The Cui Clan is internally complex, with marriages tying it to the great houses and even the royal family. It’s not just the main matriarch—every legitimate wife comes from a powerful family, and those connections are the foundation of their survival in the Cui household, as well as the capital their sons use to compete.
Every legitimate son’s wife’s family and outside relations are forces to be reckoned with. After generations, each branch has consolidated serious power, and every eligible direct-line young master is backed by formidable supporters—except for Holden Cui.
Holden Cui only became the strongest contender for clan head—and even had a shot at the position—thanks to the support of the Cui Matriarch. But now...
"The Matriarch has been unconscious for most of this period, only waking for one or two hours a day." Holden Cui’s brows and eyes carried a faint sadness and helplessness.
In the past, he might not have cared so much; after all, he wasn’t the clan head, and his life was destined to be privileged. But now, things are different.
His sister married Prince Titus of Lyndaria, becoming Crown Princess and the future Queen Mother. To ensure his sister stands firm in Lyndaria and isn’t bullied by the royal family, he has to fight for it. Only by becoming clan head can he give her the greatest support.
Besides that, his marriage alliance with the Wang Clan is also crucial. Without the status of Cui Clan head, what right does he have to marry William Wang Jinling’s legitimate younger sister?
Even if William doesn’t mind, the rest of the Wang family would—and Holden himself cares, too. Marrying up or marrying down, matching status—on paper, the Wang and Cui houses are equals, but a nobody like the Sixteenth Young Master Cui is hardly worthy of the Wang Clan’s legitimate eldest daughter.
To put it bluntly, if Holden Cui hadn’t seized the opportunity, William Wang Jinling would never have married his legitimate sister to him. With her status, the Wang clan’s direct-line daughter could easily become Queen Mother; marrying a powerless young master would truly squander her birth and upbringing.
No one needs to spell this out—everyone understands. After a pause, William Wang Jinling suggested, "Let Serena take a look."