The first and second branch's reaction

Both the first and second branches were infuriated by the fourth branch's trickery. They believed everything was going smoothly on their side, and all they needed to do was wait for the fourth branch to succumb to pressure and make an oath.

However, they did not anticipate the fourth branch continuing to fight a futile battle. Their efforts had been rendered meaningless.

Feeling cheated, the first and second branches wanted to retaliate immediately. If they weren't wary of the old man's omnipresent eyes and ears, they would have long plotted to eradicate the remaining heir of the fourth branch, even if it required extreme measures.

The fourth branch's stance at the dinner table reached Lin Zhe and Lin Fei's ears, eliciting different reactions from the two.

Lin Zhe learned the news from his father during a phone call.