Yan Song was an old fox of many years, having weathered countless storms. Yet, he felt utterly outmaneuvered this time. The ruthlessness of the attack, its sheer venom, left the eighty-year-old fox deeply unsettled.
This person had used a "fake Yan family" to strike at the real one, a strategy so unfathomable and devastating it sent shivers down the spine.
Not only did this tarnish the Yan family's reputation, but it also eroded their very foundation. What would the world think? They would believe the Yan family could no longer withstand pressure. That someone more powerful was moving against them.
Furthermore, those within the Yan family would feel their father and son had lost their authority. If handled poorly, the entire structure would eventually shake. The Yan family would cease to be the ultimate arbiter of power.
The more he thought, the more terrifying it became. He felt he had encountered his most formidable opponent since entering the cabinet at forty.
After all, figures like Xia Yan, and now Xu Jie, had never once made him tremble. Yet, with each setback, Yan Song instinctively became calmer. After nearly an hour of contemplation, he seemed to have a grasp of the situation and slowly spoke:
"Yan Shifan, is this all you're capable of...? It's not about taking a loss, at least you should know *how* you took it. What are the consequences of this loss for you all? How will you recover? Have you all understood this, and the crux of the matter?"
Yan Song gestured vaguely, and everyone lowered their heads.
Yan Shifan interjected, "Father, what is there to not understand? We were played for fools! We should be thinking about how to strike back..."
Yan Song shot him a look and suddenly turned to Gao Hanwen, "Moqing, what about you? What do you think?"
Gao Hanwen had become a confidant of the Yan family in the past year, and the elder Yan Song greatly appreciated him. However, the matter of "Yan family guards robbing Yan Maoqing" and its aftermath still stumped him. He turned his thoughts and asked, "Esteemed Elder, this matter feels incredibly peculiar... In over a decade, I've never heard of such a thing. I implore the Esteemed Elder and all lords for guidance..."
"Hmm..."
Yan Song nodded and continued, "Moqing, and all of you, think more and speak your minds..."
Luo Longwen suddenly thought of something, his brow furrowed with worry. "Esteemed Elder, I heard some rumors on the street this morning... People are saying Yan Maoqing embezzled our family's silver, which is why the Junior Elder sent men to abduct him... This, this... Alas, rumors are flying everywhere in the capital these days. Whenever Yan is mentioned, people laugh... They say, they say... Alas, it's quite unpleasant. In the past, who would dare to gossip?"
Yan Song nodded and said leisurely, "And you, what have you heard?"
At this moment,
Zhang Jing, the Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, who had returned to the capital for his annual report, was unnerved by Yan Song's gaze and spoke up:
"Esteemed Elder, what I've heard is similar to Lord Luo. From Fujian and Zhejiang to the capital, people are spreading word that the Yan family is about to fall... A Shou has defected... Some say Yan Maoqing has defected, and A Shou went to silence him... Uh, I, I don't know what to say..."
"Tingyi, you were cultivated by my own hand. Speak your mind directly!"
Yan Song, seeing his hesitation, was slightly displeased.
Zhang Jing cleared his throat and replied:
"Uh, yes. I will speak frankly. I believe this incident has caused us immense harm and extreme insult! For example, my subordinate mentioned in a teahouse that the Yan family guards were fake. But those who are dissatisfied with us seized the opportunity and claimed Yan Maoqing was the fake one...
I was furious on the spot, but I was powerless! Think about it, even if I wanted to punish this person, I would have no justification! How did he argue? He said if Yan Maoqing wasn't fake, would anyone in the world dare to provoke him? He is Esteemed Elder Yan's confidant, known as the Third Master! The Emperor and the court might dare, but they wouldn't resort to such covert means...
And the Yan family guards could not be fake, why? The reasoning is similar. He said: besides the Yan family guards, who else would dare to rob a silver transport ship in broad daylight? And that fake Yan Maoqing was even wearing official robes. Would anyone in the world dare to provoke him? This proves Yan Maoqing is fake!
Alas... with such truth mixed with falsehood, and falsehood mixed with truth, who can tell clearly? But one thing is very clear – in the end, they are all making fun of us! This hasn't happened in twenty years! I believe these rumors must be stopped immediately!"
Zhang Jing finished speaking, his face a mixture of shock, lingering fear, and great anger. He continued, "This incident has greatly damaged us! The entire world is trampling on the once aloof and awe-inspiring 'Yan' name. We are all now the subject of casual conversation and ridicule, like actors in their mouths. It's utterly humiliating!"
With a snap,
Zhang Jing clapped his hands, still indignant.
Yan Shifan was utterly dismayed by this speech, his eyes vacant. He muttered, "That's right... Why does this damned Zhu Mo hate me so much? I've taken such a terrible fall..."
He could almost hear the tremor in his own voice. His heart pounded wildly, feeling as if he had been caught in a giant noose.
Upon hearing Zhang Jing's words, everyone else suddenly understood.
This person was simply too cruel, too ruthless!
He was like the most wicked ghost in history!
As a result, the Yan family's reputation was mocked by the world daily. The dignified Yan family was no different from Zhang San and Li Si on stage; they had become clowns! If this continued, the Yan family would lose all credibility.
At this moment,
Yan Song let out a long sigh and said leisurely,
"Tingyi speaks well... I've been pondering this for hours... This person is absolutely not ordinary! I have never encountered such an opponent in my life... We, the Yan family, have lost face, lost substance, and lost money this time..."
He slowly stood up, his eyes shining with sharp clarity, and said in a deep voice, "These rumors must be stopped immediately! Today, spread the word – from this day forward, no one in the world is allowed to discuss this matter. Whoever dares to gossip will be dealt with; not one will be spared! The warning has been issued; each man for himself! Also, Shifan, you will write a letter to Yan Maoqing immediately and tell him to return... As long as he returns to the capital and walks around the streets more, the rumors will naturally subside somewhat...
Alas, I am old, and I didn't expect to encounter such an opponent... That young man is called Zhu Mo? Is his surname truly Zhu and his given name Mo? How do I feel that this person's background has some issues? Investigate further, thoroughly! This time, we have encountered a hurdle. We must all be united. Anyone who is not united will be sent home to farm immediately! Do you all understand?"
For many years, no one had seen Yan Song so solemn and serious. They all bowed respectfully and replied,
"Your subordinate understands!"
Seeing that everyone grasped the seriousness of the situation, Yan Song continued,
"Tingyi, Moqing, Longwen, Wenhua... you few will stay and dine with me! We will discuss further... Also, Shifan, Yan Maoqing's personally held silver was lost. What about the silver handed over to the court? Has it not been transported yet?"
"Father, it has already been transported. It is estimated to arrive in the capital in ten days to half a month. The total amount is three million five hundred thousand taels... Once the money arrives, we will also make that Zhu Mo look bad!"
"Good, that's the right attitude..."