From the Shanghai Bund to Guangzhou, wherever prosperity beckoned, their presence could be found. The Wu family gained renown for its strict household management and audacious business acumen.
After the founding of the People's Republic, the Wu family’s enterprises suffered a setback, but they quickly resurged; a starved camel is still larger than a horse. The older generation of the Wu family had remarkable foresight, having converted a portion of their assets into gold and stored them in overseas banks long ago.
These assets became the initial capital for the Wu family’s resurgence.
Through years of reform and opening up, the Wu family has now firmly re-established itself. Both their political capital and family assets are steadily increasing, allowing them to once again stand among the prominent new noble clans.
Over the years, every member of the Wu family has been outstanding, which is a source of immense pride for everyone. An incident like Wu Zhishuang embezzling hundreds of millions in public funds had never occurred before.
Therefore, the entire family took this matter with the utmost seriousness, summoning all direct descendants from afar to convene and discuss how to deal with Wu Zhishuang.
The Wu family possessed a grand restaurant, normally reserved for family gatherings, where most of the direct members were now assembled.
“Big Brother, please don’t be so angry. I believe Zhishuang absolutely did not intend this; there might be some hidden circumstances!”
Beside Wu Zhiguo, a young man in his early twenties was speaking to him with a smile. In the past, Wu Zhiguo would certainly have offered a few emotional remarks, but now his heart was only filled with icy dread.
This young man was Wu Zhiliang—hypocritical and cunning.
“Not might be; I believe there is definitely some hidden context!” Wu Zhiguo replied with a light laugh. Huang Hai had already called; they had captured that woman and secured the evidence, and they were en route to him now.
Wu Zhiliang was momentarily stunned, looking at Wu Zhiguo with slight surprise.
A few seconds later, he offered a strained smile and said, “Big Brother is right. There must be some underlying reason; I also believe Zhishuang is not that kind of person!”
Having spoken, he straightened his posture and ceased looking at Wu Zhiguo.
Wu Zhiguo, however, continued to watch him. Only today did he truly see the real face of this cousin. Had Zhang Yang not pointed out his flaws, he would still be blissfully unaware.
Wu Zhiliang sat up straighter, but his brow twitched unnaturally. He sensed that something was amiss with Wu Zhiguo; he was completely different from just moments ago, causing him a surge of worry.
He had considered whether Wu Zhiguo had discovered his small machinations, but after a brief thought, he dismissed the idea. He was confident that everything he had done was sufficiently clandestine for no one to possibly find out.
More and more people arrived. The Wu family, after all these years, had indeed flourished, boasting nearly thirty direct members—and that was without counting the older generation who no longer involved themselves in affairs, which would have added even more.
Excluding family members under eighteen, the majority had gathered together.
Presiding over this meeting was Wu Sheng, the Chairman of the corporate group and the current head of the family—he was also Wu Zhiguo’s father.
It was his youngest son who was in trouble, a situation that also dealt a blow to his authority. Seated in the head position, he felt distinctly unwell.
Once everyone was settled, he slowly began, “Everyone here must already be aware of Zhishuang’s situation. After meticulous accounting, the books are short by a total of one hundred and twenty-three million. Furthermore, Zhishuang owes over twenty million in loan shark debt in Macau. First, I bear responsibility for his education; I cannot detach myself from this. However, how he should be handled depends on everyone’s opinion!”
Wu Sheng laid everything bare immediately; these matters could not be concealed, nor could they be hidden.
Wu Zhishuang’s standing within the family was certainly untenable; he would inevitably be stripped of all his titles. But whether the handling would be more severe or if they would simply let him off depended on the collective decision of everyone present.
Looking at his father, Wu Zhiguo felt a sharp pang of pain in his heart.
His father speaking these words personally must be extremely difficult, and at this moment, he seemed to understand a bit more.
If his brother were severely punished, and he himself suddenly passed away, it would inevitably and severely impact his father’s emotional state. His father’s health was not robust; if he genuinely fell ill, he would be forced to relinquish the Chairman position.
Few were qualified to take over as Chairman. Wu Zhiliang was definitely out; he was too young. But his father, who was Wu Zhiguo’s paternal uncle, was the most qualified.
If that happened, the group would quickly fall into the hands of that father and son duo.
Even Wu Zhiguo, who had been groomed as the family heir, had to admit that their scheme was indeed brilliant and vicious.
“I suggest we expel Wu Zhishuang from the family!”
“Over a hundred million—that is the result of how many people’s hard work! It cannot simply be squandered like that; we absolutely cannot let him off so easily!”
“Zhishuang made a mistake, but he is still one of us. I think a certain punishment is due—perhaps just ensure he never handles finances again. Must we be so relentless toward one’s own child?”
After Wu Sheng finished speaking, a fierce round of discussion erupted below.
Some demanded severe punishment for Wu Zhishuang, while others pleaded for leniency. Before long, the space devolved into chaos, resembling a vegetable market.
“Quiet!”
Wu Sheng frowned and called out loudly.
His prestige was still considerable; as soon as he spoke, everyone immediately fell silent. Wu Sheng glanced around, then shook his head in resignation and began questioning the person seated closest to him.
This person beside him was young, appearing to be around thirty, named Wu Zhiyuan. He was of the same generation as Wu Zhiguo. Today, he attended representing his father, which is why he was seated among the elders. His father was the only member of the Wu family to enter politics, holding a very high rank as a provincial Deputy Secretary in an outer province.
He himself was currently at the Deputy Bureau Chief level, holding a Deputy Division Chief position in a department with real power, slowly climbing the ladder.
Every family has its political power base, and the Wu family is no exception. They typically refrain from participating in business or inquiring about business matters, but their influence provides significant convenience to the family enterprises.
In a sense, he was also a privileged young master, though different from the young masters like Wu Zhiguo.
Wu Zhiyuan surveyed the room, then smiled slightly. “Technically, it shouldn't be my place to speak, but since Second Uncle asked, I will offer a few words. I recall Cao Zhi in the Three Kingdoms era, who was forced to compose a poem in seven steps. People often say history is a mirror; why can’t our Wu family adopt the same approach?”
His words were brief, but the implication was clear.
Wu Sheng let out a slight breath. Wu Zhiyuan was speaking up for Zhishuang. Everyone knew the content of the seven-step poem Cao Zhi was forced to write.
“My sentiment mirrors that of Nephew Zhiyuan. They are born of the same root; why hasten the conflict between kin?” Another person seated beside Wu Zhiyuan, one of the same generation as Wu Sheng, spoke up. Already, two individuals had emerged to defend Wu Zhishuang.
“But Zhishuang committed a grave error. If mistakes go unpunished, won't the system collapse?”
Another person began to speak. His position was precisely in the middle, and when he spoke at this juncture, no one could interrupt.
“Third Brother is correct. Zhishuang made a mistake and must absolutely not be treated lightly. I propose confining him within the family for three years to focus on his studies and self-teaching until he earns a degree. Additionally, Zhishuang forfeits any right to inherit the family line and is stripped of his equity distribution rights. What does everyone think of this arrangement?”
Wu Sheng immediately stepped forward to offer a resolution. Wu Zhishuang must be punished, though the severity could vary.
The most severe outcome was legal action; for the mistake he made, he would have to go to jail, even within his own household.
A slightly lighter penalty was expulsion from the family. Once expelled, he would only have himself to rely on; without the family’s protection, his future would be much bleaker, not to mention he carried twenty million in usurious debt.
Such an outcome was naturally undesirable for both Wu Sheng and Wu Zhiguo.
Now, seizing the opportunity presented by others speaking in his favor, Wu Sheng swiftly proposed a compromise—a solution that everyone could potentially accept.
The error Wu Zhishuang committed was certainly unforgivable and demanded punishment.
Confining him at home for three years would allow him time to settle his mind, learn more, and hopefully mature better.
Stripping him of his inheritance rights and shares essentially meant one less person dividing the assets; for everyone else, it meant a larger portion for themselves.
Many were already satisfied with this result.
“Then what about the future? Will Brother Zhishuang be allowed to manage finances again?”
Suddenly, someone asked. Wu Zhiguo instantly spun around, staring directly at the person who raised this point—it was Wu Zhiliang.
Wu Sheng had initially made concessions on the shares, hoping to avoid severe repercussions for Wu Zhishuang, intending to lay the groundwork for his eventual return. He had not expected to be exposed so bluntly in public.
“Don’t worry, Zhishuang will not hold any position in the company in the future!” Before Wu Sheng could speak, Wu Zhiguo interjected, causing everyone to look at him in astonishment.
Wu Sheng’s brow twitched slightly. If Wu Zhishuang was denied any chance of rehabilitation, then the concessions he just made seemed rather large. Without the possibility of returning, Wu Zhishuang would only live under their protection for life, unable to demonstrate his abilities.
“Big Brother doesn't need to say that. Zhishuang does have capabilities, it’s just that his abilities weren’t channeled toward righteous paths.” Wu Zhiliang smiled. While he seemed to be speaking on Wu Zhishuang’s behalf, he was actually kicking him down another notch.
Everyone knew that a talented person committing a crime was far more terrifying. Now that they were dealing with Wu Zhishuang, no one knew if he might harbor resentment later and seek revenge.
“Zhiliang is right; talent not used on the right path is the most frightening thing!”
Wu Zhiguo suddenly stood up. Sweat was still trickling down his forehead, and he hadn't stopped sipping from his water glass.
Holding his glass, he walked forward. He had just received a message from Seventh Uncle; the inquiries he had requested were now yielding results. With these results, he felt even more certain.
“The nation has its laws, and the family has its rules. Zhishuang made a mistake, and he must accept punishment. This was his own choice; he has no one to blame but himself!”
Wu Zhiguo spoke as he walked toward the exit. When he reached the very back, he suddenly paused, cast a look over everyone, and finally fixed his gaze directly on Wu Zhiliang.
“It is not just Zhishuang; anyone within the family who errs must face punishment. There is a saying: if you don't want others to know, then don't do it. I believe that anyone who commits a mistake cannot keep it entirely hidden, Zhiliang, do you agree with what I’m saying?”
Second update. This is currently a transitional chapter, transitions are in place for more exciting content later on.