Peach Blossom Forest.
Cars stopped outside the peach blossom forest, and people alighted from them, each wearing a white flower on their chest.
Xia Mingzhong walked at the very front, followed by Mu Ye, Xia Shijie, Xia Qingxie, Xia Lingxuan, Lin Tian'ai, Ye Longlin, Mu Hanqi, and others.
Almost all of Ye Longlin's direct relatives were present. Only Xia Mo was absent. Even if Xia Mo wanted to come, it was impossible as he was still in the hospital.
"This was once wasteland. Due to the soil quality, it was unsuitable for growing grain and had always been left idle. At that time, there was a plan to build a highway service area here as a form of resource integration. However, if the route were to go through here, it would be a bit too far. Later, it was decided that the ring expressway could be built here, allowing Chang'an to develop northward.
But after the city mayor at the time stepped down for certain reasons, it was shelved again. So, I found the relevant department leaders and acquired this place. I spent a great deal of money to improve the land and planted peach trees here. My intention was that the Xia family's ancestral graves could be moved here eventually, making this the Xia family's ancestral grounds."
Xia Mingzhong said with a sigh. He knew in his heart that his days were numbered, and being able to live until now was already a gift from heaven.
"My tombstone has already been prepared and is behind Shumeng's tombstone. When I die, bury me here as well. I hope I can find Shumeng. In this life, I have failed her."
His words left everyone present speechless. Only Mu Ye chuckled and said, "Old Sir, life is unpredictable. No one can have a smooth sailing journey. Look at your second and third sons; did they reach where they are today without any obstacles? No, there were problems you were unaware of, which only the parties involved knew.
Xia Shijie must have encountered superiors making things difficult for him and accusations against him. Xia Qingxie must have also faced financial issues. As long as these problems are resolved, it's fine. You don't need to overthink it. At least, we, as a family, are reunited today, aren't we?
There's an old saying in our Great Xia: 'After the rain, there is brilliant sunshine.' Everyone will experience rainy days, and everyone will encounter someone who holds an umbrella for them in the rain. You can't break someone else's umbrella just because you got rained on, can you?"
Xia Mingzhong nodded slightly, "I know that's the truth, but some things, in the end, are still regrets that linger."
Ye Longlin remained silent for a moment, then waved his hand. Instantly, a strong gust of wind swept through. On the peach trees, sprouts appeared at a visible speed, slowly transforming into pink buds, and then from pink buds into clusters of pink blossoms.
In less than a minute, the entire peach forest had transformed into a sea of pink flowers!
"Although this is a place of burial, the peach trees here symbolize new life and decay. The blooming and falling of flowers are all ordained by heaven."
...
Inside the Giant Whale Merchant Association.
Tang Tianhao entered the Giant Whale Merchant Association and sat down directly, lighting a cigar.
"Everyone, you've all seen the report my secretary sent, haven't you? Do you still believe this matter has nothing to do with you? The people behind the Giant Whale Merchant Association must be very concerned about the word 'military,' right?"
The report that was sent was the investigation result of the explosion. After receiving the result, the president had already reported it upwards.
"You're right, they are indeed very concerned about the word 'military,' so they have issued new directives."
"Ye Longlin's identity is highly classified information and cannot be revealed to you at the moment. However, what I can tell you is that Ye Longlin is targeting us. There is a high probability that he wants to annihilate us, so this matter is not as simple as it seems.
What I want to say is, the original words from above were that Ye Longlin is coming to annihilate the Giant Whale Merchant Association. According to the investigation, it has been confirmed that Ye Longlin has prepared for a commercial war. The opponent has a very strong backing and has established the Hundred Rivers Group. Furthermore, the city government is highly cooperative, and it's highly likely they received orders from the Hall of Honor.
Therefore, this commercial war concerns all of us. My intention is to convene all members for a meeting tonight. After the meeting, tomorrow, all members will take the lead in monopolizing the funds in all banks within Chang'an City, preventing them from obtaining loans, and preparing for this commercial war!"
The president spoke slowly, his tone very solemn.
The tone from above was also very solemn. It seemed that Ye Longlin had a very significant background, forcing those behind them to take him seriously.
"Furthermore, it was also stated from above that a company will be established under the name of the Giant Whale Merchant Association. All members' funds will be pooled into the Giant Whale Merchant Association to prepare for this commercial war against their Hundred Rivers Group!"
Upon hearing this, Tang Tianhao frowned tightly, clearly indicating that this matter was beyond his expectations.
"Liao's Heavy Industries and Tiangong Technology, and the remaining numerous companies, will not agree to this!"
"President, do you know the total market value of all our companies? Including liquid assets and loans, it amounts to nearly a trillion. If we lose in a trillion-level commercial war, we will face countless debts. Have you considered these issues?
Moreover, why should we obey the orders from above? And now, I have reason to suspect that you are gathering the money from all our companies to abscond! Falsifying imperial edicts!
Furthermore, even if the three of us agree, the remaining more than twenty companies will not agree, as this is too significant. Do you think they will agree?"
Tang Tianhao felt it necessary to be more cautious about these matters.
The president let out a sneer, "A woman's opinion!"
"They have informed me that they will be dispatching a team of top traders and commercial war experts. These individuals are renowned internationally. If you don't believe me, you can wait for them to arrive before making a decision."
"Also, if anyone disagrees, I can make them all disappear tonight. As for the companies... would you like to guess how many of our people are in your companies? After you disappear, they will be able to quickly take control of the companies, and then, even if you disagree, you will have to agree!
After all, this commercial war is highly likely to be won, and you will also seize the funds of the Hundred Rivers Company, and your net worth and company market value will increase by at least thirty percent!"
He did not care about the thoughts of these people. If they were disobedient, they could simply be eliminated. After all, these individuals were all fostered by the organization. If they dared to disobey the organization's orders, or if they refused to comply, they could be dealt with in minutes, and their companies would be taken over!
Before fostering them, the organization had already prepared countermeasures, and they had no way to escape the organization's pursuit!
"From the moment you joined the Giant Whale Merchant Association, your fate was no longer in your own hands."
"Having made a deal with the devil, your life and death were already decided."