Chapter Fourteen: A Long-Term Strategy

All the major powers returned empty-handed, but none suffered heavier losses than the Gu family, one of the four great clans. Not only did they fail to purchase the goods, they were also humiliated and, to top it off, lost three million in cash. When they returned, the old master would surely be furious, and Young Master Gu would certainly have a hard time escaping punishment.

Nangong Ye was the last to leave. For the sake of his sister’s illness, his family had gone to great lengths this time. Even with the clan’s business in transition and funds running tight, they had still managed to produce a large sum, all for the slimmest chance at hope. Nangong Ye sighed; perhaps, even if he obtained the goods, his sister’s illness might not be cured.

“Young master, in my opinion, we should prepare a generous gift tomorrow and visit Mu Qingcheng at Qingcheng Group. Perhaps they might be willing to transfer the goods to us.”

Nangong Ye forced a bitter smile. “It won’t be that easy.”

“Our Nangong family and the Mu family may not be close, but we’ve never had a falling out. More importantly, we hold a significant advantage: now that the Mu family has offended both the Li and Gu families, they need an ally. If we openly support them...”

Hearing the bodyguard’s words, Nangong Ye’s eyes brightened. Wasn’t this a great opportunity? But his excitement quickly faded. If the Nangong family took a stand, it would send a signal to the other families: the Nangongs were siding with the Mus. If conflict erupted between the Mus and the other families, the Nangongs would inevitably be implicated.

If the Mu family were one of the four great clans of Yunhai, Nangong Ye would not hesitate to form an alliance. However, the Mu family’s strength was still comparatively weak. The risks of alliance were too great; his family would never agree.

Knowing his family as he did, Nangong Ye was certain they would never risk everything for the life of a single member.

With a heavy heart, Nangong Ye departed with his people.

At the Li estate, one of Yunhai City’s four great clans, a large compound styled after the Ming and Qing dynasties sprawled elegantly. Despite being far from the city’s hustle, the area remained prosperous. Only a family as wealthy as the Lis could own such a grand, ancient complex in Yunhai, befitting their stature among the four great clans.

Within the grand, antique-flavored council hall, Li Fumin, the Li family head in his fifties, sat sternly in a high-backed chair, his presence imposing without anger. He turned the jade thumb ring on his finger, his sharp gaze sweeping over Li Wenhao, who knelt before him.

Outside these walls, Li Wenhao was an arrogant young master, but now he was as meek as a mouse before a cat, hardly daring to breathe.

“Father, by the time we arrived, the deal was already underway. A brawl broke out, and that brat Ling Tian ran off with the goods. But don’t worry, I’ll take men to the Mu family at once and drag Ling Tian out,” Li Wenhao vowed. In his eyes, the Mu family was nothing compared to the Lis; a single sneeze from him could wipe them out.

“Fool!” Li Fumin slammed the table and rose, pacing with hands clasped behind his back. “You’re more trouble than you’re worth! I, Li Fumin, have always been wise—how did I end up with such a disappointing son? Do you think the Mu family is so easily dealt with?”

“Dad...” Li Wenhao shivered in fright at his father’s anger.

After venting his rage, Li Fumin’s mood eased somewhat, and he spoke in a milder tone: “How many times have I told you to think before you act? The Mu family may be weaker than us, but they’ve stood firm in Yunhai for a century. There must be a reason for that.”

“Dad, it’s nothing for me to get beaten up, but I am a Li. When I’m humiliated in public, it means our family’s dignity has been trampled. Not only do you refuse to avenge me, you scold me instead.” Seeing his father’s mood soften, Li Wenhao put on an aggrieved air. Over the years, he’d learned exactly how to play his father—and besides, Li Wenhao was his only son.

Li Fumin sighed. Among the four great clans of Yunhai, he was second to none in ability and resolve, but as for raising his son, he was nearly at the bottom.

“As for the goods, you needn’t concern yourself further. As for your injuries, I will speak with the Mu family.”

“But weren’t those goods precious? Now we know they’re with the Mus—why not retrieve them? Besides, we paid a steep price and three men were hurt. If we don’t make a stand, others will mock us,” Li Wenhao protested anxiously.

Li Fumin waved his hand. “This is a game. Since we chose to play, we must abide by its rules. It’s like a limited war: after the fighting, win or lose, all must accept the outcome. If you want revenge, wait for another opportunity—don’t throw everything away in a reckless fight. Otherwise, both sides are ruined and others reap the spoils. Do you understand?”

Li Wenhao felt nothing but disdain for his father’s teachings.

Seeing his son’s indifferent expression, Li Fumin felt a headache coming on. The greater the power, the greater the risk; a moment’s carelessness could end in disaster. That’s why, as family head, he had to be thorough and cautious, treading as if on thin ice.

With Li Wenhao’s limited vision and ability, it was impossible for him to grasp such reasoning.

After sending Li Wenhao away, Li Fumin beckoned to the old butler.

The old butler stepped forward respectfully, bowing slightly. “Master, what are your instructions?”

“We must make the right gestures toward the Mu family—enough to uphold the Li family’s name, but keep it measured,” Li Fumin said gravely.

“Master, are you concerned about the power behind the Mus?” Having served Li Fumin for many years, the butler understood his worries.

“The Mu family can’t compare to us, but the man behind them is not so easily dealt with,” Li Fumin said, his expression dark. He wasn’t the only one wary of this; the other clans, like the Gu family, were also careful to avoid an open break with the Mus.

The butler nodded. “Though that man is as elusive as a dragon, we must proceed with caution. Still, if things do escalate, we need not truly fear them.”

“You’re right. If the Mus know their place, we needn’t make a public show of force; a few moves in the shadows will suffice. See to it. I’m tired—leave me.”

Li Fumin trusted the butler who had served him for over thirty years, so he said no more.

Once the butler had gone, Li Fumin sat in his high-backed chair, tea in hand, brows furrowed. He had examined Li Wenhao’s injuries himself and consulted many renowned doctors, yet none could heal him. Clearly, the attacker was a true expert—a master of internal strength. If he wanted to act against the Mu family, he would have to plan carefully.

Ling Tian, trying to shake off any pursuers, drove aimlessly for a while before finally heading home, certain he was no longer being followed. As he neared his home, he suddenly remembered—he had left the ten bodyguards locked in the stone cave. If the river rose, they’d all be done for.

Just as Ling Tian was about to turn back, he noticed a group of people entering the gates of Qingcheng Group. A closer look revealed his bodyguards had already returned.

Inside the security office, Mu Qingcheng, who had not rested, paced anxiously. They were already past the scheduled return time.

Suddenly, she heard movement outside. Rushing to the door, she saw all ten bodyguards had returned unharmed—but Ling Tian was not among them. Mu Qingcheng’s face froze, her expression darkening.

“Has Boss Ling returned?” The bodyguards asked before Mu Qingcheng could speak. Their greatest worry was for Ling Tian. If their employer was missing while they returned safely, it would be a grave disgrace in their profession. If word got out, their careers as bodyguards would be as good as over.

Before Mu Qingcheng could lose her temper, Wang Ling shouted fiercely, “Wasn’t Ling Tian with you? How dare you ask us if he’s returned! Are you all useless?”

The bodyguards protested, “A fierce fight broke out at the scene. Things were chaotic—we couldn’t find Boss Ling. But we think he’s fine; when we went for the cars, one was gone. He must have driven off himself.”

Mu Qingcheng said coldly, “What kind of bodyguards are you? How could you lose your employer? Why are you still standing here? Go and search for him! If anything happens to Ling Tian, I won’t let you off.”

The bodyguards felt aggrieved. In all their years, they had never met an employer as formidable as Ling Tian, who had simply tossed them all into a stone cave. But such words couldn’t be spoken—it would only court more blame. After all, dereliction of duty was dereliction, and now was not the time for excuses.

“We’ll go immediately.” The bodyguards quickly gathered their gear to begin searching for Ling Tian. No matter what, they had to find him.

Wang Ling helped Mu Qingcheng to a seat, comforting her. “Ling Tian is so skilled. He’ll be fine. He’s probably just delayed, avoiding enemies.”

Mu Qingcheng forced a bitter laugh, silently thinking: If something happens to Ling Tian, how could she answer to her grandfather’s old friend? “If Ling Tian isn’t found within an hour, call the police. No matter what, we must find him,” she said resolutely, her bearing that of a true leader.

Just then, Ling Tian drove up to the gate, carrying his belongings. Before he could enter, he nearly collided with the bodyguards rushing out. The moment they saw him, the bodyguards froze, then broke into expressions of wild joy.

“Boss Ling, you’re back! Thank heavens!” The ten burly men, tears streaming down their faces, surrounded Ling Tian, nearly hugging him in their relief and excitement.