He Jingfeng is from the prominent family of Yihai Prefecture, the direct lineage of the He Family, ranking seventh in the family.

Perhaps due to being the youngest, he was pampered by the First Lady since childhood, developing an extremely domineering and arrogant personality.

He acts recklessly and is known as the "Demon King of Chaos, He Qilang."

Someone like He Wenbing from a lesser branch doesn't even deserve a glance from him.

If not for his father in the study repeatedly instructing him before leaving the city, saying to show some respect to fellow members of the He Family and not be too ruthless, He Wenbing would have already been killed and thrown into the fishpond.

In a noble family, only the direct lineage of the main branch are considered true family, while those from lesser branches, if distantly related, may not even be as close as the household slaves.

Because in large families, apart from the matrimonial wife, the status of other concubines is extremely low.

It's similar to the household registration of Dragon Court, divided into several levels.

The first tier is the dowry maidens from the maternal side, known as accompanying concubines, who can attend formal banquets.

If the wife passes away, the accompanying concubine substitutes to ensure the stability of relations between both families.

The second tier is the secondary wives, whose names can be entered into the family genealogy, and they receive posthumous worship.

Then there are sub-wives, lesser wives, noble concubines, good concubines, lowly concubines, accompanying rooms, and concubines, and the like.

The lowest status is that of maid concubines. Originating from base households or Slave Households, once they enter the noble family, they no longer have to do menial work.

But they can only be considered half a master; even if they give birth, they cannot raise their children themselves, and must hand them over to another concubine who hasn't had children. If faced with a merciless master, they might even be gifted to friends or Guest Scholars as if they were goods.

Thus, there is a harsh insult in noble families, calling someone "raised by a little maid."

This refers to a child born of a maid concubine.

Obviously, when discussing their treatment, there's no worst, only worse.

Maid concubines at least reside in the mansion and enjoy separate courtyards and rooms, whereas those below them, like companion rooms and outside wives, lack even the most basic status.

Once they fall out of favor, they can be randomly assigned to a servant or sold, truly living a precarious life.

Considering all these aspects, it's evident why He Jingfeng looks down on He Wenbing—it's only natural.

The former comes from the main branch, a direct bloodline of the matrimonial wife, while the latter, tracing back his father's lineage, is at best a child of a lowly concubine, not much better than being "raised by a maid."

If He Wenbing were to enter the County City and wanted to visit the main branch, he'd have to be led in through the back door by a servant, otherwise he'd be breaking protocol.

Overall, unless a promising prodigy from a lesser branch appears, supporting the reputation of their branch for two generations or more.

Just like before the downfall, the legend of the "Seven Clans and Five Surnames," among them Qinghe Cui and Boling Cui, or else it's hard to have a chance to succeed.

So, He Wenbing's greatest hope in life is to cultivate his own son into a talent to enter the main gate of the He Family in Yihai Prefecture.

"The Seventh Young Master acts swiftly and decisively, cutting through the chaos!"

The elderly steward, known as "Uncle Yang," flattered.

"Just an old fool with no descendants, what's there to fear."

He Jingfeng, dressed in luxurious attire, was unconcerned, strolling along the wind and rain corridor:

"Giving him face, I call him Third Uncle He; without it, I'd have buried him just now!

In my opinion, He Wenbing has lingered as the local bully in Black River County for too long, his mind muddled.

Not only has he raised a thankless bastard who bites back at him, but also allowed a group of declining martial arts masters to ride over him, shaming the He Family!

If not for considering the yearly stable offering of ten thousand taels of silver, Father wouldn't have bothered, sending me to clean up the aftermath."

Uncle Yang, holding his hands, maintained a partially bent posture, smiling:

"He Wenbing's ability to manage is decent, Black River County, after all, is the largest rural area within three thousand miles of Yihai Prefecture, and he managed to make a name for himself, showing he has some methods.

This man is foolish for having too many thoughts, delusional about independence, calculating to create a Black Water He to challenge Yihai He.

The master mentioned several times that he could help him form a fleet, hire experts, expand his business, and break into the Nu Yun River... yet He Wenbing always evaded, stammering, unwilling to accept.

No wonder he loses to someone like Chai Market Song Lin despite having the support of the He Family in Yihai Prefecture."

He Jingfeng sneered at this:

"Trying to take advantage of the He Family's name, bullying and taking advantage yet unwilling to be the main branch's dog, he deserves this fate.

Anyway, he's also foolish and paralyzed; find a secluded courtyard to comfortably serve him with good food and drink later.

This Young Master keeps his word, calling him a godfather, providing him a peaceful end!"

Uncle Yang couldn't help but praise:

"The Seventh Young Master truly has a kind heart."

He Jingfeng remained indifferent and turned towards the flower hall.

The mansion steward, stewards, guards, miscellaneous tasks, maidens, cooks, grooms... a huge crowd, neatly lined up in the front yard, waiting for instructions.

Each looked uneasy, unsure of how this new leader from Yihai Prefecture's He Family would stir things up.

It's said that when a new official assumes office, they ignite three fires, and it's the same for a new master.

According to procedures, establishing authority, setting rules, and codifying family law, cannot be avoided.

"Uncle Yang, according to the main branch's rules, explain to them the standards for meals in the morning, noon, and night, the freshness of fruits, and so forth.

Father always manages the family strictly, and now that it's my turn to lead, I must not tarnish the family's reputation."

He Jingfeng sat imposingly on the chair, speaking pretentiously.

In the He Mansion in Yihai Prefecture, every day he has to greet his grandmother and mother morning and evening.

Three meals a day have fixed standards for meat and vegetarian dishes arranged by rank.

In the main branch alone, there are three or four kitchens inside and outside.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com