Zhu Ling'er tilted her head, listening to the Zhu family patriarch's words, and asked, "So, our Zhu family has to actively get involved in this turmoil?"
The Zhu family patriarch nodded slightly.
No matter what, the Zhu family had to choose a family to side with.
This way, after victory, they could get a share of the spoils.
Preventing one family from becoming too powerful!
However…
Who should they stand with?
This was what troubled the Zhu family patriarch.
"The Xie family's foundation is still shallow. If we cooperate with them, there will be many risks, and we will have to bear the brunt of the attack."
"The Shi family, though deeply rooted, has a very sinister way of doing things and lacks integrity. If we cooperate with them, there's a risk of them turning their backs on us."
Zhu Ling'er tapped her lips with her fingertips, pondering.
No matter which family they chose, it was a trap!
Moreover, the Zhu family's stance could determine the final victory of the two families.
This made it even more important.
"Dad, who do you think is better to support?" Zhu Ling'er was hesitant and threw the question back to the Zhu family patriarch.
The Zhu family patriarch smiled and said, "It's only just begun. Let's observe the situation for now."
Primarily, the Zhu family patriarch didn't know which family was better to support.
So, he planned to enter the fray later!
Besides,
It was the Xie and Shi families who should be anxious.
What was the Zhu family in a hurry for?
Just wait, within two days, people from these two families would definitely come knocking to seek cooperation!
Zhu Ling'er's eyes flickered. For some reason, she thought of Zhou Yu's indifferent gaze again.
Because of what happened at the banquet.
The conflict between the Xie and Shi families had reached a point of irreconcilability.
Of course, anyone with eyes could see that even if it could be reconciled, these two families would absolutely not agree!
The entire Jiangnan City was shrouded in an atmosphere of impending storm.
Especially the smaller families that depended on the Shi and Xie families.
They had already started thinking about their way out.
Some wholeheartedly wanted to offer their support.
Some were thinking about how to extract the maximum benefit from the situation.
Even more had already begun packing their bags, preparing to flee with their entire families!
If the two behemoths of Jiangnan City started a fight.
Others would be caught in the crossfire!
The next day.
Early in the morning.
The Zhu family patriarch was exercising in the courtyard when the gatekeeper announced that someone from the Shi family had arrived.
"See? The Shi family couldn't hold back first," the Zhu family patriarch said with a smile to Zhu Ling'er, wiping sweat from his brow.
Zhu Ling'er put down the sword she was practicing and pouted, "The Shi family has deeper roots than the Xie family, yet they're so spineless."
Coincidentally, just a moment ago, they were discussing which of the two families would come first.
Zhu Ling'er had bet that it would be the Xie family.
After all, the Xie family's foundation was shallow and they needed the Zhu family's help more.
Therefore, Zhu Ling'er was certain that the Xie family would be the first to arrive.
But in the end.
It was the Shi family who came!
"Never mind, let's go and meet our guest. Let's see what conditions they offer," the Zhu family patriarch said, raising his eyebrows.
Then, he turned and instructed someone to lead the Shi family representative to the reception hall to have tea.
The gatekeeper nodded and immediately complied.
The Zhu family patriarch and Zhu Ling'er leisurely finished their breakfast before appearing.
When they arrived at the reception hall.
They saw the Shi family patriarch sitting in his seat, drinking tea with a gloomy expression.
Upon seeing the Zhu family patriarch arrive.
The Shi family patriarch forced a smile and said, "I apologize for disturbing you so early in the morning."
The Zhu family patriarch chuckled outwardly but inwardly grumbled.
You know it's a disturbance, yet you still come?
If it weren't for the future of the Zhu family, the Zhu family patriarch wouldn't want to be in the same room with such an impolite person.
However, despite his inner dislike, he had to maintain appearances.
"I slept too late after attending the banquet yesterday, so I woke up a bit late this morning."
"I hope Mr. Shi can understand!"
"Come, sit, sit, sit."
The Zhu family patriarch invited the Shi family patriarch to sit.
Both were old foxes who had lived for a thousand years, and before they had concrete assurances, not a single true word came out of their mouths.
It was all politeness!
Going around in circles.
The Shi family patriarch finally steered the conversation to the purpose of his visit.
"Patriarch Zhu, you saw what happened at the banquet."
"Li Feng is definitely not someone with a malicious heart. The Xie family is clearly making a mountain out of a molehill!"
"If the Xie family continues to pester, alas, the current good situation will be shattered again."
"I've come here today to ask for the Zhu family's stance!"
The Shi family patriarch spoke with great skill.
Anyone with discerning eyes knew that the conflict between the Xie and Shi families was not solely due to Shi Li Feng.
Yet, the Shi family patriarch deliberately used a single incident to try and justify their position.
Asking for the Zhu family's stance was also vague.
Did he want the Zhu family's help?
Or did he hope the Zhu family would remain neutral?
This question could be interpreted in two ways.
It all depended on how Patriarch Zhu interpreted it.
No matter how Patriarch Zhu answered, he would fall into Shi family patriarch's trap.
If the Zhu family remained neutral?
Then, if the Shi family won, they could swallow the entire Xie family whole!
If the Zhu family wanted to help?
Even better, since it wasn't the Shi family asking, but the Zhu family offering help.
Then, when it came to dividing the spoils, there would be much to discuss…
The Zhu family patriarch cursed the old fox inwardly but maintained his smile outwardly.
He took a sip of tea and asked, "May I ask, what stance does the Shi family hope we will take?"
There, the ball was thrown back again.
The Shi family patriarch, with a fake smile, said, "This depends on the Zhu family's wishes. No matter what stance the Zhu family takes, the Shi family will offer a generous gift of thanks!"
The two old foxes spoke ambiguously, probing each other's bottom lines.
They both knew.
This was just the first round.
Even if the Zhu family agreed to cooperate with the Shi family now.
They wouldn't immediately make any agreements.
After all, the future situation was still uncertain!
After a bout of verbal sparring, the Zhu family patriarch and the Shi family patriarch were both a little tired.
So, he stood up and said cordially, "I'm grateful for Mr. Shi's regard for me. It seems we've talked enough for today."
"I will carefully consider Mr. Shi's request."
The Zhu family patriarch emphasized the last two words.
The specific direction of consideration would depend on the Shi family's "sincerity"!
The Shi family patriarch suppressed his anger but still had to smile and say, "Good, good, then I won't disturb you further."
After saying that.
The Shi family patriarch left his gifts and turned to leave.
As soon as the Shi family patriarch left.
Zhu Ling'er, who had been hiding behind the screen, couldn't hold back any longer.
She hopped out and examined the gifts from the Shi family patriarch.
"Dad, don't you think Mr. Shi is tired? He speaks in three or four detours, isn't he afraid people won't understand?" Zhu Ling'er complained as she unwrapped the gifts.
Listening to their conversation from behind the screen, Zhu Ling'er's head was almost spinning!
They really didn't know how to speak plainly, always beating around the bush!