The Serene Tian Family
Wang Shan had no other good methods to counter Han Lang's competition.
Thus, he personally brought gifts to another prominent family in Le City—the Tian family—to seek their assistance.
"Haha... Brother Tian! Long time no see!"
Upon entering, Wang Shan greeted the head of the Tian family, Tian Bowen, enthusiastically.
However, Tian Bowen seemed surprised to see him.
"Wang Shan? What brings you here?"
Wang Shan flicked the gifts in his hand and replied with a chuckle.
"Haha... I heard that Brother Tian has been unwell recently, so I specially prepared some modest gifts to visit you!"
Tian Bowen narrowed his eyes, his expression darkening slightly, and replied indifferently.
"Is that so? Brother Wang's special visit, I fear, is not without a purpose, is it?"
Wang Shan gave an embarrassed smile and did not hide his intentions, replying immediately.
"Brother Tian's insight is as sharp as ever! Today, besides visiting an old friend, I indeed have some matters to discuss with you. If Brother Tian has time, perhaps we could sit down and chat?"
As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face.
Since Wang Shan had already come, Tian Bowen couldn't very well refuse him outright. Thus, he replied with a forced smile.
"Brother Wang, please sit. If you have something to say, please speak directly. As for the gifts, they were unnecessary."
"Oh, they are not valuable items, Brother Tian. Please do not be so formal!"
Saying this, he placed the gifts in his hand on the coffee table and then asked.
"May I ask if Brother Tian has heard about the Han family, the fifth major prominent family that has recently risen in Le City?"
"Hmph, hmph," Tian Bowen sneered. "Of course! Although my Tian family does not seek contention, how could we not have heard of such a significant event? What? Does Brother Wang have any thoughts on this?"
Wang Shan deliberately sighed deeply and replied.
"Alas! To be honest, the growth of prominent families in Le City should, by rights, be a good thing. But I worry that this newly emerged Han family is not to be trifled with!"
"Oh? How so?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Shan immediately spoke with a serious tone.
"Brother Tian, have you not heard any rumors about this new Han family?"
Tian Bowen shook his head. "Please enlighten me, Brother Wang!"
Wang Shan took a deep breath, feigning a worried expression.
"From what I know, this newly prominent Han family has considerable ambition. They have even specifically allied with the Tang and Cao families, intending to divide Le City amongst themselves. Brother Tian, are you not concerned about this?"
"Haha..." Tian Bowen burst into laughter. "What is there to be concerned about? Is it not normal?"
Seeing Tian Bowen's indifferent attitude, Wang Shan became somewhat anxious.
"Brother Tian! I know you do not seek contention, but if these three families unite, where will you and I have a place to stand in Le City in the future? Are you not going to do anything about this?"
"Oh?"
Tian Bowen's tone was surprised, but his expression was completely unconcerned. He even casually crossed his legs and replied with mock seriousness.
"Then what does Brother Wang intend to do?"
Wang Shan hurriedly explained.
"It's simple! The Han family is newly established and has not yet solidified its position. Although they have colluded with the Tang and Cao families, as long as you and I stand together, stopping the Han family should not be a problem. At that time, Le City will still have only four prominent families coexisting peacefully. You and I can sit back and relax, worry-free!"
"Hiss!" Tian Bowen frowned. "Brother Wang means that the emergence of the Han family has disrupted the balance among the four prominent families of Le City. To solidify our dominant position in Le City, we should suppress them while they are still unstable?"
"Precisely!"
"However, to injure the enemy a thousand, one also harms oneself! If we jointly suppress the Han family, and the Tang and Cao families seize the opportunity to attack, will we not both be severely impacted?"
Wang Shan hastily explained, "Not at all! In my opinion, the Tang and Cao families are currently only observing. They are unlikely to tear down the decade-long facade of our four prominent families for the sake of a newly emerged Han family. As long as the Han family is stopped, the Tang and Cao families will be happy to remain prominent families!"
"Then why don't you try to persuade the Tang and Cao families, and instead come to me?"
"This..."
Wang Shan was rendered speechless by the question and didn't know how to answer for a moment.
Meanwhile, Tian Bowen spoke again.
"Brother Wang! You should know. Although my Tian family is a prominent family, we have always conducted our business honestly. We have little interaction with you, or the Tang and Cao families. Not to mention this so-called new Han family. If, as you say, the Han family intends to dominate Le City, as long as they have the strength, it would be no big deal for my Tian family to submit!"
"But... if they were to defecate and urinate on your head, would you tolerate it?"
"Haha..." Tian Bowen laughed even more heartily.
"Brother Wang! What era is this? Do you think it's still the feudal era where kings and overlords submit tribute? Besides, with my Tian family's strength, even if we are squeezed out of the prominent families by the Han family, I can still withdraw and protect myself, right?"
"Brother Tian, that's where you're mistaken! Even if you don't consider yourself, you must think of your family and children! Yes, even if the Han family rises and pushes us out of the prominent ranks, it won't affect our quality of life in this lifetime. But what about your children? They'll be living off inherited wealth, Brother Tian!"
Wang Shan thought his words would be very persuasive to Tian Bowen, but he did not expect him to be so dismissive.
"Children and grandchildren will have their own fortunes! Moreover, with my Tian family's current strength, it should be no problem to ensure three generations are well-fed and clothed! Besides, even if the family declines after three generations, that will be after I am long gone! Out of sight, out of mind. I'm too lazy to worry about my grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren!"
"Heh... heh heh..." Wang Shan gave a wry smile.
The Tian family was known in Le City as a serene prominent family. Although Wang Shan knew them, he didn't truly understand them.
He truly hadn't expected...
That Tian Bowen could be so detached from worldly affairs!
This was truly completely beyond his expectations.
"So, even knowing the path ahead is perilous, Brother Tian still doesn't plan to do anything for your descendants?"
Tian Bowen asked helplessly.
"Brother Wang! What's the point of all this争来争去 (contending and fighting)? Life is short. Isn't it more enjoyable to raise fish, tend to flowers, and live a carefree life? Even if you dominate Le City, what about the entire province? What about the entire Xia Kingdom? If you contend with the Han family, can you contend with the Zhao and Tang families of Xingcheng? Don't waste your efforts! Enjoying life is paramount!"
Knowing that persuasion was useless, Wang Shan's gaze instantly turned cold.
"But... what if someone doesn't want you to enjoy it peacefully?"
Sensing the chill in his words, Tian Bowen's expression also instantly turned grim.
"What? Brother Wang, are you trying to threaten me?"
Wang Shan chuckled. "No, no, Brother Tian, you misunderstand! However, I believe Brother Tian understands the principle that one is bound by circumstances when in the martial world!"
Tian Bowen's face showed displeasure, and he immediately replied.
"Very well! Then Brother Wang, please leave! How exactly will you make me bound by circumstances!"
Wang Shan said no more and immediately stood up.
While buttoning his suit, he said.
"Alright! Then Brother Tian, take care of yourself!"
With that, he strode out of the Tian family's residence. Tian Bowen was left alone, watching his retreating back with an angry glare.
The moment he walked out of the Tian family's residence, Wang Shan suddenly felt the evening sunset was exceptionally dazzling. He couldn't help but sigh.
"Alas, without Jin Chunfeng, it truly makes one feel somewhat isolated and weak!"
"Hmph! Tian Bowen! When the cultivators from the Zhao family arrive, I'll see if you can still remain indifferent as you are today!"
"We'll see!"