Ye Tiancheng did not expect that as soon as one trouble subsided, another arose. These Feng family members were truly adept at finding trouble, and he was furious. However, he managed to restrain himself. Getting angry would be useless; it would only allow Feng Ren to experience his wrath again.
Meanwhile, Feng Huaiyuan and his group were raising their cups in celebration. The person responsible for this affair was Feng Qingchang, the brother of Feng Zhongke, Feng Huaiyuan's son.
"We should be united against outsiders, not engaging in infighting here. What's the point of doing such things? It only makes enemies happy and loved ones grieve. Therefore, being blinded by immediate gain means losing all sense of direction. This is truly the narrow-mindedness of petty men." Hou Dabao, as always, supported Ye Tiancheng. For him, his entire livelihood was tied to Ye Tiancheng. If Ye Tiancheng fell, his daily income of three to four hundred yuan would disappear.
Thus, profit is an eternal thing. As long as there is profit, everyone will naturally be happy and united. Ye Tiancheng knew this very well, so he didn't want to say anything more, because anything he said would be useless. The only useful thing now was to let him have some fun. He wondered why Feng Zhongke wasn't facing his own family members to contend for family positions, but instead was targeting him.
In fact, Ye Tiancheng had no idea that this was Feng Huaiyuan's son, Feng Zhongke, acting on behalf of his brother, Feng Qingchang.
Feng Qingchang's idea was simple: if he could deal with Ye Tiancheng, he could showcase his strength and gain an advantage in the competition for family positions.
He didn't want his elder brother to be like a fool, only concerned with the position of family head without taking any practical action. If he didn't catch the eye of the family head, he wouldn't receive his favor.
"Let's put this matter aside for now and quickly deal with the current issue, otherwise, you won't have time to produce the pineapple cakes," Shen Shi said in Ye Tiancheng's sea of consciousness.
Hearing this, Ye Tiancheng felt it was right and stopped pursuing who was manipulating everything behind the scenes. He immediately shifted his focus to the troublesome matters at hand. Ye Tiancheng certainly wouldn't let this go; he would choose targeted revenge and absolutely would not let the Feng family have their way.
As the leader of the family, Feng Huaiyuan naturally knew what Feng Qingchang was up to. But he didn't want to say it. After all, he was powerless in the family struggle and could only watch as these former brothers tore each other apart, fighting for benefits. It had always been the case that the strong ruled and the weak were bandits. If one fell... they would be labeled evil and set as a negative example. Therefore, everyone vying for family positions knew exactly what failure meant. No one could afford to lose, and everyone was doing their best to ascend to the family position.
For them, reaching the position of family head meant smooth sailing, a bright future, and limitless prospects. It was simple for everyone to want this: they wanted to be superior, to be part of the upper class. Once they became the Feng family head, they would be figures who could make the ground tremble in this city. As a person, who wouldn't want to reach such a peak? Desire is the most basic human need.
If a person had no desires, they would be no different from an idiot. The pursuit of fame and fortune is merely the most fundamental need. Therefore, as long as one lives in this world, they are constantly thinking about getting rich overnight without working.
As the biggest beneficiary, he certainly wouldn't give up just like that. His heart was dark, and he would stop at nothing for victory, knowing this, he would never give up.
"I know very well what is happening, but I am powerless and can only let them tear each other apart like this." Feng Huaiyuan, as the Feng family head, looked at Zhu-Maorong with helplessness.
Zhu-Maorong stopped speaking because what he had said earlier had already displeased many people. If he continued, he might invite disaster. Those Feng family disciples considered him their most wanted opponent.
This fellow made Ye Tiancheng feel very troubled.
This fellow made Ye Tiancheng feel somewhat unbelievable, and the anger that arose in his heart was also beyond comprehension.
"Why aren't you speaking? Did I offend you earlier?" As the family head, he was sometimes confused and wanted to find someone to confide in. But now he was seen as an enemy by many of Feng Huaiyuan's sons, so he dared not speak. He knew that Feng Huaiyuan's sons were already very dissatisfied with him. If he stepped forward and said something inappropriate at this time, they would definitely harbor murderous intent towards him and want to get rid of him as quickly as possible, causing great anger.
Seeing that he was not speaking, Feng Huaiyuan found it very strange, but he just wouldn't speak, which made Feng Huaiyuan anxious.
Seeing Feng Huaiyuan like this, Chu Maolu could only laugh and say, "Sir, don't you know that if I say too much here, I might be killed by them?"
"So that's how it is. I finally understand. Forget it, forget it..." Feng Huaiyuan was completely disheartened. Standing by the window, looking at the mountains and rivers outside, his mood was indescribably complex. As an old man with a body full of scars, he had to experience such cruelty in his twilight years. He regretted the wicked things he had done before. Perhaps it was retribution.
"Sir, I can talk about other topics with you. I don't want to get involved in your sons' affairs anymore. What I mentioned before was my personal shallow opinion, and I now regret those words, but words spoken are like spilled water; they cannot be taken back."
"You are just protecting yourself. Although I am unhappy with your approach, I have to accept this fact. Everyone who wants to live is like you, wanting to protect themselves."
"Thank you for your understanding, sir."
"What are you thanking me for? This is something I should understand. If I were in your position, I would do the same. After all, everyone wants to live, and no one wants to lose their life, even those who are about to die," Feng Huaiyuan said nonchalantly, his mood becoming very awkward and weathered, as if he had suddenly aged a hundred years. This powerlessness and weathered expression made Zhu-Maorong feel extremely guilty.
"There should be nothing more disappointing than this. Everyone who has experienced many things will feel immense sorrow. I am also sorry that I cannot share even a little bit of your burden. Please forgive my powerlessness."
Zhu-Maorong's words made Feng Huaiyuan feel as if there was nothing left to talk about. The entire situation fell into an awkward state. The two fell into silence, and soon, a knock on the door broke the quiet.
At this moment, a servant walked in and said to Feng Huaiyuan, "The eldest young master is back."
"Oh," Feng Huaiyuan replied lazily. The servant did not leave and cautiously added, "Sir, do you want to see the young master? The young master said he has something important to discuss with you."
"Let him in. I have nothing to do right now anyway."
"Yes, sir." The servant turned and left. After a while, Feng Zhongke entered.
When Feng Zhongke entered, his expression turned grim. His unhappy look told Feng Huaiyuan that this young man had reached his limit of tolerance. Today, he was definitely here to discuss the family inheritance. If he didn't give him a satisfactory answer, he would likely resort to violence, not even recognizing his own father.
"What important matter do you have with me?" Feng Huaiyuan asked, looking into his son's eyes. His eyes held a sparkling expression, indicating he had something up his sleeve.
"Since Steward Zhu-Maorong is also here, I'll get straight to the point. I want Father to give me the position of family head."
Feng Huaiyuan had long known that Feng Zhongke would come, but he never imagined he would be so impatient, coming to force his hand before he even died.
"Heh, you are indeed impatient." Feng Huaiyuan's smile was tinged with weariness and immense helplessness. Once upon a time, he too had forced his father to pass down the family position to him, and then used his power to eliminate his brothers one by one, sending them to the netherworld forever.
"Aren't I anxious? Because my brothers are all being dealt with by me. If I don't hurry, I might become someone else's sacrifice," Feng Zhongke said impolitely to his father, his eyes filled with endless killing intent.
"You unfilial beast, how dare you speak to me like this? You are truly unfilial. Do you know that for this alone, I can banish you abroad and never let you return?"
"Lian Garden is good, but it's not as good as my own thatched cottage. Father, this is the place where I was born and raised. Everything I have is here. Going abroad means starting from scratch, and I am unwilling."
Feng Zhongke firmly rejected his father's suggestion. Feng Huaiyuan laughed heartily and then called out towards the door, "Where are you all? Come out quickly."
As soon as Feng Huaiyuan finished speaking, a group of men in black rushed in. Each of them wore sunglasses and had a small mustache. It was evident that these people were from the Hai Kingdom, a neighbor of Huaxia.
"Could it be... Brother, do you really want me to wander abroad?"
"Of course not. I will give you one hundred million in assets to develop your industry there. If you can't achieve anything with this hundred million, then don't ever come back. This is also the best way to avoid your flesh and blood tearing each other apart."
Upon hearing Feng Huaiyuan's words, Zhu-Maorong was greatly astonished. He never expected that this man, who usually followed his strategies so closely, would make such a choice at this moment, separating his sons one by one so they wouldn't see each other, thus avoiding fratricide. This approach seemed very clever, but in reality, it was leaving troubles for the future.
After all, they had already fallen out. Even if they were far apart, they would still remember their grievances and hatred for each other. Once this hatred and dissatisfaction accumulated to a certain extent, it would spark conflict. It seemed clever, but it wasn't truly clever. After all, everyone wanted profit, and for profit, people fought and contended with each other. This had continued from ancient times to the present and was unavoidable. No matter how you tried to escape it, it would always come to you.
"Father, you will definitely regret doing this. Don't think that this looks clever. Profit is something everyone wants. From the moment humanity was born, this order has been filled with it; no one can break this law. This is called the will of heaven."
Feng Zhongke roared at Feng Huaiyuan, his eyes bloodshot, baring his teeth like a mad dog ready to pounce on Feng Huaiyuan at any moment. Seeing Feng Zhongke's attitude, Zhu-Maorong knew that he had already developed murderous intent towards his father. Driven by profit, people's rationality would become increasingly faint, their hearts filled with greed, devoid of humanity.
Therefore, driven by profit, people's concepts were very faint. Everyone would become red-eyed for profit. This guy was the same, with no humanity whatsoever. With a wave of his hand, a group of men in red appeared...
These were killers he had hired at great expense. Clearly, Feng Zhongke intended to force his way in.
"You unfilial son, to go this far for this matter. What can I say to you?" To deter his son, he had invited a cultivator expert named Li Ruhai.
Li Ruhai's appearance immediately made Feng Zhongke hesitate. He hadn't expected his father to invite a cultivator expert who could kill everything in an instant. Li Ruhai smiled faintly at Feng Zhongke and said, "I am not talented, but I am willing to experience the young master's power. Bring as many men as you have."
Li Ruhai's voice, like a bell, was so loud it almost deafened everyone. Facing such a powerful aura, the men in red who had just appeared were so frightened that they retreated, standing against the wall.
"Since you know my strength, why don't you leave quickly?" Liuhai stared at everyone with hawk-like eyes. Everyone felt a chill in their bones and shivered involuntarily.
"You win this time, we're leaving." At this moment, he couldn't help but walk towards the outside, an ominous aura emanating from him. He would repay today's humiliation tenfold. Of course, he wouldn't forget that scoundrel Ye Tiancheng. For him, this guy was also his first enemy. If this guy hadn't appeared, he would have waited patiently until his father's death, and then he would have unreservedly seized all advantages and taken ruthless action against his brothers.
Incompetent people blame others, while smart and capable people first look for their own shortcomings and do not attribute such faults to others. Therefore, in this regard, Feng Zhongke could not become a deterrent family head.
This was also one of the reasons why Feng Huaiyuan did not set his sights on him when choosing an heir.
A long time ago, Li Ruhai owed Feng Huaiyuan a favor. At that time, he had promised that if he had any requests in the future, Li Ruhai would wholeheartedly assist him once. Therefore, Li Ruhai, who had reached a very high level of cultivation, disdained anyone's requests, except for Feng Huaiyuan's, which he readily agreed to.
"Since this matter is settled, I will take my leave." Li Ruhai left gracefully. Looking at Li Ruhai's retreating back, Feng Huaiyuan felt grateful. It seemed that one should do more good deeds to ensure that someone would help them in times of trouble.
Zhu-Maorong was so ashamed that he felt he had nowhere to hide. He had been boasting and even saying ridiculous things earlier. Now he finally understood that the older the ginger, the spicier it is. The reason he was the steward and Feng Huaiyuan was the master was the reason for the vast difference between them.
"You should understand now that a conspiracy is hidden so that no one knows about it. Once someone knows your conspiracy, it is no longer a conspiracy. The reason I appeared so powerless before was entirely an act. None of these children give me peace of mind; even in my old age, I have no peace." Feng Huaiyuan was very dissatisfied with his sons, revealing great disappointment. However, Zhu-Maorong would no longer say anything, because what he said was completely like what a fool would say, utterly ridiculous.
"Since you understand now, you should find another patron. This place can no longer accommodate you." He understood that in this position, everyone was a superfluous existence. The people around you were merely clinging to you, wanting to gain benefits. When encountering problems, they would not sincerely exert themselves for you.
"Yes... Sir..." Zhu-Maorong knew that serving a ruler was like accompanying a tiger. Following such a calculating and deep-minded person, he wouldn't even know when he was betrayed. Moving far away from him would bring him peace and tranquility. As the saying goes, if he left here, he wouldn't starve to death. Zhu-Maorong could still find another job. Although it wouldn't be as prestigious or as easy, at least he could keep his life, and that was enough. Therefore, he didn't think much about it and chose to leave easily.
After Zhu-Maorong left, he saw a recruitment advertisement and immediately went to apply. The person recruiting was Wang Xiaomiao.
When Wang Xiaomiao saw the elderly Zhu-Maorong, she couldn't help but frown and say, "Old man, how old are you? Shouldn't you be at home holding your grandchildren instead of coming out to work?"
"Who says old people can't work? As long as my spirit is strong, I can do more than these young fellows," Zhu-Maorong said with a smile, flexing his arm to reveal his sturdy muscles. Since Wang Xiaomiao was hiring movers, she needed strong people. Seeing his robust appearance, she agreed to his request, handed him a form, and said, "Three thousand yuan a month, accommodation provided but not meals, mainly because everyone's tastes are different, and it's difficult to make food that satisfies everyone, so you'll have to take care of your own meals. Eight hours a day, overtime paid according to labor law, with five social insurances and one housing fund."
"Only 3,000 yuan?" Zhu-Maorong was slightly disappointed because he earned fifty thousand yuan a month at the Feng family. This was like the difference between heaven and earth.
"Our company offers the highest pay for movers in this county. Others only pay 1,800 or 1,500. For an old man like you, 1,000 yuan would be considered good. Mainly, our boss is a good person; he's not like those vampires," Wang Xiaomiao said, hearing Zhu-Maorong say that 3,000 yuan was too little.
"Alright, alright, I accept. That's it." Although he was disappointed, 3,000 yuan a month was enough for him to eat. Mainly, his own son's company was losing money, so he really wanted to find a higher-paying job to give his son some subsidy. Now, it seemed that wish had fallen through. 3,000 yuan a month was enough for him and his wife to eat and drink, and not be a burden to his son. His son's affairs would be left for him to handle.