Chapter 43 A Rare Public Contest
However, Jiang Zhiyu was not intimidated by Jiang Shuyuan's power. Her attitude became more and more calm, and her voice was full of unquestionable firmness: "Jiang Shuyuan, I know what the Jiang family's reputation means to you, but this does not mean that we can turn a blind eye to the basic rights of individuals. The glory of the family cannot be an excuse to trample on personal dignity. What I pursue is just fair and equal treatment."
Jiang Shuyuan realized that her words did not achieve the desired effect, and she raised her voice a few degrees, trying to overwhelm others with her momentum: "Fairness? Fairness is just an illusion! You are lucky to be able to gain a foothold in the Jiang family. Do you want more?"
Jiang Zhiyu smiled, and that smile was filled with unyielding tenacity: "What I want is an opportunity - an opportunity for me to prove my self-worth, rather than just relying on the protection of my family. I firmly believe that everyone has the ability to create their own value, even in the Jiang family."
The servants and retainers around were gradually attracted by the conversation between the two and approached quietly, trying to get a glimpse of this unusual confrontation.
Jiang Shuyuan realized that if she allowed the conversation to continue, her authority would be questioned.
"That's enough!" Jiang Shuyuan decisively interrupted Jiang Zhiyu, her voice full of commanding force, "Jiang Zhiyu, you have overstepped the bounds. From now on, you'd better be careful with your words and actions, and don't bring up these ridiculous requests again. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Jiang Zhiyu stood up straight and looked at Jiang Shuyuan firmly: "Jiang Shuyuan, I understand your position, but I will also stick to my beliefs. Even if the road ahead is difficult, I will not give up easily."
As Jiang Zhiyu finished speaking, the fierce gazes of the two people in the air seemed to ignite the surrounding atmosphere. For a moment, it seemed that even the air was frozen.
This battle over power and dignity will undoubtedly cause quite a stir within the Jiang family.
Jiang Shuyuan's face looked a little ugly. She was surprised by Jiang Zhiyu's stubbornness, even openly challenging her authority in such an occasion.
She straightened her back, a sharp gleam in her eyes, and her tone became even sharper.
"Jiang Zhiyu, what do you think your achievements in the Imperial College can bring you? In the Jiang family, your status is determined by us. Do you think your lofty words can change anything? This is ridiculous!" Jiang Shuyuan's voice was as cold as ice.
Jiang Zhiyu did not flinch. He looked Jiang Shuyuan in the face with a firm gaze, and said calmly and firmly, "Jiang Shuyuan, I know that in your eyes, I may just be an insignificant chess piece, but I refuse to let my fate be manipulated by others. I have my own thoughts and dreams, and I have the right to pursue the life I want."
Jiang Shuyuan sneered: "Your dream? Your life? Do you think this family will allow you to do whatever you want? Don't forget that all your glory and achievements are built on the foundation of the Jiang family. Without the Jiang family, you will have nothing."
Jiang Zhiyu raised the corners of his mouth slightly, as if he had been prepared for Jiang Shuyuan's ridicule: "Yes, the Jiang family has given me a lot, but this does not mean that I have to sacrifice my soul. I firmly believe that even if I leave the Jiang family, I can create a new world with my own abilities."
The atmosphere around them became increasingly solemn, and the conversation between the two was like the collision of two forces, with sparks flying.
Jiang Shuyuan realized that Jiang Zhiyu's persistence might become an obstacle to her future, and she had to take measures to consolidate her position in the family.
"Okay, Jiang Zhiyu, you have the courage. Then let me show you how you will survive in this world without the support of your family." Jiang Shuyuan's voice was full of challenges and warnings.
She continued coldly: "Jiang Zhiyu, do you think your few words can change everything? In the Jiang family, status and identity are everything. Your so-called personal value is insignificant here."
But Jiang Zhiyu was not overwhelmed by Jiang Shuyuan's momentum. Instead, her eyes became more determined: "Perhaps in the Jiang family, identity and status are indeed very important, but this does not mean that we have to give up ourselves and give up pursuing what we think is right. What I pursue is not only the recognition of the family, but also the recognition of myself."
Jiang Shuyuan raised her voice, trying to overpower others: "You are challenging the authority of the family! Do you know what consequences such behavior will bring?"
Jiang Zhiyu responded calmly: "I know the cost of challenging the family's authority, but I also know that if I don't stand up, I will lose more. I will not give up my beliefs because of fear."
The conversation between the two attracted the attention of more family members, and some began to whisper, full of curiosity about this rare public contest.
Jiang Shuyuan raised her voice again, trying to overwhelm the other party with her momentum: "Jiang Zhiyu, do you think your so-called independence and freedom are so noble? It's nothing but impulse and arrogance. In the Jiang family, our fates are connected. Your behavior is not only related to yourself, but also to the honor and interests of the entire family."
But Jiang Zhiyu remained calm: "Jiang Shuyuan, the family's honor and interests are important, but this does not mean that we have to give up our personal dignity and rights. Our ancestors founded this family to give us a better life, not to restrict our thoughts and freedom. I don't want to betray the family, I just want to find my own place in the family."
Jiang Shuyuan sneered, obviously not convinced by Jiang Zhiyu's explanation: "Find a place? Do you think this is a market? You can pick whatever you like. In the Jiang family, everyone has a fixed position. You should stay where you are. Don't think that your little knowledge can make you superior to the family."
Jiang Zhiyu smiled lightly, with a hint of indifference in her smile: "Maybe, but even in such a world, I have my bottom line and principles. I will not give up my beliefs for the sake of survival, nor will I succumb to injustice because of fear. Jiang Shuyuan, you may be able to get what you want temporarily, but my heart will always belong to me."
Jiang Shuyuan waved her hands angrily, trying to end the conversation: "You said it nicely, but the reality is so cruel. The Jiang family is not the paradise you imagined, but a world where the strong prey on the weak. You are lucky to be able to survive here."
The conversation between the two reached its climax at this moment, and the air around them seemed to freeze.
At this time, Old Master Jiang walked over with a unsteady gait. His face was full of traces of time, but his eyes were still as sharp as before. His anxiety could not be concealed in the corners of his eyes and eyebrows, and there was a hint of obvious unhappiness between his brows.
He looked around and saw the servants and maids were whispering, so he cleared his throat and said in a loud voice: "Go away, you have nothing to do here."