Chapter 933: 51: The Dragon Bows Low

Chapter 933: Chapter 51: The Dragon Bows Low

“Hmm…”

Xiao Xiuyong pondered, his thumb rubbing the engraved mark inside the Jade Thimble.

Of course, he wouldn’t really agree to get involved in this matter just because of Lu Wenzheng’s flattery.

What truly moved him was the benefits.

Lu Wenzheng was willing to pay a hefty price, just hoping he could make Li Fei give a little face, so everyone could sit down and talk.

As for the outcome of the talks, it wasn’t Xiao Xiuyong’s concern, as he wouldn’t be short of any benefits he deserved.

Moreover, the most crucial point was that Lu Wenzheng stated the Lu Family would fully support the Crown Prince in the future!

Though the Lu Family previously had some ‘connections’ with the Eldest Prince, they acted with tact, without any friction or enmity with the Crown Prince’s side, so everyone could perfectly sit down and renegotiate.

Although the Crown Prince was presently reigning, he had not officially ascended the throne.

As long as he hadn’t sat on that Dragon Chair, there would still be uncertainties.

Reducing one enemy and gaining more support—why not?

Xiao Xiuyong believed that his cousin would certainly think the same way.

Aristocratic Families like the Lu Family, which have existed for hundreds of years, would only weaken the national power and destabilize the country if utterly eradicated. Incorporating them into one’s camp is the choice for maximal benefit!

Upon this premise, Xiao Xiuyong gladly accepted the invitation to go to Feng Province and sit down for tea with Lu Wenzheng.

As for the hatred between Li Fei and the Lu Family.

In Xiao Xiuyong’s view, there is no hatred in this world that cannot be untangled; if there is, it’s merely because the offered price is insufficient!

Small people care about grudges, while big people talk about pros and cons.

This is the education Xiao Xiuyong received from a young age.

He believed Lu Wenzheng would ultimately make Li Fei let go of his hatred.

“Alright, I’ll give it a try, but I can’t guarantee success.”

Xiao Xiuyong said to Lu Wenzheng.

“Hahaha, with you on board, Xiuyong, it will certainly succeed! Uncle Lu toasts you with tea first, thank you!”

Lu Wenzheng laughed.

“Uncle Lu, you’re too kind.”

Xiao Xiuyong raised his teacup and lightly clinked it with Lu Wenzheng’s.

In the private room, the two conversed happily, the atmosphere harmonious.

…

On December 26th, in the last month of the 48th year of Hong Guang, the festive season was approaching.

Li Fei first traveled by Flying Escape Magic Tool, the Black Boat, to the Northern Territory, picked up Li Tianyu, and then flew directly back to Xing City.

The return of Marquis Jing’an to his hometown was a major event for the entire Datong Prefecture!

However, Li Fei had given prior notice, and Li Lei, as the Chief of Xing City, warded off all local visits on his behalf.

As for those from Datong Prefecture, Li Fei had Bian Jingru fend them off for him.

This festive season, Li Fei only wanted to spend quality time with his family.

However, this was the first time since Marquis Jing’an’s rise that he would celebrate the New Year at home, so the number of ‘relatives’ visiting this year was especially high:

Zhang Yuqing’s family, and Li Lei’s sister Li Shu’s family traveled from another province specifically for the occasion.

Combined, over twenty people came to the Li Family for the New Year’s celebration this year.

Fortunately, the newly completed Marquis Jing’an Mansion was spacious enough, so even if a few hundred people gathered, it wouldn’t feel cramped.

On the evening of December 31st.

For the people of this world, tonight was New Year’s Eve.

The Marquis Jing’an Mansion was splendidly decorated, and the entire family dined together in the banquet hall.

In the banquet hall, there were three tables, with the main table in the center seating four members of the Li Family, Zhang Yuqing’s parents, Li Shu and her husband, and Feng Chenfeng.

Beside them, a large 120-inch black-and-white television was airing a program.

Apart from the Li Family, the remaining relatives continued to secretly eye Li Fei, feeling as if they were dreaming!

Li Fei appeared calm as usual, joining everyone in drinking a few cups.

The banquet soon entered the mutual toasting phase.

At the main table, Feng Fusheng boldly picked up his wine glass and approached Li Fei first.

He held the glass with both hands, slightly bent his waist, and wore his brightest smile:

“Marquis, I toast to you!”

Li Fei stood up, supporting the other’s arm with one hand, and said with a smile:

“Uncle Feng, you’re too kind, just call me by my name.”

“Oh! I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare!”

Feng Fusheng quickly shook his head.

He was a businessman who had built his wealth from scratch up to hundreds of thousands, and he had a realistic sense of self.

Not to mention that Li Fei wasn’t actually blood-related to the Li Family, and wasn’t technically relatives with him.

Even if they were truly related, with the current disparity in their status, how could he put on the airs of an elder?

Being able to toast Li Fei up close, he was already highly satisfied!

Thus, no matter what Li Fei said, he insisted on addressing him as ‘Marquis.’

Li Fei didn’t persuade him further, and they clinked glasses lightly, drinking.

After downing the wine, Feng Fusheng, who usually had excellent alcohol tolerance, was suddenly flushed red.

Drinking this glass of wine, in the future business arena, would be bragging rights for a lifetime:

You say you made millions? I drank with Marquis Jing’an!

You say your business spans the entire province? I drank with Marquis Jing’an!

You say you know some high official? I drank with Marquis Jing’an!

“Hahahaha—”

Feng Fusheng laughed contentedly.

Behind him, Li Lei’s younger sister Li Shu, accompanied by Feng Chenfeng, nervously approached holding a wine glass.

Seeing this, Li Fei proactively stepped forward, warmly greeting Li Shu:

“Aunt Li, I toast to you.”

Li Shu was a bit flattered, not expecting Li Fei to be so courteous to her.

Towards Feng Fusheng, Li Fei was actually indifferent, but for Li Shu, he would extend certain respect, as he knew Li Lei valued this sister greatly and didn’t want to make things difficult for him.

“Marquis…”

“Aunt Li, just like Uncle Li, you can call me Xiao Fei.”