"I propose expelling Bai Yuxuan from the White Clan," declared one of Bai Yuxuan's uncles at the family assembly.

"This loss is massive. We must punish severely as a warning!"

"What do you think? Don't you all agree?" Several of Bai Yuxuan's father's brothers nodded eagerly. They schemed silently—Bai Yuxuan was their eldest brother's only son. Removing him might let their own sons become the next heir.

"Now, let's vote. Raise your hand if you support expelling Bai Yuxuan."

But the result disappointed them. Fewer than half raised their hands.

"Why not? Why won't you raise your hands? Bai Yuxuan's mistake shamed our clan. You all suffered losses too!" The uncle shouted at those who hadn't voted.

Beside him, Bai Yuxuan's father, Bai Jianfeng, wore a trace of sinister smile.

Those who abstained were branch family members. Even if Bai Yuxuan fell, their sons couldn't rise. Most had shady financial ties with Bai Jianfeng—they depended on his favor.

"Ah! I get it. Bai Jianfeng bribed you all, didn't he?" The uncle pointed at the branch members and Bai Jianfeng.

"Nonsense. Without proof, don't accuse. They simply believe my son's error is forgivable," Bai Jianfeng replied calmly to his brother.

"You—!"

"You're too soft on him! Bribing branch families to protect your son?" Other brothers slammed tables, rising to accuse Bai Jianfeng.

"Accuse me of bribing? Show evidence. Without it, Bai Yuxuan stays. And I'll demand answers for slandering your clan head."

"Shameless! Twisting things around!" They yelled furiously. Then, a deep, aged voice boomed from the doorway.

"Disgraceful!" An elderly man in glasses, around seventy, entered. Tension vanished instantly. Everyone bowed respectfully—he was the former clan head, Bai Yuxuan's grandfather.

"Family should support each other in crisis. Yet you blame and scheme for personal gain. I'm deeply disappointed."

"But Father, Bai Yuxuan caused such a huge—" an uncle started.

"Silence!" The grandfather's rebuke froze him.

"An adult should show compassion. Bai Yuxuan is young. Who never erred in youth?"

"But he can't escape responsibility. Others will call us unfair," other uncles argued.

"He must face consequences. But expulsion is too harsh. For now, strip his heir status. List him and your sons as backup heirs."

"What? Too lenient! He shouldn't even qualify!"

"Do you fear your sons can't outshine a mistake-prone Bai Yuxuan? Then they're unfit to lead." His words left them speechless.

"So be it. If Bai Yuxuan errs again, I'll support permanent disinheritance or expulsion."

Under the grandfather's intervention, the brothers relented.

After the meeting, only Bai Jianfeng and the grandfather remained.

"Father, thank you for pleading for Yuxuan," Bai Jianfeng bowed deeply. The old man turned away.

"Have you no shame? I know who caused this. I investigated. Yuxuan took over the boiler factory just days ago. You cut pollution funds due to overseas expansion debts."

"You understand. I had no choice. If Yuxuan falls, I can shield him. If I fall, everything collapses."

"Hmph. Your downfall might be a blessing. I taught you: a merchant's reputation is everything. Yet you chase profit... I regret making you clan head—a man without integrity."

"Regret? Among brothers, I excelled. What is integrity? Can it feed us? Without me, White Clan wealth wouldn't have multiplied."

"Fool! Greed like yours invites retribution!" The grandfather stormed out.

"Retribution? I'm the overlord of Xijiang City, rightful head of the White Clan. Any retribution, I'll crush with my power." Bai Jianfeng sneered at his departing father.

The next morning, Bai Yuxuan slowly opened her eyes. Though battered by recent events, she'd never slept so peacefully.

"Perhaps that's the power of gentleness," she murmured, touching her chest.

Remembering last night still warmed her heart.

*Ding-dong!* The doorbell rang.

"Young master? It's Xiao Liu."

"Coming." Bai Yuxuan gathered her thoughts, changed clothes, and opened the door.

"Young master, the main family... your punishment is decided," Xiao Liu gasped, rushing in.

"Eh, the result's out. No rush. Breathe."

"Huh?" Xiao Liu noticed Bai Yuxuan's eyes—sharp again, unlike yesterday's broken gaze.

"Here, drink water. You're frantic." Bai Yuxuan poured two cups.

"Eh?" Xiao Liu blinked. Bai Yuxuan seemed happier than before the incident, a tender smile on her lips. Even more shocking: she'd swapped her usual dark blue cup for a golden one. Bai Yuxuan had always hated such tacky colors.