Inside the study, Chen Guanghao looked at Chen Fan with no smile on his face, but a hint of doubt.
As a junior, Chen Fan took the initiative to pour tea and greeted with a smile, "Uncle Hao."
Chen Guanghao did not respond, but looked at the old man and said, "Elder Uncle, what is the meaning of today's family banquet?"
Given his status, Chen Fan's return alone would not have caused him to be alerted.
Ultimately, Chen Fan was merely a junior in the Chen family!
"From now on, Chen family matters will be decided by Tianjiao. Whatever decision he makes, I expect your branch to support him unconditionally!"
The old man said.
Chen Guanghao's expression changed slightly, and he said, "Elder Uncle, are you serious?"
The old man smiled and nodded, saying leisurely, "Guanghao, I know what you want to say, let me introduce him to you!"
Chen Guanghao looked suspicious.
At the level of a provincial governor, Chen Guanghao's position in the Chen family was of paramount importance!
Even the future helmsman of the Chen family would be unstable without his support, and the two branches of the Chen family would immediately split!
If he were to become the head of the Chen family, no one would dare to object.
However, he had been through the ups and downs of officialdom for thirty years and had witnessed the rise and fall of too many prominent families.
He knew that once Old Master Chen was gone, he would be unable to maintain the prestige and influence of the Chen family as a top-tier influential clan!
He had always been concerned about the future of the Chen family.
In the Chen family's situation, the old master's main branch was the best candidate for the next family head, but this branch was truly lacking in people.
As for the collateral branches, there were many talented individuals, but he himself was the most outstanding.
Unfortunately, he was not the old master's biological son, but a nephew. He could not inherit many of the old master's connections and influence.
This made the Chen family have a huge hidden danger compared to other top-tier influential clans.
It could be said that once Old Master Chen passed away, let alone a top-tier influential clan, even the reputation of a noble family might not be preserved!
He naturally knew that Chen Fan had joined the army, but he did not believe that Chen Fan could shoulder the burden of the Chen family.
Yet, now, the old master intended to push his own grandson to lead the Chen family?
"Chen Tianjiao, your nephew!"
The old man said with a smile, "He has a certain identity that I have never revealed to you, which is the Seven-Star General, the Undefeated Heavenly King!"
Chen Guanghao's eyes widened, and he looked incredulous.
He shot to his feet and said, "Elder Uncle, you mean—the Undefeated Heavenly King, the Undefeated Heavenly King is Tianjiao?"
"The first Seven-Star General in history?"
"The invincible commander who penetrated deep into enemy territory for a thousand miles in the Battle of the Desolate Desert, conquering cities and destroying nations, is Tianjiao?"
The old man smiled and said, "Guanghao, aren't you surprised?"
His breathing quickened slightly, and Chen Guanghao said, "More than surprised, it's simply shocking!"
The battles commanded by Chen Fan were kept secret from the public, but provincial governors like Chen Guanghao would certainly be informed.
There were corresponding reports on those battles in internal documents.
Moreover, Chen Guanghao was ambitious and aspirational, and he always found ways to pay attention to all national affairs.
But he never expected that the Undefeated Heavenly King would be his own cousin!
Thinking about it carefully, it was indeed possible.
After all, this nephew joined the army at a young age and disappeared without a trace. With the old master's influence in the military, his development would not be bad.
"Guanghao, don't rush!"
The old man glanced at the speechless Chen Fan and said with pride and self-satisfaction, "Tianjiao has another identity, which is the chairman of Longteng Group, codenamed Mr. Long!"
Chen Guanghao was not as shocked this time. After all, compared to the Undefeated Heavenly King, Mr. Long's identity was still a bit less impressive.
Moreover, he assumed that the old master's support was involved.
He did not know that Longteng Group was built by Chen Fan himself and did not rely on the Chen family's power. Otherwise, how could it have been kept secret from everyone in the Chen family?
However, it was indeed surprising.
Within his jurisdiction, there were branches of Longteng Group and related industries.
"Tianjiao, you truly are… indescribable."
"Uncle Hao, you flatter me."
Chen Fan said with a hint of helplessness.
"Elder Uncle, I fully agree with your decision!"
Chen Guanghao immediately made up his mind and said, "Only with Tianjiao at the helm can the Chen family stand firm. Rest assured, I will fully support Tianjiao!"
"Tianjiao's status as a War God will be kept secret for now!"
The old man said.
Chen Guanghao pondered, weighed the situation, and said, "Is it because of what happened three years ago?"
He was not entirely unaware of the practice in Qingyan Town three years ago. He had reservations about the old master mobilizing various resources and energy to help the Undefeated Heavenly King, but now it all became clear, as he now knew that the Undefeated Heavenly King was Chen family's Tianjiao.
The old man nodded.
"No problem!"
Chen Guanghao nodded.
"Grandpa, actually, it would be more suitable for Uncle Guanghao to manage the Chen family," Chen Fan said at this moment.
"Guanghao is still a bit short,"
The old man said, "In terms of status, he is not as legitimate as you. Unless there is a reason for other top-tier influential clans to support Guanghao, the Chen family will still decline."
"Elder Uncle is right," Chen Guanghao said, "unless I can advance further!"
The implication of a provincial governor advancing further was self-evident.
However, this step was by no means easy, even for top-tier influential clans, it was difficult to achieve.
Moreover, Chen Guanghao's qualifications were still insufficient; he would have to wait at least three to five years to take this step.
Chen Fan thought for a moment and said, "Alright, then I will temporarily take this position and fully support Uncle Hao."
The old man smiled with satisfaction and said, "It's getting late, Tianjiao, go and arrange the family banquet tonight with your Grandfather Fu. Tonight's family banquet will be hosted by you!"
"Okay."
Chen Fan did not refuse and got up to leave the study.
The backyard outside the study was already quite lively.
Two men were talking not far away. Seeing Chen Fan emerge from the study, their gazes were filled with envy, and they also let out a sigh of relief.
One of them was Xu Shengqing.
"Cousin Tianjiao."
Xu Shengqing greeted him and said with a smile, "Are Grandpa and Fourth Uncle still inside discussing matters?"
The Fourth Uncle he mentioned was naturally Chen Guanghao.
Although the greeting was a bit awkward, on the surface, he seemed to have forgotten the previous unpleasantness.
"Yes."
Chen Fan nodded and looked at the man in his thirties standing beside Xu Shengqing.
The man was slightly overweight, wearing a bespoke suit, and a Fidei watch on his wrist.
"Tianjiao, it's been many years, do you still recognize me?"
The man said, "I am Tianyun."
"So it's Brother Tianyun."
Chen Fan nodded and greeted him.
Chen Tianyun was also a relatively outstanding young generation from the collateral branch. His father, Chen Guangjie, was the vice president of the Chen family's enterprises.
"Brother Tianyun speaks rather directly, please don't take offense. I'll ask you, after so many years with no news, you come back and hold a family banquet, do you have that much influence?"
Chen Tianyun said sarcastically, his words unkind.
Chen Fan was slightly taken aback and smiled, "It seems that Tianyun, you have some opinions about my return?"