The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

Yun Yunfeng was enraged, but the next moment, he abruptly shut his mouth, realizing he had said the wrong thing.

He glanced at his elder brother, Yun Yunyang , and saw that his face had already darkened ominously.

"Big Brother, don't listen to those people's nonsense. I've never shirked my duties," Yun Yunfeng said hurriedly, his voice trembling.

"Oh? Quite a few clansmen have reported to me that you've been skimping on your work and using my name to intimidate others. And you still want to deny it?" Yun Yunyang 's voice was icy, his expression completely somber.

He had hoped, sincerely, that his younger brother would step up and set a good example for his own sons, Yan Song and Yan Bai. Especially now, when the family stood at a pivotal moment of growth, it was imperative to demonstrate a sense of unity and responsibility.

Not to act like a rotten apple, sowing trouble and tarnishing their reputation.

"I…" Yun Yunfeng lowered his head, wanting to argue but finding himself unable to muster a defense.

"When our parents were alive, you were the one they spoiled the most. Unfortunately, they failed to instill the discipline you needed, leaving you to grow into the person you are now.

But while our parents are no longer here, I, as your elder brother, still am!" Yun Yunyang 's tone turned stern.

"If you've done wrong by the clan, you must accept the punishment you deserve."

"Big Brother, you're… you're not serious, are you?" Yun Yunfeng's eyes widened in fear, his voice faltering.

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

"Big Brother, I was wrong! I'll change, I swear I'll change! Can't we just forget about the punishment?" Yun Yunfeng's courage shattered completely. He knew his elder brother's temperament all too well and immediately dropped to his knees, pleading desperately.

"You've said those same words to Second Uncle, Third Uncle, and even Fourth Brother—more times than I can count," Yun Yunyang said coldly.

"Forgive me, Yunfeng. The family is in a critical period of growth. I hope you can understand my intentions as your elder brother," he said, unmoved by Yun Yunfeng's begging.

With a wave of his hand, several Yun clansmen stepped forward, grabbing hold of Yun Yunfeng. Despite his struggling, they restrained him and dragged him away toward the central square of the Yun family estate.

The square was already surrounded by members of the Yun clan, who had been summoned to witness the event. Among them were Yun Lidi, Yun Lixuan, Yun Lihuang, as well as Yun Yunshan and Yun Yunyuè, all present to observe the public punishment.

It was clear to everyone why Yun Yunyang had chosen to make such a spectacle. He wanted to demonstrate his commitment to family discipline and dispel any lingering doubts that he might favor his own bloodline unfairly. This was his way of silencing the dissatisfaction some members of the clan harbored toward his direct lineage.

"They're coming!"

Someone in the crowd spotted Yun Yunyang leading the group. Yun Yunfeng, disheveled and humiliated, was dragged along like a criminal, his hair messy and his face pale with fear.

Finally, in front of the gathered crowd, Yun Yunfeng was forced onto the punishment bench. Despite his desperate struggling and pleading, he could not escape. He turned to his second and fourth brothers, silently begging for their intervention, but Yun Yunyuè and Yun Yunshan remained unmoved.

"Everyone!" Yun Yunyang stepped into the center of the square, his commanding voice echoing across the gathering.

"My younger brother, Yun Yunfeng, has been neglecting his duties. He has not only shirked his work but also used my name to oppress and intimidate others for his own benefit.

I know that many of you have harbored grievances against him, and by extension, against me.

Today, I will punish my brother in front of everyone so that you all may witness it. Let this serve as a reminder to all: the Yun family has always been a clan of discipline and integrity. Even my own brother will not be spared from punishment if he brings shame to our name!"

With that, Yun Yunyang picked up a cane as thick as a bowl. Without hesitation, he struck it down onto Yun Yunfeng's backside.

The crack of the blow echoed sharply, followed by Yun Yunfeng's scream—a cry so pitiful it resembled the squeal of a slaughtered pig.

"This strike is to remind you that oppressing the clansmen is unjust!" Yun Yunyang declared coldly.

Crack!

The cane struck again, drawing another agonized wail.

"This strike is for your disrespect toward your elders, your reckless disregard for their teachings!"

Crack!

"This strike is for your insubordination, your failure to honor family traditions!"

Crack!

"And this strike is for your laziness and deceit, neglecting your duties!"

One blow followed another, merciless and unrelenting. Yun Yunyang 's expression remained cold as the cane descended repeatedly, the strikes leaving Yun Yunfeng's back raw and bleeding.

Before long, the pain overwhelmed Yun Yunfeng, and he fainted on the punishment bench.

Even so, Yun Yunyang did not stop.

"Yunyang , that's enough! Any more and he'll die!" Yun Lidi, unable to bear the sight, stepped forward to intervene.

"Big Brother, stop! Third Brother has surely learned his lesson!" Yun Yunshan joined in, his voice imploring.

"Yes, Brother Yunyang ! Spare him now. He's been punished enough. If he dies, how will you answer to your late parents?"

The crowd murmured their agreement, urging Yun Yunyang to relent.

Even those who had previously resented him for favoritism were now convinced of his impartiality. Their grievances had faded, replaced by respect for his unwavering fairness.

"Uncle, stop! Please stop! If you keep going, my father will die! My brother and I have already lost our mother—we can't lose our father too!"

A child's desperate voice pierced through the crowd, trembling with fear and grief.

In the crowd, Yun Yansong and Yun Yanbai rushed forward, dropping to their knees before Yun Yunyang, pleading desperately for mercy.

"Uncle, please! Spare my father! He's learned his lesson!"

Seeing the tears in his nephews' eyes and hearing their earnest cries, Yun Yunyang finally tossed aside the bloodied cane and bent down to help the two boys to their feet.

"Remember this well: don't follow in your father's footsteps!" he said firmly.

"Yes, Uncle! We won't!" Yansong and Yanbai nodded fervently, their voices trembling.

"Good. Get up now," Yun Yunyang sighed, his stern expression softening slightly as he helped the boys stand.

Turning toward the crowd, Yun Yunyang addressed Yun Yunxùn, standing nearby. "Yunxùn, I'll leave him in your care."

"Leave it to me, cousin," Yun Yunxùn replied with a faint smile. He gestured for his attendants to carry the unconscious Yun Yunfeng to his medical clinic for treatment.

"That's all for now, everyone. Disperse!" Yun Yunyang commanded, waving his hand dismissively.

At the Yun family estate's medical clinic, Yun Yunfeng gradually regained consciousness after being treated for his injuries.

The moment he moved, searing pain shot through him, forcing a sharp hiss from between his teeth. Resigned, he lay flat on his stomach, barely daring to move.

"Awake, Cousin Yunfeng?" Yun Yunxùn asked gently, glancing up from the herbs he was grinding.

"That… that brother of mine…" Yun Yunfeng growled, his jaw clenched in fury as he recalled the public punishment.

He had been humiliated before the entire clan, whipped like a common criminal by his own brother. The memory made him grind his teeth in anger, and he nearly spat out a curse. But catching sight of Yun Yunxùn nearby, he swallowed the words, wary of provoking further trouble.

"Honestly, Cousin Yunfeng, if you'd simply fulfill your duties to the family, Brother Yunyang wouldn't have needed to go that far," Yun Yunxùn said as he approached with fresh medicine to change Yunfeng's bandages.

"You mean to say it's all my fault?" Yun Yunfeng snapped, his temper flaring.

"Have you ever considered how your actions affect your elder brothers? The burdens they bear, the discontent they face from the clansmen because of you?" Yun Yunxùn replied patiently, ignoring Yunfeng's tone.

"What burdens? Those three control all the power in the family. Everyone listens to them. And as their blood brother, why shouldn't I use their names to keep people in line?

Why is it that Uncle and the others entrusted the family's authority to them and not to me? Instead, I'm left laboring day and night, breaking my back to open barren fields!"

Yun Yunfeng's frustration boiled over, and he vented his grievances, convinced of the righteousness of his stance.

"Cousin Yunfeng," Yun Yunxùn said gently, "the family is in a crucial stage of development. If you act recklessly and stir discontent among the clansmen, it will sow discord.

If the branch families rebel against the main line, do you think your elder brothers will survive the fallout?

Yes, Shuang'er and Yantian have the talent and strength to suppress dissent for now. But without order and discipline, even they can't hold the family together.

If Brother Yunyang hadn't taken a stand and punished you publicly, the branch families would have scattered, and the unity of our clan would be broken.

And when that happens, do you know what will become of this family? It will cease to exist."

Yun Yunxùn's tone grew firmer, his words striking deep.

"You resent that Uncle and the elders handed authority to your brothers, and I understand your feelings. But have you reflected on how your behavior has disappointed the family?

Would my father or the elders ever entrust any responsibility to someone who acts as you have all these years?"

Yun Yunxùn's voice softened again, and he placed a hand on Yunfeng's shoulder. "I'm saying this for your own good, Cousin Yunfeng. Let go of your grievances and focus on becoming someone worthy of the family's trust."