His father had finally spoken, but as for John Bennett's five great-uncles, they didn't even lift an eyelid.

After all, they were two generations older than John Bennett, so of course they wouldn't care about a junior like him. Most importantly, everyone knew exactly what status John Bennett held within the Chu family, so there was no need to pay him any mind.

Charles Bennett coughed and said, "Our Chu family has been in Tongzhou Prefecture for over twenty years now, and we've truly put down roots here. In recent years, the children have all grown up, and the uncles have all been urging me. It's time for our Chu family to decide on the position of family heir."

At this moment, the Chu family's First Madam suddenly said, "What's there to decide? Richard Bennett is the legitimate eldest son of the Chu family and also the strongest. If Richard Bennett doesn't become the heir, who else could?"

As soon as she said this, the Second Madam of the Chu family immediately sneered, "Elder sister, that's not right. Why should the legitimate eldest son inherit the position of family head? Our Chu family isn't a royal family—there's no rule that only the eldest son can inherit. Look at those other martial arts clans; the position of heir always goes to the most capable."

A cold glint flashed in the First Madam's eyes as she said, "Are you saying my son isn't as good as yours?"

The Second Madam replied unhurriedly, "I never said that. I only know that we're all women, and when it comes to such important matters, the master of the house should decide."

As she spoke, the Second Madam turned her gaze to the Third Madam. "Sister, don't you agree?"

The Third Madam just smiled and said softly, "I'm just a woman; I don't understand these things. Whatever the master says, that's how it will be."

Upon hearing this, the First Madam's face immediately turned livid.

Although the Third Madam hadn't said it outright, her words clearly showed she was siding with the Second Madam.

Charles Bennett slapped the table and shouted sternly, "Enough!"

Seeing Charles Bennett angry, the women finally fell silent.

Charles Bennett rubbed his head, feeling a bit of a headache. What he hated most was dealing with this kind of messy business.

"That's enough. The matter of the heir is a big one and must be considered carefully. Since all the uncles are here today, I'll set the rules right now.

One year from now, Richard Bennett, John Bennett, David Bennett, and Matthew Bennett—the four of you each hold a portion of the family's business. Whoever manages the family's business best will become the heir.

Our Chu family is only so big, and the business is only so much. Whoever makes the most progress will be obvious at a glance."

At this point, Charles Bennett glanced at the youngest, Matthew Bennett, and said, "Although our Chu family is a martial arts clan, because of your ages, strength will not be considered for now—only ability will be assessed. Do you all agree?"

As soon as he said this, the First Madam and the eldest son Richard Bennett both looked gloomy. It was obvious that Charles Bennett was favoring the youngest, Matthew Bennett, and with one sentence, he had taken away Richard Bennett's greatest advantage.

The Second Madam smiled and said, "Of course I agree with what the master says."

The Third Madam followed, "Naturally, I agree as well."

Only the First Madam, face ashen, snorted coldly, "I don't agree! Our Chu family is a martial arts clan, yet we're choosing the heir without testing strength? That's simply a joke!"

John Bennett narrowed his eyes, observing the people present. Just from this conversation, he had more or less figured out the personalities of those in the room.

The Chu family elders were just figureheads, each with their own little schemes, but none dared go against Charles Bennett's wishes.

His eldest brother and the First Madam were cut from the same cloth—arrogant, looking down on everyone.

He'd heard the First Madam came from a powerful family, and now it was clear—she even dared to challenge Charles Bennett directly.

But this was foolish of her. No matter how influential her family was, this wasn't her family's territory—this was Tongzhou Prefecture, this was the Chu family. By confronting Charles Bennett like this, she would only make him dislike her even more.

As for the Second Madam, there was no need to say more—ruthless and cunning. Her son, the third child David Bennett, was less skilled than his mother, but when he entered, John Bennett could sense a murderous intent from him.

Finally, the Third Madam was the clever one. After the First and Second Madams had grown old and lost their looks, she alone won Charles Bennett's favor. She acted harmless, but not competing was a form of competition in itself. Matthew Bennett was the one Charles Bennett liked best.

As for Charles Bennett himself, John Bennett could tell that his father hated trouble. Even though he kept saying that choosing the family heir was a big deal, he still seemed rather indifferent about it.

This made John Bennett a bit puzzled. Had his father really become so obsessed with his closed-door training that he was this perfunctory even about such an important matter?

Just then, the First Madam suddenly said, "John Bennett, although you are a concubine's son, you are still an heir of the Chu family. What do you think about what the master has said?"

Only now did everyone present seem to notice John Bennett. The Second Madam immediately frowned—this was exactly what she was afraid of. Although she had won over the Third Madam and Matthew Bennett, this fool John Bennett had always sided with the First Madam and Richard Bennett.