The Du family's old residence, nestled against the mountains and by the water, resembled a resort.
As Chen Fan approached the main gate of the Du residence, he saw several soldiers in black training uniforms standing guard, looking vigilant.
These were the Du family's private guards, or rather, their armed forces.
At the Du family's level, their security was handled by private soldiers. Though their numbers might not be large, they would not be less than a hundred.
Of course, the existence of private soldiers was, in principle, prohibited. However, the Du family had invested heavily in bribing and consolidating their influence, making it a form of unwritten rule among the top aristocratic families.
Seeing Chen Fan stride through the gate, someone immediately stepped forward to intercept him.
"I am Chen Tianjiao. Where is Du Huai'an?"
Chen Fan asked directly.
Two soldiers stepped forward, ready to search him.
Chen Fan announced his name and gave them a cold glance. The two men froze instantly.
"My father is at home!"
At this moment, a voice rang out. A young man in a suit, tall and handsome, waved his hand, signaling the guards to stand down.
This young man was in his early thirties, with facial features somewhat resembling Du Fumin.
Du Fucang, the eldest son of the Du family, was a well-known figure in Beijing's elite circles.
Du Jue's meteoric rise in the past three years, apart from the fact that Du Huai'an, the head of the Du family, had stepped down, was also largely due to the efforts of his two sons, Du Fucang and Du Fumin.
These two brothers possessed both cunning and skill, cultivating relationships with many young magnates, which greatly aided the Du family's rise.
At this level, the family's prosperity was not solely reliant on the support of a few brothers; the Du family's inherent advantages were also crucial.
"Chen Tianjiao, what is the meaning of those soldiers outside? What offense has our Du family committed?"
Du Fucang said coldly, "Our Du family is a reputable lineage, and my father's position is extraordinary. What is the reason for your actions?"
Chen Fan replied calmly, "You should be asking yourselves. Colluding with the Brotherhood, plotting against the nation, and damaging national interests. You ask me for the reason?"
"Do you have proof?" Du Fucang asked, "Do you have an arrest warrant?"
Naturally, such documents would not be available unless the evidence was conclusive. Who would dare issue such papers?
However, Chen Fan was not here to be questioned by the Du family. He stared at Du Fucang and said coldly, "Young Master Du, spare me this pretense. You know why I am here!"
His voice was icy as he continued, "Take me to your father. As long as it can be proven that the Du family is not involved in the blood case three years ago, the Du family will still have a chance."
"Otherwise, you know the consequences!"
Du Fucang's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this. "I don't know what you are talking about."
However, after a pause, he added, "Follow me!"
Chen Fan followed Du Fucang through the front courtyard.
Here, the Du family's armed forces were fully equipped and on high alert, indicating their unwillingness to surrender without a fight.
Passing through the main hall, the Du family's women and clan members were gathered there. Upon seeing Chen Fan, they all showed looks of anger.
"He is Chen Tianjiao!"
"You, surnamed Chen, what do you mean by this? What is the status of our Du family, and yet you dare to surround us?"
"If you don't give us an explanation, this matter will not end here!"
"Even the Jun family would not dare treat us like this!"
"..."
Chen Fan paid them no mind. These mere women and insignificant Du clan members were not even on his radar.
On the west side of the first floor of the second building, Du Fucang pushed open a door.
A man over fifty, with a calm demeanor and profound presence, was engrossed in reading a book, as if the tense situation outside did not concern him at all.
This man was Du Huai'an, the head of the Du family, who had recently risen to a top position and was at the peak of his influence.
Unlike Mr. Chen, who, despite his deep experience and vast network of former students and allies, was aging and his future prospects were not as bright.
Du Huai'an was only in his fifties. If his career continued on its normal trajectory, his ranking would steadily rise, and the Du family would soon become a truly top-tier aristocratic clan.
"Father, Chen Tianjiao is here!"
Du Fucang bowed and announced.
Du Huai'an, without looking up, said, "Close the door, and Fucang, you stay as well."
"Yes, Father!"
Du Fucang turned and closed the door.
"Mr. Du, you have a fine disposition, still in the mood to read?" Chen Fan said, narrowing his eyes.
"My only lifelong hobby is reading!"
Only then did Du Huai'an put down his book and look at Chen Fan. "Chen Tianjiao... Mr. Chen is truly remarkable. His children and grandchildren are all exceptional. The ability to raise such talented descendants is something few can match!"
Chen Fan, without impatience, replied, "If one carries oneself with integrity, their descendants will naturally be proud and unyielding!"
Du Huai'an chuckled and said, "They all say Chen Tianjiao is arrogant. Today, I finally get to witness it."
"Mr. Du, let's talk about yourself. With your wisdom, you should know that the Du family's grand momentum is lost. Why engage in a futile death struggle?"
"At your esteemed position, acting this way only invites disdain!"
Chen Fan stated, with his hands behind his back.
Du Huai'an appeared momentarily lost in thought, then smiled.
"Chen Tianjiao, do not spout nonsense. If you have proof, present it. What does our Du family have to fear?"
Du Fucang said coldly.
"Proof. It is indeed not fully complete at this moment."
Chen Fan no longer bothered to conceal his intentions. "What has been found so far is related to Du Fumin. But do you think you can gloss over this so easily?"
Du Fucang was about to retort when Du Huai'an gestured for him to be quiet.
Then he said, "Fumin is currently in Aolai Country. From there, he can take a direct flight overseas. Last night, he did not board that cargo ship but continued to Jizhou Island in Aolai Country aboard the Mayflower!"
Chen Fan was not entirely surprised by this.
Du Fumin's absence from the cargo ship last night had already indicated a problem.
Looking at it this way, could Du Fumin have actually betrayed Wu Zhao?
"I believe that with your capabilities, you will eventually capture Fumin. But how long will that take? Months? Years?"
Du Huai'an continued.
Chen Fan stood with his hands behind his back and smiled, "Regarding the events of three years ago, have you forgotten, Mr. Du? I will not have that much patience!"
"The incident of slaughtering seven clans in anger, which caused a stir in the capital. Ordinary people might forget, but how could I, Du, forget?" Du Huai'an said. "However, the Du family is not one of those small families, and Chen Tianjiao, you are no longer the Chen Tianjiao of three years ago. Otherwise, you would not have been able to return to the capital or gain official support!"
Chen Fan snorted and said, "Before I came, someone told me to dedicate my life to the country!"
"How Chen Tianjiao acts is not for anyone to dictate. Power and status are but fleeting clouds to me!"
"And the Chen family? Is that also a fleeting cloud?" Du Huai'an said.
Chen Fan frowned and asked, "Then, Mr. Du, have you decided to resist to the bitter end?"
Du Huai'an looked deeply at Chen Fan and said, "No, quite the opposite. It is to leave some room for the Du family, to sell ourselves at a good price!"
Chen Fan was taken aback.
"Father!"
Du Fucang's expression changed, and he cried out.