The capital under the night sky was bustling with life, carriages and horses weaving through the streets, a picture of prosperous peace.
But beneath this grand facade, darkness lurked.
To ordinary people, these matters were out of reach and thus, disregarded. However, for those in power, the rapid economic recovery and revitalization of a desolate nation after the previous era had necessitated targeted development. While the goals were achieved, this also left many historical issues unresolved.
These were the problems that the authorities had to slowly address.
Failure to resolve them would only lead to a situation where the rich grew richer, and the poor grew poorer.
The fundamental solution to the problem lay with the Ye family!
The other families were manageable, but the Ye family's ambition was too great. Coupled with an irreconcilable blood feud with Ye Longlin, the Ye family could not be allowed to exist.
The conflict between Ye Longlin and the Ye family had reached a boiling point. It was a matter of life and death, and neither side would be surprised by what the other might do.
However, if Ye Longlin's current actions were known to the Ye family, Ye Nantian believed they would fly into a rage.
What he was doing now was no different from betraying his own household.
The Wu family had initially agreed to help the Ye family against Ye Longlin, but Ye Longlin directly disrupted their alliance. He, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the army, met with members of the Wu family and proposed their entry into the secular world.
For the Wu family, it was a no-brainer between the Ye family and the government; of course, they would choose the latter!
Nine Horse Tea House.
This was a place for business meetings, where many corporate partnerships were finalized. It was quite famous in the capital.
In the third private room, Ye Longlin sat at the head of the table, unhurriedly brewing tea. Opposite him sat a middle-aged man in a suit and tie.
"Ye Longlin, please get to the point. We are rivals, and our relationship is not good."
Wu Changgeng, the Wu family's representative in the secular world.
The Wu family had followed the Ye family's advice to establish a company in the secular world. The Ye family was responsible for everything else: capital, resources, and operations. Although the Wu family did not contribute much, the company was legally theirs, which was considered their gesture of sincerity.
Ye Longlin focused on brewing tea. When Wu Changgeng grew impatient, Ye Longlin slowly spoke, "Do you really believe the Ye family is wholeheartedly helping you?"
Wu Changgeng's eyes narrowed instantly. "What do you mean?"
This question made him instinctively pause. They were aware that the Ye family could not possibly be helping them with such altruism. Therefore, they agreed to all the Ye family's demands, including providing a Saint realm expert to deal with Ye Longlin.
"It's simple. This company appears to be yours, but have you not noticed that all the key positions are held by Ye family members? If the Ye family gives an order, this company will become theirs. What will you do then?"
Ye Longlin took a sip of tea. He preferred green and clear teas in the summer to avoid internal heat.
Wu Changgeng's eyes narrowed, as if considering his words. Despite his reluctance to admit it, it was the truth, undeniable by anyone.
"What exactly are you trying to say?" Wu Changgeng continued, his voice cold.
This question was entirely different from his previous one, clearly indicating he had his own considerations and was a smart man.
"Have some tea, have some tea."
Ye Longlin stopped at this point, not saying more.
Wu Changgeng gave Ye Longlin a deep look, drained the tea in front of him, and then continued to watch Ye Longlin.
Ye Longlin then reminded him, "I'm wearing a military uniform today."
This single sentence made Wu Changgeng instantly understand. A cold smile appeared on his lips. "I see."
His unspoken meaning was, "I am wearing a military uniform today, so I represent the official government in this conversation."
"What do you want to say?" Wu Changgeng relaxed slightly, having guessed some things but not speaking them aloud.
"The Ye family has always represented the Ye family; it is merely a clan. I represent the official government."
"For the Wu family to enter the secular world of the capital, you need official approval, not permission from the Ye family. Do you think the Ye family can obtain official approval? Even if this situation hadn't arisen, and despite the Ye family's close ties with the highest departments, do you think you could get approval?"
"I can tell you clearly that the Ye family does not have this qualification, nor the ability. Therefore, you should be looking for the government, not a clan."
Ye Longlin's words were very clear. In essence, the Ye family was just an intermediary in this matter, and a questionable one at that, with no guarantee of success.
The worst-case scenario was that the Ye family lost their struggle with Ye Longlin and had deceived the Wu family, leaving them with no recourse and facing ruin.
The Ye family would be utterly destroyed, and they would drag someone down with them.
Thinking this, Wu Changgeng's expression became extremely unnatural, his eyes narrowing further. "What are your suggestions?"
Ye Longlin grinned. "Cooperate with the Ye family on the surface, stand by and do nothing, but secretly cooperate with the government. In the end, you will receive official approval and be able to live in the secular world openly."
This was an era of real-name registration. Without official approval, they couldn't even get an ID card, let alone a household registration book!
Without an ID card, they couldn't do anything, not even buy groceries without going to the market.
These were just the basic necessities; even children couldn't attend school.
Such a cascade of problems would drive them mad.
"Are you asking me to make the Wu family a disloyal party?"
Wu Changgeng said angrily, almost slamming the table and leaving.
Because what Ye Longlin said was indeed true. The Ye family's agreement was useless!
Ye Longlin remained silent. Whether it was disloyalty or not, that was for them to decide.
"Is the Wu family's heritage more important, or a false reputation? Besides, after the Ye family is gone, who will blame you?"
These were words that struck at the heart. They were truly words that pierced the soul.
Unknowingly, Ye Longlin had guided him to stand in opposition to the Ye family!
"I need to report to the family. Such matters are not mine to decide."
Wu Changgeng took a deep breath. He finally understood Ye Longlin's intentions and also realized one thing.
Ye Longlin was not as brainless as the outside world claimed. On the contrary, he simply disdained playing these games, but sometimes, there was no other way.
"Of course, that is your prerogative."