Fu Yun was scared stiff.
Fu Songhu couldn't help but slap Fu Yun a few more times, "Immediately kneel before Zhulong and apologize for what you've done!"
"What are you still waiting for? Hurry up and kneel!"
Before Fu Yun could recover, Fu Songhu kicked him in the back of the knee, and he immediately thudded to the ground.
The pain in his knees jolted him awake.
This wasn't a dream, nor was it an act. He was on the verge of life and death.
As soon as Fu Yun realized this, he immediately kowtowed to Chen Jin Zhao, repeatedly saying, "Zhulong, I was blind and offended you. Please don't blame me. My greatest mistake was having ill intentions towards Qi Yue. I truly know I was wrong."
"You can deal with me however you want, I only beg you to spare my life."
Fu Yun looked at Chen Jin Zhao expectantly.
Joke.
If he didn't beg for mercy with all his might, he might end up like the Han family and those few from the Su family, losing his life. Fu Yun didn't want to die.
As long as he could live, there was still a chance for everything.
Chen Jin Zhao smiled and sized Fu Yun up, "Didn't you just say you were going to find someone to break my limbs and then have me kneel before you and be stepped on by you?"
"What?"
"Are you changing your tune now?"
Fu Yun shivered all over and quickly said with a fawning smile, "Lord Zhulong, I was just joking. You see, my mouth just loves to brag, it's a habit I can't change."
Slap, slap, slap!
In front of everyone, Fu Yun slapped himself, his servile expression making one nauseous.
Chen Jin Zhao kicked him flying. Fu Yun let out a cry and spat out a mouthful of blood.
Even so, Fu Yun didn't dare to lie on the ground. Instead, he crawled back before Chen Jin Zhao like a dog.
Enduring the pain, he forced a smile, "General Chen, if this can relieve your anger, you can kick me a few more times. I don't mind. I can even say that it's a blessing from three lifetimes to be stepped on by General Chen."
Chen Jin Zhao spat out a single word, "Scram!"
People without any sense of shame like him only soiled Chen Jin Zhao's eyes.
Fu Yun, not having received Chen Jin Zhao's promise, dared not leave for a moment and could only turn to look at the pale-faced Fu Songhu beside him.
Fu Songhu was extremely anxious.
Even he didn't know how he had offended Chen Jin Zhao. If it were before, he would not have feared Chen Jin Zhao, but the Han family of Donghai and the Su family of Jiangnan had already set an example for him – opposing Chen Jin Zhao was seeking death.
There would be no other outcome.
What should he do?
Fu Songhu ignored Fu Yun's pleading gaze and instead looked expectantly at Man Xiong, hoping Man Xiong would say a few words for the Fu family.
Man Xiong completely ignored him, making Fu Songhu even more desperate.
At this point, Fu Songhu could only brace himself and say to Chen Jin Zhao, "General Chen, it is indeed our Fu family's fault. However, I would like to know what we can do to earn your forgiveness. As long as you speak the word, I will do my best to satisfy you."
Man Xiong finally spoke up, saying to Chen Jin Zhao, "Zhulong, why don't you consider it? After all, the Fu family has some influence in Fengtian. If it collapses like this, it might cause quite a stir and even affect local social order."
Fu Songhu cast a grateful glance at Man Xiong.
Chen Jin Zhao opened his mouth and said, "If you want me to let your Fu family off, then your Fu family must give up more than half of its assets, and you are not allowed to interfere in military affairs from now on. If there is a next time, I promise I will not let the Fu family off."
Fu Songhu looked troubled, finding it difficult to make such a decision.
The Fu family possessed hundreds of billions in assets. To give up half of them would be like taking their lives!
Chen Jin Zhao looked around and added, "I think your Fu family mansion is quite nice."
Man Xiong coughed dryly and said to Fu Songhu, "Old Fu, did you hear what Zhulong said? If you didn't hear clearly, I can repeat it."
"I understand, I understand," Fu Songhu quickly nodded.
"Since Zhulong fancies the Fu family mansion, I will strive to clear it out within a day and transfer it to Zhulong's name."
"What do you think..."
Man Xiong and Tao Qiyue looked at Chen Jin Zhao.
Chen Jin Zhao frowned and said in a deep voice, "Are you trying to bribe me? You might have misunderstood my intention. I meant that the Fu family mansion occupies a vast area, and after it's confiscated, it can be used as a people's park or a tourist attraction. Do you have any objections?"
Tao Qiyue secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
At first, she thought Chen Jin Zhao really wanted to take the mansion. It made her a little worried, as it wouldn't be like Chen Jin Zhao if he did.
Man Xiong couldn't help but chuckle. Wasn't this also a test of Chen Jin Zhao on his part?
Fu Songhu was even more taken aback. Chen Jin Zhao actually refused such a grand mansion. It was no wonder he was considered a successor by Xu Han Chen.
Truly one who emerges from the mud unstained.
Fu Songhu hesitated for only a moment before gritting his teeth and saying, "Alright, I can make the decision now. As long as we can stay alive, there is nothing we cannot give up."
Man Xiong said from the side, "That being the case, it's fine. However, I believe what the Fu family is giving is still too little. Fu Yun attempted to harm a Hua Guo general and should be punished. How about this, I'll decide to throw Fu Yun in prison for five years. Is that acceptable?"
He did this to save face for Chen Jin Zhao.
"Grandpa, I don't want to go to jail. My life will be ruined if I go to jail," Fu Yun cried and begged. Fu Songhu closed his eyes. After a long while, he opened them and then kicked Fu Yun in the chest, "You beast, you should accept punishment for your mistakes. It's only five years in prison, not your death. If you're still unwilling, then just go die!"
Fu Yun immediately deflated, not daring to defy his grandfather anymore.
He conceded.
Fu Songhu hardened his heart and said, "I agree to this as well. I wonder if Zhulong is satisfied?"
Chen Jin Zhao stood up and brushed the dust off his clothes, saying, "Fine, then I will see how your Fu family performs. If I am not satisfied, I will still come after you. Of course, you can also choose to defy me or find powerful backing to deal with me. I don't mind, I'll be ready to accompany you at any time."
Fu Songhu shivered, feeling the powerful aura emanating from Chen Jin Zhao. This was clearly an invincible presence.
He quickly waved his hands and said, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. How could I dare to defy General Chen's wishes?"
Man Xiong said to Fu Songhu, "Old Fu, you can handle these matters yourself. I need to have a private talk with Zhulong. I'll borrow your family's precious land for a while."
"Yes, yes, yes, then we will take our leave." Fu Songhu dared not object.
He led his people away, also having someone carry Fu Yun. As he reached the entrance of the back garden, Fu Songhu stopped and looked back at Chen Jin Zhao and Man Xiong. The figures of these two made him deeply wary. He knew he was no match for them and could only swallow the bitter fruit.
A sigh escaped Fu Songhu's lips, instantly making him look much older.
He turned resolutely and walked away with trembling steps.
After this day, the Fu family would exist in name only.