him. But now, Jiang Hanyu was taking Jiang Feng’s side? That made him uneasy, even a little lost.
Jiang Hanyu said indifferently, “A gentleman pursues a fair maiden—what’s the big deal? It’s just chasing after a woman. If that’s not a minor issue, then what is? Besides, you all think Feng’er isn’t good enough for Ye Qingxuan, but I disagree. In this world, nothing is certain. Who’s to say that one day, the number-one beauty of Yanjing won’t become a daughter-in-law of the Jiang family?”
Jiang Jingyun was dumbfounded, breathing heavily through his nose. He had never expected Jiang Hanyu, who usually never interfered in family matters, to say something like that.
But regardless of his surprise, there was one thing he refused to believe—there was no way Jiang Feng could ever win Ye Qingxuan’s heart.
“Oh? So you’re saying we’re the ones being unreasonable now?” Jiang Jingyun forced himself to suppress his anger.
“We’re all family. We see each other every day—there’s no need to make things so tense. I suggest we each take a step back,” Jiang Hanyu said nonchalantly.
Jiang Jingyun was not the only one stunned—everyone else was also on the verge of being completely confused by Jiang Hanyu.
After all, they had come here to hold Jiang Feng accountable, so how had things suddenly turned around to make it seem like they were the ones being unreasonable, as if they owed Jiang Feng an apology?
Jiang Feng also found it strange. In his memory, Jiang Hanyu had never shown much concern for him. In the past, when he was bullied by Jiang Hao and Jiang Ping, Jiang Hanyu never once stood up for him. Because of this, Jiang Hao and Jiang Ping had acted with increasing impunity, which led to his status in the Jiang family plummeting.
Among the three sons and one daughter under the old master’s name, Jiang Jingyun was the most domineering and adept at maneuvering. His household’s status in the Jiang family had risen to its peak, overshadowing the other three branches. Over time, as long as the old master did not intervene, both major and minor matters were left to Jiang Jingyun’s discretion. The others had no say at all, and Jiang Hanyu was practically invisible within the family.
Of course, Jiang Feng did not care about his family’s status in the slightest. As long as no one bullied him, anything they did had nothing to do with him. But if anyone dared to pick on him, he had no qualms about making them pay back tenfold.
What truly puzzled him was Jiang Hanyu’s attitude. His words carried an air of mediation—light and seemingly inconsequential, with no strong sense of protection. Yet, despite lacking overt defense, they somehow conveyed a stronger sense of support than mere words of protection.
This made Jiang Feng feel somewhat bewildered. Was this really the father from his memories—the one who had always been indifferent, never showing him a shred of fatherly love, only caring about tending flowers and raising birds?
In his previous life, he had been an orphan without parents or relatives. This life had made him yearn for familial affection, and he naturally felt a blood connection to this father. Regardless of Jiang Hanyu’s past attitude toward him, just these few words had already earned him some goodwill.
Narrowing his eyes slightly, Jiang Feng studied Jiang Hanyu. The man’s expression remained gentle, as if he truly did not take today’s events to heart.
Such an attitude could only mean two things—either he did not care, or he was extremely confident.
Jiang Feng was more inclined to believe the latter. A faint smile emerged on his lips. It seemed that this father of his was not as useless as he appeared on the surface.
Besides, his ability to read people was razor-sharp. Jiang Hanyu’s words might have seemed unreasonable, but they were brimming with dominance. This seemingly unremarkable father was anything but simple.
Jiang Feng also noticed the reactions of the others. After a brief moment of contemplation, he said, “Dad, I did make some mistakes in today’s matter. An apology is in order.”
Jiang Hanyu glanced at him and spoke slowly, “Didn’t you say you did nothing wrong?”
“I didn’t,” Jiang Feng replied matter-of-factly.
“Then why are you apologizing?” Jiang Hanyu asked, feigning curiosity.
“I just think that since we’re all family, if my apology can make everyone feel better, then I’m willing to apologize,” Jiang Feng said generously.
“Well said. As expected of my son.” Jiang Hanyu did not hold back his praise, maintaining the demeanor of a kind-hearted man. “Since apologies are being made, then let’s be fair about it. You apologize, and they apologize to you as well.”
“Dream on!”
“No way!”
“Impossible!”
“… “
Father and son played their respective roles—one being firm, the other being accommodating—leaving everyone speechless with frustration. Naturally, they all protested vehemently. Among them, Jiang Hao, who had initially been seething with rage, was now on the verge of losing his mind.
However, despite Jiang Hanyu’s low status in the Jiang family, he was still someone Jiang Hao could not openly defy. For a moment, Jiang Hao was both furious and anxious, desperately looking toward his father, Jiang Jingyun, for help.
Jiang Jingyun was equally enraged. His intention in calling for this family meeting had been, on one hand, to punish Jiang Feng and, on the other, to use this incident to solidify his position in the Jiang family.
Yet, instead of achieving his goal, he had only stirred up resistance from Jiang Hanyu, and he was well aware that Jiang Hanyu had definitely noticed something. Otherwise, he would not have taken this stance.
But whether it was making a big deal out of a minor issue or being caught in a difficult position, things had escalated to this point, and there was no turning back now.
“Hanyu, you and I both know what Jiang Feng did. As his father, I understand your desire to protect him, and I won’t blame you for it. However, no matter what, he must give the Jiang family an explanation,” Jiang Jingyun said, maintaining his imposing presence.
This time, however, he had learned his lesson. Instead of demanding an explanation for himself, he framed it as an explanation owed to the entire Jiang family. By doing so, he subtly aligned the whole family against Jiang Feng and his father, wanting to see how they would handle this situation.
“Chasing after a woman requires an explanation?” Jiang Hanyu asked with a bewildered expression.
Jiang Jingyun nearly spat blood in frustration. He had gone through so much trouble, only for Jiang Hanyu to brush it all aside with a single deflection.
Jiang Mingfei, who had been watching silently, wanted to add something but hesitated. In the end, he held back his words, though his gaze toward Jiang Hanyu became more amused.
At that moment, a sharp and cynical voice cut in.
“Jiang Hanyu, just look at the fine son you’ve raised. This is exactly how Jiang Feng was spoiled by you all. Anyone with sense can see you’re just trying to protect him, but to outsiders, it looks like you’re leading him to his own downfall.”
The one who spoke was Jiang Feng’s eldest aunt, Wu Xiuli.
Until now, Jiang Feng had not paid much attention to her presence. But upon looking at her, he saw that Wu Xiuli carried an air of nobility—though her slightly triangular eyes betrayed a narrow-minded nature. As the saying went, “the most venomous heart is that of a woman,” and her words, though seemingly spoken out of concern, were in fact laced with malice.
Jiang Hanyu cast her a sidelong glance, his expression carrying a hint of amusement. “Sister-in-law, if I’m not mistaken, are you trying to teach me how to discipline my child?”
Wu Xiuli’s face darkened under Jiang Hanyu’s pressure, but she quickly retorted in a sharp voice, “What? Am I wrong? Just look at what he’s done—he’s completely disgraced the Jiang family!”
“If the Jiang family’s reputation is so fragile that it can be lost this easily, then perhaps it’s not worth keeping,” Jiang Hanyu replied casually.
Wu Xiuli was momentarily stunned. If Jiang Feng’s actions today had already left her speechless, then Jiang Hanyu’s attitude made her wonder if the sun was rising from the west.
Jiang Jingyun was furious—utterly furious.
Never before had he been this enraged.
“Hanyu, even if everything happened exactly as you said, what about Jiang Feng throwing me out of the house? What do you have to say about that?” he questioned aggressively.
Jiang Hanyu waved his hand dismissively and smiled faintly. “Big Brother, you are a magnanimous man. Why bother quibbling over such trivial matters with a child? You’ll only make a fool of yourself in front of outsiders.”
A fool?
Jiang Jingyun was livid. What nonsense! If he didn’t settle this matter today, he would be the biggest laughingstock of all.
His expression turned cold, and he growled, “Hanyu, I’m not being petty, but if this issue isn’t resolved today, I will not let it go. Don’t blame me for cutting off all familial ties.”
His words carried immense weight, making the hearts of those in the hall tremble. Everyone understood that, given Jiang Jingyun’s temperament, he was ready to take extreme measures to restore his dignity. If that happened, even if Jiang Feng didn’t die, he would suffer terribly and never have another good day in the Jiang family.
Some people exchanged glances, some reveled in his misfortune, while others felt a hint of sympathy for Jiang Feng. However, under Jiang Jingyun’s oppressive aura, no one dared to speak up.
Jiang Feng, however, was utterly unfazed by Jiang Jingyun’s threats. He was already fed up with his relentless badgering. With a cold smile, he said indifferently, “Jiang Jingyun, aren’t you afraid of biting your own tongue saying such things? Since when have you ever treated me as family? As for your so-called refusal to let this go, bring it on. I’ll take everything you throw at me—I promise not to disappoint you.”
The onlookers, initially shocked by Jiang Jingyun’s harsh words and worried for Jiang Feng’s fate, now found themselves speechless. Their expressions shifted multiple times.
Was this still the same Jiang Feng who used to endure humiliation without resistance? He now seemed more like an untamed menace, a force of chaos. The crowd erupted in criticism, with even Zhao Wuxia showing a trace of displeasure in her beautiful eyes. Clearly, her disappointment in Jiang Feng had reached its peak.
Jiang Jingyun’s entire family of four furiously denounced Jiang Feng, their voices filled with venom, as if they wished he would drop dead from shame.
Jiang Feng, however, paid them no mind. He had always been true to himself. In the past, he had endured and compromised when he lacked strength, knowing when to retreat for survival. But to make him kneel? That was impossible.
Besides, he didn’t believe he was in the wrong today. If not for his father’s stance, he wouldn’t have spoken those words in the first place.
“Enough! Silence!”
The old patriarch slammed his hand on the table and stood up.
Having held a position of power for years, his outburst carried undeniable authority. The entire hall fell into silence as everyone’s expressions stiffened.
The old man’s slightly clouded gaze landed on Jiang Feng, and he asked firmly, “Do you truly believe you did nothing wrong?”
Jiang Feng looked at him sincerely and asked, “Grandfather, please tell me clearly—where did I go wrong?”
“If you don’t even understand your mistake, then go reflect on it in isolation. Don’t come see me until you do!” the old patriarch thundered.
“Father, after what he did today, simply locking him up for reflection is far too lenient,” Jiang Jingyun interjected urgently. He had suffered a tremendous loss of face today and wished for nothing more than Jiang Feng’s utter ruin. He hadn’t expected the old patriarch to let him off with just a slap on the wrist.
Locking him up? That brat had been confined plenty of times before—when had he ever truly repented? Jiang Jingyun doubted this would have any effect. More importantly, it did nothing to restore his lost dignity.
“This is my decision. I am tired. Everyone, leave.”
The old patriarch cast a deep look at Jiang Feng before waving his hand, signaling for everyone to disperse.
Though reluctant and filled with resentment, no one dared to defy his order. One by one, they left with lingering anger. Jiang Feng, meanwhile, was taken to his residence and placed under house arrest.
His home was still within the villa district, though much smaller in size compared to the patriarch’s residence. However, its luxurious furnishings were no less extravagant—everything was of Jiang Feng’s own making.
Jiang Feng entered his room with a smile. He didn’t care about being confined. Nor did he bother analyzing the old patriarch’s sudden shift in attitude.
Right now, he had three priorities.
First, he needed to familiarize himself with this society as quickly as possible.
Second, he had to improve the physical condition of this body in the shortest time.
Third, he had to investigate the mastermind behind the Flowerfield Racetrack incident.
Most people believed his fall from the horse was an accident, but Jiang Feng knew very well—it wasn’t. Someone had deliberately tried to kill him.
And the reason for this order of priorities was simple: Jiang Feng understood that in any society, strength was the ultimate key to survival.
Without sufficient power, everything would be restricted.
Moreover, since his enemy had dared to make a move at such a public event, there was no doubt there would be a second attempt. If he didn’t increase his strength quickly, he couldn’t count on being lucky again.
Having survived the brutal hierarchy of the Tianyuan Continent, Jiang Feng had long abandoned any belief in luck.
He had been given a second chance at life, and he wasn’t about to waste it by dying in ignorance.