After hearing Chen Fan's words, Chen Tianyun shook his head slightly and said, "Tian Jiao, one must know their place."
"Because you are Grandpa's biological grandson, you have many advantages over us. But if you think that means we will acknowledge you as the heir, you should abandon that fantasy immediately!"
"Today's family banquet will be presided over by me," Chen Fan smiled. "Tian Yun, you've said it well, one must know their place. Your opinions are insignificant, and no one will care about them!"
With that, he turned and strode away. "By the way, you can ask cousin Sheng Qing about some things. He knows more than you. Don't be used as a pawn without even realizing it."
"You..."
Chen Tianyun was choked with anger.
Chen Fan ignored him and strode towards the kitchen.
The Old Chen family's family banquet was simple, not extravagant or wasteful. However, there were quite a few family members, so careful preparation was still needed.
The old butler was not present, only familiar servants were overseeing the hired chefs at work.
Chen Fan inquired about the preparations and learned that the old butler had arranged everything meticulously.
With a thought, Chen Fan had a chef step aside, washed his hands, brought out ingredients, and personally prepared a dish.
He used high-quality tofu, cut into threads as fine as hair, blanched to remove any raw smell.
Then, it was steamed with clear chicken broth, accompanied by shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and other ingredients.
It was a simple dish, yet not something an ordinary chef could prepare.
In the Hang Jiang region, this dish, Wen Si Tofu, was a famous delicacy.
He primarily considered that the elder patriarch was advanced in age, with weak digestive function, and a cold stomach. Therefore, Chen Fan specially prepared this dish.
As the aroma wafted out, the hired master chefs were visibly shocked, showing surprise and admiration, and giving Chen Fan a thumbs-up.
Chen Fan washed his hands and walked out of the kitchen. After meeting with the old butler, he confirmed that most of the family members had arrived and then announced the banquet, instructing the servants to bring the food and wine to the dining hall.
Standing at the entrance, he gestured for everyone to enter the dining hall and be seated.
At this time, the family members had all met Chen Fan. Seeing him in the posture and manner of a host, their expressions varied.
"Tian Jiao, let your eldest aunt have a look! Oh my, you look just like your father did back then!"
A capable and shrewd middle-aged woman entered the dining hall, feigning affection as she pressed on Chen Fan's shoulder and exclaimed, "It's good you're back. The military life is too tough. When you return to the company, start from the bottom. There will always be a vice-president position for you in the future!"
She was Chen Wenhong, Chen Fan's eldest aunt and the chairman of Chen's Group.
"Thank you, eldest aunt," Chen Fan replied indifferently.
Compared to his paternal aunt, this eldest aunt's intentions had always been clear: she did not want to relinquish power and wanted her son, Xu Shengqing, to contend for it.
Therefore, before Chen Fan joined the army, Xu Shengqing had often tried to trip him up, vying for attention.
Seeing Chen Fan's calm expression, Chen Wenhong's eyes held a hint of displeasure as she entered the dining hall.
"Tian Jiao, you... coming back like this is a bit disappointing!"
"Tian Jiao, how did Grandpa arrange things for you?"
"..."
Some greeted him and went straight into the dining hall, while others said a few more words, expressing concern.
There were also those who looked at him with disdain and completely ignored him.
Thus, after everyone entered the dining hall, the old butler invited the patriarch.
Chen Guanghao accompanied the patriarch. Besides them, there were two others: Chen Guangjie and Dong Qihong.
They greeted Chen Fan one by one, their expressions complex, yet filled with a hint of excitement.
Clearly, after meeting the patriarch and Chen Guanghao, they had come to recognize Chen Fan.
The group entered the dining hall and took their seats at the main table.
However, the patriarch sat beside the main seat, leaving the main seat for Chen Fan.
This action made many widen their eyes.
The servants brought the food and wine.
The patriarch nodded at Chen Fan, signaling him to begin.
Chen Fan stood up and said, "Esteemed uncles, elders, and my brothers and sisters, I am Chen Tian Jiao. Thank you all for taking the time to attend this family banquet."
Many people frowned.
Chen Fan was unfazed and smiled, "I haven't been back for many years, and many relatives are unfamiliar with me. But that's alright. I will be staying in the capital from now on. If any of you need help with anything, feel free to come to me!"
His tone was very calm.
The Chen family's assets, including all tangible and intangible connections and influence, were actually not in his eyes.
However, ultimately, he owed the Chen family, and he owed his grandfather.
The events three years ago had consumed a significant amount of favors and connections, causing the Chen family to decline.
Although he was the direct heir of the Chen family, he could not take their benefits for granted without giving back.
Moreover, the patriarch had placed great hopes on him, and he could not refuse or decline. He had to support the Chen family and make it even more glorious.
"Ask you for help?" Chen Tianyun couldn't help but interject, his tone sarcastic. "Shouldn't you be looking after yourself first? Asking you for help is the same as asking Great Grandpa for help?"
"Tian Jiao, what do you mean?" A young woman in her mid-twenties also chimed in, giggling, "What's going on? You're sitting in the main seat today and hosting the family banquet. Do you have the qualification to do so just because you've returned?"
"Dad, what do you mean by this?" Chen Wenhong also questioned Grandpa Chen with a smile.
These doubts were, as expected, anticipated. The patriarch smiled and did not answer.
Chen Fan also smiled and said, "It seems that everyone here doesn't recognize me yet."
Most people showed a hint of contempt and indifference.
It was only because the patriarch was present that they restrained themselves. Otherwise, many of the younger generation would likely have exchanged insults.
The patriarch still made no move, merely watching Chen Fan.
"I will answer everyone."
Chen Fan said in a deep voice, "From today onwards, when it comes to Chen family matters, I have the final say!"
"Non-critical matters will be handled as usual."
"If there are any major issues, I will make the decision. Even if you go to Grandpa, he will hand it over to me to handle. He will focus on recuperating and tending to his plants from now on. He will not concern himself with trivial matters!"
This declaration caused an uproar.
Too many among the younger generation were unconvinced.
Even the steady Chen Tianyang's expression changed.
This was essentially handing over the Chen family to Chen Fan.
He had anticipated this, but the decision had come too quickly.
At the same time, he couldn't help but feel unconvinced!
Many people looked uniformly at Grandpa Chen and Chen Guanghao.
Chen Wenhong's expression became strained. "Dad, Tian Jiao has just returned and doesn't fully understand everything about the Chen family. Doing this is not very appropriate, is it?"
"Yes, Great Grandpa, this is too rushed!"
"Does Chen Tian Jiao have the ability to manage the Chen family's affairs?"
"..."
The patriarch gradually withdrew his smile, his expression turning stern.
Bang!
Amidst the various murmurs of discontent, he slammed the table.
Everyone fell silent.
"Guang Hao!"
The patriarch signaled Chen Guanghao.
Chen Guanghao stood up. His influence was considerable. Having become a high-ranking official in a region, his authority within the Chen family was second only to the patriarch.
"Tian Jiao has the ability and the qualification to be the master of the Chen family!"
He said in a deep voice, "Firstly, he is the only male heir of the direct line. Secondly, his achievements far surpass everyone present, including myself."
"Only under his leadership can the Chen family be more glorious than before. Tian Kuan, Tian Cheng, the two of you, shut your mouths. Unite from now on. You have much to learn from Tian Jiao's abilities and conduct!"
Chen Tian Kuan and Chen Tian Cheng were Chen Guanghao's sons. Both looked incredulous.
"Eldest Uncle's arrangement is most appropriate!" Chen Guangjie also stood up and said, "I will unconditionally support Tian Jiao."
With two influential figures expressing their support for Chen Fan, the younger generation ceased their discussions, but still found it hard to accept.
Chen Xing'er sat in the second seat, watching everything unfold with a smile.
She knew that with her brother's return, everything would change.
The petty calculations of these Chen family members and relatives would all have to be put away in front of her brother.